S for speeches

For such a reserved, and quite often shy race, when it comes to formal occasions it’s seemingly impossible to shut the Japanese up. Whether it be a meal, sporting event, or anything else for that matter, the proceedings are always started (and quite often ended) with a long, tedious, and generally humourless speech.

Perhaps the epitome of this is the school graduation ceremony, when the kids potentially high spirits are ground down by numerous lengthy and soul-destroying speeches. Ideally preparing the youngsters for the long hours and tedious existence of Japanese corporate life.

Perhaps.