Understanding the eating rules in Japanese culture will help you integrate more easily, and applying these rules will also help you limit unpleasant looks from Japanese when interacting.

1. Don't forget to say “itadakimasu “ before every meal.

    “itadakimasu” means the person thanked the animals and plants that gave their lives, so we could eat. As well as thanking all the people involved in getting us the food.

2. Also don’t forget to say “gochisōsama-deshita “ after every meal.

    “gochisōsama-deshita “ means “It was a great deal of preparing the meal” or “Thank you for the meal”.

3. Don’t stab food with your chopsticks.

     Use chopsticks to pick up food slowly and gently.

4. Never rest your chopsticks on the bowl.

     In Vietnam this is normal but in Japan it is not.

     Using your bowl as a resting place for your chopsticks rest is a breach of etiquette. If no chopstick rest is available, use the wrapper the chopsticks came in to make your own.

5. Do not use the chopsticks you are using to pick up food for others.

     If you want to pick up food for others, it's best to get a new pair of chopsticks to pick up food for others.

6. Do not point with your chopsticks or wave them in the air.

     Pointing with chopsticks like pointing a finger at someone. Or waving chopsticks in the air while talking is also rude.

     Make sure to rest them before you start telling a story with lots of hand gestures.

7. Eat all the food you put in the bowl whether you like it or not.

     Don't leave it to waste. If you can't eat much, pay attention to taking a moderate amount of food from the beginning.

8. Remember to return bowls, plates, chopsticks, and bowls to how they were at the start of the meal once you’re done.

     This is especially important in Japan.

9. Be conscious of how much soy sauce you need to pour appropriate amount.

     In the small bowl provided, pour only as much soy sauce as your meal requires. Over serving soy sauce is considered bad manners.

     In addition, don't pour soy sauce directly onto rice, sushi or sashimi.

Above are just a few typical notes that I concluded after a period of interacting with Japanese people and their culture.
And of course, there are still other interesting notes you should learn more!

I have been fortunate enough to travel to many countries over the years, both for work and leisure. However, my recent trip to Japan was my first international trip since the COVID-19 pandemic started.

From the moment I arrived in Japan, I was struck by its beauty and impressed by the admirable work ethic of the Japanese people. Growing up, I had learned about Japan through anime, so it was incredible to finally experience the country firsthand.

One of the things that stood out to me during my visit was the strong work ethic of the Japanese people. They are incredibly committed to their work, patient, and meticulous in everything they do, whether it's in their workplace or when signing commercial contracts.

Another aspect that caught my attention was the well-organized and methodical traffic system. The streets are lined with trees, and people strictly abide by traffic rules and regulations. Public transportation, such as the subway and other public utilities, is readily available and widely used. As a result, it's common to see Japanese people walking a lot on the streets to get to train stations or bus stops.

Japan is known for its outstanding safety measures. The streets, traffic, and rivers are meticulously maintained, creating a safe and civilized environment that is appealing to both tourists and residents. Furthermore, in Japan, drinking water is easily accessible, and tourists and residents can refill their own bottles instead of purchasing bottled water. This not only promotes environmental sustainability but also makes Japan a more appealing destination for tourists.

During my visit, I also learned that many Japanese people are interested in Vietnamese culture and traditions, including traditional dishes, holidays, festivals, and costumes such as the "ao dai". They are enthusiastic about visiting Vietnam to learn more about our country, and I hope to welcome them soon.

Despite our short trip, we managed to visit many places, including the Tokyo TV tower, the Meiji Temple, and the Tokyo Imperial Palace. However, what impressed me the most was the Tokyo Imperial Palace which is surrounded by greenery, fresh air, and a dignified atmosphere in the heart of the city.

We also enjoyed shopping in bustling areas with a wide variety of options available. Thanks to the enthusiasm of our tour guide and the thoughtful arrangements made by the company's organizers, we had a fun, exciting, and meaningful trip. I believe that we all gained valuable lessons and experiences from this journey. I would like to express my gratitude to the company's board of directors, my colleagues, and especially the warm welcome of the ISB Group organizing committee.

In conclusion, I wish Japan continuous development and prosperity. I hope its people will always be happy, peaceful, and safe. And I am sure that I will return to Japan soon.

 It was the first day of entering university, university of Social Sciences and Humanities,
 I chose Japanese Studies because I love this country with the dream of coming to Japan one day.

Office employees often face considerable work pressure and busy schedules. However, for a balanced and healthy life, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is not just a choice but also a vital necessity. Below are the essential steps to guide office employees in forming positive habits and maintaining overall well-being.