Japanese Language Importance and Basics

Importance of Studying Japanese Language

• Japan ranks as the 4th largest economy in the world, highlighting its global economic significance.
• Global companies like SONY, Canon, and Honda showcase Japan's innovation and efficiency.
• Proficiency in Japanese enhances career opportunities and business prospects in various fields.
• Japanese is a prominent language in internet usage, making it vital for online communication.
• Cultural exports from Japan, including anime and cuisine, are experiencing rapid growth globally.
• Japanese tourists are noted for their travel habits, contributing significantly to international tourism.

Basic Self-Introduction Phrases

• "Hajimemashite" means "How do you do?"
• "Watashi no namae wa...desu" translates to "My name is..."
• "Nikkuneemu wa...desu" signifies "My nickname is..."
• "…kara kimashita" indicates where someone comes from.
• Age is expressed with "...sai desu" (e.g., "Juukyuu sai desu" for 19 years old).
• "STI no gakusei desu" means "I am a student of STI."
• "Shumi wa...desu" conveys "My hobby is..."
• "Douzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu" means "Pleased to meet you."

Telling Age and Special Readings

• 16 years old: juuroku sai, 20 years old: hatachi.
• Special age readings: 11 - juuissai, 10 - jussai, 18 - juuhassai, 21 - nijuuissai, 30 - sanjussai.

Common Hobbies in Japanese

• TEREBI: Watching television
• ONGAKU: Listening to music
• DOKUSHO: Reading
• SUPO-TSU: Participating in sports
• RYOURI: Cooking
• KOMPYUUTA: Computer use
• EIGA: Watching movies
• GITA: Playing musical instruments like guitar or piano
• KAKUKOTO: Writing

Classroom Greetings and Instructions

• Start of class involves "Kiritsu" (Stand) and "Rei" (Greet).
• Morning greeting: "Ohayou gozaimasu"; Afternoon: "Konnichiwa".
• End of class: "Otsukaresamadeshita" (We worked hard), "Arigatou gozaimashita" (Thank you).
• Instructions include "Hajimemashou" (Let's begin) and "Yasumimashou" (Let's take a break).

Daily Greetings and Common Expressions

• Basic greetings: "Ohayou gozaimasu" (Good morning), "Kombanwa" (Good evening), "Oyasuminasai" (Good night).
• Polite phrases: "Arigatou gozaimasu" (Thank you), "Sumimasen" (Excuse me), "Onegaishimasu" (Please).
• Returning home: "Tadaima" (I’m home), greeted with "Okaerinasai" (Welcome home).

Geography of Japan

• Japan is an island nation in the North Pacific with a land area of approximately 144,000 square miles.
• Comprised of four main islands: Hokkaido (northernmost), Honshu (largest), Shikoku (smallest), Kyushu (southernmost).
• Major cities include Tokyo (capital), Yokohama, Osaka, Nagoya, Sapporo, and Kyoto among others.

Seasonal Overview

• Four main seasons: Haru (Spring), Natsu (Summer), Aki (Fall/Autumn), Fuyu (Winter).
• Japan experiences a rainy season from mid-May to mid-July.

Cultural Preservation

• Japanese culture remains intact due to historical isolation, preserving traditions.
• Despite foreign influences, core customs and values are maintained.
• Greeting rituals like bowing reflect respect and social hierarchy.

Gift-Giving Etiquette

• Gifts are given with both hands, with no expectation of reciprocity.
• Gifts are typically opened after the giver has left to emphasize the act of giving.

Accommodation Types

• Business hotels provide convenience and reasonable pricing; typically small rooms.
• Ryokan offers traditional experiences, while Minshuku are budget guesthouses.

Japanese Bath Customs

• Ofuro is a traditional bath; washing is done outside the tub first.
• Toilets are usually separate, featuring a small sink.

Transportation in Japan

• Efficient subway and commuter train systems, including Yamanote sen (Tokyo) and Kanjo sen (Osaka).

Traditional Japanese Theater

• Major forms include Bunraku (puppet theater), Kabuki (stylized performance), and Noh (dance-drama).