Interesting Facts Japan

Clothing

Japanese tend to be much more formal in clothing than Americans. On this trip, men wear a coat and tie and women wear dresses or suits. It is recommended that I bring dress shoes that slip on and off easily because I must change into slippers when entering many places I visit. Even though some locations (such as schools) provide guest slippers, I have been told that I should bring my own slippers because the guest slippers are too small in size for Americans.

While I am required to be dressed up for the official occasions, I will get chances to wear informal, comfortable clothing. However, shorts, halter-tops (for women - not me!), or cut off jeans are generally considered sloppy and indecent, as are sleeveless shirts in some areas.

Since I'm limited to the amount of clothing I can bring, I'll need to wash some of my clothes in Japan. Here is where it gets really interesting! One suggestion is to bring a few feet of string and some small clothespins to hang wet laundry in the bathroom. In some hotels, bathrooms are equipped with a line above the tub.
Paper towels

Many public places in Japan do not provide paper towels in restrooms so I will need to bring an absorbent handkerchief and small packets of tissue paper with me...Sounds like this will be a blast!
Weather

Temperatures vary depending on where you are in Japan. Despite the small size of the country, winds from Siberia hit the northern part of Japan, so the north is cool even in the summer, while the southern tip of the archipelago is semi-tropical and quite humid year-round.

October is typically a dry month throughout Japan although some typhoons may appear in early October. Fall is considered the best season to visit Japan because of mild temperatures, less humidity, and beautiful foliage.

During the Host City visits, many participants find that school buildings are not kept as warm as they are in the U.S. (I bet my room is colder though!).
Smoking

In Japan, you may encounter situations where there are many people smoking in public places, offices, restaurants, or even in schools. The same awareness of health risks that exist in the U.S. is not as prevalent in Japan. Although awareness is increasing in some Japanese communities, generally the same anti-smoking laws have yet to be passed.
Water

Tap water is safe to drink in Japan, although the taste in some areas may be different from what you are used to drinking. In urban areas, the water may contain a high concentration of chlorine. Japanese in these areas often filter their water before drinking. Rural areas may have less chlorine. The water in Japan does not contain fluoride. Mineral water including major imported brands can be easily obtained from supermarkets and convenience stores.
Business Cards

It is recommended that I bring 50-100 business cards (with one side in English and the other in Japanese, if possible). Wherever I go in Japan, I will exchange "meishi" (business cards). People treat them as extensions of the person. So, when I give my meishi to someone, I do not hand it casually or toss it to him/her. Rather, when I receive a card, I need to accept it with both hands, then read it and carefully put it in my pocket or card case. Never write on it in front of the person since this defaces it and is considered rude.