My thirdy Interview

Prepare for the interview

From both the first and second interview, I got more familiar about how to make a conversation and how to make an interview. I knew more about how to improve myself and make my interviewee to be relaxed. Therefore, before this third interview I prepared a lot of information about Japan, which could help me speak more during the conversation. The atmosphere will be harmonious. I still came up 15 questions to ask during the conversation. Actually, I have already known my interviewee Takahashi who is my classmate and also he is one of my best friends. So we meet at Library on the weekend and start this very comfortable meeting.

 Interview report:

This is a wonderful interview for me. I never heard some information about Japan before. Takahashi is a very funny guy. We cooperate perfectly during this semester, so we felt very relaxed in this interview. We could talk about anything without embarrassing. Therefore, from his speech I studied a lot of knowledge about Japanese culture, language and their educational system. Meanwhile, I also find some similar things between China and Japan. That is very interesting and I am pleasure to make more Japanese friends.

 

 

Culture Report

Country introduce: All about Japan "A land of incredible diversity: modern yet steeped in custom; home of the friendliest of welcomes. A country of blazing neon lights and rugged mountains, coasts and valleys." Japan has a fascinating and multifaceted culture; on the one hand it is steeped in the deepest of traditions dating back thousands of years; on the other it is a society in a continual state of rapid flux, with continually shifting fads and fashions and technological development that constantly pushes back the boundaries of the possible. It could therefore be said that Japan is a country of stark contradictions and is in part this that makes it such a fascinating country to visit and unique tourist destination. If you are looking for something different you are sure to find it here! (1)

 Japanese language: Japanese is the official and primary language of Japan. Japanese is relatively small but has a lexically distinct pitch-accent system. Early Japanese is known largely on the basis of its state in the 8th century, when the three major works of Old Japanese were compiled. The earliest attestation of the Japanese language is in a Chinese document from 252 AD. Japanese is written with a combination of three scripts: hiragana, derived from the Chinese cursive script, katakana, derived as shorthand from Chinese characters, and kanji, imported from China. The Latin alphabet, rōmaji, is also often used in modern Japanese, especially for company names and logos, advertising, and when inputting Japanese into a computer. The Hindu-Arabic numerals are generally used for numbers, but traditional Sino-Japanese numerals are also common. (2)

Reference:

 (1) From INSIDE JAPAN, All about Japan, http://www.insidejapantours.com/japanese-culture/

 (2) From WUKIPEDIA, Culture of Japanese, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Japan

 

 

During the Interview

F :( Yu Fan, me)

T: (Takahashi)

F: How do you communicate with each other in your home country?

T: In Japan people now, young people usually use cellphone, Facebook or Xbox online play these high-tech product. Also, write message this traditional contact way still have many people use it.

F: What is the clothing style for men and women?

T: Now is kind of same as US, but we for the traditional clothing we call “kimono”. The modern kimono is not worn as often as it once was. Like the furisode kimono is worn by single women and it’s usually bought for the coming-of-age ceremony. For Young men wear western suits for their coming-of-age ceremony.

F: How are women and men treated differently?

T: I have to say in our country usually men have more high position than women, in our traditional think that women are inferior to men. Of course now this action got change, but still not really equality of men and women.

F:  How has your experience here helped you interpret and respect cultural differences?

T: Yes, grow up and let me know why home country could use “Home” this world to call, I miss there.

F: Do you enjoy speaking with other exchange students?

T: Yes, I love it. I have many friends form different countries.

F: How long have you been in the United States?

T: This is my first year, I still have long time need to studying.

F:  Have you been able to visit any other parts of the United States?

T: Actually no, I have to say I am really dislike travel. I prefer to stay at home take break more than travel out and become so tired.

F:  What are your home country’s major religions?

T: Shinto and Buddhism are Japan's two major religions. They have co-existed for several centuries and have even complemented each other to a certain degree. Most Japanese consider themselves Buddhist, Shintoist or both. Religion does not play a big role in the everyday life of most Japanese people today. The average person typically follows the religious rituals at ceremonies like birth, weddings and funerals may visit a shrine or temple on New Year and participates at local festivals matsuri, most of which have a religious background.

F: What influenced you to come to the United States?  Especially, Saint Cloud State?

T: There are two reasons that are why I want to come to SCSU. First, one of my friends is studying here and he suggested me to come here. Second, SCSU can give me culture exchange scholarship, so the tuition fee is not very high here and I also can study knowledge and get bachelor degree.

F: What are you planning to do after school?

T: I do not want to stay in USA because I cannot live without my family member. I want to go back home and find a job that is suitable for my major.

F: What is your traditional food?

T: In the food area, fish is our favorite and sushi is also a typical Japanese food, which is popular in all around the world.

F: What are major holidays in your country?

T: I just remember a few my own countries’ major holidays. 1th of January is New Year, second Monday of January is Coming of Age, 3rd of February is Beginning of spring, 14th of February is Valentine’s Day

F: Do you like the weather in SCSU?

T: I fine, here have beautiful winter and I think I like it.

F: How often do you contact with your family?

T: I usually call them on the weekend, and let them don’t worry about me.

 F:  Do you have any questions for me?  I have asked so many of you!

T: I think no, and very nice to meet with you.