October 28
• Edited (Oct 28, 2023)
Last time I visited Tokyo, Japan, which was before COVID, I was surprised to find out that almost no shops would accept credit cards, which sucked because I had no cash on me. Given how advanced Japan is as a society, it’s kind of interesting to see how old school things are. Have things changed a little after COVID, or do I have to carry some decent amount of cash when I visit Japan again? What do you think Kei Ibaraki , Tammy Lee Park ?
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Comments
November 23
Do Koreans listen to other music or only K-pop idols?
K-pop like BTS, Blackpink, aespa, TXT are now making it in the western music scene (as Billboard points it out). Do Koreans always listen to K-pop idols music or not?
If not, any recommendations of hard rock bands in Korea? I'm a fan of the music around the world.
November 24
• Edited (Nov 24, 2023)
Personal Space, does it exist in Asia? I'm from a country with lots of space and low population density so it's not often I have people enter my personal space (approx 1 metre). When I've been traveling I've experienced crowded trains, markets etc but when it comes to being in a queue, supermarket checkout, ATM for example does personal space exist in Asia? I've travelled to SE Asia I've had to rapidly get used to people within my usual personal space which made me feel very uncomfortable at times, especially as a solo female traveler.
October 04
• Edited (Oct 30, 2023)
Do you have any questions about Asian countries or its people? This community channel could be the ultimate Q&A repository for culture-related knowledge and information. So ask away, make sure to share your insight and knowledge if you know the answer!
07:11
Welcome to the Asian Boss C...
Make sure to watch this welcome video first if you're new here!
October 26
In my culture you're expected to bring a gift when you visit someone. Flowers or food are the most common gifts given but occasionally if there is a large gathering of people for a celebration, funeral or hui (meeting with speeches & discussion) we will bring koha (a donation of money).
The expense of the gift isn't seen as important as it's the exchange or reciprocity between gift giver and receiver that is important. It shows respect between the two parties.
Is there a different or similar custom in your culture when you visit someone?
Photo: flowers given to my mother when her niece visited her
October 30
I was raised by my father to shake hands when I meet someone for the first time in a semi formal, formal or work place. This was always pretty standard practice at the time but have noticed younger people (under 25), in particular women are taken by surprise when I offer my hand or seem slightly uncomfortable to do.
I'm curious whether shaking hands in your country, in particular SK, Japan and Singapore, when you meet someone is the norm or not? Do men and women shake each other's hands? Is it more kept to older generations?
October 25
• Edited (Nov 03, 2023)
Wondering how much it costs to see your GP in your part of the world? Although NZ has partial universal healthcare many of us still have to pay to see our doctor. Today mine cost $NZ55, which is still very cheap compared to when I lived in the USA ($US850) but still more expensive than when I lived in Australia which was zero cost.
Follow up 3 Nov
Currently in ED with a friend. Having multiple tests, IV fluids and medical support. There will be no cost for this treatment.
November 10
I'm very proud of a health service provided to New Zealanders in their homes....free. This is a registered nurse service called the District Nurses. They arrive in their cute little cars bringing their knowledge and supplies to their patients in their own homes.
They provide wound care, end of life care, chronic and acute pain relief, ostomy, catheter care and education just to name a few of their duties. My area (Waikato)is divided into 16 smaller sub-areas which are serviced 24hrs by these amazing teams of professionals who are always there to help in person or at the end of a phone. I was very privileged to have worked closely with them in my previous work life in Healthcare.
Does your country have a similar service available to allow people to stay where they are often more comfortable...at home?
November 02
• Edited (Nov 02, 2023)
Recently, I was in Kullu-Manali, a popular tourist place in North India, in Himalayas and saw the traditional houses of these region. This ancient architectural style is called as 'Kath Kuni', made with locally available woods, stones and muds etc. specific to this region. While building these houses, the woods are pile up and interlocked, horizontal beams were used instead of keeping vertical. And I was told that these houses are earthquake resistant too, it could shake during earthquake, but does not collapse. The joineries itself were also made with wood in the past, but now people are adopting modern way of building. I find it so amazing to know, how our ancestors build such architectural pattern, according to the environment and their needs, in a sustainable way which then become a part of our tradition and culture. Now, I am curious to know if such kind of ancient architectural pattern exists in our own place or country, which then kind of become an epitome of the place and your culture ?
Some of the pictures of these old houses are here, and the last two is a temple called as Hadimba Temple.
October 05
• Edited (Oct 17, 2023)
I absolutely love ramen noodles, but I’m not sure if it’s considered rude or polite to slurp noodles in Japan. It seems acceptable in Korea, but I personally do get a little annoyed when other people are SUPER loud when eating their noodles. Does anyone who’s been to Japan know if this is acceptable? If so, then why do people have to be so loud about it?