Politics

Japan is a constitutional monarchy where the power of the Emperor is very limited. As a ceremonial figurehead, he is defined by the constitution as the symbol of the state and of the unity of the people. Power is held chiefly by the Prime Minister of Japan and other elected members of the Diet, while sovereignty is vested in the Japanese people. Akihito is the current Emperor of Japan; Naruhito, Crown Prince of Japan, stands as next in line to the throne.

Sports in Japan

Sports in Japan are a huge part of Japanese culture. Traditional sports such as sumo and martial arts and western imports like baseball and football are all popular in Japan. Sumo wrestling is considered Japans national sport. Baseball was introduced to the country by visiting Americans in the 19^th century. The Nippon Professional Baseball league is Japans largest professional sports league. Football gained wide popularity since the founding of the Japan Professional Football League in 1992.  Martial arts such as judo, karat, and modern kendo are also widely practiced and enjoyed by spectator in the country. Other popular sports include figure skating, golf, racing and auto racing. 

Hanami

Hanami (flower viewing) is the Japanese traditional custom of enjoying flowers. In most cases this flower is cherry blossom. Hanami happens from the end of March to early May, cherry blossoms bloom all over Japan. In modern-day Japan hanami mostly consists of having an outdoor party beneath the cherry blossoms. Special food are prepared and eaten at the occasion like dango and bento and its common for sake to be drunk as part of the festivity. The proverb “dumplings rather than flowers” makes fun of people who prefer to eat and drink instead of admiring the blossoms. 

Japanese Cuisine

Traditional Japanese cuisine is dominated by white rice, and few meals would be complete without it. Anything else served during a meal--fish, meat, vegetables, pickles--is considered a side dish. Side dishes are served to enhance the taste of the rice. Traditional Japanese meals are named by the number of side dishes that accompany the rice and soup that are nearly always served.

This uniquely Japanese view of a meal is reflected in the organization of traditional Japanese cookbooks. Chapters are organized according to cooking techniques: fried foods, steamed foods, and grilled foods, for example, and not according to particular ingredients (e.g., chicken or beef) as are western cookbooks. There are also usually chapters devoted to soups, sushi, rice, noodles, and sweets.

Cultural Patterns

The Japanese are very formal in their introductions. While handshaking is acceptable one should bow when greeting someone new. Titles are commonly used while addressing someone. First names are usually only used between family and close friends.

In social situations you should always should restraint and be reserved. Always show elders the utmost respect. Business cards are often common when meeting someone for the first time. Bilingual cards are encouraged and can often ordered through the hotel.

Japanese can often read English better than they can speak it so when lost writing something down can be helpful.

Always remove shoes when entering temples, homes, and rooms that have tatami mats. When visiting a home always bring a gift wrapped in pastel colors with no bows. Gift the come in sets of two are considered good luck. When offered a gift you should refuse once modestly but accept the second time using both hands.