The Japanese Culture Thread

[SSJ_Jup81]

ah, Can you tell me the percentage of those who uses bike?

That's something you should just look up yourself. I doubt anyone here would just know something like that. I would assume that a good majority of the people have or use bikes, though, as the country as a whole is very bicycle friendly.

[Isamu Akai]

I already love this thread. It means that I won't have to make a thread on my own to ask stuff...

First off, I wanted to ask something in regards to dining etiquette in Japan. In Japan, it's custom to say "Itadakimasu" ("I humbly receive" or something) before eating a meal, and can be seen somewhat as equivalent to saying grace. The thing is, I only know that this phrase is said, and would like to know if there's more to it. Is it, as mentioned before, very similar to saying grace, where most will also place their palms together, like prayer hands or something? Or is it something different?

Thank you.

[jda95]

You do put your hands together like doing grace, but it's not really praying: Itadaku is as you said "to humbly recieve", so you're giving thanks to the person who made the meal and whatnot. It's not as "formal" as grace, but still a must for every meal.

[Isamu Akai]

I know it isn't praying, I just didn't know how else to describe the hand notion. Anyway, right, hands together. Is there anything else important to note about it? Are heads also lowered a bit, eyes closed, again similar to grace?

Thank you again. I appreciate it.

[jda95]

Um, I don't think so. If you've ever seen people in an anime say it, it would be a good reference, as on the whole, it's quite a bit more enthusiastic and informal than grace.

Are you aware of "gochisousama (deshita)" at the end of a meal?

[Isamu Akai]

To be honest, I don't watch anime as much anymore, and I honestly don't think I can find any where people say it to use as reference. Heck, I don't even know what Slice of Life anime to start with.

And yes, I am aware of gochisousama deshita.

[jda95]

Well, this is for a comic right? Then tone of voice isn't too important. Main thing is hands are together.

[Isamu Akai]

Yeah, it is for comic, and there's definitely no intention on animating it.

But then that's where physical notion is important, given that it's a comic. That's kinda why I'm asking a lot of stuff.

[jda95]

One thing that I personally do (although I can't really recall if others do) is a very slight nodding of the head when you say it.

[Isamu Akai]

Alright, thank you, I'll keep that in mind.

The way I depict it might look more similar to saying grace... but I don't think it'll be totally inaccurate if it seems like it... I'm trying my best for this comic to not end up weeaboo'ish, so I really appreciate the help. Thank you.

[jda95]

The only huge difference between it and grace if you're drawing is the open eyes.

Well, good luck!

[SSJ_Jup81]

One thing that I personally do (although I can't really recall if others do) is a very slight nodding of the head when you say it.

I was about to say this. I think it's just instinctive to do...it was for me, anyway.

[make_it_worse]

Ah, what style of clothing is considered a little bit of rude in Japan? (like hip hop or gothic)

[SSJ_Jup81]

Ah, what style of clothing is considered a little bit of rude in Japan? (like hip hop or gothic)

There really isn't. Style is style. Only ones that might have a prob with the way young people dress are the older people, but like I said before, that can go for anyplace and any country, not just Japan.

[Isamu Akai]

Oh gee, I am so forgetful...

I also wanted to ask if it's normal for family conversations to happen over a meal... Or at least in my comic's case, it is normal for a father and his child to converse while eating a meal? Or does that old saying "Children should be seen and not heard" apply over there as well?

While I'm at it, I may as well ask more about "gochisousama deshita". I imagine the person thanking turns their eye contact to whoever prepared the meal, holds their hands in the Namaste position, and says this, essentially saying thank you for the meal? Anything else to this?

Thank you again.