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re: Some thoughts from Japan.
Posted on 11/22/18 at 5:08 pm to rintintin
Posted on 11/22/18 at 5:08 pm to rintintin
quote:
Is the overall politeness and generosity that their culture is known for everything it's built up to be?
They are very polite, but my ex wife being Japanese used to always tell me that most of it is very fake.
You can easily end up around some unsavory characters around the nightclub areas. So avoid the Kenyans, Russians, Chinese, and any pimp looking Japanese people at all cost.
One place I can say never go is to the Kamikaze memorial (think it was called Churan) down near Kagoshima. I have never felt so unwelcome in a place in my entire life. They looked at me as if that entire memorial was my fault.
The police may do some racial profiling and stop you if you are carrying a backpack and tell you they are searching to make sure you don't have a knife or sword, but I suspect it's more of an excuse to check to see if you have drugs. Happened to me about 5 times. But it's actually illegal for them to even ask that, but I just do as I am told as I have nothing to hide.
I have been asked to leave a few stores and bars for no reason at all other than being white. I don't argue, it's not worth the trouble.
But you will never be in a bigger city that feels more safe than Tokyo. Fell drunken asleep on the train with my wallet many times and never had any problems.
2
Posted on 11/23/18 at 10:16 am to BamaFinland
Everyone was very polite in most cases. However, I agree there were times where the person I was talking to was being polite, but you could tell it was just a habitual thing and they weren't too concerned with me.
However, I had others who you could tell genuinely wanted to help me when I had a problem or were thankful for my business.
The culture is to be polite, but they are all still humans. The guy at the burger king counter might not give a crap, but he still acts like he does. And I'd rather be treated nicely by someone in customer service who may not internally care, than get the old 'what you want?', à la US customer service.
One other note is to be mindful of where you are walking during busy times, especially in the train stations. People are very good there about maneuvering through crowds to get through, but that means no staring at your phone while walking. You will get run over and not given a second thought.
Look up some review and guides before you go too. You can learn at lot of little tips that you wouldn't think of. Like you keep to the left side while walking or going up stairs, unless otherwise noted. There are certain train cars that are for women only during peak times, so don't get on them. Don't tip at restaurants or bars or anywhere. Etc
However, I had others who you could tell genuinely wanted to help me when I had a problem or were thankful for my business.
The culture is to be polite, but they are all still humans. The guy at the burger king counter might not give a crap, but he still acts like he does. And I'd rather be treated nicely by someone in customer service who may not internally care, than get the old 'what you want?', à la US customer service.
One other note is to be mindful of where you are walking during busy times, especially in the train stations. People are very good there about maneuvering through crowds to get through, but that means no staring at your phone while walking. You will get run over and not given a second thought.
Look up some review and guides before you go too. You can learn at lot of little tips that you wouldn't think of. Like you keep to the left side while walking or going up stairs, unless otherwise noted. There are certain train cars that are for women only during peak times, so don't get on them. Don't tip at restaurants or bars or anywhere. Etc
This post was edited on 11/23/18 at 10:25 am
Posted on 11/23/18 at 11:25 am to BamaFinland
More tips:
Most toilets are western-style, but you will encounter the occasional "squatty potty", which is literally just a hole in the floor with a rim. Not as big a deal if you are a male, but a little harder for females.
Also in regards to the bathrooms, almost all of them have water only...so no soap, no hand dryers, no paper towels. Everyone carries around a micro fiber cloth so they can dry their hands after they use the bathroom.
Unless you are at a train station or in front of a 7/11, there are no public trash cans. People just carry their trash around with them until they get home or find a rare public receptacle. We tried to keep plastic bags on hand for this purpose.
Most toilets are western-style, but you will encounter the occasional "squatty potty", which is literally just a hole in the floor with a rim. Not as big a deal if you are a male, but a little harder for females.
Also in regards to the bathrooms, almost all of them have water only...so no soap, no hand dryers, no paper towels. Everyone carries around a micro fiber cloth so they can dry their hands after they use the bathroom.
Unless you are at a train station or in front of a 7/11, there are no public trash cans. People just carry their trash around with them until they get home or find a rare public receptacle. We tried to keep plastic bags on hand for this purpose.
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