What is "Omiai" in Japan?
見合い “miai” Miai is the first formal meeting between a man and a woman who are seeking marriage partners. A go-between arranges the miai and fixes the date and place. The man and woman later report their impressions of the other indirectly through that person. A marriage arranged through miai is called miai-kekkon (an arranged marriage). […]
Successful Small Talk in Japan and “Nominication”
Small talk with customers is a great way to break the ice and get to know one another. It provides a lubricant for the give-and-take of the sales negotiation. Unfortunately the wrong topic can upset Japanese customers and make the negotiation harder, not easier. No matter where you go in the world, doing business is […]
Manga is not only for kids but adults in Japan
Scattered around my living room bookshelf, my bathroom and even on my dining table are essay collections about life on a dairy farm in Hokkaido, being a poor but well-fed student in Italy and the awkward social skills of “technie” engineers. Comical, heartwarming and sometimes provocative essays about unique experiences are written in most languages. […]
The Reason Tuna Rolled Sushi Is Called Tekkamaki or Gamblers’ Roll
Tekkamaki is sliced raw tuna rolled in vinegared rice (sushi rice) and dried seaweed. As known by the words tekka-ba (gaming room) and tekka-hada (hot-tempered personality), the word tekka refers to a gambler. Although sushi and gamblers are a strange association, it is surprising that tekkamaki came about because of them. Japanese playing cards hana-fuda […]
Staple-free Stapler in Japan
With the ongoing campaign to sort waste for more efficient recycling --- as well as wider utilization of paper shredders --- more people are opting not to use metal stables when fastening sheets of paper. Now “Harinacs” from stationery maker KOKUYO has introduced a new system that enables neat fastening of papers using the paper […]
Garigari-kun Ice Cream and Its History
Garigari-kun Ice Cream and Its History Garigari Kun is the ideal ice pop for hot summer days. Its “You win, get one free” fun system, unforgettable cropped-haired character, and commercial song are well known. Shaved ice that children could eat in one hand was the concept behind the development of Garigari Kun. It has now […]
Office Etiquette for Eating and Drinking
Office Etiquette for Eating and Drinking One of the etiquette in Japanese offices is drinks and food. Can we eat and drink at work in Japan? The answer is not general. Each company has its own culture. Most companies allow you to drink on the job. Some foods are not good. Some places don't permit […]
What do you do on a commuter train?
The coronavirus has led to a culture of telecommuting, but now that the virus has stopped spreading, people are starting to go to work again. It is not unusual for people living in the suburbs of Tokyo to spend an hour each way to work. So what are they doing on the train? Read a […]
What do you worry about most when thinking about nursing your elderly parents?
Psychological burden Physical burden Elderly care service fees Finding a good elderly care facility Not knowing much about elderly care Having to consult with strangers about the care Administrative procedures The potential negative effects on my own career or job Reputation of my family Others Source: HUMA CORP. (Conducted among Japanese of all ages)
What is Monjayaki?
Monjayaki and Its History Monjayaki a Specialty of Tokyo’s Shitamachi Has Its Roots in Monjiyaki Monjayaki is mostly eaten in the Kanto region where Tokyo is situated. Of the monjayaki, the most well known is probably the monjayaki in the Tsukishima district of Tokyo’s shitamachi (traditional shopping and entertaining district). (See its official Tsukishima Monja […]