Decals for Four Types of Drivers in Japan
Decals for Four Types of Drivers Based on Japan’s Traffic Law, four types of drivers are obliged to indicate their status by attaching a decal to their vehicle. These are new permit holders (used during the first year after obtaining their license); drivers with hearing disabilities; drivers with physical handicaps; and seniors aged 70 and […]
Japan -- a Nation of Vending Machines!
Japan’s First Sliced Apple Vending Machine Inside the Kasumigaseki subway station in the very center of Tokyo, a one-of-a-kind vending machines selling sliced apples catches the eye of passers-by. “We want people to be able to enjoy eating them as a breakfast substitute, or for snacks,” says the operator. The apples, cut into easy-to-eat sections, […]
Japanese people are good at "Reading the Atmosphere"
Japanese people in general tend to be somewhat reserved and prefer to avoid drawing attention to themselves. This appears to also be the case for those who just reached 20, Japan's age of adulthood. A recent poll by research firm MACROMILL found that 90 percent of the respondents believed it important to “read the atmosphere” […]
A Go-by-the-book Society in Japan
Some regard Japanese people as being rather inflexible. A major reason for this, it’s been said, is an educational system that does not encourage free thinking but it could also be argued that Japanese even from long ago had a penchant for seeking the safest and surest way of doing things. That may be the […]
Where Did Its Aim of “Protecting Children” Go in Japan?
Debate over the Ban on Child Porn Comics in Japan It has Been Turned into a Political Issue at the Convenience of Adults On June 16, 2010, when the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly’s regular session in June was closed, an amendment bill to the metropolitan ordinance for the sound development of youth was voted down by […]
Obscure Obsequies: Japan's Changing Funerals
Japan's Changing Funerals In 1993 actress Takiko Mizunoe held a “living funeral.” She was 78, the end could come any time. Meanwhile she was healthy, vivacious, fun-loving – so why not? Why be a corpse at your own funeral when you can be its host, saying farewell to your nearest and dearest in your own […]
What do you do to relieve stress at work?
Stress related to work is common in all countries. Japan is said to be particularly stressful at work. What are the ways to relieve stress in Japan? I think it's different between women and men, so let's see the answers of women this time. What do you do to relieve stress at work? 1. Eat […]
What is "sekihan" or "osekihan"?
Sekihan or osekihan is a typical celebratory rice dish served on special occasions such as weddings, birthdays and festivals. Glutinous rice is steamed with red beans and takes on a pinkish color from the liquid that comes out of the beans. Sekihan always has something to do with happy occasions, so it is had by […]
What is "Nengajo?" In Japanese business, it is essential practice.
Nengajo is translated as New Year’s Cards in English and its shortened form, “gajo,” is also used. The custom of sending nengajo traces back to the Meiji period (1868-1912), when postcards were first issued in Japan. Until then, people visited their relatives and acquaintances to greet them at the New Year, but nengajo enabled people […]
What is AKB48? Why is it popular? Part of Japanese show business
Watching an AKB48 concert is like spending time at a French maid café – except better. This explains why while pretty French maidens are desperately handing out flyers on the main strip of Akihabara’s Electric Town while the tiny AKB 48 Theatre is packed with fans. AKB48 is a group of 48 young female entertainers […]