BEAUTIFUL CUSTOMS IN JAPAN

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a traditional paper lantern

YOSEGAKI

In Japan, the country where I live, a group of people sometimes write encouraging comments and their names on a solid, single sheet of square paper for their friends and give it to them on special occasions. The sheet of paper on which the comments are written is called shikishi and its size is usually about 24 X 24 (in centimeters). A shikishi is rimmed with thin golden border. The shikishi with the friends' comments written on it is called yosegaki. Yose means "collection", and gaki , "writing". A yosegaki is given to friends at their wedding receptions and farewell parties. Sometimes, we send a yosegaki to a friend who is in hospital.

I have four yosegakis at hand now. #1 is from the members of the University English Club. #2 is what the church youth group gave me when I graduated from the university. #3 is from the English Bible Class. #4 is what my students gave me just before they graduated from high school several years ago. These yosegakis are my treasures.

If I had a digital camera or a scanner, I could put the photos here. Instead, I would like to show you a "text only" version of some of the comments and verses that my classmates wrote for me in #3.

May God bless you all through your life!
(W. K.)
May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us;
establish the work of our hands for us,
yes, establish the work of our hands.
(Hiroshi)
Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good work.
God bless you in all undertakings.
(William)
We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him. --Romans 8:28--
(M. I. )
Hang in Christ. See Proverbs 3:5,6
(H. O.)
The best of all is God is with us. See Phil. 4:4
(Makiko)
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reasons for the hope that you have. --I Peter 3:5,6--
(Yoshihiko)
You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace. --Isaiah 55:12--
(Keiko)
God be with you till we meet again,
By His Counsels guide, uphold you,
With His sheep securey fold you,
God be with you till we meet again.
(Junko)
Philippians 3: 12-- God bless you.
(Masaki)

Along with this beautiful yosegaki , they bought me a copy of the Bible written in English as a farewell gift. Almost all the Bible verses I quote in this web site are taken from the very Bible that these special friends gave me. Thank you very much!

DOS AND DON'TS IN JAPAN

When we enter a house in Japan, we take off our shoes at the entrance and change into a pair of slippers that the host prepares for us.
Among conservative people, it is considered good manners not to hug or kiss each other in public. Most parents never kiss each other in front of their children, either. In fact, I have never seen my parents kiss or hug each other.
When we have to turn down invitation, we usually give the reason first, and then refuse it indirectly. For example:(of course, in translation.)

A: Are you free next Saturday? We are giving a party at my house.
B: Well, let me see... Next Saturday... I am afraid I have a previous appointment. I'm sorry.
A: That's all right. Maybe, some other time.

Most Japanese find it bad manners to refuse an offer too directly. It is considered rude to say no before giving a reason, because, according to our standard moral code, we are expected to do our best so as not to hurt the other people's feelings by rejecting their offers. Probably, the group-oriented mentality underlies every aspect of our behavior.

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