http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuteness_in_Japanese_culture
Pentex, it is up to you to attach meaning.
I think the Japanese are among the most polite and sweet and courteous people I have ever come across.
For example, a Japanese student who wants to go to Engineering would have to memorize hundreds of Chinese letters to first start the Engineering course (they need to take a class for learning the Kanzis!), whereas English you learn the phonetic sound and spelling while you are in an Engineering class.
Japanese students will struggle doing studies in it due to its language but English will not interfere at all.
Do you agree?
PS. I did not put this question in Language section because I want the education perspective.
No, its really easy for the East Asians. They have 100 times stronger memory than us Americans. Its in their blood. Its in their genes. Its in their history. Its in their hearts.
A lot of people say Japan culture is too competitive and demanding, making the Japanese stressed.
Is China like this too, or do they allow you more personal freedom and not so many demands on your time?
Before People’s Republic of China (PRC) turned to market economy and every business was government owned, Chinese workers were very laid back and there were no incentives in working harder. Now everything has changed but the stress is not the same as for the Japanese.
PRC is ruled by one political party, other than a few very low level local elections, there is no democracy. Democratic advocates are being jailed here, there is no political freedom and a lot of censorship inside China, including banning of Google, Facebook, Youtube. Japan is a democratic country. Then there is corruption all over China, whether one feels stressful as a result depends on which end you’re on. If you’re rich and have all the right connections you would be relaxed, otherwise you would be extremely stressful and frustrated. Japan is a much more open country.
For example, a Japanese student who wants to go to Engineering would have to memorize hundreds of Chinese letters to first start the Engineering course (they need to take a class for learning the Kanzis!), whereas English you learn the phonetic sound and spelling while you are in an Engineering class.
Japanese students will struggle doing studies in it due to its language but English will not interfere at all.
Do you agree?
I disagree. We would have to memorize the English terminology just as they would have to memorize it in their language.
For example, I found this word: G-Type Joist Girder. I can read it, but I’d still have to memorize the word and its meaning. I don’t see how that’s much easier than memorizing the word and meaning in Japanese. They will also learn the phonetic sound and the Kanji character in their Engineering class.
I have learned the phrase "okagesama de genki desu" in school , and i know that this is super-duper polite. I just recieved an email from a pen pal, is it too polite if i tell her okage sama de genki desu? because i eventually want to speak on friendly terms. what should i do?
btw we’re both in our teens, and our age difference is 1-2 years.
Just saying genkidesu ???????is polite enough. When you start getting more familiar with each other or if she starts speaking in causal first then start with casual speech
So I’m just watching the news and the Japan earthquake and flooding seriously looks like a movie or really great visual effects… but its real, everyone.
In honor of Japan of their great culture, what song inspires you when dark times come? Or can you dedicate a song to them? Maybe you even know a Japanese band? This question is all open guys.
But keep Japan in your hearts, cause this is horrible.
Rock on!
Fix you by Coldplay
I would like some information on Japan during the feudal age, epically the religious beliefs and mythology. Is there any specific book or website you would recommend?
http://www.chinatownconnection.com/japanese-feudal-periods.htm
I need to compare Japan during the time of the World War 2 to present day. I have googled so much and only find things about the war. Any idea what the culture was like back then? What they wore, what they ate, what music they listened to. Please any help is appreciated. Thanks.
This is a Wikipedia page explaining Japanese culture after WW2.
http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:%E6%98%AD%E5%92%8C%E6%99%82%E4%BB%A3%E6%88%A6%E5%BE%8C%E3%81%AE%E6%96%87%E5%8C%96