View Full Version : Visiting Japan
I've been thinking about it for quite some time now and I've decided that sometime in the near future I hope to go and visit Japan. Partly due to my curiosity and partly because of my love of the culture.
If you have in fact visited or are currently living in Japan, what are your impressions of Japan? I'm just curious about what other people think. :)
ive been there about 5 times, and half my family lives there.
The thing ive been noticing is that the teenagers are acting more american these days.
you need to learn a few "tourist" japanese, like ordering meals, and asking people general questions i should say.
Vacationing in Japan is kind of expensive... and you can't download Japan as warez.
dot_rain
2003-11-06, 22:59
I'll do it someday .
Kempis Curious
2003-11-06, 23:06
It's hard to get time off and the money to go over there.
Here in the USA, if you get two or three weeks off from work, that usually means you've been fired and you need to start saving money, not spending it someplace expensive like Japan. :(
-k
Originally posted by ashibaka
Vacationing in Japan is kind of expensive...
Originally posted by Kempis Curious
It's hard to get time off and the money to go over there.
Yeah, I'm well aware of how expensive it can be. I've figured out a surefire way to get some cash tho, by selling a kidney. :D I mean, you only need one to function correctly, right? right?! :heh:
Originally posted by Kempis Curious
Here in the USA, if you get two or three weeks off from work, that usually means you've been fired and you need to start saving money, not spending it someplace expensive like Japan. :(
-k
Haha, true true...
As for the time off, I'm still a student so I'm hoping that I'll be able to go during one of my breaks.
ZGMF-10A
2003-11-06, 23:24
i want to but i heard the expensive is very high....... :(
yeah its expensive, i remember eating at KFC, and like a 10 piece bucket cost like 27-28000 yen, thats like a little more than 25 US dollars.
also, i spent like 300-400 yen a day just on those 2 litter bottles of spring water because the tap water at my aunts house tasted like crap.
actually, not everything is expensive. I actually bought some Japan only PSX games for only like 10 bucks US a pop.
But ofcourse they were all out for years already.
Its just that on the average, expect to spend more than you normally would if you were from japan and visting america. :heh:
also,it seemed like every mall i went to had a pachino palor and you could just walk in and play diffrent types of gambling machines. I wasnt even 18 when i went there, and they never once bothered and checked my age.
also, for a while, at reasturants and fast food places, I would just point at what i wanted at the menu and just hold up one finger to repersent i wanted one, they kinda understood that i didnt speak japanese. They probally short changed me too :heh:
Plan to go there someday...
gravitation
2003-11-07, 03:40
i plan to go as an exchange student when ive finished skool, it would improve my japanese tremendously! and plus i love everything about japan ^_^
NoSanninWa
2003-11-07, 03:46
yeah its expensive, i remember eating at KFC, and like a 10 piece bucket cost like 27-28000 yen, thats like a little more than 25 US dollars. That's why I expect to survive on rice, pickled vegetables and ramen if I visit Japan. Okay, I admit that I'm also looking forward to Sukiyaki, Shushi, Okonomiyaki, etc... yuuumm.... Stay far away from the American food, we can make that just as well for far less money.
144M_HYPERION
2003-11-07, 03:59
I still remember
the ramen (not the instant one) cost around 780 yen to 900 yen in the street. Man they taste so good :)
144M_HYPERION
2003-11-07, 04:12
Yeah ...
I was in tokyo ... food there cost more compare to other places. :(
Actucally I want to go visit Misawa (northern tip of Honshu)-> U.S. + JMSDF Naval Base.
I'd like to visit it once, but not within the next couple of years.
I first want to finish school, get a decent job, a place to live, and once I've settled down, then I'll visit Japan. :)
EtherNEZ
2003-11-07, 07:44
Of course! Given time and a little funding I'd like to go everywhere! (Yes, even Antarctica)
I've been to Japan many times virtually :D, but you only really learn the geography like that.... no substitute for being there ;)
I mentioned this in Animesuki's previous incarnation, but I'll say it again.
For those with a degree-level qualification or are currently studying for one, I highly recommend the JET Programme (http://www.jetprogramme.org/) (Outline (http://www.jetprogramme.org/e/outline/outline.html)). They are a cultural exchange programme which will send you off to Japan (they pay for the flights both ways) for a whole year as an assistant language teacher (no teaching or even Japanese skills required! (http://www.jetprogramme.org/e/join/faq/faq02.html)), and pay you a comfortable salary (http://www.jetprogramme.org/e/join/faq/faq05.html). They operate in many countries (http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/jet/apply.html), and you don't have to teach English.
I'm applying this year, which means that if I am accepted, I'll be sent to Japan between July and August 2004. The deadline for application this year will depend on which country you apply from, but for England (JET-UK (http://www.jet-uk.org/index_01.html)) it is November the 28th.
Who knows, if you are really determined to experience Japan, I might even see you there :D
Me too, going someday... but alas, the stuff there are so expensive... :upset:
tsurumaru
2003-11-07, 21:48
That's why I expect to survive on rice, pickled vegetables and ramen if I visit Japan. Okay, I admit that I'm also looking forward to Sukiyaki, Shushi, Okonomiyaki, etc... yuuumm.... Stay far away from the American food, we can make that just as well for far less money.
Don't even get me started on the Japanese equivalent of "Cheese"... :D
Shibuya and Harajuku rock! :)
Ah, Minami Aoyama nanchome, o-hisashiburi desu ne. Natsukashii...........
I mentioned this in Animesuki's previous incarnation, but I'll say it again.
For those with a degree-level qualification or are currently studying for one, I highly recommend the JET Programme (http://www.jetprogramme.org/) (Outline (http://www.jetprogramme.org/e/outline/outline.html)). They are a cultural exchange programme which will send you off to Japan (they pay for the flights both ways) for a whole year as an assistant language teacher (no teaching or even Japanese skills required! (http://www.jetprogramme.org/e/join/faq/faq02.html)), and pay you a comfortable salary (http://www.jetprogramme.org/e/join/faq/faq05.html). They operate in many countries (http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/jet/apply.html), and you don't have to teach English.
I'm applying this year, which means that if I am accepted, I'll be sent to Japan between July and August 2004. The deadline for application this year will depend on which country you apply from, but for England (JET-UK (http://www.jet-uk.org/index_01.html)) it is November the 28th.
Who knows, if you are really determined to experience Japan, I might even see you there :D
(Time to resurrect an old thread... I haven't seen the Japan FAQ mentioned here yet, and Search came up empty.)
This may (is?) be outdated - since the page has, as When Updated, 1998 to 2001 - but while browsing The Japan FAQ (http://www.thejapanfaq.com/) for advice and information, I came across its Teaching English (http://www.thejapanfaq.com/FAQ-EFL.html) section. It doesn't discuss JET, however, directly.
I will be going to Japan for a day or two in July of this year. (Its the stopover point on the way to the US from Australia. I am going to take the optionial stopover there for a day or two.)
Seifer_us
2004-01-28, 21:11
Well, I'm also in Tokyo... Shibuya at the moment...
Then there's a good chance we've passed each other in the street and didn't know it... my girlfriend and I meet there at least once a week. I'll bet you hang out in the Mandrake a lot...
*gasp* *points finger* It was YOU who bought my Knives cel, wasn't it!! :mad:
j/k :)
I'll be darned it if all the stuff I want doesn't seem to just dissappear out of there by the time I can afford to get it. :sad:
RavenChild
2004-01-28, 21:31
myself, i am planning to go soon as an exchange student. if i like it, might even move there. i don't like city life so i'd be living in some small town outside of a city or something. i love old japanese culture and some of these old towns still have their culture "unwesternized"
I'm leaving for Japan this Saturday for one month. Tokyo for a week, Nara/Kyoto/Osaka area for a week. Obanazawa/Ginzan-onsen for a couple of days, and Matsumoto City for about a week.
I have some "survival" Japanese under my belt, and I'm trying to learn more. But the grammar part is still a little tricky.
I'm excited to go, but at the same time I'm really nervous since this is the first time travelling by myself, and I'm going to another country for a month. :|
I see that my action worked to bring life back to an old thread. I should have been a doctor... :)
Well, I've been trying to figure out whether or not it's better/cheaper to get furniture in Tokyo or have everything shipped - not to mention my having to buy furniture here regardless first if I go the shipping route - and came across some info and sites. Maybe they'll be of use to others?
(No one seems to be listing costs of furniture, though... but Ikea is entering Japan? :) )
Provided, natch, that the info is all correct... and remains up-to-date! :D
Note: I'm pretty sure, based on a recent thread, that these aren't spam, but feel free to remove the link(s) if so. Thanks!
The Japan FAQ (http://www.thejapanfaq.com/) - Dates back to 2001, however, it looks like.
Price Check Tokyo (http://www.pricechecktokyo.com/)
Japan Forums (http://www.jref.com/forum/)
Ex-Pat Forums (http://www.expatforum.com/) - Somewhat useful, I think.
Japan Today (http://www.japantoday.com/) - Has some okay stuff. It's an on-line newspaper, after all.
Edit - Going to hijack this for one second, so...
:topicoff: Does anyone happen to know if my ATI All-In-Wonder 9600 Pro card will work in Japan for a TV signal? I hear that a U.S. TV wouldn't work in the country, which is no big given the age of my set, but I'd hate to lose half the functionality of my graphics card to boot!
For anyone interested, I had my JET interview last Thursday. There is quite a bit of information on the web about what is invloved, but you can read about my experiences (http://revlob.com/logs.pl?date=20040124) on my website.
(Shameless plug, I know, but ok'ed by xris)
I mentioned this in Animesuki's previous incarnation, but I'll say it again.
For those with a degree-level qualification or are currently studying for one, I highly recommend the JET Programme (http://www.jetprogramme.org/) (Outline (http://www.jetprogramme.org/e/outline/outline.html)). They are a cultural exchange programme which will send you off to Japan (they pay for the flights both ways) for a whole year as an assistant language teacher (no teaching or even Japanese skills required! (http://www.jetprogramme.org/e/join/faq/faq02.html)), and pay you a comfortable salary (http://www.jetprogramme.org/e/join/faq/faq05.html). They operate in many countries (http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/jet/apply.html), and you don't have to teach English.
I'm applying this year, which means that if I am accepted, I'll be sent to Japan between July and August 2004. The deadline for application this year will depend on which country you apply from, but for England (JET-UK (http://www.jet-uk.org/index_01.html)) it is November the 28th.
Who knows, if you are really determined to experience Japan, I might even see you there :D
Megane - Sounds like your interview went well. Did they give you a date as to when you'll know if you made the cut?
Edit - Ah, I see that they'll tell you sometimes in April...
Interesting questions, BTW, as to what they had asked... I wonder if they really care about your answers or if they were trying to find out more about how you handle yourself should you not know the answer...
Good luck on your application, however!
Megane - Sounds like your interview went well. Did they give you a date as to when you'll know if you made the cut?
Edit - Ah, I see that they'll tell you sometimes in April...
Well, I'm hoping that they'll let me know in the next couple of weeks, or at least before the end of February.
Interesting questions, BTW, as to what they had asked... I wonder if they really care about your answers or if they were trying to find out more about how you handle yourself should you not know the answer...
Mmm. They didn't look at the test answers I had given them during the interview (they might have done afterwards, I don't know), and I don't remember seeing them write much down at all in response to my answers. So it is my guess that the interview is more of a guage of personality, to judge your performance in formal and stressful situations, and as you say, to see how you might handle yourself when put on the spot with a difficult question.
Good luck on your application, however!
Thanks for the well-wishing :)
Well, I'm hoping that they'll let me know in the next couple of weeks, or at least before the end of February.
So an assignment to what part of Japan, if they give you the word, are you going to request? Their site mentioned that you're allowed to ask, but naturally, unless you have some special reason, they might not be able to give you the assignment to, say, Tokyo or Kyoto.
Somehow, I don't think a strong want for either girls, clubs, or bars counts, though. ;) :D
I would like to go there. Mostly for food, anime, manga, and drama shows. But (correct me if I'm wrong) there are a LOT of people who smoke in Japan (including inside buildings, restrauants, etc). I don't think I'd be able to live with that. I hold my breath whenever someone who's smoking walks past me on the street. If I tried that in Japan, well I think I wouldn't be breathing that much :heh:
That JET program looks interesting though. I didn't know that you got paid, I thought it was just an exchange-program type of deal. 3,600,000 yen huh? Hmm, maybe if I don't get into grad school I might go ahead and do it. Thanks for the info! :bow:
EDIT:
Just want to make sure of one thing: absolutely NO knowledge of the Japanese language is required, right? I ask because my best friend doesn't know any Japanese and she has applied to grad school and is worrying about getting accepted as well. We are compiling a list of options for "If I don't get into grad school...". It would be cool if both of us could get accepted to JET and live together in Japan for a year. Hmmm, yes very interesting :naughty:
vasiliki
2004-01-31, 05:00
For those with a degree-level qualification or are currently studying for one, I highly recommend the JET Programme (http://www.jetprogramme.org/) <snip> I'm applying this year, which means that if I am accepted, I'll be sent to Japan between July and August 2004.
How can you recommend something you haven't experienced? Just wait until you get here - then you'll see for yourself how much of an unsubstancial propaganda is all this about JET. You remind me of my naive and excited self 9 months ago. I hope you'll be among the JETs who have an easy ride, but if you get sent in the deep inaka without speaking Japanese and only a couple of your colleagues speak English (but never talk to you anyway), or if you want to buy something with credit and you're told "we don't sell with credit to foreigners" (even though you have a steady job and income!), or if you happen to come across signs hung outside shops "entrance isn't allowed to foreigners", don't complain afterwards about the sweetness (NOT!) of being a foreign residence in Japan.
On the other hand, if you just want to experience living abroad (and you're naive enough to chose Japan for it), while getting paid for wasting one year of your life, welcome.
The only reason someone should consider JET is if he wants to improve his Japanese, or he needs to add a year of life in Japan in his CV.
yeah its expensive, i remember eating at KFC, and like a 10 piece bucket cost like 27-28000 yen, thats like a little more than 25 US dollars.
You probably mean 2700-2800 yen, because 27-28000 yen is more like 250 USD.
GATX207_Blitz
2004-01-31, 05:42
hey guys I've been to japan before. I think I was there as a part of the 2 years I lived in korea, but anyways the only thing I remember since I was little was that I had this umbrella and there were these japanese kids in a park and I pretended the umbrella was a sword......can you guess what happened next????
er I attacked and they ran away srry if I disappointed anyone ;p, but nothing else happened and I forgot whatever else happened.
BTW I was like 4 when I was there.
How can you recommend something you haven't experienced?
I'm recommending the JET programme on its reputation, based on what I have heard from previous applicants that I know, and on the potential opportunities it offers. True, I haven't left just yet, but I'm not jumping in to something that I haven't researched thoroughly.
Just wait until you get here - then you'll see for yourself how much of an unsubstancial propaganda is all this about JET. You remind me of my naive and excited self 9 months ago.
I take it you are currently participating in the Programme then?
I hope you'll be among the JETs who have an easy ride, but if you get sent in the deep inaka without speaking Japanese and only a couple of your colleagues speak English (but never talk to you anyway), or if you want to buy something with credit and you're told "we don't sell with credit to foreigners" (even though you have a steady job and income!), or if you happen to come across signs hung outside shops "entrance isn't allowed to foreigners", don't complain afterwards about the sweetness (NOT!) of being a foreign residence in Japan.
I have heard all of this before. You'll find racism in pretty much any country you visit, I can deal with that. I know all about being a foreigner, but I'm making an effort to be less of a sore thumb when I stick out (and boy will I stick out!) I'm taking Japanese lessons, and while I don't expect to be able to engage in deep Japanese conversation, I'll hopefully be able to work around a few language barriers.
On the other hand, if you just want to experience living abroad (and you're naive enough to chose Japan for it), while getting paid for wasting one year of your life, welcome.
Sorry to hear you're not enjoying yourself.
The only reason someone should consider JET is if he wants to improve his Japanese, or he needs to add a year of life in Japan in his CV.
You must have had some better reasons than that when you applied if you were actually successful.
bamboofrost
2004-01-31, 14:24
I'm hoping to either visit Japan this summer. But if that doesn't work out, I'm gonna wait till college and do the study abroad program ^_^
Has anyone studied abroad? What's it like?
How can you recommend something you haven't experienced? Just wait until you get here - then you'll see for yourself how much of an unsubstancial propaganda is all this about JET. You remind me of my naive and excited self 9 months ago. I hope you'll be among the JETs who have an easy ride, but if you get sent in the deep inaka without speaking Japanese and only a couple of your colleagues speak English (but never talk to you anyway), or if you want to buy something with credit and you're told "we don't sell with credit to foreigners" (even though you have a steady job and income!), or if you happen to come across signs hung outside shops "entrance isn't allowed to foreigners", don't complain afterwards about the sweetness (NOT!) of being a foreign residence in Japan.
On the other hand, if you just want to experience living abroad (and you're naive enough to chose Japan for it), while getting paid for wasting one year of your life, welcome.
The only reason someone should consider JET is if he wants to improve his Japanese, or he needs to add a year of life in Japan in his CV.
Your experiences, then, must have been really bad. Yes, when I thought about applying for an internal transfer from NYC to Tokyo and started the research, I found posts/blogs/etc. about everything from storeowners who wouldn't serve foreigners to stupid-a$$ed punks who pick a fight with someone for simply chatting up a Japanese girl at a club. Do they exist here in the U.S., though? Absolutely! Is it more prevalent here in the States than in Japan? Not a clue, but I'm sure that I'll find out.
When people here found out that I was relocating to Tokyo, though, they tend to fall into one of two camps: the "that sounds exciting" group (and the associated "are you excited" one) and the "are you #!%$ crazy" camp. I'm doing this to add more international experience to my resume - plus it gets me out of my existing role to boot, which is good. I shall see if this change is good or not in 6 months/1 year. In the meantime, I'm going to make the most of it! :D
Now to figure out where I want to live... ;)
Tenkawa-Chan
2004-01-31, 20:31
yeah I would love to go there one day!
only two problems....
1. money... >_>
2. I don't like flying......
dammit......
o well maybe one day..... :(
Mr_Anonomis
2004-01-31, 21:42
Hopefully i'll be going there in 2 years with my japanese class at school. It would be so damn awesome... except for the expense part, but i've heard that's only in the big cities.
But, that's what parents are for, especially ones with lots of money
except for the expense part, but i've heard that's only in the big cities.
That's why we should all move to suburban Kansai.
vasiliki
2004-01-31, 22:47
I'm recommending the JET programme on its reputation, based on what I have heard from previous applicants that I know, and on the potential opportunities it offers.
What opportunities it offers, apart from opening the way to working as a teacher of English after JET? As for its reputation, this exists only abroad; nobody knows about JET in Japan and ALTs are at the very bottom of the social pyramid.
You'll find racism in pretty much any country you visit, I can deal with that. I know all about being a foreigner
You think that you can deal with racism on the level of an entire country and not only from individuals? I had lived in 3 other countries before. Nothing prepares you for the absolute disregard you'll be faced with here. You're nobody they care to learn about or make friends with for any other reason than PRACTICING their English with you. You're not an individual anymore, you're just "another foreigner".
You must have had some better reasons than that when you applied if you were actually successful.
Of course I had. I had visited Japan before and had fell in love with it. I thought I had found the country where I wanted to spend the rest of my life. Doing the JET was my dream for 2 years - it even determinded the subject of the Master's degree I got. And now, with the knowledge and hindsight that experience offers, I'm repeating that the only reason someone should consider JET is if he wants to improve his Japanese, or he needs to add a year of life in Japan in his CV. Or if he needs the money desperately.
from storeowners who wouldn't serve foreigners to stupid-a$$ed punks who pick a fight with someone for simply chatting up a Japanese girl at a club. Do they exist here in the U.S., though? Absolutely! Is it more prevalent here in the States than in Japan? Not a clue, but I'm sure that I'll find out.
The storeowner you mentioned, though, would be breaking the anti-discriminatory law in the States. He's not breaking any laws in Japan! You see, something that everyone ignores abroad is that the problem here isn't the racism that comes from individuals (a$$holes exist in most countries and they're definitely more prevalent in the States), but its nationwide side. From the superior Japanese blood to the omittence of the foreign husband/father's name in the corresponding column of the family book, so that the children actually appear father-less! It's a thing that runs a lot deeper than individual racism and I haven't encountered in any of the other countries I've lived. Of course, i you're not fluent in Japanese, you'll miss a lot of it (you'll never know what is going on around you) and you'll leave Japan the same as you came: the happy ignorant foreigner.
that I was relocating to Tokyo
Tokyo is a lot better for foreigners, because of their large numbers there (no sports shop or barber shop in Tokyo will refuse you entry). In addition, you won't be a JET participant, but actually doing a decent job, so you'll have more value to the eyes of your colleagues.
In any case, I'm not going to post for a third time, because I don't want to be a downer. I hope you'll be among the lucky ones and enjoy your time as foreign residents in Japan.
What opportunities it offers, apart from opening the way to working as a teacher of English after JET? As for its reputation, this exists only abroad; nobody knows about JET in Japan and ALTs are at the very bottom of the social pyramid.
Quite possibly so, yes, with respect to the social pyramid. I feel the same way about a substitute teacher whom I know is only coming into the class for a short while while I was a student. Not the same, of course...
Everything - and everyone with whom I spoke who had spent years in Japan during my research, and they're all Caucasians if that helps? - has said that it will be really tough for the first year or two - not just because of the language, but rather I would need to, for lack of a better word, break through their mindsets and reserve. JET ALTs aren't there for too long, yes?
You think that you can deal with racism on the level of an entire country and not only from individuals? I had lived in 3 other countries before. Nothing prepares you for the absolute disregard you'll be faced with here. You're nobody they care to learn about or make friends with for any other reason than PRACTICING their English with you. You're not an individual anymore, you're just "another foreigner".
:joke: I suppose turnabout is fair play...
The storeowner you mentioned, though, would be breaking the anti-discriminatory law in the States. He's not breaking any laws in Japan! You see, something that everyone ignores abroad is that the problem here isn't the racism that comes from individuals (a$$holes exist in most countries and they're definitely more prevalent in the States), but its nationwide side. From the superior Japanese blood to the omittence of the foreign husband/father's name in the corresponding column of the family book, so that the children actually appear father-less! It's a thing that runs a lot deeper than individual racism and I haven't encountered in any of the other countries I've lived.
I dunno. A lot of my parents' Chinese friends have similiar attitudes about whites and non-Asians in general.
Of course, i you're not fluent in Japanese, you'll miss a lot of it (you'll never know what is going on around you) and you'll leave Japan the same as you came: the happy ignorant foreigner.
Not going to happen, the ignorant part anyway. I'm signing up for the language courses as soon as I can; I do not want to spend the next few years ordering food by pointing at pictures and other people's dishes! :)
Tokyo is a lot better for foreigners, because of their large numbers there (no sports shop or barber shop in Tokyo will refuse you entry). In addition, you won't be a JET participant, but actually doing a decent job, so you'll have more value to the eyes of your colleagues.
In any case, I'm not going to post for a third time, because I don't want to be a downer. I hope you'll be among the lucky ones and enjoy your time as foreign residents in Japan.
Can't speak for Megane, but I, for one, don't mind your continuing to do so. Honestly, people have good experiences, and vice-versa. It makes no difference as to the kind of person you are either, which is too bad. The main thing, I feel, is that people don't go into a situation blindly or wearing rose-colored glasses. If the person has a reasonable expectation of what to expect, then, IMHO, he'll have a better chance at enjoying himself.
I don't expect to remake the country, nor do I want to. I'm only planning to be there for about 3-4 years anyway; I tend to get bored by this time. ;)
Now back to apartment hunting (Y200,000 for a studio?! I must have lived in Manhattan for too long if that looked reasonable. :p ) and the whole tax situation. Bleegh...
vasiliki, I'm sorry you're having a sucky time. I don't mind if you continue to post about your negative experiences. If I can learn about as many negative aspects of being a foreigner in Japan as possible, I'll be that much more prepared for a stay there.
...
Everything - and everyone with whom I spoke who had spent years in Japan during my research, and they're all Caucasians if that helps? - has said that it will be really tough for the first year or two - not just because of the language, but rather I would need to, for lack of a better word, break through their mindsets and reserve. JET ALTs aren't there for too long, yes?
For JET ALTs, the minimum term is a year, but 50% of applicants stay for a second and you can apply for a third if you really enjoy yourself.
Not going to happen, the ignorant part anyway. I'm signing up for the language courses as soon as I can; I do not want to spend the next few years ordering food by pointing at pictures and other people's dishes! :)
Erk, I had better learn some food vocabulary...
Can't speak for Megane, but I, for one, don't mind your continuing to do so. Honestly, people have good experiences, and vice-versa. It makes no difference as to the kind of person you are either, which is too bad. The main thing, I feel, is that people don't go into a situation blindly or wearing rose-colored glasses. If the person has a reasonable expectation of what to expect, then, IMHO, he'll have a better chance at enjoying himself.
Well said.
Well, I arrived in Tokyo yesterday after a very long flight from the U.S. and after a good night's sleep (no jetlag! :D ), promptly got lost in Shinjuku. LOL! Akihabara was interesting, however, with electronics, manga, anime, and such everywhere you look. Definitely worth multiple visits, but knowledge of Japanese does help. I could only find English-speaking reps in the duty-free floors of the stores. :p
Megane, I too am going to have to learn some food vocabulary. :) Pointing to pictures really bites. If you make it here, though, be sure and bring power plug converters and a step-down transformer with you, esp. if you're going to bring along electronics. The converters you can buy at Akihabara, but the transformers that I found were all rather expensive...
Home connectivity seems to be a bit hard to come by also...
Well, I was in japan during summer 2002 for an internship of 3 month in a japanese company leaving in a japanese family (relatives of my parent's freinds leaving in france). THey couldn't speak french or english so I had to survive with my, not very good japanese :) .
Well, I didn't get much time to visit (1 week), but I really enjoyed my stay in Japan and the difference in both the culture and the way of life.
So good luck to anyone wanting to go there and have fun to all the people there at the moment.
Well, I arrived in Tokyo yesterday after a very long flight from the U.S. and after a good night's sleep (no jetlag! :D ), promptly got lost in Shinjuku. LOL! Akihabara was interesting, however, with electronics, manga, anime, and such everywhere you look. Definitely worth multiple visits, but knowledge of Japanese does help. I could only find English-speaking reps in the duty-free floors of the stores. :p
Megane, I too am going to have to learn some food vocabulary. :) Pointing to pictures really bites. If you make it here, though, be sure and bring power plug converters and a step-down transformer with you, esp. if you're going to bring along electronics. The converters you can buy at Akihabara, but the transformers that I found were all rather expensive...
Home connectivity seems to be a bit hard to come by also...
Cool, I'd like to hear more. Ever considered starting a web log?
xavier8200
2004-02-15, 10:59
I've always wanted to go to Japan I am currently taking Japanese (self Teaching) but I have heard several rumors that the Japanese aren't to friendly with blacks. Is that true? and if so does anyone know why. Thats all Im concerned about.
I can't get you a defenite responce about your question. As for strangers in Japan, I was working in the prefecture (tsu, mie ken) of a region not to far from Kyoto (300km). Well, I can tell you that strangers were a rare site in this place and even though I'm white I stood out as the stranger. I did meet other foreigners though, and blacks weren't underrepresented neither did I see them being treated badly.
To this I might add that the japanese I met during my studies in england were also as friendly to black as to anyone else although this may not tell anything.
Well, this is what I know from experience, and I haven't heard any rumors concerning this particular subject. Anyway, good luck man :).
xavier8200
2004-02-15, 12:36
Let me correct myself. I didn't mean that all of the japanese natives are negative towards blacks I know that is not the case. Hip Hop is huge in Japan. I was just saying that blacks have a negative depiction in anime and i was wondering if that carried over into the culture of the natives of Japan. I mean look at Jungle wa itsumo Deluxe, some of the other drawings of blacks with like Huge lips and overly developed curves. Also the Cowboy Bebop episode with the mushrooms.
I don't want this to turn into some sort of racial thing and sway from the thread. Just a qestion. Maybe I should make this a separate thread.
From what I've heard from my friends who went to Japan.. I'm not sure if it's true.. White people get a worse treatment than Black people in Japan. ... But either way, I wouldn't worry. I think that no matter "what color" you are, you'll appear as a foreigner anyway. ^^;;; I mean, I really really doubt you'll get a worse treatment than a white person in Japan.
And I guess this is the whole argument about the portrayal of black people in anime... I think that black people aren't portrayed in a better way than white people in anime at all. And if they draw black people that way, it's because they exagerate the traits.. it's not really a racist thing in my opinion.
A lot of people I know are worrying about being a foreigner in Japan ... And like I said in a previous thread, this is the main reason why I'm not going to Japan. .. But I know that I might have a really good experience if I went..
TangentZ
2004-02-15, 13:25
I went to Tokyo with my family on vacation. We lived in Shinjuku ( 新宿 ) but visited everywhere near Tokyo. (We stopped by almost all of the JR stations, LOL!)
If you're into electronics and games, definitely check out Akibahara ( 秋葉原 ). Shibuya ( 渋谷 ) is more fashion-oriented, I think. Ramen ( ラーメン ) is a must!
I was sort of the tour guide with my limited Japanese. But people seemed to understand me just fine, so that's cool. :cool:
The only regret I have is that we didn't visit any onsen ( 温泉 ). I'll definitely pay a visit the next time I go there, probably to Sapporo ( 札幌 ), or Fukuoka ( 福岡 ). It hasn't been decided yet.
Cool, I'd like to hear more. Ever considered starting a web log?LOL! No, not really. If I had one and am writing the journal entries now, it'll be more along the lines of:
06:00 - Woke up
08:55 - Go to the office
09:00 - Work
20:00 - Go home
and such. I have yet to visit the Sapporo Beer Garden that is nearby; I still don't know what's inside, to be totally honest. Besides the obvious, natch. :)
In case I hadn't stressed this enough... Just watch out, if you get to Tokyo, for Shinjuko. The place is a madhouse with gates every which way leading to so many rail lines that it's hilarious; I got lost for about 5 minutes on Sunday again. :heh: The streets are confusing - like all of the stories had said - so bring street maps with you along with the subway map that you'll find at the Tourist Information Center at Narita; you can find street atlases at say, Kinokuniya in Shinjuku and Books First in Shibuya, though.
xavier8200, I can't really say if blacks are treated any worse than whites (or a particular nationality like Chinese, Korean, etc). Leaving aside the obvious of my having been here for less than a week and being in Tokyo, of course. I haven't seen very many blacks, though, so you're rather likely to stand out more than you would back home. So long as you're polite about it, I don't really see much of a problem. Definitely keep your sense of humor and don't lose your temper if you can't make yourself understood, I would say.
My 2 cents (roughly 18 yen or so) on the subject.
I have some relatives Live in Tokyo and Osaka
it's easy for me to just go visit there ^^*
But havent get a chance to do soo :(
dragonz20
2004-02-17, 13:48
Let me correct myself. I didn't mean that all of the japanese natives are negative towards blacks I know that is not the case. Hip Hop is huge in Japan. I was just saying that blacks have a negative depiction in anime and i was wondering if that carried over into the culture of the natives of Japan. I mean look at Jungle wa itsumo Deluxe, some of the other drawings of blacks with like Huge lips and overly developed curves. Also the Cowboy Bebop episode with the mushrooms.
I don't want this to turn into some sort of racial thing and sway from the thread. Just a qestion. Maybe I should make this a separate thread.
All a matter of perspective I think. I don't think they intend on mocking black people and they were just exaggerating some traits as they do with other cultures (as Kurara said). Watch Hikaru No Go. All the Koreans people had small think eyes compared to all the Japanese characters when in real life, the eyes sizes are relatively the same. If anything, Koreans would have larger eyes because I heard a rumor that a very high percentage of all Korean girls get their eyes done (apparently eye surgery is very cheap in Korea).
but anyway, this type of exaggeration also exist in the US. Are you a baseball fan? Just look at the logo of the Cleveland Indians (MLB team). It's an Indian with a red face and very big long nose. There was a huge fuss about it a few years ago because American Indians felt (and probably still do feel) that they were being mocked at.
xavier8200
2004-02-17, 15:34
All a matter of perspective I think. I don't think they intend on mocking black people and they were just exaggerating some traits as they do with other cultures (as Kurara said). Watch Hikaru No Go. All the Koreans people had small think eyes compared to all the Japanese characters when in real life, the eyes sizes are relatively the same. If anything, Koreans would have larger eyes because I heard a rumor that a very high percentage of all Korean girls get their eyes done (apparently eye surgery is very cheap in Korea).
but anyway, this type of exaggeration also exist in the US. Are you a baseball fan? Just look at the logo of the Cleveland Indians (MLB team). It's an Indian with a red face and very big long nose. There was a huge fuss about it a few years ago because American Indians felt (and probably still do feel) that they were being mocked at.
I really appreciate the input that everyone has given me. If I didn't ask the question, I would have just been assuming the worst for god knows how long. and you all set me straight Thanks alot dragon z and lynnie.
btw not a baseball fan but i know what you are taliking about. Same thing goes for the washington redskins etc... thanks again
I'd love to go there, i actually planto move there, but im only 13 and my mum dont wanna go...
So i guess i have to wait till i can make my own money..
But i can wait..
Kempis Curious
2004-02-17, 18:35
LOL! No, not really. If I had one and am writing the journal entries now, it'll be more along the lines of:
06:00 - Woke up
08:55 - Go to the office
09:00 - Work
20:00 - Go home
and such. I have yet to visit the Sapporo Beer Garden that is nearby; I still don't know what's inside, to be totally honest. Besides the obvious, natch. :)
xavier8200, I can't really say if blacks are treated any worse than whites ...
11 hour days are normal at your office? Heavens sakes. But still I concur that it would be fun to hear your reflections on life in Japan. BLOG BLOG BLOG!!! ^_^
I wonder if blacks might get better treatment than whites in areas that have a lot of Russian sailors on shore leave. (Though I AM standing up when I ponder this.)
-k
curious
I was in japan this last september. I have family that is currently living thier, and I love travling. All in all I was able to work out the round trip and one months stay for less that $2,000 US.
I would go back in a second if I could. although if given the option to move thier, I do not know about that. Life in japan is differnt than in the US, but not on any major level. I think it is the smaller things that would eventualy end up making miss the US. things like, meeting people on public transporation as oposed to sitting thier silently, as every one playes tetris or some such on thier cell phone.
Overall I did truly enjoy japan, beeing city raised and born I was quite impressed with tokyo. If any thing I would say the only thing that citry is missing is mass implkemtation of dumpsters =p
The streets are confusing - like all of the stories had said - so bring street maps with you along with the subway map that you'll find at the Tourist Information Center at Narita;
I cannot stress that point enugh. Also, it might be helpfull if you are planning to visit to learn how to ask where the subway is, and other such phrases. I made a list of common thing I would need to say and printed it out. helped alot when I got lost in shinjuku some time arround 3am and a few to many drinks (I could no longer pronounce any thing in japanese and was reduced to pointing at my phrases on the paper I had =p)
But a map of the subway system with english AND japanese writing on it will be your lifes blood for getting arround. Many of the subway stations in tokyo have nothing but japanese to identify pricing for stops. so if you are like me and cannot read japanese you have two choices, ask where on the map said stop is, or play match the symbols. I opted for match the symbols unless a cute girl was near by (hey, I got a nice day walking in yoyogi park with a cute japanese girl that spoke english by doing this :) )
I went to Tokyo with my family on vacation. We lived in Shinjuku ( 新宿 ) but visited everywhere near Tokyo. (We stopped by almost all of the JR stations, LOL!)
If you're into electronics and games, definitely check out Akibahara ( 秋葉原 ). Shibuya ( 渋谷 ) is more fashion-oriented, I think. Ramen ( ラーメン ) is a must!
I was sort of the tour guide with my limited Japanese. But people seemed to understand me just fine, so that's cool. :cool:
The only regret I have is that we didn't visit any onsen ( 温泉 ). I'll definitely pay a visit the next time I go there, probably to Sapporo ( 札幌 ), or Fukuoka ( 福岡 ). It hasn't been decided yet.
I remember reading that some places (specifically public baths and the like) restrict access to any non-Japanese native. They have the belief that foreigners would make the bath impure or something. Which sucks because would really like to visit an 温泉 as well! :sad:
:topicoff:
Kempis Curious - Yes, 10 to 12 hours sound about right. A lot of people live around the Ebisu/Meguro area - or live near the JR stations, it seems, and those who don't may well make enough that they can afford to live inside the JR Yamonote (sp?) loop with transportation very simple. Even in New York, we still work long hours also.
At least now I get to eat lunch away from my desk and not have to work through my lunch hour... (Apartments, though, are still expensive, and family and friends are still looking for free room and board. :p )
I'll think about blogging. I never bothered to do anything with my domain, so I'm not sure if I still have it.
Umbrae - LOL about the cute girl. Hope you got her number afterwards! ;) Actually, the TIC subway map - or at least the one that I have - has both English and Japanese station names, which is better and more up-to-date than any that I've seen in my guidebooks. If you're not sure about how much to select from the ticket machine, pick the cheapest fare, which is Y130 right now, travel to your stop, and use a Fare Adjustment machine to pay the difference before you exit the gates. Not all of the trains, however, give the next station's name in English...
Also, I would recommend the street atlas if you're coming to Tokyo, and you should be fine, then, with the crappy maps in the guidebooks.
I also hear that you should carry TP with you in case you need to use a public restroom, but there are people who hand out packets with ads on the package on the streets, which is kinda interesting.
Roots - Haven't heard of public baths turning away foreigners yet. I hear that if you're drunk or have tattoos, you're likely to be turned away, though.
tsurumaru
2004-02-18, 07:52
:topicoff:
I also hear that you should carry TP with you in case you need to use a public restroom, but there are people who hand out packets with ads on the package on the streets, which is kinda interesting.
LOL yes the quality of toilets can vary dramatically from the traditional asain style squatting style to the scifi based toilets of the future (with built in wash and dry) <- Check out your local Depato's for these luxury models.
Tissues! Your life in Japan can be broken down into stages by your interaction with the givers of Tissues.
1. The N00b - You are delighted to be the recipient of such a useful free product. Tissue givers hand their wares to you like you were any normal Japanese person.
2. The reluctant traveller - slightly jaded you are worried about the collection of 2 and a half tonnes of tissues you have gathered back at your place, its beginning to get a bit cramped and you therefore politely decline any offers of tissues....
3. The hardened Gaijin - Why the hell would you want to receive another gimmicked ad from a loan company you're foreign so wouldn't be applicable for the loan anyhow- besides its considered rude to blow your nose in public anyway, what are they trying to do provoke you? Tissue givers can sense your bitterness and have an uncanny knack of avoiding you.
4. The hardcore longtimer - You have come full circle and feel agrieved if not offered these items, besides how would you be able to run your overseas sanitary products company without any stock? :p
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