In Japan the group mentality is very much alive, and is visible in many aspects of Japanese culture. They even have a special term for it - ‘Uchi-Soto’, literally inside-outside. There are many groups and sub-groups within Japanese society itself such as in workplaces, schools and social groups.

Often seen as overlapping circles, those that are inside the group are humbled and those outside the group are honoured and respected. This can be seen in the Japanese language’s concepts of politeness, something that can take many years for a foreign learner of Japanese to master correctly and tactfully.

If you are interested in studying Japanese, although it can at times seems difficult it can be very rewarding. However, in order to fully understand the intricacies, you must also take the time to learn kanji, the cornerstone of the Japanese language. The deeper meaning of the kanji symbols can often give subtle clues to the history behind the language and the true meanings behind the words.

The Japanese hold the cherry blossom very close to their hearts. The arrival of the ’sakura’ signals the start a new financial and school year. It’s a time to relax, rejoice and reflect with friends and colleagues. Masses of people flock to parks and other picturesque locations for ‘hanami’ (literally ‘flower viewing’; ‘hana’ = flower, ‘mi’ = to view).

Picnickers under the blossoms chat, laugh, sing and attempt to compose ‘haiku’ - Japanese poetry. Of course, much Japanese beer and sake is consumed in merriment. Viewing the blossoms at night when they are spectacularly lit up is a particularly breathtaking sight and makes for some stunning night-time photography.

Many Japanese companies send a scout to find the best picnic spot days in advance. The scout will reserve the spot, camping out as if in line for front row seats to a rock concert.

The ‘Sakura Zensen’ (Cherry Blossom Front) is studied and charted very seriously, almost scientifically. Each night on the news its progress is followed through Japan as the front tumbles northward in waves with the warmer weather of spring. The percentage of blossoms is announced in each area and predictions are made in a way not dissimilar to a weather forecast.

Have you ever stayed at a traditional Japanese hotel? In Japan they have a number of different types of hotels such as capsule hotels, business hotels, love hotels, western style hotels and of course the old style hotel.

More like an inn, these traditional style hotels are called ‘ryokan’. In the city they may be located in more modern premises, but in the country towns they usually appear more like the image we have of Old Japan. However, even at a city ryokan hotel, step inside and you will be instantly immersed in Japanese culture and hospitality. The staff will make you feel most welcome, and will even take care of transforming your room from a private dining room, into a bedroom come nightfall.

Featuring lovely decor, many ryokan have relaxing hot springs either attached to them, or conveniently located nearby. The traditional-style rooms often mean sleeping on the floor, but the soft futons and tatami matting will ensure you have a peaceful sleep. In the morning ditch the Western breakfast (which you’ll usually find is just toast!) and try a carefully prepared multi-dish Japanese meal.

The combination of different foods and flavors is not only healthy, but a taste-sensation and a great way to start your day of traveling or sightseeing with vigor. We thoroughly recommend booking into a ryokan when you visit Japan, after all if you want to stay in a western hotel why are you visiting Japan for anyway!

A recent statistic in the World Bank Group states that the Japanese have the longest lifespan in the world. Japanese men live be 78 years old on average while the average lifespan of a Japanese woman is 85. How do the Japanese do it?

After personally experiencing the Japanese lifestyle in Tokyo for five years, I learned a little about why Japanese people live so long and will share a few of their secrets. This month will feature Part 1: It’s All in the Food. Part 2: Live the Lifestyle will appear in the April edition of eNews at http://www.magneticrevolution.com

Part 1: It’s All in the Food The Japanese diet does not center on delicacies eaten solely for taste. In fact, most dishes are consumed based on the health benefits people gain from them.
Conscious decisions are based on ‘What would be good for me?’ as opposed to ‘What do I feel like eating?’ This leads one to contemplate what is the diet for the average Japanese person and what are their secrets?

Secret #1: Eating fish instead of red meat lowers the risk of heart attacks. For a source of protein, fish is a common staple in most meals. Red meat is significantly more expensive and less frequently consumed. Fish is healthier and the fresher it is the better. Keep in mind that not all fish in Japan is consumed raw, there are many ways that fish is prepared (grilled, baked, fried, poached, etc) and served. Furthermore, Japanese women believe that the skin on fish helps bring out the natural beauty of their skin and improves their complexion.

Secret #2: Soy products help reduce heart disease and high blood pressure and are a great source of protein. Tofu and soy products are also staples in the Japanese diet. Considering that saturated fats from meat and dairy products increase cholesterol, it is encouraging to know that foods derived from plants such as soy actually have the opposite effect. Soybeans provide adequate protein without the saturated fat and cholesterol of meats and high-fat dairy. Soy sauce, tofu, and natto (soy beans mixed with raw egg served over rice) are a few examples of soy products consumed daily.

Secret #3: Wheat and buckwheat flour helps in the digestive process. The consumption of starches is at a minimum and usually contains no white flour. Japanese noodles are made from wheat flour or buckwheat flour. Both are significantly healthier than enriched white flour. Rice is a staple in the diet but consists of a small bowl at meals. The significance is to cleanse the mouth when changing dishes. Rice will remove the flavor in one’s mouth much like cheese and crackers when sampling wines.

Secret #4: Smaller portions reduce the opportunity for excessive eating. Traditional Japanese meals are about half the regular portion of western dishes. Even though most dishes are viewed as healthy, portions are still relatively small.

Secret #5: Oolong tea counter balances some of the effects unhealthy food has on the body. Finally, the consumption of Japanese green tea or Chinese oolong tea, served hot or cold, has numerous health benefits. Tea has half the caffeine of coffee. Oolong tea, in particular, helps to break up oil in the digestive system and is usually consumed at mealtime, particularly when fried or breaded foods are being served.

These five secrets help to explain why the Japanese are so healthy and have the longest life expectancy. Part 2: Live the Lifestyle will appear in next month’s edition of eNews at http://www.magneticrevolution.com, and will describe daily life habits in Japan. If you have any comments or questions please send them to: info@magneticrevolution.com.

Here’s to your health!

About the author:
Peter McGarry is the Editor/Writer for Magnetic Revolution’s online newsletter, eNews. For additional free information on health issues regarding fitness, nutrition, environment and financial well-being please visit http://www.magneticrevolution.com. This site is a guide to improving your quality of life.