Japanese Culture

Now I searched about Japanese food. I would like to ask you image about Japanese food. Please cooperate.

i think of squid and octopus

I research about Japanese food, so I would like to hear your opinion. Please cooperation.

I always go to YoSushi! which is a sushi bar where I live in England. The food goes round on a conveyor belt. There I usually eat yakisoba, pumpkin korroke, veg/chicken/duck gyoza. Also we always get tonnes of miso soup, because it’s unlimited. And of course, sushi.

I also go to this place called Wagamama’s too, there I usually have yasai chilli men or something with ramen noodles. Here is the menu if you want to take a look:

http://www.wagamama.com/asset/gb/files/location/menus/1305026893_6042%20wuk%20main%20sum111.pdf

I would be very interested to know what does yellow signifie in japanese culture.

Yellow has several meaning in Japan, but not all of it is purely of Japanese cultural origin and for the most part only the older generation understand or remember. The younger Japanese are mostly ignorant of any cultural meaning of the color yellow.

1) Strangely, the color yellow symbolizes courage. Unlike western culture where it symbolizes cowardice.

2) At one time, the Japanese emperor’s guard would wear something yellow such as a yellow chrysanthemum in reference to their status as imperial guards.

3) Yellow to some who are Buddhist, is a sacred color. The Buddhist monks in Asia typically wear yellow, but for some reason not as many in Japan.

4) A lesser known meaning of yellow in Japan is "happiness" or "cheerfulness". There was an old popular movie entitled, "Happy Yellow Handkerchiefs".

A while ago my manager (an Australian) and I had a meeting with a senior manager from fairly large Japanese company in Australia, the Japanese manager also bought his Australian colleague. When I came to shank hands with the Japanese manager, I smiled and went to shake his hands like usual, he also smiled and shook my hands but then he bowed down in front of me, this was the first time I met a Japanese manager who bowed down, I wasn’t sure what to do so I immediately bowed down too (he didn’t bow down with my Australian manager, maybe it was because I am Asian and he assumed I should bow?)

I wasn’t sure how low was I suppose to bow or whether I was suppose to let go of his hand when I bow, I basically did a small bow while still shaking his hand. I felt quite unnatural, and he obviously sensed the awkwardness, I think he was immediately offended that I only did a small bow or that I did not bow down at same time as he did or I did not know the correct business etiquette. Anyhow, after that initial “handshake”, he obviously became cold towards me throughout the rest of the meeting.

What is the correct etiquette in this situation?

Thank you.

Bow just as deeply or slightly deeper (the latter if he is above you in position. if your manager is on equal terms with him, then he should be, right?) and lower your eyes. You can still continue shaking hands but be careful not to bump heads (it can happen).

From wikipedia:
"When dealing with non-Japanese people, many Japanese will shake hands. Since many non-Japanese are familiar with the custom of bowing, this often leads to a combined bow and handshake which can be quite complicated to execute. Bows may be combined with handshakes or performed before or after shaking hands. Generally when bowing in close proximity, as necessitated when combining bowing and shaking hands, people turn slightly to one side (usually the left) to avoid bumping heads.

I babysit professionally and I will be babysitting for a family who is visiting San Diego on business. They have one child, a 7 yr old boy. I got the job because I have learned 2 years of college level Japanese and hopefully will be able to communicate with them. My question, is there any etiquette protocol I should know about….specificially, I will address the father by last name…san, but the child…should he just be first name? thanks…any tips appreciated!

Here are some resources for you. I would also suggest if you have any questions especially regarding how they want their child to be supervised, that you ask the parents in a respectful manner.

And be punctual.

A while ago my manager (an Australian) and I had a meeting with a senior manager from fairly large Japanese company in Australia, the Japanese manager also bought his Australian colleague. When I came to shank hands with the Japanese manager, I smiled and went to shake his hands like usual, he also smiled and shook my hands but then he bowed down in front of me, this was the first time I met a Japanese manager who bowed down, I wasn’t sure what to do so I immediately bowed down too (he didn’t bow down with my Australian manager, maybe it was because I am Asian and he assumed I should bow?)

I wasn’t sure how low was I suppose to bow or whether I was suppose to let go of his hand when I bow, I basically did a small bow while still shaking his hand. I felt quite unnatural, and he obviously sensed the awkwardness, I think he was immediately offended that I only did a small bow or that I did not bow down at same time as he did or I did not know the correct business etiquette. Anyhow, after that initial “handshake”, he obviously became cold towards me throughout the rest of the meeting.

What is the correct etiquette in this situation?

Thank you.

I think your problem does not relate to etiquette.
Generally, negative/offensive things are not allowed in Japanese society. So, these things are always expressed in indirect way. It means skilled people can detect many things through your reactions. Ignorant people might feel as if it were telepathy. Many travelers experience it at ryokans in Japan. They use this sense to make you comfortable.

Do you remember what you did here? Through your actions, everybody knows your inferiority complex to Japan. I think it will be shown evidently in your face. Skilled Japanese businessmen will detect your offensive mind immediately.