Introduction

If you need textbooks to learn the Japanese language, there are hundreds and thousands of books, tapes, and CDs available out in the market for students. If you need knowledge on Japanese culture and history, information you can select from is abundant as well. I do not need to spend the rest of my life writing what is already out there. Thus, I have decided to write about something unique only to my background. Since I have lived almost equal amount of time in both countries, it may be interesting to observe and compare the two cultures through one person’s eyes. Of course, stereotyping can be dangerous; however, it is, after all, my observation, and you, the reader, have every right to disagree.