February 2001 QUESTIONS

  • (Mini, India)
    What are meishi?
    Meishi are business cards. Every businessperson and many other Japanese have their own meishi, with their name, job title, and the name, address, and phone number of their company printed on. Whenever businesspeople meet for the first time, they exchange meishi. This is a very important ritual in building trust and friendship between business partners. Also, it means they don't have to spend time writing down each other's details. They can get straight on with business!
  • (No name)
    What does genkan mean?
    Genkan is the entrance hall just inside the front door of a Japanese home. When you enter a Japanese home, you must take off your shoes and change into slippers (Japanese families always have extra slippers ready for guests). The genkan is where you leave your shoes and put on the slippers.

  • (Ben, USA)
    Are there states or provinces in Japan?
    There are 47 prefectures in Japan. These are the Japanese equivalent of states or provinces. You can find out about the prefectures and the important sights and events found there by going to Japan Atlas and clicking on "Index by Prefecture."


    RECENT QUESTIONS JAN | FEB | MAR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG

    2000 QUESTIONS JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | SEP| NOV | DEC |

    1999 QUESTIONS
    JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC |

    1998 QUESTIONS
    SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC