Not one to get into people's business, but are you aware of the intricacies of the Japanese culture? The Chinese and the Japanese may have different cultures, but both have cultures deeply rooted in traditional customs and etiquette. You thought Chinese was bad? I'm not sure if you are aware, but here are some Japanese customs some people do not know about (or just forget when the moment hits them):
-Don't stick chopsticks straight up in a bowl of rice
-Never pass food from chopstick to chopstick
-Take off your coat/jacket BEFORE entering a house (and don't put it back on until after you leave)
-NEVER wear slippers on tatami mats
-Don't cut your nails at night (don't ask, just do it)
-NO TIPPING!!
-Don't even try "going Dutch"; the Japanese do not what that is.
-Never give gifts in sets of four (since "four" is pronounced the same as death) or nine
-For the love of God, NEVER write a person's name (including your own) in red
It gets crazier.
California rolls ARE sushi. In fact, California rolls are a type of sushi called "makizushi"(巻寿司). For those who often make their own sushi, this is the type sushi that is made using a "makisu" (巻簾), a bamboo mat that you wrap the ingredients in.
First, the California Roll was actually invented by a Japanese sushi chef; it didn't just pop up out of nowhere. Second, the word "sushi" ([b]寿司) refers to the cooked vinegar rice, NOT the fish (raw fish is "sashimi [刺身]). Raw fish is the most common type of topping for sushi, but is not the only one that can be (or has been) used.
Though you might like that fact.
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