7 Essential Tips for Communicating Japanese Culture: Learn with English Example Sentences!

Points to keep in mind when introducing Japan and Japanese culture in English

Consider the other person’s perspective

If the other party has been to Japan many times, speaks Japanese and knows much more about Japanese culture than the Japanese.

If you are discussing Japanese culture with such a foreigner, he or she often wants to know, “What do you think about Japan?” In many cases, they want to know “What do you think about Japan?

On the other hand, if you say, “The only things I know about Japan are sushi, geisha, Fukushima, ninja, and dragon balls,” it is better to be objective about Japan as a whole. If you say, “The only things I know about Japan are sushi, geisha, Fukushima, ninja, and Dragon Ball,” it is better to tell them about Japan as a whole in an objective manner to avoid confusion.

Some foreigners know a lot about Japan, while others do not.

If you have an opportunity to explain about Japan to a foreigner, it will be easier to talk to him or her if you first learn how much he or she knows about Japan and how much he or she is interested in the country.

Easy-to-understand language

When one begins to explain Japanese culture in a foreign language, there is no direct translation of the various little words.

But I can’t get to the point without first explaining the term.

This happens here and there.

What would require only one word in Japanese, once put into English, becomes unintelligible without difficult expressions and words.

If this happens in the middle of a conversation, you gradually lose track of what you wanted to say.

So it is important to keep the explanation simple.

Then, if the other person is interested, you can slowly add explanations as if you were unraveling the words one by one.

For example, use the word “for example” to your advantage.

To make it easier for the other person to understand, it is best to explain in words from the other person’s daily life, such as “for example.

If they don’t know anything about Japan.

I’ve never said or seen it.

If you are a person who is not familiar with Japanese culture, it is even more difficult to express Japanese culture through words alone.

In such cases, it is advisable to use an example such as “in your country,” for example.

As you talk through examples, the image will take shape in the other person’s mind, making it easier for them to understand and for you to explain.

Provide the historical background of the country and Japan.

When talking about traditional Japanese culture, history, politics, or religion, it is very useful to know the historical points of the other country and Japan.

Knowledge of Japanese history is helpful when talking about any Japanese culture.

In addition, if you have knowledge of world history, you will be able to understand what was happening in Japan when the world was in the state it was in.

This makes it easier for the other party to imagine the image from such a comparison.

It is recommended to review world history and Japanese history, even if only somewhat.

Seven points to keep in mind

1 Population of Japan Geography of Japan

Foreigners often ask questions about population and geography.

What is the population of Japan?

Where is Nagoya?

How big is Tokyo?

Such as,

In addition, they may be asked about latitude.

Instead of immediately answering the number of latitudes by looking it up on Google, they will be convinced if you give them an example of a country or city at the same latitude.

Why do they ask about latitude? But by knowing the latitude, we can find out where on the earth Japan and its cities are located.

This will open up a conversation about the seasons and climate.

2 History of Japan

It is still important to know about Japanese history.

Not only within Japan, but also with important foreign countries of the era.

Relationships between neighboring countries and their times, as well as with foreign countries under the special isolation policy of the Edo period.

And it is recommended to be able to answer about the arrival of the Black Ships and the World War.

I think Japanese history is important because it is sometimes necessary when explaining Japanese culture.

Recommended past articles:

Explaining the Ninja in English] 5 Recommended NINJA Experiences

Explaining the Samurai to Foreigners｜How to convey the spirit and history of the samurai in English.

3 Japanese Politics and Economy Religious Views

We are often asked about Japanese politics and the economy.

In particular, taxes, the administration, and the state of Japan after the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, as well as the current corona situation in Japan, are among the topics that often come up.

And religious views are a very frequently asked question.

Although most Japanese are said to be non-religious, culturally, the country can be said to have two religious views, Buddhism and Shintoism.

Most countries do not dare to have any religious beliefs.

Most people don’t have it because they are somewhat irreligious.

The question is why is this the case?

If you do not follow any religion in particular, it would be less strange if you can also give a reason why you do not have any religious beliefs.

4 Japanese Food Culture

Japanese food is one aspect of Japanese culture that is greatly enhanced.

After all, sushi is popular in any country, and the performance feel of teppanyaki and the healthy image of Japanese food make people long for Japanese food.

You may also be asked about macrobiotics, which is popular overseas, so it is helpful to have some knowledge about it.

If you have the opportunity, hosting a Japanese home party and inviting the other party guest can be a great opportunity to deepen the relationship.

Recommended past articles:

English Example Sentences】Basic Knowledge for Foreigners to Enjoy Kaiseki Cuisine

How to Enjoy Japanese Sake with Foreigners | Sake Brewery Experience in Simple English

5 Japanese traditional culture Traditional arts

The most popular interest in Japan among many foreigners is Japanese traditional culture and traditional performing arts.

Japanese culture, including martial arts, tea ceremony, flower arrangement, calligraphy, etc., is often talked about in various situations.

And if you are knowledgeable about Kabuki, Noh, Geiko, or even other traditional arts, you will be asked for more information.

If they are, you can ask them how they know so much about Japan, what attracts them to Japan, and so on, and the conversation will be very lively.

And if you have room in your bag, I suggest you keep some beautiful chiyogami origami in it.

Origami is a traditional Japanese culture that can be easily introduced anytime and anywhere.

Recommended past articles:

Explaining Sumo in English | Reasons for its Popularity and Special Experience for Foreigners

Basic Knowledge of Karate] Explained in English in a way that is easy for foreigners to understand.

Explaining Geisha in English] How to Enjoy Japanese-Style Entertainment

6 Japanese Pop Culture

Japanese manga, anime and video games

Japan’s proud pop culture is a topic of conversation wherever Japanese people are present.

If you like Japanese pop culture, tell them more and more about it, and you will become friends in no time.

Japanese novels have been translated quite well, and Japanese movies are readily available on Netflix and other media, so Japanese culture reaches foreigners naturally.

7 Daily Life in Japan

Even ordinary things in daily life in Japan are often surprising from a foreigner’s point of view.

When you think about something that is not so important from the perspective of the other person or the other country, you will be surprised at the differences.

Uniforms from working to school vacations

Vending machines, 24-hour stores and convenience stores.

Restrooms, trains, and a wide variety of beverages.

The list is endless in its specialness.

If they are visiting Japan, it will be fun to ask them questions about how things are different.

Recommended past articles:

How to communicate Japanese customs and manners in English.

7 example sentences. If you know these, you’ll be good at explaining!

1 Population of Japan Geography of Japan English example sentences

– The population of Japan is about 12,6 million.

Japan’s population is approximately 12.6 billion.

– Hokkaido and Marseille France are about the same latitude.

Hokkaido and Marseille, France are at about the same latitude.

– Osaka is the second largest city in Japan

Osaka is the second largest city in Japan.

– The area of the United States is about 26 times larger than that of Japan.

The United States is approximately 26 times the size of Japan.

2 History of Japan English Example Sentences

– Japan was settled about 35,000 years ago by Paleolithic people from the Asian mainland.

Japan was settled by Paleolithic peoples of mainland Asia about 35,000 years ago.

– Buddhism came to Japan during the Asuka period, as did the Chinese writing system.

Buddhism came to Japan during the Asuka period, and so did Chinese characters.

– Japan’s unique culture developed significantly during the Heian period in the 9th and 12th centuries.

Japan’s unique culture developed greatly during the Heian period (9th-12th centuries).

– The Edo period lasted for about 300 years, during which it was isolated from foreign countries.

The Edo period lasted about 300 years, during which time the country was closed to foreign countries.

A website that introduces Japanese history in English: https://www.theblackmoon.com/index.html

If you would like to watch a video about the history of Japan, please refer to this yutube video: https: //www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mh5LY4Mz15o

3 Japanese Politics and Economy Religious Views

– Japanese consumption tax is 10% . But, there is a reduced tax system.

The consumption tax in Japan is 10%. However, there is a reduced tax system.

– It corresponds to food and drink products excluding alcoholic beverages, eating out, and medical products.

It corresponds to food and beverage products, excluding alcoholic beverages, food service, and medical products excluded.

– Ten years have passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Ten years have passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake.

– Although the Japanese are said to be non-religious, many of them cherish nature and their ancestors.

The Japanese are said to be non-religious, but many people value nature and their ancestors.

– Shinto and Buddhism are the main religions in Japan.

Shinto and Buddhism are the two major religions in Japan.

4 Japanese Food Culture

– The basis of Japanese food is rice and miso soup.

The basis of Japanese food is rice and miso soup.

– The top two Japanese major beer brands are Asahi and Kirin.

Major Japanese beer brands – the top two are Asahi and Kirin.

– Like wine made from grapes, Japanese Sake is made from rice and there are many regional variations, good and bad years.

Rice wine, like wine made from grapes, varies from region to region, with good years and bad years!

– Basically, Japanese food is eaten with chopsticks. There are many manners to respect when using chopsticks.

Japanese food is basically eaten with chopsticks. There are many manners in the use of chopsticks.

5 Japanese traditional culture Example sentences in English for traditional performing arts

– Like the work of Shakespeare, traditional kabuki is highly melodramatic but strictly historical.

Like Shakespeare’s work, traditional kabuki is very melodramatic, but strictly historical.

– Sado is based upon the simple act of boiling water, making tea, offering it to others, and drinking of it. But, served with a respectful heart and received with gratitude, a bowl of tea satisfies both physical and spiritual thirst.

The basic act of the tea ceremony is simple: make water, prepare tea, serve it to the guest, and let the guest drink it.

However, tea that is treated with respect and received with gratitude satisfies the thirst of the mind and body.

6 Japanese Pop Culture

– Kawaii can be found in almost every aspect of Japanese society.

Kawaii can be found in almost every aspect of Japanese society.

– In Japan manga has always been taken seriously and it has the diversity to appeal to all ages levels,.

Manga has always been taken seriously in Japan and has the diversity to appeal to all age groups.

– Like his U.S. counterpart Walt Disney, Tezuka Osamu is considered the father of anime in Japan.

Osamu Tezuka is considered the father of Japanese animation, much like Walt Disney in the United States.

7 Daily Life in Japan

– During rush hours, trains on some lines become almost unbelievably packed, especially from and out of the major cities.

During rush hour, trains can be incredibly packed, especially on routes into and out of major cities.

– A randoseru is a firm-sided backpack most commonly used in Japan by elementary schoolchildren.

Randoseru is a sturdy backpack most commonly used by elementary school students in Japan.

– In Japan, the 24/7 konbini are essential in so many ways, from paying bills to picking up packages and, of course, as a place to buy a late- night bite. In Japan, the 24/7 konbini are essential in so many ways, from paying bills to picking up packages and, of course, as a place to buy a late- night bite.

Convenience stores, open 24/7 in Japan, are needed in so many ways, from paying bills to picking up packages and, of course, as a place to grab an evening meal.

summary

If you are not confident in your English, don’t worry.

The other party hears about Japan directly from the Japanese person in front of him, not from the Internet.

This is an impressive fact.

So it is okay if you make a mistake or if you don’t communicate well.

You are not a Japanese representative of Japanese culture.

Therefore, it is not necessary to answer everything about Japan perfectly.

But you can be a window into Japan for the foreigner in front of you.

I would like to cherish my identity as a Japanese person.