Being able to understand different perspectives is a very important skill in life, whether you’re traveling to different countries or just meeting new people in school. We all come from so many different backgrounds, cultures, ethnicities, and they’re all beautiful! Some differences may be confusing at first, but learning to understand them can help you to appreciate many ways of life.
For example, in Japan, compared to the United States, the culture is very, very polite. For example, talking or listening to music on trains is seen as rude, even if you're wearing headphones! Another difference is that are pretty much no trashcans in public! People are expected to carry any trash they accumulate to their trashcan at home or one at a local store. The Japanese perspective is that people should about the comfort of everyone around them before considering their own. It’s a type of hospitality that even has a name in Japanese, called omotenashi. While it may seem odd or inconvenient to an American, it is a perspective that is just as important as ours! It’s a way of showing care for others, even if they’re strangers.
