Customs (Japan) > Reviews

Advantages: become knowledgeable about this topic
Disadvantages: there is a darker side to Japan

The other Japan .....after dark I am sure that you have all heard about how hard working the Japanese people are, family orientated, honorable, kind, company oriented, crowded lands, high school hell etc. Well, when the sun goes down there is another side of Japan that wakes up, the sleazy male dominated entertainment industry, such as a strip club. Strip clubs are all the same around the world you may think, but not in Japan from my own ... Read review

Advantages: Understanding Pachinko
Disadvantages: Gambling

Pachinko - a recreational game If you were ever asked to list the most popular recreational activities in Japan, what would it be? Probably sports such as baseball and soccer, karaoke, video games, movies, bowling etc. well with 18,000 halls in the country and one quarter of the population said to enjoy the odd game (30 million) pachinko is at the top of the list. Neon lights, smoke filled rooms, loud music and a row of customers seated with ... Read review

Advantages: Gift information
Disadvantages: expensive

Summer and year end gifts in Japan In Japan it is customary to give periodic gifts to relatives, friends, acquaintances, teachers and other people who have helped you or done you a special favour. Department stores have special sections devoted exclusively to these summer and end of year gifts. Summer gifts are given during early to mid August. Although gift selection and cost should correspond to your relationship with the person, most people ... Read review

Advantages: More gifts
Disadvantages: More gifts

...be aware of gift giving customs for hospital visits. Cut flowers, fruit books etc. are common gifts to be given to people in hospitals. Potted plants (implying a long stay) or camellias (the way the blossoms drop remind Japanese of death) are best avoided. It is customary to receive a small thank you gift when a person has been discharged from hospital advising you of their return to health. People also often give a small token to neighbors ... Read review

Advantages: Know about Japanese weddings
Disadvantages: Expensive

Weddings in Japan If you are attending a wedding reception you are expected to bring a gift of money and no we are not talking about twenty pounds or so for the latest toaster for the newlywed's home. Unless a fixed amount is indicated on the invitation card, the amount will depend on your relationship with the couple. the average is 30,000 yen (although I have been told that 20,000 yes is also okay) for a friends wedding (my Japanese friends ... Read review

Advantages: In case you go to one
Disadvantages: Its money

Funerals in Japan You should bring money (3000 yen) prepared in a special cash envelope to either the wake or the funeral service that is held the following day. The money is handed to the person at the reception. Return gifts are prepared by family members as a token for people who came to mourn for the deceased. If you can't attWeddings in Japan If you are attending a wedding reception in Japan, you are expected to bring a gift of money ... Read review