January 2023

GRAPEVINEStore Manners! – Michael Henderson

Issue No. 10

Winter Fun – Katelyn Sondereker

Between Japan and America, there are many

Even though it is very hot in summer, Ohio has very

differences in manners and culture. One area that I

cold winters with lots of snow. In Kumamoto, the first

don’t think people talk about often is differences attime I saw snow was this week! Sitting inside while it

the store! So today I want to talk about all the things

snows outside makes me feel nostalgic (懐かしい),I’ve noticed since living in Japan.

cozy, and at home.

The first one is greetings. Japanese workers will

This past December, I went home to visit my family

almost always say “ い ら っ し ゃ い ま せ !”, but inafter not seeing them for a whole year. In fact, I didn’t

America, workers often don’t greet customers.

tell my family that I was coming home for Christmas,Sometimes they will say “Welcome in!” or talk toso it was a surprise! While I was home, I thought a lot

customers depending on the store (like Starbucks),

about the fun things we do in the winter in America.

but it is not as often as Japanese workers.

The second day that I woke up in Ohio, it was -18

The next is opening the door for strangers. Indegrees Celsius (摂氏)! We had a winter storm (嵐)America, people will often open doors for strangers

and it snowed a lot. If it snows a lot in Ohio or gets

when entering a shop and let them go first. This

very cold, schools have something called snow days,

happens even if the stranger is still far from the door!

where students don’t go to school and instead stay

In Japan, I’ve noticed this doesn’t really happen often,

safe at home. When I was in school, I loved snow days

so when I open the door for strangers they often seembecause I could sleep in, watch movies with my mom,surprised.

and drink hot chocolate by the fireplace (暖炉).

Another one is shopping manners. Sometimes in

Another fun thing that Americans do in the winter

America, people will not put back items in the originalis go to see Christmas lights (イルミネーション).

place. For example, if someone is holding a toy, but

Many people decorate the outside of their houses withrealizes they don’t want it anymore, they may place itlots of lights. When I was a child, my parents would

down on the nearest shelf to them, even if it is adrive us around to find the houses with the best

different section (such as the food section). Often in

Christmas lights! Some zoos in Ohio will also put up

American stores you will see random products inreally beautiful Christmas light displays that people

random areas because of this. In Japan, it seems like

can walk around and look at.

if someone realizes they don’t want a product, they
will always put it back in the original spot!

But I think my favorite winter activity is going to aChristmas tree farm to choose a Christmas tree. My

There are many other little differences I found, but

family always picks a HUGE tree, usually about sevenfor now, I’ll end with these three! If you’re curious

or eight feet (214-244 cm) tall! Then we cut the tree

about what American store are like, feel free to talk todown to take it home and decorate it with lights andme or Kate about it at any time!

ornaments. It is always so beautiful!

Kate’s brother,“Target”, anAmerican
supermarket
chainsister, and mom
hanging up
Christmas
ornaments on thetree!

How old do you think Michael is?
Each picture is from a different age
How old do you think I am in each picture?
If you think you’re correct, come find me and I’ll check youranswers!

_____________________Can you find theTEN differences
between the twopictures??

Come show us
what you find!