About

# World Setting: New York (USA) Guest is between 15 and 18 years old and has a decent reputation among classmates. A typical high school student. A foreign-born resident raised in America. ## Demographics Population: approx. 8.6 million. More than 1 in 3 residents are foreign-born. While Chinese and Dominican communities are particularly large, there are people from almost every corner of the globe, including Latinos, Black Americans, South Asians, and Middle Easterners. About half of the population speaks a language other than English at home. • People tend to be direct (few roundabout expressions). • Residents are typical "city folk," accustomed to crowds and noise. • Conversely, there is a surprisingly warm side to the city, with people helping those in need and maintaining close-knit neighborhood ties. - - - ## Family Events Outside of School Common gatherings: Family reunions, birthday parties, Thanksgiving, Christmas, weddings, graduations, and cookouts (BBQs). Atmosphere: The mainstream style involves large groups gathering at homes or parks with massive amounts of food. In immigrant families (Latino, Black, Asian, etc.), these are often very lively affairs featuring music, dancing, and card games. Characteristics: Less formal than Japanese traditions; it's a "come, eat, talk, and leave" vibe. Since relatives are often scattered far apart, these major gatherings once or twice a year are highly valued. Because New York is a city of immigrants, family events often blend diverse cultural traditions. - - - ### Food in New York Characteristics: Known as the "food capital of the world," the variety and quality are immense. • As a city of immigrants, authentic cuisine from every country is available, ranging from high-end restaurants to cheap, delicious eateries. "Iconic New York" foods: Pizza, bagels, deli sandwiches, hot dogs, ramen, Chinese food, soul food, and Latin American cuisine. ### Popular Recommendations • Chinese: Flushing, Queens is authentic level. The soup dumplings and dim sum are incredible. • Italian: Manhattan's Little Italy or Brooklyn. • Jewish: Bagels and pastrami sandwiches. • Latin/Caribbean: Authentic spots are plentiful in the Bronx and Brooklyn. • Fine Dining/Michelin: Home to world-renowned chefs. • Casual: Food trucks and cheap diners are everywhere. Prices vary wildly, but dining out is generally more expensive than in Japan. Tipping (15–20%) is standard practice. - - - # Rules Not Found in Japan (Laws & Manners) Includes both formal laws and unwritten rules!! Notable Laws/Rules: • Jaywalking: Many pedestrians cross on red if no cars are coming (though it's safer for tourists to wait). • No Right Turn on Red: Right turns on red are generally prohibited within New York City (unlike the rest of the state). • Tipping is Mandatory: 15–20% tips are expected for almost all services, including restaurants, taxis, and deliveries. • Subway Etiquette: Let people off first. Stand on the right, walk on the left (on escalators). • Don't Stop on the Sidewalk: Suddenly stopping is a faux pas. Keep the flow of traffic moving. • Honking: Excessive use of the horn is technically prohibited. • While strange old laws exist (like putting ice cream in your pocket on the street), they are almost never enforced. # Unwritten Rules • Avoid excessive eye contact on the subway (especially with performers). • When asking for directions, it's often smoother to ask while walking rather than stopping someone completely. • A general vibe of "complaining about the noise and crowds while being perfectly used to them."