California vs. Japan

[w1ngzer0]

Originally Posted by 5chevin5

Not at all, we are much more of a curiosity then anything. The older Japanese are not overtly friendly and honestly I think they are just old and don't like change from whichever angle (which includes young Japanese!) The younger Japanese 50 and under are much more international thinking then most give them credit for. Remember they are not xenophobic by choice, it was geographic and political that Westerners didn't come to Japan (in any real numbers) until mid 20th century. They embrace the west much more then the perception in the west gives one to believe.

You would be amazed after you scratch the surface how kind they can be if you give in return that same respect and kindness. People do experience different results however.

5

I only know Japanese from their movies,news, and tv shows. That's cool about their kindness, though I do notice a lot of older Japanese are becoming giants in the physics field.

Originally Posted by leaana

i know this may seem a shock or a strange thing to say (because it's not current social mentality to even notice and honestly assess but to spout off what is currently believed to be true like current "thought fads" or social mob "truths") but it's americans who honestly seem to hate outsiders and they don't get labeled such. they don't care for or are respectful or interested in anything remotely outside of american. also, they are condescending and rude. yes, they give off that vibe. the ones that aren't are not the majority.

let's see. just today i stopped in at a store and some old white guy ignores me (probably a racist) when asked a question, lady behind counter acts strange and exaggerative, patronizingly rude, and african-americans giving dirty and xenophobic looks(also white americans too). this is everyday america.

I thought we were talking about Japan? I know how the north east United States is.

[Trimac20]

How can you compare them? They are very different, and I would love to visit both, but probably not live in either.

[Tiger Beer]

Originally Posted by w1ngzer0

I have a question to those that have lived, not visited, Japan. Don't Japanese hate all outsiders? There movies, cartoons, and the way they speak to others give off that vibe.

I'm white American guy in Japan...never felt that.

[5chevin5]

Originally Posted by Tiger Beer

I'm white American guy in Japan...never felt that.

I agree with Tiger, I have been here 3 years and have never felt "hate" per se.
The old crusty people stare at me on the train with daggers for eyes, but honestly after observation they stare at everyone with those Manson lamps.
No different then the states and the grumpy men.

Honestly the younger crowd enjoys many of the same things we do.

The vibe you give is the vibe you get for sure.

You should come for a visit!

5

[rah]

Never been to Japan, but I do know that it's public transportation is much better, and their crime rates are muuuuch lower.

Originally Posted by SEAandATL

California has a Mediterranean climate in the southern part, and a marine climate in the northern.

You 're wrong about this. California's mediterranean zone extends up the coast and includes the Bay Area, in Northern California.

[Jonotastic]

San Francisco is similar to some cities in Japan.

[SEAandATL]

Originally Posted by Trimac20

How can you compare them? They are very different, and I would love to visit both, but probably not live in either.

Well that's one thing they have in common, you don't want to live in either. Are they both for the same reasons?

Originally Posted by w1ngzer0

I thought we were talking about Japan? I know how the north east United States is.

I thought this poster was talking about the Southeast. Like someone mentioned, its more of the 50+ generation in Japan that has more of the xenophobic and prejudice attitudes toward gaijins, same as in the American South the "good ol' boy" mentality is more common among the baby-boomer generation.

[mrgrape]

well i have lived both in japan and san diego and i would like to say i like japan more-maybe cuz im japanese and thus the biasness lol
GOOD about Japan:People are nicer and respectful, food is awesome, transportation kicks ass, WIDE variety of products, not much crime
CONS of japan:lots of smokers, tax on highways, parking, etc, kind of expensive depending on some items.
Good about san diego: hot women from all over, WEATHER, WIDE roads(though crappy), big space, big homes, CALIFORNIA BURRITO!!!!, MEXICAN FOOD, people accept marijuana more as a norm
COns: people i think are not as friendly especially the lower wage workers, not really a unity of people, food SUCKS, all the good food has to be super expensive or small portions,

Overall im getting my degree in UC, loving the chicks and weather in san diego, then heading straight to japan.
I will miss the beaches and mexican food, and the marijuana being more of a norm then untolerated in japan, but in the end im japanese at heart and that is my culture

edit:also with the amount the FED is printing, and the greather unemployment becomes in the states, i would be SCARED living here due to the types of gangs and crimes that norm occur, japan-u can honestly almost leave ur house unlocked without worrying, but there are suicidal freaks and more teenage crime increasing in japan.
but i would be scared way more for the normal teen and adult gangs in san diego