One night in Tokyo we watched two Japanese businessmen…
“One night in Tokyo we watched two Japanese businessmen saying good-night to each other after what had clearly been a long night of drinking, a major participant sport in Japan. These men were totally snockered, having reached the stage of inebriation wherein every air molecule that struck caused them to wobble slightly, but they still managed to behave more formally than Americans do at funerals.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Even when heavily drunk, Japanese businessmen maintain formal decorum, contrasting with more informal Western funeral behavior.
In simple terms: Drunk Japanese keep formal manners, unlike Americans at funerals.
Key Takeaway
Observe cultural norms in all states.
Themes
culture
drinking
manners
Mood
amused
insightful
Type
humorous
observational
When to use this quote
- nightlife
- business meetings
- funeral customs
Key Concepts
social etiquette
cross‑cultural comparison
Questions to Reflect On
- What does this say about cultural expectations?
- How do you adapt etiquette when abroad?
A Different Perspective
Assuming all Americans behave informally at funerals is a stereotype.