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Most Japanese families live in small high rise apartment or small home and it is not uncommon that 2 or 3 generations share the home or apartment. Because of the high cost of housing most families have only 2 to 3 rooms in their apartments; a small kitchen for cooking and 2 other rooms. The largest of the rooms is used for multiple purposes. During the day it will be used for eating meals, completing schoolwork, for family activities and entertaining guests. At bed time futons are taken from a cupboard and laid out on the floor and the room is used for sleeping.

It is customary for Japanese people to sit on cushions on the floor around a low table when they eat. It is also customary to use chopsticks. Although western fast food restaurants have become popular among the young people the Japanese diet most often consists of rice, seafood, vegetables, fruit and small amounts of meat. Most dishes have soy sauce or sweet sake in them. Miso soup, ramen, udon, and soba noodles are all favorites. A bowl of soup or noodles is held at chest level and it is okay to slurp directly from the bowl. Other favorite dishes include curried rice, raw fish, tofu and pork. Sushi is also a favorite food among Japanese people however it is expensive and usually reserved for special occasions.

The children in Japan are required to wear uniforms to school. Business men wear dark suits and ties. Working women wear conservative style dresses and slacks. Everyday clothing consists of styles similar to those in the United States. Traditional clothing such as Kimonos which are worn by men, women and children are only put on for special occasions, social events, holidays and festivals.

The most important holidays and festivals are celebrated together as a family. For new years day families attend festivals in their community. Special dishes are prepared and postcards are sent to friends and family. At midnight on December 31st Buddhist temples ring their bells 108 times to symbolize the 108 human sins. When they are through ringing the bell they feast on soba noodles. Giving money to children is another Japanese custom on New Year's Day. It is handed out in decorated envelops. It is also a custom to make mochi, rice cakes made from sticky rice on New Year's Day to be eaten throughout the month. They also pay special attention to the first time something is done in the year, such as watching the first sun rise, first dream, first tea ceremony, first shopping trip, etc.

Other holidays celebrated as a family include Golden Week which consists of 6 different celebrations including the emperor's birthday and children's day, and Obon, a Buddhist custom which honors deceased ancestors.

The Japanese people are very athletic and competitive. Their favorite sport is baseball and it is extremely competitive on every level. They also enjoy soccer, volleyball, tennis, skiing, and jogging. A favorite past time for Japa本论文由英语论文网提供整理，提供论文代写，英语论文代写，代写论文，代写英语论文，代写留学生论文，代写英文论文，留学生论文代写相关核心关键词搜索。