JAPAN:

Japan is an archipelago of 6,852 islands.

Japan has the world's tenth-largest population, with over 127 million people. Japan’s capital is Tokyo.
Religion:
The two major religions in Japan are Shinto and Buddhism.
JAPANESE LANGUAGE:
NIHONGO is a language spoken by over 130 million[4] people in Japan and in Japanese emigrant communities.
The Japanese language is written with a combination of three scripts: kanji, hiragana, katakana.
MUSIC:
J-pop- an abbreviation for Japanese pop, is a loosely-defined musical genre that entered the musical mainstream of Japan in the 1990s.
Inspired from the songs of The Beatles.
Mourning/Funeral:
99.81% are cremated. Fewer cemetery due to small geographic. The scattering of ashes became more popular in recent years, most are
performed in mountains and sea.
Kimono Trivia:
Are originally worn by men. One Kimono is composed of 12 layers of robe. Mostly worn in special occasions and festivals.

KOREA
 is an East Asian country that is currently divided into two separate states- North Korea and South Korea.
 War lasted from 3 years, from 1950-1953. There was a cease-fire, but no “peace treaty” was signed.
 Official Name: Republic of Korea.
 Capital: Seoul
 Population: 48, 846, 823
BELIEFS:
 When the first night of the new year comes everybody hides their shoes. This is because there is a belief that a ghost will come down
and try on everyone’s shoes. If the ghost finds a pair it likes it will take it. It is thought that the owner of the shoes will then have bad
luck for the whole year.
 South korea has one of the high rate for suicide in the whole world.
FACTS:
 The martial art 'Tae kwon do' originated in Korea.
RELIGION:
 Religion in Korea encompasses a number of different traditions. Traditional Buddhism, Mugyo with a background of Korean
Confucianism and later Christianity all play a role in Korea's religious tradition.
 Persecutions of Christian in North Korea.
 North Korea – Buddhism and Confucianism.
FOOD:
Korean cuisine is largely based on rice, noodles, tofu , vegetables, and meats. Traditional Korean meals are noted for the number of side dishes
that accompany steam-cooked short-grain rice. Kimchi is usually served at every meal.
Kimchi – made from different kind of vegetables and seasonings. Korea, biggest exporters of Kimchi.
FOOD TABOOS:
Sticking your chopstick or other utensils in a bowl of rice and letting it stand there, instead of placing the utensil on the side. This is considered
bad luck since this in only done at funerals.
COURTSHIP:
Fixed Marriage in most cases. Women values marriage than career. Vice versa for Men.
Language:
More than 70 Million speakers.
Some have the same characteristics with Chinese and Japanese language.
KOREAN CLUTUTRES:
The family is the most important part of Korean life.
Family first than needs of oneself.
. Many South Koreans shake hands with expatriates after the bow, thereby blending both cultural styles.
. The person of lower status bows to the person of higher status, yet it is the most senior person who initiates the handshake.
. Gifts express a great deal about a relationship and are always reciprocated.
. It is inconsiderate to give someone an expensive gift if you know that they cannot afford to reciprocate accordingly.
. The number 4 is considered unlucky, so gifts should not be given in multiples of 4.
Giving 7 of an item is considered lucky.
. Wrap gifts in red or yellow paper, since these are royal colours. Alternatively, use yellow or pink paper since they denote happiness.
. Remove your shoes before entering the house.
. The hosts usually accompany guests to the gate or to their car because they believe that it is insulting to wish your guests farewell indoors.
 The eldest are served first.
. The oldest or most senior person is the one who starts the eating process.
. Never point your chopsticks.
Finish everything on your plate.
Business Etiquette:
. South Koreans prefer to do business with people with whom they have a personal connection.
Respond to questions directly and concisely.