We hope they know we are leaning much heavier on their first-hand-experience than on the guide-books... And that they know their parents admire them for settling down so well in Japan.
During the last few days we’ve read about places we struggle to pronounce and of which we have never heard before. Strange, foreign names which at this stage are black (Western) letters on white paper and dream-like images floating around in our imaginations. At least our children are anchored in reality!
So, to kick us off on the topic of Japanese customs, here are 2 examples. Of course we would like to comply where we can. It’s reassuring to read that the locals are most tolerant of the gaijin (foreigners) who try.
Custom #1
Whenever Japanese meet, express thanks or say goodbye, there’s a flurry of
bowing. The precise depth of the bow and the length of time it’s held for depend on the relative status of the two individuals. Foreigners (gaijin) aren’t expected to bow, but it is said to be terribly infectious and you’ll soon find yourself bobbing with the best of them.The usual compromise is a slight nod or a quick half-bow. You don't have to initiate a bow, but you should bow in return if someone bows to you. A few rounds of bowing may occur. Go along with it; it's a sign of respect.
Custom #2
It’s quite normal for men to urinating in the streets in Japan, but blowing your nose in public is considered extremely rude – just keep sniffing until you find somewhere private. We guess wiping your nose on your sleeve falls in the same category as blowing it…
Gaijin means foreigner, non-Japanese, alien, outside person. In 1340-something the word’s meaning was, “not friend”."While the term itself has no derogatory meaning, it emphasizes the exclusiveness of Japanese attitude and has therefore picked up pejorative connotations that many Westerners resent." (1995). Now that gaijin has become somewhat politically incorrect it is common to refer to non-Japanese as gaikokujin.In conclusion and in the light of Gaijin
two considerations:Firstly
- Through Jesus the gaijin (outsiders, foreigners, strangers, migrants, aliens, excluded) have access to the Father by one Spirit.
- Through Jesus we are now fellow citizens with God’s people, members of His household, , God’s own people, belonging to God. No longer gaijin!
Ephesians 2:17-22
17So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; 18for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, ….Secondly:
God’s people are strangers in this world.
Peter writes: "I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul" (I Peter 2:11).
- Christians travel as strangers or temporary residents.
- The pilgrim Abraham was a great man of faith. Like Abraham, Peter urges believers to make a difference in this world for God and for good.
- Many of us have been strangers at some time in our lives, newcomers to a certain city or community. After living for awhile in a place, people usually become more and more comfortable. They adjust, and may even adopt some of the customs and traditions of their new home. In time, they no longer feel like strangers.Yet Scripture warns us not to become too comfortable here on earth. spiritually speaking.
- Even when we are in the world we are not of it.
- There’s a comfort in the future that comes from knowing that we belong to Jesus.
- Even though you might feel out of place at times, feel as though you don't belong, you do belong to your Saviour.
- And one day we will be at home and perfectly at home.Paradise is the place where we will never again feel alone, out of place, discouraged, or sad.
