Manners in Japan

Japan is known to have a well-mannered culture, probably because majority of the citizens are polite to other people. One obvious example is the use of “keigo” and “kenjougo,” different word usages we have for elder people. Using these words in addition to making nice actions shows hierarchy that Japanese culture values greatly. They only sound slightly different from normal conversations, but in Japan, it is a way of showing that the young are kind and courteous to the elder.

Noticing what's popular in Japan…

It's funny but Japanese people like to see long lines. Why? Because it proves that whatever they are in line for is popular or something of great value. This may be one element of the Japanese culture, since most Japanese automatically assume and believe that long waits are worthwhile. It could be a restaurant, apparel shop, souvenir shop, or even a wait for a particular object. Whatever it is, people from the states or other countries may find it interesting, because they constantly try to get away from long waits.

In or Out?

Have you ever walked in Shibuya and wondered why Japanese girls have similar outfits? Or have you ever wondered why Japanese people are constantly self-conscious and aware of their surroundings? It is because most of the Japanese citizens like to be involved and accepted from others. Most likely, the Japanese business management and social concepts must be taking a big part in sculpting such citizens’ behaviors and attitudes.

mixi culture!

Hop on a train in Japan, and you will probably be astonished to see so many young people glaring into their mobile phone screens. What are they doing!? Of course, many people are probably replying to a text message, but there is one thing that young people are crazy about which requires your mobile phone. That "trend" is Mixi! Mixi is an SNS (Social Network Site) linking people around Japan! Simply saying, it is just like a Japanese version of facebook!

First of all, Mixi can only be used unless you are introduced from a different member of Mixi. (Initial registration without an introduction cannot be accepted.) After you have made your registration, it is time to add "my mixis" more often caled "mai-miku" You can search for your friends and enjoy the information that they share! Some examples of the unique functions you can enjoy on mixi are as follows.

Diary: This can be said is the major purpose of mixi. People write diaries on various topics and they can be commented by many people. You can change the setting so that any mixi user can comment on your diary, or you can make only your my-miku able to see your posting. It's sure fun to see your friends make funny comments on them!

Community: Once you become a member of mixi, you can join what is called a community. On mixi, there are ten-thousands of communities. They are groups with certain topics and people with the same ideas and favorites join to share information. For example, if you are a big NE-YO fan, you can join the NE-YO community and you will be able to share pictures and information (such as when and where he's having concerts etc.). Since those fans are so quick and informative, information can sometimes be obtained faster than the news!

Mixi News: This is something that many people find very useful on mixi! Just like many other search engines, mixi partners with various news providing companies and posts articles on their site. News in all genres ranging from domestic, sports, entertainment, politics, economy, international, IT technology, game/anime are offered! Checking Mixi News on your mobile phone will always keep its users up to date!!

Mixi Music: Although this can only be used from a computer, it is also is a very unique function exclusively on mixi. After downloading a software called "Mixi Station", if you play a song on your iTunes, the song list will automatically be formed on your page. From that, other mixi users can check your music favorites and communication can be made. Why not try and look for a new friend with similar interests?


These are some of the ways you can enjoy being a member and making full use of mixi! After you have grasped the idea of mixi, you will definitely why people become so addicted to it! It may seem as if everybody on the train with their mobile phone is doing mixi!!

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Seijin-shiki

Coming of Age Day is a National Holiday in Japan to celebrate the Shin-Seijin's "New-Adults" (people who turn 20 on that year). This year, Coming of Age Day was held on the 12th of January for people who were born from April 1988 to March 1989.

There is long history to the current Coming of Age day. The holiday was established after World War 2 to encourage and celebrate the independence and birth of adults helping to construct the future of their country. Until the year 2000, Coming of Age Day was celebrated on the 15th of January. Today, it is celebrated on the second Monday of January.

Coming of Age day is a very important once-in-a-lifetime event for the new adults, especially for women. Women on that day wear a traditional Kimono called a Furisode. A Furisode is the most prestigious type of Kimono worn only by unmarried women and is unique in a way that it has very long wings. Although it takes two professionals to assist a woman in wearing a Furisode properly, it is definitely one of the most important pieces of art that express the beauty of Japan. On Coming of Age day, women wearing Furisode can be seen all over the cities. Men, on the other hand, mostly wear black or navy suits on the big day. However, the number of men who wear Hakamas (traditional Japanese clothing for men) has recently been increasing. Both women and men wearing such traditional clothes later attend the Coming of Age Day ceremony that is held in the district that they live in. There, the new adults not only listen to speeches made by the mayor, but also enjoy meeting their old friends.

Overall, Coming of Age Day can definitely be described as an important National Holiday in Japan.

Juken

The New Year has started and the morning rush is back. People are going back to the office and kids to school. Not everyone is very enthused to go back, but if you hear this schedule, you might feel a little better.

Mon: Cram School
Tue: Monthly EXAM
Wed: Cram School
Thu: Mid-term TEST
Fri: Cram School
Sat: Cram School

Above is an example of the afterschool schedule for a senior high school student in January. They go to normal school from morning to afternoon, and then they go to a cram school to study some more. So that they can get into the University of their Dreams, they go through "juken." Juken, is a way to get into a university in Japan. Students take tests as often as every two weeks, one big exam (called "Center shiken") in January, and a big entry exam for each university in February and March. Yes, it is a big deal in Japan, and many students suffer with the study.

As said in previous writings, Japan is a very superstitious country. When we feel anxiety or feel we need help, we go to temples or shrines to pray and buy lucky charms known as "omamori." This goes for the students going through juken too. They buy omamori and good luck supplies to comfort their anxiety. One of the best known shrines for education in Japan is the "Yushima Tenjin" near Tokyo University. The shrine worships Sugawara Michizane, a scholar and a government official in the Heian period (794-1192) known for his talent in education. Many students come here to buy omamori (lucky charm) and to wish themselves good luck.

Another thing in Japan is that many students buy "gokaku goods" around this season. In Japanese, gokaku means to pass an exam or another challenge. Many merchandise brands such as snacks, office supplies, and drinks, produce these goods. The students believe that by buying the gokaku version of the products they will feel more comfort than when buying the normal version of the products. These products will be lined up at the nearest convenient stores and supermarkets soon so if you have a chance, please try one out. Some products offer you a different flavor than the usual ones, or limited time pen colors and containers.