Q. Which is more polite: “Can you…?” or “Could you…?” Answer: In Japanese, when you are making requests, it is polite to use forms such

Q. When do I open a gift I receive? Answer: Americans like to open gifts as soon as they receive them. They want to see

Q. What’s the rule about smoking on planes? Answer: On airplanes, smoking is allowed only in the smoking sections and not in the aisles or

Q. Why can’t I say “I want”? Answer: A Japanese student once asked my American friend to write a letter of recommendation to support his

Q. Who should I send a birthday card to? Answer: Americans make more over birthdays that Japanese do, so if you want to show appreciation

Q. Is it okay to smoke in restaurants any time any place like in Japan? Answer: Restaurants usually provide separate sections for smokers and non–smokers

Q. Why can’t I just say “Thank you” all the time? Answer: To Americans in Japan, some Japanese seem impolite because they do not thank

Q. When I receive a gift, what kind of “return gift” should I give? Answer: Japanese etiquette requires a “return gift” for almost every gift

Q. What about in a home? Answer: When visiting someone’s home, the smoker should glance around the room first. If there is no ashtray, that

Q. In America, what kind of topics do people avoid? And what can one do when such subjects arise? Answer: In America it is not

Q. Do Americans give presents at the end of the year? Answer: If there is an equivalent to Oseibo, it is the Christmas gifts one