Diet
Death and Dying
Wellness Behaviors
Biological Variations
Communication
100

This grain, a staple in the Japanese American diet, is often served with most meals and can affect blood sugar management in diabetic patients.

What is white rice?

100

In Japanese American culture, this family role typically takes primary responsibility for funeral arrangements and death rituals.

What is the eldest son?

100

Many Japanese Americans use this warm, clear broth, often made from seaweed and fish, to promote wellness and aid recovery from illness.

What is miso soup?

100

Japanese Americans have a higher prevalence of this digestive condition, causing discomfort after consuming dairy products.

What is lactose intolerance?

100

In Japanese American culture, this indirect style of communication, often using nonverbal cues, is preferred to maintain harmony and avoid conflict. 

What is high-context communication?

200

High sodium levels from this common Japanese condiment may require monitoring in hypertensive patients.

What is soy sauce?

200

Some Japanese American patients and families may view this medical intervention, preferring natural feeding methods due to cultural beliefs about the body and dying process.

What is tube feeding?

200

Japanese Americans may use this type of herbal remedy, often based on roots and plants, as a complementary treatment for minor ailments.

What is Kampo medicine?

200

Studies suggest that high consumption of this soy-based food common in the Japanese American diet may be linked to a decreased risk of prostate cancer.

What is soy (or soy products like tofu and miso)?

200

These complex characters, borrowed from Chinese, represent ideas or concepts and form a core part of written Japanese.

What is kanji?

300

Nurses should assess calcium intake, as traditional Japanese American diets often lack this dairy-based nutrient.

What is milk or dairy?

300

Because of their close association with funerals and the dying process, these religious figures are sometimes viewed as a symbol of bad luck or a reminder of death in Japanese American culture.

Who are Buddhist monks?

300

This traditional healing practice, involving the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body, is sometimes used by Japanese Americans to manage pain and promote wellness.

What is acupuncture?

300

This chronic inflammation of the stomach lining, more prevalent among Japanese Americans, is a known risk factor for developing stomach (gastric) cancer.

What is chronic gastritis?

300

Japanese Americans may use this in conversations to show respect, thoughtfulness, or to avoid interrupting others.

What is silence?

400

This oily fish, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, is frequently consumed and may benefit cardiovascular health.

What is salmon (or mackerel/saba)?

400

Many Japanese Americans who follow Buddhist beliefs may view death as part of a cycle, where the soul undergoes this process before reaching enlightenment.

What is reincarnation?

400

These sweet black soybeans are traditionally eaten during New Year’s celebrations to symbolize good health and diligent work in the coming year.

What are kuromame?

400

This acute vasculitis syndrome, more common in children of Japanese descent, causes fever, rash, and inflammation of blood vessels and requires prompt treatment to prevent heart complications.

What is Kawasaki syndrome?

400

Japanese American culture is considered this type of culture, where physical contact like hugging is generally avoided, especially in formal or professional settings.

What is a nontouch culture?

500

This plant-based protein, made from soybeans, is commonly used in the Japanese American diet as a dairy alternative and an important source of calcium and protein.

What is tofu?

500

This Buddhist concept, believed by some Japanese Americans, suggests that one’s actions in this life affect their fate in the next, which can influence decisions about accepting or refusing life-saving treatments.

What is karma?

500

This fish, often served during celebrations, symbolizes good fortune and is commonly eaten by Japanese Americans to promote wellness and happiness.

What is tai (sea bream, a large red fish served whole)?

500

This genetic variation affecting alcohol metabolism is common in Japanese Americans, causing flushing and increased sensitivity to alcohol.

What is ALDH2 deficiency (aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 deficiency)?

500

In many Japanese American families, oral communication is often accompanied by this nonverbal form of expression, which conveys meaning without words.

What are facial expressions?