˜"*°•.˜"*°•Introduction•°*"˜.•°*"˜
Do you even feel that being in the U.S. disconnects you from the rest of the world? Especially since everyone talking about it online? Well, I am going to tell you about our neighboring country, Japan, and how different and similar we all are.
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You may think Japan was founded in 1976 but, Japan was actually founded by Emperor Jimmu in 660 BCE. The legendary Emperor Jimmu is considered the first emperor of Japan and is believed to have ascended to the throne in 660 BCE. Down a long line of emperors, Naruhito is now the emperor of Japan since 2019. He is Japan's 126th emperor, and, according to tradition, traces his directly to Jimmu.
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Now that you know how Japan came to be, why don't we look at some of their traditions and think about how they are different from us?
♥Subtopic 1 Food♥
Did you know in Japan they also celebrate Christmas? Theirs is a little different, everyone knows that everyone eats turkey for Christmas dinner but, Turkey is incredibly hard to find in Japan. As a substitute, they prepare a roast chicken dinner instead but some get KFC for Christmas dinner, it's remarkably popular on Christmas Eve.
A Japanese favorite, Ehomaki, is a thick, rolled sushi traditionally enjoyed during the Japanese holiday, Setsubun. This unique custom involves eating the entire roll as a whole in silence! Doing so is believed to bring good luck for the year. The holiday, Setsubun, falls on the day before "Risshun," the first day of spring, and marks the end of winter. The holiday maintains the ancient tradition of driving away demons and welcoming the New Year (Lunar New Year).
♥Subtopic 2 Love Locks♥
Any spot in Japan that's considered romantic, such as observation decks with a good view of the city is where all the couples are at. One of the oldest traditions in Asia is for couples to write a message on a lock and leave it at a romantic spot as well as throw the key into the ocean or another body of water to symbolize their forever-lasting love.
Japan has dozens of love lock spots such as the Love Bell of Enoshima Island. In most locations, the tradition is encouraged by the attraction. It's been unusual for couples in Japan to leave behind a love lock without permission. The sweet tradition has spread all over the world and is considered one of the most popular things to do on a date.
♥Subtopic 3 Comparing and Contrasting♥
Foundations of Society: Collectivism vs. Individualism
Japan: Collectivism: In Japan, people prioritize the group over themselves. They value cooperation, loyalty, and shared responsibility. It's like being part of a team where everyone works together.
Wa (和): Think of it as the unwritten rules that keep things harmonious. Individuals find their place within society, maintaining balance and ensuring everyone's well-being.
United States: Individualism: In the U.S., personal freedom and ambition take center stage. People celebrate self-expression and pursuing their dreams. It's like being a solo artist, standing out and making your mark.
Etiquette:
Japan:
Bowing: In Japan, bowing is like a choreographed dance. It's not just a simple nod; it's a symphony of subtleties. The depth of the bow conveys respect and reflects the social hierarchy. Whether you're meeting someone for the first time or interacting with colleagues, bowing is an essential part of Japanese etiquette.
Punctuality: Punctuality is revered in Japan. It's not merely about being on time—it's an art form. Imagine trains gliding with metronomic precision. Arriving late is akin to playing a discordant note in this harmonious orchestra. The Japanese train system exemplifies this commitment to punctuality, where delays are rare and apologies are made even for minor lateness.
United States:
Handshakes, High-Fives, and Nods: In the U.S., interactions are more direct and casual. Handshakes are common in business settings, high-fives celebrate achievements, and nods acknowledge understanding. It's like a quick riff in a musical jam session—spontaneous and straightforward.
Punctuality: While time is valued, it's more elastic. Americans appreciate punctuality, but there's room for flexibility. Life syncs to a different beat—a jazz improvisation. Sometimes, being fashionably late adds a touch of flair. It's about balancing structure with spontaneity.
3. Cash and Technology
Japan: Neon-lit streets belie a surprising truth: cash remains king. Despite futuristic robots and smart toilets, digital payment systems lag behind. In cozy izakayas, paper yen changes hands, connecting generations.
United States: Silicon Valley pulses with innovation. Credit cards, apps, and contactless payments rule the roost. Yet, tucked away in mom-and-pop diners, crumpled dollar bills tell tales of everyday transactions.
4. Smoking Laws and Hazy Air
Japan: A paradox unfolds—a blend of tradition and modernity. Tokyo's smoke-filled izakayas coexist with smoke-free zones. The scent of tobacco mingles with whispers of cherry blossoms, creating an otherworldly haze.
United States: Smoke swirls in dive bars, where stories unravel over whiskey. But the winds of change blow—clean air ordinances sweep through cities, leaving behind memories of smoky nights.
5. Language and Characters
Japan: Kanji strokes etch meaning onto paper—a visual symphony of ideograms. The language weaves ancient tales, bridging past and present. Respectful honorifics dance alongside casual slang.
United States: Roman letters march across keyboards—a global script. English, a melting pot of borrowed words, resonates across continents. From Shakespearean sonnets to Twitter hashtags, it echoes the human experience.
6. Cuisine: Sushi Rolls and Apple Pies
Japan: Sushi chefs wield knives like samurai, crafting delicate morsels. Umami dances on taste buds, and omakase reveals secrets. Yet, ramen stalls and yakitori skewers ground the culinary journey.
United States: Apple pies cool on windowsills, a slice of Americana. Food trucks serve fusion tacos, blending cultures. From soul food to farm-to-table bistros, flavors harmonize in a gastronomic symphony.
7. Cherry Blossoms and Bald Eagles
Japan: Spring whispers secrets as cherry blossoms unfurl—a fleeting beauty. Tea ceremonies honor impermanence. Meanwhile, koi glide in tranquil ponds, embodying resilience.
United States: Bald eagles soar over amber waves—a patriotic emblem. National parks sprawl, from Yosemite's granite cliffs to the Everglades' marshy embrace. Nature, wild and untamed, binds hearts.
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Now do you feel as disconnected as you felt before? Japanese traditions are and forever will be unique and different in their own way. I hope you learn a new fun fact from this article or learn more about a fact you already knew about.
Thank you for reading my Information Text <3 Have a great day :D
