hosting a Japanese Girl Guide

[baggins]

We are hosting a Japanese Girl Guide for a few days after an international Scout and Guide camp. Has anyone any advice or tips regarding culture differences. We don't want to unwittingly make any mistakes e.g. gestures that would offend etc.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Romeo]

Sounds great!! What is her uniform like?

OK I suppose I should be serious now. Well, if I were you, I'd avoid mention of World War 2, and if you don't like sushi, manga comics and whale meat I'd keep it to myself.

(Personally I love sushi and manga. And although the Japanese still practice whaling (for food), many Japanese want to see it banned). 

[ICEMANSAV]

don't say David Beckham is overated!

[Emily Ball]

Japanese always remove their shoes before coming indoors, so have a pair of (usually small size) flip-flops to wear handy.  She won't be expecting to eat Japanese food, so don't worry that you may have to cater specially for her. She will want to sample English cooking but don't feel offended if she doesn't seem to enjoy what we find delicious. Small portions attractively presented are what they are used to. Being a warm and smiling host will go a long way towards ensuring your guest has a memorable stay in the U.K.  

[Loosehead]

Just treat her normally, the Japanese along with most nationalities are more offended and embarrassed by people trying to give them special treatment. I know I am, I absolutely hate it when I go somewhere and the hosts try and make you a special case. She's here for the experience don't try and turn it into a false one.

[Champagne]

The Japanese are an extremely polite people and therefore can be very shy, so do your best to make her feel welcome.

She will really want to get a taste of our culture so think ahead about the things she may find interesting. I guarantee she will have plenty of things to share with you. It's a given that she'll be amazing at origami so make sure she shows you how to make a crane!!  :o)

Enjoy!

[ursula62]

Why not contact the WAGGS?

World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts
World Bureau
Olave Centre,
12c Lyndhurst Road,
London,
NW3 5PQ, England.

Tel: [phone].
Fax: [phone]

[Ouisch]

She is visiting you in an effort to understand your culture and traditions, so my advice would be, just be yourself.

That said, I would also advise you to be tolerant of any quirks she might have that you find unusual.  For example, I once had a Japanese pen-pal visit me quite unexpectedly (his letter announcing the visit arrived three weeks later, thanks to the U.S. postal service).  Anyway, all went well, but one major cultural difference was the expression of gratitude after a hearty meal.  Luckily my mom had read about this, so she wasn't surprised when our guest proceeded to slurp and smack his lips audibly while eating, and then belch loudly when he was done.  In Japanese culture, this is a compliment to the chef, you see.

[Emily Ball]

Oh yes another thing...it's considered the height of bad manners to blow your nose in public, (I believe the use of hankies and tissues is considered most unhygienic)so if they have a cold  they just have to sniff continually , presumably until they get the opportunity to blow their noses in private.

[SteveD]

Unless her English is very good, make sure she has understood what you say.  If you explain something and ask her if she has understood, she is likely to say yes (risk of losing face if she says no).

It could be a good idea to write certain things down (time to be ready to go out etc).  Avoid saying "a quarter past nine", for example - say "nine-fifteen".

[Chapel]

Wear clothes and don't do the fingers-on-the-side-of-the-eye-slanty-thing.