Japan

Geography Japan is a small country composed of several islands. The country is located above an intersection of 4 tectonic plates. Due to this location, Japan experiences many earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

American birth-rates

Child rearing Families are very close. Most often grandparents will continue to live with the family. While the children are still young, many families will live in small apartments. When the children get older the family will move to a larger place. It is the mother’s job to take care of the children’s schooling. Japanese children are “spoiled” more than American children. This is because Americans are more independent and raise their child to be independent as well.

Student

Diet Japanese live longer because of their healthy diet They eat smaller portions Rice is eaten with no butter or oil Wide variety of vegetables Fish Soy Fruits are considered dessert When they eat what we consider to be dessert It’s in smaller portions

Japanese cuisine Qc5EvA

National Observances New Years –January 3rd Valentine’s Day – February 14th Women give chocolate to the men Hina Matsuri—March 3 rd Set dolls out to give good luck to young girls Christmas—December 25 th Decorations are the same as here, but Christmas trees are rare Shichi-Go-San Festival—November 15 th Take young children to the Shinto shrine to give thanks and ask for blessings

Religion Shinto “The way of the Gods” Humans become Shinto gods, called Kami after they die Worship at shrines Shinto priests perform rituals Buddhism Buddha- “The Awakened One” Meditation Ceremonies Ethical conduct

Classroom etiquette Males will rub the back of their head or tilt their head and suck air through their teeth to symbolize that they don’t know the answer.

10 things teachers should know 1) To say hello… Ohaiyogozaimasu (oh-hi-yo-go-zai-mahs)- Good morning Konnichiwa (Ko-nee-chee-wa)- Good afternoon Konbanwa (kohn-ban-wa)- Good evening Sayonara (sai-yon-nah-rah)- Good-bye 2) To beckon someone hold hand palm down and move hand up and down and the wrist. Do not beckon a superior. 3) Instead of pointing to yourself in general or to the chest as we may do, the Japanese will touch their noses to symbolize themselves. This may also mean, “Who me?” 4) To hold the palm up and do this motion would mean come here in America, however this gesture is rude in Japan

10 things teachers should know 5) Japanese students must bow to the teacher before school begins 6)The gestures for “yes” and “no” are the opposite of what we use. For yes they shake their head side to side and for no they nod their head up and down. 7) Please translated is…Onegai shimasu. (oh-neh-gigh shee- moss) 8) Thank you is…Dōmo arigatō. (doh-moh ah-ree-GAH-toh) 9) Yes is… Hai (HIGH) 10)No is…Iie. (EE-eh)

Japanese bowing

Beckoning cat

Tomizawa

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