Japanese Customs

Knowing the customs of a country before you visit it is very important. Some people manage to get away with travelling without any knowledge of where they are going or how to behave. Some of these people do no harm, but sometimes it can cause great offense and if you offend your host it could ruin your trip to Japan. Take the time to research your destination and the customs so that you act accordingly and respectfully. Japan is a country built on traditions and customs and if you embrace these customs then you are more likely to get to see the real Japan, get to know the locals better and have a more enjoyable experience in general.

The first thing to remember is that there is no tipping in Japan. No matter what the situation might be, or the area that you are staying in there is no need to leave a tip. The Japanese believe that everything should be included in the initial price, so anything extra can sometimes be considered to be an insult.

Bowing to someone is a sign of respect, much like a nod of the head has become a salutation in western societies. The depth and speed of the bow depends on the level of authority of the other person. A friend would receive a quick nod, whereas a teacher or person in high management would receive a slow, low bow. It is also important to add ‘san' to the end of the person's name as a mark of respect.

It is worth taking the time to learn how to use chopsticks. This will familiarise you with the locals and it will also possibly save you money, as you will become fuller more quickly, eating small amounts using the chopsticks.

The Japanese are much more particular about footwear in the home than many western people. Shoes must be taken off before entering the home and often you will be given a pair of slippers to wear inside. There will be a separate pair to use in the bathroom.

There are, of course, many other customs and traditions depending on what you are doing and who you are with, and these should be researched to ensure you are comfortable in your environment. But these few aspects cover the basics of Japanese customs.

Interior Design in Tokyo

Interior design may not be the first thing that comes to mind when Tokyo and Japan are mentioned, but it is full of creative designers who pick up on the latest trends and needs. Typically, Japanese interior design today is a beautiful blend of traditional styles and materials, combined with modern needs and designs, with green production in mind.

Exhibitions are regularly shown throughout the city, always changing and using imaginative materials to create new pieces of furniture, kitchenware and other items needed in the home. From crockery inspired by the floral patterns on kimonos, to bookshelves made out of cardboard tubing, there is always something new to be inspired by.

Many interior designers from other parts of the world travel to Tokyo to gain a taste of the latest Japanese ideas, seeking inspiration and learning from the way that tradition and contemporary design is combined to create something new that is not only great to look at, but is also needed by people across the world.

There are also many interior design shops and consultancy companies that could prove to be inspiring for those looking to include a little Japanese style in their homes. This doesn't necessarily mean something old fashioned, and could simply invoke the style that many interior designers are using at the moment. Looking around various shops, magazines and exhibitions is a great way to find ideas that can be implemented alone, without the need of an interior designer. In fact, this is often the way that many designers find their calling in life.

Before visiting the city look out for any exhibitions that are showing and plan your trips in advance. That way nothing important will be missed and, if interior design is the aim of the trip, it will be a successful visit. Many people choose to arrive with an empty suitcase so that they can take many of their findings back with them without having to pay the extra luggage costs. Unless of course, they are local and have the luxury of being surrounded by some of the most intuitive and creative interior designers in the world.

Get Fit in Tokyo

Whether you are a visitor or a local, fitness and health will be an issue to consider. Those who are used to working out will need to find something to keep their fitness levels up despite all the travelling and those who are looking to find that healthy body they always dreamed of might just find it in Tokyo.

Known for its healthy food and for having slimmer waistlines than many western countries, Tokyo has a great deal to offer when it comes to health and fitness. As with any major city there are gyms and fitness clubs in abundance, so if visiting fitness enthusiasts don't want to change their schedule then these can easily be attended with a visitor pass.

For those who want something a little different they won't be disappointed. One of the more popular ways of working out at the moment is bootcamps. These are available across the city, either in gyms or, for the more adventurous, in local parks and spacious outdoor areas. There are also fitness dance classes available that include various forms of dance, including Zumba and modern dance. These are great for building up a sweat and it is so fun that the time passes by quickly. Even if there is a language barrier people can still participate simply by following the movements instead of worrying about language.

Alternatively, for trained runners or even those simply looking for a free workout, there are plenty of interesting places to go running and work up a sweat. One of the most popular running routes in Tokyo is the Tama River. But the choice doesn't end there and serious runners can even join a local running club to mix a little social activity with their workout and ensure that they don't give up after 5 minutes. Running is an excellent way to take in the local scenery and meet new people.

Many people think that if they are travelling somewhere, whether it is for work or pleasure, that they have to postpone their workout because they don't know the area. This shouldn't be the case and especially not in Tokyo, which has so much to offer in terms of fitness activites.

2020 Tokyo Olympics Bid

The Olympics are always an exciting time for the hosting country and citizens unite in the lead up to the games. Japan has made a bid for Tokyo to be the host for the 2020 Games. Previously Tokyo hosted the 1964 games, which was the first time that the Olympics were hosted in Asia and since then they have hosted the Winter Games twice. It has been projected that the 2020 games could generate $2 billion, although the estimated cost is currently set at $75 million.

It is always heartwarming to see the effect that hosting the Olympics has on a country. From the competitions for the Olympic Stadium designs, to the volunteers who work together to make the event a reality, it is always a fantastic show of pride for their country and an example of just how much people can achieve.

If selected this will be the fourth time that Japan has hosted the Games and the second time at hosting the Summer Games. The country has been a regular participant since the Olympics began and has won a total of 130 gold medals at the Summer Olympics. In total judo, gymnastics and wrestling are the most successful sports for Japan, with table tennis, badminton and taekwondo being the least successful.

The other two candidates to host the 2020 Summer Olympics are Istanbul and Madrid and the IOC will make the final decision, electing the chosen city in September 2013. Naturally, until that date many people will be waiting in keen anticipation to find out which city will become the host and those carefully laid plans cannot be put into action until the final decision has been made. The pressure will be on the winning city to create another stunning Olympic stadium and village to ensure that the hosting of the Games goes well. It is often a controversial subject as some believe that the money being spent on the games would be better spent in other areas, whereas others believe that the amount of money generated will be hugely beneficial to the city in the long run. This is a problem that is the same no matter who hosts the Games.