|
Seung Ryun Lee
Japanese Culture Products in the America I chose to research on Japanese culture because its industry expansion has extremely developed and influenced the world market so effectively in a certain way. In addition, I always wanted to know more about Japanese culture since it is right next to my country, Korea . I do amaze every time I see Japanese production at everywhere I go in NY. Japanese markets are everywhere in the world, and they have begun to record profits. They continue to perform with new products every moment to gain greater foothold in the market. Their productivity and capacity are all increasing day by day, and the manufacturing strategies are attaching a wonderful deal, and more interest among the European and United States competitors. One of the best products that is holding in the US is the Japanese vehicle. So many different cars are sold in the US . Toyota , Honda, Nissan, and Mazda are the top 10 list of top‑selling cars in Japan . Many Americans love to purchase the Japanese vehicles that there are full of Toyota , Honda, Nissan, and other brands in the car market. Moreover, Sony, Panasonic, and Toshiba, are also well‑known products for video, television, camera, and so on. Furthermore, the quality of these products is excellent. They are long lasting, good materials, efficacy, portable, fashionably designed that attractive enough to get people's attention. Language The Japanese writing system is very complicated because it consists three different character sets: Kanji (several thousands of Chinese characters) and Hiragana and Katakana (two syllabaries of 46 characters each; together called Kana). Japanese texts can be written in two ways: In western style, horizontally from top to bottom, or in traditional Japanese style, vertically from right to left. Compare to the other languages, Japanese knows relatively few sounds, and pronunciation takes little problems to most learners, but the biggest difficulty is the accent that exists, but much lower extent than the Chinese language. Also, basic Japanese grammar is some what simple. The complicating things such as gender articles and distinctions between plural and singular are missing almost completely. Like Korean language, different words and expressions are used when people talk to an unknown person or a person who is in a higher position, as opposed to when talking to a child, family member or a friend. For instance, there are more than five different words for the English word "I", which are used depending on the context. Non Verbal Communication In Japan , silence is just as important as speaking. It is a moment to think and a chance to respond in a well thought out manner unlike in the west, silence is considered as an awkward moment and people try to cover this uncomfortable feeling with words. Therefore, when Japanese are quiet in a moment, which means they are thinking deeply what to answer when the questions are being asked. Therefore, it is best not to break the silence as you are not sincere, and it would be better to relax and show patience when you are facing with Japanese people. Moreover, the eye contact is considered a signal for confidence or sincerity in the western culture. However, in many cases in Japan , the Japanese consider the direct and constant eye contact is a rude gesture that means challenge or defiance. The Japanese may shift their eyes or look down to show respect to another. More important thing is the smile. The smile can often be an expression that hides embarrassment or pain. In an uncomfortable situation, it is not common for the Japanese to give a nervous laugh or awkward smile to conceal the true emotion. Also, it is really rude to express your emotions overly in the public. These nonverbal communications applies to Korean culture as well. I remember the true story that happened in NY a long time ago in relate to these manner. A cop caught a Korean man who just arrived America because he threw the cigarette on the street. When the cop was asking questions to the man, he was looking down, had no eye contact, and he smiled. All he meant was to show that he was embarrassed, respected the cop through those gestures whereas the cop misunderstood him as an ignorant, impolite, and guilty person. Because of the cultural difference, these things often happen in this country. Food There are many Japanese restaurants in the United States . "Sushi" and "Tempura" are the typical Japanese food that can be found in most Japanese restaurant in America . Because Japan is surrounded by the sea, there is always an abundance of fresh seafood available. Also, about 601YO of the land is mountain so there are lots of plants available as well. Each season has some vegetables and seafood available that are not available at other times of the year. Therefore, people cook those vegetables and fish that are in season. Japanese people eat a huge amount of seafood. However that doesn't mean they always eat fish, but they also eat meat and large amounts of vegetables. In addition, "rice" is also a staple food in Japan and it has been approximately 2300 years since Japanese people started to cultivate rice. My whole family loves to eat Japanese food. Actually, my father is Japanese cooker as well as my other two uncles. He opened up a Japanese restaurant in NJ. I am the only one who can't take raw fish. But I often heard how raw fish is good for health but should not take that much often. Martial Arts In Japan , there are many different types of martial arts such as Karate, Kendo, Judo, and Sumo. Japanese people love to work out these traditional exercises because each martial art requires extreme concentration and one's mind is very essential. Most Americans are also familiar with karate. In karate, one is defending him/herself with fists, elbow, and feet. It is related to the Chinese Kung‑fu and the Korean Tae‑kwon‑do. Karate‑do means "the way of the empty hand" since usually no weapons is used. Secondly, kendo is Japanese fencing. It means "the way of the sword." Swords used to be a main weapon in Japan for centuries. In modern kendo are well protected and they use bamboo swords. Thirdly, in judo, winning the fights is the goal but the training of one's body and spirit is more to be considered important. Lastly, sumo is a Japanese style of wrestling and Japan 's national sport. It originated in ancient times as religious performances to the "Shinto" gods. Customs at Workplace As a employee of a company in Japan , there is a great deal of responsibility, obligation, loyalty, and duty. Approximately 70% of college graduates become "salary men" which is a Japanese‑English term coined to describe salaried company employees, particularly those working for large Japanese companies. The lunch break is usually very short and usually taken at one's desk. Lunch is not a time to socialize or eat with a client. Smoking is not banned from the work place but alcohol is rarely consumed. In addition, unlike western culture, workers do not leave promptly at closing time. It is also embarrassing to be the first one to leave. They do not leave until their bosses have and often stay quite late every night. As a general rule, the Japanese are always on time. If an event is to be begin at 9:00 , then it is best to arrive a few minutes earlier to get themselves prepared to begin right at 9:00 . The prompt time manner is very important just like in America . Rank is also important in a social setting. The highest ranking person walks in front. He or she enters a room first and is seated first. He or she is introduced first. All others are following behind, again by rank. Moreover, the most important person enters the car first and sits right behind the driver in the back seat. He or she is the last person to exit the car. Nest, the second and third passengers sit respectively with the least important person sit in the front seat next to the driver. Customs at Home From the westerners' perspective, the typical Japanese home is very small. In the major cities, most families live in~ tiny apartments. One third of the housing in Tokyo averages only 121 square feet while the average Japanese home is 650 square feet. The land is scarce and therefore extremely expensive and this is the reason for many cultural differences between west and est. The Japanese do not entertain in their homes as the), feel that their houses are not worthy enough to bring visitors in just like in Korea , too. Many Japanese homes have at least one room that contains tatami mats. Each mat is about three feet by six feet and about two inches thick and covered with tightly woven rice‑straw. It does not move once laid. All shoes worn outside are taken off and you are given your guest slippers to be worn inside the house. Von do not wear these slippers in a tatami room and you remove them at the entrance to the tatami room, even if you have bare feet. Also, you do not wear these slippers in the bathroom because there are special slippers designated for the use while in the bathroom. In a Japanese home, you should always "announce" when you are leaving the house or when you have returned. Just like in Korean culture, as a courtesy, "goodnight" and "good morning" salutations are always said. Furthermore, if you are invited, typically, there will always be someone with you, all your meals will be cooked and served to you, and you will be given the best sleeping arrangements that will inconvenience the rest of the family. The Japanese family will treat you like royalty while you are guests in their home. Conclusion Through this research paper, I noticed that there are similarities in between Korean culture and Japanese culture in terms of customs at home, work, and nonverbal communication. Both countries do speak different languages but because we were influenced by the Chinese characters, we do use Chinese character in some written language. Because Korea and Japan is close, Korean culture is some what influenced by Japanese culture, and when Japanese products are produced, Korea rapidly imports then in a second. In addition, Korea was once invaded by Japan that we were colonized by them for about 40 years that some old generations do know how to speak Japanese. Japan is the one of the fast growing countries in the world. And, I think each of person’s passion and visions make them so productive and united. |
