Rugby World UK – August 2019

Advice

8

CULTURE SHOCK

Don’t forget you’ll be as

much of a culture shock

for the Japanese as they

are for you. Maybe more! But they’ll

love having rugby fans from all over

the world. They won’t expect you to

behave exactly as they do but will

appreciate a respect of their ways.

9

ENGLISH

Don’t assume that

everyone can speak

and understand English

well. Speak slowly and clearly.

10

JAPANESE

Try saying things in

Japanese. People will

love you if you do!

Here are eight key phrases:

Greetings

Kon’nichi-wa (Hello)

Sa’yonara (Goodbye)

Apology/Thanks

Sumima’sen (I’m sorry/Excuse me)

Ariga’tō (Thank you)

Stadium chants

Gamba’re! (Come on!)

O’se o’se! (Push!/Heave!)

Food and drink

Oishii (Delicious)

Kampa’i! (Cheers!)

Oh yes, and what’s Japanese

for ‘Beer, please’?

Bīru kudasa’i

For more advice on travelling to

Japan, check out Angus Turvill and

Etsuko Okahisa’s book GAMBA’RE!

• The Ultimate
  Guide to Japan and
  Japanese for Rugby
  Supporters. Copies
  are available for £11
  from gambare.co.uk

6

KEEP TIME

Things happen on time in Japan

• or before. If breakfast is until
  9am then the last pickled plum
  will have been removed by 9am, so get
  there early! If checkout is by 10am and
  you’re lolling about in bed, expect a
  call within a matter of seconds.

7

FOOD

Japan is great for losing weight.

Foods are light, portions are

modest and if you can’t use

chopsticks, you have to leave most of it

anyway! Actually, chopsticks are only used

for Japanese or Chinese-style food, but

why not practise before you go?

Tuck in

Ramen is a

noodle soup

Cheerful

A Japan fan