Attention all Japanese learners! As someone in the process of learning the complicated Japanese language, I find that dramas are a good way to learn, and practice. The drama I recommend to you today I advocate not because it is particularly well done (while it has garnered quite a few fans), but because of its educational content.
TODAY'S DRAMA: ATTENTION PLEASE!
featuring popular Japanese actors Ueto Aya and Ryo Nishikido
featuring popular Japanese actors Ueto Aya and Ryo Nishikido
The drama is the story of a pure, stubborn, tomboy named Yoko who starts off in a rock band. Through a series of events, Yoko becomes a flight attendant. The experience forces her to learn about the social interaction culture in Japan, and enlightens her to the significance of customer service.
This drama is a great way to learn a couple of things: firstly, honorific Japanese. For most Asian languages, there are both colloquial and honorific forms. The former is one you would speak casually, to friends or family. The latter is used in the workplace, or speaking to a superior. Recently, many young Japanese people have stopped learning how to speak honorific Japanese, which has been causing issues in the workplace. Some companies are even including learning honorific speaking in employee training. Attention Please! includes many scenes of this process. In Japanese culture (as inspired by Confucianism), it is crucial to show humility and respect to those you serve in this way, whether it be to a customer, a boss, or an elder family member.
Another thing to learn from this drama is the art of Japanese social interaction. While this drama will educate you further on this topic, I can sum up the "Japanese way" in about two words: considerate, and deferential. A common theme I've seen when it comes to a profession like flight attendants in Japan is the idea of serving a larger purpose-- one must throw away one's pride, and always act mindfully to meet the needs of a customer. If not, you have no right to be in the profession. As a result, customer service in Japan can be one of the best in the world.
This drama is a great way to learn a couple of things: firstly, honorific Japanese. For most Asian languages, there are both colloquial and honorific forms. The former is one you would speak casually, to friends or family. The latter is used in the workplace, or speaking to a superior. Recently, many young Japanese people have stopped learning how to speak honorific Japanese, which has been causing issues in the workplace. Some companies are even including learning honorific speaking in employee training. Attention Please! includes many scenes of this process. In Japanese culture (as inspired by Confucianism), it is crucial to show humility and respect to those you serve in this way, whether it be to a customer, a boss, or an elder family member.
Another thing to learn from this drama is the art of Japanese social interaction. While this drama will educate you further on this topic, I can sum up the "Japanese way" in about two words: considerate, and deferential. A common theme I've seen when it comes to a profession like flight attendants in Japan is the idea of serving a larger purpose-- one must throw away one's pride, and always act mindfully to meet the needs of a customer. If not, you have no right to be in the profession. As a result, customer service in Japan can be one of the best in the world.
This drama is available on GoodDrama.com, which I will link here: http://www.gooddrama.net/japanese-drama/attention-please-episode-1
Check it out!
Best,
justajae
Check it out!
Best,
justajae