Culture « GaijinPot Blog Network: Japan’s best blogs

Culture

The Ainu, A Fading Culture: September 28th, 2009By Jamie Rockers; “This large island {Hokkaido} was once a land of freedom for our ancestors.” (From the preface of “Ainu Mythology” by Yukie Chiri) Last week, I was lucky enough to be able to dig a little deeper into Ainu culture by visiting Shiraoi (meaning “a place with many horseflies” in the Ainu language), a town about » Continue Reading; CommentsComments

The modern art of Japanese communication: August 22nd, 2009By Ashley Roushom; Embarrassing or not, the very first time I realized that Japan was a real country, was in the later years of middle school. Prior to that, everything surrounding this tiny region of the world seemed distant to the point that it was unreal. I didn’t know anything “true” about Japan and its culture until the moment my family » Continue Reading; CommentsComments

Bringing Politics to the Streets: August 5th, 2009By Jessica Korteman; An election cannot pass you by quietly in Japan. Even those not particularly interested in politics are constantly reminded of the impending poll with intermittent announcements blasted from vehicles equipped with roof-mounted megaphones. Larger cars, vans and even minibuses are busy spreading the word for prospective candidates, announcing their arrival » Continue Reading; CommentsComments

Yakuza and other funny Japanese things: August 5th, 2009By Nakata; When a young hot-headed Japanese wants to impress a Gaijin (foreigner) he will say, in his best possible American-style ghetto slang: “I’m Yakuza!” and strike a rapper pose. I can imagine that this might have the desired effect when dealing with timid, or insecure people, but all it makes me do is » Continue Reading; CommentsComments

A Japanese Journey: July 6th, 2009By trevor david; I came to Japan almost 6 years ago, with absolutely no expectations. I’m not and have never been a Japan-o-phile. I don’t find manga remotely interesting. I’m not into cartoons so anime doesn’t move me. I don’t really like the sorta bland and tasteless food, (it all tastes a little like » Continue Reading; CommentsComments

The Legend of Kijimuna: June 4th, 2009By Keith Graff; Those of us who’ve been blessed with the opportunity to live and work in Japan find that it’s very often a magical experience. Usually this is because of the adventure of living in and experiencing another culture. It’s something that you want to explore and there are many ways to do » Continue Reading; CommentsComments

Foreigners in Japan’s business community: April 30th, 2009By Jakob Edman; There are several advantages of being a foreigner in Japan when attempting to start your own creative business. It grants you special privileges and allows otherwise unbreakable rules to be bent a little bit. A classmate of mine was successful in achieving a meeting with a large electronics firm and » Continue Reading; CommentsComments

The Onsen Adventure: March 17th, 2009By Xel Inuzuka; photo credit: skyseeker Beware of one of the most western shocking experiences you can ever have in Japan, it is also one of the most delightful, relaxing, healthy and also fun. Going to a traditional Japanese Onsen, in western terms it means, go to a public bath house in the hot » Continue Reading; CommentsComments

Simply Love-A-Bull: March 6th, 2009By Keith Graff; While many of you residing up in mainland Japan are anxiously waiting for the first blossoms of spring, Down here in Okinawa, we’ve already been there, done that and got our T-shirts on to prove it. Japanese Baseball spring training is in full swing and people are taking in a game » Continue Reading; CommentsComments

GaijinPot Blogs are powered by a community of expert users with in-depth knowledge of getting the most out of living and working in Japan.

Interedsted in writing for us?
You're very welcome to join us and there's plenty in it for you. To find out more get in touch or read on.