In honor of the tragedy and perpetual suffering the people of Japan are facing, I wanted to reflect a bit on their culture and the way they live their lives. Humans live so differently all across the globe, the only thing we can do is embrace others’ cultures and try to see what it’s like to experience life in a totally different way. But maybe we’re a little more similar than we might think…
Ramen noodles, a college staple, are extremely popular in Japan and years of training are required to become an expert at creating the broth.
Remember Full House, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and Boy Meets World? We all watched theses hits when we were younger. They’re all currently shown in Japan with increasing popularity.
Japanese often feature commercials with American celebrities, including Brad Pitt, Cameron Diaz, and Tiger Woods as well.
Ever have trouble with saying “yes” too much? The word “no” in Japanese is banished. Any questions asked of Japanese citizens should never lead to a negative response.
In Tokyo, Japan’s capital city, it’s known that women can feel safe and secure for the most part at all times. Japanese women are not ogled or objectified, and men are usually reluctant or mortified to make extended eye contact, so no need to fear traveling alone.
Sources: http://www.funfacts.com.au/interesting-japanese-facts/
The earthquake has shattered so many lives, and even across 10,000 miles we can understand suffering on a basic level. So what can we do to reach out and help?
Consider the basic options: the Red Cross and Salvation Army are both viable options that use your donations to the fullest extent. Also, a specialized organization called Save the Children has been working in Japan for three centuries. Recently it has launched a massive long-term campaign to recover and provide safe spaces for children that have been through the trauma.
Everyone can help. I know it’s hard to muster up extra cash on a college budget, but please try to help those who are in need, suffering every day trying to get through. The Japanese people are trying to put back their country after it has been shattered, so do what you can to give back.