jonah-hill
Not long I met a Japanese girl who is pretty amazing, and she sent me an Electric Hand Warmer Gift for my Birthday, it must of cost her £40-£50 including postage from Japan to UK.
So it is her Birthday Next week and I cannot think of any ideas on what to get her, she is somewhat a perfectionist and I am struggling to find anything good for her. I don't want to get her perfume, clothes or jewelry because I don't know her well enough to know what she likes and these things are more personal in my eyes and easy to get wrong.
So how can I match the present she got for me?
I know she loves things that involve massage, aromatherapy and she loves her high end skin care, but I cannot find anythings suitable for her. I am worried incase I get her the wrong thing. Any Ideas?
£30-£50 gifts
Answer
Next week? I doubt if your package can make it.
Anyway, give her cute fashion accessories like bags.Many Japanese women are obsessed in designer bags. Try asking help from your sister or female friends.
Or skin care products but beware, I usually don't give skin care products because we don't know if she's allergic to certain kinds.
Next week? I doubt if your package can make it.
Anyway, give her cute fashion accessories like bags.Many Japanese women are obsessed in designer bags. Try asking help from your sister or female friends.
Or skin care products but beware, I usually don't give skin care products because we don't know if she's allergic to certain kinds.
Advice for Japanese customs?
Anna
I am a rising senior and rising J2 student in high school (as well as an anime nerd) and am participating in a Kankei/Nagoya University exchange program (starting June 30, 2011). We will spend a week at Hokuryou High school being hosted by students, and another week traveling across Shikoku and Hokkaido. I was wondering if there were any little customs the Japanese (or certain areas of Japan) have that most Americans donât know about. Specifically, I was wondering about:
-gifts for my host family. What would be appropriate gifts? How much should I generally spend on them? (dollar amount please) how and when should I give them to the family. And what type of wrapping paper should I use?
If it helps, I live near the University of North Carolina
-the small trays in some stores at check out. I understand that I will be expected to put the money I will pay for an item on the tray and except my change an receipt, but when would it be appropriate to put the money down and how long should I wait till picking up the change (1 second, 3 seconds, ½ a second?)
If I walk up to the register after choosing to buy something, I will probably be intimidated by the tray ^^â It would help me (and the stores business) to know what exactly I should do
-anything involving public baths. Especially if it would be rude to ask the hosts to go to one that allows women to be covered.
- asking for help or directions. I know itâs customary to give a small gift, such as a stick of gum, to someone who helps me, but how should I ask? And what else should I do to show my appreciation.
-how specific recycling is. I understand the Japanese can find recycling to be important, so I was wondering if there is something on the bin that distinguishes between paper, glass, and plastic.
-and any other little details that are important
I have also been exchanging emails with my host and try to send her a copy that I attempt to translate. If anyone could tell me how to say the equivalence of âDear such-and-suchâ it would be appreciated ^^ (please no google translate, Iâm not that dumb.)
Thank you for your help!
Answer
Gifts
Small token gifts that are from your home country are always appreciated. Consider popular snacks, such as sweets or small cakes, or local handicrafts. I'm from the UK and I found that postcards of London and Oxford were appreciated by some people, as well as Dairy Milk chocolate, little tins of loose tea from Harrods, and packets of shortbread. Try not too spend too much as the Japanese put a lot of stock into reciprocation and often feel obliged to give you a gift in return if it is not clear why you have spent so much, or the intention behind a gift. It really is the thought that counts. That said, the Japanese love to wrap even tiny presents very nicely, so take some care when you choose wrapping paper. Do not wrap anything in white paper (symbolises death), and don't overdo it with bows and ribbons. Simple and elegant is best.
Think about bringing some university souvenirs. I know that little keyrings and such with my university's name on went over well.
Taking your change in stores
Don't worry about this so much :) When the cashier states how much your purchases cost, or you read the figure on the till display, simply put the money down in the tray. The cashier will count (for your benefit) both your total payment, and then the change. In places like conbini's, or supermarkets, you will often be handed your change. A simple nod, and a 'hai' or 'doumo' will suffice - just take your change. In some shops, the cashier will take the tray away and deposit the change in it. You don't need to wait. Again, just a simple 'doumo', and take your change. There's really no need to worry yourself about protocol here, it will be very clear.
Public baths (sento/onsen)
You cannot cover yourself up in a public bath, and your hosts may be a bit confused if you ask to be taken to one where you can be covered up. If it is a big problem for you, state it at the offset as politely as you can. There's a good chance your hosts will have experience this problem for; it is fairly common for foreigners to worry about public nudity at the onsen. If you can get yourself past it, I advise you just go for it.
Essentially, you will be guided by your hosts to the appropriate bath for women/men. It will be possible to buy soap, but you should probably take your own towel. Simply undress and wash thoroughly at the basin or shower provided. Ensure you have rinsed off all the soap, as it is not a good idea to get soap into the bath. Once that's done, you can enjoy the onsen. If you're unsure, discreetly watch the other women to know how to behave, or ask your hosts for assistance - they will be happy to give you advice.
Help or directions
I'm not sure where you got the advice about giving a gift for directions, but I can assure you that this isn't the case. They will probably find it strange if you attempt to do so.
Your questions might be more complex, but here's a few general questions.
'Excuse me, where is the station?'
'Sumimasen, eki wa dochira desu ka?
'Excuse me, is there a bank here?'
'Sumimasen, kochira ni ginko ga arimasu ka?'
'Excuse me, do you have the time?'
'Sumimasen, ima nanji desu ka?'
Sumimasen is a magical word. Use it to excuse yourself, to say hello (in certain situations), to attract attention and to apologise. Also make sure to bow slightly when greeting, asking for help, and thanking. Even if you have trouble with your language, most friendly Japanese people will understand that you are trying your best to be polite to them - this matters a lot.
Recycling
A big thing in Japan, but unless you're becoming a resident, it won't be a big issue for you. Just watch out for separating things like paper, plastic, glass and cans. Your hosts will generally dispose of your rubbish for you, so I wouldn't worry about that on your trip. If recycling bins are available, look out for ç´ãpaper ã«ã³ cans çãããã¿ burnable garbage ãããããã« PET bottles.
Other general advice:
- Serve other people before you serve yourself, unless you're in a very comfortable atmosphere
- Be punctual
- Don't be too outwardly negative or critical
- Take your shoes off when entering a home
- Ask! Don't be afraid to ask your Japanese hosts for a little help - they know that you aren't used to the culture and will strive to help you avoid any serious faux pas. That said, you most likely won't have any issues unless you go out of your way to be culturally insensitive.
To begin a letter - _______-san e (____ãããã¸ï¼
Additionally, Shikoku is a wonderfully friendly place and its residents are kind and welcoming to foreigners. If in Ehime, check out Dogo Onsen (the inspiration of Spirited Away), have some Botchan Dango, and enjoy the mikan.
Gifts
Small token gifts that are from your home country are always appreciated. Consider popular snacks, such as sweets or small cakes, or local handicrafts. I'm from the UK and I found that postcards of London and Oxford were appreciated by some people, as well as Dairy Milk chocolate, little tins of loose tea from Harrods, and packets of shortbread. Try not too spend too much as the Japanese put a lot of stock into reciprocation and often feel obliged to give you a gift in return if it is not clear why you have spent so much, or the intention behind a gift. It really is the thought that counts. That said, the Japanese love to wrap even tiny presents very nicely, so take some care when you choose wrapping paper. Do not wrap anything in white paper (symbolises death), and don't overdo it with bows and ribbons. Simple and elegant is best.
Think about bringing some university souvenirs. I know that little keyrings and such with my university's name on went over well.
Taking your change in stores
Don't worry about this so much :) When the cashier states how much your purchases cost, or you read the figure on the till display, simply put the money down in the tray. The cashier will count (for your benefit) both your total payment, and then the change. In places like conbini's, or supermarkets, you will often be handed your change. A simple nod, and a 'hai' or 'doumo' will suffice - just take your change. In some shops, the cashier will take the tray away and deposit the change in it. You don't need to wait. Again, just a simple 'doumo', and take your change. There's really no need to worry yourself about protocol here, it will be very clear.
Public baths (sento/onsen)
You cannot cover yourself up in a public bath, and your hosts may be a bit confused if you ask to be taken to one where you can be covered up. If it is a big problem for you, state it at the offset as politely as you can. There's a good chance your hosts will have experience this problem for; it is fairly common for foreigners to worry about public nudity at the onsen. If you can get yourself past it, I advise you just go for it.
Essentially, you will be guided by your hosts to the appropriate bath for women/men. It will be possible to buy soap, but you should probably take your own towel. Simply undress and wash thoroughly at the basin or shower provided. Ensure you have rinsed off all the soap, as it is not a good idea to get soap into the bath. Once that's done, you can enjoy the onsen. If you're unsure, discreetly watch the other women to know how to behave, or ask your hosts for assistance - they will be happy to give you advice.
Help or directions
I'm not sure where you got the advice about giving a gift for directions, but I can assure you that this isn't the case. They will probably find it strange if you attempt to do so.
Your questions might be more complex, but here's a few general questions.
'Excuse me, where is the station?'
'Sumimasen, eki wa dochira desu ka?
'Excuse me, is there a bank here?'
'Sumimasen, kochira ni ginko ga arimasu ka?'
'Excuse me, do you have the time?'
'Sumimasen, ima nanji desu ka?'
Sumimasen is a magical word. Use it to excuse yourself, to say hello (in certain situations), to attract attention and to apologise. Also make sure to bow slightly when greeting, asking for help, and thanking. Even if you have trouble with your language, most friendly Japanese people will understand that you are trying your best to be polite to them - this matters a lot.
Recycling
A big thing in Japan, but unless you're becoming a resident, it won't be a big issue for you. Just watch out for separating things like paper, plastic, glass and cans. Your hosts will generally dispose of your rubbish for you, so I wouldn't worry about that on your trip. If recycling bins are available, look out for ç´ãpaper ã«ã³ cans çãããã¿ burnable garbage ãããããã« PET bottles.
Other general advice:
- Serve other people before you serve yourself, unless you're in a very comfortable atmosphere
- Be punctual
- Don't be too outwardly negative or critical
- Take your shoes off when entering a home
- Ask! Don't be afraid to ask your Japanese hosts for a little help - they know that you aren't used to the culture and will strive to help you avoid any serious faux pas. That said, you most likely won't have any issues unless you go out of your way to be culturally insensitive.
To begin a letter - _______-san e (____ãããã¸ï¼
Additionally, Shikoku is a wonderfully friendly place and its residents are kind and welcoming to foreigners. If in Ehime, check out Dogo Onsen (the inspiration of Spirited Away), have some Botchan Dango, and enjoy the mikan.
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