When my son started first grade in Japan, I found myself paying closer attention to something I had seen countless times before: elementary school children walking to school on their own. Through this small family experience, I began to understand how Japanese society helps children develop independence from an early age.
A small school performance made me pause and ask a simple question: is being shy really a problem, or is it a moment for adults to slow down and look again?
Japanese people have a habit of bathing with their children, while in Vietnam, parents usually bathe their children but don’t bathe together. This is one of the biggest cultural differences I noticed when I first moved to Japan. It really reflects how intimacy and privacy are viewed differently in each country. In Japan, bathing together…
In Japan, I don’t go to fast food places all that often. When we eat out, I usually pick local spots or small restaurants where we can enjoy good flavors and warm service. At home, my family prioritizes cooking and enjoying dinner together. But whenever we’re too busy or tired, McDonald’s is usually the first…
