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Everyday Etiquette
Go to the following link: http://www.emilypost.com/
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e622.html
Research and pick three areas of everyday etiquette/manners, for example “table manners”
http://www.emilypost.com/everyday-manners/table-manners
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2005.html
and compare (show similarities) and contrast (show differences) between America and Japan. Think about the following questions when writing your comments:
– How do you explain both the similarities and differences between the two countries?
– Which aspects of the etiquette areas that you chose seem unusual to you?
– Do you believe that it is necessary for one to follow the rules of etiquette of another country while visiting there? Why or why not?
(NOTE: Limit your choices to everyday (i.e., non-business) etiquette only. We will cover business etiquette next week.)
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Comment
In the comment section below, write your ideas related to the questions above. Minimum — 250 words (but more is better).
COMMENTS ARE DUE BY SUNDAY EVENING AT 23:59:59.**
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meigaku-contrasting-cultures 
The first area that I picked is “table manners”. Each country has its own food culture and it directly makes the table manners different. As an example, Chinese cuisine always comes with a big plate which is easy to share and that is the reason why most Chinese restaurants have huge round tables. This time, this essay will focus on American table manners and Japanese table manners. Although there is a great disparity as well as the difference in food cultures, there are a number of things in common between the two after going into a deeper investigation. Both cultures have their own system for leaving the best seats for the most important people. For example, Japanese people will let the important people choose their seats. So does America, Americans will reserve the best seats for the most important people in the first place. Furthermore, both two countries’ people do the prayer before eating. Although the language used is different, it is all about gratitude for nature. The difference between the two countries will be the eating sounds. In many countries, chewing noises will be taken as a sign of bad manners. However, in Japan especially having Ramen, making chewing sounds means the Ramen tastes good. The second area that I picked is sign language. Japan does have the sign language. However, America’s sign language is way more than the Japanese one. People in America can literally use hand gestures to express their emotions. The third area that I picked is the formal place setting, I was shocked by the amount of forks and knives. Each of them has a different role in eating different dishes. However, in most Asian countries, all we need is a pair of chopsticks and we do not need other dinner sets anymore. I do think this manner has a relation with the local culture.
The napkin part is not familiar in Japan. However, I do think that is an extremely cool manner. Using napkins not only to keep ourselves clean but also to leave the napkin can mean not being available and having to leave for a short time which is super convenient and polite.
I do not think travelers need to follow the rules while visiting. It might be great to have a knowledge about the manners. While the local people doing those actions, at least will not be surprised since some of the manners might be unacceptable in their own countries. Thus, there is no need to force yourself to act like a local just because you are going on a trip.
1:
In restaurants, there is a distinction between how dishes and utensils are treated at table. In Japan, when you finish your meal, you should return all dishes and utensils to where they were at the beginning. Whereas in America, they are removed from the table as you finish using them. So, after finishing all your meal, there will be much less left on the table contrary to Japan’s table after the meal.
As for table manners, in America, you should pace yourself with your friend’s dinner. In Japan, however, I think this is not as important as in America. It would be nice of you to do so, but this still is not a ‘manner’ here in Japan. I guess you can just eat however you like.
In addition, there is a difference of hand gestures between Japan and America. In America, there are much more gestures than in Japan. For example, if you want to express your thank to someone, you “Touch the chin or lips with the fingertips of one flat hand, then move the hand forward until the palm is facing up. The hand moves out and down.” And when wanting to say “I’m sorry,” you “Make the ‘A’ handshape and circle the center of the chest to show you are feeling sorrow. The palm faces the body.” (https://emilypost.com/advice/magic-words-in-american-sign-language-asl) However, none of the two are common in Japan. At least I have seen neither of them in my 21 years of life. Instead, when you want to express your apology, you put two palms of the hands together just like a Japanese monk. This is an informal way of apology and inappropriate in a business place.
There are some similarities I found in Neighborhood etiquettes. After you move into a new place, you should introduce yourself as soon as possible. However, in Japan it is a formal and appropriate manner to bring some gifts to neighbors. I think this is what would not happen in America.
2:
I have found American culture of hand gestures unusual to me. As mentioned in the 1st question, there are just a few hand gestures used in Japan. And if you used them, little effects would they have on the communication, which leads us to believe that here in Japan words have heavier values than gestures.
3:
I do believe that we should “do as Romans do in Rome.” It is a little too arrogant to justify yourself claiming that you behave selfishly just because you don’t know foreign manners. In the globalizing world, we should make efforts to understand each other.
How do you explain both the similarities and differences between the two countries?
There are some similarities of table manners between the United States of America and Japan. In both countries, eating food with making sound is considered as a bad manner. I think it should be avoided too to eat meal with people’s own hands in those countries. As the similarities exist, there are also some differences of table manners between those countries. In the US, utensils are placed on the table in the order used; from the outside in. On the other hand, in Japan, each meal: rice, soup, main dish, and side dish should be placed on proper arrangements on the table. In Japan, people say “itadakimasu” and “gochisosama deshita” at the beginning and the end of eating, while there is no such custom in the US.
Which aspects of the etiquette areas that you chose seem unusual to you?
It seems unusual to me that I should not slurp while eating ramen in the US. I like to eat it in a Japanese way, and I doubt I can eat it without making sound of slurping, but I will do my best not to make it as it is the manner in the country. I do not like the fact which I cannot hold utensils when I eat. As a Japanese, I will have rice or soup without thinking, so I will be cautioned when in the US.
Do you believe that it is necessary for one to follow the rules of etiquette of another country while visiting there? Why or why not?
I believe that it is necessary for people to follow the rules of etiquette of foreign countries while visiting there. My way of thinking is based on a proverb: “When in Rome, do as the romans do.” It means people should follow the customs of the people in that place when you are visiting there. I totally agree with the idea, so I will follow the way while going overseas.
I think there are few similarities in table manners and etiquette between the United States and Japan, only differences. I think Japan is generally more sophisticated, more detailed in manners and manners, and stricter. For example, there are many foreign tourists who talk loudly on trains without worrying about other people, but Japan people are quiet on ordinary trains. Also, I don’t think there are many countries where sitting techniques such as where to sit and how to sit are as detailed as in Japan. Therefore, I think it is necessary to explain in detail to foreigners.
I think it’s quite unusual to use chopsticks in meals. I think it’s one of the unique cultures of Japan, so I want foreigners to experience it as well. In other countries, it is common to use forks, knives and spoons, and if people go to an even more expensive restaurant, the etiquette while eating a course meal can be quite complicated. I also think that the existence of shrines and temples is quite unusual. When I go to Kamakura or Kyoto, I often see tourists who are curious to see temples and shrines and take pictures. These seem to be similar to churches in the United States, but shrines and temples should be rare.
I don’t think people need to follow the rules of etiquette in another country while visiting it. The lifestyle is different between Japan and other countries, and there are many differences in manners and etiquette, so when you go abroad, you need to learn the etiquette and manners of that country once you go.
I write about email manners. Email manners are almost the same in Japan and abroad. For example, to say hello at the beginning of an e-mail, to clarify what the topic is, and to say goodbye at the end. Also, it is very important to check the text again before sending an email. There is little difference between Japan and overseas in terms of e-mail manners.
To be honest, I don’t find email manners strange. However, I think we can make the contents of the e-mail a little more concise in both Japan and overseas. Due to the importance of courtesy, e-mail greetings become longer. If you shorten your greeting or convey the content more succinctly, your e-mail will be better.
Another thing that bothered me was manners at temples and shrines. This is surprising to the Japanese, too. For example, taking off your shoes, offering money, and the number of times you clap your hands. These are all strange customs. It is also a Japanese custom that values gods and relationships.
Finally, I was surprised about the manners of foreign clothes. I think foreigners are more strict about their clothes than in Japan. Semi-formal, business casual, dress casual, etc. are also available in Japan. However, I think that the dress rules for scenes and scenes are more strict overseas.
I think we should follow the rules of that country. There is a saying in Japan that when in Rome, do as the Romans do. First of all, I think you should follow the rules of the country and get used to life. You may also discover new things by learning the rules of the country. I think you should follow the rules of the country first, and then do it your own way after you get used to it.
First, Japanese people hold the bowl while eating, but American don’t.
Second, Japanese people often say “Excuse me.” and take seasoning even if their hand is put out in front of a person. Although, in
America, it is considered taboo to hold your hands out in front of others, so if you want some condiment, it is common to ask someone nearby to get it for you.
Third, it is common to eat with both hands outstretched in Japan, but it is common to place the non-dominant hand on the lap and eat with one hand in America.
Finally, Japanese people use knife and fork when eating pasta, but American people use only chopsticks when eating one.
Similarities between Japan and America have 3.
First, both of them don’t slurp when drinking soup etc.
Second, both of them use napkins when eating.
Third, both of them kut meat using knife and fork.
How do you explain both the similarities and differences between the two countries?
In my opinion, the most different thing in eating between the two countries is where he sits down. In Japan, some restaurants have a tatami floor. So we can sit on the floor while taking off our shoes. But they never take off their shoes in America because they eat at a table. It might be a surprising thing for foreign people who come overseas. On the contrary, there are some similarities between the two. Commonly, the most respected person like a guest of honor sits at the very back. At top-notch restaurants, Japanese people obey the same table manners as Westerners. In these ways, both countries have some differences and similarities, but all of them are to show respect to others. Therefore, they are the same in showing respect to others even if the methods are different.
Which aspects of the etiquette areas that you chose seem unusual to you?
I wonder why Japanese people, who are so sensitive about sound manners, are so tolerant of splurging noise. On the other hand, it is strange that Westerners, who are tolerant of noise, are so strict about the sounds people make while eating. Most Japanese hate sounds in the city like on the train, but most foreign people don’t hesitate to make sounds. But this all changes when it comes to eating. I cannot believe this.
Do you believe that one must follow the rules of etiquette of another country while visiting there? Why or why not?
As the phrase “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” suggests, we should follow the manners of the country. That’s because some of our everyday actions may be considered taboo in that country. We should check carefully before we unknowingly offend someone and avoid any trouble.
The United States and Japan, both countries have similar etiquette in terms of “Meal Placement”. When Americans have meals at restaurants, they need to be careful about which cutlery they should use first or next. And the set of cutlery and dishes is determined, such as “FOrKS” and “bd”. Also, there are several “Meal Placement” in Japan as well, for instance, Japan is famous for its “Washoku” which is traditional Japanese meals that include one soup and three dishes. When people set up those, they have to put a rice bowl on their left side, “miso” soup on their right side, three dishes in the middle, and chopsticks on their front side. Especially, my grandmother and my junior high school teacher were strict about those etiquettes.
It might be a little hard for me to get used to where to sit guests at the table. In the video, generally speaking, the host, the best seat guest of honor, the guest’s assistant, and the host assistant sit in this order. In Japan, there is a similar etiquette as well. In a restaurant, supervisors sit far from the door. They usually sit on the “Kamite” side. And, other subordinates sit near the door, which is called the “Shimote” side. But, actually, both American and Japanese etiquette are unusual for me.
Yes, people should follow the rules of etiquette as much as possible but not necessarily. Local people should go easy on them as well. One of the good ideas is to ask local people about their etiquette. It would be possible to communicate with them and learn about their culture and traditions.
I research about eating manner. Japan has its own unique dining etiquette. But it’s natural manner for us. Likewise, America has its own rules, and China has its own rules too. Among them is the noise at mealtime. In Japan, it is against manners to eat with chewing noises. People who make this kind of noise while eating are called “kuchara” in Japan. Because it makes a sound like “kucha kucha”. A lot of people has bad image to “Kuhara”. On the other hand, make a noise when we are eating is good things in Korea. Making a noise when we eating something shows delicious. What is seen as negative in Japan is seen as positive in Korea. However, even in Japan, where chewing sounds are strictly regulated, people slurp ramen and udon and noodles. However it would be offensive to foreigners. Every country has its own rules and manner.
Secondly, hand gestures are different. In Japan, there is a gesture of beckoning, but in America it would be now that they are being chased away. In different countries, the gesture can turn into something with terrible meaning. If we go to another country, we have to study about another country.
Firstly, I choose manners at home. In Japan, people take off their shoes in the house, but in America, people wear shoes even in the house. I think this is a mannerism that comes from cultural differences. Japan has a culture of sitting on the floor. So the floors in the house need to be clean.
A similarity between Japanese and American manners are how to eat pasta.
Japanese people slurp noodles, but it is against the rules to slurp pasta. On the contrary, there are many differences. There are also differences in food, gestures, and house manners, such as those mentioned above. In addition to that, it is bad manners to call the waitress loudly in a restaurant in America. Also, the way of greeting is different. In Japan, they bow. In America, it is a handshake. When people get to know each other well, they hug regardless of gender. In Japan, hugs are usually reserved for couple.
Wearing shoes at home. Home is a place where even the floors are clean and free of outside dirt. Therefore, it is refreshing to wear shoes at home.
I think we should follow the etiquette of the country we are traveling in. Because, The violation of manners may cause discomfort to people in that country. I don’t think complete all manners in foreign countries. But we should follow the manners of the country as much as possible and create an image abroad that “Japanese people are well-behaved. When we travel abroad, we should not forget that we are representing our home country.
The similarities between the two countries are basic usage of cutlery such as spoons and forks. In both countries, we have to use the outside first. This is the basic table manner. The similarity between the two countries are many. For example, how to cut foods. In Japan, sometimes cut foods first. However, in America, it is considered bad manners to cut everything into bite-sized pieces first. Also, as the teacher mentioned in the last lesson, the way call clerks are referred to is different in the two countries.
In Japan, when people call clerks, they said “sumimasen” loudly so that the store clerk notices you. However, in America, make eye contact and raise your hand slightly when your eyes meet. Unlike in Japan, it is considered bad manners to call for store staff loudly.
The thing I find most unusual is that the culture of using chopsticks hardly exists in other countries. It is so normal thing that use chopsticks in Japan, and there is no wonder or question about using chopsticks. In fact, for people in countries that do not have this culture, even holding chopsticks is difficult. They don’t know how to hold and eat foods using it. So I think the most unusual aspect is Japanese chopsticks culture.
I think it is necessary for one to follow the rules of etiquette of another country while visiting there, because I think that’s one of the joys of going to that country. When I went to Taiwan, I couldn’t flush toilet paper down the toilet. It is not good and hard for me, but I enjoy this culture. Because I can’t experience that in Japan. There are many times when the culture of other countries seems inconvenient or unpleasant, but experiencing it can change your perspective. It is the best way to broaden your horizons.
How do you explain both the similarities and differences between the two countries?
There are some similarities of table manners between the United States and Japan. For example, the place setting for the meal is very important etiquette in both countries. In the United States, utensils are set at the table for most of the planned courses and the order in which to use utensils. The utensils for the next course should be right hand. The place setting can prevent confusion about which utensils to use next. In Japan, there is a similar place setting. We should put a soup such as “miso soup” on their right side, a rice bowl on their left side, and other side dishes in the middle. In addition, chopsticks on their front. Japan have not the rule of placement of utensils because of Japanese often using only chopsticks. However, the etiquette of taking care of the table ware is the same. On the other hand, there are some differences between the two countries. In Japan, it is okay to making sounds when we eat Ramen and Soba. However, it is not good manner in America. So, people who come from America to Japan confused by this unique culture.
Do you believe that it is necessary for one to follow the rules of etiquette of another country while visiting there? Why or why not?
I believe that it is necessary for one to follow the rules of etiquette of another country while visiting there. It is very important to understand each other’s etiquette, which is part of each country’s culture. I believe that when you visit a foreign country, you can discover something new by experiencing the etiquette of that country. You don’t think it’s a matter of which country’s rule is better, but I think it is better to follow the rules of that country so that we can understand and respect each other.
There are some both differences and similarities between the two countries such as Japan and America. First of all, I would like to mention that what the differences of popular or traditional dishes. Between the two countries, there are differences as follows.
In terms of Japan, as you know, there are al lot of cuisines with rice, like sushi, rice balls and ochazuke. Japanese cuisines seem to be used same ingredients with different ways such as boiling and baking. The baked-rice ball is made by baking, the fried-rice is made by frying. On the other hand, a wheat like a bread is a popular for each meals in the U.S. However, many religions are mixed in there, that is why American meal style significantly change depending on it. For example, Muslim cannot eat a pork due to the religious reasons. So, it is hard to decide on what the most common cuisine is. And, I thought about the reason that people living in the U.S. tend to prefer fast-food such as hamburger to cooking for oneself, compared to Japan. The first reason is that eating out in the U.S. is more costly than Japan. Plus, customers sometimes have to pay additional tips. A fast food shop is reasonable and the place to go easily for customers. The above reason gives us, Japanese, an impression that people in America often eat junk food.
Similarities are eating fast food between the two. For instance, McDonald is popular food shop. Like this, there is a few similarity in them.
In my view, cooking for oneself is hardly seen in the U.S. is surprising to me. I think that the U.S. is advocating the gender equality. So, it is said that half of the whole workforce in America is women, which connected with the fact that a lot of people in America take advantage of take away or eat out.
I believe that it is necessary to follow the rules of the etiquette of another country while visiting there. This is because it is easy to intimate with foreigners by accepting its own etiquette when traveling. If I were a foreigner, I would be happy that someone appropriately accepted my country’s etiquette. That is why it is important to search other countries’ etiquette before visiting.
At first, one of similarities between America and Japan is where to sit guest at the table. In Japan, there is such way of thinking, “Kamiza” and “Shimoza”. Usually, people who have high status in the group sit kamiza (it means the position that is farthest from exit, and people who have low status in the group sit Shimoza (it is opposite to Kamiza). Like America, Japanese people think the position of sitting while eating. This is one of similarities between the two. However, there are not only similarities but also differences. I think that one of them is napkin. Napkin is rarely seen in Japan. Instead of it, Japanese people use Oshibori (wet towel) to wipe hands or mouth. Unlike napkin, there are not clear manners to use Oshibori, so Japanese people use it easily. This difference is very interesting for me. Both have similar roles in table, but the importance is very different.
For me, table setting is unusual. Because, In Japan, most of the time, fork, spoon and chopsticks are put in the case, and Japanese take them freely. Therefore, manner of order of setting seems be unusual. Also, In America, used cutleries such fork and knife are needed to put in the correct position however, Japanese do not care about it, so, way of thinking about cutlery is unusual for me.
In my opinion, it is necessary for visitors to follow the rules of etiquette of another country while visiting there. The reason is that if you do not follow them, you can make the countries’ people offended or angry. In the worst case, you may be fined for breaking rules. For example, in Thai, padding a head is one of taboos. Also, in Singapore, littering is subjected to fine. In summary, ignoring countries’ rules has potential dangers to make your trip worse. Therefore, I think that when visitors go to other country, they should follow the country’s rules to enjoy the journey.
How do you explain both the similarities and differences between the two countries?
In the covid-19 pandemic, wearing mask is the common etiquette and I found a same situation in a article,
“you do need to literally speak up to be heard. If you don’t, often the other person will lean in to hear you, and then you end up stepping back to recreate some space. It’s a odd dance but it happens often.”
This circulation of speaking up and stepping back from the listener seem a common phenomenon between the U.S and Japan. However, the scale of prevention against the covid-19 was different between them. I think it was caused by the Japanese unique custom that they wear masks not only for prevention of disease originally, the purpose of using mask might be for hiding their face or other reasons. But many Americans don’t have the habit of waring masks in daily lives so they must have been irritated when they were said that they must wear it. This must be the cultural difference between Japan and the U.S. (167words)
– Which aspects of the etiquette areas that you chose seem unusual to you?
The formal place setting in America is quite different from that of Japan. I work in wedding reception facility as a part-time job and I’m used to setting for the meal for guests but I have never seen such a setting and the biggest difference is that we place the forks on the right side of the table, I think it is derived from the Japanese way of eating “left hand is used for the chawan and the right hand is used for chop sticks”.(85words)
– Do you believe that it is necessary for one to follow the rules of etiquette of another country while visiting there? Why or why not?
Yes, I think we should follow the rules of other countries unless they feel some stress due to that. Basically, visiting another country is the precious opportunity for learning and absorbing the cultural differences so trying to get used to the rules of foreign country is necessary and if a visitor don’t do this, I think he or she doesn’t necessarily go abroad and should learn the language or culture online.(71words)
There are cultural differences from in Japan and in the U.S. First, I choose about table manners. First, both in Japan and in other countries, to eat a dinner with your family is important conversation. If you need to communicate with someone at the table, send your messages and then return as soon as you can. Second, in other countries, there are the Sunday dinner. People in the U.S usually eat dinner with their family on Sunday and they talk about back in the day. The Sunday dinner table was where you really learned about your family such as their history, hopes and worries, stories, jokes and personalities.Third, tipping is one of the most confusing aspects of etiquette. However, it is a significant way to show appreciation for a job well done in the u.s. On the other hand, in Japan, we do not need to pay tip. I was surprised and interested in the cultures on family time in foreign cultures. Of course, it is important for Japanese to spend and eat dinner with family. However, people in other countries think that to spend with their family is more important. I think that for us to follow the rules of etiquette of another country while visiting there and culture because we need must respect the rules and culture in another the country while visiting there. Because me follow the rules of etiquette of another country , we can learn something and me can get new perspective .
At a mealtime, the differences obviously appear. Firstly, difference about the place table set. In Japan, people use chopsticks. These cutleries are placed horizontally underneath the plate. On the other hand, forks, spoons, knifes are used in America. There is a rule, called FoRKS. Forks, plates, knifes, and spoons are situated from left side. Secondly, Japanese don’t use chair. Japan has “tatami” customary. They take shoes off at the place. However, there are some similarities. For example, the host decides the seat places, and the place is same. Guest of honor is seated at the farthest from entrance. It is called “Kamiza” in Japanese. That’s way, I explain both the similarities and differences.
I’m amazing that it is natural not to eat all dishes. I think to eating everything is meaning that it was delicious in Japan. However, foreign are not. Leaving food on the table is seen as polite. I know it at my part time job. They didn’t eat all, so I think the dishes were not good for them. But I taught the polite, I have to pay attention to when I go abroad. In addition, they often take the dishes away. I think we should be careful because there are some restaurants where it is prohibited.
Yes, I do. There are a lot of differences between some countries. For example, it is natural for Japanese to eat all dished or to sip a noddle, but it may be uncomfortable for the other countries. So, there are some possibilities we might make a lot of them angry. Besides this, we always take off our shoes when on the tatami, and taking dishes away is often prohibited. Sometimes they do these without even realizing, so it is important to follow the rules in a country
– How do you explain both the similarities and differences between the two countries?
The first difference between Japan and the United States. in terms of table manners is the place where the food is eaten. When eating at ryokans or Japanese restaurants-Washoku restaurants, the meal is sometimes served on tatami. When eating on tatami, you must take off your shoes or slippers. When walking on tatami, you should not step on the threshold or the edge of the tatami. The threshold is a symbolic part that distinguishes the inside and outside of the house. The edge of the tatami is decorated with the family crest in ancient times. Some people believe that stepping on them is considered disrespectful to the family. You must not step on the cushions with your feet either. It is considered the same as stepping on someone’s bottom. However, if you go to a Western restaurant in Japan, you will find tables and chairs, and the Japanese will eat their meals as Westerners do, following the rules of FOrks and arranging the tableware. In Japan, soba is slurped to enjoy the scent of the noodles. However, pasta and other noodles are not slurped. Therefore, Japanese changes attitude depending on the atmosphere.
– Which aspects of the etiquette areas that you chose seem unusual to you?
I was very surprised at the way the dishes were placed at mealtime. In Japan, we put back the dishes we have eaten as we did when they arrived. However, when visiting Western-style restaurants, forks, knives, and other tableware are placed in a specific way, either in the middle of eating or afterwards.
– Do you believe that it is necessary for one to follow the rules of etiquette of another country while visiting there? Why or why not?
There is a saying, “When in a country, follow the local etiquette.” When visiting another country, it is necessary to follow the etiquette of that country. In “cross-cultural understanding,” it is said that understanding the differences between the other person’s culture and our own creates an environment in which we can all perform comfortably and well. I agree with this idea because it allows me to spend time in a foreign country comfortably, not to mention not offending others.
I believe that the similarity is in the table setting.
Focusing on the former, in the United States, the table setting is placed in the order of Fork. Forks are placed on the left side, and knives and spoons on the right. Moreover, they are of various sizes, they are used depending on the dish. If a fish dish comes, use a fork or knife for the smaller one. However, use a large fork or knife if a meat dish comes. Some soup spoons are different from ordinary spoons in their distinctive shape. Their cutlery is used from the outside, depending on the order of dishes. In the case of Japan food, it is not set in this way because forks and knives are fundamentally not used, on the other hand, in the case of course meals such as Western cuisine eaten in Japan, it is set in the same way.
On the other hand, the way of eating soup is very different. In Japan, there is miso soup, and drinking it with noise is not considered a violation of etiquette. However, it is rude in the United States. Moreover, Japanese people sometimes lift the soup plate and bring it to their mouth, but they do not hold the plate and carry the spoon to the mouth.
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The unusual eating style is continental style dining. Japanese people don’t put their index finger on the fork and holding the fork normally. However, in the United States, it is common to eat with your fingers upright on a fork.
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It is necessary to follow the culture of other countries. Especially in the case of food, cultural differences are clearly visible, so if the culture of other countries is deeply related to religion and history. In addition, acting in accordance with the culture of the country leads to understanding of other cultures.
1,First of all, I explain about both the similarities and differences between the two countries. I explain from 3 perspectives. At first, In the America and Japan, people are called the same thing. For example, In Japan people change way of calling depending on who are you like “San”,”Kun”, “Chan”,”Sama”and so on. In America, there is a similar expression. For instance, people call address someone without using an honorific title adding “Mr.” or “Miss” to their last name. However, Japan has more variety. Second, Japanese people often give the souvenir for their friends, family and people who are work with. It is formal in Japan but, there is basically no culture of souvenirs in the America. So, when people really like it they buy for their family and friends. In that case, it is rare to buy the souvenirs for business associate. Finally In the public space, Japanese people no kissing but, Americans kiss. I guess it is related to cultural Differences.
2,I was surprised what Americans kiss in public,it is rare in Japan. It is thought not appropriate. I think this is different because in the America, people kiss and hug as a greeting, but in Japan, people do not do such things as a greeting.
3,Yes, I think it is necessary for one to follow the rules of etiquette of another country while visiting there. Because, As the saying goes, when in Rome, do as the Romans do. I think that follow the rules of etiquette of another country is important for people to interact with each other, like above the word.
While there are different aspects of dining etiquette in the two countries, at the same time, similarities can be seen in the rules related to utensils. For example, Japanese chopsticks and American spoons, forks, knives, and other utensils are used as tools for enjoying meals in each culture. However, the rules and etiquette regarding these utensils have similarities that make eating more comfortable and enjoyable in both countries.
In Japan, specific etiquette is important when using chopsticks. For example, when using chopsticks, you should avoid lifting the utensils and it is considered rude to stab the chopsticks on a plate. Also, when using chopsticks, it is required to use the part of the chopstick used for carrying food and the part near the mouth separately.
On the other hand, in the U.S., there is a unique etiquette for using spoons, forks, knives, and other eating utensils. For example, when using a fork, it is common to hold the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right hand while eating. There are also specific ways of holding and using knives and spoons. When visiting another country, it is important not only to show respect for its customs and etiquette, but also to approach cultural differences with attitude of open mind and with curiosity to understand them. It is also necessary to explore the cultural context and significance behind the rules, rather than simply following them. This allows visitors to gain deeper insights.
What surprised me was that there is not that much difference between the U.S. and Japan when it comes to etiquette. My guess is that manners born out of consideration for others will be similar in all countries. For example, it is the same in Japan that one should not use a phone while eating, use a spoon or fork as a shovel, or rest on one’s elbows. If the goal is to avoid making the other person feel uncomfortable, perhaps the manners will naturally become similar.
However, differences were also found. For example, in the U.S., one is supposed to wash one’s hands before taking one’s seat, but in Japan, wet towels called oshibori are distributed to customers, and it is common practice to wipe one’s hands at the table. This is said to be a custom that has existed since the Muromachi period (1333-1573), so the important factor in many of the differences in etiquette between the two countries is whether or not it is a long-standing custom.
I don’t think Japanese people put their elbows on the table that much, regardless of whether they are eating or not. I do not know why, but put elbows on the table is unusual for me.
It must be followed. As a Japanese, I feel culturally invaded when foreigners do not follow Japanese rules.If I were to go to a foreign country, I would follow the rules of that country because I don’t want to be perceived as such. This would help me avoid unnecessary trouble.
1: First of all, I think the difference between Japan and the United States is very clear. In Japan, we mainly use chopsticks when we eat. And the menu of the meal is also divided into main and side dishes. On the other hand, in the United States, people use spoons, forks, and knives to eat. Not only that, but Japanese people also hold bowls by hand and put their hands on them when they eat. However, Americans eat without a bowl. From a Japanese point of view, eating without a bowl is considered a bad behavior.
Next, let’s look at the similarities between Japan and the United States. Both Japanese and Americans wear an apron when eating to avoid getting their clothes dirty. In addition, when we eat large food, we cut the food into our own size and eat it.
2: The most unusual thing I found was that it was very difficult for non-Japanese to use chopsticks. Since we Japanese eat with chopsticks from birth, we can use chopsticks freely without any discomfort, but it is very universal for foreigners such as Americans to find it very difficult and difficult to use chopsticks.
3: I think it is necessary for one to follow the rules of etiquette of another country while visiting there, because when we are in a foreign country, we are an outsider and we are not qualified to oppose its rules. The culture and rules of the country are one of the major elements that represent the country itself. Therefore, I think it is necessary to respect them and follow the rules.
I felt that there are many similarities between American and Japanese table manners. However, I think the differences are related to each country’s cuisine. In America, people basically use a fork, knife, and spoon, but in Japan people use chopsticks. Each country has its mannerisms, but I feel that both countries use them well. In Japan, people often use forks and spoons, but in America, I think there are few opportunities to use chopsticks. If the person who taught you how to use chopsticks in your childhood is correct, you will not make mistakes as an adult, but since the use of chopsticks is not an everyday practice in America you may eat by sticking chopsticks into your rice like toothpicks. In this way, I felt that although the basic manners remain the same when comparing the eating cultures of different countries, there is a possibility that the manners are different or not well known.
I think people should go with their daily lives with manners that are in line with the country they are in. Even if the mannerisms are different from one’s country. Because I think people from that country are rude, even though they are from different countries. I feel that these days it is not unusual for people of from different nationalities to live in the same country. That is why I think that even if a tourist, they still expected to have the local manners. However, I think the one thing people can’t do anything about when it comes to manners is the difference in manners depending on religion. Religion is not something that someone should be able to argue with, and it is not possible to change the rules of that religion immediately. Therefore, when you are in a country different from your own, it is important to observe the local manners, but on the other hand, it is also important for the people of the country has to think that what is normal for them is not normal for the rest of the world.