General

Japanese people are mostly organized and punctual.Japanese people bow when they greet each other rather than a handshake.Japanese people like to be vague in answering- they rarely say “no” out right.Japanese people like harmony- people are reluctant to disagree.Japanese technology is advanced.You don’t see much rubbish in Japanese streets.Japanese people always care about hygiene.

Houses- 家

Japanese people usually sleep on futons instead of beds.There are Japanese style toilets ( 和式） and western style toilets ( 様式）Floors are not carpet.Houses usually have a tatami room which a Japanese style room.Entrances are low.Houses are usually smaller than NZ houses.Local phone calls are not free.Entrances are low.Houses are often straight on to the street.

Habits in the house

People always take off their shoes at the entrance.You are not allowed to step on the entrance porch with bare feet/ wearing socks.People wash themselves first before they enter the bathYou are not allowed to release the plug of the bath because other people need to use it.Guests usually have a shower first. If not the oldest person in the household usually does it first.You wear toilet slippers when you enter the toilet.The father often has his meals with his family during the weekends.

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Japanese people use chopsticks, instead of knife and fork during meal time.You are allowed to sniff at the table but never blow your nose.During meal time, you hold the rice bowl when you eat rice and the bowl of the soup when you’re drinking soup.You are not allowed to wear slippers in the tatami room.You usually wear slippers inside the house.The mother is the boss of the household. She is in charge of financial things.

Being a Guest

Guests usually have a shower first.There is a special room for guests to stay.Guests are usually offered green tea ( お茶） or cold drink.You bring presents for the family.There is a special place for the guest of honour to sit, so you wait to be told where to sit.Must obey the house rules all the time.

In the Street- みち

Streets are clean, you don’t see much rubbish.Public transport is excellent.You can buy a variety of products from vending machines eg. Drinks, beer, tobacco etc.Young people spend a lot of money on driving lessons before they get their driver’s license. It is considered as bad manners if you eat or drink as you walk down the street.People often rent a parking space which may be further from their home.Cars drive on the left hand side, same as NZ.Streets are narrow.

Greetings- 　挨拶

Surnames only are usedFirst names can be used with children or your friend.Within the family you usually call someone by relationship instead of their name.Words are often used by or for one sex only くん、ちゃんYou bow when you greet.You do not have to bow to someone who is younger or to your friend.

Shopping- 　買い物

Department stores are expensive in Japan.Department store hours are usually 10-6Most shops have a “closed” day during the week.Change is put on a plate, not into your hand.Shopkeepers and staff greet as you enter.Cash is still the most widely used choice of payment.Most shops do no accept any credit cards.Japanese people usually go grocery shopping everyday.Japanese people take their own baskets when they’re going shopping because it is to save pollution and environment.

Restaurants etc- レストランなど

You have to pay the side dish separately.Green tea usually accompanies Japanese food.You are served with a hot/cold towel おしぼり and a glass of water.You can have satisfying snacks at the train station.Many restaurants serve with one type of food.Cakes and deserts are usually bought at a cake shop and not on the menu.Japanese restaurants use wooden chopsticks わりばし .There are rooms in the restaurant where customers have their meal.

Sports- スポーツ

Baseball is the most popular sport in Japan.Soccer is also highly popular.Many people watch sumo every night on TV when there is a tournament on.Golf is the most played sport.Every year, there is a sports day at school 運動会Martial arts such as karate, kendo and judo are also played.

School- 学校Children start school at the age of six.Only one in-take for school and that is in April.There a only three terms in a school year.Grounds are less spacious and are not grassed.Lots of stairs.Schools use blackboards instead of whiteboard.You are allowed to eat in the classroom.You have to clean the classrooms after school.

Other…

Usually, Japanese children have bath with their parents.Japanese students sleep very late at night.Japanese graveyards are more compacted together than NZ ones.Japanese children sleep with their parents when they’re still old.Western foods are similar.