The Japanese Wedding Invitation and What's a Kotobuki ?

A Fancy Card Arrives in the Mail

This photo shows the outside view of a wedding invitation in Japan.

Fortunately, there are friends and family to help me with the translation.

The gold kanji character reads, Kotobuki.

Translation to English Can Be Tricky

 

 

Serious research, on this kotobuki thing, started last night.

Verbally, I probably, got as many different meanings as the number of beers I consumed.

But, I like to get verification from some written source, before, I start writing.

Jeffrey's Dictionary says it can mean: Congratulations, felicitations, best wishes.

And, longevity or, long life.

Namiko Abe, teaches Kanji characters at About (dot) Com

She shows you how to write it, useful compounds and even, sends out a newsletter.

Her definitions:  Longevity and Congratulations

She got me checking and, I found one of those compounds, engraved in stone.

If somebody took the time to carve "Long Life" on a rock, that's good enough for me.

Variations in Kanji

 

Just as sure as our handwriting may differ, kanji characters can change, too.

So, I took the research a bit farther and found all kinds of stuff.

People paint these letters, have them tattooed and do all kinds of things with them.

There's one, I'd call a bellybutton box.  How wild is that ?

Several variations of the script may be seen at StockKanji.

And, you could order some fancy calligraphy from them, at reasonable prices.

What to Do After You Receive a Kotobuki Card

 

Inside this card, is a smaller one, about the size of a business card.

Customs and proper etiquette may differ from prefecture to prefecture, in Japan.

It would be wise to consult with a local expert, in this case.

In Okinawa, the little card, tells you which table you will be seated at.

In the Expat's Guide to Japan that card, is handled differently.

It should be sent as an RSVP.

For people living in the Ryukyu Islands, there is no need to RSVP.

Everybody goes, anytime there's a party !

Over at Surviving in Japan, they have an article worth reading.

HOW TO: Not make a fool of yourself at a Japanese wedding

 Japanese Wedding Etiquette at eHow, is worth looking at, too.

 Just to be on the safe side, I took my wedding invitation to a book store.

And, asked the gal at the counter to help me select an appropriate wedding envelope.

With all my studying and searching, caught up for the day, I pointed at that gold kanji.

She was surprised.  I could read, Kotobuki !

MORE in Japan: Insider's Tips

  

A Most Respectful Bow in Japan (Photos)

The Deepest Bow Seen in 2013

 

 

 

Bowing, in Japan, is more common than the Westerner's handshake.

When you see it done and, do it everyday, it just becomes something like a reflex action.

The Missus, in my house, even bows when she's talking to someone important, on the phone.

What I want to show you is three frames of photos, shot in less than one second.

This is to demonstrate, the most impressive bow, seen in Okinawa this year.



Notice the man in the red shirt. He is receiving an award.

The bow, starts with a simple lowering of his head.

And, continues until he has bowed to a 45 degree angle.

He is the owner and Master of Toto La Bebe, being given an award.

It is for the Best Hambugrer on the island of Okinawa, Japan.

And, he made that, the Bow of the Year, if you ask me.

MORE ABOUT BOWING IN JAPAN

Sunday's Silly Sign (Photo) Jul 17, 2011 Smokers Doggonit !

The Anti Smoking Campaign

Must continue until we get everyone properly trained.

Doggonit, there's etiquette we have to teach smokers.

First, we ought to cut down on the size of the cigarettes.

Look at the size of that thing.
It could qualify as a bazooka !

Etiquette?  Well, if he'd side step a little further when he sees someone downwind of him, the smoke wouldn't have got the guy.

Look at the dog, though.  He aint no dummy.  Naturally smarter than his master or went to one of those schools like DOGGONIT ACADEMY

The dog came out clean. Hah!

This Sunday's Silly Sign was spotted at a convenience store in Okinawa, Japan.
It was posted on the ashtray outside the front door of the place.  That's where I go to buy my smokes and iced coffee.  Somebody with no Slurpy Etiquette spilt a drink on the sign !

VISIT MY HOMEPAGE FOR THE PHOTO OF THE DAY