The Unique Way of Celebrating New Year and Christmas in Japan

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As whole world is gearing up to celebrate Christmas and New Year, how could Japanese stay away from the most anticipated time of year? Japanese people are known for their big heart and the way they celebrate various festivals.

New Year is one of the significant holidays of the year in Japan and the celebration is nothing less than the champagne-popping celebration in Western countries. On this day, most Japanese people, staying away from their homes for work, return to their hometowns and share special meal with their family members. The tradition of sending greeting cards and wishing for health and happiness of the loved ones holds stark similarity with the traditional Christmas celebration in Western countries.

On the other hand, Christmas is not a national holiday in this country, as Christians make up only 2 percent of the popular. However, it does not deter Japanese people from having fun on the Christmas Day.

The holiday songs and decorations are a lot like Christmas season in Canada, though the celebration is unlike the West. Typically, friends and family celebrate and exchange gifts on Christmas Eve, as the day is considered very romantic for couples, a lot like Valentine’s Day.

Soba Noodles on New Year Eve

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There is a tradition of eating a special soba, buckwheat noodle, dish, known as toshikoshi soba. The word toshikoshi means ending of the old year and beginning of the new one, whereas the long soba noodles signify long life in the coming year. One can eat soba noodles either hot or cold on the normal days but on the New Year, people eat the dish typically in a warm broth.

Christmas Cake is Different

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Christmas is an important part of Christmas Eve tradition. While the entire world eats fruit-filled loaf, Japanese prefer to eat a vanilla sponge cake with whipped cream or ice topping. The Japan’s version of Christmas cake looks a lot like a birthday cake, except that it is generally decorated with little Santa Clauses or greetings for holidays.

Mochi Flowers are used for Decorations

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The mochibana are popular decoration during the New Year in Japan. It is made as substitute because flowers naturally do not grow in the snowy, cold regions in the winter months. Mochibana brings a little beauty of spring during the dreary winter of Japan.

Parties are About Forgetting

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Most Japanese companies hold bonenkai parties that means forget the year party. At least one bonekai is hold for the employers in the December month. This is similar to the Christmas parties in the West. During this time, co-workers indulge in heavy drinking and forget their problems, relax their usual formalities and hope for a successful year ahead.

So, when it comes to celebrating the holiday season, Japanese lifestyle and culture can be said as similar to the West.

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The Lives Japanese People Lead

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Japan is a country that is usually associated with culture, heritage, history and tradition. However, Japan is way beyond that. Japan is not just associated with the past but it is also an extremely advanced and modernised country. As we all know, Japan is the tech capital of the world but along with keeping up with modernity, the people of Japan are very well rooted in their customs and traditions.

The People of Japan

Japanese culture speaks volumes about the kind of people that live in the country and the lifestyle they follow. The people in Japan still follow a few important customs, especially during festivals. As the New Year celebrations are drawing close, you will find how the Japanese follow age old customs to celebrate it. Before the New Year begins, they clean their homes as they believe Gods will enter to bless them. As they step into the new year, they do not utter any bad words or recall any unlucky events as they believe that it might impact the new year negatively. They eat lucky food like, prawn and red snapper; they wear new underwear and use a new towel on that day as they hope for a new beginning. This is just an example of a few traditions they follow.

Their Habits and Lives

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When it comes to food, the Japanese believe in eating healthy food and they mostly eat a lot of seafood, juice, and herbal or organic tea. If you take a look at Japanese fashion, you will see how modern it is. If you believe that it is restricted only to kimonos, then you are highly mistaken. People in Japan are extremely fashion conscious and religiously follow trends that are current in the fashion capitals of the world. They are also ‘brand conscious’ and love shopping. However, the people of Japan don’t just shop at boutiques and they also shop at small shops in the shopping districts of Japan.

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Japan is a picturesque country and the people of Japan love to indulge in short weekend getaways. They go to bathe in Onsens or hot water springs and stay at comfortable ryokans (bed and breakfast). They basically like to mix work and pleasure to balance their lives. If you want to visit Japan anytime soon, then you can read up blogs about Japanese lifestyle, people and culture, so as to learn more about the country. This will help you adjust well once to reach Japan.

Japanese Fashion Blogs: Filling you in on Latest Trends

People in Japan are extremely fashion conscious. People from all walks of life are never seen ‘under-dressed’. Whether it’s a teenager or an office goer, everyone walking the streets of Japan is dressed for the occasion. The people of Japan seem to have an innate sense of style. Japanese denizens follow current trends of the fashion capitals of the world including Paris, Milan and New York. The trends in Japan change every season. Here are a few of the fashion trends that are doing the rounds in Japan presently.

Houndstooth

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If you go by pattern, then the houndstooth print is extremely ‘in’ this season. It can be incorporated in any piece of garment, be it the jacket, top or pants, the print adds a certain zing to the entire ensemble. It can be sported in casual wear, you can also wear the print while you’re going clubbing and a houndstooth printed jacket will look fabulous when paired with semi-formals.

Colours this Season

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One of the best colours in this season is definitely navy. This colour can be sported very well in winter this year as it has the seriousness winter requires yet adds a dash of brightness that will turn the dull season around. The usual colours black and grey can never really go out of style as they are winter staples. Other colours that are ruling the fashion scene this season are emerald green and red. These two colours are bold and add a sense of vibrancy to winter.

Tartan Print

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Another pattern that is very ‘in’ this season is the tartan print. The print that has its roots in Scotland is not just ruling the streets in Japan, but has the whole world at its mercy. From coats, to caps to jackets to bags to blouses, everything has been touched by this print.

Short Blouson

For all the tomboys and women who like sporting a boyish style, the short blouson is here to save the day. Though made of a light material, the blouson is perfect when it comes to layering in winter.

Big Silhouette Jackets

This fashion trend has not died and continues its run this season as well. These big and slightly mannish jackets are still very popular with the crowd. This too is very good for layering in winter.

Japanese fashion trends are hard to keep up with because they aren’t widespread but if you do want to keep track of the trends read a blog about Japanese fashion. These blogs are written by citizens of Japan or people from the ‘in circle’ of the fashion world, therefore, they will have authentic information.

Post by Beautiful Places to visit in Japan.

Gilt Helping Promote Ohne Titel

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People in Japan are extremely fashion conscious. You will seldom find a citizen not dressed in dapper clothes. The citizens of Japan, whether they are teenagers or office goers, are always dressed in their best and follow current fashion trends. They follow trends that are a rage in fashion capitals of the world like Paris, Milan and New York. However, the Japanese do not ape the west; they add a twist to the designs making them look a little different yet stylish.

Lately, the Japanese subsidiary of the Gilt Group, played host to a preview of the spring collection 2014 of Ohne Titel on Thursday in Tokyo. Designers Alexa Adams and Flora Gill were invited to a private club to mix with the local fashion press. The club was on floor number 51 of the Roppongi Hills complex. This event was to start off one of the initiatives of Gilt Japan.

The Gilt Japan Initiative

The web based retailers will soon open, for three days, a pop-up store in a stylish Montauk cafe which is located in Omotesando Avenue. This pop-up store will showcase a variety of international brands. Shoppers can go through the clothes in the shop and if they want to buy any, they can simply purchase it on the Japanese site of Gilt. Styles are mostly likely to sell out and therefore new collections will be showcased each day. Only the brand Ohne Titel will be on exhibit on all three days. Ohne Titel will most certainly get a lot of exposure in the Japanese market through this pop-up store as the distribution in Japan is still very low. The brand is only available in two of Tokyo’s departmental stores.

“Everything in the pop-up shop is curated international brands, so we really wanted to bring one of our favorite designers to really showcase not only their product but also just sort of be that American representative. [Gilt is] not only about one specific brand, it's about the mix of the different brands, but we really wanted to showcase their spring collection. It hasn't really made its way into Japan much yet, and I think it's so perfect for this market.”

- Joanna Dubin, chief executive and representative director of Gilt Japan

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Adams and Gill truly hope that Japanese consumers will like the uniqueness and versatility of the brand. This initiative will bring the brand in to focus and make it readily available to the Japanese market.

Beautiful Sights to Behold during the Light Festival in Japan by Pretzel William

Important Things That You Are Expected to Follow While Visiting Japan

If you like travelling around the world and exploring various aspects of human life, Japan can be the place that you cannot afford to miss at any cost. The land of rising sun is said to be the epitome of traditions and culture, history and heritage and science and technology. The Japanese lifestyle is an awesome blend of westernisation and indigenous traditions. Japan has lots of unique things to bestow to the visitors.

So, are you planning a vacation in Japan? If yes, you must know about certain exclusive aspects of Japanese culture and day to day lifestyle. By learning about the customs of Japan your trip is guaranteed to be great and memorable. So, do not spend all of the time just looking at the beautiful landscapes and taking snaps, but also spare a few hours of your busy schedule for learning about the customs and lifestyle of the place.

Greetings and Etiquette

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Japanese people are quite humble and greet each other and their guests by bowing. They express respect and appreciation to the next person by bending at the level of their waist. This gesture is particularly used to greet “good morning” and “hello, goof afternoon” to the next persons. Bowing also refers to the gesture for apology and gratitude. While bidding adieu, they most frequently use “sayonara” but the world “bye-bye” is also used by many people.

Mobile phones have become quite common in Japan, reaching almost to 90 percent population. However, in spite of increasing use of mobile phones, people are expected to follow the etiquettes in public places.

Meals

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Eating habits vary across the boundaries. So, for the tastiest experience of eating foods from other culture, you should know the food habits and customs of the place. Japan has its own meal etiquette and visitors are also expected to follow their customs. The traditional meal format in Japan is the ozen, which is a mealtime table for single person and attached with legs. These tables are placed on the tatami mats on which people sit in seiza position, legs tucked under thighs. However, chairs and tables have become common for dining purposes in Japanese households. There are many other customs that one requires to follow while eating in Japanese-style dining set-up.

Most Japanese foods are eaten with the help of chopsticks, which are made from wood and have a tapered tip. In every household, each family member will have their own bowls and chopsticks. Children use shorter ones, which fit their hands’ size.

Lodging Accommodations

There are several customs followed at lodging facilities in Japan. You must know of such customs in advance to avoid the feel of embarrassment and surprise. From getting into the bath to the bedding, Japanese people follow different ways for everything.

If you are lodging at the hotels or availing services of taxis, restaurants and beauty salons, you are not required to tip the service providers, as everything is included in the bill itself. Another important thing to know is that many traditional homes want you to remove your shoes at the inner entrance of the building and wear room slippers inside the house or room. This is also applicable at traditional ryokan and other Japanese-style lodging accommodations.

There are many other customs and traditions that you are expected to follow while holidaying in Japan. Take some time off to know more and more about unique Japanese lifestyle.

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Reading Up on Japan Before Discovering It

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Japan is a country that is full of surprises. If you think that it is only about all things traditional, cultural and only about customs and the old world, then you are definitely in for a surprise. Japan is highly modernised and is the technological capital of the world, it is just that it is rooted in its past. Therefore, the people of Japan are modern yet rooted. So, if you are planning to visit this wonderful country, it is best that you read up a little about it and people, so that it will be easy for you to adjust to their ways.

There are various things to know and learn about Japan that you won’t find in any old travel guide. You must know about Japanese culture, places to visit in Japan, Japanese food, places to shop in Japan, Japanese fashion, Japanese interiors, beauty & cosmetics, and many more aspects. Now, if you are wondering where you might find authentic details about the country, then the internet is a good place to start.

You can refer to various blogs about Japan that will fill you in with all the details you require. These blogs are a 100 percent genuine as they are written by travellers who have visited the country or frequent the country of Japan or by citizens of Japan. So, all the information you find on these blogs is reliable and can be trusted.

About Japanese Culture

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If you want in-depth details about the culture of Japan, then these blogs will be of great help. They will tell you how the Japanese celebrate various festivals like New Year, for example. They will inform you about every single detail related to the festival, like rituals and customs.

About Places to visit in Japan

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When you go to Japan, it is obvious that you will want to travel the length and breadth of the country. Therefore, you must know where all to go and the places to visit. The blogs about Japan will fill you in with details about beautiful places you can visit. This information can help tourists plan out an itinerary.

About Places to Shop in Japan

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Japan is also a shopper’s paradise. If you love shopping, then you won’t be disappointed in Japan. Blogs on Japan can tell you a lot about where to shop and to shop for. This way, you can plan out your shopping sprees properly.

About Japanese Fashion

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Fashion in Japan is an integral part of lifestyle. The Japanese are extremely fashion conscious and sure do know how to dress up. So, if you are a fashion enthusiast yourself, knowing a little more about Japanese fashion will help you shop for fashion accessories and clothes in Japan.

About Japanese Food

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If you like to eat and are considered a foodie by one and all, you must try out Japanese cuisine while in Japan. The blogs about Japan will give you information about the various kinds of Japanese dishes you must try out and will also let you know about restaurants you must visit.

A blog for Japan is written and constructed in such a manner so as to help travellers get information about the country with ease.

Get Trendy Japanese Apparels at High End Prada Store in Incredible Kobe

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A large number of people still look up to the old Japan because of the rich culture and heritage of this amazing country. Japanese people feel extremely proud of their culture and faith. In fact, Japan is perhaps the lone major country still maintaining its indigenous faith within one location.

There are many other interesting facets of Japan. In the modern times, one thing that is much talked about in Japan is the fashion trends. Yes, Japanese people are extremely fashion conscious and flaunt a rich and unique fashion sense. In fact, the global fashion is influenced a lot by the Japanese fashion trends.

Among the highly fashionable cities, Tokyo and Kyoto are the names that everybody knows of. Kobe is another city synonymous with high end fashion trends. There are several upscale and swanky brands in the posh city.

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Recently, the top brand Prada came up with its second store in the Kobe. The store was opened in the vibrant Kowa district that is famous for amazing fashion trends and quality products from different companies. So, it is good to see Prada escalating their charisma in this extremely attractive part of Japan.

Kobe is indeed very much popular tourist destinations and the expatriates in the city love the top-class lifestyle in this incredible city. The proximity to several tourist attractions like Kyoto, Himeji, Okayama and Osaka make Kobe an interesting place to visit. One can reach these places easily by shinkansen. Moreover, other tourist destinations within the Kansai region are Awaji Island, Nara and Wakayama (Shirahama, Wakayam Castle, Negoro-ji and Koyasan).

Prada has an enormous catchment area in the Kobe with around 1.5 million populations in this bustling city. However, if you take into account the Keihanshin area comprising of Kobe, Kyoto and Osaka, the prospective customer base expands to approximately 18 million people. The Keihanshin area is unsurprisingly seventh wealthiest zone in the world in terms of purchasing power and wealth. With trendy Japanese fashion clothing available at the store, the Prada store is going to be thronged by the people all the time.

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Fashion lovers in the Kobe and adjoining areas have gala time with the opening of another Prada store in their neighbourhood. If you are on a tour to Japan and staying nearby the Kobe or Keihanshin area, do not forget to visit the Prada store, where you can purchase high end Japanese apparels and accessories.

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A Guide Book on Shopping at the Markets of Japan

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It is usually a pleasant experience to shop around the markets in Japan. Usually polite, attentive and friendly sales persons at the stores take extra care to offer highest levels of customer service. The foreign travellers, who cannot speak or understand Japanese, may encounter some problems in conversing with the staffs, though there are a few stores, serving frequently to the foreign customers, have the staffs who can speak English or other foreign languages.

Shopping Hours

Generally, department stores in the cities serve from 10 in the morning to 8 in the evening. Small shops and stores may remain open for shorter hours. Most shops and stores remain open on the weekends as well as national holidays, other than January 1st. The smaller independent stores may remain closed for one day in a week or a month but large stores remain open every day.

Greeting

It is very much usual for the store staffs to greet you upon your entrance in the store. They generally greet with the expression "irasshaimase", which means “welcome, please come in.”

Consumption Tax and Duty Free Shopping

Like VAT, GST or sales tax in other countries, Japan has a flat 5 percent consumption tax on every item. The price tag on the goods includes consumption tax and customers are required to pay what they see. The consumption tax rate will increase to 8 percent in April 2014 where an increase to 10 percent is scheduled in October 2015.

There are a few licensed stores in the major cities where foreign tourists can indulge in duty free shopping by making purchasing of more than 10,000 yen.

Foreign travellers should know about the items that may invite import duties in their home countries.

Payment

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Japan is a cash society and cash is accepted everywhere. One can withdraw Japanese yen through ATMs at post offices and 7-11 convenience stores.

Credit cards are not as universally accepted as cash but one can use it at the major retail stores, department shops and electronics shops. The most widely accepted types of credit cards are Visa, Mastercard, JCB, American Express and Union Pay. On the other hand, traveller’s check can only be accepted at a few major electronic shops and department stores that frequently deal with foreign customers.

Shopping Manners

Put the bill amount onto the tray and the change amount will be returned to you similarly.

Avoid getting indulged in bargaining.

So, now that you are aware of all the shopping tricks, shop freely at the Japanese supermarkets.

5 Major Tourist Attractions in Japan by Pretzel William

Plan Out a Productive Holiday in Japan

Millions of tourists visit Japan every year. Most of them have to say certain interesting things about the country. Japanese culture and tradition is something that catches attention from every tourist. The unique blend of old and modern culture fairs well in the country.

In spite of modern way of living, Japanese people are still deeply rooted to their ancient culture. Japanese people lead a strict and disciplined lifestyle, which can be experienced everywhere you go in Japan. So, if you are planning a trip to Japan, knowing about Japanese lifestyle can help you plan a better and productive vacation in Japan.

Japanese Lifestyle

Japanese people follow unique and different lifestyle. Take a look at Japanese Lifestyle and what makes it exceptional to the world.

Health and Fitness

Japanese people are very much health conscious and consume healthy and nutritious foods. They are fitness freak and work out a lot to keep their body fit and fine. Lately, a new trend has caught up among the Japanese women. They are going for body suit to keep their body shape and sizes slim and perfect, especially the side portion body.

They have been seen wearing thick padded toe dividers which stretch out between the toes and make them feel good. It also makes their feet thinner and lighter and putting pedicures is so easy with these types of socks.

MOTTAINAI – Green Project in Japan

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Japanese people are quite environment friendly and try to keep the environment clean always. The MOTTAINAI movement is one such step taken to teach people about the benefits of clean and safe environment. Originally started by Wangari Maathai, a Kenyan activist, this movement has become quite popular in Japan.

There are many workshops organised during the event. People take part in this educational and family friendly movement enthusiastically. Kids are taught to make toys using different recycled products.

Weekend Fun and Frolic

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Most Japanese people work hard in the weekdays and spend relaxing weekend at the onsen ryokans. Similar to the weekend span breaks in London, onsen baths are quite popular in Japan. There are many ryokans offering hot spring baths to the weekend revellers.

Most ryokans offer different therapy treatments and lymphatic massages to the visitors. You are also served multi-course dinner at the ryokans.

Healthy Diet

Most Japanese people stay healthy and in shape for a long time. While they follow strict exercise regime for staying fit, their diet chart also contributes a lot. During the warm summer season, most of them take plenty of Kouso in their diet.

Kouso diet helps a lot in shedding oodles of weight by raising metabolism of the body and burns more calories.

There are many other factors contributing to the Japanese lifestyle. If you are planning to stay in Japan even for a short duration, knowing about exclusive Japanese lifestyle can make a happy vacation.

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Fashion Trends in Japan are Extremely Outlandish

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Japan is not just the tech giant of the world and neither is it synonymous only to culture, heritage, traditions and customs. Japan is also well known for its fashion trends. Fashion enthusiasts all around the world know for a fact that Japan’s fashion world is exquisite. It is true that the fashion of Japan is influenced by the West but there are many motifs, patterns and designs that are native to Japan that are inculcated in the fashion trends of the country.

Therefore, if you think that Japan is all about kimonos and geta sandals, you are terribly mistaken. Japanese fashion includes a wide variety of styles. The cities of Osaka and Tokyo are the most stylish cities in all of Japan and Harajuku, an entertainment and shopping district in Tokyo is known as teenager town. Teenagers, every Sunday, flaunt street fashion and loiter around.

There are many fashion trends that are famous in Japan. Some of these dynamic Japanese fashion trends are:

Fandom

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There are many teenagers who are diehard fans of celebrities and anime figures that they dress up like them declaring their fondness towards them. Some dye their hair blue like their favourite rocker, Mana. Some teens even adopt the styles of their favourite anime characters. Some teens blend the styles of these celebrities and rockers and incorporate them in their own wardrobes. This is how the bizarre goggles and crazy hairdos come into being. Some popular accessories include huge boots, sleeves, and ‘over-the-top’ make-up.

Cute

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This style which is called kawaii in Japanese refers to those young women who dress up in lace and ribbons; they wear animal ears and sometimes even wear clothes that are meant for children. The accessories they wear have pictures of cartoon characters of their childhood like Hello Kitty, etc.

Japanese fashion trends include many such exquisite and unique fashion trends. These trends are very popular in Japan and if you take a good look around, you will see many sporting these looks.

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A Few Facts about Healthy Living in Japan!

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Japan boasts of highest life expectancy in the world. It means that Japanese people live for a longer time. Life expectancy of men is 79 years whereas women on an average live for 86 years. What makes Japanese people live for so long?

At the end of World War II, the life expectancy in Japan went down to lowest in the world. It suggests that long life expectancy is not genetics in the country. Also, it’s not that Japanese people go to doctors for medical check-ups every month. The secret of healthy and long living is something else.

Japanese Diet

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Even those who are not diet experts can tell you that food habits of Japanese people are lot healthier than rest of the world, especially Westerners. Having sumptuous diet is the most highlighted aspect of healthy Japanese lifestyle. So, if you want to increase your life expectancy, feel healthy, avoid heart ailments, follow Japanese-style dietary chart. In nutshell, Japanese diet is just way healthier and sumptuous.

Japanese people prefer not to consume lots of red meat; they go for fish dishes instead. Milk, butter and dairy products are avoided by them, as most Japanese are lactose intolerant. They also include lots of soy, tea, seaweed, seasonal vegetables and many other healthy foods in their diet.

Walking

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Japanese people do not only eat well but they walk and stand lot more than others. Like Westerners, they do not drive everywhere and sit for long periods after driving. Most of them use public transport to commute from one place to other. Driving cars is kind of luxury in Japan.

Cleanliness

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Japanese people are very much conscious about their hygiene and cleanliness. Japan is considered one of the cleanest countries in the world. Their houses are always neat and clean and most of them keep their hands washed all the time. Maintaining hygiene leads to healthy lifestyle and helps avoid diseases.

Family and Social Life

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The family and social values of Japanese people are something to stand them apart from Westerners. They take care of elderly people in their houses and maintain harmony in society. When it is about business in Japan, you will require socialising, drinking and having work post work hours. All these factors give them psychological boost and they are able to live for long periods.

So, if you want to live longer, you need to alter your lifestyle little bit. Follow Japanese lifestyle by eating right foods, walking more, maintaining hygiene and socialising and live for a long time.

Basic Elements of Japanese Lifestyle and Culture

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Japan is one of the most popular tourist destinations in world. Tourists from across the world visit Japan every year. It is said that if you want to see a place where ancient and modern culture exist together, Japan is the place to go.

There are certain things about Japan that you should know before visiting this country. This will help you explore all the aspects of Japan. You will also be able to mingle well with the local people and avoid the feeling of embarrassment at public places.

So, if you are planning to visit the country in coming days, knowing about Japanese lifestyle and culture will help you enjoy your holiday in better ways.

Japan is a Tight Culture

Japanese society is firmly bonded and interdependency is natural in the society. It means that group conformity is encouraged and praised while deviation from the main societal set up is often times discouraged.

Modernisation can be seen taking place almost on each and every walk of life in Japan. These days, individualism is being largely practiced by the Japanese youths but socialism is still favoured by a large chunk of masses. Harmony and accord in society is of greater importance in Japan.

Japanese Culture: Active or Passive?

It’s complex to define whether Japanese culture is active or passive. People in Japan value their proximity with nature and group. Achieving success in academic and professional circles holds significance in society. Japanese people have greater competitive instincts but they always compete with certain group in mind.

Nonverbal Communication

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As far as physical appearance is concerned, Japanese society is greatly influenced from fashion. Even the creative and attractive uniforms also make desirable and well accepted fashion statement in Japan.

Unlike western countries, Japanese believe in longer distance proxemics. However, body touch cannot be avoided at the public places in large cities.

Japanese people are very strict when it comes to starting their formal activities on time. They are known to be workaholics and do not end professional meetings until unanimous decisions are made.

Bowing is still an appropriate form of kinesics greeting in Japan. They avoid touches at the time of greeting each other. So, if you are in Japan, do not shake hands or hug until the Japanese person initiates it.

Make sure to avoid eye contacts, as it considered rude, disturbing or even threatening in the country.

So, if you are visiting Japan, make sure to follow aforementioned tips. By doing so, you will be considered humble and well mannered person by the Japanese people.

Post by Beautiful Places to visit in Japan.

What You Need to Know about Japan Before Going on a Tour

Japanese traditions signify the age old customs and practices that Japanese people have been following religiously till today. These traditions have been passed on to different generations from their forefathers.

Like other societies in the world, Japanese people also follow a precise code of conduct. The social behaviour of people is defined by the etiquettes and mannerisms they adhere to.

The term "Japanese Traditions" signifies the customs or practices that have been passed on from one generation to another in Japan. Japanese people are deeply rooted to their culture and follow specific traditions without fail.

With modernisation taking place on each and every walk of life, some traditional Japanese lifestyle have been modernised in new and modern ways. So, if you are on a trip to Japan, you are expected to follow the laid out social norms and Japanese traditions. By doing so, you can escape embarrassment and will be able to enjoy your stay at the fullest.

Here are a few conventional Japanese Traditions and Customs:

• Giving gifts on special occasions is an age old custom in Japan. If someone from family goes out of town, they are supposed to bring back some souvenir from the place. For keeping intact the feel and authenticity of gifts and souvenir, people buy exclusive item from the place and keep it affordable.

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• Business relationship develops in Japan with the exchange of business cards. So, if you are on a business trip to Japan, make sure to go with plenty of business cards. Furthermore, go through the business cards with interest and make generous comments whenever you receive a business card, otherwise it is considered rude.

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• Greeting each other by bowing is the most common part of Japanese culture and tradition. They show gratitude and respect to each other by bowing at times of meeting and parting ways.

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• One of most prevalent practices in Japan is to remove shoes outside before entering the house. People are expected to remove footwear at the entrance of houses, schools and many other buildings.

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Similarly, there are many other customs that you are expected to follow during your stay in Japan. Go through each and every traditional customs before landing on the land of rising sun.

Japanese Lifestyle - An Amalgamation of Modernity and Antiquity

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Summer Street Fashion Trends of Japan

Japan is an extremely fashion conscious country; therefore, do not always connect the land of the rising sun with tradition, heritage, history and technology. The people of Japan like their fashion and have a unique sense of style. They do not ape the West but their clothes are mostly definitely influenced by Western culture. You will seldom find an ‘under-dressed’ person in Japan. People in Japan are always dressed for the occasion, whether they are teens or office goers, they always look suave and chic. Here are a few street fashion trends of Japan that were ruling the streets recently:

Streets Fashion Trends of Japan

The Crop Top

In Japan, people could wear tiny shorts and miniskirts but showing off the belly button or midriff was a strict ‘no’. However, this summer, with crop tops reining the streets, almost everyone was seen showing off their tummies.

The Dolman Sleeve Top

This was considered to be the modest version of a crop top. If you really want to wear a crop top but do not want to show off any skin, this is the top for you. The sleeves are wide and loose at the armpits but do not narrow down. In fact, some of the sleeves are also rolled up. These tops are cut in a short and wide shape, but they aren’t too short.

Platform Sandals

This is one of the bizarre street fashion trends of Japan. These sandals were really ‘big’ this summer and almost every other person were seen walking around in them. However, it is hard to say whether it was just a summer trend or are these slippers here to stay.

Statement Necklaces

Like the clutch bags, statement necklaces were extremely popular this spring and was also seen adorning many necklines in summer. This trend might be on the decline but it is not going anywhere any soon.

Winged or Cat Eye Make-Up

Different varieties and variations of the cat eye make-up were seen doing the round on the streets this summer. This sort of look is definitely not new but was seen sported by many people on the streets. It is also difficult to say whether this look will stick or not.

Cartoon Characters

Cartoon character t-shirts, pants and bags were seen a lot on the streets of Japan this summer just when we thought the trend was dying out. People saw a lot of Bart Simpson and his friends do the rounds on the streets. The batman logo was also seen a lot.

These street fashion trends were noticed a lot this summer in Japan. Many more trends like high waist skirts and pants, clutch bags, tie and dye and vertical stripes were seen ruling the streets in Japan this summer.

Blog about Japan to Help you Plan an Entertaining Vacation by Pretzel William