The art of giving and receiving gifts in Japanese culture

 

 An important part of Japanese culture and tradition is  the art of giving gifts and receiving gifts It involves deep sensitivity and appreciation. The gift ("omiyage") giving and gift receiving involves etiquettes. The way it is handed over to the person to the way it is received matters. I learnt that there was a certain respectful way to give gifts in Japan by bowing and giving a person a gift with both hands while saying " Tsumaranai mono desu ga, douzo... " (This is nothing much or nothing special but please accept it or this is but something trivial but please ). In a way the person who is giving the gift is politely and humbly requesting the other person to accept it. It is a humble way of presenting a gift or putting forward a gift before someone. The gift may be valuable but one has to portray that it may not be that valuable or my interpretation is that the gift is not as valuable as that person whom the gift is meant. That is a way of giving more respect to the person the gift is meant for.

The gift should be accepted with both hands and a bow too. This is how one demonstrates gratitude for the the honour you have received from the other person in terms of the effort and thought behind the gift. Therefore both sides honour and respect each other in a way.  

["douzo' could mean 'here you are" too in such a sentence but it can pass off as "please" too. "Onegai shimasu"  also means please. " Onegai itashimasu" is the honorific form ] 

The way a present or gift is given is more important than the gift. The body language and the tone of voice add to it. Gifts must be received with much appreciation and compliments must be showered. That is the best way to acknowledge and accept a gift. A gift must be received with grace to truly appreciate the person who is giving you the gift. 

Exchanging gifts happens throughout the year and entails a lot of formalities. The way a gift is wrapped also matters as each fold of the  gift wrapping  paper matters and how it is folded. It is an art. The beautiful and intricate Japanese art of gift wrapping is called 'origata'. It entails some rules in the way mainly the traditional Japanese paper (" washi") is folded or for that matter any gift wrapping paper these days. My interpretation is that each fold represents the beautiful emotion, valuable time, great effort and admirable patience in preparing a gift for someone and therefore it is highly refined and artistic.     

The art of giving and receiving gift has to be acquired by people who attach materialism to gifts as it does not come naturally to them since this requires deep sentiments and sensitivity for another person. I think you don't win and honour people by merely gifts but you win them by the act of respect, kindness and sensitivity in the process of giving and receiving gifts ! And you show a person much respect when you can demonstrate that you have a place for that person's gift in your heart. It is always nice to demonstrate and that you will use a gift and not pass it on to someone. Giving and taking is two way process that involves caring...   

" Omiyage"

 In Japanese culture, "omiyage" holds a lot of importance. One is required as part of social etiquette to bring back gifts for one's friends, family and colleagues from a place that you visited on a personal or work related trip. One generally gets these beautifully wrapped gifts that specially represent the place you visited. For people at work it could be some sweets or other famous food items particularly from the place of visit which have been equisitely packed. In India too we follow thattcustom but more so with friends and family. But in Japan one has to maintain that formality and etiquette of gift giving at work place too. One can find omiyage shops easily at various places in Japan and even at shops in subway stations or airports for last minute gifts shopping. They are already so finely packed that one does not have to bother about gift wrapping.

As a Japan exchange teacher, I always carried back gifts from my country for my friends, neighbours and colleagues so as to make it known to them that I appreciated them and they were in my thoughts on my trip away from them. In fact even when joining work for the first time , I carried small gifts for my bosses and neighbours as part of introducing myself and my country to them. The gifts could be small but what matters is the thought behind it and the warm gesture. I would take Indian handicrafts items , accessories, Indian teas, silk scarves or sweets for people .  I would try to carry back small gifts for all my team teachers in Japan and all my colleagues later in Napa Valley in States though in States it is really not required to do so specially at work. Nevertheless I enjoy giving gifts ! But sometimes because of baggage restrictions on an international trip,  it is advisable to carry something big or collective that everybody could share instead of individual gifts. It could simply be a big box of local sweets or a box of famous tea or something that everyone could share at work. 

Gift giving or gift exchanging is an integral part of Japanese culture. And it is equally important as to how you present those gifts and how you receive them with appreciation. There are a lot of etiquettes involved and I just love that !

On another note it is also important to say that not everyone can acquire the art of gift giving and gift receiving in the most thoughtful way as it is not that simple as one thinks in certain cultures. Many things have to be carefully considered and wisely selected even when buying gifts specially in dealing with certain nationalities particularly in the Diplomatic community. It requires great cultural sensitivity too. For example in certain cultures some numbers and colours are considered inauspicious on certain occassions. So one has to keep all that in mind when picking up gifts or the way you give it. We shall get into that later at another time ! For now just enjoy the pleasure of gift giving and gift receiving ! It is the thoughts behind it that counts after all !              

 I think...
 I wonder why there is so much intolerance prevalent in this world...

Now you would think that I am speaking about "religious intolerance" but I am not thinking about that entirely. You see intolerance comes in so many forms. Intolerance for each other could thrive amongst people even within the same community or family. Today there is more intolerance for each other than before within the same community or in a working environment for that matter. People are not willing to adapt to each other that easily and accept each other with differences in thoughts, beliefs and culture. People are not willing to accept those who speak a different language or dress differently.

I always believe that it is so important to embrace each other with all our differences and that is how uniquely beautiful and deep relationships and interactions should be. It costs nothing to be kind ! It costs nothing to be empathetic ! It costs nothing to be sensitive and generous to each other !

You can be different in every way from each other and yet you could embrace each other ! For me that is truly when the process of cultural exchange and the exchange of knowledge happens. We learn and grow much in the journey of each others' differences. Through respectful and appreciative exploration of each other can we discover and learn. Such explorations can make us better people. And yet people do not understand the value of communication and interaction to discover each other to resolve differences. People fear the unknown and something that is different and in that fear deprive themselves of gaining knowledge of each other.    

I wish the world was a perfect place and I'm not the only one...
"You may say I'm a dreamer but I'm not the only one..." This song by John Lennon speaks volumes.
There are many like us who still believe that this world could be a better place if we wanted it to be. There are many like us who have faith that this world is good. There are many like us who are still giving this world and people around us chances to become good. Some may call such people idealists or philosophical ! But so be it ! Such people truly still see goodness and kindness in this world at a time where it is so needed when we are living in the difficult and dark times of great intolerance towards each other which brews resentment, conflicts and riots. There is endless discrimination, racism and hatred which stems from basic intolerance of each other. If people could just be tolerant of each other...

Amidst such thoughts I came across a movie on Netflix which echoed so many of my long time thoughts and I connected so deeply with some of the emotions, thoughts and expressions in this movie. The name of the movie is " A Billion Colour Story". It is a very brilliant and thought provoking movie. Stories of intolerance for differences in faiths, differences in lifestyles and differences in thoughts are so skillfully portrayed and at such a level where one could relate to it closely as one may have experienced that at one time or another in life or one may have seen it happening around us.

 Like life this story has different colours both bright and dark. Yet this movie weaves a beautiful, sensitive and heartwarming story around a child of idealistic interfaith parents in the challenging setting of an intolerant and insensitive world. This child's interpretation of it all adds more depth to the story. In fact it could be at times a question of identity for a child brought up by parents of two religions even though his parents give him the best of two cultures and allow him to be who he wants to be. Yet it is sometimes the two families on either sides or mostly the world that makes him feel that he is different. I too have two religions and I celebrate Christmas too having studied in a Christian school. I am Hindu and a Sikh. My parents as well as grand parents also brought us up in a way where we were taught to celebrate and respect different identities and faiths. In fact religion was never ever an issue  at our house. I was allowed to be who I wanted to be and yet sometimes at one time or the other it were the people around us who questioned my identity specially since like the child in this movie my first name and surname would attract curiosity in the most hilarious manner. I could relate to some of the situations this child experienced when some of his relatives on either sides oddly viewed him because he was culturally different from each side or how protective he would become about his parents which was far more than other children whose parents may share the same religion.        

The movie shows how the intolerance at various levels can complicate our daily lives be it in simply finding a home to live or in differences of lifestyles. One actor rightly says in this movie that today everyone is against everyone and is not just limited to religion. I believe that as well that today basically there is intolerance between people to people.  

"A Billion Colour Story" is actually a story of the hearts of billions who still have faith in goodness despite the negativity of some. The story moved me greatly ! And the child's role played by the talented young man Dhruva Padmakumar is breathtakingly brilliant ! I don't think anyone else could have played the role as perfect as him. I have become his die-hard fan ! He complemented the role in ever way possible and translated the emotions of the character beautifully and blended it with such fine expressions.

In fact all the actors were wonderful and the credit naturally goes to the director and the writer too. I was so touched by the way the relationship of father and son was depicted. The never ending path of difficulties they faced through financial crisis and intolerance strengthened their relationship even more and brought them only closer. What was impressive was that their identities and beliefs never shook even when provoked or challenged by people or circumstances. The father never gave up faith that the world is good. The son's love, thoughtfulness and sensitivity resounds till the end of the movie and after that in our hearts. My interpretation of the movie is that despite tragedies and bad happenings a billion people out there are still very much coloured in the shades of goodness even if they have different identities. There were still a billion people out there who were willing to restore the family's faith in goodness. Intolerance exists in many parts of the world but there are still people out there who support each other and are empathetic to each other...There is still hope for the world that it would survive the worst ! And if all children could be raised to be as thoughtful and sensitive as the child in this story, they would grow up to positively contribute and give so much to this world. Lessons begin at home and children must be taught to be adapt to others who may be different from them. Then only can we stand united even in differences...                               

Interaction with other cultures- Embrace it !

Embrace other cultures wholeheartedly ! Welcome and accept other cultures without reservations. As I always say embrace others with their differences however challenging that may seem at times. In being rigid in your approach to various cultures, you may be robbing yourself the pleasure of absolutely wonderful experiences in store for you. In not developing an interest in other cultures is in a way denying yourself interesting interactions with many people near you at the grassroots level and limiting a lifetime possibility of exciting adventures in exploring far away places. With the introduction of different cuisines from all around the world around you and cultural events brought to your country from outside , you may think that you are already immersed in other cultures but you are not really experiencing cultures upclose and personal till you actually include other nationalities in your lives through personal or work interactions. So always have a place for people different than you in your life as according to me  "opposites attract" knowledge ! And more knowledge about a way of life of others is always very interesting !

 Before embarking on a long journey to distant places, one must remember to brighten and awaken one's passion for travelling and leaving behind your comfort zone to start with. Once on the "journey away from home or at home to meet new cultures",  do not forget to sharpen your cultural sensitivity and flexibility to open yourself to new discovery of customs, beliefs and ways of life different than yours. Be prepared to deal with cultural shock too however well prepared you may be in your knowledge about that culture. However well versed you may be with different ways of life in various cultures, you are always in for a surprise in dealing with people of other nationalities as new interactions between culturally different strangers can be quite complex sometimes. Last of all clear communication is important in any interaction specially concerning people with cultural differences and as long as genuine communications flow from the heart one can never go wrong even if one is not fluent in a foreign language.

Cultural Sensitivity/ Cultural Awareness & Religious Tolerance

Cultural awareness and Cultural sensitivity between different faiths is important. Lack of understanding and lack of respect for each other's faiths and cultures can cause tensions and riots. Major cause is intolerance...There is no sense in education if we can't teach our children to be culturally and religiously tolerant. It is alright to co-exist with differences in faith and religion.The rising racial attacks everywhere calls for concern and it stems purely out of lack tolerance and biased attitude.Lack of mutual respect of each other's way of life and thought process divides people.

Perhaps lack of employment is the source of it too as people tend to get exploited then as they lose focus and direction in life. Ideal mind is a Devil's workshop as the saying goes...The deprivation of proper knowledge also may be the root cause. Some people fear what they do not understand and they attack it to feel less intimidated... I feel there should be Cultural Acceptance and people should not react harshly to Cultural Differences and Cultural Shocks. According to me, if your good values and education are strong, you cannot really deviate from it and you will not cause harm to others and will not attack each other in the name of hatred and religious intolerance. There are ways to deal with differences by getting to know each other to enhance your knowledge.  This is a never ending discussion but all I can say like always is that it is up to us what we teach our children as responsible adults.

The teachers have to take  responsibility in creating cultural awareness and respect for differences in faiths amongst children and parents have to support teachers. Whatever the students are taught at schools will only have deep impact when it is followed at home as well. In Mie as a JET Programme Teacher my task was to create cultural awareness besides teaching English. At times it was challenging but in the end I always managed to awaken cultural sensitivity amongst the community there specially by adapting myself to their culture as well. You have to practice what you preach...I am confident that my students would grow to become responsible and culturally aware adults. I am sure that they will demonstrate cultural sensitivity and empathy and will adapt easily to the differences in people and foreign cultures.

In the International School in Tokyo (JIS and now AJIS) we were taught to be culturally tolerant. If some students were not culturally sensitive, some others including me would try to motivate them to be tolerant. "Empathy" was one of the subjects taught at school then on Saturdays. In India we have a subject called " Moral Science" in Convent Schools which too helps students to take the positive path in life. In fact our mythological stories and epics also stress on good values and morals if understood correctly and interpreted accurately.

As it is, whatever some may think India is basically religiously tolerant as various cultures,traditions and faiths mingle and live together despite their differences. We believe that there is Unity in Diversity. We colour ourselves in each other's sentiments and faiths like our Festival of Colours (Holi) denotes..We celebrate and respect all festivals or take part in each other's festivities. It is alright to follow your Faith with sincerity and completely as long as you respect the Faith of others as well. One has a right to defend and protect oneself and One's identity but it is not required to threaten the faith of others to preserve and promote your faith as that only reveals your own insecurity. The initiation of any kind of hate crimes should not be tolerated anywhere and we should condemn it. We should honour each other's cultures. We may not be able to get the entire world to cure itself from the everlasting illness of religious intolerance and hatred as well as racial discrimination but we could take the first step in making visible attempts to eradicate it...starting from home. We have to bridge the psychological distance between Individuals, Communities and Nations.

Different Strokes- WE ARE THE WORLD

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CULTURAL SENSITIVITY IN THE KITCHEN

A Table for many Cultures

It is essential to cater to different cultural tastes as the perfect host. Adaptability to the availability of ingredients and matching the cooking to the palates or tastes of your guests is so important in preparing for a party.  One must take into account not only the cultural tastes but also the individual preferences as well of all your guests. A detailed and careful preparation will never let you down.

Your sensitivity towards your guests specially in food will be felt and appreciated greatly as well as create a lasting impression on them in the form of a most perfect lovely evening. My parents were a famous couple in the diplomatic circle in Japan as in entertaining and hosting parties they demonstrated a lot of sensitivity. A leading magazine “Good Day” featured them too as one of the famous Diplomatic Parties Hosts. My mother always introduced a tinge of flavours from various cultures in her cuisine. No wonder her book and TV programs became so famous too at the time. The same special touch was added to the music and the drinks for the party as well.

My parents won prizes in “Kikkoman” Cooking Contests as well because of the fact that they introduced a tinge of Japanese flavour in their Indian dishes. They always kept in mind the preferences of their guests and catered to the tastes of all countries at their home parties. The food at their parties truly represented a fusion of many cultures. Today it has become even more important to find out more about different cultural preferences in food in order to combine those tastes with your food to entertain well...

http://colouredbyminna.blogspot.com/search/label/Minna%27s%20Test%20Kitchen

CULTURAL SENSITIVITY-INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS


International Schools pave the way for acquiring Cultural Sensitivity at an early age. According to me, International schools truly represent the ethos of United Nations in it's young form as children from various nations and cultures unite and interact with each other by crossing cultural barriers. At an early age , each student represents his or her country.The students there contribute in creating or forming mutual impressions regarding their respective countries.They master the art of diplomacy and cultural sensitivity quite early in this manner.

I had the honour of studying in an International School, Japan International School at a very early age. I am what I am today mainly because of my education in an International School and that too in a school like JIS. International schools completely equip students with cultural sensitivity and refine their bilingual skills.That's what my school did for me. Today, I feel that I have good communication and linguistic skills because of my education in JIS. JIS offered a very friendly and inviting atmosphere because it was an international school in the real sense beacause people from various cultures were easily accepted there.

What I liked was that we were also taught Japanese Language. I could later live ,work and adapt to the lifestyle easily in Japan again because of what JIS taught me. My early experience in an international school  taught me to respect, understand and appreciate other cultures. That's what makes it much easier for me to adjust in any country. Today I share my culture, other cultural experiences, ideas and knowledge with many people so easily as a result of my experiences in  an International School . It made me more sensitive to other cultures and way of thought. Thus,I`m able to communicate or relate well to people from any country, irrespective of their backgrounds.

WORDS & SOME OTHER INSTRUMENTS IN REVEALING  TASTE OF CULTURAL SENSITIVITY

I have enjoyed studying about other cultures and lifestyles since early years of my life. Today I am not only an Interpreter of foreign languages but also a Culture Specialist. I believe that a thorough study of countries should not only concentrate on the languages, history and culture, but it should also cover the etiquettes as well as the sensitive points of every culture.

In life, the usage of correct words, expressions, etiquettes and body language are important tools in reflecting cultural sensitivity. Words are the most important...Fair words cost nothing. Words alone can break or make a relationship….Wrong usage of words can reflect not only ignorance but lack of sensitivity and lack of respect for the other person or culture. It is often said that “loose lips sink ships”.

In the world of diplomacy and cultural connections, it is essential to master the correct usage of words, gestures and etiquettes to demonstrate cultural sensitivity and mutual respect as well as understanding. “Wealth of cultural etiquettes makes many friends”.

I feel that not knowing the norms of any culture and ignoring the importance of the correct usage of words can steal the essence from the ability to interpret that language. There is no use of studying the language or history of a country, if one cannot acquaint oneself with the cultural etiquettes as well…According to me, etiquettes are the accessories of any culture, in the absence of which knowledge of that culture appears absolutely unattractive and incomplete.

Manners and sensitivity help in creating mutual respect which ushers the arrival of mutual understanding between individuals and nations. I strongly feel that the lack of etiquettes and sensitivity makes any cultural interaction of any level very tasteless and unrefined. Our attitude and response to each other matter a lot in forming and forging relationships. It is important to keep in view another’s feelings and to make efforts to empathize.

Words for example if not appropriately used can mark the ending of any kind of relationship be it a personal or business relationship as well as result in creating conflict between nations. It is extremely important to convey the right meaning of your intentions through words. Careless usages of words destroy mutual impressions.

Sometimes very small points in one’s conversation or attitude may hurt and damage a relationship forever in life… Wrong words pierce a person and have a lasting effect. Lack of sensitivity in terms of words may scratch you painfully like sandpaper… Though at times, having been the recipient of wrong words one’s own sensitivity to another person deepens as a result of the pain one has experienced. Nevertheless it is so important to feel each word you speak and be aware of the impact of their meaning as words speak volumes.

Certain gestures too can be considered offensive in another culture. The definitions of body language in addition to the definitions of similar words differ in countries. Body language also plays a key role in expressing one’s respect for another culture. There are different forms of handshakes and greetings that are included in the study of body language which also help in creating a positive and lasting impression. In the classroom environment, I always enjoyed covering etiquettes of various countries in the section of “Cultural Talks” as I called it. These talks included even the simplest of things such as giving gifts or dining at a formal environment in a certain country. You’d be surprised to know that the tips given at a restaurant or the number of flowers considered acceptable when given as a gift also differ from country to country.

To add finishing touches to one’s knowledge of other cultures, it is necessary that one develops the art of cultural sensitivity. It is also essential to demonstrate your knowledge on this subject through one’s behaviour and actions. No knowledge is complete without actually applying it to real life.

I have experienced that country to country cultural exchange is a delicate bridge of friendship that has to be crossed not only intelligently but with patience and tact. An intelligent direction of thoughts in this respect can cement relationships between people. I always taught my students that a thorough study of each other’s cultures is required to make the interaction effective. For instance the knowledge of the significance of colours in each culture is essential. My mother has always stressed the importance of the above in my life since childhood as an important part of my grooming because as an individual and a responsible person in this cross-cultural environment, it is essential to acquire such qualities.

We must take strong measures against the wind of careless expression of words in modern times specially where stress and impatience are abundant…It is also required to know the correct pronunciation and intonation in the world of words. In the absence of clear pronunciation, the true meaning of words may be lost and that would also portray one’s lack of knowledge and interest in the subject. I am told that even in chanting or prayer of any sort, a lot depends on the right usage and pronunciation of words as that alone determines the power and result of that particular chant or ‘mantra’. As teachers of cultural exchange programme, our main task was to motivate students to have an in depth knowledge of other cultures as well as to stress on the right pronunciation of words.

Words can evoke a chain of thought process…Words alone can inspire and motivate people…Souls can be stirred through a collection of words called Poetry. Hence the role of words in our lives and in the world outside can never be ignored. Right words are one of the essential ingredients to whip up a delicious flavour in the cocktail of cultural sensitivity.