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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.
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Things that Surprised International Students When They Came to Japan - Love (1)
Some international students have Japanese lover boyfriends or girlfriends. There are also students who have found someone of the opposite sex they like and ask how to appeal to them. In this article, I would like to introduce some episodes of love that have actually happened to international students.
I followed a beautiful woman...
A male student was approached by a woman at a train station. She was very beautiful and they had a nice conversation, so the student promised to meet her next time. Later, the woman contacted the student and invited him to her house. The student was very excited to enter the house. And found several of her friends there. The woman told him that they were in the same business. The male student was invited to join the business, but he properly refused. Basically, Japanese women do not actively approach strangers. Also, don't immediately go to a stranger's house, even if the person is a woman.
When I gave lady first to a Japanese woman
There is a story about a Western student who gave a female employee ”ladies first” treatment, and the female staff mistakenly thought that the student liked her. In the old days in Japan, women were taught to walk three steps behind men. That is why Japanese women were rarely treated kindly by men. Today, this has changed considerably. However, we do not have ”ladies first” culture like in the West. Therefore, if you do something to a Japanese woman, such as holding the door open for her, she may think, "Maybe that foreigner likes me. " and this may lead to trouble. Treating women well is a good thing, so you may want to proactively introduce yourself to them about your own culture to clear up any misunderstandings.
Sudden improvement in Japanese language skills!
Sometimes there are students who suddenly become fluent in Japanese. When I talk to such students, they often tell me that they have found a Japanese lover or someone they are slightly attracted to. It is said that the best way to improve your language skills is to get a girlfriend or boyfriend from the country where you are studying. Of course, there are people whose only love interest is someone from their own country. It is very important to "like" something related to Japan. I hope you can find as many "likes" as possible.
In this article, I introduced an episode that actually happened. Next time, I would like to introduce the Japanese view of love.
What surprised international students when they came to Japan ~ Love (1) ~
There are international students who can have Japan lovers. There are also students who have a favorite opposite sex and ask for advice on how to appeal to them. This time, I would like to introduce an episode about an actual relationship with an international student of the opposite sex.
If you follow a beautiful woman...
A male international student was approached by a woman at the train station. She was a very beautiful woman, we talked a lot, and I made an appointment to see her next. After that, I was contacted by a woman, and the student who was invited to the woman's house was excited, and when I entered the house, I found several female friends. I heard that they were colleagues in the same business. A male student was offered a job in business, but he refused. Basically, Japan women don't actively talk to strangers. Also, don't go to the house of someone you don't know much about, even if they're women.
If you give Japan women lady first
There is a story about a Western student who was mistaken for liking a fellow worker (female) at her part-time job when she responded to her as a lady first. In the old Japan, there was a teaching that a woman should walk three steps behind a man. That's why Japan women were less treated kindly by men. A lot has changed now. However, there is no lady-first culture like in the West. Therefore, if a woman Japan acts like waiting for a woman to open the door, she may mistakenly think that "that foreigner may like me," and that may cause trouble. It's good to treat women with care, so you may want to actively introduce your country's culture and clear up any misunderstandings.
Sudden increase in Japanese power!
Sometimes there are students who suddenly become good at Japanese. When I talk to such students, they often say that they have Japan girlfriends or people who are a little worried. It is said that the shortcut to improving language is to make a lover of the country. Of course, there may be people who only have a love interest from their own country. It is very important to "like" something related to Japan. I hope you can find as many "likes" as possible.
This time, we introduced an episode that actually happened. Next time, I would like to introduce Japan people's views on love.
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Continuing from last week, I would like to introduce the rules of Japanese companies.
(1) Is everyone wearing the same clothes? Job hunting
When international students are looking for a job, the first thing they do is to buy a recruiting suit. This is because the suits that foreign students bring from their home countries are all shiny and cannot be used for job hunting. When looking for a job in Japan, a black suit with a white shirt is the standard. In addition to this, students who dye their hair should make it the same color as their natural hair, and students with beards should shave their beards. Accessories should be removed and shoes should be low heeled. Women should wear light makeup and wear their hair in a bun. If you do all of these things, all job hunters will look like the same person. Job hunters use the same appearance to show off their individuality. Some students from foreign countries think that their appearance is also their personality and refuse to shave their beards. Depending on the type of business, you may not have to wear a recruiting suit, but most companies will first look at your appearance to see if you can follow Japanese rules. You should polish your Japanese language skills so that you can appeal your personality in your speech.
(2) Japanese companies are still old-fashioned.
For a long time, Japanese people have had a negative image of working too much, working too much overtime, increasing salary with age, male dominated society, and difficulty in taking vacations. In modern times, this is gradually improving, but there are still many companies that have this tendency. For example, let's say you have plans to go on a trip on your day off. You tell the people at work about it. Do you know what you should do the next time you go to the office? Usually, Japanese people buy as many souvenirs as the number of employees in the company (the number of employees in the department). Also, when you give out souvenirs, you give them out to the people with the highest positions first. Furthermore, if the trip was not on a holiday, but on a paid holiday, you would say to the other employees, "I apologize for the inconvenience." It is very difficult to understand the unique culture within a company from the beginning. First of all, you should look at the Japanese people around you and observe what they are doing. Also, many Japanese companies have a system where senior employees teach newcomers their jobs when they join the company. As a newcomer, you may want to ask your senior employees a lot of questions.
(3) On and off
I once heard this story from an international student. "I was invited to a drinking party at my part-time job. I don't drink alcohol, so I refused, but they kept inviting me, so I went. I was able to have a good time at the party. Some of us became good friends. The next day at my part-time job, I was talked to in a fun way as I had been at the drinking party, but I was given a cold attitude. Did I do something wrong?" Why do you think this happened to her? Japanese people don't chat much during work, but after work, they sometimes communicate over drinks. This is called "Nominication". It is a word coined from the Japanese words "nomu (drink)" and "communication. At drinking parties, people drink happily regardless of age or position. However, this is only for drinking parties. Also, when we meet at work, we switch to work mode. It is considered bad to go to the office in the same atmosphere of a drinking party. Try to think of it as a clear distinction between on and off, not a sudden coldness.
This is only a small part of what I have covered in this blog. The unique culture of the company is something that even Japanese people have to get used to. Let's learn them little by little. Don't forget to keep a "memo" in your pocket when you learn. This is also a part of Japanese culture.
Continuing from last week, I will introduce the rules of Japan company.
(1) Are we all wearing the same clothes? Job hunting
When international students are looking for a job, they start by buying a recruit suit. This is because all the suits brought by international students from their countries are shiny and cannot be used for job hunting. When you get a job in Japan, you basically wear a white shirt and a black suit. In addition to this, students who dye their hair should have the same color as their natural hair, and students with beards will shave their beards. Remove accessories and wear shoes with low heels. Women also lighten their makeup and tie their hair together. If you put all of this in place, job hunting students will all look the same person. Job hunting students show off their individuality with similar appearances. Some international students refuse to shave because they think that their appearance is their personality. Depending on the industry, you may not be required to wear a recruiting suit, but most companies will first determine whether you can follow the rules of Japan based on your appearance. Hone your Japanese skills so that you can show off your personality in your speeches.
(2) A company with a Japan that is still old
Traditionally Japan people have had negative images such as "working too much," "working a lot of overtime," "salary increases with age," "male society," and "difficulty taking vacations." In modern times, improvements are being made little by little, but there are still many companies that have this trend. For example, let's say you plan to go on a holiday trip. I told the people at the company about it. Do you know what to do the next time you go to work? Usually, Japan people buy as many souvenirs as there are employees in the company (the number of employees in the department). Also, when handing out souvenirs, they are distributed in order of position. In addition, if you went on a trip not on a holiday and used paid leave, we will hand out souvenirs with the words "We apologize for the inconvenience." It is very difficult to understand the unique culture of a company from the beginning. First of all, look at the Japan people around you and observe what they are doing. In addition, Japan companies often have a system in which senior employees teach newcomers about work when they join the company. If you are a newcomer, you may want to ask various questions from senior employees.
(3) On and Off
I have heard this story from international students. "I was invited to a drinking party at my part-time job, and I refused because I couldn't drink, but I was invited many times, so I went. We had a good time at the drinking party. Some people have become good friends. The next day, when I was happily talked to like I had at a drinking party at my part-time job, I was treated coldly. Did I do something wrong?" Why do you think this happened? Japan people don't chat much at work, but they sometimes communicate over drinks after work. This is called "nomination." It is a coined word that combines the words "drink" and "communication" in Japanese. At drinking parties, people enjoy drinking regardless of age or position. However, this is only for drinking parties. Also, when you meet at work, it switches to work mode. It is considered bad to go to the office in the atmosphere of a drinking party. It's not that you've suddenly become cold, but rather that there is a clear separation between on and off.
This is just a small part of what I have put on my blog. The unique culture of a company is full of things that you can't understand unless you are a Japan person. Let's remember it little by little. Don't forget to keep a note in your pocket when memorizing. This is also a culture of Japan.
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Things that Surprised International Students When They Came to Japan - Part-time Jobs
About 80% of international students have part-time jobs in Japan. In this article, we will introduce some of the culture shocks that international students face when they start working part-time.
How much part-time work is possible for international students?
To begin with, the "College Student" status of residence does not allow for part-time work. Therefore, most international students apply for a "Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted" at the airport on the day they arrive in Japan. Even if you are granted permission, there are various rules regarding part-time work for international students. International students are only allowed to work 28 hours a week. However, during long vacations such as summer vacation, you can work 40 hours a week with a certificate from your school. There are also some jobs that you are not allowed to work, such as nightclubs and pachinko. If you violate these rules, you will not be able to live as a foreign student, so if you work overtime, please make sure that you have not exceeded the number of hours. Also, some students take part-time jobs with high hourly wages late at night and fall asleep in class. Study is the most important thing for international students. Don't get an unreasonable part-time job!
Most international students work in restaurants, factories, or convenience stores. Recently, sorting packages for online shopping at a warehouse is a popular job. If you want to find a job in Japan, experience in the hospitality industry can be a career. When choosing a part-time job, be sure to think about and consider many things.
What kind of people are in demand?
Japanese companies are looking for people who are cooperative and polite. Compared to other countries, Japan has a national character that values teamwork, and it is the same for part-time jobs. Listen to your boss's instructions and work together with your colleagues to get the job done. There are cases where international students are scolded for working alone without consulting anyone. Do you know that there is a word used at work called "ho-ren-sou (spinach)"? "Ho" means "report," "ren" means "contact," and "so" means "consultation. Let's always keep these three words in mind when we work. Also, In Japan, there is a saying, "The customer is God," which means that you should treat your customers as if they are God and be polite and courteous to them. If you can master customer service, you will have a big advantage when you find a job in Japan. You don't need to be good at Japanese to convey your feelings.
Unique greetings at part-time jobs
I was once asked by an international student, "Do Japanese people say 'Ohayo gozaimasu' even at night? I was once asked by an international student. In restaurants, "Ohayo gozaimasu" is often used as a greeting to start work. The greeting is the same even if the workday starts at 6:00 p.m., for example. This unique culture makes even Japanese people feel uncomfortable when they first start working part-time. There is no clear reason as to why people greet each other in such a way. Be careful, this is a greeting only between store workers and not used for customer
Be strict with time!
The most common problems that foreign students have at their part-time jobs are related to tardiness and absenteeism. If you are going to be late, be sure to call before the designated time. The same goes for taking time off from your part-time job. Also, if you are at work and it is prayer time, you are not allowed to give priority to prayer. If you have to pray, please try not to work during that time. Also, if you are going to quit your part-time job, please consult with your manager one month in advance. It is not a good idea to quit suddenly. If you quit your part-time job abruptly, people from the same country or the same school as you may not be able to work there anymore. Please be careful.
There are students who suddenly become fluent in Japanese when they start working part-time. I have also received reports that they have made Japanese friends and are enjoying their study abroad experience. Of course, the most important thing for international students is to study, but part-time jobs allow you to learn things that you cannot learn at school. Please manage your part-time job carefully and enjoy your life as an international student.
At our school, we can help you find a part-time job.
What surprised international students when they came to Japan ~Part-time job~
About 80% of privately financed international students work part-time in Japan. In this article, we will introduce the culture shock that international students face when they start working part-time.
How long can international students work part-time?
In the first place, the status of residence of "College Student" does not allow part-time work. Therefore, most international students apply for "permission to engage in activities outside the status of qualification" at the airport on the day they enter the country. Even if you get permission, there are various rules for part-time work for international students. International students should only work 28 hours a week. However, in the case of long vacations, such as summer vacation, you can get a certificate from the school and work 40 hours a week. There are also jobs that you should not work in, such as nightclubs and pachinko. If you violate these requirements, you will not be able to live your study abroad life, so if you work overtime, make sure that you do not exceed the number of hours. In addition, there are people who work part-time jobs late at night with high hourly wages and end up dozing off during class. Studying is the most important thing for international students. Don't work part-time!
Most international students work in restaurants, factories, convenience stores, etc. Recently, the job of sorting packages for online shopping at a warehouse is popular. If you want to get a job in Japan, experience in the hospitality industry can be a career. When you work part-time, be careful about various things when you make a choice.
What kind of human resources are in demand?
Companies in Japan need collaborative and courteous people. Japan has a national character that values teamwork compared to other countries, and the same is true for part-time jobs. Listen to your boss's instructions and work together with your colleagues. Some international students work alone without consulting anyone and are scolded. Did you know that one of the words used at work is "spinach"? "Ho" is "report", "goodwill" is "contact", and "so" is "consultation". Always keep these three words in mind when working. Also, in Japan, there is a saying, "The customer is God." It means that you must think of your customers as gods and serve them politely and politely. If you master customer service, you will have a great advantage when you get a job in Japan. Even if you're not good at Japanese, you can still get the feeling. Serve customers with sincerity.
Unique greetings of part-time workers
An international student once asked me, "Do Japan people say 'good morning' even at night?" In restaurants, etc., "good morning" is often used as a greeting at the start of work. For example, if work starts at 6 p.m., the greeting is the same. This culture feels strange when even Japan people start working part-time. There is no clear reason why we say such a greeting. Please note that this is a conversation between clerks and is not used for customers.
Be strict with time!
The troubles that international students often cause at part-time jobs are often related to "tardiness" and "absenteeism". If you're going to be late, be sure to contact us before the scheduled time. This is the same when you take a break from your part-time job. Also, if it is time to pray while you are at work, you are not allowed to prioritize prayer. If you have prayers, please do not include part-time work at that time. Also, if you want to quit your part-time job, consult with the store manager one month in advance. It's not good to quit suddenly. People from the same country or school as you may not be able to work part-time there. Be careful.
There are students who suddenly become better at Japanese when they start working part-time. I have also received reports that I have made friends with Japan and that my study abroad life has become more enjoyable. Of course, the most important thing for international students is studying, but part-time work allows you to learn what you can't learn at school. Let's manage it carefully by yourself and enjoy your study abroad life.
* At our school, you can consult when looking for a part-time job.
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Continuing from the previous article, I would like to introduce the public transportation system in Japan.
Are trains and buses quiet in Japan?
I often hear from international students that they are surprised at how quiet buses are in Japan. In Japan, it is against etiquette to talk loudly or make phone calls on the train or bus. Therefore, when you see people on the train, most of them are operating their phones or reading books. Also, you may see women dozing off because it is not only quiet but also safe. However, there is one sight that surprises foreigners, even among Japanese people who are said to have good manners. That is, there are women who wear makeup on the train. I've heard many people say that they stared at the dexterity of these women as they applied their makeup on the train. It would be interesting to look around and see what they are doing when you get on the train or bus.
The hellish commuter rush
Compared to people in other countries, the Japanese are a nation of people who keep their distance from each other. However, on the train during commuting, you will see scenes that make this hard to believe. In Tokyo, from about 7:30 to 9:00 in the morning, the train occupancy rate is about 180%. The boarding rate is the ratio of the number of people actually on board to the capacity. When the ratio is 100%, all the seats are occupied; when it is 180%, the train is so crowded that people standing in the train have a hard time just keeping both feet on the ground. In this crowded train, fights often break out. Everyone is irritated and it is a dangerous train. I have heard that some foreign tourists ride the train on purpose to experience this commuter rush. This is not something that I would ever recommend doing, so please do not do this.
Do you ride the bus from the front? Do you ride from the back?
Did you know that the way to get on a train is the same for all trains, but the way to get on a bus is different depending on the bus? Basically, buses have a front door and a back door. Some ride from the front, while others ride from the back. Also, some buses have a flat rate and you pay at the beginning, while others have different rates based on the number of bus stops you pass. The system differs from bus to bus, so when you get on a bus, ask the bus driver how to get on, or watch other people before you get on the bus. By the way, when you want to get off, listen to the announcement saying the name of the bus stop and press the button. This is the same for all buses, so don't worry.
Forgotten items will be returned.
What should you do if you have forgotten your luggage on the train? If you notice that you forget something right away, tell the station staff right away the train you were on and where you were sitting. If you are lucky, you may be able to get it from a station staff member at another station. If you notice it after a while, go to the Lost and Found Center. Lost-and-found centers are located at major stations, as well as the last and first stations. Tell the station staff what you lost and when you lost it there. Lost and found items taken to the Lost and Found Center may be given to the police station after a certain period of time. If you have forgotten something on the train, you can almost always find it if you take care of it as soon as possible.
I hope you were able to learn about trains and buses in Japan. Our school has a dormitory on the upper floor of the building. Since you don't have to take the commuter train and you don't have to pay for the train, you can concentrate on your studies from morning. Please come and visit the dormitory.
This time, as in the previous article, we will introduce public transportation in Japan.
Are Japan trains and buses quiet?
I often hear from international students that the Japan bus was very quiet and surprising. In Japan, it is bad manners to talk loudly or make phone calls on trains and buses. Therefore, when you see people on the train, most of them are operating their smartphones or reading books. In addition, not only is it quiet, but it is also safe, so I sometimes see women dozing off. However, even Japan people who are said to have good manners have a scene that surprises foreigners. That is, there are women wearing makeup on the train. I often hear stories of women who put on makeup well even in a shaking car, and their dexterity was stared at. It might be interesting to look around when you get on a train or bus and observe what you're doing.
Hellish commute rush
Japan people are a country that keeps a distance from people compared to people from other countries. But on the train when commuting to work, you can see this incredible sight. In Tokyo, trains from about 7:30 to 9:00 in the morning have a ridership rate of about 180%. Occupancy rate is the ratio of the number of people actually riding to capacity. If the occupancy rate is 100%, it means that all seats are occupied. In 180% of cases, people standing on the train are very crowded, even with their feet on the ground. On this crowded train, fights often occur. Everyone is irritated and it is a dangerous train. I have heard that some foreign tourists ride on purpose to experience this commuting rush. This is not something that can be recommended, so please do it.
Do you take the bus from the front? Riding from behind?
The way to ride the train is the same for all trains, but did you know that the way to ride the bus differs depending on the bus? Buses basically have a front door and a back door. Some types ride from the front, while others ride from the back. There is also a flat fare, with some buses paying for it first, while others have different fares depending on the number of bus stops you pass by. Different buses have different systems, so when you get on the bus, ask the bus driver how to get on the bus, or watch other people and get on the bus. By the way, when you want to get off, listen to the announcement saying the name of the bus stop and press the button. Rest assured that this is the same for all buses.
Lost items come back
What should I do if I forget my luggage on the train? If you notice something you forgot right away, tell the station staff immediately what train you were on and where you were sitting. If you're lucky, you can get it from a station staff at another station. If you notice it after a while, go to the lost and found center on the train. Lost and found centers are located at large stations, terminus stations, and first stations. So, tell the station staff when and what you dropped. Lost items brought to the Lost Property Center may be handed over to the police station after a certain period of time. If you forget something on the train, you can find it in most cases if you deal with it early.
Were you able to learn about Japan trains and buses? Our school has a dormitory on the upper floor of the school building. You don't have to take the commuter train and you don't have to pay for the train, so you can concentrate on your studies from the morning. Please come and visit the dormitory.
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There are many foreign tourists who come to Japan and take the train from the airport. However, Japanese trains have unique rules and systems that can be very complicated for those who are not used to them. In this article, I would like to introduce you to the Japanese train system.
Complicated and difficult to understand! Subway route map
Have you ever seen a train route map in Tokyo? (See the picture.) It looks like a maze and has a very complicated shape. I've heard that foreign tourists panic when they see this map. Especially the subway is more complicated. However, if you learn the colors of the subway symbols, it may seem a little easier. The Tokyo subway system is color-coded. If you get lost in a station, you can easily reach your destination by walking towards the colored markings. Please be aware of this and take a look.
Being late is strictly prohibited
One of the most common surprises I hear from international students when they get on the train is that the train arrives on time. If you are even one minute late, you may see a "delay" notice on the electronic bulletin board. Also, when you board a delayed train, you will hear the conductor announce,
"We apologize for the delay in the train. "
When student heard this announcement, she once asked me why I was apologizing when the train was only delayed for one minute. If there is a delay, you will be notified immediately on the Internet. It might be a good idea to check before you get on the train.
Don't make the mistake of riding in the women-only car
During the morning commute, the rear car of the train is sometimes reserved for women. The term "women-only car" does not mean that only women can ride in it. Boys of elementary school age or younger, disabled people and their caregivers are also allowed to ride. I have heard of a man who made a last-minute rush to get on a train just as it was about to depart, and was embarrassed when he mistakenly got on the women-only car. When you get on a train, make sure you have enough time to spare.
Different melodies at each station
When you get on or off the train, you will hear music. Did you know that the music is different for each station? For example, Ueno Station, which is famous for its cherry blossoms, plays the melody of the song "Sakura," while Takadanobaba Station plays the theme song from the anime "Astro Boy" by the famous cartoonist Osamu Tezuka. Incidentally, Hachioji Station, where our school is located, plays a children's song called "Yuuyake Koyake". Please listen to it when you get on the train.
There are many other things that international students are surprised to hear on the train. I will continue to introduce them in the next article.
Many people come to Japan and take the train from the airport. However, Japan trains have unique rules and systems, which can be very complicated for those who are not used to them. This time, I will introduce such a Japan train.
Complex and difficult! Subway Map
Have you ever seen a train map in Tokyo? It looks like a maze and has a very complex shape. I have heard that foreign tourists who see this route map are the first to panic. Especially the subway is more complicated. However, it may seem a little easier if you remember the color of the subway mark. Each subway in Tokyo is color-coded. If you get lost in the station, you can walk towards the landmarks of that color to make it easier to reach your destination. Please be aware of it.
Late arrivals are strictly prohibited
The most common story that international students hear about being surprised on the train is that the train comes on time. If you are even 1 minute late, you may see a "delay" notification on the electronic bulletin board. Also, when you get on a delayed train, the conductor announces, "I'm sorry that the train is late." When I heard this announcement, a student asked me, "Why apologize when you're only one minute late?" Information about delays is constantly circulating on the Internet. You may want to check it out before you get on the train.
Don't make a mistake and ride Women-only car
During the morning commute, the rear car of the train may be a women-only car. Even though it is a "women-only car", it does not mean that only women can ride it, but it is also available to boys of elementary school age and younger, people with physical disabilities, and their caregivers. I have heard stories of men who rushed in at the last minute when the train was leaving and accidentally got into the women-only car, which made him feel embarrassed. When you get on the train, be sure to allow plenty of time.
Different melodies for each station
Music plays when you get off the train and get on it. Did you know that the music is different for each station? For example, Ueno Station, famous for its cherry blossoms, plays the melody of a song called "Sakura", and Takadanobaba Station plays the theme song of the anime "Astro Boy" by famous manga artist Osamu Tezuka. By the way, in Hachioji, where our school is located, a nursery rhyme called "Yuyake Koyake" is played. Please ask when you get on the train.
There are many other things that surprise international students on the train. We will continue to introduce it next time.
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[English/Japanese]
The Tokyo Olympics is over and the Paralympics will soon begin. At the closing ceremony of the Olympics, it was impressive to see the athletes from different countries communicating with each other. In this article, I would like to introduce the unique way Japanese people communicate.
Japanese people who don't ”hug ” but suddenly touch their bodies: a tap on the shoulder
I often hear from international students that they were surprised by a sudden tap on the shoulder by a Japanese person. Japanese people don't hug, and they tend to be more distant from others than other countries. However, we often tap people on the shoulder when we talk to them. When talking to people, however, we often tap them on the shoulder, or pat small children on the head to express our feelings of "cute" or "good". This act can also be done to a lover. In some countries, it is absolutely forbidden to pat a child's head. Nodding your head is an expression of affection for Japanese people. If you feel uncomfortable about it, make sure to let the person know about it.
Aizuchi
At Japanese language schools, we often give guidance to students who don't make a lot of aizuchi during class. Do you know what an aizuchi is? Aizuchi is a method of communication in which you shake your head to indicate that you are listening to what someone is saying, and that you are listening carefully. This is why Japanese people tend to use a lot of aizuchi in their conversations. In some countries, people bend their heads to the side to say "yes" when making an aizuchi. However, this action means "I don't understand" to Japanese people. Learning Japanese grammar and kanji is very important, but if you don't learn communication like aizuchi together, it can lead to misunderstandings, so be careful.
What is the meaning of a tongue lashing?
Tongue-lashing are a problem that occurs as often in the classroom as aizuchi. In Japan, tongue lashing is used to express sarcasm or frustration with others. Tongue-lashing that can be heard by others are considered bad manners and can cause problems even among Japanese people. Depending on the country of the foreign student, tongue lashing may have no particular meaning, or it may be directed only at oneself. eachers at Japanese language schools are used to this kind of situation, so they give light warnings to their students, but if you use your tongue at your part-time job, you may be fired. When you come to Japan, be careful not to use tongue lashing.
While studying abroad, your small gestures can often lead to misunderstandings. If you are misunderstood, polish your Japanese skills so that you can explain yourself properly. At our school, we teach not only Japanese language but also manners in our classes. We will support you so that you can live your life as an international student with peace of mind, so please consider enrolling in our school.
The Tokyo Olympics are over and the Paralympic Games are about to begin. At the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games, it was impressive to see athletes from each country communicating across countries. In this article Japan we will introduce the unique way of communicating with people.
A Japan person who does not hug but suddenly touches his body The act of tapping on the shoulder
I often hear from international students that they were surprised when they were suddenly tapped on the shoulder by a Japan. Japan people don't hug, and compared to other countries, there is a national character that keeps a distance from others. However, we often tap on the shoulder when talking to people. They may also pat their heads to convey to small children how cute they are or if they are a good girl. This act can also be done to a lover. Depending on the country of the student, stroking the child's head is something that you should never do. Patting the head is an expression of affection for Japan person. If you feel uncomfortable, tell the other person about it.
Aizuchi
Japanese schools, we often instruct students who do not strike during class. Does Aizuchi know anything? Aizuchi is a method of communication in which you shake your head when you are listening to someone to express that you are listening to what you are saying. That'Japan the more people are in conversation. In some countries, when hitting aizuchi, the head is bent to the side in the sense of "yes". However, this act ends up meaning "I don't know" for Japan people. It is very important to learn Japanese grammar and kanji, but be aware that if you do not learn communication like Aizuchi together, it may cause misunderstandings.
What is the meaning of tongue lashing?
One of the most common problems in the classroom as Aizuchi is tongue lashing. In Japan, tongue lashing is used to express disgust or dissatisfaction with the other person. Tongue lashing that people hear is considered a violation of manners and can cause trouble even between Japan people. Depending on the country of the international student, tongue lashing may not be particularly meaningful, or may only be directed at you. Teachers at Japanese schools are used to this situation, so they pay light attention to students, but if they do tongue lashing at their part-time jobs, they can be fired. When you come to Japan, be careful not to stick your tongue out.
While studying abroad, your small gestures often lead to misunderstandings. If you are misunderstood, improve your Japanese skills so that you can explain it properly. At our school, we not only study Japanese, but also teach manners during class. We support you so that you can live your study abroad life with peace of mind, so please consider enrolling.
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[English/Japanese]
August has arrived and the weather has been hot, with temperatures hitting 30 degrees Celsius every day. In this article, I would like to introduce the climate and natural phenomena of Japan.
Are you surprised only at first? Earthquakes
Japan is famous for its earthquakes, and the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011, with a magnitude of 9.0 on the Richter scale, caused tremendous damage. Although the Great East Japan Earthquake was a large scale earthquake, smaller earthquakes occur about 15 times a year in Tokyo. Therefore, some international students panic when they feel an earthquake for the first time after coming to Japan, but after experiencing it a few times, they get used to it and don't worry about it. Is this a good thing? You never know when a big earthquake will hit. "Don't think that this earthquake will be small, but be prepared to escape at any time.
Students with abdominal pain in June Beware of the rainy season!
Summer in Japan is not only hot, but also very humid and difficult to live with. June in particular is the rainy season. During the rainy season, the humidity is even higher, which makes it easier for food to spoil. I have heard many stories of foreign students getting food poisoning from eating food that has been stored in their rooms as it was when they were in their own countries. Please keep food in the refrigerator as much as possible and observe the expiration dates.
Many people are addicted to kotatsu, a winter specialty.
Winters in Japan are cold. In snowy countries, houses are built for winter and you can stay warm, but this is not the case in Tokyo. That's where the "Kotatsu" comes in. Have you ever heard of a kotatsu? It is a table with a heater. There are many international students who are addicted to the kotatsu. The kotatsu is warm and covered with a futon, so it is not uncommon to hear stories of people falling asleep while doing their homework. If you come to Japan, please try it at least once. You will never be able to get out of the kotatsu.
Onset from the second year! Hay fever
Many people suddenly develop hay fever in their second year of studying in Japan. In Japan, cedar pollen starts to fly all over the country around mid-January. Many people suffer from hay fever due to the pollen, and once you have it, you can't get rid of it unless you get special treatment. It is said that one in four Japanese suffer from hay fever. The main symptoms of hay fever are sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. If you have hay fever in Japan, you should go to a hospital and get some medicine.
Did you all understand about the climate and natural phenomena in Japan? Our school holds a disaster drill once a year. In this drill, we receive instructions from the local fire department so that we can evacuate calmly in case of a big earthquake. Our school supports students to live in the dormitory with peace of mind. We are looking forward to your enrollment.
In August, the temperature has been over 30 degrees Celsius every day. This time, we will introduce the climate and natural phenomena of Japan.
Only the first surprise? earthquake
Japan is famous for its earthquake-prone country. The Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 was a magnitude 9.0 earthquake that caused enormous damage. The Great East Japan Earthquake is a large-scale earthquake, but in the case of small earthquakes, it occurs about 15 times a year in Tokyo. Therefore, some international students panic when they feel an earthquake for the first time when they come to Japan, but after experiencing it a few times, they get used to it and don't care about anything when an earthquake occurs. Is this a good thing? You never know when a big earthquake will come. Don't think, "Is it another small earthquake?" and be prepared to escape at any time.
Students with abdominal pain in June Beware of the rainy season!
Summer in Japan is not only hot, but also humid, making it difficult to spend. Especially June is the rainy season. In the rainy season, the humidity is even higher, so the food spoils easily. I often hear stories of international students who store food in their rooms as they were when they were in their own country, and eat them get food poisoning. Please keep the expiration date and expiration date properly, and store it in the refrigerator as much as possible.
Many people fit in Winter specialty "Kotatsu"
Winters in Japan are cold. In snowy countries, the house is for winter and you can spend a warm time, but not in Tokyo. That's where "kotatsu" comes in. Have you ever heard of "kotatsu"? It is a table with a heater. There are many international students who are addicted to this kotatsu. I often hear that they fell asleep while doing their homework on the kotatsu because they were warmed and had a futon draped over them. If you come to Japan, please try it at least once. You won't be able to get out of the kotatsu.
Onset from the second year! hay fever
In the second year of study abroad, many people suddenly develop hay fever. In Japan, around mid-January, cedar pollen begins to fly throughout the country. Many people suffer from hay fever because of that pollen. Once it develops, it cannot be cured unless you receive special treatment. It is said that 1 in 4 people with hay fever develops in Japan. The main symptoms of hay fever (1 in 2 people in Tokyo) are sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. If you come to Japan and develop the disease, go to the hospital and get medicine.
Do you understand the climate and natural phenomena of Japan? Our school conducts disaster prevention drills once a year. In this disaster prevention drill, you will receive guidance from the local fire department so that you can calmly evacuate even if a large earthquake occurs. At our school, we support you so that you can live in a dormitory with peace of mind. We look forward to your enrollment.
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[English]
The Olympics have finally arrived in Japan. Although the atmosphere is quieter than usual because of the Corona disaster, the people of Japan are excited by the heated competition every day. In this article, I would like to introduce the unique "event" culture of Japan.
Normally quiet people turn into different people! Traditional Festivals
In Japan, festivals are held all over the country in the summer. Festivals are popular events among foreign tourists, but it is often said that foreigners who see the festivities see something completely different from the usual Japanese. At Japanese festivals, people walk around the city lifting a small house of God called a "mikoshi" with many other people. The people walking with the mikoshi keep shouting loudly and sometimes collide with other mikoshi, to the point where it looks violent. Men, who normally wear suits, participate in the festival in only their underwear, almost naked. Also, perhaps because Japanese people feel more relaxed on festival days than usual, their manners become more lax and many people get into fights. A similar phenomenon is "Halloween". In the last decade, the number of people enjoying Halloween events has increased in Japan, but the bad manners have been in the news every year. It is said that Japanese people are usually very stressed. Festivals may be an outlet for that stress. Let's be careful when we participate!
Valentine's Day: The Chocolate Wars
In your country, who do you give Valentine's Day gifts to and what do you give them? If you ask our students the same question, they will answer, "I send a bouquet of flowers to a woman on Valentine's Day. This is not the case in Japan. In Japan, it is different. In Japan, Valentine's Day is a day for women to give chocolates to men. Therefore, from the end of January, department stores start to sell high-end chocolates. Men get nervous and restless on the morning of February 14th. Do you think men who get lots of chocolates are happy? Actually, I can't say I'm happy. What's more, there is a day on March 14 called "White Day" when you have to return the gifts you received on Valentine's Day. It is implicitly understood that on White Day, you should prepare a gift that is three times the price of the chocolate you received on Valentine's Day. Do you still want to receive chocolates?
Who do you spend Christmas with?
In your country, Christmas is an event to spend with whom? In Japan, it is popular as an event to spend with your lover. Also, Japanese people eat fried chicken instead of turkey on Christmas. And most of the people who celebrate Christmas are Buddhists. Christmas in Japan must be full of discomfort for foreigners. Then, on December 26, all the Christmas atmosphere in the city disappears, and all at once it becomes New Year's mode.
“Obon" to welcome the dead
In the middle of August, there is a day called "Obon" to welcome the dead. During Obon, families wash the graves and welcome the spirits of their ancestors into their homes. There is a mysterious doll that is made at that time. One is a "horse doll" with chopsticks attached to a cucumber, and the other is a "cow doll" with chopsticks attached to an eggplant. It is said that the spirits of the dead ride these "horses" back to their homes and "cows" back to the land of the dead. In some areas, lamps called lanterns are floated down the river to mourn the dead. The scenery is sad but beautiful. In your country, what do you do during Obon?
Have you learned anything new about events in Japan? In our school, we have seasonal events and activities. Learning about Japanese events is also a way to learn about the Japanese spirit. Please try to participate in them.
The Olympic Games have finally been held in Japan. Since the event is held in Coronavirus pandemic, the atmosphere is quieter than usual, but the people are excited about the heated matches every day. This time, we will introduce Japan's unique "event" culture.
People who are usually quiet have changed! Traditional festivities
In Japan, festivals are held in various places in the summer. The festival is also a popular event for foreign tourists, but it is often said that foreigners who see the festival see a completely different appearance from ordinary Japanese people. In Japanese festivals, people sometimes walk around the city while lifting a small god's house called a "mikoshi" with a large number of people. People walking with mikoshi keep shouting loudly, and sometimes they collide with other mikoshi, so much so that they look violent. Men who usually wear suits also participate almost naked, now only in their underwear. Also, on festival days, Japanese people are more liberated than usual, so their manners are sloppy and there are many people who fight. A similar phenomenon is Halloween. In the last 10 years, the number of people who enjoy Halloween events in Japan has increased, and their bad manners are in the news every year. Japanese people are usually stressed. Festivals may be an outlet for that stress. Be careful when participating!
Valentine's Day Chocolate Sales
In your country, who do you give Valentine's Day to? If you ask our students, the answer is, "Valentine's Day sends bouquets of flowers to women." Japan is different. Valentine's Day in Japan is a day when women give chocolates to men. Therefore, from the end of January, the high-end chocolate sales season begins in department stores. Males become fidgety and restless on the morning of February 14. Do you think a man who gets a lot of chocolate is happy? Not really. On March 14th, there is a day called "White Day" when you have to return the gift you received on Valentine's Day. On that White Day, it is an unspoken agreement to prepare a gift that is three times the price of the chocolate you received on Valentine's Day. Do you still want to get chocolate?
Who do you spend Christmas with?
Who is Christmas with in your country? In Japan, it is popular as an "event to spend time with lovers". Also, the Japanese eat fried chicken instead of Christmas turkey. And most of the people celebrating Christmas are Buddhists. Christmas in Japan must be full of discomfort for foreigners. And on December 26, all the Christmas atmosphere in the city disappears and you go into New Year's mode at once.
"Obon" to greet the dead
In the middle of August, there is a day called "Obon" that welcomes the dead. Obon washes graves with families and welcomes the spirits of ancestors into their homes. There is a mysterious doll that is made at that time. There is a "horse doll" with chopsticks on a cucumber and a "cow doll" with chopsticks on an eggplant. It is said that the spirits of the dead ride home on this "horse" and return to the land of the dead on a "cow". In addition, there are areas where lamps called lanterns are poured into the river to mourn the dead. The scenery is sad but beautiful. What do you do for Obon in your country?
Have you learned anything new about events in Japan? Our school conducts seasonal events. To know Japanese events is to know the heart of the Japanese people. Please join us.
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Things that Surprised Foreign Students When They Came to Japan: Shops (2)
This time, I would like to introduce you to some of the "stores" in the city.
Bookstores are full of manga, contents that even adults can enjoy
What kind of books are available in bookstores in your country? When a foreigner enters a Japanese bookstore, he or she is surprised to see how many manga are available. Manga is one of Japan's most famous subcultures in the world, and I often hear that people are surprised to find that even adults read manga. The famous Doraemon and Dragon Ball are works for children, but there are also many works for adults. For example, there are stories about businessmen succeeding in their jobs or lawyers playing an active role in court. There are also children who study by reading historical and scientific cartoons. Students at the University of Tokyo, which is famous for its high academic achievement, are also encouraged to study manga. It may be a little difficult for those who have just started studying Japanese, but please pick up a manga. You may find your world expanding.
Shocking ticket prices! Movie theaters
I often hear stories of international students who wanted to go see a movie, went to the movie theater, and then gave up on seeing it. Why is that? It's because the ticket price is too high. In most student countries, it costs less than 1000 yen to see a movie. In Japan, however, an adult ticket costs as much as 1,800 yen to see a movie. That's why people give up watching movies. It varies a little from theater to theater, but if you choose a day when women are cheap or a service day, you can see a movie for about 1,000 yen. Check out the cheap days before you go.
Seven Wonders of the Restaurant
The salt piled up like Mt. Fuji at the entrance of a restaurant... the flying forks and fake food in the showcase... the small towels served when you sit down... the food that comes to you even though you didn't ask for it... To a foreigner, there are many strange things about Japanese restaurants.
・The salt piled up like Mt. Fuji at the entrance is to pray for business prosperity.
・The flying forks and fake food in the showcase are called "food samples". These are models of food made of wax or synthetic resin. They are very popular among foreign tourists, and many people buy small key chains and other items as souvenirs.
・A small towel is called an "oshibori". A small towel called "oshibori" is used to wipe your hands before eating.
・A dish that you didn't order but which is already ordered... This dish is called "otoshi" and is brought to your table when you enter a restaurant that serves alcohol, such as an izakaya (Japanese style pub), even if you didn't order it. The price is about 300 to 500 yen.
Have you learned a little about Japanese restaurants? Our school's library has not only a wide variety of books for reading, but also a wide variety of manga, which can be checked out. Let's use manga to understand Japanese culture and go out on the town!
What surprised international students when they came to Japan ~Shop edition (2)~
This time, we will introduce the "shops" in the city.
Bookstores are full of comics, content that adults can also enjoy
What kind of books are available in bookstores in your country? When foreigners enter Japan bookstores, they are surprised by the number of manga. Manga is famous around the world as a subculture of Japan, but I often hear that even adults are surprised to read manga. The famous Doraemon and Dragon Ball are for children, but there are also many works for adults. For example, a story about a salaryman succeeding in his job or a lawyer playing an active role in a court case. There are also children who study by reading historical and science comics. Students at the University of Tokyo, which is famous for their high academic ability, are also studying manga. It may be a little difficult for those who have just studied Japanese, but please try it. Your world may expand.
I was surprised by the ticket price! movie theater
I often hear stories of international students who wanted to go to the cinema and gave up watching it. Why is that? That's because tickets are expensive. In most student countries, it costs less than 1000 yen to watch a movie. However, when watching movies in Japan, the adult fee is as much as 1800 yen. That's why I give up watching movies. It varies slightly depending on the movie theater, but there are days when women can see it for about 1000 yen if they choose a cheap day or a service day. Let's check out the cheap days before going.
Seven wonders of restaurants
Salt served like Mt. Fuji at the entrance of the restaurant ... Showcase flying forks and fake dishes... A small towel is served when you sit down... Dishes that are brought to you even though you didn't order them ... There are many strange things in Japan restaurants for foreigners.
・ Salt served like Mt. Fuji at the entrance → prayers for prosperous business.
Showcase flying forks and fake dishes → called "food samples". Models of dishes made of wax or synthetic resin. It is very popular with foreign tourists, and many people buy small key chains as souvenirs.
・A small towel → called an "oshibori". It is used when wiping hands before eating.
・ Dishes that are ordered even though you did not order them: It is a dish called "otsushi" and is mainly served in izakaya and other restaurants that serve alcohol, and when you enter the store, it is brought to the table even if you have not ordered it. The price is about 300~500 yen.
Do you know a little about Japan store? Our library has not only extensive reading books but also a wide variety of manga, which can be borrowed. Let's understand the culture of Japan with manga and go out into the city!
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