What is Japanese Culture?

Wedding Customs Attire

By Eigopass

Situation Stephen is an American who has just came to Japan a couple months ago for the first
time and still learning the ropes of how to adapt to his new life, environment, and customs of a
unique country. Saaya, his daughter, is a 21 year old Japanese-American young woman who has
lived in Japan most of her life. Stephen and his ex-wife, divorced in 2001 when Saaya was only
6 years old at the time.
POP QUIZ:
1. How many months ago did Stephen come to Japan? (1month, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months?)
2. In which year was Saaya born?
3. Saayas mother is most likely of what nationality?
4. Why did Stephen and his ex-wife get divorced?

Wedding Customs:
Stephen:
Honey, how do I look? Is a blue suit, white shirt, and blue tie ok to wear to a wedding?
Saaya :
I think it is ok dad but let me call and ask mom.
Stephen:
Honey, its ok. Dont ask your mom! I think it is ok.
Saaya:
Well, mom said you should wear a white tie!
Stephen:
White tie with White shirt?
Saaya:
I dont know!? Mom said it is customary to wear a white tie at weddings. Same goes for
Stephen:

when you wear a black tie at funerals I guess.

Usually, in the U.S. when it is an extremely special occasion, we call it a white tie

Saaya:
Stephen:

event or a black tie event but most people dont even know this or follow it.
Isnt that just a way to say that you should dress formally?
It is but making someone where a white tie to a wedding is a bit much, dont you think?

What do you think is the problem?

Do you think the same custom exists today?
How much do you spend to get ready for a wedding?
What other wedding customs do you think exists when attending a wedding?
What was your wedding like? (If you are not married yet, what do you imagine your wedding will be
like?
NOTES/HINTS:
learn the ropes

I'm in a training session where I learn the ropes of going into business.

customary

1.

2.

It is customary for me to go to bed at eleven. 11

black tie (Appropriate for most formal functions)

1.
2.

white tie (MOST FORMAL: Diplomats or State Functions)

1.
2.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: EVERY STUDENT SHOULD ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS PRIVATELY AND DISCUSS
THE VARYING ANSWERS.
1.
2.
3.
4.

How much do you think an engagement ring should be?

What is the usual/average cost to hold a wedding in Japan?
Where would you like to get married? Why?
Do you think your boss or manager should make a speech at your wedding? Why or why not?

ROLE PLAY!:
EACH STUDENT WILL BE ASSIGNED ANOTHER STUDENT IN THE CLASS TO PREPARE A WEDDING SPEECH.
AT THE NEXT LESSON, GIVE YOUR SPEECH TO THE CLASS:

NEXT LESSON TOPIC:

THINK OF 3 THINGS THAT YOU FIND STRANGE ABOUT ANOTHER COUNTRYS CUSTOMS/CULTURE. WRITE IT
DOWN AND EXPLAIN IT.