Comments on: Living in Japan http://www.eceblogger.com/2007/02/living-in-japan/ A site where electrical and computer engineers, as well as their friends and colleagues, can exchange professional experiences. Fri, 10 Sep 2010 19:19:14 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: ChingyaoChan http://www.eceblogger.com/2007/02/living-in-japan/#comment-11 ChingyaoChan Fri, 16 Feb 2007 06:19:53 +0000 http://eceblogger.com/?p=27#comment-11 Certainly, just like most countries around the world, the interaction between the local people and foreigners can be a bit awkward sometimes due to language barriers and cultural differences. However, most Japanese people, especially the younger generation, are very receptive to American and western folks. At times, you will find them go out of their ways to treat foreigners with warm reception. At other times, you could also meet someone giving you the cold shoulders for no obvious reasons. The majority of Japanese people cannot speak English well. Even in a prestigious institution like the University of Tokyo, I came into contact with many people who have difficulties in making smooth conversations with foreigners in English. As far as the social customers are concerned, most Japanese people will be more tolerant of foreigners if something inappropriate is said or done in situations where Japanese themselves are more serious about the proper etiquette and manners that are expected. Certainly, just like most countries around the world, the interaction between the local people and foreigners can be a bit awkward sometimes due to language barriers and cultural differences. However, most Japanese people, especially the younger generation, are very receptive to American and western folks. At times, you will find them go out of their ways to treat foreigners with warm reception. At other times, you could also meet someone giving you the cold shoulders for no obvious reasons.

The majority of Japanese people cannot speak English well. Even in a prestigious institution like the University of Tokyo, I came into contact with many people who have difficulties in making smooth conversations with foreigners in English. As far as the social customers are concerned, most Japanese people will be more tolerant of foreigners if something inappropriate is said or done in situations where Japanese themselves are more serious about the proper etiquette and manners that are expected.

]]> By: andrewkun http://www.eceblogger.com/2007/02/living-in-japan/#comment-10 andrewkun Fri, 16 Feb 2007 04:25:33 +0000 http://eceblogger.com/?p=27#comment-10 I have a question regarding the rigidity of social structures. I assume this rigidity has an impact on the interactions between Japanese people and foreigners, is that right? How may this play out for Americans for example, especially if the language of interaction is English? I have a question regarding the rigidity of social structures. I assume this rigidity has an impact on the interactions between Japanese people and foreigners, is that right? How may this play out for Americans for example, especially if the language of interaction is English?

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