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Say “Konnichiwa” to Osaka
To get ready for the 2010 JCI World Congress in Osaka, Japan we’re shedding light on the customs and culture of the “Land of the Rising Sun."Incredible castles, luxurious parks and friendly residents await your arrival to Osaka on November 2. Traveling can be difficult for any Gaijin (Japanese for “foreigner”), but you can prepare for the challenges of learning a new culture by studying up on the tips below before you depart. Don’t forget to register now for the 2010 JCI World Congress in Osaka to experience Japanese culture firsthand.
Around Osaka
The second largest city in Japan, Osaka thrives as the commercial capital of the nation and influences the economies of Japan and Asia as a whole. The city, situated on Osaka Bay, has traditionally been referred to as “the nation’s kitchen,” a hub of gourmet food and delicious cuisine. Osaka also houses many of the nation’s largest and most historic museums and art galleries, and is overlooked by Osaka Castle, which played a major role in the unification of Japan during the 16th century. Whether exploring the many historic sites, discovering the countless deals in the city’s retail districts or sampling the excellent food, Osaka has something for everyone.
Looking Stylish
Osaka tops the fashion charts as one of the world’s leading hubs for streetwear fashion, and is open to most styles of clothing. Amerikamura, the American Village in Osaka near Shinsaibashi, is a well-known district in which young Japanese flaunt the newest fashions. The area also contains many shops, bars, restaurants and nightclubs which serve many foreigners as well as Japanese.
Leaping the Language Barrier
Greetings in Japan are formal and ritualized. It is important to show appropriate levels of respect and deference to others. Elders and more established heads of business, especially, deserve increased respect. It can be seen as impolite to introduce yourself to someone of higher status, even in a large gathering, and it is advisable to wait until you are introduced to strike up a conversation. Foreigners are expected to shake hands although the traditional greeting is a bow. The deeper the bow, the more respect you are showing for the person you are meeting.
The Japanese are very proud of their individual culture and language and even in large cities, most signs are in Japanese. Large cities like Osaka, however, embrace tourism and are more likely to provide products and services aimed at foreigners, but come equipped with a good map. Consider learning to read some key phrases in Japanese before your visit to help with navigation.
Embracing Harmony
One of the most important cultural values of the Japanese is harmony. The guiding philosophy for business and society, harmony and cooperation are central elements of Japanese education early in life and are integral to social interaction, regardless of the specific situation. By being polite, taking personal responsibility for actions and cooperating for the greater good of the group, rather than the individual, visitors to Japan can help sustain the natural harmony of the culture.
For more information on Osaka and Japan, visit the 2010 JCI World Congress website and register today to attend.
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