Culture Shock! Tokyo at Your Door

by Yoshida, Yuko Morimoto

• ISBN13: 9781558687486
• ISBN10: 1558687483
• Edition: Revised
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-06-01
• Publisher: Ingram Pub Services

Summary

The most important city in the world's second largest economy. Tokyo is often the first stop for the thousands of visitors that come to Japan each year. For many of them, Tokyo also becomes their last stop in Japan. And not surprisingly so, as the city's high tech image and myriad cultural attractions make it one of the most sophisticated and 'happening' places in the world. Yuko Morimoto-Yoshida, an intercultural business consultant, introduces you to the people, landscape, and culture of her hometown, offering invaluable insights into the culture of the Japanese and providing practical tips to help you make your stay in Tokyo a rich and enjoyable experience. Book jacket.

Table of Contents

Map of Japan	p. 7
Acknowledgments	p. 8
Introduction	p. 10
Map of Tokyo	p. 12
Map of 23 Wards	p. 14
Getting to Know Tokyo	p. 13
Tokyo in context	p. 14
Neighborhoods in Tokyo	p. 14
The four seasons	p. 20
People in Tokyo	p. 27
Exploring Tokyo's Past and Present	p. 38
Tokyo in Japanese history	p. 38
Modern Japan (1980s-present day)	p. 51
Religion and beliefs	p. 54
Arriving in Tokyo	p. 58
Visa requirements	p. 58
Things to take and not to take	p. 60
Immigration and customs	p. 66
Starting your life in Tokyo	p. 71
Obtaining necessary documents	p. 71
Arranging housing	p. 73
Arranging utilities and services	p. 82
Organizing Everyday Life	p. 89
Mail	p. 89
Media	p. 93
Various services	p. 95
Rules and regulations	p. 99
Emergencies	p. 100
English-language resources	p. 103
Getting Around in Tokyo	p. 104
The address system	p. 104
Train and subway lines	p. 105
Automobiles	p. 111
Walking	p. 117
Handling finances	p. 120
Banking services	p. 120
Financial services at post offices	p. 125
Cash	p. 125
Credit cards	p. 126
Taxes	p. 127
Interacting with Japanese people	p. 129
Japanese cultural patterns	p. 129
Japanese communication styles	p. 135
Understanding the Japanese language	p. 140
Communicating with Japanese people in English	p. 144
Getting to know people	p. 149
Gift-giving	p. 154
Weddings and funerals	p. 156
Working in Tokyo	p. 160
Business etiquette	p. 161
The Japanese work force	p. 165
Japanese business styles	p. 168
Foreigners working in Tokyo	p. 175
Raising Children in Tokyo	p. 184
The Japanese education system	p. 184
Education for foreign children	p. 187
Preschools	p. 192
Extra-curricular activities	p. 194
Entertainment for children	p. 195
Taking Care of Your Health	p. 202
The health insurance system	p. 203
Health care facilities and procedures	p. 205
Children's health care	p. 212
Women's health care	p. 215
Having a baby in Tokyo	p. 214
Dental care	p. 218
Mental health care	p. 220
Alternative health care	p. 221
Emergencies	p. 224
Additional resources	p. 226
Eating well in Tokyo	p. 228
Japanese foods and beverages	p. 228
Japanese food challenges for foreigners	p. 234
Beverages	p. 234
Table etiquette	p. 236
Shopping for food	p. 239
Food selections	p. 241
Eating out	p. 244
Shopping in Tokyo	p. 251
The shopping scene	p. 251
Places to shop	p. 252
Department stores	p. 254
Things to buy	p. 257
Foreign reading materials	p. 261
Enjoying Your Life in Tokyo	p. 266
Places to visit	p. 266
Entertainment	p. 273
Staying active	p. 275
Spectator sports	p. 277
Experiencing Japanese culture	p. 280
Adult education	p. 285
Traveling beyond Tokyo	p. 286
Cultural Quiz	p. 299
Calendar of Festivals and Holidays	p. 305
Glossary	p. 306
Resource Guide	p. 310
Further Reading	p. 315
The Author	p. 318
Index	p. 319
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.