Advice on meeting my girlfriend's Japanese mother for first time at dinner?

Question

Hi everyone,

I am meeting my girlfriend's mother, who is Japanese for the first time in a few days. The mother is visiting New York from Japan and I plan to take her and my girlfriend to dinner. In the Japanese culture, is it better to surprise the mother with an impressive dinner out or ask first where she would like to eat. Any other suggestions? I am a New Yorker with just the basic knowledge on Japanese culture.

Thank You So Much

Answer 1

Ask your girlfriend what type of food her mother likes. You don't want to get caught 'surprising' her with food that she can't stand. More than likely, she'll like any place you take her. You really can't go wrong with a good NY nice italian restaurant.

And PLEASE remember: No hugging! It freaks most asian cultures out!

Answer 2

In Japanese culture, it is considered more respectful for a person to be quiet and not talk much. This might be difficult because in our culture we usually think it's more friendly to talk a lot.

I'd say that the best thing to do is ask your girlfriend how you should behave. She is familiar with her mother and her culture and she can give you good advice. I think it'll also impress your girlfriend that you want to make such a good impression on her mother.

Answer 3

See if you can find out what kind of food the mother is partial to. Maybe she would like to try something American? How traditional is her mother? What does she expect from a man who is dating her daughter. These days most Japanese families are very familiar with American traditions so I doubt she will object to whatever you have planned.

Answer 4

I think your GF is your best choice. She is the best tescher of you. I also came across a japanese on http://www.JPlove.com/photo/japanese_single who is very attractive, I will date him later!

Answer 5

Don't mention the war, i did, but i think i got away with it.