And here we go again. How to correctly be an American Ambassador in Japan. By the end of day two, we listened to 31 different speakers who gave us a barrage of information. Everything from how to dial (911) off base (119) to how to say thank you (Arigatōgozaimash – pronounced: ari-gato-go-zi-mas). We were also schooled on the stages of culture shock and the associated feelings. From this, I took away that my feelings of not knowing what to do or how to or if appropriate to do is known as “culture fatigue” and completely normal. To handle the stress of acclimating, it is acceptable to enjoy something familiar (Chicken Caesar Salad) and part of the transition process.
Simultaneously, we were taught a significant term in the Japanese culture. “Wa” Pronounced just like Wa in Wawa, describes harmony. The Japanese place the “wa” of the group ahead of their own personal “wa”. In other words, it’s very common to do something for the good of the group vice the good of the individual.
This helped me understand the difference in culture between the U.S. and the Japanese. Their culture works together to generate harmony and it is everyone’s responsibility to positively contribute ensuring the wa is maintained. Unity and harmony are driving attributes of the Japanese culture. Tomorrow we will have the first day of our “Inter-Cultural Relations” training. We will receive information about Japanese history, language, table manners and cultural awareness.
We had a break after AOB before we attended the Mt Fuji safety brief. (Make that 32 speakers) The brief is mandatory for all participants of the MWR (Navy Sponsored tours). Now that we have attended the brief, we will be able to sign up for one of two remaining Mt Fuji Day Hikes. I intend to sneak out of training tomorrow and go sign us up at 10am. Keeping my fingers crossed there are still space available. Otherwise… Plan B (which I haven’t developed yet). Until tomorrow! Kanpie!!
