Photo by Jeffrey Hamilton. When applying to EPIK this year, I had to write personal statements about teaching as well as encountering cultural differences. Below are my teaching philosophy and thoughts on cultural differences, the EPIK essay suggests. But since EPIK's essay prompts can change, be sure to always check their Japan vs. Germany: Cultural Differences Essay. One of the most defining elements that distinguishes people's perceptions across the world is culture, and comparing it between Japan and Germany can shed light on how opinions are formed. It must be carried out in relation to the activity of citizens, linked to traditions and their interior.