Difference between Japanese and Western Cultures
4. Izakaya (居酒屋) vs Public Houses (part 1)
As I went to an ‘izakaya’ over the weekend with my fellow volleyball team comrades, I have selfishly decided to compare the differences between these two establishments this week. In reality, since every country has a unique custom when it comes to drinking, it was best to only compare Izakaya and Pubs instead of Japan versus rest of the world.
Logistical Aspects:
At izakaya, all customers are seated, and orders are taken from waiters. This is great for me because it saves queuing at the counter and prevents spillage accidents. In addition, there are wireless call buttons to order instead of shouting your lungs out. In pubs, if you can’t find seats, you are expected to stand and fight your way to the counter to order during ‘rush’ hours. Being a lanky lad, it is sometimes hard to stay diplomatic amongst other drunkards.
Both establishments are open during evening hours. However, pubs usually open from lunch hours until 11pm whereas izakaya open around 5pm and close at midnight. In the UK, late night licensing is now available (Licensing Act 2003) but not many pubs are open after 11pm.
Since July 2007, smoking has been banned in public places. As a result, pubs have become much cleaner and accessible to families and people with medical conditions such as asthmatics. However, Japan is still very relaxed about smoking (Japan was one of the last country to ban smoking inside airplanes). Although ventilation system is generally good, passive smoking effects cannot be ignored.
To be continued…
4. Izakaya (居酒屋) vs Public Houses (part 1)
As I went to an ‘izakaya’ over the weekend with my fellow volleyball team comrades, I have selfishly decided to compare the differences between these two establishments this week. In reality, since every country has a unique custom when it comes to drinking, it was best to only compare Izakaya and Pubs instead of Japan versus rest of the world.
Logistical Aspects:
At izakaya, all customers are seated, and orders are taken from waiters. This is great for me because it saves queuing at the counter and prevents spillage accidents. In addition, there are wireless call buttons to order instead of shouting your lungs out. In pubs, if you can’t find seats, you are expected to stand and fight your way to the counter to order during ‘rush’ hours. Being a lanky lad, it is sometimes hard to stay diplomatic amongst other drunkards.
Both establishments are open during evening hours. However, pubs usually open from lunch hours until 11pm whereas izakaya open around 5pm and close at midnight. In the UK, late night licensing is now available (Licensing Act 2003) but not many pubs are open after 11pm.
Since July 2007, smoking has been banned in public places. As a result, pubs have become much cleaner and accessible to families and people with medical conditions such as asthmatics. However, Japan is still very relaxed about smoking (Japan was one of the last country to ban smoking inside airplanes). Although ventilation system is generally good, passive smoking effects cannot be ignored.
To be continued…
No comments:
Post a Comment