My daughter-in-law is Japanese. She grew up in a little house.
Her family took their meals while kneeling at a table in their living
Room, the TV on and blaring. Now, she and my son, and their two
Children, live in my large house, and, though it has a dining room,
A nice one with a pleasant view, they huddle at a table in the living
Room to have their meals. The TV's always on. Tradition; it would
Seem as if it's something that appeals to her.

I grew up within a house of middling size out in the suburbs.
In it was a space between the kitchen and the entry door, open
To the living room, not like a dining room at all, but that was where
We had to eat. At least, there was no TV in it, but when anybody
Came and knocked upon the entry door, our meal was interrupted.
I saw nothing good in that, and vowed to never own a house which
Didn't have a special room in which to eat in peace. In this case,

And in most others, I perceived tradition to be chains which

Would have fettered me.