Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[nobu-1985]

Hi!! DO you like Japanese culture??I love tea ceremony.I had belonged to it when Iwas a highschool student.It is interesting. If you are interested in it Please try to do.You will be able to enjoy. [/b]

[airi@home]

Hi, I am Japanese. I like tea ceremony too. I learned the basics in my kindergarden. Whatelse do you like japanese culture? I am just glad everytime someone non-japanese is interested in japanese culture.

[lou lou]

Hi Airi,

I have read extensively on the Japanese culture as I intend on teaching there after I graduate. I love the culture, the bowing, the politness and the respect. I usually browse the teaching international forum on Japan and I can't believe the difference in opinion here compared to there where the people have actually lived and worked in Japan.

I wonder how many of the people on this forum have experienced Japan instead of relying on old stereotypes.

Lou lou.

[Tonester]

Lou-lou and others here,

I am currently a Junior High School English Teacher from Australia working in Japan and I am in Japan for my 3rd time after getting a BA in Japanese language and Culture. I find that people in Japan like to work with each other to achieve common goals and the comraderie is strong from what I've observed. I also think that they are the nicest people I've ever met as they'll do anything for you if you are in trouble.

Despite the negative past I judge on the current generation and the personalities of everyone I've met. I just wish people would stop using WWII as a reason to hate Japan as it makes me furious every time I hear it as it is no longer a legitimate reason for hatred.

I know that these comments will anger some people here and I respect and empathise with the suffering of everyone at the hands of the previous generation of Japanese but feel that the current generation should not be blamed nor punished for what happened back then.

Despite the past, Japan is now a nation where most people are nice and caring. I'm a victim of the recent earthquake and my host families in Saitama from 5 years ago when I was an exchange student in Japan all called worried about my welfare and offering their places to me to come and take refuge. If that is not generous then I don't know what is!!

[lou lou]

Here here Tonester, your Japanese friends sound really lovely. I can't wait to graduate and come to teach in Japan.

[Tonester]

Lou-lou,

Although I cannot guarantee that Japan will be an easy place for you, I can tell you that most people who work here love their experiences and I hope you do too when you graduate.

Japan is a lovely place but be on the alert as earthquakes can happen at any time. Look at me; I can only sleep in my apartment now as I have no water or gas but I do have electricity. Be ready and take it from me; they do happen!!

[lou lou]

Tonester,

Ha Ha, I will have lots of pans filled with water at all times and more importantly a battery available for my hair straighteners!

On a more serious note, I'm glad you're OK Tonester.

[Tonester]

Lou-lu,

Just bring that water on, mate. Need it!!!! Thanks for the support.

'tis very cold here now and where I live it snows. Japan is very cold in winter, just keep that in mind.

[lou lou]

Tonester, hee hee

I shall bring my knitting needles and lots of wool!

Do they not have central heating in Japan my goodness I'll have to add a space blanket to the list!!! My suitcase is turning into a wardrobe, it's a good job I've got around 18 mnths to pack.

Keep up the good work Tonester you better not stand still too long in that cold weather; actually it's forecast for snow this week in England so I should be hunting out my wellies instead of talking to you!!!

Byeeeee.