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JAPAN CULTURAL INFORMATION
Interesting Facts about Japan
- The population of Japan is around 6 times that of the population of Australia (Japan: 127 million, Australia: 22 million)
- The population of Tokyo and surrounding areas is about the same as Australia’s whole population
- Most shops are open from around 10am – 8pm (or later) everyday. It’s very convenient for people who work. Banks are open from around 9.30am – 3.30pm. There are also many convenience stores that are open 24 hours a day.
- Japan uses 110 volts of electricity (compared to 240 volts in Australia). Therefore, a Japanese student’s appliances will not work in Australia unless they have an adaptor.
- People do not tip in Japan.
- Vending machines are very popular in Japan with many situated on residential streets. A surprising variety of goods are available.
- The Japanese all know their blood group. They regard blood groups in the same way as others regard the signs of the zodiac. People of each blood group are thought to have certain characteristics.
- If you swim in a public pool in Japan, you must wear a swimming cap. You are not allowed to wear any clothing other than your swimsuit. T-shirts and hats are not allowed. You must also wash yourself before you get in the pool. You are not allowed to wear any sunscreen or makeup.
- The number “4” is an unlucky number in Japan. It has the same sound as the word that means “death”. Hospitals do not have room number 4. Some hotels do not have a 4th floor. It is also regarded as unlucky to sleep with your head towards the north (as the dead are laid down in this way).
Cultural Hints
- At meal times Japanese people don’t usually help themselves, as in Japan it is considered bad manners to go into another person’s kitchen.
- In Japan, it is considered good manners to make a noise (slurp) when drinking liquids, e.g. soups, hot drinks, noodles, etc. This is an indication that the food is delicious!
- In Japan it is considered bad manners to blow one’s nose in public.
- In Japan people are usually on time and everything runs on time.
- Japanese people often bow to greet, send off someone or express gratitude. However the handshake is often also used.
- Japanese people do not generally show affection in public so they are often shy with a lot of physical contact. Don’t be afraid to give them a friendly hug when here though; it’s a part of Australian culture!
- The Japanese are accustomed to a long bathing process compared to the normal 'Western' shower. The bathroom is often seen as not only a place to clean but also a place to relax and unwind. Washing the body is done before entering the bath to soak as bath water is often shared. However, visitors understand the preciousness of water here and are happy to take showers.
- It is customary in Japan to give gifts to establish and maintain both business and personal relationships. Gifts are given humbly and devalued so as not to appear too arrogant or proud. They are usually beautifully wrapped and should not be unwrapped straight way unless urged to do so (and then should be unwrapped with care).
- Japan has a very traditional and structured society. Business and personal relationships have a hierarchy. Social behaviour and relationships between people in Japan are guided by a strong sense of obligation known as giri. Expected gift giving and exchange of favours are examples.
- Japanese people consider humility a virtue and a norm. Praise is often met with denial and waving a hand back and forth in front of the face (with palm forward) is a common response.
- One of the most important social values in Japan is harmony, known as wa. In Japan it is considered good to sacrifice your own feelings for the good of the group and maintain social harmony. Japanese people do not usually express opinions and desires openly. Honne describes one’s true feelings and is generally reserved for only those closest to you while tatemae describes the public ‘face’. They also try to avoid conflict and unpleasantness. It is better to say that something may be difficult rather than say no.
- It is considered polite in Japan to initially refuse an offer of help or an item, even if wanted.
- When listening it is important to acknowledge the speaker. Japanese people will make a repeated verbal response (such as hai or e) and nod their head.
- Japanese people learn English but have little chance of using it and so may be shy to use it when they do have the opportunity. They believe their English is very poor, so please encourage them to speak!
- In Japan, people take their shoes off before they enter a house (this is to keep the floor of the house clean).
- Prolonged staring and eye contact is considered rude.
- Japanese people usually exchange business cards (offered in two hands) at the beginning of an introduction.
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