Excellent website for weird info on Japanese culture

http://www.quirkyjapan.or.tv/

Fantastic site, especially the SAQ (Seldom Asked Questions).

When I came across it I pretty much read every page in one sitting.

1,000 pardons if this has been posted before.


One SAQ I found really amusing had to do with office life in Japan. Apparently women run around the office even if what they are doing isn't time sensetive. It has something to do with keeping up the appearance of being busy and productive. So they run to the bathroom and run back to their desks.

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Decided to add the Q & A

Q. "[How do you explain] the frequency of Japanese people (usually women) running or jogging for no apparent reason. In the travel agency, "let me get you a copy" and she runs away. In my office a woman runs to the bathroom (can be explained) and then runs back to her desk (huh?). Most of the teachers I work with wait for the bell in the teacher's room, and then practically sprint to their classes. Do you know why all this running is going on? Fitness? Service? An Edo-era leftover?"--Question submitted by Ben Schwartz
A. I once teasingly asked a female with whom I worked why she always did a sort of feigned jog to and from the copier, especially since her jog was slower than her walk. The humour wasn't lost on her, but she explained that many Japanese do this at work because the appearance of urgency is important in more traditional office environments. You don't have to truly run around frantically, but just offer the gesture.--Answer kindly submitted by Lou C.