[Seasonal Life Tips / Greeting new neighbors after moving residence]

You should, if possible, greet your new neighbors on the same day you move into a new neighborhood. If you move into an apartment, you should greet the neighbors on both sides and those immediately above and below your apartment. If you move into a detached house, you should greet the neighbors on both sides and those opposite your house. How neighbors interact varies from district to district. Asking your neighbors about this is useful. It is customary to give a gift of washing powder or other daily goods when making a greeting call to your new neighbors.

[Nara Lifestyle Guide / Preparation for the new school term (writing names in the personal belongings /school uniform）]
http://www.nifs.or.jp/mobile/eng/guide/childcare/childcare03.html

[Ask a Foreigner: What I like about Nara living / The spirit of Kendo -2-]

I am a Brazilian and my parents are from Japan. Last month, I talked about the regional Kendo instructor and his relationship with his students. I always wondered, “What on earth attracts the students to this instructor?” According to my son, “It’s my fault when I’m scolded; the master is always right, therefore, I’ll blindly follow what the master says”. Seeing an image of an instructor who respects discipline and has a straight posture in the Dojo creates a strong adult role model, which is obvious since he seems to be very influential in the hearts and minds of all his students. Whenever one has lost his way, the presence of this instructor shows them where to go back. The trust relationship between the instructor and his students who are raised to embrace the Kendo spirit teaches us the bonds between people that many people in modern Japan have forgotten.