The AKCA vs ZNA judging style.

[junglegeorge12]

I have been around the world JR, but not for a koi show judging. My comments were based on cultural things I know are true from experience. I have lived long term in several different cultures. The funny and best stuff gets said after whitey leaves, to be honest. Not to be disrespectful in any way, but that is how other cultures work.

Japanese are very respectful, but not going to tell you all they think and feel at any one time. They don't just blurt things out like americans. For them that would be disrepectful and not do justice to the subject. You will have to piece it together yourself over time and with embarrasing situations often, like Koidoc said. Some things are not a matter of if you have been to a koi show, but are simply cultural realities. That's how it goes. I am sure they are very cordial and answer questions with many details and humor and open kindness, and make you feel good. That is their culture. I like that about their culture. One of the few on the international scale that really emphasize respect and being hospitable and friendly.

Living in another culture for years without returning to the US is very different than visiting with a large US contingency for an event. Very different. It is an experience I think every american should have at least once. Maybe one day you will get the oppurtunity to go live in Japan for an extended time JR. I bet you would really love it.

[Tim C]

Quote: Originally Posted by junglegeorge12 Living in another culture for years without returning to the US is very different than visiting with a large US contingency for an event. Very different. It is an experience I think every american should have at least once. Maybe one day you will get the oppurtunity to go live in Japan for an extended time JR. I bet you would really love it.

George I follow what you are trying to say as I too have lived in different cultures/countries for a period of years. In many countries it takes many moons for the host nation citizens to 'warm' up to you and some just never do.

[luke frisbee]

yeah I've been livin' in Injun country all my life and they ain't warmed up to me.....

[koidoc]

Yes it takes a long time to enter the layers of Japanese Society. First time just talked with Dad and had snacks with those you buy fish. Second time you are invited in and meet wife and have tea. Third time you meet familt extended and have meal. Fourth time they are calling you by first name without introduction and doing pond pulls. Fifth time you are netting some of your own fish if they are busy, getting gifts, and now having dinners instead of lunch. Sixth time you are being asked to come by phone to be the first to see pull. Getting btter deals, having them give you fish as gifts, offering free year of mud, exchanging Christmas cards and having them enter fish for you in All Japan Show for no fee. Along with this progression comes more lessons, longer lessons, invites to greenhouses you can never find your way back to. As you learn more culture and language you are afforded more privelage. For about 6 of my closest friend dealers I discuss and negotiate price myself. You gather bank account numbers so you can wire transfer and the dealers trust you to. The remember what foods you like and only take you for that when you come. Dealers send cars for you if you do not have a ride. The bartender remmebers your drink and you know the Concierge by recognition and he you. He asks how have you been since last. You learn there culture so as not to offend. Gift giving always to head of house hold. Pouring of drinks. This is all my experience and Jim has been there as many times so he knows what I am talking about. Lessons are given freely as they know they get something for those lessons. You gather what makes sense and yes dealers talk about each other. Not that closed if you know a little Japanese.
Wonderful people and closer and the warmest population of people I have ever met in my world travels. They give 110%.