“At the TAG International Business society, our goal is to make our members and guests feel welcome in any language. We help facilitate vital economic development platforms between the Technology Association of Georgia and the Georgia international business community. Our seasoned board of volunteer business leaders works with other TAG societies, International Consulates, International Business Chambers and the public sector to promote international business in Georgia.”

Currently, there are over 14,000 members representing 1,600 tech-oriented companies. Membership to TAG encompasses Georgia’s mission to bring together international companies and create a solid platform for attracting new business – far and wide – to inquire effective solutions.

“I’ve been in Japan for 3 1/2 years. Generally speaking, Japanese people are prejudiced against foreign people who don’t look like Japanese. Japanese people think that no foreigner can speak Japanese. Staff at a bento shop that I’ve visited for 3 years still treat me like I cannot speak Japanese.” (Belgian man)

“I think that the Japanese education system is the main reason why Japanese people cannot communicate with foreign people naturally. Japanese people don’t study much about other races and cultures, do they?” (American woman)

“At first, I was happy when Japanese people gave me compliments like ‘You are good at using chopsticks’ and ‘You speak Japanese very well.’ However, now that I have been in Japan for a long time, these sort of compliments sound like that they are looking down at me.” (Australian man)

Why is this so? The Japanese culture is very modest and that is one reason Japanese people might turn their nose up at a foreigner who cannot speak Japanese. In another response, a woman commented on the immigration and flow of people Japan experiences. There are mostly Europeans and Americans in Japan, and when a foreigner is from another country, it is new territory for the Japanese. There is nothing wrong with modesty, but this perspective offers a new window into the view foreigners hold on the Japanese culture.

Written in reference to: Japan Today 

During a protest in Yoyogi Park this past week, protesters made it clear that they want NO NUKES. Most claim the best option for Japan is to abandon Japan’s nuclear program.

Japan is perceived as being an expensive country by many foreigners. Some things are expensive, while others are cheaper (depending on which country you are comparing prices to, obviously).

Recently, lifestyle website Madame RiRi carried an article, giving six examples of what foreigners in Japan found to be more expensive than back home.

1. Dining

Although there are many restaurants offering reasonable prices due to the prolonged recession, many foreigners still say that food in Japan is expensive. The main gripe is that the servings are too small, so it costs more for people who eat a lot. Furthermore, some foreign people felt that international foods such as peanut butter, tacos, pizza, and so on are fairly expensive.

2. Fruit

The land of 10,000-yen melons. Foreigners are puzzled as to why so many items of fruit are considered luxury gift items — 2,000 yen for a piece of gift-wrapped fruit in Japan that might cost $2-3 in the U.S. Pineapples and bananas are the only cheap fruit, it seems.

3. Education

Japanese education is certainly expensive. For example, many foreign people say that rucksacks (used by Japanese elementary school children), school fees, examination fees for entering university, and so on, are exorbitant. Japan also has cram schools, which are not very common abroad, and that adds to the cost of a child’s overall education.

4. Movie tickets

The average price of a movie ticket in the U.S. is $7.95 (about 640 yen). In Japan, you’ll have to shell out at least 1,800 yen.

5. Alcohol

The price of beer in Japan is four times more expensive than in Germany and twice as expensive as in the U.S. Also, wine prices in Japan are four times more expensive than in France. There is saying that German people drink beer like water and French people drink wine like water because they are so cheap.

6. Skin care products

Some foreigners said that skin care products in Japan are three times more expensive than in the U.S. Generally speaking, Japanese people may spend a lot more money on beauty products than people in other countries.

Upon doing some research of my own, I stumbled across a few videos about the culture of Japan – specifically business etiquette. I hadn’t realized how vital it was to exchange business cards in the proper fashion. Believe it or not, this custom is important to Japanese business men and women when one is attempting to find a job. At just the right angle, you can exchange your business card with the proper technique, without disrespecting the other party.

“花鳥風月.”

When translated, this Japanese quote means: Experience the beauties of nature, and in doing so, learn about yourself.

Japan has been experiencing record snow fall averages this season. This man is shoveling snow near the nuclear plant in Takahama (Fukui Prefecture). Sukayu, located in the northern Aomori Prefecture, saw temperatures reach as low as -9.2 degrees Celsius on Thursday and recorded 4.29 meters of snow. In places like Hokkaido, these temperatures and snow fall averages are nothing, but for those who aren’t used to bundling up during the winter season, the temperatures hit people by storm.

Photo Credit: AP

To read more: http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/snowed-under-2

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“Miscellaneous Happenings in and around the Pacific in 1884.” Professor Stefan Tanaka will deliver the 2012 Program in World History and Cultures. This program is made possible by a co-sponsorship with the Asian Studies Center, The Japan-United States Friendship Commission and the Northeast Asian Council for Asian Studies. Every year, professors from around the nation educate future leaders, Asian Studies students and any interested in learning about the bond between Japan and America. This year, the well-regarded professor will bring to light the once unknown history of Japan.

If you are unfamiliar with Professor Tanaka, that’s okay! His work has been published over the years, including his popular book Japan’s Orient: Rendering Pasts into History. This event is open to anyone, student or investigator! Please contact dgainty@gsu.edu for more details.