The world we live in can be considered as being a complex system of values and traditions, of customs, and national identities. The differences that lie at the basis of each of the world's civilizations and cultures is what gives our society its sense of individuality but at the same time can be the reason of unpardonable mistakes which can offend the other's sense of nationality and of traditional values. From this perspective, it is important to always be aware of the cultural differences and at the same time, of the similarities that parts and keeps us together. We tend to have different perceptions of ideas, of notions and concepts, of beliefs, even of colors and rituals. It is precisely such rifts that give our world the sense of diversity and makes cultural interaction an exciting and at the same time risky affair. Despite the possible difficulties we may come across when we come in contact with a different culture, the experience can prove to be worthy of the struggle and rewarding in terms of the personal experience one is likely to share with the others.
             The American culture can be viewed as being practically international due to the wide spread of the American symbols, of the impact and influence the American way of life has on the world. It represents for most societies the comparison point for prosperity and well being. However, despite the fact that most of the times the economic aspect tends to dominate the discussions on the way in which the American culture is perceived, there are other symbols as well which in fact define the core nature of the American traditions, customs, and in the end culture. However, these cannot be seen in their broadest expression but through a thorough comparison with another culture. The Japanese cultural environment in this sense is one of the most eloquent examples one can use to underline both the real identity of the American culture, as well as the diversity of the cultural ...