Up through the 25th of December, Japan is all lit up with lights and other Christmas decorations. However, as soon as December 26th hits, the Christmas decorations are taken down and the New Year s decorations go up. Among the cultural ornaments you might notice are kagamimochi , two mochi rice cakes stacked on top of each other with a daidai orange on top…
Traditional Japanese drums have, in most cases, origins from festivals. This music called the Taiko , switched with ease from battlefield to shrine worship. The drum music today, however, plays a new role. Its dynamic rhythm is used to celebrate openings and grand occasions. The instruments of drummers have also become more diversified, and other instruments…
Japanese business culture is wrongly perceived as the biggest obstacle to starting business in Japan for many foreign companies thinking of entering the Japanese market. I am not an academic and my interest in Japanese business culture is purely in terms of how it affects the actual mechanics (or tactics) of successfully doing business in Japan. Based on 13 years…
Characteristic United States Japan Speed vs. Consistency Generally U.S. company’s decision making is quick. Superiors give some great leeway to subordinates so that they can decide and make decisions quickly. Unfortunately there are some errors that can come because of that. Japanese company’s decision making is in stages along their corporate hierarchy. Their…
Tips to communicate Japanese people without knowing Japanese However, most of Japanese English education put huge emphasis on reading and writing, therefore listening and speaking English-language fluency is not widespread. Most people you meet probably won’t be fluent in speaking English. Try to speak slowly and clearly. Most of Japanese do understand basic…
By Jessica. Since the day I left my home and landed into Japan nothing has ever been the same. I never really had any goals before I went to Japan – the idea of actually just visiting the Land of the Rising Sun had been a dream. Yet somehow I ended up living, working and becoming a part of the Japanese community when I applied through boobooSKI and found myself…
The indigenous people of Tokyo have accustomed to foreigners long ago. They are very polite and courteous. Only older people and children can be ashamed of tourists, but this is only the first reaction to the unusual companions. The locals are very hospitable. It doesn’t matter who and for what reason will come with a visit, this person will be certainly greeted…
For the most part, Japanese society is more formal and conservative than American society. The Japanese are more likely to accept you if you show respect and humility. Remember that your behavior reflects not only on yourself but also on the people of your country. Expressing Appreciation Remembering to thank people, even for small favors, is one of the most…
If a national holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is also turned into a holiday. Likewise, a day sandwiched between two national holidays is turned into a holiday. Shops, restaurants and tourist attractions in Japan are generally open on national holidays, except on New Year. January 1 (national holiday) New Year (shogatsu): This is the most important…
Learn more about citation styles Citation styles Encyclopedia.com gives you the ability to cite reference entries and articles according to common styles from the Modern Language Association (MLA), The Chicago Manual of Style, and the American Psychological Association (APA). Within the “Cite this article” tool, pick a style to see how all available information…