Time Differences

The idea of time about invitations is different between Americans and Japanese. First, in America if you are invited to a home, you shouldn't arrive early. If you do that, the host will be in trouble because he won't be ready. You should arrive there a little later. Second, in Japan, the host expects that guests may come early. You can arrive there a little early, and if you are late, he may be unpleasant. He didn't do what he wanted to do because there wasn't enough time and he will have a problem about it. Finally, it's good for Japanese to go a little early before the time of the promise. If you go to a host's house early, the host will think that you are looking forward to a party and that you are punctual for an appointment. I thought it's natural to arrive a little early for invitations, but in America, it's not good. This is an interesting difference.