Feature Articles
Customs/Society
06/03/00 - Japanese Gestures
Some of the gestures the Japanese use might different from your culture's. Find out about sitting, beckoning, indicating yourself and banzai.01/17/00 - Social Customs
Learn some dos and don'ts to follow when your in Japan.09/13/99 - Women in the Workforce
The Japanese workforce from a female perspective.08/09/99 - Getting Married in Japan
Learn about the unique arranged marriage system in Japan.11/28/98 - Xs and Os
Learn about the special meaning these symbols have in Japan.11/21/98 - Counting on One's Fingers
If you are not use to the Japanese style you may find it hard to count to five.11/09/98 - Japanese Verbal Signals (2): Indirect Expressions
Indirect Expression: The art of giving one's opinion with out being to forward.11/01/98 - Japanese Verbal Signals (1): Aizuchi
During a conversation between two Japanese people, the listener plays more than just a passive role.10/16/97 - Bowing
Learn more about the most common greeting in Japan.08/27/97 - Transiency
Transiency relates to the idea of the transmigration of souls, and is one of the most important tenets of Buddhist philosophy.08/20/97 - Ma - Interval in Time and Space
Ma means an interval in time and space, but it is much more than just a blank space.08/12/97 - On - Debt of Gratitude
One undertakes on when favors (gifts, etc..) are received from others. It is a special reciprocal arrangement between different classes of people that provides a sense of appreciation and contentment.08/05/97 - Nemawashi - Prior Consultation
The Japanese have very different ways of conducting business meeting. This is called nemawashi.07/28/97 - Ninjo
Ninjo relates to the range of human emotions such as sympathy, compassion, love, friendships, etc. Like many things in Japan, it has a much deeper meaning.07/21/97 - Giri - Moral Obligation (2)
To a foreigner, giri can been seen as irrational and against the principles of Western business, where one is intent on personal growth.
07/14/97 - Giri - Moral Obligation (1)
It is not an easy task to translate (yet explain) Japanese morals and emotions. The birth of the concept of giri occurred during the feudal period in Japan, and holds the highest regard in human relationships.07/07/97 - Haji - Shame
Japan, by nature, can be a very confusing experience for foreigners. Beyond the language, there is the Japanese collective conscience to take into consideration.
