*** Quoting Cindy Haglund from a message to all ***

CH> Hokkai-do, Honshu (main island), Shikoku, and Kyashu. The total area
CH> of these islands is just slightly smaller than the state of
CH> California.

Kyushu, not sure why the text has kyashu except the sound is more 'u' than
'a' ¨but a bit mixed.  The Japan standard here in Sasebo, is Kyushu (koo
shoe is ¨close).  This article was written by a northerner I suspect? They
don't even ¨mention Okinawa for example.  THats the 5th main island.

CH> much considered necessary in Japan. It is well known that the Japanese
CH> bow for greetings. The length and angle of bowing (either slightly or
CH> deeply) can express your courtesy, but it will look very unnatural if
CH> you bow too deep. Women usually put their hands in front of the body,
CH> and men put them on the side of the body. Displays of affection like

Yes, but it's got a protocol on depth not explained here.  The 'junior'
must ¨bow 'deeper'.  Very rarely is this reversed.  I saw it only when my
apartment ¨owner came to see each and every american family in his
buildings right after ¨9/11.  Normally, we would bow lower but this time,
it was a point of 'honor' ¨that he be allowed to do so.  I dont know how to
explain that, but we inately ¨understood.  The difference in bow depth is
minimal and should be about 3-4 ¨inches between 'junior' and 'boss/elder'.

When just walking by on the street, it's apparent age related and you arent
so ¨formal but it's from the waist, not just from the neck and head.  It's
not a ¨deep one, just a quick smile and a 'walking bow' as you go by. 
Similar in ¨concept to a friendly 'nod' or the older 'tip your hat' of USA.

Displays of affection in public, NOT DONE.  Not even by horny teens among
one ¨another.  If you kiss your husband, it's 'ok' to do it on the cheek
but keep it ¨minimal and hugs should be quick.  When Japanese Navy wives
meet their husbands ¨at the pier after being out 6 months, it's a peck on
the cheek and an arm about ¨one shoulder then they separate and hold hands.
 (Sasebo is a combined US/Japan ¨base and yes, they have their ships here
too).

CH> Removing the Shoes: This is one of Japan's significant customs that
CH> you will have to keep in mind. Japanese do not step on floors with
CH> shoes on. At the entrance of the house, there is a space where you can
CH> put your shoes away. Usually, the host will prepare a pair of slippers
CH> at the door. This practice, however, is adopted only at private homes
CH> or fancier restaurants -- not at hotels or offices. This is a good
CH> chance to buy a new pair of socks so as not to be embarrassed by holes
CH> in the toe!

You dont remove your shoes in offices or stores, but you do in home and
many ¨restraunts.  You may at some parts of stores.  It's pretty easy to
tell when as ¨there's a rised part just where it's 'socks only' and
normally and a little ¨stack of shoes.

The reason is they use soft pine for floors (which mark up fast and can be
¨destroyed in even home use in 5 years with shoes) or Tatami (mats of plant
¨fiber) which have even a shorter life-cycle if you walk on them in other
than ¨socks.

Politeness to a guest is to sort of shuffle down just after they come in
and ¨reverse their shoes so they can step right back in them as they leave
without ¨having to turn them around.

CH> Blowing the nose: Publicly blowing the nose is considered to be
CH> extremely rude, and will reflect very poorly on you. Using a

Definately true.  However, 'sniffing' heavily (which some other cultures
find a ¨little disgusting) is quite ok.

Oh and if you see a person wearing a surgical looking mask, they have
allergies ¨and this cuts them down.  Quite common to see.  At this season,
I'd see one in ¨every 30 or so wearing them.  They also wear them I
believe, isf they have a ¨cold to keep from spreading it to others?

CH> Exchange of Name Cards: The practice of exchanging name cards actually

This section is sadly lacking.  You are to hold it and admire the card and
the ¨artistry the person giving it to you, used to have it made.  If you
put it in ¨your wallet/purse right away, it's very very rude.  You always
thank them for ¨their card.  Leaving it out on the table isnt so much for
reference, but for a ¨sort of reverence of appreciation that they have
gifted you with their card.

CH> Meetings: It is recommended that you ask the opinion of your Japanese
CH> counterpart with every new topic of discussion because they will not

Ones in Sasebo are a bit more forthcomming but then, they are used to us.

CH> Gift Giving: Gifts of appreciation are very important in the Japanese
CH> culture. The gift should be wrapped in conservative paper, however not
CH> white because this color is associated with death in Japan. Like

Yes to both but this isnt dopne with regular office workers, just visitors.
¨Also, in a reversal of USA, when you move into an apartment, you give
small ¨household gifts to all your neighbors.  They do not bring you
housewarming ¨gifts, you bring them a pretty little thing (such as a small
carved handsoap ¨wrapped in pretty paper) and 'meet the neighbors' that way
when you are ready. ¨It is considered 'rude' to self-invite, especially on
moving day when the new ¨folks are busy and don't really have time to be
'polite guests' to you in their ¨new place full of boxes.

CH> probably be required to take your shoes off, so bring a pair of
CH> slippers and a plastic bag for your shoes whenever possible.

Where the hell did the plastic bag come from?  You leave them at the shoe
area ¨and thats it.  Do wear socks though.  Thats kinda expected.

CH> knees. If you are man and having a hard time sitting that way, you may
CH> ask the host if you could sit cross-legged. If you feel uncomfortable
CH> with using chopsticks or trying exotic dishes, do not hesitate to tell
CH> the host politely. He/she will not feel hurt, since the purpose of
CH> dining is to entertain you and not to torture you. However, you should
CH> try it at least once to show your courtesy.

Wierds me out there.  The Japanese here sit crosslegged.  They do that in
¨Okinawa too.  This guy, has to be a northerner and some traditions arent
¨matching up.  What I see is you start on the knees, then flip back and
forth as ¨the knees get tired.

Yes on the chopsticks.  Try and they will just laugh *with you* when you
are ¨inept and not mind at all.  Be aware though that in rural areas or
private ¨homes, they may not *have* forks but they probably have an asian
spoon which ¨you could get by with.  The amusement there is only 'babies'
have to use those ¨and it's the kid's spoon you are using.  (Bright grin,
might be better to ¨learn chopsticks but they really will understand, just
mercilessly tease you ¨over it).

CH> "Konnichiwa" = Good Afternoon or Hello (informal)
CH> "Konbanwa" = Good Evening
CH> "Sayonara" = Goodbye (informal)
CH> "Shitsrei shimasu" = Goodbye (formal)
CH> "Oyasumi nasai" = Good Night (said before going to sleep)
CH> "O-genki desu ka" = How are You?
CH> "Arigato gozaimasu. Genki desu" = Fine, Thank you.
CH> "Domo arigato gozaimasu" = Thank you very much
CH> "Do itashimashite" = You're welcome
CH> "Sumimasen" = Excuse me

All correct but the u is silent at the end of the word.  These arent phonetic.
                                       xxcarol

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