Lifestyle

Japan

Lifestyle

Marriage and Family
The family is the foundation of Japanese society and is bound together by a strong sense of reputation, obligation, and responsibility. A person’s actions reflect on his or her family. While the father is the head of the household, the mother is responsible for domestic affairs. Traditionally, it was considered improper for a woman to have a job, but many women now work outside the home. Although many elderly parents still live with their married children's families, this is becoming less common. On the other hand, there has been an increase in the number of adult children who remain in their parents' homes, due to the high cost of housing. Most couples limit themselves to two or three children. In cities, most families live in high-rise apartment buildings or small homes. Larger homes are found in less crowded areas. Japanese generally marry in their mid- to late 20s, with men usually marrying slightly later than women. Weddings can be elaborate and expensive, and usually take place in hotels. Several changes of clothes are common at Japanese weddings: the couple may wear traditional clothing for the ceremony, western-style wedding outfits for the party afterwards, and western-style formal wear for the end of the party. Wedding guests bring gifts, usually money, and leave with gifts from the couple. Diet and Eating
The Japanese diet consists largely of rice, fresh vegetables, seafood, fruit, and small portions of meat. Rice and tea are part of almost every meal. Western-style food is increasingly popular, especially among the young. Popular Japanese foods include miso (bean paste) soup, noodles (ramen, udon, and soba), curry and rice, sashimi (slices of raw fish served with soy sauce and wasabi, a pungent form of horseradish), tofu, and pork with ginger. Sushi is cold rice, flavoured with vinegar, and served with fish (usually raw). Norimaki is rice and a vegetable, such as cucumber, wrapped in dried seaweed. Although many young people eat while walking in public, it is generally considered bad manners for adults to do so. Snack foods sold at street stands should therefore be eaten at the stand. In a traditional meal, the Japanese typically eat from a bowl held at chest level instead of bending down to the table. Chopsticks are used to eat most meals, but people generally use western utensils when eating western food. Fast food is popular among the young.

The main meal is eaten in the evening. Many Japanese people eat the main meal at home, but those who work late may go to a restaurant for dinner. It is important not to point chopsticks at anyone, leave them crossed, or stick them in a bowl of rice. Socializing
A bow is the traditional greeting between Japanese. Someone wishing to show respect or humility bows lower than the other person. Some Japanese appreciate it when foreigners bow; others do not, especially when the two people are not acquainted. Therefore, a gentle handshake is most appropriate for foreign visitors. Personal space is important, and people do not stand too close to each other when greeting or when in conversation. In this hierarchical society, titles are important in introductions. The family name is used with the suffix -san. For example, a Mr Ogushi in the United States would be called “Ogushi-san” in Japan. The use of personal names is reserved for family and friends. Between business representatives, the exchange of business cards (offered and accepted with both hands) is an important ritual. The card should be studied carefully and treated with respect; to play with or bend the card would be an insult. Greetings used depend on the relationship. A worker might greet a senior colleague with Ohayō gozaimasu (“Good morning”), but would greet a customer with Irasshaimase (“Welcome”). When business representatives meet for the first time, Hajime mashite (“Nice to meet you”) may be used. Konnichi wa (“Good day”) is a standard greeting. Ohayō (an informal “Good morning”), or Genki? (“Are you well?”) are common casual greetings among young people. Visits are usually arranged in advance; spontaneous visits between neighbours are uncommon in urban areas. Shoes are removed before stepping into a Japanese home. There is usually a small genkan (hallway) between the door and living area where one stands to remove one’s shoes. After being removed, they are placed together pointing towards the outdoors, or in a closet or on a shelf in the genkan. Coats are removed before stepping into the genkan. Slippers are often worn inside but are removed before entering rooms with straw-mat floors (tatami). There are often special slippers for use in the bathroom. Guests are usually offered the most comfortable seat. In traditional Japanese rooms, people sit on the floor. When offered a meal, guests often express slight hesitation before accepting it. Light refreshments are accepted graciously. Compliments are usually denied out of modesty, and excessive compliments on items in the home may embarrass the hosts. Politeness is of utmost importance. When visiting, it is customary to take a gift (usually fruit or cakes) to the hosts. Gifts are given and accepted with both hands and a slight bow. Traditionally, gifts are not opened in the presence of the giver. A gift says a great deal about one’s relationship to, and respect for, the recipient. Gifts, therefore, play an important role in establishing and maintaining business relationships. It is much appreciated when overseas visitors bring Scotch whisky (expensive in Japan) or items bearing highly regarded foreign brand names. A key time for exchanging gifts comes at the end of the year, when giving appropriately priced gifts to family, friends, officials, and business contacts expresses thanks for the kindness they have shown throughout the year. Recreation
Baseball, soccer, volleyball, tennis, skiing, and jogging are all popular in Japan. Traditional sports such as sumo wrestling (a popular spectator sport), judo, kendo (fencing with bamboo swords), and karate are also enjoyed. Baseball, brought to Japan in the 1870s by a US citizen, is the national sport and is highly competitive at all levels. The entire country becomes involved in the annual national secondary school championships. Golf is an obsession, but, because it is very expensive to join a club, most people have to limit themselves to teeing off at one of numerous driving ranges or watching it on television. Television and cinema are popular, and cities such as Tokyo and Osaka have an extensive nightlife scene. Family outings to the park or to see relatives are a well-established part of the weekend routine for many. The traditional performing arts continue to thrive, and include puppet theatre (Bunraku) and highly stylized drama (Noh, kabuki). Music and dance are also well supported. Holidays and Celebrations
Ganjitsu is the Japanese New Year and is observed on 1 January. Japan’s New Year celebration, called Oshogatsu, lasts three days, from 1 to 3 January. It is a time to exchange gifts and send cards. The streets are decorated and people place traditional pine branches on both sides of the door, which represent longevity and constancy. On New Year’s Eve (31 December), some Japanese put on a kimono and visit a shrine. More than half of the population, however, settles in front of the television to watch a national singing contest; the last notes must be sung before midnight, when Buddhist priests begin ringing the bells in temples. The bells are rung 108 times—one peal for each of the human failings in Buddhist belief. This ringing of the bell is said to purify believers of sinful desires accumulated during the year. On 15 January, those who will have their 20th birthday in the present year are honoured during Coming-of-Age Day (Seijin no Hi). National Foundation Day (Kenkoku Kinenbi) on 11 February marks the founding of the nation in 660 BC. Vernal Equinox Day (Shunbun no Hi) celebrates the coming of spring each year, around 21 March. Greenery Day (Midori no Hi) on 29 April is a day to celebrate nature’s beauty. Constitution Memorial Day (Kempō Kinenbi) on 3 May is followed by Children’s Day (Kodomo no Hi) on 5 May. This holiday used to be called Boys’ Day, but since 1948 girls have been included in the celebration. Every year 15 September is set aside to honour the elderly. It is called Respect for the Aged Day (Keirō no Hi). Autumnal Equinox Day (Shūbun no Hi), around 23 September, is a holiday to welcome the arrival of autumn and to honour family ancestors. In 1966, 10 October officially became National Health and Sports Day (Taiiku no Hi), when it was established to commemorate the opening day of the 18th Olympic Games held in Tokyo. On 3 November, Culture Day (Bunka no Hi), those who have made significant contributions to the arts and sciences are awarded medals by the government. Labour Thanksgiving Day (Kinrō Kansha no Hi) is on 23 November. On 23 December the birthday of Emperor Akihito (Tennō Tanjōbi) is celebrated.