LCAS211: Research Work – Japanese Culture

1. In terms of love…

 Japanese people need to confess their feelings before seriously dating someone as it
is the point from where their relationship begins.
 It is normal for Japanese couples to equally split the bill into meals or other
expenses during a date as their relationship progresses.
 Public display of affection (PDA) is unusual in Japan. This is because they value
privacy and they think that it would just make the people around them
uncomfortable.
 Most Japanese are shy; hence, they don’t express their love verbally. This is fine with
them as they believe that their partner knows how they feel even if they don’t say it
out loud.
 In other countries, Valentine’s Day is the day for men to take their partner on a date
and give them presents. However, in Japan, women are the ones expressing their
love to men. It’s common for them to prepare a gift (i.e. chocolates) as a way to
express their affection.
 On March 14th, Japan has a special cultural tradition called White Day, where men
give women back a present in return.
 In some countries, couples meet and date through a quick meal or over a coffee but
in Japan, dates are either half-day or whole-day.

2. In terms of marriage…

 Although a big percentage of the Japanese community has adapted the modern
times, there are still some households that follow the old traditions, thus, arranged
marriage still exists.
 In other countries, it is usually the guests who give gifts to the groom and bride.
However, in Japan, sometimes guests get gifts at the wedding, whether it’s a physical
gift or money.
 During the wedding, the groom is usually in all black, wearing the traditional
kimono and pleated hakama trousers. This is topped off with a family haori jacket.
On the other hand, the bride is in a white kimono and accessories. The most eye-
catching of the outfit is the elaborate headgear that’s voluminous. Sometimes, it can
be a wig, sometimes it can be a big hat. Regardless of what it is, it’s often decorated
with horns that are very well hidden by a white veil. This represents jealousy and
hiding it shows that she will not be jealous.
 Weird as it may seem but in Japan, you can marry a virtual program. You can marry
your anime pillow, a stuffed animal, or even a hologram.
  Usually, the wedding day is considered the anniversary day of couples but in Japan,
it’s not always the case. Couples can register one day and celebrate it a year after.
Therefore, the anniversary day will be their registration date and not their wedding
day.

3. In terms of lifestyle…

 Most city workers have office jobs and are known as salary men or OL (office
ladies).
 Management is hierarchical and the work ethic is strict, with overtime
assumed. Leaving on time suggests a lack of commitment or loyalty.
 Japanese people enjoy a high standard of living.
 Housing is typically apartments or ‘mansions’ as they are known to the
Japanese. More traditional-style homes, with straw mats (tatami mats) and
futons, can be found in the suburbs, while western-style housing (with tables
and chairs) is becoming more popular in rural towns.
 Transport to and from work is by train. For this reason, rush hour in Tokyo
and other major cities can be unbearable for foreign visitors.
 Some of the Japanese people’s hobbies are manga, karaoke (in a private
room), gaming, and sports.

Sources:
https://www.tsunagujapan.com/japan-dating-culture-twenties/

https://blog.nihongomaster.com/10-important-japanese-cultural-facts-about-marriage-in-
japan/

https://www.uniquejapantours.com/japan-travel-guide/japanese-people-lifestyle/