DID YOU KNOW?
INTERESTING CULTURAL TIPS & INFORMATION
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Mid-autumn Moon Festival: "The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival, is a traditional festival celebrated in Chinese culture. Similar holidays are celebrated in Japan (Tsukimi), Korea (Chuseok), Vietnam (Tết Trung Thu), and other countries in East and Southeast Asia."
Source: Mid-Autumn Festival - Wikipedia |
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New Words: Merriam-Webster Dictionary/Thesaurus added 370 New Words to the Dictionary for September 2022. Included in the list: supply chain, atmosphere river, side hustle, false negative/positive, Omakase, ras el hanout.
(https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/new-words-in-the-dictionary) |
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The Japanese Zodiac - Juunishi
Rat (nezumi), Ox (ushi), Tiger (tora), Rabbit (usagi), Dragon (tatsu), Snake (hebi), Horse (uma), Sheep (hitsuji), Monkey (saru), Rooster (tori), Dog (inu), Boar (inoshishi) |
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Nengajo - Japanese New Years Cards
The Japanese send New Years greetings, rather than Christmas cards. The custom of sending Nengajo, or year-end post cards, apparently began during the Meiji Era (1868-1912), and were issued by the Postal Service. The popularity of these cards increased dramatically when prizes were attached to them and awards given out. Often, the design incorporates the current year's zodiac animal. |
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Is there Halloween in Japan?
Yes and no. You won't find trick or treaters except perhaps among the foreign community. You will, however, find "Cosplay", which is a Japanese portmanteau of the English terms "costume" and "play". In 1984, the phrase was coined by Nobuyuki Takahashi, a Japanese reporter, to describe what he saw. In 2000, Tokyo Disneyland had its first Halloween event and the popularity has grown over the years, particularly as young Japanese really enjoy "cosplay activities. Like Halloween and Valentines Day, global celebrations in Japan take on a "Japanese flavor". The Japanese expression is: "コスプレ, kosupure." Read More
One of the most popular locations for Halloween celebrations in Tokyo is in Shibuya. Read More |
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Japanese Oshogatsu (New Year Celebration)
"The three-day New Year holiday is a very special time in Japan, a time of solemn prayers and joyous greetings. While New Year's Day is a holiday in many parts of the world, the occasion has a unique significance to the Japanese, who take the opportunity to begin anew many aspects of their lives." |
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Coca Cola Translated in Chinese - "Bite the Wax Tadpole"
Foreign words adopted for the Chinese market are often created phonetically, while, at the same time, suitable Chinese characters are selected. One of the first attempts to find the most suitable name for Coca Cola in Chinese resulted in the following...ke-kou-ke-la. Unfortunately the Chinese translation was..."bite the wax tadpole or female horse stuffed with wax". Once the error was discovered, another translation was quickly prepared...ko-kou-ko-le. This resulted in a much better translation..."happiness in the mouth". |
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But the Japanese Love Golf
An American company attempted to sell golf balls in Japan. The Japanese love to play golf, but the venture failed! The American company designed an attractive package, containing four golf balls. Knowing the Japanese loved both beautiful packaging and golf, they were sure they had a winner. Later it was discovered that in Japanese, the number four has the same pronunciation as the Japanese word for death. Never sell anything in sets of four! |
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Cell Phone Etiquette in Japan "Manner Mode"
Cell phones, or keitai (denwa) in Japanese, are everywhere in Japan. They are small, light weight, extremely convenient, and relatively inexpensive. For many, they are the preferred form of communication. When riding trains in Japan,in movie theaters,restaurants and other public places, one is expected to observe proper etiquette. You will often see or hear announcements requesting that you observe "manner mode", meaning to set the phone to vibrate, or turn it off completely. It is considered appropriate etiquette to use the phone only in designated areas. |
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Karaoke
The Japanese and others around the world love to sing. It is popular for several reasons: It is a way to unwind after a stressful day at the office. It is also an effective way to establish a good relationship with staff members or business colleagues. Do not underestimate the importance of karaoke invitations.
Note: Be sure to pronounce the word correctly! The correct pronunciation is "kara-OK", not "kari-oki".
Karaoke, in Japanese, comes from "kara" means empty in Japanese, and "oke", which is short for orchestra. The meaning is "empty orchestra, representing the sound system found in most bars.
Almost everyone gets invited to a Karaoke Bar at some time or another. Be prepared to sing, and be prepared with a few selections that you know relatively well. You do not need to be a good singer, but you need to participate in the activity as a member of the group. Don't be shy - show you are a good sport!
The Japanese, and other Asians, take their singing very seriously. Many visit their favorite bar and practice religiously. There are schools in Japan that teach karaoke. Even when singing in bars one needs to take into consideration the rank of people in the group. Defer to your host-and wait to be asked. If you really want to impress your colleagues, learn a couple of songs in the native language.! |
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American - British English Words
Elevator = Lift
Apartment = Flat
Can = Tin
Hood (car) = Bonnet
Trunk (car) = Boot
Restroom = Loo
Subway = Underground
Television = Telly
French fries = Chips
Pharmacy = Chemist
Cookies = Biscuits
Period (grammar) = Full Stop
Truck = Lorry |
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