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Japan vs USA culture differences — explained by a wandering samurai
Neither side is "wrong" — the defaults differ. Japan and the United States run on different restaurant manners, greetings, and logistics. These postcards and Discoveries hold them up side by side without a sermon.
By NOBUNAGA (@japan_nobunaga). Featured in The New York Times · ABC News Live · Book.
Cultural FAQs
What are the biggest Japan vs USA culture differences?
Restaurant tipping, personal space, greetings like "How are you?", portion size, and how strangers talk to each other. NOBUNAGA shows each difference as a short comedy postcard instead of a lecture.
Why do Japanese visitors find American restaurants confusing?
Free refills, ice-heavy drinks, tip expectations, and drive-thrus are normal in the US and rare in Japan — so the first visit feels like a new rulebook.
What is Buc-ee's and why do Americans talk about it?
Buc-ee's is a chain of oversized travel centers known for spotless restrooms, fresh food, and souvenir culture. For many drivers it is a destination, not just a gas stop.
Is Buc-ee's only in Texas?
It started in Texas and has expanded across the South and beyond, but the Texas origins and beaver mascot remain core to its brand.
Why do Americans shop at Costco?
Membership warehouses offer bulk pricing, large packs, and a treasure-hunt aisle culture. Many households treat a Costco run as a weekly or monthly restock ritual.
What are Costco samples?
Vendors often offer free bite-size tastes in the aisles. Trying samples is a normal part of the visit, not a special event.
The Bewilderment
I went to In-N-Out and ordered a cheeseburger.
The Enormous
The waitress, a woman of sunny disposition, recommended a dish that, to my eyes, appeared to be…
The Bewilderment
USA. Summer. It is 95 degrees outside, and I am shivering inside a sandwich shop.
The Renamed
In America, a stranger will rename you in a single breath, and you are simply expected to come…
The Sacred Rituals
USA. A potluck. Everyone brings one dish.
The Bewilderment
USA. A diner. The waitress asked me how I want my eggs, and my mind went completely blank.
The Bewilderment
A Waffle House at three in the morning.
The Bewilderment
USA. A house. The garage is full, so the car sleeps in the rain.
The Enormous
A boy stood ready to serve, his station a counter of sugared and salted delights.
The Bewilderment
My American friends led me into a cavernous room where swords of fire danced and a chef, master…
The Free
USA. A restaurant. I could not finish my meal, and I bowed my head in shame.
The Sacred Rituals
I came to watch the gladiators clash, and found the warriors feasting hours before the arena…
The Renamed
There came a knock at my gate, and a young warrior, small but formidable, stood ready for battle.
The Enormous
I sought but a single bottle of the American white sauce, this nation’s sacred oil.
The Bewilderment
My sword broke last winter, and so I went to replace it at the only smith I could find: a vast…
The Sacred Rituals
USA. There is a white sauce here that the people pour upon…
The Sacred Rituals
My host calls him “the weather man.”
The Renamed
For the fourth time since my arrival, I entered the small eatery.
The Renamed
In America, a stranger will love you on sight, and you are simply expected to allow it.
The Free
USA. A Southern restaurant.
The Free
There is a restaurant in Texas where they bring you food until you tell them to stop.
The Bewilderment
I bought a drink at this American eating-house.
The Sacred Rituals
My neighbor’s small, red banner on a stick appeared, and he raised it, not to announce battle,…
The Sacred Rituals
In America, a stranger will say “bless you” when you sneeze.
The Bewilderment
USA. There is a beast that lives beneath the American sink.
The Sacred Rituals
USA. A supermarket register.
The Enormous
USA. They sell food here in the sizes of war.
The Sacred Rituals
At an American baseball game, a stranger will throw his arms around you the instant your side…
The Free
Here in America, i returned to my hotel room at night and found that someone had entered, remade…
The Bewilderment
USA. A diner. I ordered a cola, and they handed me a cup that was ninety percent ice.
The Renamed
A confession. My fortune had been falling.
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