PG-rated : 40 reasons to think that the Japanese are superficial

[Ewok85]

Intellectual doesn't have to be the meaning of life. Talking about food can be interesting and thought provoking.

For example I have had some good conversations with people at work about food and more specifically cooking, and been given some great tips - this is a good conversation.

Another good topic that comes to mind was one talking about driving licences, problems and differences between Japan and Australia. We were both surprises - I was surprised that Japanese driving licences need to be constantly renewed in a long and painful fashion thats there to raise revenue, and they were surprised at the ease in which I can renew my licence (simply pay the money and get photo taken at one of many "service" locations) and can opt for a 10yr licence if I wish.

Edit: Its coming up to the bonenkai time of year, take note of what others are talking about and bring it up here. Should be interesting.

[Maciamo]

Intellectual doesn't have to be the meaning of life. Talking about food can be interesting and thought provoking.

I agree with you. Let's say that the Japanese way of talking about food is all but thought-provoking. It's more like "ah, kore oishii ne !" or "oishii mono tabetai na !". The Japanese TV programmes about food that I criticise are rarely cooking, but just showing some dishes and have people try them and invriably say "oishiiii !" or "amaiii !" or "yawarakaiiiiii !". Always the same. No comment longer than one word. No discussion.