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A Cultural Snapshot of Japan For Prospective Visitors

Richard Weakley June 17, 2011

Japan is an archipelago nation whose many islands stretch for approximately 1860 miles off the eastern coast of Asia. Its neighboring countries to the west are Korea, Russia, and China, and to the south, Taiwan. Japans total land mass is 152,400 square miles, making it slightly smaller than the state of California, but with three and a half times the population at one hundred and twenty-seven million. The four main islands, Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu, comprise around 91% of the countrys total land area, with Honshu being the largest, and they are divided into forty-seven prefectures. The capital of Japan is Tokyo which is located on the island of Honshu and has a population of approximately eleven million. Given the geographical length of Japan, which runs northeast to southwest, and the mountainous nature of its topography, the country enjoys a range of climate zones, with the north being generally dry and colder and the south being hot and humid. The climate is very similar to the range of weather conditions found along the east coast of the United States stretching from Maine to Florida. The monetary unit of Japans currency is the yen, with the current exchange rate equaling around eighty-one yen to the U.S. dollar. Coins range in denomination from one to five hundred yen, and banknotes from one thousand to ten thousand yen. Historically, Japan came to exist as a unified state under imperial rule most likely in the sixth century A.D. The imperial line has continued unbroken since that time and the current emperor Akihito is officially recognized as Japans head of state, though the country is governed

by a parliamentary democracy. Buddhism was introduced around this same time and it flourished into the Nara Period of the eighth century. The Heian Period, from 794 to 1185, saw great advances in the arts and culture, as The Tale of Genji was written during this time. Japans first Shogun warlord came to power in 1185 at the beginning of the Kamakura period and the feudal lords continued to rule Japan for the next seven hundred years until the Meiji era began in 1868. It was during this time that the samurai caste system was abolished and the carrying of swords was outlawed. Japan continued on a path of rapid modernization that has made it one of the world economic powers of today. Japans history has contributed to creating a nation that is still largely homogeneous in its ethnicity and, in many ways, very traditional in its customs. This would be of special interest to any EFL, (English as a Foreign Language), teacher planning to teach there because it has dictated the behavior of the Japanese to a large degree and it is important for anyone working in Japan to be culturally sensitive to the customs in order to foster the creation of good rapport with students and co-workers. The list of social customs and taboos in Japan is a lengthy one, but being familiar with the most broadly recognized ones can get a newcomer off on the right foot. A popular Japanese saying, The nail that sticks up gets hammered down, illustrates one of the most prevailing characteristics of Japan, that it is still a very group-oriented country, even as it begins to show signs of change in that respect. Trying to be flashy or different from whichever group a person is associated with, (e.g. school or work), is frowned upon. Group loyalty and unity are prized virtues. People are expected to be courteous to, and respectful of others by frequent use of language to indicate gratitude and apology. Also, Japanese find it unpleasant to say no directly and will avoid it by using such vague statements as, I will give it consideration. For a teacher it

is particularly important to dress properly, (usually coat and tie for men), to always be on time and to avoid sitting on top of the desk when in class. While most Japanese dont expect visitors to be able to speak Japanese, they are usually pleasantly surprised if the visitor has taken the time to learn at least some basic words and phrases. Below are some of the most common expressions and their English translations: Ohayo gozaimasu Konnichiwa Konbanwa Oyasumi nasai Onegaishimasu Arrigato gozaimasu Sumimasen Dozo yoroshiku Good morning Good afternoon Good evening Good night Please Thank you Excuse me/Im sorry Pleased to meet you I cant speak Japanese

Nihongo ga hanasemasen Wakarimasen to moshimasu Ogenki desuka?

I dont understand My name is How are you?

In conclusion, Japan is a country with a very long, rich history that prides itself on its cultural heritage even while it attempts to emulate things western. It is a mix of the ancient and the modern on almost every level and has much to offer the visitor, whether the stay is short or long term. The key to a more rewarding experience in Japan is taking the time to learn about customs, culture, history and language before landing there.

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