JFT BASIC A2 LISTENING PRACTICE

Summary

This transcript captures everyday interactions showcasing cultural norms in Japan, ranging from funeral and wedding etiquette to dining behaviors and environmental consciousness. The conversation highlights the importance of respectful attire for funerals and weddings, adherence to traffic signals, and the practice of cleaning up after oneself at food courts. Environmental awareness is also emphasized, with discussions on waste sorting and energy conservation. Practical advice on disposal of large items and the use of reusable items like straws and bottles is shared, offering a comprehensive look at local customs and sustainable practices.

Takeaways

• 😀 When attending a funeral, it's customary to wear a black suit and tie, and a white shirt. If you don’t have a black suit, a dark-colored jacket is acceptable.
• 😀 At a funeral, you should bring around 3000 yen in a special envelope for the offering. Make sure to write your name on the envelope.
• 😀 For a wedding party at a restaurant, guests should wear casual yet stylish attire like a nice dress. Avoid wearing white, as it is reserved for the bride.
• 😀 In Japan, even when there are no cars at a red traffic light, pedestrians are expected to wait for the signal to turn green to maintain discipline and prevent bad habits in children.
• 😀 In Japan, it is customary for diners to clean up after themselves in places like food courts, while in some other countries, this task is handled by cleaning staff.
• 😀 To conserve energy, air conditioning in some workplaces is set to 28°C. It's okay to adjust the temperature slightly, but always check with others who might be sensitive to it.
• 😀 When washing dishes, it is more water-efficient to stop the tap while scrubbing with soap and only turn the water back on for rinsing.
• 😀 Using reusable items like a personal straw and bottle is encouraged to reduce waste and promote environmental sustainability.
• 😀 In Japan, when handling waste disposal, items like pet bottles should have their caps and labels removed before disposal. These parts are treated as burnable waste.
• 😀 For disposing of bulky items like furniture, you need to make a reservation with the ‘bulk waste reception center’. A sticker is purchased and placed on the item to indicate payment for disposal.

Q & A

What should one wear to a funeral in Japan?

For a funeral, it is customary to wear a black suit with a black tie. A white shirt is also appropriate. If you don’t have a black suit or tie, you can buy one at a 100-yen shop. It is important to wear dark and subdued colors, and to bring around 3,000 yen for a monetary offering, placed in a special envelope called 'denbukuro.'

What is the proper attire for a wedding party in Japan?

For a wedding party, especially a casual one held at a restaurant, you can wear an elegant yet casual dress like a nice one-piece. However, avoid wearing white, as this color is reserved for the bride.

Why is it important to follow traffic signals even when no cars are present?

In Japan, it’s important to follow traffic signals, even if there are no cars, to set a good example for children. The rule is meant to prevent them from thinking it’s okay to cross when the signal is red, regardless of traffic.

What is the cultural expectation regarding clearing dishes after a meal in Japan?

In Japan, it is expected that individuals clear their own dishes after eating. This contrasts with some other countries, where it may be the responsibility of cleaning staff. The aim is to make the table ready for the next person.

How should someone use water when washing dishes in Japan?

When washing dishes in Japan, it is recommended to turn off the water while scrubbing with detergent. The water should only be used when rinsing the dishes, as this conserves water.

Why does the company set the air conditioning at 28°C?

The company sets the air conditioning at 28°C to save electricity. Lowering the temperature increases electricity usage, so they try to maintain a balance for energy conservation.

What are the rules for disposing of pet bottles in Japan?

When disposing of pet bottles, the cap and label should be removed, as these are considered burnable waste. The bottles should be disposed of separately according to the recycling rules in your area.

How do you dispose of large items like a table in Japan?

To dispose of large items like a table, you need to contact a 'sodai gomi' (bulky waste) center to schedule a pickup. You will need to provide information about the item, including its size, and pay a disposal fee, which is marked with a special sticker.

What is the process for recycling cardboard in Japan?

Cardboard should be flattened before disposal. If there’s a large amount of cardboard, it should be tied together with string to make it easier to handle and transport for recycling.

What is the significance of using a personal reusable straw in Japan?

Using a personal reusable straw, as shown by one of the characters, helps to reduce environmental waste. It is part of a broader effort to decrease the use of single-use plastic items like disposable straws.