Why do Japanese ask your age and marital status so often?

[Ewok85]

I don't find it that strange, when you move somewhere new and meet alot of people ofcourse you will be asked the same questions again and again. Asking someones age isn't that rude or spectacular either, especially if you are young.

 

[ricecake]

Unmarried ladies are sensitive to the age question though.

 

[kohlrak]

ROFLMAO I have a few guesses why... lol I'd be rather nervous though if some one asked my martial status. lol

 

[Mike Cash]

That is nothing.

My apologies for having wasted your time with it, then.

If you go out to the izakaya with married Japanese men you will be surprised at their discussions about how they visit soaplands often. Morally low in Western culture but acceptable behavior in Japanese culture.

Please tell us more. We want to learn about Japanese culture and you seem to be on the inside track.

 

[gaijinalways]

Yes, the age questions are always kind of interesting, as well as the salary ones. Some Chinese acquaintances would ask how much money I made just after commenting that it was rude to ask how much money someone made in Chinese society (so obviously I am a special case, but of course my answer was "enough")!?

Different rules for different situations.