Japanese culture and praise

G

Grainne

後輩

20 Jul 2004

5

0

• 17 Oct 2004

• #1

Hi everyone, I'm new to this forum, but I was hoping you guys could help with with a little problem I have... I am an Australian living in Japan and am experiencing a little cultural discomfort! I am very confused about the ettiquette of being praised and praising others, in particular kohai/sempai relations.

 

hirobumi

the peaceful

18 Oct 2004

19

0

• 18 Oct 2004

• #2

hi grainne,

always be aware that there's a difference between Omote and ura,... nihon no fushiginamono will take you some time to figure out.

...but what exactly is the problem?

 

D

da last samuria

後輩

18 Oct 2004

2

0

• 18 Oct 2004

• #3

report

um...im 12 yrs old...and im doing a report on japan...ne tips? if u can help me....i thank u...alot...

 

G

Grainne

後輩

20 Jul 2004

5

0

• 19 Oct 2004

• Thread starter
• #4

Hi Hirobumi, I am a 24 yr old girl in Japan to train in Kyokushin karate. My problem is this.. I am confused as to whether it is appropriate to flatter senior members of my dojo. There certainly seems to be a much greater exchange of praise here in Japan. I'm really not comfortable with such open outbursts of praise but I want to learn how to join in these conversations. I don't want to appear arrogant by offering my appraisal of sempai's achievements but I feel arrogant if I don't recirocate positive comments.

 

MeAndroo

先輩

29 Jul 2004

767

16

• 23 Oct 2004

• #5

Grainne said:

Hi everyone, I'm new to this forum, but I was hoping you guys could help with with a little problem I have... I am an Australian living in Japan and am experiencing a little cultural discomfort! I am very confused about the ettiquette of being praised and praising others, in particular kohai/sempai relations.

Click to expand...

I'd be shocked if they truly expected you to fully understand the dynamics of a kohai/sempai relationship as a foreigner, unless you are an Australian of Japanese descent, or are decently fluent in the language. None of my "true gaijin" friends were ever placed in the position of having their behavior truly scrutinized in the kohai/sempai context, even in the more serious "clubs," as opposed to the circles. Then again, it might be different within a dojo, as I'm sure things are much more structured there.