#AP Japanese Exam Study Guide: Societal Structures & Networking 🚀

Welcome to your ultimate review! Let's make sure you're feeling confident and ready to ace this exam. We'll break down everything you need to know, connect the dots, and even throw in some memory tricks to help you remember it all. Let's get started!

#🏘️ Societal Structures

#🏙️ Urban vs. Rural Communities

Key Concept

Urban families often see both parents working, with a strong focus on education. Grandparents often play a key role in childcare. Rural families may still adhere to traditional roles, with extended families living together.

Urban Areas:
- Nuclear families (parents and children) are common.
- Both parents often work.
- Emphasis on education and achievement.
- Grandparents often live nearby and help with childcare.
- Trend towards more egalitarian roles.
Image Courtesy of Flickr
Rural Areas:
- Traditional family structures are common.
- Husband often works in agriculture/fishing, wife manages the household.
- Extended families living together are more common.
- Strong sense of community and interdependence.
- Filial piety is highly valued.
Image Courtesy of Pixers

#🚻 Gender Roles

Quick Fact

Traditional gender roles are shifting in Japan, with more acceptance of gender nonconformity. Men and women are increasingly sharing responsibilities.

Traditional Roles:
- Men as breadwinners, women as homemakers.
- Men manage finances and decision-making.
- Women care for children and manage the household.
Modern Shifts:
- Both men and women work outside the home.
- Shared household and child-rearing responsibilities.
- More acceptance of gender nonconformity.

#🥳 Rites of Passage

#🎉 Shichi-go-san (七五三)

Memory Aid

Remember Shichi-go-san with: 7-5-3, kids get candy and dress up! It's a celebration for 3, 5, and 7-year-olds.

Celebrated on November 15th (or nearby).
For children aged 3, 5, and 7. * Originated from Shinto rituals for children's health and growth.
Girls celebrate at 3 and 7, boys at 5 (some at 3 as well).
Children wear kimono (着物) and zōri (ぞうり).
Families visit jinja (神社) to pray.
Children receive chitose-ame (ちとせあめ), long red and white candy.

Image Courtesy of Wikimedia

Image Courtesy of WordPress

#💫 Seijin Shiki (成人式)

Memory Aid

Seijin Shiki is for 20-year-olds, think "20 and ready to go!" They celebrate becoming adults.

Coming-of-age ceremony for 20-year-olds.
Held on the second Monday of January.
Marks the transition to adulthood.
Young women often wear kimono, men wear suits or hakama (はかま).
Celebrations at local city offices with speeches and photos.
Popular celebration spot: Shibuya in Tokyo.
Vibrant and positive atmosphere.

Image Courtesy of Wikipedia

Image Courtesy of Flickr

#🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Friendships

Exam Tip

Remember, friendships in Japan often form through shared activities and school connections. School friendships can last a lifetime.

Formed through group activities, shared interests, and hobbies.
School is a common place to form friendships.
School friendships often continue into adulthood.

#❤️ Romantic Relationships

Emphasis on commitment, loyalty, and stability.
Dating can be more formal and serious.
Relationships often start with introductions by a third party.
Online dating is becoming more common.

#💼 Professional/Work Relationships

Common Mistake

Don't forget that networking in Japan is all about building trust and relationships. It's not just about exchanging business cards!

Networking through social and professional connections.
Joining professional organizations and clubs.
Attending industry conferences and trade shows.
Gokon (合コン): Group blind dates for young professionals.
Building trust and reliability is essential.

#🔑 Key Words

Shichi-go-san (七五三): rite of passage celebration
Kimono (着物): traditional Japanese clothing
Zōri (ぞうり): flat sandals worn with kimono
Jinja (神社): shrine
Chitose-ame (ちとせあめ): red and white candy sticks
Seijin Shiki（成人式): celebration for people who are 20 years old
Hakama (はかま): men's traditional clothing
Shibuya (しぶや): major business center in Tokyo

#💥 Strive for a Five Vocabulary

Negau (願う): to pray, to wish
Kenkō (健康): healthy
Seichō (成長): growth, development
Aka (赤): red
Shiro (白): white
Nagaiki (長生き): to live long
Hatachi (はたち): someone who is 20 years old
Otona (大人): adult
Shashin (写真): picture
Tanoshimi (楽しみ): excitement
Takai (高い): expensive, high
Kau (買う): to buy

#🎯 Final Exam Focus

Focus on understanding the cultural significance of Shichi-go-san and Seijin Shiki. Be prepared to compare and contrast urban and rural family structures.

High-Priority Topics:
- Rites of Passage: Shichi-go-san and Seijin Shiki (their purpose, traditions, and significance).
- Family Structures: Urban vs. rural differences, changing gender roles.
- Social Interactions: Friendships, romantic relationships, networking.
Common Question Types:
- Multiple-choice questions testing vocabulary and cultural knowledge.
- Short answer questions requiring descriptions and comparisons.
- Free-response questions asking for analysis and personal reflection.
Last-Minute Tips:
- Time Management: Quickly scan questions, allocate time wisely.
- Common Pitfalls: Avoid overthinking, stick to what you know.
- Strategies: Use keywords to jog your memory, connect concepts.

#📝 Practice Questions

Practice Question

Multiple Choice Questions

What is the main purpose of the Shichi-go-san celebration? a) To celebrate a child's first day of school b) To pray for the health and growth of young children c) To celebrate a child's 10th birthday d) To introduce a child to the workforce
Which of the following is NOT a typical characteristic of urban families in Japan? a) Both parents often work outside the home. b) Grandparents often play a significant role in childcare. c) Extended families living together are common. d) There is a strong emphasis on education and achievement.

Free Response Question

Describe the Seijin Shiki ceremony, including its purpose, traditions, and the significance of the clothing worn. Explain how this ceremony reflects Japanese cultural values.

Scoring Breakdown:

Description of Seijin Shiki (4 points):
- Purpose: Coming-of-age ceremony for 20-year-olds (1 point)
- Timing: Held on the second Monday of January (1 point)
- Traditions: Speeches, photos, gatherings at city offices (1 point)
- Clothing: Kimono for women, suits or hakama for men (1 point)
Significance of Clothing (2 points):
- Kimono represents elegance and tradition (1 point)
- Hakama represents maturity and formality (1 point)
Reflection of Japanese Cultural Values (4 points):
- Emphasis on responsibility and maturity (1 point)
- Respect for tradition and social norms (1 point)
- Celebration of community and shared experiences (1 point)
- Transition from adolescence to adulthood (1 point)

Question Combining Multiple Units

Compare and contrast the roles of family in urban and rural communities in Japan. How do these differences impact the way social relationships are formed and maintained?