|  Words
Came True a Few Decades Later After Graduation
March in Japan is the season of graduation ceremonies.
In many school graduation ceremonies, the graduating
students all join together to sing the song “Aogeba
toutoshi” (respecting teachers), which expresses
gratitude to teachers. While this song is a kind of
standard song for graduation ceremonies, there are
always some students who sing it with tears in their
eyes. ...
|
 Wedding
Presents are Cash in Japan
In Japan, autumn as well as spring is wedding season.
You may be invited to a wedding party by your Japanese
friends. What should you present as a gift when you
are invited? It is very common in Japan to bring celebratory
money when one is invited to a wedding. ... |
 “Janken”
is Used Daily in Japan
There are many customs in Japan, and among them, “Janken”
is one of the most useful. When two or more people are
choosing what to order, they can decide easily and fairly
by just using their hands. ... |
 Are
You Really Insured?
I was called to a hospital recently to find one of my
friends had suffered a serious health problem. I was
duly signed in as his next of kin and experienced the
intricacies of the Japanese healthcare system up-close
and dirty. ... |
 Flea
Markets are now part of Japan's culture
According to statistics from the Japanese government,
tourists to Japan typically spend 30% of their budget
on shopping! This is hardly surprising as nowhere else
in the world can you find such a tempting city like
Tokyo filled with items for sale ranging from the latest
fashion trends to cute novelty goods. ... |
 The
Sushi Shop I patronize
I am a foreign student living in Japan. Sometimes I
eat with Japanese. When I say to Japanese I meet for
the first time, "Watashi no ikitsuke no sushiya
de ippai yarimasen-ka," (Shall we have sushi over
drinks at the sushi shop I patronize?" they are
usually very surprised and believe I am very rich. ... |
 Foreign
customers not welcome at some restaurants
I like Japanese food and often go to Izakaya (Japanese
pub restaurants) with my work mates. As Japanese food
is provided at reasonable prices at Izakaya, I always
take my friends from overseas whenever they come to
Japan. That no English menu is provided is only my complaint.
... |
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