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Big in Japan: 5 mistakes made by first-timers in Japan
One of the main questions that ex-pats in Japan are often asked is simply this: "Why Japan?"And, truth be told, most of us just shrug our shoulders and give some sort of trite answer like: "The food here sure is delicious!" Or, depending on the temperament of the audience: "The women here sure are beautiful!"
You get the picture....
As for me, I've always argued that the real appeal of Japan is simply that it's an incredibly interesting country to explore. Even after living here for more than five years, and spending literally thousands of hours jumping over the linguistic hurdles of Japanese grammar, I still suffer from a fair bit of culture shock on a day-to-day basis.
You see, I guess that's really the gist of why Japan is so appealing to foreigners like myself. No matter how hard you try to assimilate, there will always be more challenges to overcome, especially if you want to penetrate the heart of one the world's most closed societies. Simply put, life in Japan is anything but boring.
Of course, there are dozens of cultural landmines that must be dodged on a daily basis here. And on that note, I present to you today five mistakes made by first-timers in Japan.
1) There is no word for no.
Japanese has something of a steep learning curve (to say the least!). Of course, one thing you'd better learn if you want to survive here is that there is no word for no. Yes can mean no, maybe most likely means no, but saying no directly pretty much informs those around you that you have about as much social grace as a bovine.
2) Be mindful of your footwear.
The Japanese don't take kindly to foreigners who forget to take off their shoes when entering private spaces. Use the slippers - that's why they're there - though be mindful that no two pairs of slippers are created equal. After all, the Japanese especially don't take kindly to foreigners who walk through the kitchen in toilet slippers.
3) Go easy on the ramen.
I love ramen. You probably love ramen. And yes, the ramen in Japan is damned near the food of the gods. But seriously, after eating the stuff three times a day for a week on end, your gastrointestinal system will start to hate you. Assuming you haven't figured out what toilet slippers look like, this can quickly become a serious problem.
4) Learn how to use chopsticks.
At your local cheap Chinese restaurant in North America, there's a good chance that a fo
rk and knife are always on hand. However, this doesn't mean that this convenient culinary option is readily available in Japan. Although you might not be the most dexterous diner in the restaurant, you'll look like an overgrown child until you indulge in the fine art of Zen chopstick mastery.5) Don't date club girls.
If there is one bit of advice that I can impart to you now, it's to never date club girls. Yes, women in Japan are beautiful, and yes, they do tend to be attracted to foreigners. However, keep in mind that just because they have a cute and smiling face, doesn't mean that they're all-together innocent. If a girl you meet in a club speaks fluent English, is decked out in designer labels, and keeps reaching for your wallet, steer clear! Chances are that she's been around the block a few dozen times, which means you're just moments from getting fleeced. Trust me - she's not the one you want to bring home to meet mom!
As this list can go on and on and on, feel free to chime in with your own words of wisdom for new arrivals in Japan!
Filed under: Asia, Japan, Big in Japan
Reader Comments (Page 3 of 3)
dimaks Jul 21st 2008 9:55AM
A Japanese friend advised me never to offer a seat to anyone while in the trains - it insults them or something like that.
dimaks
http://www.skamid.com
Saetian Sep 20th 2008 9:56AM
I thought the words for yes and no were "hai" and "iie". They sound damn near identical when spoken fast.
I know that the Japanese like to "talk around" things, so as not to either sound forceful or rude, or something like that...
Chris Jun 25th 2009 11:12AM
How about just being yourself? Respect for yourself and others and pride in what you do.
That's it.
I have been in Japan for 7 years and have not changed anything other than my diet and it is THE reason I have 108?..students which is 10 more than I am comfortable with.
By the way "pride in what you do" does not include studying for a kanji test in a teachers room where some dispatch company is paying you 280-310,000yen a month to be an English teacher/cultural go to guy.
If you have ever surfed an internet forum using a School computer on your company's dime..or studied for your JLPT.. .you got no pride so this was directed at you.
@the original poster,
love the part about being fleeced!!
REALLY loved the one who didn't even know what it means, which was only surpassed by the one who didn't know what ramen is.
Sorry for the rant but this country is filled with lazy back packers who can't even teach and their Japan experience will STILL be the highlight of their life.
McAlpine Jun 27th 2009 5:00AM
I soc'd you over at Japansoc. Nice post. The term fleece for this example is stretching it a bit, but I will let it slide this time. The only time most foreigners reach for their wallets is at dinner time, in which case they shouldn't be doing anyway.
Gabriele Jun 27th 2009 5:28PM
Don't take it the wrong way but I observed a lot of foreigners in Japan trying to blend in because of my job which is working for a relocation service. The most problematic gaijin is the American one. I think it's an attitude thing. Americans are so used with everybody speaking their language and knowing their culture (through Movies etc.) that they don't necessarily see the need to adjust their behavior to a foreign country. They are usually the ones who always manage to "forget" to take of their shoes when crossing the genkan, or talk really loudly in upscale restaurants in a really obnoxious way "oooohh myy gaaawd, he really met Angelina Jolieeee??? OMG, that's, like, awessoommeeee!".
Europeans are usually more aware and ready to study their hosts behavior and are overall more low-key.
willyseyaku Jul 26th 2011 4:19AM
Wow way to tell it like nooby college kid or first time engrish teacher. I guess those club girls are easy as hell "usually clean" its your own nooby fault if you get serious with the first one meet. Shoes in the house duh...but Japanese are very on there honor about entertaining guests and will probably overlook you wearing shoes or they'll just tell you put the slippers on but they don't get "irate over it..."
NO? really NO....Yada...Damei....etc. plenty of ways to say it dude. 99% of them understand no just fine.
Kids don't listen to garabe like this go to japan and JUST DO IT! you will never score enough points to be perfect over there just make sure you trust your sponsors or go with someone whos been there. Got a friend in military stationed over there? Great! they'll show you everything.