I would like to share a story about a neighbor friend who moved away only to return after her military stay in Japan.
Cathy Ford and I were close
friends who shared some great times. We met after she moved into
the neighborhood and hit it off immediately.
In early 1996 Cathy's family had been transferred to Misawa Air
Force Base, which was located in the northern part of Japan.
The Fords stayed in Japan
for two years and upon returning to the states were then transferred
to Dallas, Texas.
Finally Cathy made her way back to the old neighborhood in June
of 2000
While catching up on news Cathy shared many exciting stories about her adventures, that held my attention for hours on end.
I immediately saw the opportunity
for a great story along with memorable photographs.
Sit back, kick off your shoes and get ready for the adventure
of a lifetime!
Allow me to educate and amuse you about the Japanese country and
culture through the eyes of an American.
This article will cover many features and include an array of photographs. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed bringing it to you.
Cathy told stories of how
the Japanese students would attend longer classroom time than
the American students. Most Japanese children attended school
six days a week with longer days compared to American school children.
It is not uncommon for students to attend class from 8 AM to 9
PM on a regular basis.
School is in session Monday through Friday and on the first, third
and depending on the calendar fifth Saturday of the month.
Most Japanese students have studied English but their studies
are geared towards exams, high intense courses and very little
conversation time.
The Japanese students attend six years of elementary school, three
years of middle school and three years of high school, with an
additional three to six years of college.
Cathy explained how the Japanese concentrate highly on the arts.
I must admit I was a little surprised until she explained. The
Japanese culture is famous for their animation, which is taught
in their school system.
With such programs as Sailor Moon and Pokemon and how can I disagree?
Did you know?
There are approx. 250 colleges in Japan with most of them located
in Tokyo.
The Japanese consider it inappropriate to show affection in public.
The average female is married by the age of 24.
Green tea is the national drink of Japan.
If Americans wanted to view the Super Bowl on TV they would have
to awaken at 5 AM to do so.
The Japanese are very resourceful
people. Their staircases serve more than just a means of getting
to the next level. In Japan the staircases have built-in drawers
and cabinets, which are used as storage areas.
The stairs are made from heavy trees found in Japan and are very
popular. Cathy and her family brought back a set of stairs, which
are now used as a dresser in her daughter's room.
To view this most original idea please visit the following link
HERE
I asked Cathy's children what they missed the most about American.
They were very quick to reply TV!
There were VERY few channels for the Americans to view. The Japanese
Government will not pay for commercials so therefore the only
thing to watch was info-commercials and educational challenges.
They offered state quizzes - they would offer you information
on various states and you would have to figure out what state
they were referring to.
They also offered famous quotes from Americans and the rest of
the TV channels were geared toward Japanese speaking people.
Her children told me that if they were ever stationed overseas
again they would tape many programs to take with them on their
travels. TV was defiantly missed!
The history of Sapporo
Snow Festival
The first snow festival was held on February 1950 at Odori Park.
The aim of it was to present citizen's outdoor pleasures during
the long winter in Hokkaido.
They enjoyed folk dancing, outdoor movies, dog races and other
activities.
Since then, citizens have liked the festival and it has developed
into a large-scale winter event.
Now it has become well known not only in Japan but also throughout
the whole world.
To view some breathtaking photos please visit the following link.
HERE
Japan like other countries
have cultures and traditions of their own.
Yawata Uma is one of the oldest and most famous
local toys in Hachinohe. To view a photo and read the history
of this toy, please visit the following link. HERE
Did you know?
In Japan while traveling on major highways you could stop in the
middle of the road for your favorite snack or beverage?
Yes, you read correctly! I was fascinated by this story.
According to Cathy, Japan offers vending machines along major
highways that include candy, soda, beer, cigarettes and more.
The most unbelievable thing about this is they offer no turn off
lanes. The drivers simple stop in the middle of the roads to make
their purchases and then resume their travels as if they had no
cares in the world.
Another interesting tidbit is when Japanese people want to order
carryout food they do not let their fingers do the walking as
we Americans do. They drive up in front of the restaurant, go
in, place their order, and wait while it is being prepared. In
the mean time their vehicle is blocking traffic and it is perfectly
acceptable!
The catch of the day! This
is not a story about the one that got way; instead it will explain
an age-old tradition in Japan regarding fishing balls.
In past years Japanese
fishermen used hand blown glass balls of various sizes to help
keep their nets afloat.
In recent years plastic balls have replaced these glass balls.
The glass balls often wash up on the Japanese beaches and American's
collect them. They are also sold throughout Japan as souvenirs.
Surprisingly enough, the Japanese people view these balls as a
thing of the past and smash them as they find them washed up on
the beach.
To view an arrayed assortment of these balls please visit this
link. HERE
Japanese money: To view an assortment of Japanese money please visit this link HERE
Did you know?
Japan uses the metric scale for shopping
28,000 yen is $280.00 American
Road signs are displayed in Japanese and English
Japanese people drive on the opposite side of the street compared
to American's
A Japanese tradition is
to award an intricate scroll with well wishes to people leaving
the county.
These scrolls are also used at baby showers, wedding and formal
gatherings.
The Japanese people would write their wishes, sign their names,
and then present the scroll as a gift.
To view photos of this lovely gift please visit this link HERE
To view a beautiful Japanese ceremonial gown visit this link HERE
Did you know?
In Japan they have outdoor markets known as the (7 day market)
these markets are open for business everyday ending in 7
Japanese people love American clothing
Hello Kitty and Beanie Babies are hot selling items in Japan
Japan offers McDonalds and Burger King fast food restaurants.
Their burgers are smaller but are perfectly put together! They
take their time in food preparation and present a delicious looking
product.
Like American's, Japanese people enjoy junk food as well. To view a Japanese soda bottle visit this link HERE
