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Getting Along with the Japanese
 A recent find at a book store in Azabu, I thought primarily aimed at the Roppongi "settlers", a quick look though does reveal some actual good content...
I picked this up with a bit of disdain at first thinking it would be over simplified or hammy handed.
I was skeptical but having recently hit a "Why cant I get along with my co-workers!!?!? The Japanese aren't aliens, they're human like me too! Its' just cultural difference !" phase with a backlog of misunderstandings, I thought this may have some hints.
I think being in Azabu influenced the initial contemptuous thought; the upmarket area of Tokyo, predominantly high rent, high status foreign residents live here, usually on over-generous subsidised company transfers.
(Yeah, I DO have a chip on my shoulder about these people. Their Japan "experience" is very easy compared to us common proles. Though thankfully your average Japanese Joe in rare honest moments will share thier hatred for these pampered,monied,managerial nevue riche - HAK PTU!)
Ranting aside, the book does cover a lot of issues and customs the foreign worker may experience in Japan which may puzzle them to some extent.
The daily living sections provide the basics of entering a house, making a visit, etc, thogh these parts are superficial it does explain some more interesting character concepts like :
- 恥じ - haji - Shame
- あいまい - aimai - Ambiguity
- 苛め - ijime - Bullying, specifically "group bullying", very common to Japan.
- 義理 - giri - Moral Obligation
The book is also educational in terms of language study, providing a "good words to know" at the end of each topic, some which are at beginner level, though for deeper subjects like the above provides good vocabulary.
A short quick read, very informative and perhaps good to look back on again.
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Posted by sasqwach
at June 10, 2008 6:04 PM | Permalink
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