Japan for Business is a guide to getting your product or service into the Japanese market, primarily … Read More
Social Themes and Issues
There are many subtle and obvious differences between Japanese society and that of Western countries. In making observations about the former, it must be born in mind that the Japanese land mass, of which over 80% is mountainous, is small and houses a population of around 126 million. These features have had profound formative effects on life in Japan, and the way society works. Visitors to Japan soon notice that despite large numbers of people in most urban areas, movement is orderly. People are used to queuing and waiting, whether as pedestrians or motorists, and do so patiently. Pushing … [Read more...]
Hot Springs
Soaking in the soothing waters of a hot spring (onsen) is a quintessential Japanese experience, highly worthwhile as both a sensory and cultural experience. Being a land of active volcanoes and earthquakes, Japan is riddled with underwater aquifers, and taking advantage of these are thousands of hotels, ryokan and other establishments offering guests the chance to luxuriate in the steaming waters. Bathing is always naked, and most bathing areas are segregated by gender. Hence a knowledge of the kanji for man and woman, which is always displayed at the entrance of the bathing area, is … [Read more...]
In the Home
Traditionally the Japanese home wasn’t used for entertaining, except of close neighbours who have become friends, and out-of-town relatives (and these usually only at specific holiday times, such as Golden Week and O-Bon). But as houses and apartments gradually increase in size and Western habits creep in, there’s an increasing tendency for in-home get-togethers with friends. Some visitors to Japan are fortunate to experience stays in a private home, perhaps through an exchange program. In these cases it’s likely someone will have English skills and the parents have a positive and … [Read more...]
Eating and Drinking
After only a short time in Japan, it can be understood why many Japanese find eating in Western countries a daunting or unappetising experience. A single dinner plate covered with a large slab of meat, surrounded by nondescript heaps of vegetables is as appealing to the Japanese as, well, a small plate of thinly sliced raw fish, grated white radish and edible leaf might be to a Western person. If the thought of this kind of spread, or other local delicacies, such as raw horse’s tongue, raw chicken organs and dishes made entirely from tofu aren’t entirely appealing, there’s yet no need to be … [Read more...]
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