[Image1][English/Japanese]Things that Surprised International Students When They Came to Japan: Japanese Peo
[Image2][English/Japanese]Things that Surprised International Students When They Came to Japan: Japanese Peo

[English/Japanese]
Things that Surprised International Students When They Came to Japan: Japanese People's Personalities (1)
When I asked international students, "What kind of people did you think the Japanese people were when you were in your home country? " I asked them. They replied, "I thought Japanese people were polite, kind, and serious. But now it's a little different. They replied. So, what do international students think about Japanese people when they come to Japan? This time, I would like to talk about some of the behaviors and conversations that international students find strange when communicating with Japanese people.

Social Etiquette
This is a story about a Bangladeshi student.
There is a Japanese person who I became friends with during break time at my part-time job. I was very happy because I had never made Japanese friends before. The Japanese person said, "Let's have dinner sometime. I was so happy that I asked him when he wanted to eat. Where do you want to eat? I asked. But the Japanese guy laughed and said he would check his schedule and that was the end of the conversation. I waited, wondering when. I waited and waited, but there was no answer at all. I wondered why.
If you are Japanese, you may understand this story. When Japanese people say, "Let's eat dinner sometime," it does not mean that they really want to eat. This conversation is a kind of greeting. However, in most cases, it is not a lie from the Japanese to the foreign student, because it is often said when the conversation was enjoyable. It also implies that you might really want to have dinner together when you get to know each other better or when the timing is right. If someone says, "Let's have dinner sometime. If you are asked, "Let's have dinner sometime," you can say, "Sounds good. or "I would like to introduce you to some restaurants in my country, so please let me know when you are free. I'd like to introduce you to some restaurants in my country.

What is your blood type?
I often get asked by international students, "Why do Japanese people often ask me my blood type? Why is that? There are many international students who do not know their blood type. They also say that almost no one asks people their blood type in everyday conversation. In Japan, "blood type fortune-telling" and "blood type personality tests," which are not common in other countries, are often featured in morning information programs and women's magazines. Type A is serious, Type B is self-centered, Type O is sketchy, and Type AB is mysterious, to name a few of the blood type characteristics that Japanese people believe in. Some Japanese people don't want people to know that their blood type is B because they have a bad impression of it. When I tell this story, the foreign students burst into laughter. You may think it is ridiculous to judge people by their blood type, but it is true that for some Japanese people, it is used as a basis for judging others. If you are asked your blood type by a Japanese person, you may want to reply, "I don't know.

Japanese people are quick to apologize
A Mongolian student said to me, "Japanese people are quick to apologize. It's strange that they apologize even if it's not their fault. " Japanese people use the word "Sumimasen" a lot in their daily lives. The word "Sumimasen" is mainly used to apologize, but it is also used when you want to thank someone or call out to someone. However, this is not the only reason why Japanese people apologize more often than other countries. It is often said that the reason why Japanese people apologize so often is that they are a nation that is careful not to cause trouble to others. When foreigners see Japanese people apologizing, they think that Japanese people are polite, but at the same time, they sometimes feel as if they are running away from solving problems. However, if you get a job at a Japanese company or work part-time serving customers, you may have problems if you cannot apologize like a Japanese person. There are books on how to apologize, and even movies about it in japan. If you want to work in Japan, learn not only the Japanese language but also how to apologize.

What do you think? In the next article, I will continue to tell you about Japanese people's behavior and conversation that international students find strange!

What surprised international students when they came to Japan ~ Personalities of Japan people (1) ~
When I asked international students, "What kind of people did you think Japan people were when you were in your country?" they replied, "I thought they were polite, kind, and serious. But now it's a little different." I answer. So, what do international students who come to Japan think about Japan people? This time, we will focus on the behaviors and conversations that international students think "Japan people are strange" when communicating with Japan people.

Social Dictatorship
The story of a Bangladeshi student.
There are Japan people with whom I became friends a little during breaks at my part-time job. It was my first time to have Japan friends, and I was very happy. The Japan said, "Let's eat next time." I was so glad that when to eat? Where to eat? I asked. But the Japan laughed and said, "I'll check the schedule," and that was the end of the story. I wonder when? I was waiting, but there was no reply at all. Why?
I think Japan people will understand this story. The Japan person's "Let's eat next time" does not really want to eat. This conversation is like a greeting. However, I often say it when I enjoyed having a conversation, so I have no intention of being rude to international students. And it also means that you might really eat together when you get to know each other more or when the timing is right. If someone says, "Let's eat next time," you say, "That's great." or "I would like to introduce you to a store in my country, so please let me know when you have free time."

What is your blood type?
International students sometimes ask me, "Why do Japan people often ask me about my blood type?" There are many international students who do not know their blood type. He also says that very few people ask people about their blood type in everyday conversations. In Japan, "blood type fortune telling" and "blood type personality diagnosis", which are not often found in other countries, are often covered in morning information programs and women's magazines. The characteristics of blood types that Japan believe in are that type A is serious, type B is self-centered, type O is rough, type AB is mysterious, etc. Some people who are Japan and have a blood type B don't want others to know because they have a bad impression. When I tell this story, the international students burst out laughing. You may think it's silly to judge people by their blood type, but it's also true that some Japan people use it as a factor in their judgment. When someone Japan you ask you about your blood type, it might be a good idea to answer, "I don't know."

Japan people who apologize immediately
A Mongolian student told me, "Japan people apologize immediately, and it's strange to apologize even if you're not bad." I have been told. Japan people often use the word "sumimasen" in their daily lives. "Sumimasen" is mainly used to apologize, but it is also used when you want to thank or call out. But that's not all Japan it's true that people apologize more than in other countries. One of the reasons why Japan people frequently apologize is the national trait of being careful not to cause trouble to others. Seeing Japan apologize can also make Japan feel like a foreigner is running away from solving problems, while others think they are polite. However, if you get a job at a Japan company or serve customers part-time Japan problems may arise if you cannot apologize like a person. There are also bookstores on how to apologize, movies about it, etc. If you work in Japan Japanese learn how to apologize as well as the .

How was it? Next time, I will tell you about the behavior and conversations of Japan international students who think it is strange!

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Oct. 12, 2021
[English/Japanese] Continuing from last week, I would like to introduce some of the behaviors and conversations that international students find strange when communicating with Japanese people. Shy Japanese? International students often tell me that many Japanese people are shy. When I ask them why, they say that many Japanese do not express their opinions clearly, do not make eye contact, and are shy about dancing or singing in public. Do you think that Japanese people are really shy? In Japan, modesty and mutual respect have long been regarded as virtues. For this reason, I think many Japanese people are careful to avoid doing anything that might draw attention to themselves. However, there is one situation where shy Japanese people can act boldly. One of them is hot springs. International students often say that it is strange that Japanese people are so shy that they show their nakedness to others and take a bath together. They also say the same thing about Japanese people who cosplay at anime events. When it comes to hot springs, the reason given is that it is a part of Japanese culture that they have grown accustomed to, so few Japanese question it. Also, cosplaying is a way to "be someone else," and many people are open to it. ✌ In your country, what kind of poses do you take when taking photos? When you take photos at your Japanese language school, you can discover the differences between countries. For example, male students from Nepal and Bangladesh "wear sunglasses and put their hands in their pockets and hold them at an angle," while female students from Asian countries who like Korean culture "make a heart with their index finger and thumb overlapping. And most Japanese teachers make the "peace sign". There are many theories as to why Japanese people make the peace sign. Some foreign students think that Japanese people are boring when it comes to posing for photos. However, for shy Japanese who feel embarrassed to be true, it may be a relief to have a standard pose. Different Personalities in Different Regions When people talk about the personality of the Japanese, they are often referring to the Japanese living in the Tokyo area. So, are Japanese people in other areas the same as in Tokyo? Osaka is famous for being different from the typical Japanese character. Osaka has prospered as a city of commerce and is home to many people who like to talk and make people laugh. For this reason, I often hear foreign students who have visited Osaka for the first time or who have talked with people from Osaka say that they do not feel like Japanese. Also, being located in the southernmost part of Japan, Okinawa has a large number of people who love to dance and sing. Just like the climate, the people in Okinawa are warm and cheerful. On the other hand, people in colder areas such as Tohoku are more humble and less talkative than those in Tokyo. Even in the same region of Japan, the atmosphere of the people differs depending on the region, so please try talking to Japanese people in different regions. Over the past two weeks, I have introduced the personality and behavior of Japanese people. International students who have just arrived in Japan often have misunderstandings about the behavior of Japanese people. In order to reduce such misunderstandings, Japanese language schools offer classes on Japanese culture as well as on the character of Japanese people. Please come and observe our classes. Continuing from last week, I would like to introduce the actions and conversations that international students thought "Japan people are strange" when communicating with Japan people. Shy Japan? International students often say that many Japan people are shy. When asked why, they say, "I don't express my opinion clearly," "I don't make eye contact," and "I am shy about dancing or singing in public." Do you think Japan people are really shy? It has long been a virtue for Japan to be humble and to give in. Therefore, I think there are many people who are careful not to do anything that attracts Japan attention of themselves. But why would such a shy Japan do such a thing? There are also situations where I have doubts. It is a hot spring. International students often tell me that it is strange to show others their nakedness and take a bath together, even though they are Japan shy. There are also similar opinions about Japan people who cosplay at anime events. When it comes to hot springs, the reason is that few people have doubts about them because they are familiar with Japan Japan culture. Also, cosplay is about "becoming a different you," and many people open up. ✌ What kind of pose do you take when taking photos in your country? Taking photos at Japanese schools allows you to discover differences between countries. Male students from Nepal and Bangladesh "put their hands in their pockets with sunglasses and hold them diagonally," while Asian female students who like Korean culture "put their index fingers and thumbs on top of each other to make a heart." And Japan teachers mostly make a "peace sign". There are theories as to why Japan people do pieces. Some international students find it boring to pose for photos of Japan people. However, for shy Japan who find photography embarrassing, it may be reassuring to have a standard pose. Personality varies by region When talking about the personality of Japan people, most of them are aimed at "Japan people living in the suburbs of Tokyo". So, are Japan people in other regions the same as in Tokyo? Osaka is famous for being different from the typical Japan personality. Osaka is a thriving city of business, and there are many people who like to talk and want to make people laugh. For this reason, I often hear from international students who visit Osaka for the first time or who have spoken with people from Osaka that they are not like Japan people. Also, Okinawa, which is located in the southernmost part of the Japan, has many people who love to dance and sing. Like the climate, the people are warm and cheerful people live here. On the other hand, there is an image that in cold regions such as Tohoku, there are even more humble people and fewer words than in Tokyo. Even in the same Japan, the atmosphere of people differs depending on the region, so please try talking to Japan people from various regions. Over the course of two weeks, we introduced the personalities and behaviors of Japan people. International students who have just arrived at Japan often misunderstand the behavior of Japan others. In Japanese schools, in order to reduce such misunderstandings, the Japan culture and the personality of the Japan person are also dealt with in class. Please come and observe the class.
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Sep. 28, 2021
[English/Japanese] Things that Surprised Foreign Students When They Came to Japan - Love (2) In this article, I will introduce Japanese people's views on love. 1) The process of becoming a lover In your country, what is the difference between a friend and a lover? In Japan, there are several processes to change from a friend to a lover. In most cases, if you find someone you like, you first ask him/her out on a date. After a few dates, you tell them, "Please be my girlfriend. And if the person says yes, you're in, you become lovers. When I tell this story, some international students say, "This is like asking for marriage! About 30 years ago, many students would write letters asking for a girlfriend, but nowadays, students are confessing their love through social networking sites. It's a bit tedious, but if you want a Japanese lover, try to be aware of this process. 2) Don't feed the fish you catch? I often hear from foreigners that Japanese people are cold to their lovers. Are Japanese people really cold to their lovers? Japanese people are not very good at expressing their feelings straightforwardly, not just to their lovers. For this reason, it is said that they don't often say "I love you" to their lovers. In addition, since they want to have an equal relationship with their lovers, many men and women do not pay more for a meal, but rather split the bill. Also, working people are basically busy, so it is said that they date only once a week. If you just listen to this story, it sounds cold, doesn't it? Japanese people have their own unique expressions of affection. For example, many couples want to feel that they are always together by having a pair of things because they are too busy to see their lover very often. There are many couples who go out to buy a pair of rings, especially when they have just become lovers. I often hear Europe and America students say, "It's strange to wear a pair of rings when you're not engaged." You and your girlfriend or boyfriend should discuss and decide which culture you want to go with. 3) Special events for lovers There are several special events for lovers. There are several special events for lovers, such as each other's birthday, the anniversary of their relationship, Valentine's Day, etc. Among them, Christmas is the one that surprises foreigners. In Japan, Christmas has a strong image of being an event to spend with lovers rather than a family event. Perhaps because of this, around November, people say, "Christmas is only a month away. If I don't get a girlfriend soon, it will be a very lonely Christmas. " Also, In Japanese TV dramas and movies, Christmas is always portrayed as a romantic scene. It is also an important event to introduce your lover to your family. For Japanese people, introducing your lover to your family is when you are willing to marry him/her, so you carefully choose the clothes and souvenirs you will wear on that day. On the other hand, in many other countries, letting your family meet you often does not have such a heavy meaning. Therefore, asking your Japanese lover to "meet your family" may cause misunderstandings between you. Some of them may say, "I don't want to get married yet!" and you may be rejected, so be careful! In this article, I introduced some of the Japanese views on love. Talking about love is one of the most popular topics in class. Please enroll in a Japanese language school and talk about it with people from various countries. What surprised international students when they came to Japan ~ Love (2) ~ This time, I will introduce Japan people's views on love. (1) The process of becoming a lover What is the difference between a friend and a lover in your country? In Japan there are several processes to turn from a friend to a lover. Most of the time, if someone interests you, the first thing you do is ask them out on a date. You go on a few dates, and then tell them, "Please be my lover." And if you get the OK from the other person, you will become lovers. When I talk about this, some international students say, "It's like when I ask you to get married!" About 30 years ago, many students wrote letters asking them to become lovers. By the way, recent students have confessed on SNS. It's a bit troublesome, but if you want to have a lover Japan, please be aware of this process. (2) Do you feed the fish you catch? Japan often hear from foreigners that people are cold to their lovers. Is Japan person really cold to his lover? Japan people are not limited to lovers, and there are few people who tell their feelings straight. Therefore, it is said that they do not often say "I love you" to their lovers in words. Also, since they want their lovers to have an equal relationship, neither men nor women pay too much when eating, and many people split it. Also, working people are basically busy, so it is said that they go on dates about once a week. Hearing this story alone makes you feel cold. Japan person has a Japan person-like expression of affection. For example, there are many couples who are too busy to see their lovers very often, so having a pair makes them feel "always together". Especially many couples who are new to lovers go to buy a pair of rings. I often hear from students in Europe and the United States, "Pair rings are weird even though they are not engaged." Let's decide which culture to go with after a lot of discussion with your lover. (3) Special events between lovers There are several special events between lovers. Each other's birthdays, dating anniversaries, Valentine's Day... Among them, it is Christmas that surprises foreigners. In Japan, Christmas has a strong image of being an event to spend with loved ones rather than an event to spend with a family. Perhaps because of this, around November, "Christmas is only one month away, and if you don't make a lover quickly, it will be a very lonely Christmas." And a person without a lover begins to get impatient. Even in Japan dramas and movie love stories, Christmas is depicted as a romantic scene. It is also an important event to introduce your lover to your family. For Japan, introducing a lover to a family member is when they are thinking about marrying that lover, so carefully choose the clothes and souvenirs to wear that day. On the other hand, in many other countries, it often doesn't make such a heavy sense to let you see your family. Therefore, if you ask Japan lover to "meet your family", there is a possibility that you will misunderstand each other. Some of them may say, "I don't want to get married yet!" and be touched, so be careful. This time, we introduced some of the views of Japan people in love. Talking about love is one of the most exciting topics in class. Let's enroll in Japanese school and talk with people from various countries.