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Praktikum ++ Freiwilligenarbeit ++ Japan
What's Good to Know Before Going to Japan!
Schauen Sie sich einige nützliche interessante Fakten über Japan an, um sich noch besser vorzubereiten!
How did the Japanese actually come to the island?
The answer to this question also gives insights into the development of this unique culture. Japan is not small China, as many people imagine: Because the island was first settled 100,000 - 30,000 years before Christ - at that time still partly via land connections to Siberia and later also by sea. So a culture of its own has formed over the past 65,000 years.
The Myths Of Japan - What's Up?
The shogun serves the tea !?
Yes, Japan is known for its very special tea ceremonies. These can be associated with Zen Buddhism, often last for hours and are held in special, simply designed tea houses. On the way to the tea house, visitors are usually guided along a special garden path. Garden art, ceramics, theater, paper folds, Buddhist ritual chants and ink drawings are highly regarded art forms in Japan and have very special and interesting characteristics - during your internship in Japan you will definitely get to the bottom of these puzzles! But we can already tell you one thing: the shogun has never served tea. Especially in anime films or mangas we have all come across this term before. However, the term is steeped in history and is a military title of the samurai. The shoguns dissolved pure imperial rule and had considerable military influence in Japan over several centuries.
Europeans can never adapt to Japanese culture?
No! Japan has also had European influences in its history, especially in the past 200 years, so there are some similarities. It is true that the Japanese are particularly friendly and helpful ... but only as long as you stay friendly and calm, do not push and stand in line with a snake like everyone else. Much has changed in writing over the past decade. Most subway maps, train schedules, street signs and menus are also translated into English. This definitely makes it easier for visitors to find their way in Japan!
The most puzzling of all clothes - the kimono: who wears it? When do you wear it? How to wear it and what for?
There are many questions about the kimono, this typical piece of clothing is mainly worn in Japan and puzzles us Europeans! Do you need this garment when you go to work in Japan? No, because it has long ceased to be everyday fashion. Above all, it is worn on public holidays and on festive occasions. So you don't need to buy any before you start your internship. This could actually cause some difficulties! Above all when dressing. A kimono is traditionally put on correctly in 20 steps and only held together by a wide belt (obi). If you do it wrong, it can happen very quickly that you stand naked in the wrong movement ... and nobody wants to experience that on the first day of the internship! And there is more to go wrong: there are different types of kimonos. They differ in the different colors, patterns and the width of the sleeves. Using the kimono, a statement can be made as to whether the wearer is married or single, the occasion for which she is going and what role she will appear there. As a souvenir and with proper dressing advice, a kimono is of course very suitable, but watch out - a kimono is traditionally only worn by women. There are Haori jackets and Hakama trousers for men.
Economics and Politics
The last ancestors of the current emperor still had a god-like status. Even if the emperor is still the head of state in Japan, his position is now understood more than that of a state symbol. Japan is led by the head of government as a parliamentary democracy. At the beginning of the 1960s, there was a huge economic boom in Japan, a real post-war boom that continued until the 1990s. This upswing was so rapid that it was internationally called the “economic miracle”. Even today, Japan is still a model country economically and a leader in many industries. The country owes this, above all, to its work ethics. Here you can really learn something from the Japanese!
You should remember this: Kaizen
Especially during your internship! Kaizen is one of the most important terms in the Japanese working world and describes the pursuit of continuous improvement. This philosophy clearly contributes to the success of the Japanese in the business world! It demands that you do not rest on previous successes, but constantly optimize products, services, and work processes
Leisure: Activities & Events
Leisure time - is there such a thing in Japan?
The working world in Japan is generally seen as very busy and stressed out as a European. In reality, however, the interns don't have to work any longer than in other major European cities. And: the weekend is also free!
Relax in Japan's big cities?
Big cities, thick clouds of exhaust gas, skyscrapers, noise, and crowds - that's Japan! Exactly - apart from the fact that:
only five percent of the entire island is populated at all
more than half of Japan consists of mountains and forests more than half of Japan consists of mountains and forests
with 30,000 kilometers of coastline, there are hundreds, no, thousands of beautiful beaches that invite you to relax, surf and swim
In addition to the internship, inexpensive excursions are offered for all of our interns. Get to know the other interns on stand-up paddling or Japanese courses. So you can take part in the Japanese language course two weeks in the morning before or after your internship and actively enjoy the sunset while standing up paddling by the sea in the afternoon. This ensures the perfect work-life balance and that you can really enjoy the beautiful sides of Japan!
Water, water, water
The Japanese love water sports! But not only by the sea - the rivers are also very popular as rafting tour destinations! Excitement, thrill, and adventure in the great outdoors make each of our days trips a super fun and exciting experience for all participants: sign up and become part of the group!
In addition to sporting activities, you should of course also get to know the culture of Japan better. A cultural highlight is the Shinto Fest, which takes place every year in July. Mingle with the locals and help carry the shrine through the city and then admire incredible fireworks! This is the opportunity to be part of this very special Japanese tradition once in your life. Since the Shinto festival is not every day, we also offer annual, monthly and even weekly events & activities, through which you can get to know Japan, the locals, and many other interns better! Experience the different facets of the country during your stay abroad and meet us to enjoy Hanami, the Japanese Christmas and winter activities as well as snowboarding.
Dos and Dont´s
DOS:
Bow when someone bows in front of you and wait for the other person to come up again.
Eat with the chopstick! If it goes wrong and you're afraid of starvation, ask for help from the locals or simply cutlery.
Refill your fellow beverages.
Wait for the taxi driver to open and close the door for you.
Take off your shoes at the entrance to a house. This often also applies to schools, shrines or temples. Use the shoes you find at the entrance as a guide.
Use toilet shoes that you can find at the entrance to the toilet.
Take a business card with both hands, have a good look at the business card and carefully insert it into your shirt pocket or into your wallet.
Open a gift when prompted.
Dont´s:
Do not blow your nose in public.
Do not belch loudly at the table, as may be desired in other Asian countries.
Use chopsticks only for eating and don't let them stick in the rice.
Don't drink your glass if you don't want another drink.
Don't put business cards in your pocket.
As a lady, don't sit cross-legged on the floor.
Do not tip in the restaurant or taxi.
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