Welcoming a Japanese Exchange Student (Minneapolis, Jackson: house, prices, shop)

[Nikyma]

I have recently signed on to host a 17 year old, male exchange student from Japan. I'm Irish and have two daughters. So, my knowledge of Japanese culture doesn't go far beyond the teppanyaki tables and sushi bars; and my knowledge of boys is even less.

I'm wondering if anyone might have suggestions of ways to make him feel at home. I was thinking I'd get some Japanese posters/music for his room. But, where do I shop for such things in the twin cities?

Any suggestions, music, food, lifestyle, culture differences would be appreciated.

Thanks so much!

[Robert98]

I have seen some posters and dvd's at United Noodle. And Wasabi on Washington Ave has some fairly decent suchi.

[MplsTodd]

I've eaten at Obento-Ya on Como Ave SE and SE 15th and had very good meals at very affordable prices. I'm not a sushi person myself, but their bento boxes are great!

Of course, your Japanese student may also want to sample US culture more than Japanese (White Castle!)

[MrMinneapolis]

It would probably be better to invite a female, considering your daughters and all.

[Nikyma]

Originally Posted by MrMinneapolis

It would probably be better to invite a female, considering your daughters and all.

I thought about that. But, not a lot of girls sign up for the exchange program. There were only two available and neither seemed like a good fit for our family.

[Nikyma]

Originally Posted by MplsTodd

Of course, your Japanese student may also want to sample US culture more than Japanese (White Castle!)

That's for sure. In his letter to the host family, he writes "I want to eat American food so much." What is American food? Is there really such a thing? It seems like everything we eat is a recipe from another land.

[Cruz Azul Guy]

Originally Posted by Nikyma

I have recently signed on to host a 17 year old, male exchange student from Japan. I'm Irish and have two daughters. So, my knowledge of Japanese culture doesn't go far beyond the teppanyaki tables and sushi bars; and my knowledge of boys is even less.

I'm wondering if anyone might have suggestions of ways to make him feel at home. I was thinking I'd get some Japanese posters/music for his room. But, where do I shop for such things in the twin cities?

Any suggestions, music, food, lifestyle, culture differences would be appreciated.

Thanks so much!

Let's think about this for a second. If you were in an exchange program in Japan, would you want to walk into your host family's house and see the room you were staying in had N Sync and Michael Jackson posters with an American Express and Visa card sitting next to a big mac value meal on your mantle? I'm guessing not.

My point is, chances are the Japanese exchange student is probably coming to America to learn about and experience American culture, not be presented a bunch of stereotypical Japanese crap as a cheap excuse to make him feel at home. Don't over-analyze this too much, just be welcoming and hospitable.

[Nikyma]

I agree with you, Slig. And I certainly don't want to turn his room into a mini-Japan. I've also bought a US map poster for his room, a statue of liberty when I visited New York, and have out of state friends sending me things from their areas.

But, I thought there might be some things that would make him more comfortable; such as personal hygiene items. I'm thinking mostly about comfort items.

[Cruz Azul Guy]

I still say give him the full Minnesotan experience. If he asks for seaweed scoff at him and say "sorry pal, we don't eat that here, now eat your hot dish!" No but in all seriousness, offer to accomodate any needs he might have but once again I wouldn't worry about it too much.

[Nikyma]

LOL! I'm from New York. I'VE never eaten hot dish! Scary stuff!