Japanese people used to sit on a "Zabuton"(Japanese cushion) on Tatami(a rectangular mat made of tightly woven rice straw, and covered with woven rush grass). The Tatami is an essential part of any Japanese living room. When we express the size of a room, we use the number of Tatami. A standard size Tatami is 180 cm long, 90 cm wide and 7cm thick. The size of two Tatami mats (called Tsubo, equivalent to 3.3sqm) is measure of land in Japan. These days Western style constructions are becoming popular, so Japanese people use "msq" for measurement more often.
	The Kimono is Japan's most traditional style of clothing. Most people, however, don't really wear it very much. Nowadays it is used for formal occasions, such as wedding receptions. In Coming of Age ceremonies, most of Japanese women wear a beautiful Kimono (called the "Furisode"). The Yukata, which was originally used as a bathrobe, is becoming the preferred dress for summer festivals because it is easy to wear and well designed.
	Washoku (Japanese food) is very popular in Australia. When you have Japanese food, you may use Hashi (chopsticks). According to the "Washoku hukyuu kyoukai"(Washoku promotion commission), to use hashi functionally, you should fix under chopstick and move only upper chopstick. If you should use them as described below.　Using Chopsticks →
	When making sushi we usually use "sushi meshi", which is steamed rice seasoned with sugar and vinegar. When speaking of sushi we usually imagine Nigiri sushi, which is the sushi made from sliced raw fish on top of a bite-sized "sushi meshi." The "Sushi-roll" is popular in Perth and is called "Norimaki" in Japan. It is a long rice roll stuffed with various ingredients, and wrapped in a toasted sheet of dried seaweed. The rolls are sliced into bite-sized pieces when eaten. There is also "Oshi zushi" which is made by filling a small box with "sushi meshi" and then placing ingredients over the 'sushi meishi".
	Bonsai is the art of cultivating miniature plants in small pots. Small pine and plum trees are popular as "Bonsai" in Japan. In Perth, many people enjoy "Bonsai" with Australian plants. We can find a specializing in Bonsai shop in Perth.
	Although often accused of working too hard, Japan currently has 14 national holidays a year. As far as corporate holidays are concerned, there is usually a one week break during summer, and another between December 30th and January 4th.　 National Holidays →
	Origami is a traditional Japanese craft, which involves making various figures from a piece of paper. It is easy to do with simple materials, so it may make an interesting talking point if you learn how to make some figures.

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