Japan in a Nutshell.

Alex

Professor Solomon told us about his free e-book "Japan in a Nutshell." I had fun reading parts of it, like this: what *not* to do in Japan:

Don't ask for a substitute beverage at the Tea Ceremony
You may NOT request iced tea, decaf, coffee, diet soda, mineral water, or anything else! Tradition demands that each guest be served the same thing: green tea that has been prepared - in the ancient manner - from a powder. Accept this tradition. The tea hut is not a snack bar.

Don't do any of the following with chopsticks
1) spear food with a single chopstick
2) leave chopsticks sticking upright in a bowl of rice (this is done only when offering rice to the spirits of the dead)
3) lay them directly on the table (instead, take the package they came in and fold it into a makeshift rest)
4) hold them behind someone's head to simulate horns (such antics are acceptable only if a large quantity of sake has been drunk by all)

Don't pour soy sauce on your rice
The illustrator of this book did so, and was gently chided by his host. It was explained to him that a bowlful of rice is complete - is noble in its unadorned state.

Don't use soap in a public bath
A major gaffe.

Don't mistake lockers at the train station for a capsule hotel
These coin-operated receptacles are for stowing away your luggage - not for spending the night.

Link - Thanks Professor Solomon!


Comments (2)

Newest 2
Newest 2 Comments

If I want soy sauce on my rice I'm going to bloody well put soy sauce on my rice no matter where I am. Americans don't give their visitors any crap like that, we let them do whatever they want at dinner. Technically there's a right way and a wrong way to hold a fork, but we don't care. Because we're cool like that.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
I knew a few people who left there homes in the same state. They asked me to clean up after (I felt very awkward going into someone's home like that) and there were all these artifacts of the life they left behind like old band uniforms and unfinished projects. In an innocent viewpoint, it seems similar but not. Then again, you never knew why the children left those tree houses behind. It's all interesting.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
My two boys are 19 and 21 now. Just a few years ago I cleaned up the debris from their clubhouse on the side of our house.
a whistle,
empty can of root beer,
a few Hotwheels,
colored pencils,
miniature skateboards,
a coloring book.
It's kind of sad that this period of their life is complete, but thinking about it makes me realize I should really be appreciating the time we spend together today!
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Login to comment.
Email This Post to a Friend
"Japan in a Nutshell."

Separate multiple emails with a comma. Limit 5.

 

Success! Your email has been sent!

close window
X

This website uses cookies.

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using this website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

I agree
 
Learn More