2025 Hristiyan’s Blog

 Hello, Countries can maybe look similar on the surface, but after you dive deeper and do a bit more research the mindset of each culture behind everyday life could be completely different. I dont know how much Bulgaria and Japan are a good example of this because on the surface they look very different, but I am going to speak about them regardless. Using Hofstede's model it is easier to understand why people are the way they are. First dimension that im writing about is uncertainty avoidance. Bulgaria is kinda in the middle. We are not akin to chaos, but unexpected situations are handled with calm. Plans always change, it is how life workds. If things go south most Bulgarian would be able to adapt to the situation. Japan, on the other hand, has a very high uncertainty avoidance. The society in this country prefers clear rules, planning in detail and stability. People are at ease when everything is organized and they can predict it. This difference could be felt as soon as you lan...

 Hi, This topic covers how freely people enjoy life and how often they follow their desires. In Bulgaria usually we are on the restraint side. People focus on responsibilities before enjoyment. Of course, fun is to be had and there is a lot of people who do 90% fun things and responsibilities fade in the background. But on average we grow up with the idea that hard work comes first. Spending money on luxurious things or entertainment is done with care. I still remember when in 2013 I begged my dad to buy me a 40 Euro PS4 game and he just couldnt understand why would he make such a purchase. Just a game for the huge amount of 40 Euro is mental. There is also a bit social pressure to it, people dont like if you show off too much. Overall because of economic challenges in the past people tend to be more practical and cautious with their purchases. Japan could me maybe seen as both but I am going to talk about the restraint side. Japanese culture values discipline and self-control. If ...

Hey-hey, Shopping culture can show how people live and what they value. How a person spends money speaks about them. As a Bulgarian or an Estern-European i see a lot of difference with my home country and Western Europe and Japan.  In Bulgaria shopping is usually just practical, or atleast for many families. People look for good prices, discounds and products they can use in their day-to-d ay lives. Rarely chase on trends, people try to fit in budget as much as possible. Also there is a huge habit of comparing prices before buying something big, sometimes even something small. Shopping is just a need rather than a luxury. Japan is completely, completely different. Consumerism here is on another level, its an experience. Especially in cities like Tokyo and more specifically districts like Ginza. Stores are organized and clean with  a heavy focus on customer service. Even something like a konbini can feel "premium" in a way if I compare it to 24/7 tabacco shops back home. Japa...