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Another Manners/Etiquette Question - Introducing, Table Sitting

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Another Manners/Etiquette Question - Introducing, Table Sitting

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Old Apr 22, 2010 | 12:58 pm
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Another Manners/Etiquette Question - Introducing, Table Sitting

I've been to Japan a couple of time before and my YUL friend (I'll call her Patty) has not. We're both non-Japanese and I have friends in Fukuoka that I'd like Patty to meet because we are all huge fans of a music icon. My Japanese friend (Yoshi) and his brother (Kenji) will pick us up, hang out sightseeing, karaoking and then take us to their parents' home where everyone is and have a big dinner there with his entire family (wives, kids, aunt and parents). This would make it my 3rd time.

When we get to their parents' house, would it be my job to introduce Patty to the rest of the family? Or do I leave that to Yoshi? Yoshi also happens to be the only one in the family that can understand English best.

At the dinner table, I'm assuming that Patty will sit at one of the table ends with Yoshi and Kenji beside her left and right. And myself, I'll probably be in between Kenji and another family member. Is that right?
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Old Apr 22, 2010 | 1:26 pm
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Originally Posted by chatmax
When we get to their parents' house, would it be my job to introduce Patty to the rest of the family? Or do I leave that to Yoshi? Yoshi also happens to be the only one in the family that can understand English best.

At the dinner table, I'm assuming that Patty will sit at one of the table ends with Yoshi and Kenji beside her left and right. And myself, I'll probably be in between Kenji and another family member. Is that right?
Originally Posted by jib71
Having observed Japanese people getting tangled up in their own traditions, I would always seek out someone who is close to the situation to advise me on what's appropriate for that specific situation.
Originally Posted by valve bouncer
If I could pick out one bit of advice that succinctly sums up not only this situation but virtually any situation you may encounter in Japan, it's this.
Here's another vote for jib71's sage words.
It sounds to me like you're imagining that a minor molehill is going to be a snow peaked mountain.
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Old Apr 22, 2010 | 1:46 pm
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Ok I'm sorry everyone about that question. Ya I guess I was too observant. I now realize it's silly and feel stupid about it. Let's all have a good laugh at me and move on.
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Old Apr 22, 2010 | 2:01 pm
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Originally Posted by chatmax
Ok I'm sorry everyone about that question. Ya I guess I was too observant. I now realize it's silly and feel stupid about it. Let's all have a good laugh at me and move on.
Oh don't worry!

I have plenty of family members who feel ill with anxiety imagining scenarios even more complicated than yours when faced with meeting their counterparts in Spain, England or Japan.

My view is that if you are going to offend someone by sitting at the wrong table place or by introducing someone out of turn, that person would have found some other way to get peeved off with you anyway.

Things have come a long way in Japan since Izanami committed the terrible gaff of being the first to speak at the country's first wedding.
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Old Apr 23, 2010 | 6:17 am
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Once the beer and nihonshu start flowing, people won't worry so much about etiquette. Be sure to pour for whoever pours for you and they'll be very happy. Soon, they'll all want to sit next to your lady friend and pour for her anyway. Have fun.
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Old Apr 23, 2010 | 9:26 am
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Originally Posted by nishimark
Once the beer and nihonshu start flowing, people won't worry so much about etiquette. Be sure to pour for whoever pours for you and they'll be very happy. Soon, they'll all want to sit next to your lady friend and pour for her anyway. Have fun.
Kyushu=Shochu.....
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Old Apr 24, 2010 | 2:49 pm
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Originally Posted by Q Shoe Guy
Kyushu=Shochu.....
Unless you like warm Sake very much like my brother does, Q!

Sanosuke!
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