Hiragana & Katakana

Hiragana

Katakana

What Sets Japan Apart? Good service and professionalism Punctuality Cleanliness Group harmony Safety Seriousness and shyness

Symbolism Humility Emphasis of in and out groups (us or them) Relative status and social dynamics displayed in language Many things are implied rather than directly stated

Resident (Zairyu) Card Always carry it when out of the house The police will almost always ask you to show your zairyu card You may temporarily be detained if you don’t have it with you

Meeting Neighbors Bring a gift when meeting your neighbors Hand towels Sweets Tea (ocha) Crackers (senbei) Gifts should be about 1000 yen and can be purchased at department or grocery stores

Tell your neighbors that you just moved in and your name Gifts should be given to people directly next to and in front of you for a house and next to you for apartments Tell your neighbors that you just moved in and your name Next door: Tonari ni hikkoshitekimashita. (Name) desu. In front of: Mae ni hikkoshitekimashita. (Name) desu. Say “kore o douzo” (Please have this) Say “yoroshiku onegaishimasu” just before leaving (Best regards / Thank you in advance)

Trash Always clean up after yourself outside by throwing away trash or taking it home Use plastic bags sold at the convenience store or grocery store for house garbage

Put your house garbage out in the designated area on the designated day in the morning

Trash calendars are available in English as well Large-item disposal City office Independent disposal company

Visiting Homes Bring a small gift such as tea or crackers Less than 1000 yen Say “ojama shimasu” (I am going to disturb you) When you leave say “ojama shimashita” (I have disturbed you)

Inside Footwear If there is a genkan, remove shoes or sandals there Don’t step on the raised part with shoes on – that is considered inside Put on slippers if they are there Put your shoes next to each other neatly facing toward the door (sometimes the host will do this for you)

Take your slippers off before entering a room with tatami (straw mat floors) There will probably be special slippers to be used only inside the bathroom

Eating Before eating, put your hands together and say “itadakimasu” “Thank you for what I am about to receive” When you finish eating, put your hands together and say “gochisousama deshita” “Thank you for the feast”

For sushi or sashimi, don’t pour soy sauce directly on it Instead, pour a little soy sauce in a dish and dip the sushi in it with the topping side down

Lift small bowls or plates off the table instead of bending over to reach the plate Don’t lift large plates off the table to eat from them

Cover your mouth with your other hand while using a toothpick

Drinking Socially Don’t drink until everyone has been served and people raise their glass for a toast Say “kanpai”　(cheers) before drinking the first time

Fill the glass of those around you if they have 1/3 or less left when using pitchers or shared bottles If someone offers to fill your drink, finish what you have and hold up the glass so they can reach it If you don’t want more, say “kekkou desu” or “daijoubu desu” (I’m fine for now) Don’t fill your own glass – someone will fill it for you