Country: Japan

Land Title: Land of the Rising Sun

2 Trivia’s:

Japan’s population is 98.5 percent Japanese

This may seem absurd, but the modern world is becoming increasingly multicultural. However, this
is not the case in Japan. That is largely due to stringent visa requirements and a cultural mindset
keeping its distinctive and ancient culture steeped in old traditions.

Japan is Extremely Clean

Streets in Japan are immaculate; even in Tokyo, the capital, and a massive megacity, all streets
are spotless and litter-free. That being said, how does Japan accomplish this? It’s all about their
mindset. The Japanese very seldom leave trash on the streets. Additionally, volunteers of all ages
clean the streets for the simple reason that they want to live in a tidy city.

5 Tourist Spots:
1. Mount Fuji
Without a doubt Japan's most recognizable landmark, majestic Mount Fuji (Fuji-san) is also the
country's highest mountain peak. Towering 3,776 meters over an otherwise largely flat landscape to
the south and east, this majestic and fabled mountain is tall enough to be seen from Tokyo, more than
100 kilometers away.

Mount Fuji has for centuries been celebrated in art and literature and is now considered so important
an icon that UNESCO recognized its world cultural significance in 2013. Part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu
National Park, Mount Fuji is climbed by more than a million people each summer as an act of
pilgrimage, which culminates in watching the sunrise from its summit.

2. Imperial Tokyo

Tokyo's most famous landmark, the Imperial Palace with its beautiful 17th-century parks surrounded
by walls and moats, is a must-see when visiting the nation's capital. Don't be put off by the fact that
the majority of the palace is closed to the public (it's still in use by the Imperial family), as there is
still enough to see simply by strolling the grounds.

In addition to the many fine views of the palace from numerous points in the surrounding parkland,
visitors are permitted into the East Higashi-Gyoen Garden and other areas that are opened to the
public as part of an organized tour. One of the most romantic views is of the famous Nijubashi
Bridge, or "double bridge," so named for its watery reflection.

3. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

While little needs to be said here of the horrors of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in August 1945,
much can be said of the incredible efforts this vibrant city has made to commemorate the many
victims of the world's first nuclear attack. Perhaps even more importantly, Hiroshima has become a
symbol of lasting peace.

Visited by more than a million people each year, many from overseas, Hiroshima Peace Memorial
Park (Hiroshima Heiwa Kinen Kōen) lies at the epicenter of the atomic blast in what was once a
bustling part of the city. Here you'll find a number of important monuments, memorials, and
museums relating to the events of that fateful day.

In addition to the grounds and gardens with their colorful cherry blossoms, the park is where you'll
find the Peace Memorial Museum, with its numerous exhibits dealing with the issue of world peace.
It's also where you'll find the Memorial Cenotaph and the Flame of Peace, as well as the Atom Bomb
Dome, the ruins of an administrative building that lay at the center of the explosion.

4. The Island Shrine of Itsukushima, Miyajima

Just a short ferry ride from mainland Hiroshima is the island of Miyajima, famous the world over as
Japan's Shrine Island. Covering an area of 30 square kilometers in Hiroshima Bay, Miyajima is best
known as the home of the Itsukushima Shrine, a Shinto temple dedicated to the Princess daughters of
the wind god Susanoo.

Dating from the eighth century, the majority of the shrine's buildings rise out of the waters of a small
bay supported only by piles. The effect at high tide is simply stunning, making these structures -
including the famous Great Floating Gate (O-Torii) - appear as if they're floating on water.

Linked together by walkways and bridges, it's a fascinating place to explore, in particular its larger
halls. These include the exquisite Honden (Main Hall), the Offerings Hall (Heiden), the Prayer Hall
(Haiden), and the Hall of a Thousand Mats (Senjokaku).

5. Temple City: Historic Nara

For centuries the hub of Japanese culture, the lovely unspoiled city of Nara is home to a large
number of historic buildings, along with important national treasures and works of art.

In addition to its many historic streets, the city boasts numerous important old temples. These includ
the magnificent seventh-century Kofuku-ji Temple, perhaps the best known of the Seven Great
Temples of Nara; and the splendid eighth-century Todai-ji (Great East Temple), famous for its huge
bronze statue of the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), cast here in AD 749.

5 Cuisines:

1. Buta-No-Shogayaki (Ginger Pork)

This is one of the most common (and tasty) Japanese dishes. Try it in many
restaurants, izakaya (traditional Japanese restaurant/bar), fast food chains, and even as a bento box (a
pre-prepared Japanese style lunch) found in many grocery stores and convenience stores.

The word yaki means literally “grilled.” This dish is prepared by grilling thin slices of pork dressed
with a delicate sauce of mirin, soy sauce, sake (Japanese rice wine), granola oil mixed with sliced
onions, and ginger. The dish makes for a great quick and tasty meal, and it’s perfect for any season.

2. Champon

This dish may look like ramen at first sight (and you could say it belongs to the same category), but
it’s different and unique. So if you want to taste something traditional, don’t miss out on this dish.

Champon is originally from Nagasaki, as it first appeared there in a Chinese restaurant during the
Meiji era (1868-1912). However, unlike the many different kinds of ramen, its noodles (specifically
made for this dish) are boiled in the soup itself instead of being added later.

3. Fugu

The fugu is a pufferfish that is, yes, delicious, but it can also be lethal due to a toxin in some parts of
its body. Fugu is usually served as sashimi or in certain kinds of Japanese nabe hot pots.

The preparation of this fish, due to its characteristics, is rigidly controlled by the Japanese
government. Chefs who aspire to prepare this fish must undergo at least three years of very rigorous
training to get their license. Before being served, the toxic parts of the fish are removed, making it
safe to serve.

Interestingly, fugu liver is considered the tastiest part of the fish, but it’s also the one that can be the
most poisonous. As a result, serving fugu liver was outlawed in Japan in 1984. Should you try this
dish, you’ll certainly remain amazed by its taste, but do careful research before ordering it in a
restaurant (and never try to prepare it by yourself).

4. Gyoza

Gyoza are moon-shaped dumplings. Another one of those dishes that can be found in almost every
Japanese restaurant, regardless of their style, but that many people miss. Although Chinese in origin,
the varieties you'll discover during your Japan stay are often quite distinct from the original.

Gyoza comes in several varieties in Japan. One of the most popular is "yaki-gyoza": the dumplings
are prepared with a filling of minced pork meat, cabbage, garlic, onion, and ginger. They are then
lightly fried until they become crunchy and of a nice dark-gold color.

5. Miso Soup

When talking about food in Japan, we cannot avoid mentioning miso soup. This dish served in
almost any combination of breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals, is truly a staple of Japanese cuisine.
Simple and flavorful, it’s an amazing side dish to enjoy with the rest of your food.

Very often, miso soup will be served with tofu, scallion, and wakame seaweed. Other items, such as
daikon, shrimp, fish, mushrooms, potatoes, onions, or meat, can be added.

5 Culture & Tradition:

1. Bon Dance Festival

“Obon” is a special time of year for the people. It’s a Japanese cultural tradition held in the middle of
summer to honor ancestors. In Buddhism, it is believed that the spirits of the ancestors come back to
visit their living family once a year during this time. It’s a holiday for many companies so there’s a
great migration of people all over the country in order to gather at their family homes. People clean
their family gravestones and household altars, offer flowers and food to the ancestors, and have
prayers chanted by a monk for their ancestors.
 
There are also “bon” (short for “obon”) festivals with “bon” dances held during this period. It’s a
lively festival held at temples within a community, with music and dancing. A lot of people,
especially the women wear summer kimonos called “yukata”. There’s a stage built in the middle of a
large empty space and the people beating the drums and the lead dancers are up on this stage. And
everyone else dances in a circle around this stage. All of the dances are simple and repetitive so
anyone can join in just by copying the people around them.

2. Cherry Blossom Viewing

As you know, spring is all about seeing the cherry blossoms in Japan. They bloom from around the
last days of March to the first week of April. Nowadays there are many tours to take you to see the
beautiful cherry blossoms. One thing you’ll probably see a lot when going on these tours are people
having picnics under the flowering trees. This is a custom called “ohanami” or literally cherry
blossom viewing. People enjoy talking, eating, drinking alcohol, and overall having a good time
under the cherry blossoms. Doing this at night is called “yozakura” or night cherry blossoms.

3. Setsubun
Another Japanese tradition is observing Setsubun. Setsubun is a Japanese holiday which takes place
the day before Spring in Japan. On this holiday, the Japanese believe that the spirit world is closest to
our world. One activity during the holiday is called mamemaki, this is where the children are given
the opportunity to scare the demons out of their house. During mamemaki, a parent will put on
an oni mask to represent the demons and they scare their children. The children then fend of the
demons by throwing soy beans (mame)! This is still a popular Japanese tradition in the household,
but many people attend a shrine or temple where mamemaki takes place as part of their spring
festival.

4. No Tipping in Japan

In Japan, there is no tipping! Depending on the country you hail from, this could be tricky to fathom.
If you add a tip to your bill, it will be returned to you like change you’re due back. However well-
meaning your gesture, in Japan tipping is considered insulting. They believe that a price is a price so
why would they want more than asked of? In layman’s terms, just don’t do it!

5. Gift-giving

Gift-giving is a major type of Japanese traditions – it’s not reserved for birthdays and other
celebrations. Omiyage and temiyage are two prevalent types of gift-giving. Omiyage is the giving of
souvenirs. Japanese tourists regularly buy souvenirs for friends, family and colleagues so there are
souvenir shops are everywhere in Japan. Unlike many souvenir stalls in the UK, they’re not (just)
filled with tat, but thoughtful and eloquent gifts, often specific to the local area’s specialities and
culture.

Temiyage are ‘thank-you’ gifts you take when you are visiting someone, such as a host family.
While it’s not compulsory to bring such gifts, it’s always well appreciated, and it’s simply part of the
culture! However, make sure you spend no more or less than ¥1000 and ¥5000 – it would be
insulting to give a particularly cheap item, or to boast your wealth with something flashy! Keep it
simple – the souvenir shops make it very easy!

Ways of Communication through Verbal & Non-verbal

VERBAL
Verbal communication is less important in Japan than nonverbal, because the spoken word can
have several meanings. Nonverbal messages are therefore key, either communicated intentionally
or subconsciously. The Japanese rely heavily on facial expressions, posture, hand movements and
tones of voice to understand others.

Not Fluent in English

The Japanese are focused on learning English; as well as being compulsory for school children, there's a $20
billion adult education market. Despite this commitment, however, hardly anyone can speak English fluently.
The Japanese don't expect foreigners to speak or read Japanese, but feel very embarrassed at not being able
to speak English themselves.

Understanding the Japanese in Business

The Japanese are often silent for long periods in meetings while forming responses. Experts advise
that Westerners be patient, adopt an indirect manner and try and pick up on the nonverbal signals.
Japanese people don't like saying "no," so it's best to ask questions to which they can answer "yes."

NON-VERBAL
Those who do business in Japan do well to understand that the country offers a culture where
context is highly important. The Japanese communication style entails careful consideration of their
words before speaking, with each word carrying great importance. The same holds true for
nonverbal communication in Japan. 

Because of the importance of Japan in the global economy, it’s a place where many businesspeople
from the United States visit on important trips. It’s critical that they understand the details
of nonverbal communication in Japan. It may play an important role in the success of a business
meeting. 

Greetings in Japan 

In Japanese culture, bowing to the other person is a sign of respect. People bow to those they
regard highly, including elders, teachers and people of high status. The other person bows back out
of gratitude. Some Japanese businessmen are fine with a handshake, but expect it to be limp with
no eye contact. The Japanese consider long eye contact a challenge, not a show of confidence as it
is in the West. 

Appearance 
The Japanese tend toward conservative dress in business settings. Much like your appearance, our
overall manner should be conservative, quiet and respectful. The Japanese believe deeply in saving
“face,” that is, not embarrassing another in public. Politeness is the best course to follow. 

Enjoy the Silence 

The Japanese typically nod often while listening, showing they pay attention to what is
said. However, there is little idle chatter. In Japan, there is no urge to fill the silence with
talk, but rather to use it a time to consider what is being said.  

Posture 

It’s considered rude to sit with legs crossed or slouched. The proper way to sit is
upright with both feet on the floor. When standing, give the other person room.
Standing too close to someone else is inappropriate. 

Control Emotions 

The Japanese consider showing emotions as a burden to the other person. They
typically maintain a passive expression while speaking. A negative emotion may only
get expressed with a tilt of the head or a quick inhalation.   

A Hierarchical Culture 

The Japanese business culture is hierarchical, which influences who you communicate
with and even where you sit in a meeting. Typically, the highest-ranking person sits
farthest from the door. Also, building personal relationships over time also is key to
success in business. 

Business Cards  

The Japanese exchange business cards regularly, often offered with a small bow. Cards
should be of high quality and have the rank of the person clearly labeled. Always treat
business cards with a great deal of respect.