Hina Matsuri(the Girl's Festival) is a celebration for families with young girls to pray for their good health and happiness. It is also known as momo no sekku(the Peach Festival). Hina dolls are displayed on a tiered stand and white sake, diamond-shaped rice cakes called hishimochi and other items are offered.

From the end of March to the beginning of April, dozens of people gather in a group to enjoy eating and drinking known as hanami(flower viewing) under cherry blossoms. In old times, the day for cherry blossom viewing was fixed and people were required to go out to hills or fields.

Graduation (sotsugyo shiki) is an important event for student to mark that they have completed certain course. Students receive certificates and sing "Hotaru no hikari (Auld Lang Syne)", a song for parting. At collage graduation ceremonies, some women wear hakama, traditional clothing worn by students in the old days.

Japanese people feel that "Wa (harmony)" is important and don't like conflict with others. Therefore, their expressions of emotions and language are often indirect and superficial so their meanings are not understood as intended. Many Japanese are sensitive to their emotions and inner thoughts. However, they try not to show their negative emotions such as sorrow or anger so as not to make others uncomfortable or worry them.

Japanese generally like people who are amiable as smiles are considered the signs of good personalities. So people smile at others even when they meet each other for the first time. Some Japanese also smile to hide their embarrassment.
Many Japanese smile while they are apologizing. It is because they want to settle the trouble peacefully without making the other person angry.

When Japanese fall silent, it may mean either, "I want to think it over.", "I shouldn't make any remarks now." or "I don't agree with the idea." besides that they just don't feel like talking.

As Japanese like to express their emotions moderately and hesitate to show negative feelings, they are reluctant to express it in bizarre ways such as smiling when they are angry. Japanese tend to hide their sorrow and tears in public even when they are in deep sorrow such as having had a death in their family. Even when they are in tears, they usually cry silently.

Many Japanese feel embarrassed when they are complimented in public by someone they like. They place their hands on their heads to try to hide their embarrassment and pretend to be calm.

When Japanese fall silent, it may mean either, "I want to think it over.", "I shouldn't make any remarks now." or "I don't agree with the idea." besides that they just don't feel like talking.

When Japanese make unexpected mistakes, they cover their mouths in surprise and regret. Also, as some people think that it is not graceful for women to laugh with their mouths wide open, many women cover their mouths when laughing.

Waving one's hands back and forth in front of the face can be either an expression of humility ("Don't mention it") or denial ("No, that's not correct").

This is a proverb meaning, "Stand out from the crowd and you just invite trouble for yourself". It is also a warning to persons who don't cooperate with others. The phrase is frequently heard when you are working in a group.

it is often said that Japanese don't express their honest feelings. This attitude is rooted in their mentality of respecting others and avoiding things that could make others uncomfortable. Hon ne 'One's honest feeling'. It is considered inconsiderate to speak one's mind directly. Tatemae 'One's outward stance' that changes depending on time, place, occasion, social morality and to whom he or she is talking. Diplomatic remarks are included in tatemae.

Japanese are often criticized as not expressing "Yes" or "No" clearly. But in fact, they often convey their intentions in their remarks. Especially in business situations, a variety of ambiguous expressions are used to turn down proposals without harming the position or hurting feelings of others.

In Japan, modesty refers to placing others above yourself and refrain from being self-assertive. Modesty is considered a virtue in inter-personal relationships. "Tondemoarimasen" :When you receive compliments from others, you deny them saying, "Tondemoarimasen (Oh, no, that's not right)." rather than acknowledging and showing gratitude for the remarks. "Tsumaranai mono desu ga": A common phrase used when giving gifts that implies the gift is of no value. But almost no one actually thinks that the gift is "tsumarai (worthless)".

When you talk with others about your family, you use humble language without praising or boasting about them.

Japanese think that to be embarrassed in public is humiliating. Although each individual or family has different concept of shame, most Japanese have been told at home or school since they were little not to do embarrassing things in public.

Those who have committed crimes or brought shame on their family are severely blamed.

Japanese are generally known as being humble and reserved. It is because they dislike standing out in public and causing trouble that would result in disgracing them.

It is a general understanding that Japanese are not good at speaking foreign languages. One of the reasons is that they are afraid of feeling embarrassed in public by speaking incorrectly.

In Japan, to learn and work diligently without complaining is highly encouraged and being patient is considered a virtue. This mentality can be a source of stress for Japanese people. In recent years, less emphasis is being placed on diligence and patience, and people are demanding more spare time and freedom.

Both of these proverbs mean that patience wins out in the end. The latter is based on the general knowledge that it takes three years for a peach and chestnut tree and eight years for a persimmon tree to bear fruits.

Sudden deaths of workers who have been working excessively. This is a result of patience and diligence having a negative effect. This phenomenon became obvious in the 1980's and "karo-shi" is now a widely known word outside of Japan.

A manga kissa is a cafe in which you can read comic books and magazines over drinks and snacks by paying admission. Many manga kissa provide computers for the Internet and facilities for napping. In urban area, some manga kissa are open 24 hours a day.
For many foreign fashion brands, Japan is one of the biggest markets in the world. There are various factors intertwining behind the enthusiasm of Japanese for expensive brand name products.

1. They feel like being left out if they don't have those products.
2. It is a display of status to have brand name products.
3. They feel that they look fashionable when they dress themselves with stylish brand name products introduced in magazines or TV programs.
4. They want to own the same products which their favorite celebrities have.
Japanese tend to follow what others have done and want to have the same experience. This tendency is rooted in the fact that individual activities are not respected as they are opposed to the spirit of "Wa: harmony".
Once a fad or boom enters the mass media, it peaks out quickly, then dies out even more quickly. In many cases, its life span is less than a year.
While more people prefer to make independent trips these days, group tours remain popular. People feel safer being led by tour operators.

As you can see in the trains, operated precisely according to schedule, Japanese are strict on punctuality. You have to be careful about time because those who are often late are not considered reliable.
When people meet, they usually exchange bows whether or not it is their first encounter. When bowing words of greeting appropriate to the situation such as "Kon ni chi wa" are also exchanged. Different greetings for different situations: The way of greeting differs depending on the relationship with the other person.
• One can casually greet
• A quick bow in passing one's neighbor.
• A polite bow to a customer or a senior.
Basically, greeting on parting is the same as that on meeting. When you need to greet politely, say "Sayonara" and when you part with your friends who are in the same age group, say "Ja-ne".
1. Take off your shoes.
(Although many Japanese homes are built in the Western style these days, one almost never enters with shoes on.)
2. Kneel down and place your shoes neatly together facing back the way you came.
When zabuton (a cushion) is offered, sit on it in the formal seiza position (sit straight). If your legs become numbed from sitting in seiza, ask one of the family members if you can relax.

• Check the fare to your destination on the fare map.
• Put coins (or a bill, prepaid card) in this slot.
• Press the fare button appropriate for your destination.
• The change is given with the ticket.
In large cities, automatic ticket gates are installed in most stations. Check the signs to find an entrance gate, and put your ticket in the slot to go through.
On the platform, wait in line at the designated boarding area and get on the train in order.
Your baggage should be placed on the overhead luggage rack or held under your arm. If you have a backpack, hold it in the front of your body. All trains are non-smoking except smoking cars provided in the Shinkansen. On the platform, smoke in the designated smoking area.
Don't take up more than one space on the seat. Give up your seat to elderly, handicapped, pregnant women and those with small children.
Don't use your cell phone. It is preferable to turn it off.
To know where you are, check signs in the train or at station stops.
Put your ticket or prepaid card in the slot and go through the automatic ticket gate. If the fare you have paid is short, the gate closes.
If you have ridden beyond what you have paid, adjust the fare using the fare-adjustment machine or at the ticket window before you go to the ticket gate.

During business hours, the "eigyo-chu"(open) sign is displayed at the entrance of the restaurant. When it is closed, the "junbi-chu" or "shitaku-chu"(closed) sign is displayed.
Some Japanese restaurants hang a short split curtain called a noren outside during their business hours and take it in when they close.
Most restaurants have menus only in Japanese. If you want to have a drink with a meal, order it before you order dishes. Sake or shochu (Japanese distilled spirit) go well with Japanese dishes. When you drink with seniors, such as your boss, it is considered a courtesy to fill their glasses or sake cups.
Most restaurants open at night serve alcoholic drinks and allow customers to smoke. In Japan, those over 20 years old are allowed to drink and smoke.
Generally, you take your bill to the cashier to pay. As the service charge is included in the bill, no tip is needed. When more than two people dine together, it is common to go Dutch ("warikan"). Some restaurants calculate what each individual has had if customers ask to let them pay separately ("betsu betsu de")

Tokyo Disneyland and other theme parks attract people of all ages. Amusement parks are also popular among families with small children and young couples.
To get in or ride popular attractions, you have to wait in line. The waiting time often exceeds an hour. Theme parks are constantly building new attractions to bring in the customers.
Amusement facilities with a variety of game machines. There are game arcades in urban downtown areas and in corners at inns and supermarkets. Not only children but also students and professionals enjoy playing video games at these facilities.
You operate the crane to capture prizes in the showcase. There are a variety of prize items but fancy stuffed toys are the most common.
An automatic photo-booth in which customers operate keys or a touch-screen to take photos of themselves. The photos are printed on small stickers in less than a minute. Some machines allow you to add your own messages and designs to the pictures or take pictures from different angles. Purikura are especially popular among schoolgirls.
Pachinko is one of the most popular amusements for adults in Japan. You have to be over 18 years old to play pachinko.
Turn the handle to shoot balls. When a ball lands in one of the "chakka(target)", the pictures on the display begin to spin, similar to a slot machine. If the pictures in the three windows match, you win "o-atari(jackpot)" and the machine will reward you with more balls. Rules vary depending on the type of machines.
If you win enough balls, you can exchange them for prizes or money. Pachinko parlors offer a wide variety of prizes ranging from foods to brand name products.
Horse, bicycle and motorboat racing are legalized forms of gambling in Japan. You can buy betting tickets on horse races at race tracks located across the country and off-trakc betting booths.

In large cities, there are amusement centers such as Roppongi in Tokyo, Susukino in Sapporo and Kita-shinchi in Osaka. At night, these areas are filled with glaring neon signs and people who come to drink. Many of these districts have poor security.
You can see colorful dancing and singing performed on the stage while you are drinking. Each pub shows performances with distinctive characteristics, and many can be enjoyed by women and men alike.
"Club" indicates two types of bar. One type is the dance club, which has a dance floor and plays music at high volumes. The other type is the drinking club, where women or men attend tables to entertain customers. (which clubs called "Kyabakura" or "Host club")
Hostesses are known as "kyabajo", literally club girl, and are generally hired for their looks and/or personality. Hostesses light cigarettes, pour drinks, offer flirtatious conversation, and sing karaoke in an effort to keep the customers entertained. Hostesses can be seen as the modern counterpart of geishas, providing entertainment to groups of business man after work.

*EC comment:If the girl that you prefer to be sitting with is not available, they might just send whoever is available to your table. If anything (the girl is boring or not your type..), you can always call the manager to ask "Change the girl, please ("Change Onegai-simasu!").
A host club is similar to a hostess club, except that female customers pay for male company.
Male hosts(They are often an age between 18 and their mid-20s) pour drinks and will often flirt with their clients, more so than their female counterparts. The conversations are generally light-hearted; hosts may have a variety of entertainment skills, be it simple magic tricks or loads of charisma with which to tell a story. Some host clubs have a dedicated stage for a performance, usually a dance, comedy sketch etc.
"Ochaya Asobi" is a banquet attended by geisha and their apprentices who provide music and dance. You can experience it in Ponto-cho, Kyoto and other old amusement centers.

"Tsuyu" usually starts from the beginning of June to mid July except in the Hokkaido.
Since Hokkaido does not have a rainy season, its weather tends to be nicer than other areas at this time. This is the best time to visit Hokkaido! Natural areas are beautiful there. In the rest of Japan, the weather during tsuyu is very unstable. It is important to prepare for rain at anytime. Although typical tsuyu weather is rainy with lower temperatures, sometimes it has less rain and can be hot. Often the front brings heavy rain in Kyushu area. If you are visiting western regions, you need to be more aware of the probability of rain.
The main problem during tsuyu is the humidity. People tend to become irritated by it. During tsuyu, there are many cases of food poisoning. Watch out what you eat and do not leave food out of the refrigerator.
During tsuyu, there are many pretty flowers blooming. One of them is "ajisai (hydrangea)" which is a symbol of the rainy season in Japan.
The flower changes its color slightly depending on the time or climate of the day. Kamakura and Hakone are famous for ajisai flowers.

In addition to traditional department stores, there are an increasing number of western-style shopping malls, with restaurants and movie theaters, and outlet malls, mostly in the suburbs.

There are traditional shopping streets near train stations and other areas in downtown where all daily necessities are available. Many stores in these shopping streets deal closely with customers who live in the neighborhood.

Store that have a large selection of food articles and other items. Some supermarkets also carry daily-use goods,
such as cleaning and hygiene products.

Small, 24-hour supermarkets. As they are open around the clock, they have changed people's lifestyles.

Sell wide variety of goods including foods and daily necessities, all at 100 yen per item.

Large-scale discount stores with an extensive selection of goods. They are popular due to their high discount rates.
* Super Discount Store: Don Quijote
Address: 2-25-8 Do-gen zaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

A type of money lender developed in the Edo period. They lend an amount of money appropriate for the item being pawned. If the borrower doesn't repay the money by the due date, the item is sold under foreclosure by the shichiya. These days, many people use shichiya as secondhand stores for brand name products.

In Japan, driving a standard-sized car is permitted to those over 18 years old. But in large cities such as Tokyo and Osaka, using public transportation is often more convenient than driving.

Foreigners who have an international driving license can drive in Japan without going through any special procedures.
If you have a driver's license from your home country, you need to convert it to a Japanese driver's license. Ask at the Driver's License Center in your prefecture's police department for details.
If you don't have a driver's license or your license has expired, you need to take the paper test, driving skill test and visual acuity test to obtain a Japanese driver's license.

Attending a driving school is a way to obtain a driver's license easily. Note that all classes and skill training are given in Japanese.

You can rent a car at airports and around major train stations by presenting a driver's license valid in Japan and identification(passport).

Driving in Japan is on the left so Japanese cars have the steering wheel on the right.

In large cities, parking is prohibited on most streets. You need to park in parking spaces which charge by the hour.

'Sushi' and 'tempura' are very popular Japanese treats which are often served at celebratory occasions or to entertain guests. Typical homemade dishes for Japanese are 'nikujaga' , 'misoshiru' etc.

"Sushi"
Sushi is made by placing thin slices of various seafood on top of rice seasoned with sugared vinegar and shaping it by hand.

"Tempura"
Tempura consists of vegetables and seafood dipped in koromo (batter) made from flour and deep-fried. It is eaten with salt or dipped in a soy-based sauce called tentsuyu.

"Nikujaga(Beef and potato stew)"
Stew of thinly sliced beef, potato and onion cooked in broth flavored with sugar and soy sauce. It is one of the most typical Japanese home-style dishes.

"Misoshiru (Miso soup)"
Hot soup made by mixing miso (soybean paste) into broth. Green onion and other vegetables, tofu, and thin fried bean curd are popular ingredients.

"Hiyayakko"
Chilled tofu cut into square pieces and served with katsuobushi (dried bonito shavings), thinly sliced green onion and grated ginger. It is topped with soy sauce just before being eaten.

The end of the 'tsuyu' season marks the beginning of 'natsu' (summer), and sunny weather makes the temperature rise. All schools go on summer vacation and most people take relatively long holidays.

Tanabata is an annual event based on a Chinese legend. It is said that once a year, on the night of July 7, Altair (Orihime) and Vega (Hikoboshi), which are on opposite sides of the Milky Way, are allowed to meet. Since the stars come out at night, the celebration is held at night.

"Sasa kazari"
In this custom, still practiced today, people hang strips of colored paper, origami and colored paper on branches of bamboo trees and display them in their back yards.
During tsuyu, there are many pretty flowers blooming. One of them is "ajisai (hydrangea)" which is a symbol of the rainy season in Japan.

Tanzaku: It is believed that wishes written on strips of colored paper and hung on bamboo branches will come true.

For many Japanese, summer means fireworks. Almost every weekend throughout Tokyo and Japan there are large fireworks or hanabi displays, sometimes with more than one event held on the same day.

The Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival (Sumidagawa Hanabi Taikai) is an annual fireworks festival held on the last Saturday in July, over the Sumidagawa near Asakusa. Unlike fireworks displays in other parts of the world, the Sumidagawa Hanabi Taikai, and other fireworks events in Japan, is a competition held between rival pyrotechnic groups.

*EC comment
The crowds are worse than the Tokyo rush hour!
If you go by train, when you arrive at the station, be sure to buy your return ticket before heading off to the event.

　
"Sumeba miyako"
Literal: If residing, capital/metropolis. 　
Meaning: Wherever you live, you come to love it.
　　　　　　　
How to use this?
Hanako-san: "You just moved to Staten Island. How is living there?"
Mr. Smith: "It's pretty far. But after one year, it's like SUMEBA MIYAKO!"


"Deru kui wa utareru"
Literal: the nail which sticks out will get hammered.
Meaning: encourage conformity, OK to be different but not too different.

How to use this?
Hanako-san: "How is the new co-worker started working a month ago?"
Mr. Smith: "He was way too arrogant, and just got fired. It's like DERUKUI WA UTARERU"


"Buta ni shinjyu"
Literal: a pearl to a pig.
Meaning: don't offer things to a person incapable of appreciating them.

How to use this?
Hanako-san: "Was your grandfather happy with the Nintendo Wii that we got for his birthday?"
Mr. Smith: "Girl, he is 99 years old. Your choice was wrong! It was like BUTA NI SHINJU!"