Global Relationship: Japan

<FOOD>Natto

Natto has been recognized as one of the most unique and healthful traditional food in Japan. It is made out of fermenting soybeans; it is very sticky and has a very strong smell. Japanese usually eat natto with rice and miso soup during breakfast. It’s a tradition to put natto on their rice, sometimes mixed with raw quail eggs. In addition, natto can reduce cholesterol, prevent blood clots, heart attacks, pulmonary embolisms, strokes and even baldness! Preferences for natto can differ greatly among people—some find it tasty and some don’t. However, please don’t judge natto by its outer appearance or smell, but by whatever is inside, and you can never say you've tried before you taste it yourself!

By: Rebecca Lu, Hsinchu American School

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In Japan, you might encounter people saying “Ohio!” (こんにちは)or “hajime mashite” (始めまして) to you. It means hello and nice to meet you, respectiively. Most people in Japan are considered to be highly educated. They are well-mannered, polite, and hostpitable The Japanese keep their streets, roads and sidewalks clean. If you walk through the streets in Japan early in the morning, you can see people sweeping, mopping, and washing the sidewalks. The Japanese rarely litter; they would even habitually pick up trash from public spaces and throw them in nearby trash cans. Not only is their environment clean and tidy, they also have the best food and placesin the world too!