CULTURE AND CUSTOMS

Japanese people are very polite and correct manners are important to them. Some examples of manners they consider bad are:

1 Blowing your nose in public or at the table.
2 Talking about the toilet before or during a meal.
3 Burping.
4 Drinking before everyone is served and their glasses are raised.

Non-verbal communication plays an important role in Japanese culture. Bowing not only indicates a form of greeting; but also is a way to say thank you or sorry. Japanese schools are very difficult and demanding and the students are under a lot of pressure to succeed. Their education system works, as Japanese students are some of the worlds best in math and science.

The two major religions in Japan are Shinto and Buddhism. These have been around for centuries and many Japanese consider themselves to be both. It is very important, especially to the elderly to behave calmly, respectfully and appropriately when visiting a temple or shrine.

Kabuki is a traditional Japanese form of theatre that was founded in the 17th century. The costumes are colorful and the makeup is dramatic. Men play both female and male roles.

Although many people think of kimonos when they think of Japan, today a Japanese woman usually owns one. This is worn on her 19th birthday for her coming of age ceremony. For other ceremonies, like weddings, kimonos are usually rented.