Culture Shock! Tokyo: A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette

288 Pages·2008·7.68 MB·English

by  Yuko Morimoto Yoshida

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Publishing Limited ISBN 10: 0-7614-5502-7
eISBN : 978 981 4435 91 8
Please contact the publisher for the Library of Congress catalog number Printed in China by
Everbest Printing Co Ltd Photo Credits:
All black and white photos from the author except page xii (Corel Stock Photo Library), page 13
(Japan Tourism Bureau).
Colour photos from Getty Images pages a, i, j–k; Photolibrary pages b–c, d–e, f–g, h, l–m, n–o, p
Cover photo: Corbis All illustrations by TRIGG
ABOUT THE SERIES
Culture shock is a state of disorientation that can come over anyone who has
been thrust into unknown surroundings, away from one’s comfort zone.
CultureShock! is a series of trusted and reputed guides which has, for decades,
been helping expatriates and long-term visitors to cushion the impact of culture
shock whenever they move to a new country.
Written by people who have lived in the country and experienced culture
shock themselves, the authors share all the information necessary for anyone to
cope with these feelings of disorientation more effectively. The guides are
written in a style that is easy to read and covers a range of topics that will arm
readers with enough advice, hints and tips to make their lives as normal as
possible again.
Each book is structured in the same manner. It begins with the first
impressions that visitors will have of that city or country. To understand a
culture, one must first understand the people—where they came from, who they
are, the values and traditions they live by, as well as their customs and etiquette.
This is covered in the first half of the book.
Then on with the practical aspects—how to settle in with the greatest of ease.
Authors walk readers through how to find accommodation, get the utilities and
telecommunications up and running, enrol the children in school and keep in the
pink of health. But that’s not all. Once the essentials are out of the way, venture
out and try the food, enjoy more of the culture and travel to other areas. Then be
immersed in the language of the country before discovering more about the
business side of things.
To round off, snippets of basic information are offered before readers are
‘tested’ on customs and etiquette of the country. Useful words and phrases, a
comprehensive resource guide and list of books for further research are also
included for easy reference.
CONTENTS
Foreword
Acknowledgements
Map of Japan
Map of Tokyo
Chapter 1
First impressions

Chapter 2
Overview of Japanese Land and History
Geography
Tokyo in Japanese History
Religion and Beliefs
Chapter 3
Tokyoites
Stereotypes and Reality
Traditional Events in Tokyo
Japanese Cultural Values
Chapter 4
Socialising With the Locals
Communicating Effectively with Japanese People
Social Customs and Etiquette
Chapter 5
Settling In
Visa Requirements
Arranging Housing
Things to Take and Not to Take
Pets
Raising Children in Tokyo
Handling Finances
Shopping
Taking Care of Your Health
Transportation in Tokyo
Exploring Tokyo on Foot
Chapter 6
Food and Entertaining
Japanised Foods
Japanese Food Challenges for Foreigners
Table Etiquette
Shopping for Food
Food Selections
Eating Out
Chapter 7
Exploring Tokyo and Beyond
Places to Visit in Tokyo
Travelling Beyond Tokyo
One-Day Trips from Tokyo
Experiencing Japanese Culture
Chapter 8
Learning the Language
Overview of the Japanese Language
Understanding Non-verbal Cues
Chapter 9
Doing Business in Japan
Business Etiquette
The Japanese Work Force
Japanese Business Styles
Challenges for Foreigners
Job Searches in Tokyo
Chapter 10
Tokyo At A Glance

Culture Quiz
Do’s and Don’ts
Glossary
Resource Guide
Further Reading
About the Author
Index
FOREWORD
Tokyo is a place of continuous renewal. Its landscape has been altered several
times during the course of its history by fire, war, or natural disaster—but the
people of Tokyo (‘Tokyoites’) have turned each occasion into an opportunity for
rebirth, and the metropolis has bounced back bigger and better than before. Even
during the two centuries when Japan was technically closed off to foreigners and
travel within the country was somewhat restricted, people of the capital eagerly
adopted new trends in thought, technology and fashion to which they were
exposed. Today, Tokyoites are still attentive to changing trends and eager to latch
onto them. To fall behind would be unbearable. However, they are apt to grow
weary of new trends quickly and constantly seek new targets for their attention.
What are the origins of this ability to recover from adversity and this appetite
and passion for things new? Perhaps they come from deep within ancient
Japanese traditions. Shinto, the country’s indigenous belief system, offers the
idea that destruction and rebuilding are rites of purification, like a cleansing of
the soul. Buddhism, a religion introduced to Japan from China, offers the idea
that life is transitory, so people should not get too attached to the things of
everyday life. To this day, Tokyoites appreciate traditional but fleeting seasonal
events, and participate in a variety of rituals and celebrations with ancient roots
—all with the latest technical gadgets tucked away in their pockets.
This contradicting, unique character of the society can be better experienced
by people who live in Tokyo than by those who simply visit the city. Residents
can easily see what is the leading trend. People dress according to the latest
fashion style; ‘in’ restaurants and entertainment spots come and go; the latest
electronic gadgets rapidly sell off the shelves; popular actors and actresses
appear in every magazine and television show. When one trend changes,
everyone shifts to the new one. At the same time, enjoyment of seasonal events
gives rhythm to people’s lives and participation in traditional rituals and
celebrations connects them with the past. In time, newcomers learn to appreciate
both the subtle and not-so-subtle contrasts of this ambivalent culture; this
appreciation is a sure sign that Tokyo has become home.
AUTHOR’S NOTES
As you read through this book, please note the following:
Throughout the book, Japanese words are written in romaji (Japanese words
transcribed into the English alphabet; also known as ‘romanisation’).
The prices mentioned in this book are estimates and are generally stated in
Japanese yen.
Many of the resources listed in this book include website addresses, all of
which have English language pages. If you go to these websites and
encounter a Japanese language home page, though, please be patient—look
for a little icon that says ‘English’ and click on it.
Every effort has been made to ascertain that the information in this book is
accurate; my apologies if you find that places and websites mentioned have
changed or disappeared. This is just a fact of life in this ever-changing
metropolis that is at the same time very international and Japanese.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This book could not have been completed without the help and support of many
people. Especially, I owe a great deal to the following people and would like to
express my sincere appreciation to them.
First and foremost, I would like to thank Lynn Witham, who was courageous
enough to suggest me as an author for this book, and who supported me in every
step of the creation process from drafting to editing to completion. We discussed
ideas openly, and she provided continuous moral support. This would never have
come to pass without her.
I received much support from Kay Jones who edited several drafts and offered
valuable feedback on many topics. Together with Anthony Pan, she enhanced the
focus and readability of the sections on history and religion. Tony also gave
generously of his time for reviewing and editing the final drafts. Their
knowledge and insights about Japanese culture were just impressive.
Other fellow interculturalists based in the San Francisco area and who have
extensive experience with Japan offered ideas and insights about the unique
features of Tokyo. Masahiro Shintani, a Tokyoite himself, was always gracious
in answering questions about deep issues, and Chris Brannen shared thoughts
and impressions. Dave Dickey and others at Meridian Resources were
particularly good sports in offering their observations and intuition.
Kristy Buckingham is owed great thanks for being the first reader of the draft
and for diligently editing what now seems like just a rough sketch.
As for the Japanese support crew, I am especially grateful to Masazumi Akita
who kept me informed on current events and trends in Tokyo and who
introduced me to a wonderful photographer, Akiko Watanabe. Watanabe-san
wandered around every corner of Tokyo in search of good photo opportunities,
and the results of her efforts are included in this book. Shu Ikkatai offered some
photographs as well, which were much appreciated.
In addition, I wish to express gratitude to the expatriates in Tokyo who shared
with me their experiences of living in the city. Their comments and stories added
depth to the content of the book. Thanks are due to friends and friends of friends
who referred me to these expatriates.
Hosts of other people were gracious in suggesting ideas, giving information
and encouraging me in many ways. Finally, I would like to thank my family for