Quote:
Originally Posted by RealJames
It's true that we are all biased in that we can only observe things from our own eyes.
But the fact is that most people reading those tips with the intention of coming to Japan for a visit will be seeing it all from the same "western" perspective, no?
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That's my whole point. To truly understand Japan, Japanese culture and Japanese people and to be fair you have to look at things WITHOUT your cultural lenses. It's all about context.
You say men never hold doors for women in Japan. Let's just say that's true. A statement like this makes the assumption that holding the door is the correct or chivalrous thing to do.
Americans almost never say thank you a second time after receiving a a gift. You receive a gift, and say thank you, but it usually isn't brought up again, unless there is a special reason to do so.
If I am in Japan and someone gives me a gift, or even does something as small as buy me a beer, the next time I see them I should acknowledge that act of kindness.
We don't do that in America, so an American might look like a boor when he forgets to thank someone for an act of kindness, even if it is weeks or months later.
So the American may be judged on a standard that he isn't accustomed or prepared for. It's not in his cultural vernacular. If he lives in Japan, it should be.
However YOU are in Japan, and are judging Japanese culture based on YOUR cultural vernacular, not on the Japanese cultural vernacular. In that respect, I am sure it is interesting for newbies, but it is missing one level of information.
Don't get me totally wrong... you put a lot of work into this, and I think you have a good start. On some of these I'd like to see you take it to the next level.