JAPANESE SUPERSTITIONS

 Japanese people are often considered as the most logical , epitome of discipline and commitment but that doesn't mean that their daily life is not influenced by their belief in superstitions. Yes , you read it right! Japanese do believe in superstition and some of them would freak you out. Here are some of the superstitions:

1. Fear of number of 4 and 9  

Japanese culture associates 4 and 9 with misfortune. 4 (shi) also means " death". Cars with the number 4 in their license plate are cheaper in Japan , same with apartments and mansion' s addresses.9 (kyuu / ku) sounds like torture or suffering. Remember not to give gifts in 4 or 9 in Japan!

2. Don't whistle at night 

A careless whistle at night might get you unwanted visit by either a monster or a hoodlum. Japanese believe that by whistling you are disturbing the quiet of the night and thus bringing danger to yourself like snakes , burglars or even ghosts :(

3. Don't sleep with your heads towards your north 

This superstition is also believed in India as there is a custom to lay a corpse with head directed to the north. Japanese too believe that sleeping in north direction is bad luck . This is from the story that Buddha died lying down, with his head towards the direction.

4. Don't kill morning spiders 

So, according to these old Japanese sayings spiḍers you see in morning or at noon are a good omen.Therefore you should not harm the bringer of that joyful message as it will destroy the good luck that is about to come to you. Next time you visit Japan try noṭ to say that you hate spiders!

5. Teru Teru Bōzu (Shine-Shine Monk) 

Teru Teru Bōzu is a small traditional handmade doll made of white paper or cloth and are hung around window sills to help stop the rain and guarantee that tomorrow will be sunny. You might have noticed this charm in various anime or Japanese movies. The story ages back to the Heian Period (794-1185) where a monk promised he could bring clear skies the next day . Legend has it that the monk chanted nonstop in front of a feudal lord and was beheaded when he failed to stop the rain. His head was then wrapped in a white cloth and hung it up to wish for good weather. Though Teru Teru Bōzu may have a dark story but children in Japan are taught about the power of the doll with great zest.

6. Hide your thumb if you see a funeral car 

In Japan it is believed that if you see a funeral car and don't hide your thumb , you might loose your parents . So it is advised to ball up your fists to hide your thumbs. The reason is that the thumb is like a parent finger, so by doing this you are protecting them from the evil spirit of the deceased that lingers around the car.

7. Use of chopsticks 

Japanese people have their own do and don'ts when it comes to using hashi ( chopsticks). Don't stick them upright in your rice or food as it is reminiscent of placing incense stick at the altar during a funeral. Don't use your chopsticks to pierce through your food , instead use a fork for this. Don't point your chopsticks at anyone as it might be disrespectful. 

Let us know about the weirdest superstition you have heard in the comment section below! 

-Aanchal Singh

   

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Japanese language

 

こんにちは (konnichiwa→hello!)

日本語 (Nihongo) which means Japanese language is the 9th most spoken language in the world with over 128 million speakers. The language consists of three types of writing systems : Hiragana (Japanese alphabets) , Katakana (Japanese characters for English words) and Kanji (adopted Chinese characters). There are over 4000 Kanji in the language which make it a difficult one and is a major reason why people give up on it soon. Inspite being tough , the diverse , vibrant and unique culture of Japan makes this language stand out.

There are roughly 15000 Japanese speakers in India. Most of them learn the language to work, study or live in Japan. Others learn for a better career opportunity. Infatuation with anime , J-pop , and manga is also a reason for pursuing this beautiful language. Meanwhile professional interest in learning Japanese has begun to soar. Increasing your Japanese language skills will increase your rarity as a human resource, which should lead to a higher annual income and career advancement.Japan evokes technology. Automobile , infrastructure , shipbuilding , optical media , electronics , Japan leads in almost all sectors making this language a lucrative asset to possess. Japanese companies like Honda , Sony , Panasonic , Toyota are among the largest Multi National Companies in India.

Due to complexity of the language , there is a high demand for Japanese specialists in our country but dearth of teachers and instructors results in less numbers of students introduced to the language.  Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi university, Doon university and Savitribai Phule University are the few notable universities in India offering courses in Japanese , though the seats available for the same are low compared to other foreign languages. Students pursue this language from private institutions as well , though this is only limited to Metropolitan cities.

Thousands of Indians apply for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) conducted in six zones of the country, twice in a year in July and December.The test evaluates and the judge the level of proficiency in the Japanese language .If you want to know more about Japanese studies or want to participate in various activities related to Japan's culture , visit The Japan Foundation. It is Japan's only institution dedicated to carrying out comprehensive international cultural exchange programs throughout the world. So next time if you are confused how to greet a Japanese , just say konnichiwa with a smiling face and bow a little but restrain yourself from using this phrase late night or early morning. 

-Aanchal Singh

 

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INDO-JAPANESE CULTURAL TIES

Unlike any other country ,India shares a special relationship with Japan. Now it's not only limited to Japanese companies securing market in India but it's about the cultural exchanges between the two. This relation ages back to the 6th Century when Buddhism  was introduced in Japan .Buddhism brought about substantial changes in political, technical and cultural structures and revolutionised life in Japan altogether. Since then both the countries have enjoyed friendship and benefitted from it. The Japan-India Association which was set up in 1903 is the oldest inter at friendship body in Japan. Dispute free bilateral trades have been the strength of this friendship. 

    In 2007,both the countries celebrated the 50th anniversary of Indo-Japan cultural agreement and marked the year as the Indo-Japan friendship and tourism-promotion. To understand India more and increase the liking , Japan holds festival named 'Namaste India' every year and is now the largest festival of its kind in the world. Several agreements have been signed between the two countries on digital infrastructure , military supplies , railway supplies, technology cooperation etc.

'Namaste India' festival held in Japan

    Japanese diplomats and several leaders at position have often visited India to strengthen relation and so did Indian leaders. Swami Vivekananda , Jawaharlal Nehru , Rabindranath Tagore , and our current PM Narendra Modi are the few notable leaders among many who admired Japanese culture and have spoken good of it.

Rabindranath Tagore in Japan

    At present there are more than 10000 Japanese nationals living in India and over 30,000 Indians residing in Japan. The Indian Community lives harmoniously with the neighbours and has developed relations with local governments to become valuable members of the Japanese community. Japanese people have often shown interest in Indian beliefs, cuisines, familial bonds and practices like their keen interest in yoga; and Indian cuisines like Chole Bhature , Curry and Naan and many would even amaze you with their Hindi Speaking Skills. Indians are also becoming more and more interested in Japanese Culture as it holds a reputation for being considered trendy and cool. Many young Indians form groups to discuss manga (Japanese comic art) and anime ( computer/handwritten animation). Events such as comic con are held in major cities where fans of comics and Japanese culture gather together to celebrate their common interest. India's interest in manga is popular enough for there to be Hindi translations of it available. Today, India is the largest democracy in Asia and Japan the most prosperous.

-Aanchal Singh

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