#AP Japanese Study Guide: Culture, Customs, and Society 🇯🇵

Hey there! Let's get you feeling super confident for your AP Japanese exam. This guide is designed to be your go-to resource, especially the night before the test. We'll cover everything you need to know, with a focus on clarity, engagement, and those crucial exam tips. Let's dive in!

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Social Customs and Etiquette

Japanese social customs are all about respect, harmony, and tradition. Understanding these is key for both the cultural sections and for demonstrating cultural awareness in your free-response questions.

• Respect (尊敬 - sonkei): The cornerstone of Japanese interactions.
  • Bowing (お辞儀 - ojigi): A common greeting and sign of respect. The depth of the bow indicates the level of respect.
  • Honorific Language (敬語 - keigo): Using polite forms of speech with elders, superiors, and in formal settings.
    • Example: です (desu), ます (masu), and the use of honorific prefixes like お (o-) and ご (go-).
• Harmony (和 - wa): Maintaining group cohesion and avoiding conflict.
  • Consensus-building: Decisions are often made through discussion rather than direct confrontation.
  • Group over individual: The needs of the group are often prioritized over individual desires.
• Specific Customs:
  • Removing shoes: Before entering homes and some public places.
  • Waiting to eat: Until everyone is served.
  • No eating/drinking on the street: Generally not allowed.
  • No tipping: It's not customary and can be seen as rude.
  • Quiet in public: Avoid loud or disruptive behavior.