Differences in American and Asian Culture

Americans do however have the tradition to where the bride and groom are not to see each other on the day of the wedding until the bride walks down the aisle. The eyes are used extensively to convey true feelings in formal situations where it is difficult to express honne, or inner feelings verbally. Good taste is important, and should be reflected in the clothes one wears. In Japan, the groom’s family is to send a formal letter to the bride’s family, requesting for the hand of the bride. Do not arrive five minutes too soon or five minutes too late. Many differences explained included the marriage of individuals, the high and low context of the cultures, the verbal and nonverbal communication of the two countries, the greetings of America and Japan, and even the cleanliness of the individuals themselves. After the wedding is over, the bride is to return to visit her family for three days after the wedding, with the groom accompanying her with gifts for her family. The bride is then brought back to the groom’s residence and the marriage ceremony adjourns in front of all family and friends. Red is the color of the event, where everyone at the wedding is to be wearing red as much as possible. Also, you are never to introduce yourself to strangers, but rather wait to be introduced, as this can be considered inappropriate. From the tea ceremony to the bow, from the way one conducts oneself with a geisha to the way a husband behaves with a wife, or a father with a child, and a wife with a mother-in-law, the required behaviors can be very complex. People who stand out because of their dress are not thought of very highly.

Personal hygiene in Japan is very important. In Japan, the smell of dairy products is considered offensive, but it very common for Americans to consume dairy products. They also must rinse themselves thoroughly.