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You guys better think this information is helpful because this was like writing a damn school report. >.< Enjoy! -Sayami-
Japan is an island nation located in the Pacific Ocean off the eastern coast of China and Russia.
It is the eighth most populous nation with an estimated total population over 127 million people.
The total area of Japan is 377,835 square kilometres or 234,257.7 square miles, which is slightly smaller than the state of California.
Geography
Extreme terrain, from seascape to mountain ranges, makes for a lush and varied landscape.
Mt Fuji is the nation’s tallest peak at 3,776 metres (12,388 feet) above sea level.
Japan itself, being made up primarily of four major islands — Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu — has no land boundaries with any other country.
Customs
Whenever you plan on visiting Japan you'll notice that their customs are different from here in America.
For example, the Japanese generally do not:
- Smile in formal photos.
- Touch in public as public displays of affection are frowned upon.
- Talk with their hands, point or use loud voices.
- Laugh with their mouths open.
In Japan, silence is an opportunity for reflection.
Other than feeling uncomfortable with the lack of conversation or other sounds, consider using the time for relaxation.
Try to practice respectful behaviors as a guest in their country. Trust me, we'll appreciate it.
Japanese society is rich with deeply rooted traditions, the highest respect for serenity, and exquisite personal manners.
Understanding a little about the culture and rituals will help you on your way.
Bowing:
First meetings are very significant in building respect.
The Japanese bow when greeting each other. By doing as follows, you can make a positive first impression!:
- Place your hands on your thighs.
- Nod your head forward.
- Bend at the waist toward the person you are introduced to.
The degree of the bow marks the formality of the situation and the relationship between the two people.
In otherwords, the more formal the situation, the deeper the bow. ^^;
If meeting the emperor, one would kneel on the floor and bow to the ground to show total supreme respect.
Yeah that's right, supreme respect, you don't want them to say you Americans are not mannered and rude now do you?
Kimonos:
Traditional Japanese dress consists of the kimono, a wrap that extends from shoulder to heels with long sleeves and a belt to tie around the waist.
Kimonos come in only one size, but a system of adjustable strings allows the garment to fit wearers of all heights.
In the past, kimonos were worn daily, but because they are difficult to wear and tend to restrict movement,
they are now usually only worn for special occasions. The designs of the kimono are matched to the occasion.
Most are formal and made of silk. Others, for every day use, are made of cotton or linen. The kimono should only be wrapped left over right;
the opposite way symbolizes death. o.0; You don't want that now do you.
You might find kimonos in your hotel rooms and you're allowed to use the kimono as a hotel guest, but please DO NOT take it with you when you leave.
Shame shame to you if you do.
Furo Bath:
Shinto has this great emphasis on purification and cleanliness. o.o Partly because of this, bathing and the rituals surrounding it are very much a part of the Japanese culture.
That's why you see anime characters take long baths often. ^^
The furo bath is a hot tub mostly for soaking and relaxing.
Before entering the furo, the bather is expected to shower, similar when you enter a pool. Cleansing the body of impurities before entering the tub and
then leaving the water for the next person to use. The baths are taken in private resident tubs, public bath houses, and natural hot springs, which are the best by the way. ^^;
The residential tub is similar to Western style bathtubs except its depth allows the bather to sit covered with water to the shoulders.
Public bath houses are common in Japan, and usually consist of completely separate baths for men and women.
Bathing suits aren't worn, but you can use a towel for modesty when entering and exiting the water.
You will most likely be provided a very small stool and a basin to use in cleansing yourself before entering the public pool though.
Tatami Mats:
Traditional Japanese-style rooms have wooden floors covered by rectangular tatami mats.
The mats are made of straw. You should remove the house slippers to avoid damaging the mats because they're very delicate.
Fast Fact: The size of a room in Japan isn't measured in metres or feet, it's measured by the number of tatami mats.
Futons:
Most Japanese sleep on a futon which doesn't usually fold into a couch.
Kept in a closet during the day, the futon is laid on the floor over the tatami mat at night, transforming a living room or dining room into a bedroom.
Martial Arts:
Martial arts are popular in Japan for sport and as defensive techniques.
Several different styles of martial arts are practiced in Japan.
Mastering these arts requires intense study of bushido, meaning "way of the warrior."
The fighting styles range from non-assisted hand fighting to skilled weaponry.
Karate means "empty hand fighting. Ju-jitsu involves joint locking and throwing techniques.
Kendo is known as "the way of the sword" and kyudo is the art of Japanese archery.
Each variety has influenced related styles, such as judo, a sister style to ju-jitsu.
Author Fact: I myself take up Kendo and Kyudo, which are both very fun to do! Tell anyone at your school what defensive sport you
practice and it's guaranteed that they won't mess with you. ^^;
Pop Culture:
The Japanese are adaptive and inventive. Young people are generally interested in sports, fashion, music, video games, and fads just like American students.
The latest trends in Japan often become the newest fads in the United States and vice versa. Here’s a look at what’s hot in Japan.
The Japanese are known for their love of karaoke, so don’t be surprised to hear a Japanese person singing popular American songs. ^^; Which is disturbing.
Sumo wrestling is a time-honored national sport and is one of the most popular events for spectators.
Anime (animated cartoon series and movies, also known as Japanimation) has gained popularity in recent years.
Fitting In: Cultural Dos and Don’ts
Do: Bow when you meet someone. The more formal the meeting, the further you should bow.
Don’t: Use the hand sign using the thumb and forefinger for "OK." It is a symbol for money in Japan.
Do: Bring a small gift when invited to someone’s house. Present it at the end of a visit by saying "Tsumaranai mono desu ga," meaning "This is nothing much."
Don’t: Wear shorts to a temple. Show respect by wearing long skirts or slacks and acting appropriately.
Do: Be humble and respectful. The Japanese culture is a modest society of long-standing traditions.
Do: Learn to use chopsticks before you begin your trip. You may ask politely for a fork or spoon, as Western utensils are available in some restaurants.
Do: Use proper chopstick etiquette. That means not using them to point or push items around the table, and not leaving them stuck in your bowl of rice (acceptable only at funerals).
Do: Sample all foods put before you to eat. This is an enriching cultural experience!
Don’t: Blow your nose in public or eat while walking down the street. These practices are considered offensive.
Do: Carry a travel pack of tissues with you, most public restrooms do not have toilet paper!
Government
The capital city of Japan has a population of more than 12 million people (New York City has 8 million) and another 18 million live within 50 kilometers (31 miles) of the city limits. Prior to 1868, Tokyo was known as Edo, and the capital was Kyoto. The main government was moved to Edo in 1868 and the city was renamed Tokyo, meaning "Eastern Capital."
While here, consider shopping for traditional Japanese crafts such as dolls, silk, woodwork, and calligraphy brushes.
Climate
Japan has four distinct seasons, but because the country spans more than 3,000 kilometers (1,860 miles) north to south, the temperatures during any given season can vary greatly on opposite ends of the country.
The west side of the country facing the Sea of Japan has a cold rainy climate. In the winter, this side of the country is known for heavy snowfalls.
The Pacific Ocean side is therefore in the temperate zone, complete with hot summers and seasonal ocean winds. The southernmost islands belong to the subtropical climate zone and receive heavy rains while at the same time, enjoying some of the warmest temperatures. One of the most highly anticipated times of the year is the last 10 days of March when the cherry blossoms begin to bloom.
Japan is prone to such natural disruptions as earthquakes, typhoons, and tsunamis and belongs to a chain of volcanoes in what is geologically known as the Pacific Ring of Fire.
Money
Japan’s currency is called yen (¥). The approximate current exchange rate is 112 yen to one U.S. dollar. For current exchange rates,
logon to www.xe.net/currency.
Shoes
Wear shoes that are comfortable but easy to remove,
as you will need to take them off when entering a home.
The Japanese leave their shoes on the genkan, a type of entrance or hallway into the home,
and change into slippers for walking around the house. This helps keep the home free of impurities.
Food
Eating in Japan requires its own etiquette. One thing is certain: people in a different country aren’t going to do things as you are accustomed,
especially when it comes to food. You may not like everything that is put before you to eat, but give the foods a try. You may be surprised.
Consuming foods like raw fish, octopus or eel will not make you sick. The Japanese people have been living off these for hundreds of years,
and know how to handle and prepare the items.
A basic Japanese diet consists of rice, seafood, beef, tofu, vegetables and a staple starch of noodles ranging from udon,
soba and the ever-popular ramen noodles. When eating noodles, slurping is considered a sign of enjoyment.
A typical breakfast consists of miso soup and rice.
The Japanese eat their meal while sitting on the floor around a low table on tatami mats.
Their legs are positioned underneath them usually in a kneeling position. It is considered poor manners to point your toes at anyone under the table, otherwise
it's rude to sit "indian-style."
Chopsticks are used to eat most meals. Spoons are used on dishes that are difficult to eat with chopsticks.
Rice is eaten by taking the bowl in one hand and lifting it towards your mouth while eating the rice with chopsticks.
Learning to eat with chopsticks may take practice, so be patient!
Common Foods You May Enjoy in Japan:
Tempura:
Deep-fried, battered vegetables and seafood served with a dipping sauce.
Sushi:
Seafood, vegetables and other delicacies served rolled in rice wrapped in an edible seaweed. The sushi rolls are cut into bite-size pieces and presented with soy dipping sauce and wasabi. (Caution: wasabi is very hot!) Sushi can be eaten whole with chopsticks or with your hands.
Shabu-Shabu:
Thinly sliced meat served with a pot of boiling water. The meat is dipped into the water to be quickly cooked at the table and dipped into a sauce.
Sukiyaki:
A famous Japanese dish, in which beef, mushrooms, tofu, and scallions are simmered in a soy sauce and sake broth.
Miso Soup:
A broth-based fish soup eaten by drinking the liquid from the side of the bowl and fishing the food pieces out with chopsticks.
Majority of this information was written by both Sayami and Midori. I got some information, such as the geography and government information
from my old Japanese school textbooks.
