2026 yongting’s blog

Having experienced both Japanese and Malaysian cultures, I find that the way we give gifts shows a fascinating contrast in how we express hospitality. In Japan, a omiyage is almost an art form. It is usually a specialty item, perfectly wrapped in beautiful paper from a department store, showing deep respect and careful planning. In Malaysia, our love is much more casual and delicious. We often show up at a friend's door holding a simple plastic bag filled with fresh, local fruits. It is not about fancy packaging; it is about bringing something practical to share and eat together right away. This difference extends to the house itself. In Japan, guests step into a genkan. Malaysia does not have a genkan; we simply leave our shoes outside the front door or neatly by the main entrance. Punctuality is another interesting point. Japanese guests arrive exactly on time. In Malaysia, people often joke about "Malaysian time," where arriving a bit late is socially accepted so the h...

In my daily life, I usually say hello to my neighbors in the elevator. However, when it comes to strangers, I only smile if we happen to make eye contact. Recently, I heard my classmates talking about hosting a BBQ party and inviting their neighbors. I found this concept very cool; where I live, people rarely do this, though I’ve often thought about trying it myself. Interestingly, this reminds me of Japanese culture. In Japan, there is a strong emphasis on Aisatsu (greetings). Even if people are shy, they often give a small bow in the elevator to show respect. However, unlike in some Western cultures, holding intense eye contact in Japan can be seen as aggressive. They prefer soft eye contact to maintain a comfortable social distance.  On the other hand, people in Malaysia are much more passionate and warm. They are often very welcoming and might start a conversation with a neighbor or even a stranger quite easily. When meeting people for the first time, I am quite shy and definit...