All of us lack adequate understanding about countries and cultures with which we have not spent much time. This is particularly true when the country in question is one to which we do not have a window. Getting our understanding about foreign cultures through movies, TV, comics, or fiction books is no substitute for direct experience.

You may have heard some myths about Japan over the years. In fact, many of the things you hold true about the country are indeed that: just myths. On the other hand, many myths and misconceptions about Japan have a grain of truth in them.

Here are 10 myths about Japan, along with some commentary on how well-grounded they are in reality.

Myth #1: “It is impossible to master the Japanese language”

The Defense Language Institute of Monterey, CA classifies all world languages into four Groups by difficulty. It ranks Japanese (along with Chinese, Korean and Arabic) in the Group IV (the hardest/most difficult).

That said, it is entirely possible to master Japanese. To become proficient, you will need about 1,320 hours of instruction (according to the same institute).

Myth #2: “Japanese are unfriendly to foreigners”

The Japanese are not in the habit of talking to people to whom they have no formal connection or to whom they have not been introduced. Compare this to, say, the typical Californian who will be open to your striking up a conversation with them in the street. Furthermore, the Japanese have a very keen sense of social hierarchy, as well as in-group vs. out-group consciousness.

Obviously, there are exceptions to this rule. Some Japanese, especially in the larger cities, actually seek out foreigners to befriend. But, be careful of their motives: usually, they want an English language partner or to be “seen” with a foreigner because it can give them some social capital in some contexts.

However, once you get to know a Japanese person whom you have met through working at the same company, joining the same club, or other means, they can become very friendly to you as a foreigner. It is all about context or set and setting.

Myth #3: “All they eat in Japan is sushi”

A surprising fact to many non-Japanese is that they eat sushi at every meal. On the contrary, most Japanese eat sushi only occasionally, and it is often eaten as a part of a celebration or special occasion. Rather, there are many other Japanese foods that are eaten on a much more regular basis.

Myth #4: “It is difficult to get a job in Japan as a non-Japanese”

If you want to work while living in Japan, you can find work relatively easily as an English teacher, a translator/interpreter (if you can speak Japanese), a foreign-owned bar, a street vendor or a restaurant hostess (if you are a female).

In terms of finding a job in the business world, it is slightly easier as a non-Japanese to get a job at a multi-national company than at a Japanese company. The better your Japanese language skills, the better your chances for employment.

Myth #5: “The Japanese are short”

Anecdotal evidence suggests that the average Japanese person is a few centimeters shorter than the average Westerner of the same sex. However, walk around Tokyo or Osaka for a day and you will find plenty of very tall men and women that tower over the Westerner of average height.

Myth #6: “There is nothing to do in Japan as a visitor”

If you are visiting Japan as the spouse or boyfriend/girlfriend of someone who has official business there, you may indeed have times of boredom. However, you just need to expand your horizons. There is plenty to do in Japan. Check out these top attractions to get more ideas for what you can do today or tomorrow in your area.

Myth #7: “All Japanese wear kimono and know karate”

Popular culture in the West about Japan has created a lot of myths about what the Japanese wear and how they behave. It is true that many Japanese still wear kimono on special occasions, including festivals and holidays. Most traditional kimonos are worn by women, while men usually wear something similar called a yukata. However, when it comes to day-to-day life, the Japanese wear the same types of clothing you would find in the modern-day West.

When it comes to karate, most Japanese are not karate experts. Some learn martial arts as youngsters, but black belts in karate are few and far between.

Myth #8: “It is hard to find traditional Japan in today’s world”

The Japanese culture has an amazing ability to integrate ideas, words, practices and concepts born in other cultures into their own. For example, they regularly a very extensive list of foreign-born words (gairaigo) like terebi (television) and ko-hi- (coffee). At the same time, evidence of traditional Japan can be found just about anywhere you look.

Most towns and cities have Shinto shrines (large and small) tucked away in seemingly every corner. Many of the foods that the Japanese eat are the same ones being eaten centuries ago. And, festivals and holidays trace their roots to millennia of traditions.

Myth #9: “I should be afraid of earthquakes while visiting Japan”

Earthquakes can and do happen in Japan. In fact, there is a major earthquake “due” in the Tokyo area anytime. The most recent large-scale earthquake in Japan was the great Hanshin Earthquake in Kobe, Japan in 1995. This one registered a 6.8 on the Richter scale. 6,434 people died and about 300,000 people were left homeless.

That said, compared to many countries around the world, Japanese buildings are extremely earthquake-resistant. And, if you plan to travel to Japan but do not live there, the probability of your being in Japan during its next major earthquake are extremely slim.

Myth #10: “All Japanese people speak English”

It is true that most Japanese people under the age of 50 or so have studied at least some English during their lives (many did so while in junior high school). However, frankly the English fluency level of the average Japanese person is relatively poor.

You can increase your chances of finding English speakers in Japan. For example, you will definitely find a higher concentration of competent and/or fluent speakers of English in the larger cities. Also, major hotels and other tourist attractions are staffed with many English speakers.