Volume Conversion in Japan

                                                                                         

As you hopefully remember, volume is a measure of space that is the multiple of length x width x height. In the US, we still express this as cubic inches, feet, or yards. However, the rest of the world uses a single metric term to express most measurements of volume – and that’s the liter. If you’ve driven in Canada or Mexico, you’re aware that gasoline is sold by the liter. This particular conversion of units volume is also used in Japan for many things.

What is shakkanhō?

From about the year 700 up until 1924, Japanese measurements were based on the shakkanhō system. Under this system, a sho was equivalent to 1,804 liters, according to volume conversion tables. Today, most brands of sake, or rice wine, are still sold in 1800 liter bottles, equal to just under half a gallon, or two quarts.

Nonetheless, it was necessary for Japan to adopt the metric system during its rather abrupt transition from a medieval society to a modern industrial one. However, like other peoples whose societies ultimately adopt this system, the Japanese found that the metric system was far easier and more consistent than the old method of volume conversion.


Using Metric Volume Conversion

You can access a volume conversion table many places on the World Wide Web, and honestly, if you can remember that a liter is just slightly more than a quart (meaning that a pint, or two cups is – you guessed it - .5 liter, or 500 milliliters), you should do just fine while in Japan. In fact, although the U.S. has so far resisted the metric system, the medical profession has embraced it; most prescription drugs are administered by the milliliter or the centiliter (100 milliters).

You can also print or make your own volume conversion chart if you need to. Otherwise, for about $50 – $60, you can purchase an electronic calculator that has a metric volume conversion function.

It is inevitable that eventually, the U.S. will have no choice but to embrace the metric system (the only other nations who have thus far failed to do so are Myanmar [Burma] and Liberia). By learning volume conversion the metric way, you’ll not only have an easier time when you go shopping for foodstuffs in a Ginza district of Tokyo, you’ll have learned the international language of conversion volume. There’s no time like the present to familiarize yourself with volume conversion – the metric way.

About the author:
Wayne Hemrick is active in helping English language teachers with an interest in Japan, find jobs. In this article he talks about volume conversion.


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