Hi everyone,

I'm actually writing my thesis about Japan and its cultural aspects...and there is obviously a lot to talk about!! That's why I'd like to ask you some questions. Well some are for japanese and some for the foreigners who are or was leaving in Japan, as I want to get different points of view, and trying (I just said trying ;) to understand how Japan looks like. Here we go:

For the Japanese:

- Have you been to Europe or would you like to travel to?Why?

- What do you think about europeans (cultural aspects)?

- What do you think about your country?? Work opportunity etc??

For foreigners:

- Why did you come to Japan?

- Could describe the population you meet (cultural aspects)?

- What is your Japanese proficiency?

Thanks so much for taking part of that questionnaire. I look forward reading your answers ;)

Merci beaucoup! (French thank you very much )

Cyril

Hi,

I'm a university student in Kobe, I'll graduate from it soon, though...

I have been to England, actually I've lived there for 10 months. And when I was there, I traveled to Paris, Holland, Spain, and Irelad.

The reason why I went to England is ,,, well, it's I really wanted to go to England to study abroad. I've liked English since I was a junior high school student.
Then when I went to a kind of cram schoo and the English teacher who was Japanese really liked England so she always taled about it.
So I think I was brainwashed by her. ahahaha

When I arrived there first, you know, everything was different. I was attracted by atomosphere. I thought their houses were really cute and I realised how Japan was small.
I also thought it's the most different thing compared to Japan that most of people in Japan were Japanese but many people who were different countries having different cultures, histories and religions lived there.

I think I have more to tell my experiences there but it might be long, ne.
So I'll say bye now.

I hope you are doing well with your thesis.

Yoshiko

Thanks Yoshiko that's a very good answer!

It will definitly help me to finish my work.

Glad to read that you enjoyed Europe. I hope you liked Paris as well ;)

Well good luck in your studies and thanks again for your help!

Cyril

Hi!
i am Japanese, but i have been out of Japan for almost six years.

i never been in Europe, but i would love to go there to experience many culture origins.

I have been mexico, canada, and USA for several years, but i believe that their cultures are from Europe many decades. Of course they mixed up with geographic affects and other cultures(native american etc...)

i believe European has a kind of pride that they have traditions and history.

i look at my own country, the pweron who live in the different country, Japan is quite different from any other cultures. I believe that Japanese people don't emphasis their own opinion. They also affceted by buddism and Sinto as well...

i have a plenty thing to talk.
i am working in Kobe. If you want to talk to me, just let me know.

ami

Hi there i read your article and want to answer your questions:

So here we go

For foreigners:

- Why did you come to Japan

I am a black belt in Karate and love all aspects of Martial Arts. So my interest in Japan became much stronger. I have toured to all places and i love Japan alot. It's amazing they are so far ahead than us with technology and thinking about tommorrow.

- Could describe the population you meet (cultural aspects)?

Ha ha it certainly is overcrowded with people just like China.

- What is your Japanese proficiency?

I am doing pretty good i am learning by myself. I did look for japanese schools to brush up on. But the teachers were Americans. I did not want this as i wanted the native tongues of japanese. I was so surprised how many people have only been to America and have nowhere of interest to go. Well i guess America is a multi culture country with all nationalities. It kept annoying me when people say to "Which part of America are you from?" Grrrrrr I am not a Yank. i am from Scotland, UK. And that is not in England.

Hope my answers help you.

Good luck

Thanks so much for taking part of that questionnaire. I look forward reading your answers ;)

Merci beaucoup! (French thank you very much )

Cyril

Hi ami,

Thanks for your very good answer. 6 years through Canada (I hope you travel to Quebec, the french part ;)) USA and Mexico: that's what we can called international experience indeed!

I would be delighted to talk further with you, and to know if you use your experience in your professional career.

I am certainly coming next september to Japan, so it would be nice to meet if you get time!

Best Regards,

Cyril