Japanese Culture
Japanese Culture
Japanese Culture
1. In terms of love…
Japanese people need to confess their feelings before seriously dating someone as it
is the point from where their relationship begins.
It is normal for Japanese couples to equally split the bill into meals or other
expenses during a date as their relationship progresses.
Public display of affection (PDA) is unusual in Japan. This is because they value
privacy and they think that it would just make the people around them
uncomfortable.
Most Japanese are shy; hence, they don’t express their love verbally. This is fine with
them as they believe that their partner knows how they feel even if they don’t say it
out loud.
In other countries, Valentine’s Day is the day for men to take their partner on a date
and give them presents. However, in Japan, women are the ones expressing their
love to men. It’s common for them to prepare a gift (i.e. chocolates) as a way to
express their affection.
On March 14th, Japan has a special cultural tradition called White Day, where men
give women back a present in return.
In some countries, couples meet and date through a quick meal or over a coffee but
in Japan, dates are either half-day or whole-day.
2. In terms of marriage…
Although a big percentage of the Japanese community has adapted the modern
times, there are still some households that follow the old traditions, thus, arranged
marriage still exists.
In other countries, it is usually the guests who give gifts to the groom and bride.
However, in Japan, sometimes guests get gifts at the wedding, whether it’s a physical
gift or money.
During the wedding, the groom is usually in all black, wearing the traditional
kimono and pleated hakama trousers. This is topped off with a family haori jacket.
On the other hand, the bride is in a white kimono and accessories. The most eye-
catching of the outfit is the elaborate headgear that’s voluminous. Sometimes, it can
be a wig, sometimes it can be a big hat. Regardless of what it is, it’s often decorated
with horns that are very well hidden by a white veil. This represents jealousy and
hiding it shows that she will not be jealous.
Weird as it may seem but in Japan, you can marry a virtual program. You can marry
your anime pillow, a stuffed animal, or even a hologram.
Usually, the wedding day is considered the anniversary day of couples but in Japan,
it’s not always the case. Couples can register one day and celebrate it a year after.
Therefore, the anniversary day will be their registration date and not their wedding
day.
3. In terms of lifestyle…
Most city workers have office jobs and are known as salary men or OL (office
ladies).
Management is hierarchical and the work ethic is strict, with overtime
assumed. Leaving on time suggests a lack of commitment or loyalty.
Japanese people enjoy a high standard of living.
Housing is typically apartments or ‘mansions’ as they are known to the
Japanese. More traditional-style homes, with straw mats (tatami mats) and
futons, can be found in the suburbs, while western-style housing (with tables
and chairs) is becoming more popular in rural towns.
Transport to and from work is by train. For this reason, rush hour in Tokyo
and other major cities can be unbearable for foreign visitors.
Some of the Japanese people’s hobbies are manga, karaoke (in a private
room), gaming, and sports.
Sources:
https://www.tsunagujapan.com/japan-dating-culture-twenties/
https://blog.nihongomaster.com/10-important-japanese-cultural-facts-about-marriage-in-
japan/
https://www.uniquejapantours.com/japan-travel-guide/japanese-people-lifestyle/