country profile
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japan
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What's up with Japan???
1) Cultural features:
Geography: Japan is an island nation of East Asia located in the Pacific Ocean. The neighboring countries of North Korea, South Korea, Russia and China are located west of Japan. The islands of Japan lies between 24° and 46°N Latitudes and 122° and 146°E longitudes covering a total area of 377,955 sq. km. It has a coastline of 29, 751 km long with no land boundary. The four largest islands in japan are Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku.
History: From around the middle of the 11th century B.C.E. to 300 B.C.E., Japan was populated by a Neolithic civilization called the Jômon (rope pattern) culture. Painting has been an art in Japan for a very long time, the brush is a traditional writing and painting tool, and the extension of that to its use as an artist's tool was probably natural.
Economy: Japan has some cultural philosophies that they apply to their economy and that could possibly be a reason for much of their success in the economic sector. Japan's largest imports are raw materials for production as well as oil to fuel their machinery and vehicles. The main source behind Japan's economy is its manufacturing industry. They are world renown for being at the forefront in certain industries technologically. Japan export a great deal like example automobile and consumer electronics are sold worldwide and famous for being reliable and having low cost. Japan has one of the world largest economies and is able to do so with its mastery of manufacturing and an investment infrastructure that is unparalleled and all signs point to continued success for them in these markets in the future.
2) True or false: myth busting
Economy myth busting “Japanese households save a lot.” This used to be true, but isn't true anymore. Japan's main staple diet is sushi, but this isn't the truth. Many people think of sushi when they think of Japanese food, but the truth is that this food is more of a delicacy than anything else. You won't find many people who eat sushi every day or even on a regular basis. The main staple food in Japan is rice, which the Japanese eat with almost every meal.
3) Opportunity to meet new people;
Friendship is an important part of life. Life events, such as moving to another neighbourhood/country, starting a new job, many of us find it difficult to find, make or keep friends. The traveller may find themselves completely immersed within a different culture once they have arrived in their host countries, due to different in the cuisine, architecture, familial tradition, and even the way in which people carry out conversation. It is about opportunities for meeting local people of Japan. The exciting thing about shopping in local markets in Japan is having chance to meet and talk with the locals. All merchants in markets are locally-based people, so it is a great opportunity to talk to them and gather information. The forest of japan is full of wild chestnuts and mushroom and the kitchen gardens overflow with persimmons, figs, fall eggplants and peppers. The rice and fish is the traditional and main dish of japan so new rice is stored for winter. Home-stay in japan is pleased to help you in your search. Choosing a home-stay in japan is an opportunity to experience the lifestyle and culture by living with a safe host family. Home-stay offer very reasonable rates affordable short-term housing alternative compared to guest houses and apartments.
Japan is justifiably famous of its extensive, well-organised and efficient transportation without a japan rail pass. The tickets are relatively cheap, spacious and also save on night accommodation. Almost every Japanese city has an extensive bus service but it’s actually the most difficult public transport system for foreign travellers to use. There is no number to identify which bus you want. Japan is an island nation and there are a great m ferry services both between islands and between ports on the same island. Ferries can be excellent idea to travellers for seeing parts of beautiful view of japan. Walking through the Japanese countryside, it is easy to see what has inspired the elegant simplicity of Japan’s traditional art: ethereal cherry blossoms, ancient temples, lush valleys, misty forests, and snow-capped peaks.Shinto and Buddhism are Japan's two major religions. Shinto is as old as the Japanese culture, while Buddhism was imported from the mainland in the 6th century. The most important ceremony of year in the Japanese calendar is New Year, celebrated from 1st to 3rd January;they go to visit shrine on the first day of New Year, to secure luck for the year ahead.
4. What to expect;
Language is a systematic communicating by the use of sounds or conventional symbols. Japan is the non- English speak country. In modern most Japanese people study English at some point in their lives, but even a small attempt at Japanese by foreigners always appreciated. Especially in the larger cities, you will also find that English signs are quite common. Since the Japanese strive for harmony and are group independent, they rely on facial expression, tone of voice and posture to tell them what someone feels. In Japan non-verbal communication is more useful than verbal. Japanese understood 90% non- verbal language, than the verbal, people often trust non-verbal messages more than the spoken word as words can have several meaning. Most Japanese do not use first name casually, so using last is better with –san. There are many customs that are natural for Japanese because they are historically accepted by society because they are part of the Japanese psyche. Bowing is an integral part of Japanese society, whether you are saying hello, goodbye, apologizing, expressing condolences or just responding instinctively. Handshake and hugging is acknowledged rude and manner-less for traditional people. When you are visiting temples and shrines, remember to remove your shoes when entering temples. There are usually slippers by the entrance for you to change into.
Greetings in Japan are very formal and ritualized. It is important to show the correct amount of respect and deference to someone based upon their status relative to your own. While foreigners are expected to shake hands, the traditional form of greeting is the bow. How far you bow depends upon your relationship to the other person as well as the situation. The deeper you bow, the more respect you show. Gift-giving is highly ritualistic and meaningful. The ceremony of presenting the gift and the way it is wrapped is as important. The gift should have to be expensive, but take great care to ask someone who understands the culture to help you decide what type of gift to give. Meal (dinner) invitation must not be late more than 5 min. The honored guest or the eldest is the first person to begin eating. Never point your chopsticks. Don't be surprised if your Japanese slurp their noodles and soup. If you do not want anything more to drink, do not finish what is in your glass. An empty glass is an invitation for someone to serve you more. Behave calmly and respectfully. Take off your shoes before you enter in the shrine, wear nice socks. At the offering hall, throw a coin into the offering box, bow deeply twice, clap your hands twice, bow deeply once more and pray for a few seconds. Japan is a shopping paradise with a wealth of stores selling everything from traditional memento and local food to the latest electronics and hottest fashion brands. Shops are also found in shopping centres, along covered shopping arcades and in extensive underground malls.
Japanese culture, particularly traditional Japanese culture has many roots in traditional Chinese culture; however Japanese culture, even historically differed from Chinese culture and due to the separation of the two land masses, plus the enforced periods of isolation from the outside world, further extended the differences between the two cultures. It is with some irony then that in modern times that the younger Chinese generations have looked to modern Japanese culture as a source of inspiration, particularly in field of Japanese fashion culture, where the Chinese are inspired by Japanese fashion magazines. Japanese people see this mode of behavior as more valuable and meaningful, however, one only acts this way with close friends or family members. The Japanese value outside appearances very much. This is not to say that they do not value what is private and hidden, but much importance is placed on one's presentation and appearance. Japan currently shares the stage with other world powers such as the United States and China. Japan's unique cultural identity affects how public relations will factor into Japan's functioning. Also, the structure of the business world impacts the acceptance of public relations into Japanese society. I have tried to discuss these facets of Japanese culture and determine how they affect the current practice of public relations in Japan.
You have to go......
Dedicated to the late 19th-century emperor who opened Japan to the West, Tokyo's most famous Shinto shrine is wonderfully serene and austere, not colorful or flashy like other Asian places of worship, and is less of a tourist trap than Senso-ji, the big Buddhist temple across town in Asakusa. The 40-foot-high (12-meter) torii gate at the entrance to the 200-acre park is made of 1,500-year-old cypress, and there's a second one like it closer to the shrine itself. Museum fans with limited time should consider a visit to Ueno Park where a variety of first class museums are concentrated closely together, including the impressive Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Western Art, the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museums in Tokyo are typically closed on one day of the week (usually Monday) and during the New Year holidays (typically December 29 to January 4). If the regular weekly closing day falls on a national holiday, most museums will open on the holiday and closed the next day instead. The Museum the National Science Museum and Ueno Zoo along with some smaller museum.
Galleries and theaters; With a history spanning over 600 years, is the oldest and most complex form of theater in Japan. A prized artistic legacy from the age of the samurai, it is still practiced in Japan today, almost unchanged. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is an agency of the United Nations that aims to promote the preservation and growth of the world's intellectual and cultural property. There are 18 world heritage sites in Japan:
Sites name.....
Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area
Shirakami-Sanchi
Yakushima
Himeji-jo
Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)
Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama
Itsukushima Shinto Shrine
Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome)
Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara
Shrines and Temples of Nikko
Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu
Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range
Shiretoko
Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and its Cultural Landscape
Hiraizumi–Temples, Gardens, Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land
Ogasawara Islands
Fujisan, sacred place and source of artistic inspiration
Tomioka Silk Mill and Related Sites
There are many. Mt. Fuji (aka Fuji-san), Hiroshima Memorial Park (where japan was bombed in war with America), Nara Temple (the largest wooden temple), N Kushiro Shitsugen National Park in Hokkaido was established in 1987 as one of Japan's newest designated national park. It was created in order to preserve the country's largest wetland and marsh habitat which supports the only known population of endangered Japanese Cranes in Japan. Agoya Castle (made of gold), the Akashi Bridge (longest suspension bridge in the world). he cranes are most spectacular to watch as they dance, often in pairs, with seemingly choreographed dips and jumps. The cranes are best seen in the winter as they gather at winter feeding sites. These sites are best accessed by car, but they can also be reached by public transportation.
The potential of tourism to impact positively and negatively on local populations and environments are:
Positive:
- Increases the economy
- Strengthens international bonds
- Brings cultures closer together
Negative:
- Culture loss
- Tourist spots will become overcrowded
- Tourists may pollute (litter etc.)
- Cultural misunderstandings / offensive behaviour etc.
6. Up for the challenge!
Japan has many interesting things to offer for the avid traveller. Nature, history, cuisine, you could not name everything. Many foreigners find themselves in situations where they, for example, suddenly encounter their own lack of cultural understanding or knowledge. It’s important to try hard not to make mistakes that will brand you as an uneducated foreigner. I think it is rather important to find a balance between your own and the “other” culture. For example, even though I will take my shoes off before I enter a house. I will never try to slurp my Ramen. So, if you are planning on going to Japan, be thoughtful in places where rules are to be followed can earn you bonus points with the locals and also help yourself to understand culture.
1) Cultural features:
Geography: Japan is an island nation of East Asia located in the Pacific Ocean. The neighboring countries of North Korea, South Korea, Russia and China are located west of Japan. The islands of Japan lies between 24° and 46°N Latitudes and 122° and 146°E longitudes covering a total area of 377,955 sq. km. It has a coastline of 29, 751 km long with no land boundary. The four largest islands in japan are Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku.
History: From around the middle of the 11th century B.C.E. to 300 B.C.E., Japan was populated by a Neolithic civilization called the Jômon (rope pattern) culture. Painting has been an art in Japan for a very long time, the brush is a traditional writing and painting tool, and the extension of that to its use as an artist's tool was probably natural.
Economy: Japan has some cultural philosophies that they apply to their economy and that could possibly be a reason for much of their success in the economic sector. Japan's largest imports are raw materials for production as well as oil to fuel their machinery and vehicles. The main source behind Japan's economy is its manufacturing industry. They are world renown for being at the forefront in certain industries technologically. Japan export a great deal like example automobile and consumer electronics are sold worldwide and famous for being reliable and having low cost. Japan has one of the world largest economies and is able to do so with its mastery of manufacturing and an investment infrastructure that is unparalleled and all signs point to continued success for them in these markets in the future.
2) True or false: myth busting
Economy myth busting “Japanese households save a lot.” This used to be true, but isn't true anymore. Japan's main staple diet is sushi, but this isn't the truth. Many people think of sushi when they think of Japanese food, but the truth is that this food is more of a delicacy than anything else. You won't find many people who eat sushi every day or even on a regular basis. The main staple food in Japan is rice, which the Japanese eat with almost every meal.
3) Opportunity to meet new people;
Friendship is an important part of life. Life events, such as moving to another neighbourhood/country, starting a new job, many of us find it difficult to find, make or keep friends. The traveller may find themselves completely immersed within a different culture once they have arrived in their host countries, due to different in the cuisine, architecture, familial tradition, and even the way in which people carry out conversation. It is about opportunities for meeting local people of Japan. The exciting thing about shopping in local markets in Japan is having chance to meet and talk with the locals. All merchants in markets are locally-based people, so it is a great opportunity to talk to them and gather information. The forest of japan is full of wild chestnuts and mushroom and the kitchen gardens overflow with persimmons, figs, fall eggplants and peppers. The rice and fish is the traditional and main dish of japan so new rice is stored for winter. Home-stay in japan is pleased to help you in your search. Choosing a home-stay in japan is an opportunity to experience the lifestyle and culture by living with a safe host family. Home-stay offer very reasonable rates affordable short-term housing alternative compared to guest houses and apartments.
Japan is justifiably famous of its extensive, well-organised and efficient transportation without a japan rail pass. The tickets are relatively cheap, spacious and also save on night accommodation. Almost every Japanese city has an extensive bus service but it’s actually the most difficult public transport system for foreign travellers to use. There is no number to identify which bus you want. Japan is an island nation and there are a great m ferry services both between islands and between ports on the same island. Ferries can be excellent idea to travellers for seeing parts of beautiful view of japan. Walking through the Japanese countryside, it is easy to see what has inspired the elegant simplicity of Japan’s traditional art: ethereal cherry blossoms, ancient temples, lush valleys, misty forests, and snow-capped peaks.Shinto and Buddhism are Japan's two major religions. Shinto is as old as the Japanese culture, while Buddhism was imported from the mainland in the 6th century. The most important ceremony of year in the Japanese calendar is New Year, celebrated from 1st to 3rd January;they go to visit shrine on the first day of New Year, to secure luck for the year ahead.
4. What to expect;
Language is a systematic communicating by the use of sounds or conventional symbols. Japan is the non- English speak country. In modern most Japanese people study English at some point in their lives, but even a small attempt at Japanese by foreigners always appreciated. Especially in the larger cities, you will also find that English signs are quite common. Since the Japanese strive for harmony and are group independent, they rely on facial expression, tone of voice and posture to tell them what someone feels. In Japan non-verbal communication is more useful than verbal. Japanese understood 90% non- verbal language, than the verbal, people often trust non-verbal messages more than the spoken word as words can have several meaning. Most Japanese do not use first name casually, so using last is better with –san. There are many customs that are natural for Japanese because they are historically accepted by society because they are part of the Japanese psyche. Bowing is an integral part of Japanese society, whether you are saying hello, goodbye, apologizing, expressing condolences or just responding instinctively. Handshake and hugging is acknowledged rude and manner-less for traditional people. When you are visiting temples and shrines, remember to remove your shoes when entering temples. There are usually slippers by the entrance for you to change into.
Greetings in Japan are very formal and ritualized. It is important to show the correct amount of respect and deference to someone based upon their status relative to your own. While foreigners are expected to shake hands, the traditional form of greeting is the bow. How far you bow depends upon your relationship to the other person as well as the situation. The deeper you bow, the more respect you show. Gift-giving is highly ritualistic and meaningful. The ceremony of presenting the gift and the way it is wrapped is as important. The gift should have to be expensive, but take great care to ask someone who understands the culture to help you decide what type of gift to give. Meal (dinner) invitation must not be late more than 5 min. The honored guest or the eldest is the first person to begin eating. Never point your chopsticks. Don't be surprised if your Japanese slurp their noodles and soup. If you do not want anything more to drink, do not finish what is in your glass. An empty glass is an invitation for someone to serve you more. Behave calmly and respectfully. Take off your shoes before you enter in the shrine, wear nice socks. At the offering hall, throw a coin into the offering box, bow deeply twice, clap your hands twice, bow deeply once more and pray for a few seconds. Japan is a shopping paradise with a wealth of stores selling everything from traditional memento and local food to the latest electronics and hottest fashion brands. Shops are also found in shopping centres, along covered shopping arcades and in extensive underground malls.
Japanese culture, particularly traditional Japanese culture has many roots in traditional Chinese culture; however Japanese culture, even historically differed from Chinese culture and due to the separation of the two land masses, plus the enforced periods of isolation from the outside world, further extended the differences between the two cultures. It is with some irony then that in modern times that the younger Chinese generations have looked to modern Japanese culture as a source of inspiration, particularly in field of Japanese fashion culture, where the Chinese are inspired by Japanese fashion magazines. Japanese people see this mode of behavior as more valuable and meaningful, however, one only acts this way with close friends or family members. The Japanese value outside appearances very much. This is not to say that they do not value what is private and hidden, but much importance is placed on one's presentation and appearance. Japan currently shares the stage with other world powers such as the United States and China. Japan's unique cultural identity affects how public relations will factor into Japan's functioning. Also, the structure of the business world impacts the acceptance of public relations into Japanese society. I have tried to discuss these facets of Japanese culture and determine how they affect the current practice of public relations in Japan.
You have to go......
Dedicated to the late 19th-century emperor who opened Japan to the West, Tokyo's most famous Shinto shrine is wonderfully serene and austere, not colorful or flashy like other Asian places of worship, and is less of a tourist trap than Senso-ji, the big Buddhist temple across town in Asakusa. The 40-foot-high (12-meter) torii gate at the entrance to the 200-acre park is made of 1,500-year-old cypress, and there's a second one like it closer to the shrine itself. Museum fans with limited time should consider a visit to Ueno Park where a variety of first class museums are concentrated closely together, including the impressive Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Western Art, the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museums in Tokyo are typically closed on one day of the week (usually Monday) and during the New Year holidays (typically December 29 to January 4). If the regular weekly closing day falls on a national holiday, most museums will open on the holiday and closed the next day instead. The Museum the National Science Museum and Ueno Zoo along with some smaller museum.
Galleries and theaters; With a history spanning over 600 years, is the oldest and most complex form of theater in Japan. A prized artistic legacy from the age of the samurai, it is still practiced in Japan today, almost unchanged. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is an agency of the United Nations that aims to promote the preservation and growth of the world's intellectual and cultural property. There are 18 world heritage sites in Japan:
Sites name.....
Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area
Shirakami-Sanchi
Yakushima
Himeji-jo
Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)
Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama
Itsukushima Shinto Shrine
Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome)
Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara
Shrines and Temples of Nikko
Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu
Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range
Shiretoko
Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and its Cultural Landscape
Hiraizumi–Temples, Gardens, Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land
Ogasawara Islands
Fujisan, sacred place and source of artistic inspiration
Tomioka Silk Mill and Related Sites
There are many. Mt. Fuji (aka Fuji-san), Hiroshima Memorial Park (where japan was bombed in war with America), Nara Temple (the largest wooden temple), N Kushiro Shitsugen National Park in Hokkaido was established in 1987 as one of Japan's newest designated national park. It was created in order to preserve the country's largest wetland and marsh habitat which supports the only known population of endangered Japanese Cranes in Japan. Agoya Castle (made of gold), the Akashi Bridge (longest suspension bridge in the world). he cranes are most spectacular to watch as they dance, often in pairs, with seemingly choreographed dips and jumps. The cranes are best seen in the winter as they gather at winter feeding sites. These sites are best accessed by car, but they can also be reached by public transportation.
The potential of tourism to impact positively and negatively on local populations and environments are:
Positive:
- Increases the economy
- Strengthens international bonds
- Brings cultures closer together
Negative:
- Culture loss
- Tourist spots will become overcrowded
- Tourists may pollute (litter etc.)
- Cultural misunderstandings / offensive behaviour etc.
6. Up for the challenge!
Japan has many interesting things to offer for the avid traveller. Nature, history, cuisine, you could not name everything. Many foreigners find themselves in situations where they, for example, suddenly encounter their own lack of cultural understanding or knowledge. It’s important to try hard not to make mistakes that will brand you as an uneducated foreigner. I think it is rather important to find a balance between your own and the “other” culture. For example, even though I will take my shoes off before I enter a house. I will never try to slurp my Ramen. So, if you are planning on going to Japan, be thoughtful in places where rules are to be followed can earn you bonus points with the locals and also help yourself to understand culture.