Knowing Japan Through Anime

• Modesty: It is considered very rude in Japan to boast of one's accomplishments. One would rather share the credit with others as a group effort. One is also seen bowing to thers as a sign of respect. [notice that in Sailormoon, the senshi always work as a team, rather than Sailormoon getting sole credit for things?]
• Hard work: Another recurring theme is the Japanese work ethic. They are very hard working. Doing well in school is a must, and a smart person will be popular rather than being considered a 'nerd' as in the U.S. An example of academic importance is shown by many anime series when scenes take place in schools, the characters are often in school uniforms, and generally, there will come a time in the series where they will be studying hard for entrance exams in order to get admitted to high school. [In Fushigi Yuugi, Miaka is stressed to the max over passing her high school entrance exams, and spends most of the seasons dressed in her school uniform]
• Importance of family: What a person does is reflective upon the family. A young adult would not want to do something wrong or do poorly in school for fear of embarrassment on the family name. The importance of family is emphasized in the way that names are presented. If you notice, in Japan, the family (or last) name comes first, and is then followed by their given (first) name. [ex. Tsukino Usagi].
• Openness: In Japan, Manga and Anime are for all ages, not just for children. They many times contain various 'adult situation' scenes in their plots. The Japanese are very open as a culture. They do not share the phobia of language or nudity that we seem to favor in the U.S. Thus, most anime contains partial nudity, or 'alternate sexuality' scenes, and nothing is thought of it. [For example, in Tenchi, Ryoko walks around naked a lot; in Sailor Moon, the relationship between Haruka and Michiru; in Fushigi Yuugi, Nuriko is a man who dresses up like a woman.]
• Courtesy and respect for others: It is considered rude to use strongly decisive words, such as No! One would rather use a more polite, negative form of the verb rather than saying no. Japanese carry a great respect for others. For example, you notice how they bow to one another before a fight? And how some enemies are really concerned over manners? [Sailor Aluminum Siren is a good example] When making a meeting time with friends, the time is often left a little open to debate. They end the sentence with a sort of 'but......' to avoid telling the person they must show up at a certain time.
• Respect for Elders: Unlike in America, the Japanese show respect to those older than themselves, both in speech and actions. They also have great respect for and treatment of their elderly. Grandparents often live with the family rather than being put in an 'old folks home' and their advice is taken as wise council rather than babblings of an old person.

Map of Japan

• Japan is an Asian island located between the North Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan.
• Japan's capitol city is Tokyo.
• Japan is a world leader in technology and business. For, it's people have a strong work ethic.
• The country currently contains a population of 126,549,976 people.
• Japanese currency is called Yen.
• Exchange rate is currently 105.16 Yen per 1 U.S. dollar.
• Japan is about the size of California.
• Japanese terrain consists of mostly mountains.
• Japan has a population sex ratio of .96 males per female.
• Religions observed in Japan consist of 84% Shinto and Buddhist, and 16% other (Including Christianity)
• The Japanese flag has a white background with a large red circle in the center (Which is said to represent a sun).
• Japan is a constitutional monarchy.