Japan represents a country with the same land area as the state of Montana, but contains a unique culture, richer than the vast oil fields of the Middle East. The culture of Japan has grown, changed and evolved since the first signs of civilization nearly 12,000 years ago (“Japan”). Today's Japanese culture emphasizes the need for proper etiquette to earn respect, one of the most important aspects of their society (“Japan – Language”). Knowing correct etiquette is like memorizing a new language, as you need to adopt different behaviors and actions depending on the location or people involved. Learning to eat with the Japanese, interact with them, and do business with them seems comparable to the impossible Twelve Labors completed by Hercules. Although Japanese customs and etiquette are very complex and unique, they can be divided into three simple categories: table behavior, family, and professional, all of which encompass the Japanese lifestyle. The first important place for correct etiquette is at the dining table with correct eating habits and use of tableware. An important aspect of dining etiquette is the correct use and placement of chopsticks. Chopsticks are as common as a fork to Americans. In Japan, chopsticks are used for almost every meal. When you take a break to get a drink or go to the bathroom, place your chopsticks in front of your plate. Chopsticks are only stuck upwards into food, especially rice, during funerals and in food placed on the altar, so it would be smart to avoid this at all costs (“Japanese Table”). Good table manners are another important part of Japanese culinary etiquette. Blowing your nose in public, and especially at the dinner table, is considered... center of paper... a cool vision of honor and respectability (“Japan”). Japan takes the saying “respect your elders” to a whole new level. Japanese etiquette used at meals, at home, or with a professional may seem impractical or pompous, but in reality it is just part of the solid concrete foundation that supports Japanese culture. Works Cited "Japan". History, geography, government and culture. Np, nd Web. 06 December 2013."Japan: Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette." Kwintessential.co.uk. Kwintessential and Web. December 7, 2013. "Mission to Japan in Tokyo | Etiquette in a Japanese home." Japanese Mission in Tokyo | Etiquette in a Japanese house. Np, nd Web. 06 December 2013."Japanese business etiquette." Doing business in Japan. Adventuring in Japan and the Web. 05 December 2013."Good Japanese table manners." Japanese table manners. Np, nd Web. 07 December. 2013.