Tokyo vs NYC (2009, crime rate, elementary school)

[thisbeatishot]

Japanese culture and customs are "weird" to us. Normal to them. Hehe. I do love to read their Engrish signs!

Both cities are nice on their own, IMO. I don't see them as cities meant to be compared or anything.

[NYCBoy1212]

They should be compared because they r different

[mhsquire]

Personally, I prefer New York. The safe parts are way more diverse than Japan, and at least in most of Queens people aren't as prejudiced like East Asians tend to be. More diversity means more food choices and more open minds. I lived in Taiwan for two years and was surprised by the strange opinions people had towards Westerners in general, and especially towards people with African ancestry. Friendly people ( my Mom's side is from Taiwan, by the way), but sheltered from and resistant to other cultures

As a future civil engineer, I prefer New York for it's diverse architecture. Tokyo is just drab concrete, glass, and steel. New York has man great Sure, the subway's dirty, but what do you expect from a 70-100 year old system that goes through the slums? The electronics scene in Japan does not draw me at all. I'll stick with a camera for taking pictures, a cell phone for making calls, and a projector for watching movies. HDTV? I don't even watch TV. 4G phone? I use a cell phone for it's original purpose: to call people.

On the other hand, I'd be tempted by Kyoto for its history and traditional buildings, and the fact that I know a family from that area that can show me the ropes.

[shoma444]

Tokyo.
Although NYC is a really nice place, Tokyo is cleaner, safer and is more convenient. Take subways for example; Tokyo's is more reliable, safer and is more connected. It's a close match but Tokyo is a little better.

[minniemouse]

I have seen both cities and from my side..I prefer NY!
America is the best for me..
I love USA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[minniemouse]

Tokyo is more clean than NY but New yorkers people... they are the best!

[K.O.N.Y]

Saying tokyo is better because its clean is pretty lame. Nyc has more diversity more character, probably 100x more. More famous, more relevant, more things going on, more exciting. Bronx Brooklyn Manhattan Queens Staten Island-NYC is unmatched period. ............... Tokyo! give me a break

[RT2009]

Having lived in both cities, I'd have to say Tokyo beats NYC hands down. There's no perfect place, but a lot of the bad points of Tokyo people rant about are in my view stereotypes that are based on viewing only surface appearances: the whole conformity thing has some truth to it, but if you don't want to "conform", but as foreigner no one's going to lock you up or ostracize you. You're expected to be different, so it's just shrugged off. As far as coldness to "outsiders", I've found that if you try to speak even a little Japanese, such as a basic greeting, people really appreciate it. As far as appreciating cultural diversity, Tokyo has a Samba Festival (Brazilian influence), a St. Patrick's Day Parade (Irish Influence), and a Halloween Parade (American / Celtic influence). There are tons of TV programs that feature topics on foreign travel and culture for those who want to watch them, from foreign culture quiz shows to the more highbrow documentaries on their equivalent of PBS. More recently, South Korean movies and dramas have become all the craze, especially among middle-aged housewives.And as far as tolerance goes, I'd challenge anyone to find anyone in Japan who's going to try to force their religion down your throat, for example. It can and does happen in the US. Also, there's no pseudo-demonization of alcohol here as in some regions of the US. Of course I know those things are also very rare in NYC (as opposed to the US generally). My point is that the lack of appreciation for diversity in Japan is exaggerated. Add that to a safer, cleaner environment, and I personally see Tokyo as a better place to live overall. But hey, to each their own. (:

[RT2009]

Originally Posted by K.O.N.Y

Saying tokyo is better because its clean is pretty lame. Nyc has more diversity more character, probably 100x more. More famous, more relevant, more things going on, more exciting. Bronx Brooklyn Manhattan Queens Staten Island-NYC is unmatched period. ............... Tokyo! give me a break

Being more famous doesn't have to mean better; besides, are you saying that more people know of the existence of NYC than of Tokyo? I'd have to say they're equally famous.

Cleanliness and safety can be measured, but excitement is a matter of personal preference. If someone says that bird watching excites them, that's them. I'm not gonna argue. I'd have to say your view seems based more on home town pride, the pre-set conclusion that NYC must be the best in every conceivable way. My own view is just based on what I've experinced as a resident of both cities. Ultimately it's all subjective. To each their own.

Have you been to Tokyo, by the way?

[leaana]

Originally Posted by Hustla718

HDTV is the standard. That means everyone has it. Also when you look at their basic cell phone lineup, it's better then the top of the line in USA. Not to mention they have 4G cell phone broadband. That means streaming video phone calls, instant music download, hi speed net access.

So yes Japan is ahead of the USA when it comes to everyday technology in the hands of the average person. From basics such as TV and Cell Phone to preventing disasters like an advanced tunnel system that swallows a hurricanes storm surge.

As for segregation, it's divided by a lot more then income in NYC. In fact it's even divided by ethnicity. How do I know this? I live in NYC. There are plenty of studies that back my claims.

Yes, japan and even in some ways korea is much more advanced and sophisticated in some ways.

i've been there and their internet download speeds are lightning fast and that's standard. it's refreshing to not have to stare at your computer screen forever waiting. they are cleaner too except the culture is more homogenious and that can give you a sense of more isolation but it also means it would behoove you to pay attention to subtlety and tone it down a notch to do so. it can seem a bit repressive or boring but so does most homogenious places in america like where just all whites live.

usually dealing with people on an everyday basis from even a lowly store clerk is usually not an unpleasant experience as they are more professional. the rest of america has really bad manners and i'm talking about everyone but nyc has got a charm and character as well as ethnic character, at least from what i remember when i visited before. places change though.