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Japan's Geography and History

• To appreciate a language, one needs to understand its history and culture, as culture shapes communication.
• Learning a language benefits the world and helps preserve it amid homogenization.

Geography of Japan

• Japan is an archipelago about 100 miles from the Asian mainland.
• The exact number of islands comprising Japan is not widely known.
• Japan's total land area is 145,882 square miles.
• About 4/5 of Japan is mountainous, composed of volcanic rock, and has limited arable land.
• The total population of Japan is around 127,560,000.
• A large portion of the population resides in population centers along narrow river valleys and coastlines.
• Japan consists of four main islands: Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu, from north to south.
• Honshu is the largest island in terms of size, population, and economic strength.
• Many metropolitan areas, including Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, Kobe, and Hiroshima, are on Honshu's Pacific coast.
• Some cities on the Japan Sea side, such as Niigata and Kanazawa, are referred to as ura nihon (the back side of Japan).
• Tokyo sits on the Kanto plain, the largest flat area, with 35 million residents, about ¼ of Japan's population.
• The Pacific, Philippines, and a zone of volcanic activity meet at this plane.
• Hokkaido is the northernmost island with vast farmlands.
• Hokkaido's economy relies considerably on agriculture and dairy.
• Sapporo, Hokkaido's largest city, hosted the Winter Olympics in 1974.
• Shikoku lies across the Setonaikai (Inland Sea of Japan) from Honshu and approximates the size of the entire Hawaiian island chain.
• Kyushu, the southernmost of the main islands, connects to Honshu via a tunnel and bridge, with Fukuoka as its largest city.
• In addition to the main islands, there are around 2,000 smaller islands, including the Okinawa Islands.
• The size of Japan as a whole compares to that of California, but with about half the population of the U.S.
• Metropolitan areas like Tokyo and Osaka are densely populated due to the concentration of the population.

History of Japan

• According to mythology, Japan's islands were created by two gods dripping water from a sacred stick.
• This belief leads to the concept that all things originate from gods and goddesses.
• Shinto shrines are dedicated to the worship of gods and goddesses.
• Amaterasu Oomikami (Sun Goddess) is one of the major deities.
• Her story reflects essential aspects of Japanese history and culture.
• According to the story, the Sun Goddess retreated into a cave due to her younger brother's deception, causing darkness.
• Other deities tried to lure her out, using beads, chants, and humor.
• A young goddess's antics caused laughter, prompting the Sun Goddess to peek out.
• A god then pulled her out, and a rope was placed to prevent her return to the cave.
• These ropes can still be observed at Shinto shrine entrances, with two boulders honoring deities on mountains or at sea.
• Early Chinese writings mention encounters with diverse tribes in Japan.
• These tribes adopted agriculture and settled, leading to clan conflicts. Around 300 A.D., the Emperor of Yamato aimed to unite battling clans into a nation.
• The Emperor gathered an army and launched a campaign.
• Legend says a golden bird rested on the emperor's bow, dazzling enemies and leading to surrender.
• This Emperor was later known as Emperor Jinmu, meaning "divine and valiant."
• This legend is the reason the Emperors are considered by many as divine.

Behind Closed Doors

• Japan was ruled by a former farmer, Emperor Hideyoshi Toyotomi, in the early seventeenth century.
• Christian missionaries sought conversions during this period.
• The Emperor was concerned that the expansion of Christianity would mean a loss of his perceived divinity.
• The Tokugawa shogunate feared Christians during the Edo period.
• Around 30,000 predominantly Christian peasants revolted against a corrupt feudal lord.
• The Edo Period started in 1603 and ended in 1867.
• For over 250 years, Japan restricted entry to most foreigners, other than Dutch and Chinese.
• The Tokugawa shogunate had supreme power, resulting in a time of peace.
• Domestic trade, agriculture, martial arts, literature, tea ceremonies, and Kabuki flourished.
• The Tokugawa's strict rule had drawbacks, and travel abroad became forbidden in 1633.
• External pressures and internal unrest drove Japan to reconsider its isolation.
• Commodore Perry of the U.S. Navy opened Japan's ports in 1853 and 1854.
• By 1868, Emperor Matsuhito's power was reinstated, marking the beginning of the Meiji era.

Japanese Writing

• Japanese writing is often considered one of the most complex systems.
• It consists of three types of characters: Katakana, Hiragana, and Kanji.
• Kanji, a pictographic type, was the earliest writing system used in Japan.
• Around 250-350 A.D., Chinese characters were adapted to form a written language.
• These characters sometimes have two pronunciations: onyomi (Chinese) and kunyomi (Japanese).
• Kanji, a "pictorial" form of writing, was borrowed from Chinese.
• Currently, around 400 Kanji characters have been created specifically for Japanese words.
• Kanji represents objects or ideas, which combine to form words and phrases.
• The Ministry of Education designated 1,945 joyo kanji to be learned by high school graduation in 1981.
• 881 kanji is designated for elementary graduates.
• Functional literacy requires knowledge of 3,300 Kanji characters.
• Familiarity with about 50 core Kanji is beneficial for understanding basic meanings in public places
• These locations include airports, train stations, street signs, and restaurant menus.

Kana and Mora (Syllabary and Sound)

• The first step in learning Japanese is mastering basic sounds.
• Kana is the collective term for two character sets, Hiragana and Katakana.
• "Goju on zu" describes the 50 sounds represented by Kana.
• Hiragana and Katakana are arranged in a 5x10 table (see appendix A) and serve different writing purposes.
  • Hiragana writes Japanese words.
  • Katakana writes loan/borrowed words.
• Diacritics modify sounds:
  • Gakuon (") indicates murky sounds with rows like ka, sa, ta, and ha.
  • Handakuon (°) represents plosive sounds, particularly in the ha row.
• Yoon combines consonants from the I row with small ya, yu, and yo, forming glides.
• Sokuon, a "ɔ”, is a pause between syllables.
• The sounds of Japanese are often described as monotonous by Westerners.
• This is due to the absence of perceivable stress and the consistent speed of speech.
• Japanese accent relies on pitch and length differences.
• Standard Japanese has two pitch values, high and low, which apply to "moras".
  • A "mora" is a timing unit like a syllable, represented by a single "kana" or small kana.
• Each kana contains a vowel, and a single kana (n) and a small character ⊃ count as two moras.
• Moras indicate the number of beats in a word and convey pitch values.
• Nihongo has standard accents in some words.

Short and Long Syllables

• Japanese syllables consist of:
  • A vowel alone (a, i, etc.).
  • A consonant (ka, ta, etc.).
  • A consonant + glide + vowel (kya, cha, etc.).
• Lengthening a short vowel doubles length.
• A long syllable is about 60% longer than a short syllable.
• A short syllable is the basic unit of pronunciation.
• Examples: To-o-kyo-o and Kyo-o-to.

Vowels

• Japanese vowels are pure and clipped.
• The contraction of the throat at the beginning of English vowel-starting words is subtle in Japanese.
• Long vowels have the same quality as short vowels and just differ in length.

Consonants

• Most consonants are the same as in English.
• English consonants include: k, g, s, z, t, d, p, b, etc.
• Syllabic "n" requires special attention, and must be followed by specific attention.
• Before p, b, m, it is pronounced as "m."
  • For instance, en-pitsu = (em-pi-tsu) and anbai = (am-ba-i).
• Before t, ts, d, n, ch, and j, it is pronounced as "n."
• Before k and g, it is pronounced as "ng."
  • For instance, Ginko=(gi-ng-ko-o), Shingo=(shi-ng-go-o).
• Before other sounds or at the end of the word, it is pronounced as a nasal n.

Syllable Combinations to Watch

• "kiya" is a combination of two syllables pronounced consecutively.
• "kya" is a single syllable.
• Single versus double vowels, double vowels are pronounced longer.

Whispered Vowels

• In standard Tokyo dialect, short I or u occurring between unvoiced consonants often become unvoiced.
  • Unvoiced means hardly audible or absent.
  • Examples: Sh(i)ki = seasons, s(u)koshi = little, ts(u)ki = moon.
• Unvoicing occurs at the end of words but is optional:
  • Ikimas(u) = I go, Jo des(u) = This is Mr. Jo, its(u)ts(u) = five things.

Japan in the Present Times

• Business people may frequently travel to Japan.
• The majority of people don't drive much.
• Public transportation is well-developed, with airplanes, trains, and buses.
• Airplane travel in Japan is more expensive compared to the U.S.
• Airplanes provide excellent service and usually arrive on time.
• The train is the the most utilized mode of transportation.
• Since the country has been designed with specific highways, buses are the cheapest means of transportation.
• A trip from Tokyo to Fukuoka (800 miles) takes:
  • 1.5 hours by plane.
  • 5 hours by the fastest shinkansen train (nozomi).
  • 14 hours by bus.
• Traffic prevents long destination drives, especially when punctuality is paramount.
• The high price of gas is another factor to consider.

Taxis

• The English word "taxi" is commonly used in Japanese: takushii.
• Japanese taxi drivers are readily available in most cities and small towns.
• Radio helps taxis, both company-owned and private, to operate.
• Taxis are clean, reliable, and convenient.
• Taxi fares depend on the city.
• Tokyo, Yokohama, and Osaka are slightly expensive.
• Smaller places are much cheaper.
• Tipping is not required.
• The fare displayed on the machine is all that must be paid.
• Rear passenger doors open and close automatically.
• You can get to destinations easily by showing a map of the location.

Buses

• Taking a bus to Shinjuku is a very common mode of transit.
• There are local and long distance express buses linking cities like Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Fukuoka.
• Essential information pertains to routes, fares, and payment (on or off the bus). Tokyo buses have a flat rate and only exact change.
• Ask a person waiting at the bus stop to give advice, ikura desu ka?, How much is it?

Prepaid Cards

• The usage of prepaid cards avoids the difficulty of having precise change.
• Prepaid cards are widely available, handy, and economical; they function like credit cards with a value relative to the cost of the card.
• Transactions are designed for many stores. Telephone cards are worth 1,000 yen and provides 105 units. After each call, units spent are deducted for the value.
• Prepaid cards such as buses, highway and train cards should be used.
• Convenience stores accept prepaid cards for rapidly becoming popular for visitors.

Zuibun isogashii n desu ne

• Zuibun isogashii n desu ne meaning "You're awfully busy, aren't you?" is addressed to someone busy.
• High value is attached to this phrase.
• Being busier makes you kaisha, a more important person.
• There are considerable travel times in Japan.
• It is quite possible to be in Nagoya on Wednesday, Osaka on Thursday, and Kobe on Friday.
• Shinkansen is one-hour ride from Nagoya to Kobe.

Telephone Usage

• Speaking on the phone in country is challenging.
• Japanese word for "hello" is moshi moshi, translating to "I speak, I speak."
• Can be used to answer or initiate a call.
• Has been long utilized.
• Costs 10 yen to make a local call.
• Prepaid calls are used widely instead of coins.
• Costs 500 or 1,000 yen equating to 50 or 100 calls.
• Most Japanese own cellular phones today, diminishing public phone use greatly.
• Mobile phones check emails, weather, and reservations.

The Weekend in Japan

• Japanese used to work on Saturdays until the early 1990s.
• Workaholics are pressured by international communities and sensitivity to adopt two-day practices.
• Government, post, and banks are closed on Saturdays.
• There are ambivalent attitudes regarding every Saturday being considered a “holiday.”
• A two-day system every other week.
  • Students have every Saturday off.
  • School Saturday policies vary from prefecture to prefecture.
• Shops are open on weekends, so people go shopping.

National Holidays (Omatsurii)

• These holidays are in Japan.
• All schools, banks and post offices are closed unless there are stores.

Yen: Japanese Currency

• The value of Yen appreciated rapidly.
• Exchange rate was 360 yen in the 1970s.
• The value today has increased from around 120 to140 yn.
• Pronunciation for Yen is very symbolic.
  • There are 4 notes: 10,000 yen, 5,000 yen, 2,000 yen and 1,000 yen. There are size and color differences.
  • Issued in the year 2000; not widely circulated.
• Coins: 500 yen, 100 yen, 50, yen, 10 yen, 5 yen.and 1 yen.
• Americans use little cash checks. Japan heavily use cash for shopping.
• There are vending machines for soft drinks.
• Some machines accept 10,000 notes; give paper/coin change.

Coffee Shops

• Coffee Shops are very popular in Japan.
• Shops are renounced like Renoir
• Renowned for ambiance.
• Options include assorted drinks, sandwiches and spaghetti.
• Priced from 300 to 450.
• Japanese sometimes talk to friends and read in coffee shops.

O-miyage (Souvenirs)

• Japanese travel ritualizes.
• It is must to take photographs and O-miyage.
• Buy key rings and brandy bottles or ties/scarves.
• Always give the gift to someone.
• Give tsumaranai thing, but give with a pleasant surprise.

Introductions

• Bill to mooshimasu" translates to "(I am) called Bill" or "I say myself Bill.
• Modesty must be expressed through expression on social differences.
• Mooshimasu will help Japanese feel safe.
• Elevate status through humble self-identification.
• Japanese host does not introduce the American in the way people normally expect.
• Use the business card to remember each other. Company site and title for conversation.
• Bring your business card and conversation when conducting business.

Expressions of Modesty and Deference in Japanese Communication

• In receiving a compliment from someone of japaneseness, downplay speech.
• Compliments are given to possessions.
• Negating is seen as a sign of lack of confidence.
• Japan is a modesty for humility and reference.
• Suzuki may seem to have very high Modesty for Americans.
• It is just to avoid conceit and arrogance.
• Always add ne.
• Use of "ne" at the end of the sentence:
  • It shows "is it?" to agree with them.
• Japan aligns with a collectivistic society.
• The frequent usage helps avoid any disagreement.

Language of Social Levels, Age, Position, and Deference

• Expression has an important statement in Japan.
• Ask if person wants drink via tabemasu ka or nomimasu ka.
• It is important to choose an accurate polite tone. O tabe ni nari masu ka?/O Meshiagari nari masu ka?
• Express yourself politely.

Questions Phrased with a Negative

• When speaking to Japanese speakers and phrasing a question with a negative, find out when the reverse of yes/no is necessary.
• Being able to read another person is an important skill.
• If you make an assumption that someone are Japanese, some people automatically believe you shouldn’t think they are Japanese.
• Respond in a negative manner if wrong during conversation/
• Ueno/Shinjuku are two places in Tokyo that are very busy.
• Commutes are difficult for international travel.
• Public transport system is generally well developed.
• Learn all cities in Japan.

Cognates

• Every Language contains something borrowed.
• Pronounce English origin.
• Have created English word that are Japanese speakers often short.
• Waapuro means word processor and pastokon computer/ terebi television. There are complex mansions called condominiums.
• Free size is one size fits all.
• Restaurants mix sandwiches.

Meals of the Day

• Unique names are used when using word in this context.
• Gohan is used with rice meal.
• May not eat rice in every meal.
• Often they may eat toast and butter, seaweed and miso.
• Lunch constitutes spaghetti.
• Often American food chains.
• Dinner are commonly with fish/ meat.

Circumlocution

• Some of the Japanese can be subtle when giving negative response.
• Don’t give a straight answer.
• Positive attitude will help you establish a relationship with Japanese local culture.

Books and Signs.

• Write in Japan, starting left.
• Appear reverse English speakers front text.
• Written in academic English.
• WC toilet.

Counters

• Japanese have a counter that use them by quantity
• Attention should put to suffix.