Final Paper

ZeYu Chen

English 191

Final Paper

12/18/2012

The difference between Chinese Spring Festival and Christmas in U.S

There are many differences between the Chinese Spring Festival and the Christmas in U.S. A festival is specified as a special occasion on which people may give thanks for a harvest, pay respect to the dead, and celebrate a culture. Every nation has its own traditional festivals. Those festivals give people a chance to be happy with family and develop friendships. Particularly, the Spring Festival and Christmas are important to Chinese and American people. However, there are many differences between the two festivals which are the different histories, celebrations and food.

First, let me introduce these two festivals. Christmas is an annual commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ and a widely observed holiday, celebrated generally on December 25 by millions of people around the world. A feast central to the Christian liturgical year, it closes the Advent season and initiates the twelve days of Christmastide. Christmas is a civil holiday in many of the world's nations, is celebrated by an increasing number of non-Christians,  and is an integral part of the Christmas and holiday season. The Spring Festival is the most important festival for the Chinese people and is the time for all family members get together, just like Christmas in U.S. All people living away from home go back, becoming the busiest time for transportation systems of about half a month from the Spring Festival. Airports, railway stations and long-distance bus stations are crowded by the home returnees.(1)

The most important difference between Chinese spring festival and American Christmas is history. Christmas is on December 25^th which is the birthday of Jesus Christ. It is earlier than Spring Festival which depends on the moon. Also, it has an interesting story from the Bible. One day, an angel appeared to shepherds and told them a secret that a Savior had been born to Mary and Joseph in a stable in Bethlehem. Some intelligent men from the east used a mysterious star to find the baby Jesus and they sacrificed many treasures for the baby. In the early 17th century, a wave of religious reform changed the way Christmas was celebrated early American Christmas - winter holiday in Europe. When Oliver Cromwell and his Puritan forces took over England in 1645, they vowed to rid England of decadence and, as part of their effort, cancelled Christmas. By popular demand, Charles II was restored to the throne and, with him, came the return of the popular holiday. An outlaw Christmas after the American Revolution, English customs fell out of favor, including Christmas. In fact, Congress was in session on December 25, 1789, the first Christmas under America’s new constitution. Christmas wasn’t declared a federal holiday until June 26, 1870.(2) In comparison, the Spring Festival falls on the 1^st day of the 1^st month of the Chinese lunar calendar. It originated in the Shang dynasty from people who had scarified for gods that protect the agriculture. Also, the Chinese Spring Festival has a mythic story. The centuries-old legend on the origins of the New Year celebration varies from teller to teller, but they all include a story of a terrible mythical monster that preyed on villagers. The lion-like monster’s name was Nian which is also the Chinese word for “year."The stories also all include a wise old man who counsels the villagers to ward off the evil Nian by making loud noises with drums and firecrackers and hanging red paper cutouts and scrolls on their doors because for some reason, the Nian is scared of the color red. The villagers took the old man’s advice and the Nian was conquered. On the anniversary of the date, the Chinese recognize the “passing of the Nian” known in Chinese as guo nian , which is also synonymous with celebrating the new year.

The other difference between these festivals is celebration. Chinese Spring Festival has many interesting things which including clean house, decorations, pay a New Year call, and the gifts. New clothes, cute hair, and Spring Festival couplets are indispensable for Chinese people to prepare the Spring Festival. People in China consider it is very important to clean house completely before the Spring Festival. It means that sweeping the bad luck away and there will be many people visit their home during the festival. After they clean the house, people usually like to paint the door to red, it means welcome the lucky.(3) Furthermore, different cities have different ways of celebrations the Spring Festival. For instance, in my hometown, which is Nanjing located in Jiangsu province, we have to burn joss-sticks for own ancestors who made own family, this celebration will be done within three days with one day at home and two days outside. However, for American Christmas, most of people will decorate the Christmas tree and singing the Christmas music that are differences between Spring Festival which do not have official music. Many gift cards will be sent out to family and friends, and house will be decorated as Christmas science. On the other hand, people have to pay a New Year call for every family with good relationships with them. They would like to make a party in their home to develop the friendships. This point is the same Chinese Spring Festival. The gifts will be given to children at the Christmas day by the mythical Santa who has a white bear, a red suit and rides the sled from the North Pole. Most children believe that Santa will give different gifts for different children who are excellent in their study. It is different between the Chinese gifts from for children when they celebrate the Spring Festive. In China, the gifts will be called “HongBao” that put some money on the red packet for the children when elders firstly meet the children during the Spring Festival with blessing them will be much better than before. Meanwhile, the children respect their elders with blessing them will be younger. Furthermore, the firework is used everywhere, and some typical activities such as dragon lantern dancing and lion dancing are in the different cities depend on the culture of that city.

 Finally, perhaps the most striking difference between spring festival and Christmas are food. Chinese New Year Foods are very important to Chinese people. All family members come together to eat at this time. Chinese New Year foods are not only delicious but it is traditional to eat certain foods over this festival. As I know, in China there are 57 races which have many different foods to celebrate the Spring Festival. During the Spring Festival, people always make Chinese dumplings by themselves every home. With a long history of more than 1,800 years, dumplings are a traditional food widely popular in China. It generally consists of minced meat and finely-chopped vegetables wrapped into a thin and elastic piece of dough skin. Popular fillings are mince pork, diced shrimp, fish, ground chicken, beef, and vegetables. At the same time, people also will buy some glutinous rice cake from shops. In Chinese the this kind of cake named ‘nian gao,’ it means getting higher year by year. In Chinese people's mind, the higher you are, the more prosperous your business is. As a result it is very popular during Spring Festival. Compare with Christmas in America, the food there are tend to western food. Actually, there is not any traditional food in Christmas in America without turkey and Christmas cake.(4) For Americans, it cannot be called Christmas if there is no turkey during Christmas. Turkey plays a important role of traditional food in U.S. As before, turkey is only symbol the thanksgiving, but now it extends to Christmas. On the other hand, food still plays an important part in the American Christmas. It is often a time of an extended open house with friends dropping by to bring gifts or just to wish everyone a happy holiday. At this time it is appropriate to offer these guests food and beverage, so many homes have a variety of treats prepared in advance for these occasions. Although many families serve a variety of menus for Christmas dinner, the standard fare seems to include turkey, dressing, potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, vegetables, a salad and some sort of dessert.

Not only every festival has different means, but also it is significant. Nowadays, people have made many culture associations that will promote more people to communicate the different cultures. As we knew the differences between Spring Festival and Christmas are histories, celebrations, and foot. Moreover, I hope more people will get the values from these two historical festivals which are symbolical.

Reference:

(1)   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas 12/12/2012

(2)   http://www.thehistoryofchristmas.com/ch/in_america.htm 12/12/2012

(3)   Fabian Fairdeal “China Adventure” 2009, published by Author House 8/27/2009  12/10/2012

(4)   http://www.happywink.org/christmas-day/christmas-in-america.html 12/13/2012

Final Paper-first draft

Difference Between Chinese Spring Festival and Christmas in U.S.

        There are many differences between the Spring Festival and the holiday of Christmas. A festival is specified as a special occasion on which people may give thanks for a harvest, pay respect to the dead, and celebrate a culture. Every nation has its own traditional festivals. Those festivals give people a chance to be happy with family and develop friendships. Particularly, the Spring Festival and Christmas are important to Chinese and American people. However, there are many differences between the two festivals which are the different histories, celebrations and food.

        One of the differences between Chinese spring festival and American Christmas are their histories. Christmas is on December 25th which is the birthday of Jesus Christ. It is earlier than Spring Festival which depends on the moon. Also, it has an interesting story from the Bible. One day, an angel appeared to shepherds and told them a secret that a Savior had been born to Mary and Joseph in a stable in Bethlehem. Some intelligent men from the east used a mysterious star to find the baby Jesus and they sacrificed many treasures for the baby. In comparison, the Spring Festival falls on the 1st day of the 1st month of the Chinese lunar calendar. It originated in the Shang dynasty from people who had scarified for gods that protect the agriculture. Also, the Spring festival it has a mythic story that people believed that they putted animals on the occasion for gods who realize any goals as people wanted, and others believed that the moon was gods who made the daytime and night. For a long time an emperor announced that the moon had been used to sign the time that is why they have 12 months from. These are many mythic stories which are obviously differences between the Spring Festival and the Christmas’s histories.

        The differences between these festivals are celebrations. Chinese Spring Festival has many interesting things which including the decorations, pay a New Year call, and the gifts. New clothes, cute hair, and Spring Festival couplets are indispensable for Chinese people to prepare the Spring Festival. Furthermore, different cities have different ways of celebrations the Spring Festival. For instance, in my city, who are from YanCheng that is in JiangSu province, we have to burn joss-sticks for own ancestors who made own family, this celebration will be done three days, one day at home, and two days at outside. Also, a convention is importantly that most of people have to clear the home that will be spruce and wonderful for family. However, For American Christmas, most of people will decorate the Christmas tree and singing the Christmas music that are differences between Spring Festival which do not have official music and many gift cards will be sent out to family and friends, and house will be decorated as Christmas science. On another way, good relationships we have to pay a New Year call for every family as same Christmas day people will make a family party to develop the friendships. The gifts will be given to all children at the Christmas day by the mythical Santa who has a white bear, a red suit and rides the sled from the North Pole. Most children believe that Santa will give different gifts for different children who are excellent. It is different between the Chinese gifts from for children when they celebrate the Spring Festive. In china, the gifts will be called “HongBao” that put some money on the red packet for the children when elders firstly meet the children at the Spring Festival with blessing them will be much better than before. Meanwhile, the children respect their elders with blessing them will be younger. Furthermore, the fireworks are used on the everywhere, and some typical activities such as dragon lantern dancing and lion dancing are on the different cities.

        Finally, perhaps the most striking difference between spring festival and Christmas are food. As we know in china we have 57 races which have many different foods to celebrate the Spring Festival, but the Most of traditional food is dumpling at the breakfast that symbolize the peace of the world. At the Spring Festival we eat the dumpling with sugars. The dumpling has different styles which are circles and sectors that usually made by the children and women. In addition, different sugars will be most of children like, they use the “HongBao”(money) to buy sugars from the stores. At night, some luxurious deals such as chicken, fish, and bean curd can not be excluded, there are for some elders, and the Dou Fu are mostly suitable for very elders, because they could digest the stiff food. Particularly, in China most of fishes have bone that is different between the American. Turkey is the traditional food when America people celebrate the Christmas. The ham, pork and the vegetables followed by a flaming Christmas pudding with different sauces that is most of American’s favorite. An another traditional food is chocolate that is indispensable at the American Christmas day, also, chocolate will be used at different food such as Christmas pudding, chocolate cakes, and chocolate drink. However, alcohol for most of people at family is perfect. At night, they drink with family and watch the T.V that is wonderful.

        Not only every festival has different means, but also it is significant. Nowadays, people have made many culture associations that will promote more people to communicate the different cultures. As we knew the differences between Spring Festival and Christmas are histories, celebrations, and foot. Moreover, I hope more people will get the values from these two historical festivals which are symbolical.

Outline of my final paper

1. Introduce my topic:

    Difference between Chinese Spring Festival and Christmas in America.

    Divided by four points:

1) History

2) Celebration

3) Traditional food

4) Culture event

2. State my four points step by step:

Explain why that four points can support my oponion.

3. Conclusion:

Nowadays, people have made many culture associations that will promote more people to communicate

the different cultures. As we knew the differences between Spring Festival and Christmas are histories,

celebrations, culture events and food.

My final topic.

My final topic is " Difference between Spring festival in China and Christmas in the United States".



What will the introduction contain?

The introduction will contain the meaning of these two festival and tell where they are from.



What is the thematic statement?

There are many differences between the Spring Festival and the holiday of Christmas. A festival is specified as a special occasion on which people may give thanks for a harvest, pay respect to the dead, and celebrate a culture.



How will you organize the body of text and what will the conclusions say?

I will list the main points of difference between these two festivals.

The conclusion maybe like this. " Nowadays, people have made many culture associations that will promote more people to communicate the different cultures. As we knew the differences between Spring Festival and Christmas are histories, celebrations, and foot. Moreover, I hope more people will get the values from these two historical festivals which are symbolical."


Resource:
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_differences_between_Christmas_and_Spring_Festival  11/27/2012

The book`s name is "China Adventure".

Best interview 3.

My best interivew is Galkina, Elena V. 19 points.
http://elenaen191f12s28.blogspot.com/2012/11/interview-3.html
She coverd all the 12 questions she listed before. During the interview, she talked easily with her interviewee. She also used some pictures to help people learn more about the country.

My second best interivew is Carroll-Anderson, Nicholas S . 19 points
http://en191f12s28nickca.blogspot.com/
He prepared well before the interview and he conducted the interview well as before.

My third best interview is Xu, BingZhe . 19 points
http://en191f12s28bingzhe.blogspot.com/2012/11/my-last-interview.html
He used most his own word to make the country report. He asked something about the culture and history with his interviewee.

Best interview 2.

My best interview is Carroll-Anderson, Nicholas S. 19 points.
http://en191f12s28nickca.blogspot.com/2012/11/interview-2.html
I think his interview is the best because he did every step well. I can clearly see anything I want to see.

My second best interview is Xu, Bing Zhe. 18 points.
http://en191f12s28bingzhe.blogspot.com/2012/11/second-interview.html
I think his interview is good because he list his 12 questions and used them in the interview. He also asked something interesting.

My third best interview is Qu,Yang. 18 points.
http://yangquen191f12s28.blogspot.com/2012/11/my-second-interview.html
He improved a lot in the interview 2. He tried to get better and find the things need to improve.

Review of Interview 3

My scorecard

Review of Interview 2

My scorecard

The Third Interview

Preparations for the interview

I conducted this interview with my American friend Lucas. He is the CA of the fourth floor of my dorm. Before the interview, I did the review of my last two interviews. I thought that I still had something need to prepare before my interview. I need to learn more about the country where my interviewee from. During the interview, I need to ask some more questions about his country and add it to the country report. I changed some of the 12 questions I prepared before. I think it is more suitable for this interview.



How Did You Approach People?

Lucas is one of the CA in my dorm. He is easy-going, when I first entered my dorm, he helped me to check in and brought my staff to my room. After that, we talked much about our each other. Until now, I have already gotten much help from him. We are good friend now.



When, where, and how did you Conduct the Interview?

I did the interview with Lucas on 9th November. He would go camping in the afternoon on that day, so we started the interview at 12:30p.m in his room. The interview took about 45 minutes. The day before our interview, we met at Atwood Center. I talked with him about my interview and asked what time is suitable for him to do the interview. He gave the time for me and we decided to meet at noon on Friday.





Country Report

I chose United States for my third interview because that this is the first foreign country I have been. I need to spend more than three years to complete my undergraduate study in United States. Actually, before I came here, I had learned lot about culture, history and geography of United States.

The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic consisting of fifty states and a federal district. The country is situated mostly in central North America, where its forty-eight contiguous states and Washington, D.C., the capital district, lie between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. At 3.79 million square miles and with over 314 million people, the United States is the third- or fourth-largest country by total area, and the third-largest by both land area and population. It is one of the world's most ethnically diverse and multicultural nations, the product of large-scale immigration from many countries. (1)



Geography







http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States

The United States is the world's third or fourth largest nation by total area (land and water), ranking behind Russia and Canada and just above or below China. The ranking varies depending on how two territories disputed by China and India are counted and how the total size of the United States is measured: calculations range from 3,676,486 square miles (9,522,055 km2) to 3,717,813 square miles to 3,794,101 square miles. Measured by only land area, the United States is third in size behind Russia and China, just ahead of Canada.(2)

Language

English is the defacto national language. Although there is no official language at the federal level, some laws—such as U.S. naturalization requirements—standardize English. In 2010, about 230 million, or 80% of the population aged five years and older, spoke only English at home. Spanish, spoken by 12% of the population at home, is the second most common language and the most widely taught second language. Some Americans advocate making English the country's official language, as it is in at least twenty-eight states. (3)

Religion

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Capitol_Building_Full_View.jpg

The United States is officially a secular nation; the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees the free exercise of religion and forbids the establishment of any religious governance. In a 2002 study, 59% of Americans said that religion played a "very important role in their lives", a far higher figure than that of any other wealthy nation. According to a 2007 survey, 78.4% of adults identified themselves as Christian, down from 86.4% in 1990. (4)

Interview report

This is my third interview. This time, I tried my best to do the preparation. During the interview, I got the answers of my 12 questions and at the same time, I asked my interviewee some questions about his country. I also recorded it into country report. From the interview, I learned much not only from the resource but also from my interviewee. I like America more and want to make more American friends due to this nice interview.





Transcript

ZeYu Chen ( Z )

Lucas ( L )





Z: Hi Lucas. How is your going today?



L: I`m pretty good. How about you?



Z: I got cold yesterday. The temperature dropped so quickly that I could not adapt it.



L: Oh, you need to wear more and take care yourself.



Z: Thanks for you remind. So, can we start our interview?



K: Sure.



Z: Can you tell me your full name?



L: My name is Lucas Golliet.



Z: Where are you from in America?



L: I`m from Coon Rapids in Minnesota.



Z: When is your birthday?



L: It`s 25th July.



Z: What is your major?



L: My major is Management and I`m a senior here.



Z: It means that you will be graduate in next semester?



L: Yes if it is fluky.



Z: I think you will be cause I know you are hard-working,



L: Ahh, I hope so.



Z: What do you usually do when you are free?



L: I like doing organizations, playing Ping-pang,golf and hanging with friends.



Z: I also like playing Ping-pang. You know Ping-pang is popular in China. In primary school, we often play Ping-pang in PE class.



L: Really? We can play it together someday.



Z: OK, we can reserve the time after the interview. Why you choose the St.Cloud State University?



L: Because I know that St.Cloud State University is the biggest state university in Minnesota and lots of my friends also chose it.



Z: That`s cool. It `s suitable for you. What courses do you take this semester?



L: I take Blaw 436, Blaw 438, SOC 456 and CMST 330.



Z: Umm, all of these courses are in high level. I think they are difficult.



L: Yes, they are really tough. But if you spend enough time on them, I think it will not be extremely hard.



Z: Yeah, that`s why you always hard-working. I often see you study in meeting room.



L: Yes, I think the living room it`s the place for sleeping and relaxing. If I need to study, I will go to library or the meeting room.



Z: Can you tell me about activities that young people like to do in America?



L: I think most youth like doing some sports during free time, such as basketball. Also, some of them like playing TV games or online games, sometimes we like hanging out with friends or have a party.



Z: Actually, I have seen some youth from America in our dorm do something boring I think. They just played flying disk. One of them throw the disk and the other one try to catch it. In my opinion, I think it is really boring, but I know it is a kind of sport. It just like running.



L: Yeah, I think so too. But if you play with your best friend and you can make scoring just like a match. For example, you can decide the people who loss the match will drink one bottle of beer. Oh, both of you must under 22. I think that will be interesting.



Z: That`s a good idea! I will try it. This is my second year in America. Before I went there, I heard about something about that some native American refuse Asian people and maybe have discrimination on Chinese. Did you see it before?



L: In fact, many years ago, maybe it happened in some parts of America. But now, with the development of economic, people gradually accepted people from anywhere. I never saw the discrimination nowadays.



Z: Yeah, actually I agree with you. I think Americans are really kind to people from foreign countries, such as you. Haha.



L: Yeah, sure.



Z: Can you tell me one goal for the year for you?



L: I hope to become good friends with all of you!



Z: What do you mean by" all of you"? Who?



L: I mean you, who lived in Lawrence Hall.



Z: Oh, I think you almost accomplish your goal now.



L: Yeah, that`s what I hope to.



Z: What are the majority holidays in America?



L: I think Thanks Giving Day,and Christmas are the majority holidays here.



Z: How did Americans often celebrate them?



L: During Thanks Giving Day, we always stay with our family and cook turkey. On Christmas, we usually go shopping and place some Christmas trees in our home. For some people who in different religion, they have different celebration.



Z: That`s great. I think the Thanks Giving Day is same as the Mid-Autumn Festival and it is coming soon!



L: Yes. You can enjoy your holiday.



Z: What is the traditional food in America?



L: Turkey, steak and hamburger.



Z: I think so too. They are really different from them in China. What is the majority religion in your country'?



L: It`s Christian. I also believe that. From the research, more than 60% of adults in U.S are Christian.



Z: Yes, it close to the research from Internet.



Z: Alright, is there anything your want to add or do you have anything to ask me?



L: No. We gonna finish the interview?



Z: Yeah, it takes about 40 minutes now.



L: Oh, I don`t feel that. I feel so happy to talk with you that I don`t care time.



Z: Me too. Thanks for your time. I need to do some modification on my record paper.



L: Hmm, I need to prepare for my camping tonight. See you!



Z: See you. Enjoy your camping!

Reference:

(1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States 11/12/2012. 

(2) http://archives.starbulletin.com/1999/10/18/special/story4.html 11/12/2012.

(3) http://www.nps.gov/archive/jeff/lewisclark2/circa1804/heritage/louisianapurchase/louisianapurchase.htm. 11/12/2012.

(4) http://www.adfl.org/resources/enrollments.pdf 11/12/2012.

The Second Interview

Preparations for the interview

I conducted this interview with my Japanese friend, Kita who is 23 years old and he was an exchange student here. He lived in the east of Japan. I still have my 12 questions for him. I asked him for a suitable time for us. Before the interview, I did many work about Japan, such as history, culture and so on. I also got the experience from my first interview, so I thought I prepare this interview completely.

How Did You Approach People?

The first time I met him is in the gym in our school. One of my friend asked me to play basketball with people whom from many different countries. Kita is one of them. During the basketball match, we were in the same team and we did the perfect teamwork and I thought he played basketball very well, so I thought we have the same hobby. After the basketball match, we chatted with each other about lots of things until night.

When, where, and how did you Conduct the Interview?

I did the interview with Kita on 2ed Nov. Before we started the interview, we went to play basketball together and had dinner. After the dinner, we went to the coffee shop in library and started my interview.

Country Report

I choose Japan for my interview because that Japan located nearby China and I usually heard something and watched movies, cartoons from Japan.

Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south. The characters that make up Japan's name mean "sun-origin", which is why Japan is sometimes referred to as the "Land of the Rising Sun".(1)

History

http://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%97%A5%E6%9C%AC

A Paleolithic culture around 30,000 BC constitutes the first known habitation of the Japanese archipelago. This was followed from around 14,000 BC (the start of the Jōmon period) by a Mesolithic to Neolithic semi-sedentary hunter-gatherer culture, who include ancestors of both the contemporary Ainu people and Yamato people, haracterized by pit dwelling and rudimentary agriculture.

During the 16th century, traders and Jesuit missionaries from Portugal reached Japan for the first time, initiating direct commercial and cultural exchange between Japan and the West. The Empire of Japan invaded other parts of China in 1937, precipitating the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945).

In 1947, Japan adopted a new constitution emphasizing liberal democratic practices. The Allied occupation ended with the Treaty of San Francisco in 1952 and Japan was granted membership in the United Nations in 1956. Japan later achieved rapid growth to become the second-largest economy in the world, until surpassed by China in 2010. This ended in the mid-1990s when Japan suffered a major recession.（2）

Geography



http://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%97%A5%E6%9C%AC



Japan has a total of 6,852 islands extending along the Pacific coast of East Asia. The country, including all of the islands it controls, lies between latitudes 24°and 46°N, and longitudes 122° and 146°E. The main islands, from north to south, are Hokkaidō, Honshū, Shikoku and Kyūshū. The Ryūkyū Islands, including Okinawa, are a chain to the south of Kyūshū. Together they are often known as the Japanese Archipelago.（3）

Environment

In the period of rapid economic growth after World War II, environmental policies were downplayed by the government and industrial corporations; as a result, environmental pollution was widespread in the 1950s and 1960s. Responding to rising concern about the problem, the government introduced several environmental protection laws in 1970. The oil crisis in 1973 also encouraged the efficient use of energy due to Japan's lack of natural resources. Current environmental issues include urban air pollution (NOx, suspended particulate matter, and toxics), waste management, water eutrophication, nature conservation, climate change, chemical management and international co-operation for conservation.

Japan is one of the world's leaders in the development of new environment-friendly technologies, and is ranked 20th best in the world in the 2010 Environmental Performance Index. As a signatory of the Kyoto Protocol, and host of the 1997 conference which created it, Japan is under treaty obligation to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions and to take other steps to curb climate change.（4）

Religion

Japan enjoys full religious freedom based on Article 20 of its Constitution. Upper estimates suggest that 84–96 percent of the Japanese population subscribe to Buddhism or Shinto, including a large number of followers of a syncretism of both religions. However, these estimates are based on people affiliated with a temple, rather than the number of true believers. Other studies have suggested that only 30 percent of the population identify themselves as belonging to a religion. According to Edwin Reischauer and Marius Jansen, some 70–80% of the Japanese regularly tell pollsters they do not consider themselves believers in any religion.

Nevertheless, the level of participation remains high, especially during festivals and occasions such as the first shrine visit of the New Year. Taoism and Confucianism from China have also influenced Japanese beliefs and customs. Japanese streets are decorated on Tanabata, Obon and Christmas. Fewer than one percent of Japanese are Christian. Other minority religions include Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Judaism, and since the mid-19th century numerous new religious movements have emerged in Japan.（5）

Culture

Japanese culture has evolved greatly from its origins. Contemporary culture combines influences from Asia, Europe and North America. Traditional Japanese arts include crafts such as ceramics, textiles, lacquerware, swords and dolls; performances of bunraku, kabuki, noh, dance, and rakugo; and other practices, the tea ceremony, ikebana, martial arts, calligraphy, origami, onsen, Geisha and games. Japan has a developed system for the protection and promotion of both tangible and intangible Cultural Properties and National Treasures. Sixteen sites have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, twelve of which are of cultural significance.（6）

Interview report

This is my second interview, as a result, I have much more experience this time. Also, Kita is very easy-going, everyone can approach him easily. We spent about 40 minutes on this interview. Of course, we finished my 12 questions which I have already listed in the last blog. At the same time, I asked him some questions which I am really interested in, it`s about the cartoons in Japan. I think this interview was going well as I expected before. We talked arbitrary during the interview. I learned much from him.

Transcript

ZeYu Chen( Z )

Kita( K )

Z: Hey Kita, did you enjoy your dinner?

K: Yeah, sure. I like the food in Fuji. It makes me recall my home.

Z: Oh, that`s very nice. So, can we start our interview?

K: Yes. Let`s start it.

Z: Can you tell me your name and speel it?

K: My name is Kita. K-I-T-A and I can write my Japanese name for you. ( write down on my paper)

Z: Ahh, it looks strange for me. Could you tell me something about yourself? Such as your hometown, your hobbies, your major and so on.

K: I am from the east of Japan called Tokyo. It is the capital of Japan.

Z: Yeah, I know it. It is famous in China. I think most of Chinese know this beautiful city.

K: Yeah, I think so too. I am a senior the Tokyo university and I am a exchange student here. I like playing basketball and I am pg in my basketball team of my school. My major is International Business.

Z: Some of my friends also take this major. I think it`s popular right now.

K: Yeah, I think it is also an easier major for me.

Z: What do you usually do during free time?

K: I often play basketball with my friends in gym including you.

Z: Yes, I`d like to too. Actually, I don`t like to play basketball with some of my Chinese friends cause that I think they are too serious. For our daily relax and excise, I think we could just play happily and don`t get hurt.

K: I agree with you.

Z: And in your hometown, what do you usually except study?

K: Sometimes I go to some bar to see the basketball match and sometimes I go shopping with my girlfriend.

Z: Oh, you have a girlfriend in your hometown? Long-distance love is a tough problem I think.

K: Yes, sometimes we have some problems.

Z: I hope you can deal with these problems well.

K: Thanks.

Z: Why did you choose to study at St. Cloud State University?

K: Because St. Cloud State University has a good environment, I saw many pictures on the Internet before I arrived here and one of my friend study here. He recommend me to chose this university.

Z: What courses do you take this semester?

K: I take Econ205, COB and Math196. I also take some ESL classes. I have 16 credits this semester.

Z: So, you are the exchange student right? Will you go back to the university of Tokyo next year?

K: Yes, the plan of exchange student in Japan is usually for one year.

Z: What do you plan to do when you graduate?

K: Actually, I don`t know it right now. Maybe I will try to find a job during my last semester in the university.

Z: I think you are hard-working. You don`t need to worry about your job.

K:Haha, thanks. I think I will do the plan when I finish this exchange year.

Z: Is this the first time you go to a foreign country? How do you think about this city?

K: Yeah, this is my first time to leave my hometown. I felt worry about that when I left Japan because of the language problem. But when I arrived here, I find everything seemed good. I did not need to worry about anything expect the food. I think everything here is good except the food. That`s why I often go to Fuji even though it is expensive.

Z: Can you tell me about activities that young people like to do in your country?

K: In my hometown, most boys like doing some sports during free time, such as soccer ball. Also, they like watching comic books or some cartoons. Such as "One piece", "Bleach".

Z: Oh yeah! I like them too! My next question is about the cartoon in Japan.

K: Really? What`s your favourite cartoon?

Z: My favourite one is "One piece". It`s very popular all over the world. Can you tell me how did the cartoon developed in Japan? I saw the cartoon from Japan when I was very young and I almost saw 20 or more cartoons from Japan until now.

K: Actually, I don`t know it very clearly. I just can tell you vaguely.

Z: That`s OK. I don`t want to be a pro in Japanese cartoon.

K: Haha, of course. Japan is a comic big country. Japanese comics industry began to develop from the 12th century. Heian period "Animals and Birds opera painting is considered to be Japan's oldest comic. In 1862, the comic magazine "Japan punch" in Yokohama foreigners residency issue. 1877's show that the inaugural issue of the comic magazine "round and round tidbit" of the colonial era. World War II because the Japanese war, plus due Intelligence Agency regulations and paper, Japanese comics industry recession. After World War II, the Japanese manga industry resumed again angry. Monthly girls comic magazine "Nakayoshi" founded in 1954. In 1959, the first weekly comic magazine "Weekly Shonen Sunday and Weekly Shonen Magazine" was founded. Weekly Shonen Jump "founded in 1968. The early postwar period affected the history of modern Japanese comics representative works of Osamu Tezuka's "Astro Boy". After the 1950s, more and more Japanese cartoonist inspired by Osamu Tezuka works. In the 1960s,, Ishimori Shotaro Akatsuka Fujio Fujiko Fujio works popular. With the rapid development of television, popular comic big screen, the Japanese began animation era. 1990s, the type of comics to further expand, the rapid growth in the number of comics magazines, network cartoons culture came into being.

Z: Hmm, for me. "Slam Dunk","Dragon Ball" are the first cartoon I approach from Japan.

K: Yeah, I also like them very much.

Z: Thank you for spending so much time tell me the history of Japanese cartoon. I am really interested in it.

K: You are welcome. If you like, I have some comic books from my hometown. I can give those to you for gifts.

Z: Oh really? Thanks! Don`t wait, we move to get it now.

K: Are you serious?

Z: Haha, I am just kidding. OK, let`s move on. What are the majority holidays in your country?

K: In Japan, New Year`s Day is the most important. We always have a long holiday during it.

Z: How did you celebrate the New Year?

K: I think it is same as China. Our family always meet with each other and have a dinner together.

Z: Yeah, in China, we also do the same thing during New year. But it`s Chinese New Year. We seldom celebrate on 1st January. What do you usually eat for your festival?

K: We always eat sushi and some different fish.

Z: Yeah, I also like the Japanese food. Alright, is there anything your want to add before we finish our interview?

K: No.

Z: Do you have some questions for me?

K: No.

Z: OK, thanks for your time and I think you are tired right now.

K: Yeah, we played basketball for a whole afternoon.. Both of us need rest now.

Z: Yes, I am going to sort out the note of this interview and then take a rest.

K: So, I will go back to my dorm now. See you later.

Z: See you.

Reference:

（1）http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan

（2）"Tokyo says it will bring troops home from Iraq". International Herald Tribune. 20 June 2006. http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/06/20/news/japan.php. Retrieved 28 March 2007.

（3）"Standard Country and Area Codes Classifications". UN Statistics Division. 1 April 2010. http://unstats.un.org/unsd/methods/m49/m49regin.htm#asia. Retrieved 16 July 2010.

（4）"Japan". US Department of State. http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/4142.htm. Retrieved 16 January 2011.

（5）"World Population Prospects". UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs. Archived from the original on 21 March 2007. http://web.archive.org/web/20070321013235/http://esa.un.org/unpp/. Retrieved 27 March 2007.

（6）"Culture and Daily Life". Embassy of Japan in the UK. Archived from the original on 17 March 2007. http://web.archive.org/web/20070317192109/http://www.uk.emb-japan.go.jp/en/facts/culture_dailylife.html#sports. Retrieved 27 March 2007.