Cultural Differences

Since we've arrived in Japan, I've noticed many similarities and differences between the Japanese and American cultures. First, the term "give respect to receive it" is a strong value that every Japanese citizen takes very seriously. In every store that I've gone into, the employees treated me like I was the most important person in the room. They bow virtually after every sentence, and are happy to be of any assistance. And any time you bump into a person on a train station or on the street, they apologize and bow to you. Compared to the United States, bumping into someone can turn into dirty looks or even harsh words. We as a society are in such a rush at all times, and the Japanese people take their time, and are very easy going. But they do show their irritation to ignorance even if you are a tourist. Forgetting to take your shoes off inside a building is very disrespectful to them, as well as failing to return a bow.