All syllables in Japanese words are pronounced with equal emphasis. Graduate degrees can take two or three additional years. Medical, dental and veterinarian fields require six years of college, he said. Satashi Kishigami said removing shoes at the entrance to a home is important to distinguish between the inside and outside environments. But when you replace your shoes with slippers worn indoors, he said, don't forget to leave them at the door to the bathroom.
Bathrooms have separate dressing and bathing rooms, and many people use the same bath water.
Baths double as relaxation and socializing time. It becomes automatic, he said. In restaurants, a wet towel is supplied to wipe your fingers on before a meal, appetizers are included in the price of a meal, and you do not tip the servers. Instead of putting napkins in their laps, Japanese bring their bowls to their mouths when they eat, Yuji Michina said. Some sushi restaurants, which do not have menus and serve what the chef selects, can be very expensive, and price is not disclosed until it is time to leave, he said.