Forum Language Subject Japanese

Thank you Keisaku, for your direct and helpful answer! In my humble opinion, the Japanese culture and people are very peculiar, partly due to their history and also (much more original) to the unique homogeneity of their group. Hope to read from you again soon, Japanese lovers =) pat

Comment written by

multiglot on Mar 21, 2007 @ 19:22

Hello, I'm indeed greatful that two people have replied to my message. Thank you very much. Firstly, what I or Japanese in general think about French. I think we have big image of France as romantic, so as French people. I guess this is coming from movies basically. I don't know how this started but I heard other people from different countries has pretty similar idea what Frence/French is, correct? As for Japanese, yes we do work a lot but don't know if many poeple earn a lot. Of course we do earn much more compare to many other countries but if you compare it with countries like West Europe, the US, etc, it is not that different actually. It just we work a lot! I think Japan is very unique in a way that we stick together so much. You can see crowd of Japanese people in abroad, and it is very difficult for a new person to get in. I don't know how much this has to do with our quality of blood. Quality of blood I mean here is that only very few people get married with foreigners and have babies. My blood is 100% Japanese and so do most of my friends. Do you guys have an experience that you stick to your own people in abroad? Cheers, Keisaku ps: I update my website time to time, so please enjoy! http://keisakut.tripod.com

-x-

i think when you go abroad it is natural that you stick with you people you know, but i think most israelis will also try and meet new people at the same time and experience the culture they are in at maximum rate and from upclose. of course this is a generalization, so it's not true in all cases, but this is how i feel most people from israel will act.

Comment written by

or1 on Mar 20, 2007 @ 17:15

Hi, i'm Or from Israel, and when i think of Japan i think of hi-tech, tidyness, obedience (sometimes blind obedience), ancient culture (shrines, monks, mythologies etc...) and more :)

if you want to know more write me P

Comment written by

or1 on Mar 20, 2007 @ 17:08

i've been australian for 14 years but i was born in indonesia and raised with chinese traditions (chinese indonesian family :spin: ), so i don't really speak for australia. from what i've heard and seen, my view of japanese people generally is... - neat/tidy - polite/humble - respectful - cool - hot (the girls of course... heheheh ;-) )

Comment written by

NiVLek337 on Jan 18, 2006 @ 09:56

there are a few images of japan which i like, but the one that i prefer is the unspeakable peace of a zen monastery.

Comment written by

Yalmar on Jun 01, 2005 @ 02:55

Hello, I'm Canadian from the province of Quebec.Me and my immedeate group of friends worship Nihon. I have read several things about the country such as: Economical/Technological: 1.Pauverty and begging are all but inexistant in Japan because it is custumary to take care of your most distant relatives; so government provides the nessecities to the "poorer" including jobs, to get them back on their feet. 2.Japan is the second most productive country in the world next to the USA (OmG) 3.Many other countries are indebted to Japan even though Japan imports almost all its raw matirials. 4. Because of the economical boom years (1980-1989/ 1989 is when beloved Emperor Hirohito died :( ) Japan technological status rose dramatically as well! (Sony, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Toyota... "Mario") Cultural/religious: I'll add it later but tell me what you think about Canada in the mean time. Great topic by the way!

Comment written by

Kefka on May 23, 2005 @ 23:02

In general, and when compared to our past relationship... not good. I live in the US and have many French friends, and from what I have witnessed many people on both sides will grumble about the people on the other then change the subject. The rumors and stereotypes ToneEO4O spoke of are for the most part true, but they are all considered somewhat puerile and, like fairytales or Santa Claus. Many find no validity in these stereotypes or if they do, won't think less of a people because of their cultural differences. Out of those that even care, very few even dislike France or the French. As a matter of fact, the only ones that seems to care enough to talk about such matters have close ties with your country or have visited and are fond of the France and its people. As I'm sure is present in your country, the few individuals ignorant enough to actually despise a whole people for suspected "common flaws" are mostly those no one takes seriously. For instance, many supporters of the Bush administration and the war in Iraq are angry with France for its resistance to the war, even though European reluctance to support an unjustified war (no proof of WMDs) has proven right, and thus are often thought of as foolish and ignorant by their fellow Americans. The absolute truth is that most in this country just don't care or are not upset with the French people until they hear a report from our news media about wide-spread anti-American sentiment over there. Even then, the informed and open-minded of this country can understand that any such sentiment is usually low-key and as a natural reaction to the globalization and homogenization of American popular and corporate culture, as well as the sadly ubiquitous "Obnoxious American Tourist" who ruins our image with the rest of the world on their travels through Europe. I myself would rather not be disliked because I'm American, but can understand and sympathize with why I might be and hope that the stereotyping and animosity felt toward us is as low-key and sparse as the sentiment over here.

Comment written by

spitfiremac on Aug 27, 2004 @ 22:05

hi.... how are you...... do you want to talk? I am waiting your message write back..........

Comment written by

sem on Aug 16, 2004 @ 11:52

Coralie you might not like what you're about to hear. I'm sure many people in America appreciate the French alot but many that I do are caught on to rumors such as the "irony" of French fragrance industry to what we hear about many French who do not bathe or take showers very often. Then there are those who make fun of France's reputation of surrendering in battles. Also there's a rumor(to my knowledge) I don't know if it's true or not but it's been said that many French women don't shave and French men find that attractive. There's plenty of stereotypes but I know alot of us keep in mind the good aspects of the French. I honestly don't like what I hear from some people around here about France. But I have nothing against them, the language is very interesting I must say.

Comment written by

ToneE040 on Jul 30, 2004 @ 02:54

Hi. I am from Slovakia and I would like to know what do you think about Slavic. Do you know which countries are Slavic? p.s. This topic is really interesting

Comment written by

arram on May 20, 2004 @ 12:58

hi everybody apa khabar?(how are u doin?) im azmil,and this is wut i think about japanese. 1st,they are people who hold honour in their hearts.its in their blood already. modern japanese peoples have this,and this is because of their years of civil war,reuniting yamato,or japan during the civil war days(i hope im right) this attitude has made japanese reaaly unique from other poeple.honour,sense of proud,and also yamoto daishi(sense of belonginig to the homeland and the emperor) oh yea,what intrigues me is that japansese nowadays are so techological advanced and the finance market is quite influential in the world economy.theyve inovated many tehcnologies and also found countless science breakthrough.but they still stick to their culture.every single japanese i know,although how modern they are,they somehow know hteir roots and customs. japanese really take pride in their customs.i respect that. although malaysia was once under the japanese occupation during the 2nd world war,htey really taught me lots of lessons from it.(i learn a lot of history of my country during that period) oh yea,im really interested in every thing japan,food,technology,social life,customs,and others.its kinda unique! azmil

Comment written by

toiletgem on May 11, 2004 @ 15:39

Hi everybody. Hi Keisaku. I am one of the people who loves Japan and japaneses very much. The country with full of traditional cultures, history embedded with Samurai spirits, foods/dishes and the well-known Fujiyama mountain (Fuji-san).. Besides those, people on the earth also know Japan as a powerful country, in technology as well as in economy and many fields else. Personally, I love Japan because of the cultures, people, scenes, flowers and the way they manage the country. I have a very deep impression with the way they bend to salute the other. It shows the respects and the highly appreciated cultures of the japaneses. But, one thing i get confused is the language of Japan, the japanese. as i know, there are 4 kinds of japanese (Kanji, Romanji...) with 2 (or more) are pictographs. It's too complicated to me. But, from that, I think that japaneses must be smart, and must work-hard in studying those things. I love Japan, and japaneses very much. Anh Tuan

Comment written by

tmtanhtuan on May 07, 2004 @ 18:15

I just wanted to give my opinion as a student in highschool: I think what Bush did was wrong. I think that the only reason they were even able to invade Iraq was because people tied 9/11 with it, which wasn't true. Also, Iraq has oil. Some of the things that the my country does disgust me, and I think George is a moron. Or maybe I'm just being influenced by the media, I don't know. Anyway, I've always had a very high opinion of Japan. Some people my age just generally confuse Japanese and Chinese, but Japan is very unique in its own way. Japan is viewed by most as polite, hardworking, etc., etc. I remember in 6th grade we were even taught in school that Japan was known for their quality. I see Japan as a very friendly country, especially after my dad visited there. I wish America was more like that.

Comment written by

tarpaulin on Jan 29, 2004 @ 23:49

hajimemasite your topic is so interesting... I have ever been in Japan for one year, I went there to study the culture and Japanese. I knew nothing about Japan before I went there, but after that, I fell in love with Japan..I really love Japan..all the things. I went to homestay,and travel.... the Japanese is so polite,and kindly, But, now in China, people dont like Japan, Because of ... a lot of things... if I say " I love Japan", Maybe i will be "okorareru"by the other people. I think china and Japan is so near, but is so far by heart~~~ I want to our two country can be closer~~~~I wish~~~~~ How is Japanese see Chinese??

Comment written by

yuning on Jan 29, 2004 @ 06:57

Comment written by

yuning on Jan 29, 2004 @ 06:49

Hi every body! Keisaku, I think your subject is great! Very good subject! I wonder what American people think about French people. Can you answer me Cpslome? I love Japan. I would like to be a journalist in this country. So I try to learn Japanese but it is very difficult when you are alone! Keikasu, I'm going to see your website! Bai bai! Coralie :) PS: sorry, I did English mistakes!

Comment written by

Coralie on Dec 24, 2003 @ 11:09

I'm glad to hear from you guys :) It is really nice... I think I should answer questions for one by one : Silencio, it is so cool that you named your cat Mu. Yeah empty... nothingness... the one... I did Zen meditation for 6days in a temple... from bloody early morning to late at night... just sitting... trying to be nothing... it certainly was a good experience. You feel like you are connnected to the earth or the world. I already like you cat :) As for Spanish image for me.. humm lot of people here say Spanish are very enthusiastic.. romantic.. and they love soccer, which I think is true :) I woud love to travel to Spain... wanna see stuff that Gaudy (?), like Sakurada familia (?). Anyway I wanna go there! Nina, japanese people tend to have seriouse relationships (comparing to other people from different countries, but then it's the same, I just know it by image... I don't know how they have relationships...). If you are coming to Japan, let me know. I can be your guide... if I will be in Japan :) Marcos, Japanese people think of Brazilians as so easy going, relaxed, enthusaistic... like you can see people in soccer stadium are much crazier than the one in Japan. It was huge last year when Brazil won the World Cup. I was suporting Brazi in the final :) I'm glad they won... and I think Japan did pretty well, too. cpslome, thank you for you message. I really appreciate that you read my essay (sorry for messy English...), and actually talked about it. I think you are the first one who did it! Now that you said from the essay I think that Americans love killing people... jeez, I have to re-read my essay because it certainly is not what I think. In fact I really like Americans, it just I hate American foreign policy. I've been to the US for 4 time, mostly LA and East coast, like NY and Maine, Boston. Anyway,it is of course important that those who commited the attack on 9/11 must brought to justice, that is why people are seeking Osama. Once he is found, they should be punished, if he was the one. Then, we have to think why it happened. The root of their motivation that made them attack on 9/11. It is kind of scary that if you think about the cause of the attack, people might think that you are trying to justify the attack... I heard this tendency was huge after 9/11, and the goverment, I believe, helped making that kind of tendency by saying, with us or with terrorist... you have to follow the government, etc. Then, Iraq was invaded... Saddam was caught, but why did they catch him? He didn't have mass destruction of weapons... he didn't have any tie with Osama or 9/11 as Bush admitted... if the reason was his dictatorship, there are far worse distators in the world... far worse... I can't think of the reason why the US has to go oppposite of the world and catch him... I'm trying to think why. What is the most significant reason that made them do that. What does American people in general think the reason? Sorry, it is easy to write about America rather than Japan, which I should study more about... damn. Thank you for putting messages here! I check this time to time but also you can write me an email to [contact me: Keisaku] and my site http://keisakut.tripod.com Cheers, Keisaku

Comment written by

Keisaku on Dec 16, 2003 @ 15:35

Hello, I read your essay. You seem to go on an equal opportunity attack on all parts of our country. I am not offended by this, because that is what free speech enables us to do. I think it is odd that while you also attack the Bush administration's foreign policy, you use the New York Times specifically as a major media outlet that is controlling the people. That is not the case anymore. The New York Times is the primary foe of the Bush Administration in the mass media. I think what the media has done in this country is despicable and sedicious. I do not trust it, rather as you say rely on foreign sources from around the world. When the network television tells us one thing and our soldiers who come home tell us a completey different story, I feel very betrayed. I cannot address the many grievances in that essay, but I can assure you that nobody in America wants to kill people simply for revenge and bloodlust. We want justice for those who perpetrated the attacks on our country. In order to do this we must search for them, unlike previous wars where we were attacked. Americans want out of the conflict in Iraq as soon as possible. But we don't want to leave it a mess like we did with Afghanistan. Americans as a whole have a high esteem for the Japanese people and culture. At least I do. They respect and honor others, which is hard to come by in today's culture. Many Americans feel that many people are coming to this country to take advantage of this system and not work, while most Americans will tell you that they see the Japanese as harder working people. If you talk to a person who was alive during World War 2, you may get a different response. But you must understand that those prejudices were normal and encouraged in that day, and nothing you or I can do will change it. I hope this gives you some perspective. We are not all blood-thirsty cowboys who seek to kill off everyone who opposes us, we just want peace, a peace that simply is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice.

Comment written by

cpslome on Dec 14, 2003 @ 03:34

hello i'm marcos (são paulo state - brazil) [really interesting topic!] when i hear the name "Japan" i instantly think of videogames [though i don't play videogames usually] and digital cameras and such, and i imagine lots of people hurried and worried about the time but when i hear the word "japanese" it reminds me of smiling but disciplinated people [that get the highest grades in the university here in são paulo, at least it's the fame..] there is a japanese district in são paulo city [it's called "liberdade"]. i've never been there, but, from what i've seen on tv, i think you would feel at home there but i'm curious, you didn't say what japanese people think of brazil :wobble:

Comment written by

bonci on Nov 10, 2003 @ 04:06

hello i'm a girl from sweden and i like very much japan, i think japanese people are very nice and polite , well most of them, i think they are romantic too , i dont know if its true but i think they take love relationships very seriosly and i like it very much , they are funny and inteligent, :-D this is what i think of japanese people , i hope to visit japan soon , i am trying to save some money to come there :-D so what do japanese think about sweden and swedish people :-)

Comment written by

Nina on Nov 07, 2003 @ 22:44