Cultural tips

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1. This is a copy of your post for archive/search purposes.

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   **Cultural tips**

   Some background info
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   Hi, In roughly 9 months I’m traveling to japan (tokyo) to study kyokushin karate. I will be living there for 3 months with a family friend. This friend speaks more japanese than english, and is married with kids. They have said I will be a family member and they want me to do family things (all of this is good). At this point I am studying Japanese as hard as I can to be at least quasifunctional when I’m there.

   About 10 years ago I lived in Korea for one year. There were a lot of things I wish I had known before going there that I didn’t learn from watching YouTube videos.

   The question
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   I don’t know a whole lot about Japanese people or culture other than some interactions that I’ve had, what I’ve seen on TV. I don’t believe that these things are representative of reality. Most of what I found in my research circles around short-term stays and being a tourist. I also realize that as an American I am treated differently (with lower expectations). What are some things that I need to know about manners and culture to best assimilate with this family and be as respectful as possible? 3 months is a long time and I want to be able to form respectful and comfortable relationships with those I’m living with and the strangers I encounter.

   I know I can’t expect to be perfect but I want to try.

   Thanks!

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