TIGblogs TIG | TIGblogs GROUP TIGBLOGS LOGIN SIGNUP
GREEN PAGES of my LIFE
GREEN PAGES of my LIFE
Japanese Spirit of Respect and Service
Related to country: Japan

Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic


The progress of one’s country depends on its culture. In my 7 months of stay in Japan, I have already witnessed some of its culture. I could say they have very impressive culture. I will mention some of it in the following:

Business:

In business, when Japanese meet for the first time in business meeting, they usually give each other a ‘meishi’ or business card. The card tells your name, your job title, the organization you work for, your address and telephone, etc. By looking at the card one can know who will use more polite words. Do not put it in your bag or keep it as soon as you received it, and if there is table you have to put it on the table in front of you.

After work, they usually say “Utsokarisamadeshita”, and bow to each other many times. While I was at the train station, I happened to see a group of people who bow many times, before parting. “Why is it that there bow seemed like endless? Once is enough. They are overdoing it.” I told my husband. He replied, “You cannot understand Japanese spirit”.

Japanese bow when they say "Thank you", "Sorry", "Hello", "Good bye", "Congratulations", "Excuse me", "Good Morning", "Good night", , etc. To bow to an older person or with higher position in the society, is to bend longer and deeper. Men usually bow with their hands on their side, while women bow with their hands touched in front of their thighs. The left hand must cover the right hand which signifies humbleness. In Western countries, they used to shake hands to greet people but Japanese feel uncomfortable of physical contact so they just bow their head instead.

The services in private or public offices are really satisfying. The employees behave very refined and friendly. Probably because of competition every employee are trained to behave the best.

In parties or meetings, Japanese usually pour drinks for each other. They cannot leave each other’s glass empty unless one says, “Iie, kekko desu!” But traditionally, women are supposed to be the one who should pour drinks to men.


Home:

When you visit somebody’s house, you have to say “Ojamashimasu” which means “I am here to disturb you”. At the entrance of the house which is called ‘genkan’, there is step and you have to take off your shoes before stepping up. After you take off your shoes, the resident of that house will then turn your shoes facing the door, so that when you leave the house it is ready for wearing. It is their way of service to the visitor. When you leave the house, you should say “Ojamashimashita” which means “I have disturbed you”.

Language

While I am learning the Japanese language, I noticed that they have polite reference to many things. They add ‘O’ or ‘Go’ in the beginning of the word, such as ‘Osara’, means plate, ‘Oshuyu’ means soy sauce, Gokyoudai, refers to somebody’s sibling, ‘Goshujin’ refers to somebody’s husband, and more. I realized even small things in the house they have polite reference for it.

Transportation:

In a train or bus, elder people, pregnant woman and handicapped are given the priority to have a seat. If you are sitting and some old people are standing everybody will stare at you.

March 23, 2008 | 10:20 AM Comments  0 comments

Tags:
You must be logged in to add tags.


Jen's Profile

Jen's Friends


Latest Posts
A Year of a Good Start
Life in a Foreign Land
New Year's Pigeon-Toed...
Japanese Spirit of...
It's Going to be Alright

Monthly Archive

Change Language


Tags Archive
birthdayparty foreigner\\slife ibarrasgardenermitamanila japanese_fashion japaneseclass jica kimono proposal redstringofdestiny romblon teacher toeic volunteers website wedding

Friends
Donna
HODOMIHOU S.ABEL
ZAM


14018 views
Important Disclaimer