smw-2018-blog

[smw-2018-blog]

Learning Contract

1.      Academic Goals:

    a.       To increase my use and knowledge of the Japanese language by

           i.      Taking multiple (2 or more) Japanese language classes each semester

     1.      Method Used:  sign up for classes when in Japan

     2.      Evaluation Plan:  transcript will reflect classes taken

          ii.      Measurable progress in language skills by end of the year

     1.      Method Used:  Comparing my results of the language exams from September 2018 used to determine level of language skills to the progress I make by the end of the year

     2.      Evaluation Plan:  See measurable improvement in skill level

          iii.      Achieving GPA 3.0 or higher

     1.      Method Used:  Complete classes registered for

     2.      Evaluation Plan:  assess GPA level each semester

          iv.      Being able to converse effectively with locals on a daily basis by the end of the year

     1.      Method Used:  increase conversations in the grocery, restaurants and other venues where I interact with Japanese people

     2.      Evaluation Plan:  assess ease of conversations, ability to understand and be understood, and effectiveness of communication outcome

  2.       Global Awareness Goals:

  a.       To increase cognizance of the social climate in Japan by

           i.      Reading or learning about local news at least weekly to keep abreast of political and social justice issues

     1.      Method Used:  access news online or in print locally, this may also be done by speaking to people about current news

     2.      Evaluation Plan:  ascertain this is done at least weekly

         ii.      Explore/visit at least 3 places in Japan with historical significance

     1.      Method Used:  plan trips to at least 3 different sites during the year

     2.      Evaluation Plan:  take pictures and blog about experiences

          iii.      Keeping abreast of US/Japanese relations in the news

     1.      Method Used:  keep in contact with parents and US news online concerning events of significance between US and Japan

     2.      Evaluation Plan:  use blog to document anything eventful that impacts my stay in Japan

3.      Personal Goals:

  a.       To show personal growth in the year I live abroad by

             i.      Living independently in either a dorm or apartment

     1.      Method Used:  will be assigned living quarters and will be living alone; maintain apartment/dorm with necessary equipment, food and personal items

     2.      Evaluation Plan:  having successfully fed myself and maintained healthy environment

              ii.      Making all rent and utility payments on time

     1.      Method Used:  finding out where to make rent and utility payments, transportation needed, access to money (cash)

     2.      Evaluation Plan:  evidence of no late payment fees by year’s end

               iii.      Managing my money by using a budget for expenditures

     1.      Method Used:  work out a written budget for expenses:  rent, utilities, travel/transportation, entertainment, gifts and food before going on trip

     2.      Evaluation Plan:  showing evidence of attempting to stay within budget or adjusting budget as needed by keeping a written record of money spent

               iv.      Taking safety precautions as needed by using the buddy system when warranted, not drinking or eating anything left unattended and having at least 1 contact in Japan I can call when needed for emergencies.

     1.      Method Used:  network with others from North Central sharing contact information; be aware of surroundings and safety issues

     2.      Evaluation Plan:  no negative safety occurrences due to negligence

              v.      Reaching out to make new acquaintances while in Japan

     1.      Method Used:  engage with others in apartment/dorm and classes including international students and locals

     2.      Evaluation Plan:  have at least 1 new acquaintance per semester with contact information

[smw-2018-blog]

Blog Final

An iconic site in Japan is Mount Fuji.  It is one place I hope to visit when I go to Japan.  Featured in Japan’s earliest recorded literature, the cone-shaped volcano has always been admired.  The last time it erupted was in 1707 and the volcanic ash even spread to Tokyo, which is 62 miles away.  The mountain is made of layers of rock, ash and lava and is referred to as a stratovolcano. In 2013 it was named as a Unesco World Heritage site for its cultural significance.  On my first trip to Japan last December, I saw it once as we were passing by on a bullet train.  On this trip to Japan I am excited that I will actually get to visit Mount Fuji.

Mount Fuji is Japan’s highest mountain and the focal point of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.  It is located on the main island Honshu and lies between Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures.  On a clear day, it is visible from Tokyo.  The Japanese refer to it as Fuji-san, with san designating it as a mountain.  There are said to be many spectacular views from all directions.  

            There is religious significance associated with Mount Fuji and it has been worshipped by the Japanese people since ancient times. Many Shinto shrines sit at the base as well as on the mountain.  One temple located at the foothills of Mount Fuji is called Murayama Sengen Jinja temple. The Japanese people believe Mount Fuji is sacred and visiting this 1000 year old temple will bring good things in life. The garden of the temple has cherry blossoms.  There are five lakes near the temple.  There are also waterfalls and caves near the base of Mount Fuji.  There are many amusement parks, resorts, and sports facilities in the surrounding area.  I am excited to experience Mount Fuji for myself.

The logistics of traveling to Mount Fuji will involve taking either the bus or the train from Tokyo. There are many schedules online detailing the bus and train routes.  They take you to different areas around the wide base of Mount Fuji, but the bus is a more popular option because it can get you closer to the mountain.  You can also take guided tours of Mount Fuji.  During the off season, many of the trails are closed to discourage dangerous hiking due to the weather which can involve thunder, storms, snow, and extreme cold temperatures.  

One option is to take the Keio express bus from Shinjuko in Tokyo.  This will take 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic, and cost 2600 yen (approximately $26 US dollars).   This bus goes directly to the start of the climb at Kawaguchiko Fifth Station.  The official climbing season is only during July and August so if I plan to climb, I will need to act quickly when I first arrive in Japan.  Even with hot summer temperatures, it can be very cold at the top of Mount Fuji with below freezing temperatures at night.  There are 4 hiking courses to climb Mount Fuji with huts along the way to offer a place to rest, food and medical supplies. Many people spend the nights in the huts, or begin their hikes at night so they can reach the summit at daybreak to view the famous sunrise.  It takes around 6 hours to climb Mount Fuji.   I’m not sure I would want to attempt to climb the entire mountain but there are trails at the bottom that can easily be hiked and are not as steep.  

Preparation is needed if you decide to climb.  Provisions are provided at the huts but they can be very crowded since the climbing season is so short.  It is recommended to take good climbing shoes, winter outerwear and rainwear, a light source/head lamp, water to drink, snacks, some money to spend at the huts, a hat, map and bags to bring your trash back down the mountain.  I should be able to use my cell phone on the mountain.  Extra layers of clothing are also a good idea.  You can even bring a walking stick.  Bathroom facilities are available but no flushing toilets since water is precious. To stay at one of the huts costs money, depending on meals eaten it can vary from 5250 to 7350 yen.

If you reach the summit, at the top is a crater shaped like a bowl. There are 8 peaks at the summit and when connected they form the shape of a lotus flower.  Another bonus for reaching the top is the Kuzushi-jinja Shrine.  There is also a mail box at the summit where you can send postcards, and a place to get a stamp as a token of having climbed to the top.

Visiting Mt. Fuji has been a goal of mine for many years.  I am fascinated by the history, culture, and beauty of this mountain.  I am so grateful to have this opportunity, and I can not wait to visit it!

 http://web-japan.org/atlas/nature/nat06.html

https://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/rtg/pdf/pg-405.pdf

https://www.nationalgeographic.org/media/mount-fuji/

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/japan/west-of-tokyo/mt-fuji

http://bigthink.com/eruptions/mt-fuji-japans-sacred-volcano

https://wikitravel.org/en/Mount_Fuji

[smw-2018-blog]

Journal: Letter to Self

To future me,

I have many goals I want to accomplish my year abroad in Japan.  I want to see and experience as much of Japan as possible.  I want to try to assimilate into the culture as much as possible.  I want to improve my language skills and feel comfortable communicating with native speakers.  I also want to try lots of interesting new foods, become skilled at using the train system, and eventually start to feel comfortable living in Japan. Most importantly, I want to leave Japan after a year knowing I did everything I came to do and more, and had the opportunity to experience many new things.  I want to leave with no regrets.

My first and most important goal will be to improve my language skills.  This is something I will need to work on for the entire duration of my trip. This is imperative for my future career goals.  A main part of improving my skills will be school, as I anticipate taking mostly language classes at the university.  Speaking to my classmates and people from the local area will also play an important role in getting my conversational abilities where I want them to be. Everyday activities, such as buying groceries or going to the stores, will give me opportunities to practice my Japanese in different situations.  I am looking forward to picking up the subtleties and unspoken practices in casual conversations. It will be interesting to see if I will be able to detect any regional differences, also.

Traveling around the country on my breaks and weekends will help me to accomplish my other major goal of seeing and experiencing the country as much as possible.  Coming to Japan last December on the D-term trip gave me a taste of some of the different regions of Japan as we traveled around various locations spanning most of the country.  Everywhere we stopped I gained a little more knowledge and experience.  I look forward to building upon those experiences and having more time to explore on my own as opposed to following a group itinerary.  

As I travel, I expect to become quite adept at using the different train systems in Japan.  I know this will be my main mode of transportation.  I expect to be exposed to new and different foods, even though I’ve tried various traditional Japanese foods in America.  Being in Japan will add authenticity and freshness to my experience.  I look forward to exploring the grocery and convenience stores to see what sort of items are popular.  Actually living in Japan and eating there daily will be different than any experience I’ve ever had.  I look forward to seeing what Japanese eating habits are really like.

And finally, I hope to leave after a year with no regrets and no feelings of things left undone.  I hope to take advantage of every opportunity to experience the Japanese lifestyle and explore the many interesting places I have read about in Japan. I know at the university I am going to be attending that I will be exposed to other students from around the world.  This is also a part of the experience I look forward to.  It will be interesting to learn about their countries and experiences as well. Overall, I feel that I am ready and cannot wait to experience Japan and all it has to offer.  I hope that when I return I can look back on this letter and feel that I accomplished everything I set out to do.

[smw-2018-blog]

Blog 10

One key event in the history of Japan was the colonization of the Ainu, who are an indigenous people living mainly in Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan’s major islands. Historically, the Ainu were the first people known to occupy Japan. They have many parallels to the history of that of the American Indian. After years of being treated poorly by the Japanese and discriminated against on many levels, the Ainu were eventually conquered and incorporated into the Japanese empire. The Japanese assimilation policy that was put into effect shortly after affected the Ainu by denying them the right to speak their own language and follow their cultural beliefs and practices. The Ainu people have always been deeply connected to the natural world and this has had a huge influence on their way of life. They are a devout civilization that believes in many gods which exist in almost every phenomenon, creature and object. This influence can be seen in the everyday aspects of life including their customs and traditions, the structures and tools they crafted, as well as their systems of agriculture. Their people have had a complex social evolution, from their early beginnings to their current struggle for recognition and rights and their changing relationship with Japan. The Ainu people, from their origin as an indigenous, nature-worshiping culture of Japan, to their present as an often-forgotten, mistreated remnant of the past, have become an important story for understanding historically oppressed minorities. Relations between the Ainu and Japanese have always been strained. The Japanese saw the Ainu territory as an opportunity to expand their land, a barrier between themselves and Russia, and the agricultural and trade opportunities that Hokkaido offered. In 1871, the Family Registration Law was enacted, however the Ainu were still not considered equal by the Japanese. They were legally referred to as kyûdojin, which literally means former aborigine. The outlook for the Ainu was bleak. A particularly disheartening act occurred in 1872: when the “Hokkaido Land Regulation” declared all of the land without a legal ownership was recognized as unoccupied. This applied to all of Hokkaido since there was no written proof of ownership. The land was sold to Japanese buyers at an inexpensive price in order to bring them to the island to develop agriculture. The Japanese actually based their actions on what America had done to the Indian territories, demonstrating that influences from other countries were affecting the decisions being made. By the end of the Meiji period, the Ainu were no longer able to live their traditional way of life. Their self-sufficiency had been taken, and they now depended on the jobs that had been given to them by the Japanese. The use of their native language was restricted and they were not allowed to practice many of their religious beliefs In the 1980s the Ainu people began advocating for their rights and identity. Their goal was to protect their lands and their traditional culture. The Ainu also sought support for future political, economic and cultural development. The United Nations proclaimed the International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People in the mid-1990s. This increased social awareness in Japan and started the conversation and the move toward change. On June 6, 2008, a joint session of both houses of the Japanese Diet met in which a resolution was passed. This represented a formal recognition from the government after many years of denial that the Ainu people are, indeed, indigenous to Japan. This brought about the creation of a national Ainu Day on June 6 which raises awareness for the Ainu people and culture. It is unclear how much these laws have helped promote equality in Japan. The status of the Ainu people in Japanese society has not significantly improved. The Ainu population remains small in number and is spread over wide distances making it difficult for their voices to be heard. In modern Japan, the Ainu have very little presence left. The Ainu, similar to other racial minorities, have experienced economic and political discrimination in modern society. The status of the Ainu people in Japan today remains troubled. The Ainu people represent an important minority who suffered years of oppression in Japanese history. From their early years living autonomously and in unison with the land to the present time, they have persevered through many hardships. There is so much we can learn by looking at the colonization of the Ainu people, and their changing relationship with Japan. http://www.popjap.fr/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Godefroy_Ainu_assimilation_policies.pdf http://www.ainu-museum.or.jp/en/study/eng01.html https://login.libproxy.noctrl.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=99596505&site=eds-live https://login.libproxy.noctrl.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=50185962&site=eds-live https://login.libproxy.noctrl.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=sih&AN=52401481&site=eds-live

[smw-2018-blog]

Journal 10

There are many forms of nonverbal communication in every culture. When traveling abroad, it is especially important to be cognizant of this and respectful of the new culture’s peculiarities. Interpreting these clues incorrectly can lead to misunderstandings and embarrassment. Understanding nonverbal signs will help me acclimate to the culture I am going to be living in. The way people greet each other can vary by country and also by the type of relationship between the people who are meeting. In Japan, simple verbal greetings are used or you may see bowing. They do not generally hug and you won’t see many pats on the back or hands on the shoulder. Other than young girls who may hold hands while walking, there is not a lot of touching exhibited. Physical displays of emotion in public are considered poor etiquette. The Japanese are more attentive to posture, tone of voice and expression. They are more subtle than Americans and may cover their mouth when laughing. Bowing can mean many things, from “nice to meet you” to “I’m sorry” or “excuse me.” If you are bowed to, it is polite to return the gesture, eyes cast downward and hands in front if you are female, hands to the sides if you are male. A bow is used when walking past someone of a higher status. Holding the bow longer than the other person and going lower will show respect and humility. Limiting direct eye contact is considered polite in Japan. Some eye contact is acceptable, but direct prolonged eye contact should be avoided. The Japanese are extremely polite and consider directness to be rude or even aggressive. The Japanese are calm and reserved and do not generally show anger. Facial expressions are calm and relaxed. In contrast, in the United States direct eye contact is standard, especially in business transactions. For the Japanese, looking straight into someone’s eyes could be considered intimidation or a sign of aggression. Gender, age, and status can play a part in how much eye contact is used. Every culture has a different standard on what constitutes personal space. Some reach in and touch or stand very close. As American’s, we are used to a certain amount of space being respected around our bodies. When people get too close it can be uncomfortable for us and feel like an invasion of our privacy. Luckily, that is not common Japan either. Japanese people also respect the space around us and do not touch excessively, if at all. Of course, within a culture there can be both those who come too close and those who stand back and seem detached or uncaring. There is not a lot of gesturing that occurs in Japan. Body language is restrained and hands are often held together, which keeps them in their own space. Some gestures with the same meaning are very different than in America. One example is beckoning someone over by holding your hand palm facing downward and waving your fingers towards yourself, rather than palm up. Pointing in Japan is done with the entire hand, not an individual finger. Shaking the hand side to side with the palm facing forward means no, it is not a greeting. If you see a Japanese person clasping their hands together in front of their chest in a praying hands motion, it can be gratitude, such as thanking one for a meal, or apologizing and asking for forgiveness. Another gesture, making a circle with the index finger and thumb may mean “OK” in America but in Japan it stands for “money” which is a very different interpretation altogether. Learning these differences as well as the meaning behind other nonverbal communication is an important part of understanding culture.

[smw-2018-blog]

Blog 9

Japan is a constitutional monarchy and has been ruled by Emperor Akihito since January 1989, taking over from his father Emperor Hirohito.  This year he is expected to abdicate and leave the position to the crown prince Naruhito. Japan is the oldest continuous monarchy in the world, meaning the line of succession has remained in the same family since its beginning.  The Emperor’s power is limited and mostly ceremonial in nature.  The Prime Minister since 2012 is Shinzo Abe.  He is running for his third term in 2018.  In the previous election he ran unopposed.  His focus has been on boosting the economy and his measures are known as “Abenomics.”   Abe has also been pushing for a constitutional revision and there are talks of a referendum happening in 2019. Some of the areas he wants to change involve defense policies and tuition-free education.  As of 2018, Japan has the world’s 3rd largest economy, mostly credited to the consumer electronics and car industries.  

The government, or Diet, consists of three branches:  the Executive branch, the Legislative branch and the Judicial branch.  There is an upper house, the Sangi-in (House of Councilors) and a lower house, the Shugi-in (House of Representatives or Deputies). The country is divided into 47 prefectures: Aichi, Akita, Aomori, Chiba, Ehime, Fukui, Fukuoka, Fukushima, Gifu, Gumma, Hiroshima, Hokkaido, Hyogo, Ibaraki, Ishikawa, Iwate, Kagawa, Kagoshima, Kanagawa, Kochi, Kumamoto, Kyoto, Mie, Miyagi, Miyazaki, Nagano, Nagasaki, Nara, Niigata, Oita, Okayama, Okinawa, Osaka, Saga, Saitama, Shiga, Shimane, Shizuoka, Tochigi, Tokushima, Tokyo, Tottori, Toyama, Wakayama, Yamagata, Yamaguchi, and Yamanashi.  

There are several political parties:  Democratic Party of Japan or DPJ [Yoshihiko NODA]; Japan Communist Party or JCP [Kazuo SHII]; Liberal Democratic Party or LDP [Sadakazu TANIGAKI]; New Komeito or NK [Natsuo YAMAGUCHI]; People's New Party or PNP; Social Democratic Party or SDP [Mizuho FUKUSHIMA]; Your Party or YP [Yoshimi WATAN ABE].    Two new parties were created last fall, the CDP, the Constitutional Democratic Party and the Party of Hope, created by Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko.

One factor in the current political climate between Japan and the United States was the US reaction to the earthquake, tsunami and subsequent 2011 nuclear reactor crisis. The United States activated 20,000 military forces to assist in what was named Operation Tomodachi (Friendship). This spirit of support deepened the relationship between the two countries.  Japan is important to the United States as we have 66 military bases there which create a U.S. presence in Asia.  Japan and the United States have worked as allies in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.  

The biggest situation in the news recently is the threat posed by North Korea with its progress in developing nuclear weapons.  Japan has been working with the United States to put pressure on North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.   The recent talks between North and South Korea and agreement not to use nuclear weapons made big headlines across the world.    Talks will continue at a scheduled summit in Singapore on June 12 between President Trump and Kim Jong Un.

Diplomatic relations between neighboring countries will always be a major political concern for Japan. The proximity to these countries makes keeping peaceful neighbors a priority.  With the upcoming 2020 Olympics being held in Tokyo, Japan has an opportunity to affect the world’s opinion, and like South Korea did, extend an olive branch to their neighbors in the hope of creating a more peaceful coexistence.  

https://login.libproxy.noctrl.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=buh&AN=102154815&site=eds-live

https://login.libproxy.noctrl.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edshol&AN=hein.journals.fora90.95&site=eds-live

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-pacific-14918801

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/opinion/2018/01/03/editorials/political-landscape-2018/#.WwUxfqovyqk

https://www.nippon.com/en/currents/d00374/

[smw-2018-blog]

Journal 8

Adjusting to a new culture can be overwhelming. Besides basic human needs such as sleep and food, feeling secure and safe is also important.  In order to truly adapt to the social environment in Japan where I will be living for a year, I need to go beyond those needs and develop friendships, interact with others, and reach toward achieving educational goals as well.  A true measure of a successful trip will be seeing personal growth, development of new skills and greater self-esteem.  These are all basic human needs in any culture, but understanding the challenges of meeting these needs in a new culture will help facilitate this transition.

Acculturation, according to Among Cultures, is “the process of becoming communicatively competent in a culture we have not been raised in.”  When traveling abroad, there will be a period of time required to adjust to the new cultural environment.  Becoming comfortable in communicating will be important and will impact my experience greatly.  This may not be easy and will probably require some time.  Recognizing there will be stages of adjustment will help me to be patient and work through issues.  I have already experienced the honeymoon phase when I traveled to Japan for two weeks last December for a class.  Everything was exciting and there was not enough time to explore.  I expect to have those same feelings again on this trip, at least during the beginning.  I am aware that the honeymoon phase wears off.  My expectations may not be met and there will be frustration when things do not occur as I envision them.  The effort it will take to be aware and adapt to the new language and behaviors will probably leave me feeling exhausted.  Change can be very stressful.  That may be the toughest phase to get through and it will be crucial to remind myself that I will adapt and eventually see things in a more balanced way.  This stage will put things into perspective as I grow accustomed to a new environment. I believe this will lead me to a clearer understanding of both the positive and negative aspects of living in Japan.

I hope to acclimate quickly so I can appreciate all that Japan has to offer.  By staying for a whole year, I believe I will have time to work through all of the stages needed to get me to a feeling of belonging in Japan.  Finding a mentor in Japan should help in the adjustment process.  I believe that because I have wanted to live in Japan for so long and have worked hard to achieve this goal, it will aid me in adapting to my new environment.  I have prepared in many ways, other than learning the language.  I think I understand the basics of the culture I am about to live in and look forward to learning more about the people and their way of living.  I also know there will be unexpected moments and I will need to adjust to things that happen around me.  Part of the experience of traveling abroad is being adaptable to the culture around me.  I look forward to seeing how these experiences help me to grow and potentially change my own core beliefs and value system.

A final adjustment will be on my return back to the United States a year from now.  By spending a whole year abroad, it will likely result in more difficulty in coming home.  I know there will be changes within me and also differences in those around me when I get back.  I will not see the world in the same way as I do now and others may view me differently as well.  The people I leave behind will also have had a year to grow and change.  The political and cultural climate I return to may be very different.  The place I will be living will be new.  The emotions behind all of these changes will complicate the progress made in adapting back to my life here.  It would be unrealistic to expect everything to be the same when I have been gone for a year.  Using a proactive approach and balancing the experiences of both countries will help me keep a positive attitude and reap the most benefits from my study abroad. Adjusting my expectations and not idealizing my memories will be important in creating a smoother transition back home after a year abroad.  I know my family and friends will want to hear about my time in Japan and talking about my feelings will help to validate my experience.  

[smw-2018-blog]

Journal 7

Nonverbal Misunderstandings Nonverbal communication is an important part of the many ways we communicate with others. Traveling to another country brings with it a responsibility to understand their culture, and within any culture there can be different interpretations of many types of nonverbal communication. Trying to understand how another culture interprets our actions can be difficult without first researching and then being aware of other’s reactions. Nonverbal encompasses such a wide range of actions; there are so many things that influence our communication to others and send messages. In addition, the same action can convey different meanings, depending on the circumstances. There are three main types of nonverbal communication: kinesics, proxemics and paralanguage. While kinesics refers to body movements, proxemics is the use of space and paralanguage denotes the things that affect our verbal communication directly. Each plays a major role in how we convey our messages to others. Kinesics is the way we communicate using body movements and facial expressions. Many times the meaning behind our words is misinterpreted because our face is telling a different story. Conversely, the motions we make can substantiate what we are saying. The interpretation of our movements and gestures varies from culture to culture. Italians are known world-wide for excessive use of hand gestures. The Japanese use their eyes to show deference and respect to others. If we choose to look someone directly in the eye while they speak or to avoid eye contact it can mean the difference in some cultures between holding someone in esteem or being rude and defiant. Some basic human emotions are expressed universally. In most cultures, you can tell by facial expression if someone is happy or sad, mad, surprised, fearful, or disgusted. This aids in interpreting nonverbal signals in those circumstances. However, the situation also has to be taken into consideration because that can affect the interpretation of the expression. A facial expression of disgust might be taken differently if it were within the context of a practical joke. Someone may alter their expression of sadness depending on who else is present. The context of the situation is always something to consider when interpreting nonverbal communication. Body movements are another main form of communication known as kinesics. Bowing to show respect is an important nonverbal gesture in some cultures. Knowing when to do this can be complex. It varies within each culture and since it is a sign of respect, when it is misused it can be offensive. Learning the correct situations to imply this practice in Japan, will be important to my experience. I know as an American I won’t be expected to participate in all of the traditional customs of Japan, but I will want to show respect and be mindful of the cultural communication around me. Proxemics refers to the use of space around us when communicating nonverbally. Some people crowd our space by standing too closely, but the amount of space varies widely by culture and also by circumstance. For example, the amount of space between a parent and child is going to be different than between strangers. What is considered an acceptable amount of space also varies by country. Along with space, touch is another example of proxemics. Some cultures touch while communicating and if you are not used to that it can be unsettling. Adapting to changes such as these will be a major factor in integrating into another country. The way in which we use our voice, such as volume, rate of speech and other things which directly affect our verbal communication is known as paralanguage. Accent is one of those things, and even though we do not always recognize it, we all have one. A Midwestern accent just sounds like normal speech to us, but others can identify where we are from just by hearing us speak. When traveling abroad, it will require more work to understand not only the language but the accents and dialects that vary by region. How loud we speak, or how fast, can convey messages that we don’t mean to send. Being mindful of the impact we have by the use of these factors will help in our communication abilities while in foreign countries. Many things comprise our nonverbal communication and need to be considered when traveling outside of the country. Even the clothes we choose to wear can send nonverbal messages and could unintentionally be offensive. The food we eat and the way in which we eat it can also send messages. Smells can be important in different cultures, and something simple such as wearing perfume can be viewed negatively. Listening, observing and being aware of all of these nonverbal signals will be imperative while living in Japan. By doing this, hopefully I can avoid misunderstandings or offending anyone. Learning to adapt and understand the many nonverbal clues of communication is an important step in traveling abroad.

[smw-2018-blog]

Blog Post 7

          This week the focus was on trying foods from our country.  I followed a recipe to make melon bread and bought some Japanese curry.  First, I will talk about melon bread.  Melon bread is a small sweet bread with a layer of cookie wrapped around it.  There is no melon in it, it is instead named for the pattern on top that resembles the texture on the outside of a melon.  It is thought to have existed since the early nineteen-hundreds. It is very popular in Japan because of its portability, variety, and shape.  It is widely available throughout Japan in most convenient stores and vending machines.   While it is most popular in plain form, it can be easily customized so flavors such as chocolate chip, ice cream filled, or green tea flavored are not uncommon.  There are even melon flavored melon bread! There are subtle variations in the shape depending on where it is from, such as the typical round, cylindrical, or even shaped like a bean.  I followed a recipe I found online to make my own melon bread.  It took a very long time, especially with several breaks to let the dough rise.  It was difficult to judge how big I should shape the dough. They turned out great! They were a little crunchy and sweet on the outside, and soft and fluffy on the inside. Even though the whole process took several hours to complete, I would definitely do it again sometime.  

            I also went out and tried some Japanese curry.  Japanese curry has its own distinct flavor and unique ways to be eaten.  It is a sauce cooked with various vegetables and meat, usually things like onions, potatoes, carrots, pork, and beef, and is almost always served with rice.  While there are many levels and variations, Japanese curry is known for being somewhat thick and mildly spicy.  It can be purchased in many forms including with various cuts of meat or seafood, bread with a curry filling inside known as curry pan, as a soup base for ramen or udon, or as a package of curry mix for you to make at home.  Curry is said to have come to Japan through military contact with British forces.  After World War One, while Japan was still an ally to the Japanese soldiers came into contact with curry and brought it home with them.  Curry then began to served regularly in the Japanese military, which led to its wide spread popularity from that point on.  I ordered tonkatsu curry, which is curry and rice with a breaded pork cutlet.  The flavors go surprisingly well together, and one of my favorite parts of the meal was dipping the cutlet into the curry.  My meal was also served with a small side of Japanese pickles, which are very popular among Japanese people, and usually not cucumbers.  I really enjoyed my meal.  I am a fan of Thai curry and I was surprised at first how different they were.  But I am glad to say that I really enjoyed Japanese curry.

    https://matcha-jp.com/en/988

http://jpninfo.com/14229

https://allabout-japan.com/en/article/4557/

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2011/08/26/food/curry-its-more-japanese-than-you-think/#.Wvw8iaQvyYk

https://taiken.co/single/the-origin-and-history-of-japanese-curry-rice

[smw-2018-blog]

Blog post 6

This week we are discussing cultural influences found in Japan’s highest grossing movies that have been made within the last ten years. The movie I would like to talk about is “Your Name” (君の名前 は), a film made in Japan by director Makoto Shinkai in 2016. It is currently fourth among the highest-grossing films of all time in Japan and seventh among the highest-grossing traditionally animated films. This film is also the highest-grossing anime and Japanese film. Even more impressively, it ranks fifth of the highest-grossing non-English films worldwide. The main story is about a girl who lives in a rural area of Gifu Prefecture and a boy who lives in the heart of Tokyo. They begin to mysteriously wake up in each other’s bodies and this continues to happen randomly. They learn to communicate by leaving notes for each other. These messages were put on paper or written as a memo on a phone, and sometimes were written on each other’s bodies. “Your Name” is based around the idea of a typical teen romance. As they are forced to figure out how to deal with these unusual circumstances, a relationship develops. Besides being a well-made film with beautiful animation and a touching story, its popularity may be due to subtle integration of some of Japan's history and culture. One aspect of the story that stands out is the contrast between the sparsely populated countryside versus the bustling city. The two main characters are used to show the deficits of both sides. For the rural town that the female lead Mitsuha lives in, there is little growth and few opportunities for young people. Mitsuha can hardly wait for the day she can leave for the city. On the other hand, for Taki, the male lead in the story, he lives in a tiny apartment in the middle of the city. While he may have access to the opportunity that Mitsuha dreams of, his life is shown as isolated. Mitsuha lives in a big traditional house with her family, while Taki lives in a modern apartment with only his father and spends much of his time alone. Mitsuha’s family is also involved with running a local shrine and is involved with traditional ceremonies. Taki’s life in the city is shown with no overt history or traditional influences. Taki slowly becomes fascinated with the culture in Mitsuha’s life. This clearly illustrates the dichotomy of modern day Japan. This is the desire to hold on to and appreciate tradition, but at the same time the want and economic need to modernize. Within this film, another recent cultural issue in Japan has influenced the story. Makoto Shinkai has reported that the trauma and after effects from the 2011 Japanese tsunami and earthquake influenced the making of this film. It is represented in the film by a giant meteor that completely destroys a town without warning. In Japan, people still remember the horrific aftermath of the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant’s destruction. And it was triggered by an act of nature. Something out of human control. This has left an undeniable fear in the hearts of those who live through it. These themes have been incorporated into the movie, and they speak to the heart of Japan. Makoto Shinkai has said he made the movie for a younger audience to give them hope in their future. I hope by incorporating so many themes that speak to the heart and souls of the people of Japan, I hope that he not only renews their hope, but inspires the youth of Japan to think about their culture. https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2017/04/how-your-name-became-japans-biggest-movie-in-years/522279/ https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/your-name-the-most-popular-anime-of-all-time-comes-to-america https://www.tofugu.com/japan/japanese-countryside-emptying/ https://login.libproxy.noctrl.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edb&AN=129302184&site=eds-live https://login.libproxy.noctrl.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=67525815&site=eds-live

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Journal 6

Mentor Report This week, I spoke with my mentor Hanna about her experiences studying abroad in Japan. Hanna spent the fall and winter studying at Kanda University of International Studies, the same university I will be attending in the fall for a year. I asked her several questions about her experiences in Japan academically and culturally as a whole. Hanna’s overall experience was very positive, and her advice was reassuring to me. In general, Hanna described her understanding of Japan as very similar to the materials we have studied in class. She reassured us there would not be too many surprises and that Japanese society is very similar to the way it is described. She went on to say that Kanda University of International Studies was a little unique compared to other programs because of its international focus. There is a larger amount of American as well as other foreign exchange students than in other areas in Japan, as well as an emphasis on learning English, therefore the area is more accommodating to American culture. Hanna also explained that Japan’s worldview regarding time falls in the middle between monochronic and polychronic. She said in her experience some deadlines were hard and some were flexible or did not seem to matter very much. One example she gave was that as a student you are expected to arrive to class on time, but often classes will start a few minutes late. This may also speak to the hierarchy and egalitarian or individualist and collectivist scales. In her opinion, Hanna thinks one of the biggest differences between America and Japan is how much safer it is in Japan. Guns are illegal in Japan and Hanna said she felt comfortable doing things like traveling by herself and walking home at night. One of the other differences she pointed out was transportation. In America cars are much more common than in Japan. Japan relies on public transportation such as trains and buses. This effects the daily lives of everyone and you can see how this could change the culture of both places. Hanna identified one our closest cultural similarities as how helpful and kind to strangers we can be. She explained that while most Japanese people tend to keep to themselves, if you look lost or ask for help people would go out of their way to assist you. If you were willing to try and speak in Japanese, people were very understanding of mistakes. She said that this kindness toward strangers and forgiving attitude for foreigners reminded her of Americans. Hanna said that at Kanda University of International Studies most of the Japanese students are trying to learn or major in English. Because of this, most people will want to speak to you in English. She told me that if you want to improve your Japanese skills you should ask people to speak to you in Japanese and to specifically ask them to correct your mistakes. She said that unless you are insistent, no one will tell you when you are speaking incorrectly. She also mentioned that conversations were structured a little differently, and long periods of silence were not uncommon. I asked her about hierarchical language in Japanese as well as honorific titles, but she said in the majority of situations what was most important was following the lead of your partner and copying their level of politeness. She was surprised how many people use bicycles as their main form of transportation. She described how shocked she was to see how there are many mothers who ride their bicycles everywhere while carrying several children. She noted that this behavior was common even in the rain. Hanna also brought up how amazed and even a little unnerved she was to see how it was normal for people to fall deeply asleep while on trains. I think it points out how crime is less of an issue in Japan that people can feel safe enough to ride the train with such a mindset. She also pointed out that they would always wake up for their stop. Hanna told me that because of the international aspect of the school, people in the area around Kanda have become used to, and are typically fond of Americans. Being so close to Tokyo, Kanda seems very open to foreign influence, while it seems that more rural areas are not always the same. She said that like most of the world they have a basic knowledge of current events in America, such as politics and entertainment. Japanese college is not known for being excessively hard. Hanna explained that it is comparable to North Central College, but a little less intense. There are typically semi-weekly quizzes, homework sheets, and sometimes final papers. They often do worksheets in class. A few interesting differences are that classrooms rotate based on the day of the week, and 80-100 is equivalent to an A grade. According to Hanna, there are several things that she wishes she knew before she left. The first thing is that most of the students use tablets during class to take notes and follow along with the lecture. The second is how common and convenient it is to use a bicycle. The third is the cost of daily living. She ended up spending more than she had planned for on everyday items. Hana warned me about several things to be careful about while in Japan, but in general she said they are all pretty small offences. These include clothing choices, not being too loud, and being respectful at shrines. Hanna did not seem to have too many examples of offensive actions or behaviors. While I understand that I will most likely accidentally upset someone at some point, I got the impression that it is a fairly relaxed setting and I felt a little more comfortable. The advice Hanna chose as the most important thing to understand about the culture was in two parts. They were don’t be disrespectful, and prepare but be spontaneous. I think both of these are good advice for almost every culture. My interview with Hanna was very informative and interesting. I was glad to hear as much first-hand advice as possible. Hanna had many great experiences while studying at Kanda University of International Studies and had difficulty trying to come up with negative or cautionary examples. I feel that hearing about more ordinary examples that deal with everyday life has given me more of an appreciation and point of reference for material that we study in class. It has given me more perspective and I feel more prepared to spend time abroad.

[smw-2018-blog]

Journal 5

Cultural reactions are the attitudes, ideas and behaviors that are an innate part of us. These develop naturally from our experience and education, and vary widely depending on where we are living. We take them with us wherever we go, and often are unaware of just what we show to the world. It’s just how we operate and maneuver in our lives. Being aware of what I have learned growing up in America and how it many differ from what I find in Japan will help me adapt to new surroundings. Being able to understand how other cultures view Americans will also help to smooth over the transition of integrating into a new country. While reading about some of the characteristics generally attributed to Americans, I was able to see both positive and negative attributes. I realized that what I may view as positive quality may be seen as negative in another place or culture, such as being overtly friendly, making direct eye contact, or addressing someone with their first name. I also know that I, as an individual, do not always reflect the exact same attitudes and behaviors as many other Americans. Trying to see myself through the eyes of my host country will be challenging. It’s difficult to be aware of the actions I take subconsciously and step back from myself to try and perceive how they might be interpreted by others. In thinking about our central core values, it becomes apparent that different cultures value different things. Many of these principles we are born into, surrounded with while growing up, and just accept as the truth. It is what we as a culture have accepted, and unless something causes us to challenge the idea, we usually don’t. By traveling abroad, it will force me to take another look at my value system and question how it is seen by another culture. Do I believe that I have control over my own life or that my life is subject to fate? In Japan, I think I will be very aware of their respect for the elderly and their status as a knowledgeable generation who can contribute to society. It is such a contrast to how the Americans treat elderly. Some value differences like these will be so obvious and easy to recognize while others will require introspection and thought. The people of Japan have a great respect for tradition in their history and way of doing things. They value their heritage and many traditions and beliefs are passed on from generation to generation. Conversely, the American culture tends to value change, finding a new and better way of accomplishing something, and improving upon the old. Another difference may be in the Americans direct approach in personal interactions. What we perceive as being honest and forthright may be interpreted by Japanese people as rudeness. Even how you address someone in Japan differs from America. Japanese use titles to show respect and can be more formal than the casual manner in which Americans often greet each other. Asking questions about money or status can be viewed as being in poor taste while as in America often the first question asked when you meet someone is asking them what they do for a living. The rituals of one’s own culture can be hard to perceive without conscious efforts. I have noticed in many Asian countries there are many rituals centered around modesty. I feel this kind of behavior can be seen in a kind of negative light in America. It can sometimes be interpreted as a kind of timid action, or unfriendly gesture, sometimes it can even be seen as an unwillingness to connect socially. While in the mind of the other person it would be very rude to simply accept a gift or compliment without first humbling one’s self or acknowledging the other person’s generosity or talents. I find it interesting that a single action can be interpreted so drastically different by two different people. Our values and beliefs are shaped by our experiences and cultural heritage. Likewise, every place has their own set of values and beliefs brought by their unique place in the world, and their individual histories. These combine and define what the collective culture of what the majority of a people accept as true. By analyzing culture, we can better understand the actions and thoughts of humans across the world.

[smw-2018-blog]

Blog Post 5

Wednesday, 4/25/18

1.     Police are hunting for an inmate who escaped from an open prison in Imabari, in the Ehime Prefecture.

2.     Testing ongoing on self-driving automobile to gauge potential of this technology.

3.     Discussion surrounding 2020 Olympics in Tokyo and North Korea’s participation.  IOC will remain politically neutral.

Thursday, 4/26

1.     Denuclearization “center stage” as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jai-in meet in Seoul in a rally before the upcoming summit. This is historic because it is the first time in 65 years a North Korean leader set foot on South Korean soil.

2.     The Diet affairs chief denied rumors he’s calling a snap election.

3.     Pop star Tatsuya Yamaguchi made a tearful apology for forcibly kissing a teen while he was drunk after drinking a whole bottle of shochu and states he will take a “hard look at himself.”  He is a member of an all-male group Tokio and is also a host for several television programs.  He has been indefinitely suspended from show business.

4.     Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and US Admiral Harry Harris, who is commander of the US Pacific Command, both agreed to continue “maximum pressure” on North Korea.

5.     Mount Io, a volcano in Kyushu, erupts for 2nd time in a week after being dormant for 250 years.

6.     A prototype has been developed by 3 firms of a humanoid robot that can transform into a car.  Similar to the “Transformers” movies, this would be used in amusement parks.  It only takes 1 minute for the transformation into a vehicle.

Friday, 4/27/18

1.     Nintendo names new president of company, Shuntaro Furukawa.  Nintendo is headquartered in Osaka and this president is 22 years younger than the prior president.  He was involved in the development of the Nintendo Switch which has outsold predictions and led to record numbers for Nintendo.

2.     North and South Korean leaders meet and prepare to set up peace treaty, both pledging no nuclear weapons.

Saturday, 4/28/18

1.     Natto will change your life.  Fermented beans not loved by everyone but the nutty, sharply complex flavors are embraced by its aficionados.

2.     Japan Sumo Association rethinking ban on women.

3.     Sexual harassment for women reporters is in the news recently and causing many to rethink work environments.

4.     Subaru admits to rigging mileage and emissions data as far back as 2002.

5.     Atomic bomb survivors praise denuclearization agreement at inter-Korean summit.

Sunday, 4/29/18

1.     Talk continues about the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s who says he’s ready to talk to Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe “any time.”  Abe says there are still many hurdles to overcome.

2.     Japanese to have a “Me Too” group after actress won sexual harassment lawsuit and released plans to use money for this purpose.

3.     New theme park to open in 2022 in Nagoya by Studio Ghibli.

 Monday, 4/30/18

1.     Shikoku prison escapee caught in Hiroshima after swimming across a narrow channel to the mainland.  They had been searching for him on Mukaishima, a tiny island in the Seto Inland Sea.  He was on the run for more than 3 weeks.  Over 15 thousand personnel were involved in the search.

2.     Trump should win the Nobel Peace Prize?  This said by South Korean President Moon Jai-in for Trumps role in the ongoing North Korean nuclear crisis.

 Tuesday, 5/1/18

1.     Charges were dropped against pop star Tatsuya Yamaguchi when the teen girl withdrew her complaint.

2.     Six trainees from other countries worked at Fukushima nuclear plant despite a ban that was in place.  The plant, operated by Tokyo Electric Power Co., suffered a core meltdown in 2011.  The workers were doing construction work at the plant.

3.     Predictions of packed crowds at major train stations during 2020 Tokyo Olympics.  Approximately 8 million people use the trains in Tokyo daily to get to work or school. Suggestions were made that people may need to change their regular routes and avoid rush hours to allow visitors to get to the Olympics on time.  Otherwise, it is predicted, trains may stall as people will be unable to board or depart the trains.

4.     Very hot summer across Japan forecasted.

 Summary of the news this week in Japan:

The main topic was the same as elsewhere in the world, the peace talks and pledged denuclearization between North and South Korea. Due to Japan’s close proximity to Korea, this captured most of the headlines for the week.  

Other topics mentioned more than once were sexual harassment in the workplace, especially among female reporters and in the entertainment industry.  This was remarkably similar to current US news trends.  Technology was also featured prominently, especially within the topics of the video game and car industries.

 Sources:

1.     The Japan Times:  https://www.japantimes.co.jp/

2.     The Asahi Shimbun:  http://www.asahi.com/ajw/

3.     The Japan News:  http://the-japan-news.com/

4.     The Mainichi:  https://mainichi.jp/english/

5.     Japan Today:  https://japantoday.com/

[smw-2018-blog]

Blog Post 4

Saigo Takamori One prominent person in Japanese history is Saigo Takamori. Despite helping to create the new Meiji state, he became known during the overthrow of the shogunate and as a leader of the resultant Meiji Restoration of 1868. As history looks back at Saigo Takamori, he is viewed as a hero, despite losing the revolution, because of his portrayal of dying an honorable death and fighting for a cause he believed in so strongly. The restoration involved social reform and modernizing by eliminating the four classes which were samurai, farmer, artisan and merchant. Saigo Takamori was a leader of the samurai and helped convince other samurai to give up the privileges of their class. Not all samurai were in agreement about this loss of tradition but the regime was able to accomplish this with the help of Saigo Takamori. His influence on the other samurai was a major factor in changing the role of the samurai in the Restoration. Saigo Takamori became dissatisfied with Japan’s autocratic and repressive policies. Excessive taxation and forced compliance caused him, along with many others, to push for a more representative government. He recognized the role of the samurai in Japan was changing. Beginning in the 1870s, whereas the samurai once were respected and their service sought after simply because they were born into the role, now they were denounced. As Saigo Takamori began sharing his views of dissention against the new government, his willingness to stand up for his principles and to state his resistance made him a heroic figure in politics. Another component that led to his being viewed as a hero was depictions by artists and commentators of his death. They embellished their drawings and stories to live up to the expectations of the people. There was an account of a ritual samurai suicide that many believed to be true. There are pictures depicting him plunging a sword into his abdomen with followers waiting to behead him. At that time in history, this represented dying with honor and courage. The people saw him as a fiercely ethical samurai who was not afraid to fight for his beliefs. Saigo Takamori was considered “the last samurai” and the tales of his heroic death have survived and grown throughout the years and continue today. The description of Saigo Takamori’s death by seppuku, or ritual samurai suicide, lends itself to the creation of heroic properties and feeds into his role as the last true samurai. This Japanese warrior tradition assisted in distorting the accuracy of reports of history from that era and elevated Saigo Takamori’s status as someone the people could respect and admire. Saigo Takamori continues to fascinate and interest the people of Japan because he represents the end of the samurai era and because of the legends that surround him. He is remembered for his principles in helping to create a new government and then fighting for change when he became dissatisfied with the government he helped to create. He is remembered for dying for a cause he believed in strongly. https://global.oup.com/academic/product/modern-japan-a-very-short-introduction-9780199235698?cc=us&lang=en& https://www.nationalgeographic.com/archaeology-and-history/magazine/2017/09-10/saigo-takamori-the-last-samurai/ http://web.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Saigo_Takamori https://www.jstor.org/stable/40929189 http://jpninfo.com/61737

[smw-2018-blog]

Journal 4

Journal Entry 4: According to Among Cultures, culture can be thought of as being made up of many different intangible facets. The first of these are worldviews which show how a person feels the true nature of the universe is. The second are values, these are what a group or single individual identifies as an important quality exemplifying an ideal possibility according to their society. The third part of culture according to this definition are norms. Norms are the rules of a society that deem a behavior anywhere from offensive to polite. When we account for these views and apply them to our understanding of specific cultures we are able to see a more rational and understandable meaning behind everyday actions. I enjoyed learning and thinking about the individual concepts listed under the umbrella of worldviews. It was interesting to see examples of how certain countries exemplify different ends of the spectrum of these cultural views. I also found it rewarding to compare the United States outlooks with how I personally feel about these cultural viewpoints. In considering the concepts of universalism versus particularism, my impressions are that America generally practices universalism, expecting equal treatment for all. This is especially true in our justice system, although there are many examples of where this is not the case. Particularism represents behaviors that show partiality towards certain individuals, such as family and friends. Fairness does not factor in; the individual circumstances are taken into account and exceptions are made. While I can think of some groups in America who might demonstrate particularism, I don’t think it represents the majority. While reading about individualism versus collectivism, I have come to believe that Japan shows more of a tendency toward collectivism. A large part of the societal norms in Japan and other East Asian countries puts the interests of the group first. This is easily observable in situations involving large crowds. They do not demonstrate selfishly motivated actions and often show behavior which is considerate of the group as a whole. Manners and respect for others are usually an important part of social norms in Japanese society. America is a monochronic culture. It feels like we go from one deadline to the next, especially in college. The Japanese people show tendencies toward both monochronisum and polychronism in their attitudes towards time. Their priorities may be more flexible and based on high context clues than in America. The differences in time management between America and Japan will be interesting to observe. In comparing high context versus low context, it is immediately apparent that Japanese society is high context. So many of the traits they are known for fall into that category, such as change being slow to happen and their culture having deep roots in the past. Other characteristics also fit, including I also thought “communication is seen as an art form-a way of engaging someone” sounded like a very Japanese way to express such an ordinary task. When looking at the continuum chart, it was interesting to see how high Japan ranked compared to other countries that make up the high context side. I also found it interesting that on the same continuum chart, America was below the midpoint and closer to low context. When the topic of learning is brought up, America tends to value speed where as Japan often values accuracy. Even though every society is made up of individuals whose opinions will vary, it is of value to note the differences and to try to learn how to notice trends during my time abroad. It has been pointed out that in America learning occurs by following directions whereas in Japan learning occurs by observation as it is modeled or demonstrated and then practicing what has been shown. That means I will have to be flexible with my expectations while learning how to navigate the social and cultural aspects while studying abroad in Japan.

[smw-2018-blog]

Journal 3

Journal Entry 4/18/18 Part of understanding the culture of another country, such as Japan, is being able to distinguish the meaning of events, actions and behaviors. My observations will be influenced on what my beliefs are at this time and my beliefs are based on my experiences and knowledge gained thus far in my life. I will be interpreting what I see and will need to consider how my past beliefs will affect my interpretations. The experience of growing up in America is a narrow perspective. Soon I will be interacting with the people of Japan and I will gain new insight into their behaviors, attitudes and cultural beliefs. One of my goals for this trip is to take advantage of this opportunity and more become fluent in Japanese social norms and body language. Japan has a strict social hierarchy that greatly influences its culture, and it is important to me to use this trip to better understand it. The same behavior here can have entirely different interpretations in a different culture. Something I would commonly do in America may be misunderstood by the people I am interacting with in Japan. I have already studied some of the many ways in which Japanese culture can view things differently than what I am used to, but I will have to try to think about even the most basic actions of my everyday life. Doing these exercises has prompted me to think about the actions we take for granted and the social rules that we follow in America. It also helped me to realize that even though our cultures can vary widely, there are some behaviors that are universal. Understanding this helped me to put some things into perspective, and I found it to be a little comforting. Understanding this even further will enhance my experience abroad. Cultures vary both in their commonalities and their differences. Some beliefs are universal and will be interpreted in similar ways. Others may contrast sharply from each other. Within a culture, we all have personal differences, which will influence how we interpret what we see around us. As an American traveling abroad, I will need to keep this in mind and maintain an awareness of how my actions will be interpreted by others. Likewise, I know that individual behavior I may observe may not be reflective of the culture of Japan as a whole. Even within America, different parts of the country reflect varying beliefs about religion, proper dress and behavior, and many other aspects of life. Keeping all this in mind as I travel in Japan will allow me to experience Japan more fully. One major difference I have observed about Japanese culture is their society. On a recent trip there, I was able to observe normal behavior in large crowds. At train stations, there was no pushing, shoving or rude treatment to others even though there were large numbers of people trying to board the train in a very quick time period. From this, considering the concept of collectivism versus individualism, I would say their society as a whole is generally collectivist. The respect they have for each other was always evident in their actions and behaviors. They did not put their individual needs ahead of those of the group. In America, I would say it is the opposite much of the time. It depends on the circumstances, of course, and both are evident in each country but as a whole, I think it shows a difference in mindset that has been integrated into their culture.