ONE DAY IN JAPAN....... EMBASSY :D

Welcome to the Embassy of Japan! Memorable and fun experience! :)

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LANGUAGE:

Has there been any noticeable difference/change in the Japanese society, culture and economy now that Japanese are learning English?

- English is not the only thing that changes the Japanese culture. However, the younger generation who are learning the language and are the ones exposed daily to popular English websites such as YouTube have changed by ways of their own lifestyle, thinking. In terms of learning English, Japanese give more emphasis on reading and writing rather than speaking for the fact that Japanese are very good readers and writers.

JAPANESE ENTERTAINMENT:

Do Japanese dramas and films have an effect in understanding the Japanese culture? Are there any studies to prove this?

- Traditional dramas such as Kabuki, a stylized traditional theatrical drama for noble people shows the real traditional culture of Japan and their way of thinking, this type of drama still exists today and may sometimes run for one whole day. Most of the actors are men. Another form of drama is Noh which is open to the general public and involves more movements and words. Both of these are used by the Japanese to introduce their own culture to the foreigners. What are actually shown in the Japanese dramas and films are reflections of the current Japanese culture and mentality.

Japanese dramas and music are very popular in several countries in and out of Asia. Apart from that, there is a fast growing number of non-Japanese who’ve grown fond of the Japanese culture what do you think are the reasons behind these?

- It is something new to the non-Japanese. The Japanese dramas do not veer away from the popular themes such as love, family and life. Their dramas are very much focused on the realities of life. According to Mrs. Tomodo, the production team of the dramas created takes a long time in the planning stage, forming the right plot line, creating the right characters and etc. The planning stage lasts even a year before it is finalized and takes a lot of money even if the show will run only in a short span of time. Planning over a drama is a lot of work and is not done in a matter of two to three months. In Japan, the popular stars are the ones who appear in the drama more often as oppose to Hollywood wherein the popular stars are only seen in films. Another reason is that due to the fast rising technology today communication is very easy and anybody from all around the world could get access of the information, Japanese dramas and Japanese music in just a limited amount of time.

JAPANESE CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS

Do Japanese residing or working in other countries still practice the Japanese customs?

- Of course. Japanese no matter where they go or live continue to practice their own traditional customs. An example of which is the taking off of the footwear in the doorstep before entering the house. Another is the bowing to somebody else as a form of greeting.

What is the most important part of the Japanese culture that the Japanese can relate or share with other countries?

- Japanese value politeness, punctuality, trustworthiness, reliability- an important value to make the society function well, pressure, education and right attitude. In business, Japanese treat their customers as gods, they always go for satisfaction of the customers and being able to please people or their customers are important to them. Japanese are also very meticulous people that they do not just settle for less, they go for perfection.

JAPANESE WAY OF COMMUNICATING

What is the most misunderstood practice of the Japanese by the foreigners?

- The taking off of shoes before entering the house. For Japanese it is a form of respect to the owner of the house but foreigners who are not used to such practice find it illogical or odd.

How do Japanese try to connect with foreigners in a modern world, the mere fact that there is a language barrier which prevents effecting communication?

- Japanese use translators to help them deliver their message to the foreigners. Even some Japanese who are good English speakers do not hesitate to get a translator to deliver their message. This is due to the fact that the Japanese want the receiver of their message to get the exact message and meaning of their message to avoid miscommunication.

What are the formal and informal way of communication came about and its difference with other cultures?

What are the different verbal and non verbal ways of communicating?

Non-verbal:

-Bowing is a basic etiquette to the Japanese people. The higher the rank or status of the person, the lower the bow is. Also, the longer the bow, the more emotion and sincerity it evokes.

-Peace or Victory sign- used when fooling with friends and greeting foreigners. It also means success.

-Smiles have different three different uses: Positive smile which indicates agreeing or liking something, Negative Smile indicates light denial or joke and “no comment” smile means refusal to respond to a question.

-In Japan, constant eye contact with the other person may mean that you are aggressive and rude. That’s why it is normal that Japanese look at other directions when speaking to another person.

-In Japan, people must sit straight with feet flat on the floor logs can only be cross at the knee or ankle only.

-going to the communal bath of son and father and bathing each other shows affection and care for each other.

-When one waves her hand in front of her nose that means she’s telling “no”.

-Japanese point at their noses when they refer to themselves instead of the chest.

Verbal

-Japanese do not have words such as “Po” and “Opo” to show respect. Instead, they verbal ways which they use to show respect depending on the status of the person. Songeko is used to call an elderly, it is to show respect to them. Kenjego, is to sit back making yourself humble and subordinate,Then tenego is used during the first meeting.

How did the formal and informal way of communication came about and its difference with the other cultures?

- These things are passed on from one generation to another and has been followed religiously by the Japanese people which is why these customs and traditions are still evident today. However such practices as the popular Hara-kiri, is no longer evident in fact Japanese is no longer one of the countries with the highest suicide rates. Another practice which is the Japanese tea ceremony are no longer observed that much today because of the demands of the modernizing world which keeps the people in Japan glued to work and no more time for such kinds of ceremonies which lasts for very long hours.