All Ears English Podcast AEE 2460: 3 Phrases to Compare Cultures with Michael from Happy English
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Aug 13, 2025 Michael from Happy English, a seasoned English instructor with over 30 years of experience, dives into fascinating cultural comparisons. He discusses the stark differences between dining customs in Japan and the U.S., sharing personal anecdotes that showcase the joy of communal eating. Michael also highlights Japan's structured recycling practices versus the casual approach in the U.S. Furthermore, he emphasizes the freshness of Japanese cuisine and how cultural norms shape culinary experiences, reminding us of our shared humanity.
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Dinner Portion Differences
- Michael describes typical American dinners as larger portions of fewer items like a baked potato and chicken.
- He contrasts this with Japanese meals that include many small portions, salad, pickles, rice, and miso soup.
Backyard Barbecue Culture
- Michael shares his experience loving backyard barbecues in the U.S. but not in Japan due to small yards and concern about bothering neighbors.
- He notes grilling is a summer cultural event in the U.S. with smells of neighbors' cooking everywhere.
Recycling Systems Are Apples And Oranges
- Michael explains Japan's recycling is highly segmented with calendars and multiple pickup days for labels, caps, and bottles.
- He uses "apples and oranges" to say recycling systems in Japan and the U.S. are fundamentally different.