Category Archives: Culture Lessons

Japanese Name Calling- Not Appropriate for Children and Teenagers

Posted on September 30, 2012 by Emily Cannell

Tengu. Oh-and  it`s nasty. Use it carefully. Don`t tell I taught you or I`ll call you a liar. After reading this, you will shiver with delight every time you shout it at your worst arch-enemy from behind the locked sound … Continue reading →

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Will Wearing a Ski Mask Help Ouisar-San Avoid Another Cultural Faux Pas?

Posted on August 16, 2012 by Emily Cannell

The Clampitt Clan has returned from the annual family vacation and I find myself in an awkward, and long-lasting, position. I am the center of attention. When I board a train, all the ladies look me over from head to … Continue reading →

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Another Culture Lesson Learned the Hard Way- #16

Posted on June 18, 2012 by Emily Cannell

Today, I will review a case study, which will, if committed to memory, prevent your new Japanese friends from committing seppuku (suicide) after attending a party at your apartment. Harasi-san, a Japanese male in his early twenties. A recent graduate … Continue reading →

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Tattoos – Today`s Taboo Topic

Posted on May 28, 2012 by Emily Cannell

Today`s taboo topic is the tattoo. There are two main reasons I don`t have any. I view the largest organ of the body as a blank canvas, thus my first major hurdle is the limited color palate from which to … Continue reading →

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Ringing in the Year of the Dragon- Japanese Style

Posted on January 2, 2012 by Emily Cannell

The Year of the Dragon roared in to Japan hailed by a 7.0 earthquake. Somebody`s a drama queen. In spite of that auspicious entry, I think I speak for all Japan residents when I say we are happy to see … Continue reading →

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Hmmmm, Don’t Do This on Your Next Trip To Japan- Culture Lesson # 14

Posted on May 26, 2011 by Emily Cannell

Warning: Certain gestures, habits, and customs routinely incorporated in to daily life at home, residents on foreign soil may view as rude or insulting.  The Deacon sat waiting patiently in the library at a metal folding table, his chair on … Continue reading →

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Some Things Are Hard To Understand. Culture Lesson #14

Posted on April 8, 2011 by Emily Cannell

Anticipating the vast differences between Western and Eastern Cultures, Spouse and I studied like college crammers in order to prepare ourselves and the Offspring for what would certainly be a staggering change in the daily communication. Upon arrival, we all … Continue reading →

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Can Ouiser Walk the Walk? Culture Lesson #13

Posted on March 22, 2011 by Emily Cannell

My view of the beach. I lie loose limbed on the beach. Hammered. Spouse patiently pushes Offspring #2 to the start position surfing while Offspring #1 tests various versions of surfboards in order to find the one which will guarantee … Continue reading →

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Why is There No Crime in Japan?- Insider vs. Outsider: Culture Lesson # 12

Posted on March 18, 2011 by Emily Cannell

Have you noticed that throughout all the turmoil in Japan, where after the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear plant debacles, the media stories bombard us with news of black outs, curtailed train schedules and empty grocery store shelves but fail to mention riots, … Continue reading →

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The Melter- You Just Made a Mistake- Culture Lesson #11

Posted on February 22, 2011 by Emily Cannell

Today I found myself the regrettable but most certainly deserving recipient of most noxious and withering look, the kind of which stops all life related activity dead in its tracks- I call it the Melter. So named because of the … Continue reading →

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Posted in Culture Lessons, Moving to Japan | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 15 Comments