I just visited Japan, incredible... (fit in, hotels, live)

[pmendozav]

Hi everyone, I just visited Japan last week, my first time, and I'm really shock, I liked a lot. Totally another kind of culture-education everywhere, very caring about all others.

for example, in the subway, no one answers their phone, so they don't disturb other people.

Tokio, amazing and VERY clean. You don't hear people yielling.

Totally great for me.

Have you visited Japan?

[BlueWillowPlate]

I am glad you had a good trip!
Never been there, but I would really like to visit it some day.
I don't know if I will ever get to do it, though. I have family in Europe and feel the need to see them instead of going to Asia.
Maybe some day...

[ozzie679]

I'm jealous I've always wanted to visit Japan.

[tonrob]

Mrs tonrob and I were there for a couple of weeks about 6 years ago. Fascinating place - so unlike the rest of Asia. Would love to go again. Maybe for the Sapporo Ice Festival...

[Mar0]

I had the worst case of culture shock when I returned from studying abroad in Japan. I found myself apologizing for everything and being extremely considerate of those around me- to the point where I was insulted by everyone else's inconsideration! After a few weeks I returned to my normal self....

I miss it!!!

[pmendozav]

Mar0, you're right. My wife meet a Japanese who was explaining these HUGE differences about culture, like look for all other around.

I don't know if any of you have heard about "Spiral Dynamics" theory, well it would explain it very good. Japan has achieved a very mature state on its society.

Something many of us would like in our cities.

Regards,

[SEAandATL]

Originally Posted by Mar0

I had the worst case of culture shock when I returned from studying abroad in Japan. I found myself apologizing for everything and being extremely considerate of those around me- to the point where I was insulted by everyone else's inconsideration! After a few weeks I returned to my normal self....

I miss it!!!

I know what you mean. In the states, you become a pushover if you're too polite and considerate, especially in California. I know, because I'm that way myself, maybe that's the Japanese side of me. Thank God I live here now, and I feel like I fit in better, despite being half-American (I still am considered a gaijin to them).

[Mathguy]

Err, is this the same Japan where they cram onto the subway cars and people complain about the guys that fondle the gals on the cars and read X-rate magazines openly?

Perhaps this is sensationalized but I'd heard it wasn't totally uncommon.

Definitely spot-on about the public politeness thing though.
On the down-side they are perhaps the biggest racists on the planet.

[Raggy dee Ann]

I have visited and lived in various parts of Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, North and South America but never been to Japan. I've started to become intrigued in the last year or so, but have Australia and Hong Kong on my to do list first.
[SIZE=3] [/SIZE]

[Mar0]

Originally Posted by Mathguy

Err, is this the same Japan where they cram onto the subway cars and people complain about the guys that fondle the gals on the cars and read X-rate magazines openly?

Perhaps this is sensationalized but I'd heard it wasn't totally uncommon.

Definitely spot-on about the public politeness thing though.
On the down-side they are perhaps the biggest racists on the planet.

haha yes, the same Japan that has "female only" cars to prevent women from being fondled. The same Japan with the out of control sex fetishes and love hotels.

And I don't really consider Japanese racist, so much as ignorant. When I lived there, people would come up to me because they had never seen a caucasian/blonde before and were curious. I had little kids point at me and laugh! They just have such a homogenous society, that they are unsure of their non-Japanese counterparts. However, they can be a bit....pretentious?? I'm not sure what word I am looking for. While many Japanese are obsessed with American culture, many others simply look down upon us as fat and rude....stereotypical. But historically, they prided themselves on being the strongest and simply the best nation in the world. This notion of national pride lives on strong today and is instilled upon the Japanese youth.

Regardless, I absolutely LOVE Japan and cannot wait to go back for a visit ASAP!