STRANGERS ENGAGERS Cultural Guide
About I TALK TO STRANGERS® Movement I TALK TO STRANGERS® Foundation, Inc. or ITTS™ Movement is a global social movement and American non-governmental organization that unites various ethnic, racial, political, and socio-economic groups through conversation. Through its mission, ITTS™ Movement facilitates global conversations connecting diverse minds and bringing peace and understanding among cultures and backgrounds. Learn more at: www.ittsfoundations.org
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Who is a Stranger Engager? A Stranger Engager is anyone who volunteers their time to proactively talk with strangers and positively furthers the ITTS mission during approved ITTS Foundation activities. All who follow I Talk to Strangers Foundation Facebook group and any other social media are encouraged to post experiences from their social interactions with strangers and share stranger related stories they’ve experienced. Stranger Engagers are expected to lead that conversation in person – it is their role to help make ITTS’ mission further into a positively influenced future.
3 Tips on How to Effectively Talk to Strangers
Tip 1 - Be Yourself Every individual on Earth has their own unique story. Remember to understand that you are a unique individual while traveling and talking to strangers. Your life has positive value and by talking to strangers others will learn of your positive value.
“Remember to be yourself!”
Do’s:
Don’ts:
1) Dress comfortably
1) Compare yourself to others
2) Remember your values
2) Complain
3) Smile
3) Hurt others
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Tip 2 - Actively Listen “Remember you Active listening allows you to learn and understand the person you are speaking with. have two ears and one mouth All individuals have an interesting story to share and by actively listening you are able to to listen twice learn something interesting about everyone as much as you speak to. your speak!”
Do’s:
Don’ts:
1) Pay attention
1) Interrupt
2) Acknowledge the speaker
2) Use your phone (while listening)
3) Thank them for sharing
3) Rush the conversation
Tip 3 - Share Your Experience Your experiences are unique. Take your time and use the most appropriate words to describe moments, achievements, or memories in your own life. Sharing your experiences allow others to learn more about you and your culture.
“Remember to share your experience as you allow others to share theirs!”
Do’s:
Don’ts:
1) Share positive moments
1) Do not share untruthful information
2) Use positive body language
2) Do not share stories of others
3) Appropriate volume/tone
3) Do not monologue
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Stranger Engager’s Expedition Assignments
Pre-Trip Assignment - Wednesday, Oct 18, 11:59 PM Write your personal goals. During your trip to Japan, hat would you like to: - GAIN (50 words) - GROW (50 words) - GIVE (50 words)
During-Trip Assignment - Daily, Oct 20 - Oct 27, 11:59 PM Upload to the Google Classroom: 1. Picture - daily stranger selfie with a short description - differences and similarities between the US and Japan 2. Video - daily expedition diary - interesting experiences
After-Trip Assignment - Nov 3, 11:59 PM Write a 250 summary from your trip. What did you gain? How did you grow? What did you give back?
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Things You Should Know About Japan Japanese Food - Tokyo Specialities batter, resulting in the more varied dish we know today.
Nigiri-zushi The most popular type of sushi, nigirizushi originated as a fast-food dish in Tokyo. Consisting of a piece of seafood put onto a small ball of rice, it takes much less time and effort to prepare than more traditional sushi dishes. Tsukiji Fish Market is one of the best places to eat fresh sushi.
Soba Soba noodles (buckwheat noodles) are a popular dish in many regions of Japan. In Tokyo, they can be found all across the city today. The dipping sauce used in Tokyo is traditionally relatively thick, and diners are encouraged to dip their noodles into it only lightly.
Tempura Another of Japan's most famous dishes, tempura also underwent major development in the capital city. Before the Edo Period, mainly vegetables were used for tempura, but Edo cooks started to deep fry seafood in tempura
Chankonabe Chankonabe is a hot pot dish that serves as the diet of sumo wrestlers. It is a healthy, protein-rich dish that contains mainly fish or chicken and seasonal vegetables. The best place to try
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chankonabe is at one of the specialty restaurants around the Kokugikan Sumo Stadium in Ryogoku, many of which are run by ex-sumo wrestlers.
Tokyo Sweets
Monjayaki Monjayaki is a type of runny pancake made of flour and water mixed with ingredients like sliced cabbage and small pieces of seafood and meat, which are then cooked on a hot grill.
Tokyo is home to various types of traditional Japanese sweets (wagashi). These include sweets such as ningyoyaki, small red bean paste filled cakes shaped like dolls or other forms; dorayaki, a pastry made of sweet pancakes with a layer of red bean paste sandwiched in between; and anmitsu, a dessert typically consisting of agar jelly, a scoop of red bean paste, small mochi balls and seasonal fruits topped with sweet black sugar syrup.
Source: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/ e3075.html
Tsukudani Tsukudani are small pieces of food that were simmered in a mixture of soy sauce and sweet sake to preserve them. They are commonly enjoyed as an accompaniment to a bowl of cooked rice. Tsukudani has its roots on Tsukudajima Island near Tsukishima where Tokugawa Ieyasu relocated fishermen skilled in making tsukudani.
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Eating Japanese Wet towels (oshibori) are provided at most restaurant to clean your hands before eating. After ordering, it is common to wait for everyone's order and then to start the meal with the phrase "itadakimasu" ("I gratefully receive").
After finishing your meal, it is generally good manner to return all your dishes to how they were at the start of the meal. This includes replacing the lids on dishes and putting your chopsticks back on the chopstick rest or in its paper holder. Conclude the meal with the phrase "gochisōsama deshita" ("thank you for the feast") which includes gratitude not only towards the cook but also the ingredients consumed.
How to eat… ... rice Hold the rice bowl in one hand and the chopsticks in the other. Lift the bowl towards your mouth while eating. Do not pour soy sauce over white, cooked rice.
... sushi Pour some soy sauce into the small dish provided. It is considered bad manners to waste soy sauce, so try not to pour more sauce than you will be using.
You do not need to add wasabi into the soy sauce, as sushi pieces that go well with wasabi will contain it already. However, if you choose to add wasabi, use only a small amount so as not to offend the sushi chef. If you do not like wasabi, you can request that none is added into your sushi.
enters the sauce. In case of gunkan-zushi, pour a small amount of soy sauce over the sushi piece rather than dipping it into the sauce.
... sashimi Pour some soy sauce into the small dish provided. Put some wasabi on the sashimi piece, but be careful not to use too much as this will overpower the taste of the fish. Dip the sashimi pieces into the soy sauce. Some types of sashimi are enjoyed with ground ginger rather than wasabi.
... miso soup Drink the miso soup out of the bowl as if it were a cup, and fish out the solid food pieces with your chopsticks.
... noodles
In general, you are supposed to eat a sushi piece in one bite. Attempts to separate a piece into two generally end in the destruction of the beautifully prepared sushi. Hands or chopsticks can be used to eat sushi.
Using your chopsticks, lead the noodles into your mouth. You may want to try to copy the slurping sound of people around you if you are dining in a noodle shop. Rather than being bad manner, slurping noodles is considered evidence of enjoying the meal and enhances the flavor.
In case of nigiri-zushi, dip the piece into the soy sauce upside-down so that the fish
In case of noodle soups, be careful of splashing the noodles back into the liquid.
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If a ceramic spoon is provided, use it to drink the soup; otherwise, lift the bowl to your mouth and drink from it directly.
... curry rice (and other rice dishes with a sauce) Japanese curry rice and other rice dishes, in which the rice is mixed with a sauce (for example, some domburi dishes) can be difficult to eat with chopsticks. Large spoons are often provided for these dishes, instead.
... big pieces of food (e.g. prawn tempura, tofu, korokke) Separate into bite sized pieces with your chopsticks (this takes some exercise), or just bite off a piece and put the rest back onto your plate.
* Source: Japan Guide: https://www.japanguide.com/e/e2005.html
Japanese Culture and Traditions
Sitting:
In casual situations, women usually sit with both legs to one side (1), while men sit crosslegged (3). Religion:
Writing
Shinto and Buddhism are Japan's two major religions. Shinto is as old as the Japanese culture, while Buddhism was imported from the mainland in the 6th century. Since then, the two religions have been co-existing relatively harmoniously and have even complemented each other to a certain degree. Most Japanese consider themselves Buddhist, Shintoist or both.
The Japanese writing system consists of three different character sets: Kanji (several thousands of Chinese characters) and Hiragana and Katakana (two syllabaries of 46 characters each; together called Kana). Japanese texts can be written in two ways: In Western style, i.e. in horizontal rows from the top to the bottom of the page, or in traditional Japanese style, i.e. in vertical columns from the right to the left side of the page. Both writing styles exist side by side today.
Source: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/ e629.html
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Japanese Currency
The Japanese currency is the yen (円, en). However, sen are usually not used in everyday life anymore. Bills come in 1,000 yen, 2,000 yen (very rare), 5,000 yen and 10,000 yen denominations. Coins come in 1 yen, 5 yen, 10 yen, 50 yen, 100 yen and 500 yen denominations.
Foreign currencies are generally not an accepted outside of major international airports.
Japan has a reputation of being a cash-based society, but trends have gradually been changing, and there has been a significant increase in the acceptance of other payment methods.
Source: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2196.html
Electricity The voltage in Japan is 100 Volt, which is different from North America (120V). Some North American equipment will work fine in Japan without an adapter and vice versa, however, certain equipment, especially equipment involving heating (e.g. hair dryers), may not work properly or even get damaged.
Source: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/ e2225.html
How to use a mobile phone in Japan? Rental Phones Renting is the easiest way for the average traveler to get a phone, and typically requires a picture ID and a credit card. Many companies have kiosks at the airports, while other companies will mail a phone to your hotel or to your home. You can return the phones at the airport or 9
through the mail depending on the company.
The fees for rental phones vary and typically are around 200-500 yen per day for regular phones or 1000-2000 yen per day for smartphones. Additional fees may apply for calling, messaging, mobile data, insurance etc. Calling rates are typically 40-100 yen per minute for outgoing domestic calls while incoming calls are free. International rates vary depending on the country you are dialing to. All of the companies at the airports offer same-day rentals if stock is available, while some give discounts for advance reservations.
SIM Cards SIM cards allow travelers to use their own mobile phones in Japan, provided the phones are unlocked and work on a
Japanese network (most modern phones do). Most SIM cards available to foreign tourists are data-only and do not allow for voice calls (except when using internetbased telephone services such as Skype). Your device must be unlocked to utilize SIM cards.
Offers by the various companies differ on connection speeds, networks used and eventual data transfer limits. They are typically available for a specified time period (e.g. one week) or for a specified maximum amount of data (e.g. 3 GB to be used within a certain time period). SIM cards can be purchased at airports, selected retailers in Japan or via the internet for delivery to your home or hotel.
Source: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/ e2223.html
History Overview Period
Name
-300 BC
Jomon
300 BC-250 250-538
Description The early Japanese were gatherers, hunters and fishers. The introduction of rice agriculture begins the development of a
Yayoi
social hierarchy and hundreds of small countries that started to unify into larger countries.
Kofun
Japan is for the first time more or less united. Large tombs (kofun) were built for the deceased leaders. 538/552 Introduction of Buddhism.
538-710
Asuka
604 Prince Shotoku's Constitution of seventeen articles is promulgated. 645 The Taika reform is introduced. The Fujiwara era starts.
710-784
Nara
710 Nara becomes the first permanent capital. 784 The capital moves to Nagaoka.
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794 The capital moves to Heian (Kyoto). 1016 Fujiwara Michinaga becomes regent. 1159 The Taira clan under Taira Kiyomori takes over the power 794-1185
Heian
after the Heiji war. 1175 The Buddhist Jodo sect (Pure land sect) is introduced. 1180-85 In the Gempei War, the Minamoto clan puts an end to Taira supremacy. 1191 The Zen sect is introduced. 1192 Minamoto Yoritomo is appointed shogun and establishes the Kamakura government. 1221 The Jokyu Disturbance ends a struggle between
1192-1333
Kamakura
Kamakura and Kyoto resulting in the supremacy of the Hojo regents in Kamakura. 1232 A legal code, the Joei Shikimoku, is promulgated. 1274 and 1281 The Mongols try to invade Japan twice, but fail mainly because of bad weather conditions. 1333 The Kamakura bakufu falls. 1334 Kemmu restoration: the emperor restores power over Japan. 1336 Ashikaga Takauji captures Kyoto. 1337 The emperor flees and establishes the Southern court in Yoshino.
1338-1573
Muromach 1338 Takauji establishes the Muromachi government and a i
second emperor in Kyoto (Northern court). 1392 Unification of the Southern and Northern courts. 1467-1477 Onin war. 1542 Portuguese introduce firearms and Christianity to Japan. 1568 Nobunaga enters Kyoto. 1573 The Muromachi Bakufu falls.
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1575 The Takeda clan is defeated in the battle of Nagashino. 1582 Nobunaga is murdered and succeeded by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Azuchi 1573-1603
Momoyam a
1588 Hideyoshi confiscates the weapons of farmers and religious institutions in the "Sword Hunt". 1590 Japan is reunited after the fall of Odawara (Hojo). 1592-98 Unsuccessful invasion of Korea. 1598 Death of Hideyoshi. 1600 Tokugawa Ieyasu defeats his rivals in the battle of Sekigahara. 1603 Ieyasu is appointed shogun and establishes the Tokugawa government in Edo (Tokyo). 1614 Ieyasu intensifies persecution of Christianity. 1615 The Toyotomi clan is destroyed after Ieyasu captures Osaka Castle.
1603 1867
Edo
1639 Almost complete isolation of Japan from the rest of the world. 1688-1703 Genroku era: popular culture flourishes. 1792 The Russians unsuccessfuly try to establish trade relations with Japan. 1854 Commodore Matthew Perry forces the Japanese government to open a limited number of ports for trade. 1868 Meiji restoration. 1872 First railway line between Tokyo and Yokohama. 1889 The Meiji Constitution is promulgated.
1868-1912
Meiji
1894-95 Sino-Japanese War. 1904-05 Russo-Japanese War. 1910 Annexation of Korea. 1912 Death of emperor Meiji. 1914-18 Japan joins allied forces in WW1.
1912-1926
Taisho
1923 The Great Kanto Earthquake devastates Tokyo and Yokohama.
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1931 Manchurian Incident. 1937 Second Sino-Japanese War starts. 1941 Pacific War starts. 1945 Japan surrenders after two atomic bombs are dropped 1926-1989
Showa
over Hiroshima and Nagasaki. 1946 The new constitution is promulgated. 1952 The Allied Occupation of Japan ends. 1956 Japan becomes member of the UN. 1972 Normalization of relations to China. 1973 Oil crisis. 1993 The LDP loses its majority in the diet. 1995 The Great Hanshin Earthquake hits Kobe.
1989-
Heisei
Sarin Gas attack in the Tokyo subway by AUM sect. 2009 The Democratic Party of Japan becomes the ruling party. 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2126.html
Japanese Etiquette Tips: Do’s and Don’ts Meeting and greeting tips Bowing
Public Transportation
When in Japan, it is polite to bow to the other person when you meet them, when you are saying thank you, or when saying goodbye. If someone bows to you, lean forward and incline your head in return.
Speaking on mobile phones should be avoided when using public transportation.
Keep your voice down.
Source: https://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/basicinfo/experience-japanese-culture/the-dosand-donts-of-manners.html
It is good to speak in a tone of voice that does not disrupt other people’s conversations in public places. Especially avoid speaking loudly in places such as on trains and busses.
Passengers should also stand in a straight line when waiting for the train.
Gifts and business cards In formal settings, such as on a business trip, it is customary to exchange business cards or name cards when you meet someone. In addition to cards, you may want to bring some small souvenir
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gifts from your home country. Giving a gift
original slippers outside the bathroom door, and change back into them when you exit the bathroom.
is a sign of appreciation, especially if you are staying in someone’s home. Choose something small and unique to your homeland, such as a candy or key chain. Always use two hands rather than one when giving or receiving gifts or cards.
Tip: while traveling in Japan, wear shoes that you can remove and put on quickly and easily. Don’t forget to wear clean socks!
Eating and drinking tips
Clothing tips
Table manners Remove your footwear
Good manners involve words of appreciation before, during, and after the meal. Before you chow down, remember to
When entering private homes, temples, traditional style accommodations, and even many restaurants and tourist sites, you will be expected to remove your shoes. You will usually see shelving to place your shoes on. You may by given slippers to use while indoors.
say i-ta-da-ki-mas, the equivalent for “bon appetit” meaning, “I will receive.” During the meal, say oi-shii to indicate that you are enjoying yourself.
Afterwards, say go-chi-so-sa-ma de-shi-
If the restaurant or accommodations include areas of tatami, or woven straw matting covering the floor, you will need to remove the slippers before walking on the tatami. You may leave the slippers at the room’s entrance.
ta to express appreciation for the meal. Don’t be surprised to hear others slurping their soup or noodles – that is acceptable. It’s fun, too, so give it a try while in a land that welcomes noisy eating!
Using chopsticks If you’ve already gotten the hang of eating with chopsticks, that’s good. Remember, though, that your mother told you not to play with your food – similarly, in Japan there are certain actions that are considered ‘playing’ with your
Tatami floored room can be found in ryokans, Japanese traditional hotels
Also, separate slippers may be provided for use in the restroom. Leave your
chopsticks. Avoid using them to scratch an itch, signal to a waiter in a restaurant, point at someone, spear a piece of food, or drum on the table.
Also, don’t cross the chopsticks, leave them standing up in your bowl, and don’t use your chopsticks to ‘hand’ a piece of 14
food to someone else’s waiting chopsticks. The latter are related to funeral rituals and are therefore not appropriate for mealtimes. If taking food from a communal serving dish, use the ‘wrong’ end of the chopsticks, opposite the end you put in your mouth.
difficult. *There are some major establishments that let you take food out.
the cash in the tray provided. Your change will likewise be placed in this tray.
Temples and Shrines Tours are offered at many Buddhist and Shinto shrines, and you may see these as mere tourist attractions – but remember, these are religious sites still used for worship. Be respectful when visiting a temple or shrine – don’t enter off-limits areas, speak softly, and dress respectfully (i.e., don’t wear your swim suit).
Don’t cross your chopsticks when resting them on the table.
Tipping in Japan Tipping is not customary in Japan. If you leave a cash tip on the table, the waiter may not understand it and chase you down to return it. Money is also seldom passed from hand to hand. When paying for an item, you will place Food is generally not left over.
Religious rituals Most shrines require ceremonial washing before entering. Use a ladle to pour water over your hands. Catch some of the water in your hand and rinse your mouth – spit the water onto the ground, never back into the water basin.
Food is generally not left over. In Japan, you are showing that you enjoyed your meal when you eat all of your food. (This is part of the eating habits of Japan so you do not need to think too deeply about this.)
Doggy bags are generally not used.
Meiji shrine entrance, in Tokyo
There are particularly a lot of high-class Japanese restaurants that do not let you take food out. This is because Japan is a very humid country and food sanitation is
Trains and public transportation tips
Mobile devices
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Talking on your cell phone in the confined spaces of a train or bus is considered rude. If you must use your phone to text message, turn the ringer to silent mode. Also, speak quietly to your travel companions.
Do not blow your nose while in a public place, and try to avoid sniffling or sneezing. If you are sick, purchase and wear a surgical mask to avoid spreading germs to others.
Queues and lines In busy train stations, bus stations, and airports, you will be expected to form an orderly line. Don’t push ahead, and pay attention to directional lines painted on the floors.
In case of illness On train platforms, you should stand on either side of the doors in a queue.
The language barrier While you may very well meet people who speak the English language, don’t assume that everyone will. Instead, learn some helpful phrases in Japanese, such as sumimasen, meaning “excuse me” or “sorry,” and arigato, which means, “thank you.”
Even if you make a mistake or forget what is expected in a certain situation, always be kind and patient with yourself and others around you. The locals will likely be pleased with your efforts at mastering Japan etiquette, even when imperfect.
Source: https://www.jrailpass.com/blog/japanese-etiquette-tips
Useful Phrases in Japanese The following words and sentences are common in everyday use and will aid you in getting around, ordering at restaurants, and greeting those you may meet.
Greetings Konnichiwa The word for “hello” in Japanese is often
surprised if you or your children already know it. If you want to say “hi,” simply say kon-nichiwa.
used in popular culture, so don’t be 16
Ogenki desuka?
summon a waiter in a restaurant or to ask someone to repeat something they’ve said.
In order to say “how are you?” you will ask Ogenki desuka? If someone asks this question of you, say Genki desu. Arigato! That means, “I’m fine. Thanks!”.
Watashi wa no namae wa… If you’d like to introduce yourself, say Watashi no namae wa (insert
Getting around and shopping Doko… When asking “where is (something)?” in
sentence, watashi means “I”
Japanese, you will notice that the “something” comes first in the sentence. For example, if you ask “Where is Tokyo
and namaemeans “name.”
Station?” you will say Tokyo eki wa doko
your name) desu. In this
Thank you, please and sorry Arigatou The simplest way to say “thank you” in Japanese is Arigatou. If you are in a formal situation, you would elongate the thanks to Arigatou gozaimasu. Most people bow while saying thank you in order to add emphasis to their words of gratitude.
Kudasai Similar to saying “please” in English, (name of item) wo kudadai is a way of politely asking to look at or purchase an item. If you don’t know the item’s name – such as when ordering food from a display case – feel free to point or gesture.
Sumimasen Whenever you immerse yourself in an unfamiliar culture, you are bound to make a few mistakes. If you bump into someone, forget to take off your shoes, or find some other reason to apologize, simply say sumimasen for “excuse me”. This word can also be used to get someone’s attention, such as when you wish to
desu ka? In this phrase, eki means “station” and wa doko desu ka means “where is?” You may also want to know how to ask, “Where is the bathroom?” That’s Otearai wa doko desu ka?
Even though you may not understand the spoken answer, you will likely be pointed in the right direction. Don’t be surprised if the person you asked walks with you to show you where to go – even if that means walking several blocks or more!
Ikura desuka? A good vacation calls for souvenirs, but you’ll likely wish to know what an item costs before you buy. If you don’t know what the item in question is called, hold it up or point to it and ask “Ikura desuka?”, Japanese for “How much does it cost?”. If you know the name of the item, insert it before the question.
Wi-fi arimasuka? Since we live in a technological society, this question can be important, especially if you are traveling for business purposes. To ask for access to wi-fi in a store,
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restaurant, hotel, train station, or café,
Good evening: Konbanwa.
say Wi-fi arimasuka? If you’re in need of something besides the internet, replace “wi-fi” with the word for the item you need. Although you won’t need to ask if you have your Pocket Wi-Fi or Japanese Data SIM Card with you!
Good night: O-yasumi nasai.
“Do you speak English?” Finally, to ask if someone speaks English, say Eigo wo hanashimasu ka? In this sentence, eigo is the word for “English.” But really, it is ok (and easier) to simply ask it in English!
Other useful phrases You’re welcome: Dō itashimashite. Yes: Hai. No: Iie. I’m sorry: Gomen’nasai. Good morning: Ohayō.
I don’t understand: Wakarimasen. I understand you perfectly: Yoku wakarimasu. That’s all right: Dai jōbu desu.
“Honorifics” are a common part of Japanese speech. These are words that show respect in social situations. Don’t worry – all the useful phrases listed in this article are in teineigo, or “polite language.”
Your attempts at speaking Japanese will be appreciated by the local residents that you meet. If all else fails, gesturing – such as pointing to a photograph in a menu – may be of help. And most importantly, have fun using these common Japanese phrases during your upcoming travels!
Source: https://www.jrailpass.com/blog/ basic-japanese-phrases-for-traveling
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