sento
Sento (銭湯 せんとう) A sento is a public bath which people have to pay for. But in recent years, sento are gradually decreasing in number all over Japan mainly because most people now live in houses with baths. Even now, however, sento are indispensable to some people who do not have baths at home, and […]
compa
Compa (コンパ) Compa (or Kompa) is student slang that comes from the English word “company.” It refers to a party organized by students, especially by club members. Among the most popular club kompa are shinkan‐kompa (welcome parties) and oidashi‐kompa (farewell parties). And there are also go‐kon (short for godo‐kompa) arranged among different universities. Students often […]
Managing ”Culture Shock” While Working in Japan
Managing Culture Shock Working in Japan By Patricia Pringle For Americans, working with the Japanese in a business is a challenging cultural adjustment. Even though both sides share a great many values in business, such as respect for education, enthusiasm for new technologies, and honest dealing, assumptions about working can be very different. In order to […]
wankosoba
Wankosoba (わんこそば) Wanko Soba, an Original of Eating Contests, Has Roots in a Feast for a Local Lord Wanko Soba is a historic culinary specialty of Iwate Prefecture. It is a unique and entertaining way to enjoy buckwheat noodles. Every time you finish a bowl of noodles, a waitress standing over your table immediately fills […]
Japanese Salary Man's Favorite Dish Ramen Spread from “Nankin-machi” Throughout Japan
Ramen (ラーメン) Ramen is a fixture in magazine articles and TV programs featuring food. Ramen is indeed one of Japan’s most popular dishes. It is a well-known fact that the roots of ramen lie in China, but the question is, how did ramen make its way to Japan from China? A wide variety of food […]
How to Motivate Employees in Japan
By Patricia Pringle How to Motivate Employees in Japan Charlie, who had been working at a Japanese manufacturing company for just over a year, did not feel appreciated. His company had just delivered their product to the market, after a race to rescue the schedule from some unforeseen setbacks. Everyone had pulled together as a […]
What is the focal point of your life?
What is the focal point of your life? 1. Leisure 2. Income 3. A healthy diet 4. Savings 5. Self-development 6. Living 7. Durable goods like cars 8. Nothing in particular 9. Clothes 10. Others Source: Cabinet Office, Government of Japan
futon
Futon (布団 ふとん) Futons are Japanese beds. A set of futons includes a shikibuton (mattress) and kakebuton (quilt). When not used, the futons are folded up and placed inside a closet called an oshiire. Futons allow small Japanese rooms to be used more efficiently. Japanese quilted bedding placed on the floor. This bedding is usually used […]