KIJI, the local japanese radio station, has a show on weekdays at noon called "japanglish" or something like that (it's not listed on their website, so i don't really know the name. or even the names of the djs. odd.). anyway, it's two djs--an american guy named brian (this guy maybe), and a japanese woman--who ask each other questions about the differences between japanese and american cultures, then attempt to answer them. it's a very entertaining show--funny, yet they are both well informed and well spoken.

sample question: why do japanese tourists buy so many souvenirs? answer from japanese lady was basically about how the japanese come from a culture of giving, so even if someone gives them a gift, it's obligatory to give a gift back. even if they are spending time on holiday, they want to share a part of their happiness and memories with those back home. unlike her american friends, she said, who invite her over to their houses, and say "look at my photos of my great vacation! look at the great time i had without you!" american guy said it's because americans are basically selfish, so sure. "when i go on vacation, it's all about me. i don't want to think about you. i'm spending my hard earned money on my time on me. not you." japanese lady laughed and said, yeah, sometimes i wish i was like that.

ha. the show may come off as biased against americans, but it's not really. it's truly just a discussion of cultures, and how they all seem to apply on the island, as it is a mix of asian generosity and american selfishness. it's all here, and it's all good.