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Thread: Some thoughts about a recent trip to Japan.

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    Default Re: Some thoughts about a recent trip to Japan.

    Quote Originally Posted by wanderingfighter View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by Gandalf View Post
    I have been to Japan several times and have never found it to be especially xenophobic. However, the English level of the average Japanese person is often quite basic and so they are very shy and hesitant to help. It isn't so much xenophobia as I have heard instances where a Japanese person has collapsed in the street and people have walked by and ignored the situation. Culturally people are very hesitant to get involved with anyone outside of their particular social network. It's a bit odd, but don't take it too personally. Personally I quite like the social distance and that people will leave you alone. There seems to be a lot of social anxiety when it comes to interacting with foreigners and it is understandable if you don't speak Japanese or they don't speak English. They avoid the situation if they can. I don't blame them really as I am quite similar. I like Japan, but it fits my character type nicley, so I tend not to have too many problems. Never been turned away from a restaurant or anything like that. Definitely had people too scared to talk to me though and that's fair enough.
    I think maybe they just didn't want to deal with me since no one spoke English so I figured that they rather turn my business away than go through the problem of having to cater to me. I walked over 25KM a day when I was there in Osaka so I ended up visiting some real hole in the walls outside the main areas where tourist hang out like Umeda and Namba. But I just found them to be so damm cold and non engaging towards me and I'm a person that shows respect to everyone so I found it quite odd. Perhaps it's true they just find comfort in likeness and everything that's outside of what's like them is observed rather than engaged with. Kobe was a bit better, but that place has had foreign relations for over 100 years and it's smaller and more compact so I guess they are more used to different faces. But yeah the martial arts scene (and boxing) in Japan is thriving. I can now see why it's the mecca for the lower boxing weight classes. That's one thing I really liked. There seems to be martial arts related events all the time somewhere. You can see promotional posters for fights all over the city if you look closely.

    P.S What's the deal with the appetizers they give you at restaurants (which you think are free) but they end up charging you for them? Is it culturally impolite if I decline them? Why do they do this?
    The funny thing is though is that at a lot of Japanese places you can just point at a picture to make your order. There are always ways to accomodate a customer, aren't there? It's not that difficult. I'm the same as you in that I am very polite. A couple of days ago I was in the supermarket and whilst usually you get a smile or a little bow and you say 'Thank you' in the host language, this time an old lady just kind grunted, handed me my item and then turned away. It wasn't as though she was busy. I guess you get some workers who are really nice then others who just don't want to bother with you. I just assume that everyone gets the same treatment. I don't know if you have been to Korea, but if not check it sometime. You will never get turned away from a restaurant and people speak a fair bit more English too. The other thing about Japan is the the food portions. It is never enough and you can end up spending a fortune!

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    Default Re: Some thoughts about a recent trip to Japan.

    Quote Originally Posted by Gandalf View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by wanderingfighter View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by Gandalf View Post
    I have been to Japan several times and have never found it to be especially xenophobic. However, the English level of the average Japanese person is often quite basic and so they are very shy and hesitant to help. It isn't so much xenophobia as I have heard instances where a Japanese person has collapsed in the street and people have walked by and ignored the situation. Culturally people are very hesitant to get involved with anyone outside of their particular social network. It's a bit odd, but don't take it too personally. Personally I quite like the social distance and that people will leave you alone. There seems to be a lot of social anxiety when it comes to interacting with foreigners and it is understandable if you don't speak Japanese or they don't speak English. They avoid the situation if they can. I don't blame them really as I am quite similar. I like Japan, but it fits my character type nicley, so I tend not to have too many problems. Never been turned away from a restaurant or anything like that. Definitely had people too scared to talk to me though and that's fair enough.
    I think maybe they just didn't want to deal with me since no one spoke English so I figured that they rather turn my business away than go through the problem of having to cater to me. I walked over 25KM a day when I was there in Osaka so I ended up visiting some real hole in the walls outside the main areas where tourist hang out like Umeda and Namba. But I just found them to be so damm cold and non engaging towards me and I'm a person that shows respect to everyone so I found it quite odd. Perhaps it's true they just find comfort in likeness and everything that's outside of what's like them is observed rather than engaged with. Kobe was a bit better, but that place has had foreign relations for over 100 years and it's smaller and more compact so I guess they are more used to different faces. But yeah the martial arts scene (and boxing) in Japan is thriving. I can now see why it's the mecca for the lower boxing weight classes. That's one thing I really liked. There seems to be martial arts related events all the time somewhere. You can see promotional posters for fights all over the city if you look closely.

    P.S What's the deal with the appetizers they give you at restaurants (which you think are free) but they end up charging you for them? Is it culturally impolite if I decline them? Why do they do this?
    The funny thing is though is that at a lot of Japanese places you can just point at a picture to make your order. There are always ways to accomodate a customer, aren't there? It's not that difficult. I'm the same as you in that I am very polite. A couple of days ago I was in the supermarket and whilst usually you get a smile or a little bow and you say 'Thank you' in the host language, this time an old lady just kind grunted, handed me my item and then turned away. It wasn't as though she was busy. I guess you get some workers who are really nice then others who just don't want to bother with you. I just assume that everyone gets the same treatment. I don't know if you have been to Korea, but if not check it sometime. You will never get turned away from a restaurant and people speak a fair bit more English too. The other thing about Japan is the the food portions. It is never enough and you can end up spending a fortune!
    I find that eating Don buri's and Sushi is economical though. Though maybe not so much when you realize you're spending 7 to 8 dollars per bowl. Probably a tiny bit less than the states I guess... It's still expensive. Japan is not for people on a budget.

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    Default Re: Some thoughts about a recent trip to Japan.

    Think the appetizer thing is cultural. They don't do it for restaurants here, but if you go out for drinks a lot of places expect you to pay for a side dish to go with it.

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    Default Re: Some thoughts about a recent trip to Japan.

    Quote Originally Posted by Gandalf View Post
    Think the appetizer thing is cultural. They don't do it for restaurants here, but if you go out for drinks a lot of places expect you to pay for a side dish to go with it.
    I guess it's some sort of cover charge since tipping is not expected.

    I heard of someone in Japan that they got stuck with a $300 dollar charge like this and the people responsible for running the establishment he was at attempted to intimidate him when he refused to pay. Though this was in the Roppongi part of Tokyo so I guess it comes with the territory since that's a place where the Mafia operates.
    Last edited by wanderingfighter; 10-13-2017 at 10:06 PM.

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    Default Re: Some thoughts about a recent trip to Japan.

    Quote Originally Posted by wanderingfighter View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by gandalf View Post
    think the appetizer thing is cultural. They don't do it for restaurants here, but if you go out for drinks a lot of places expect you to pay for a side dish to go with it.
    i guess it's some sort of cover charge since tipping is not expected.

    i heard of someone in japan that they got stuck with a $300 dollar charge like this and the people responsible for running the establishment he was at attempted to intimidate him when he refused to pay. Though this was in the roppongi part of tokyo so i guess it comes with the territory since that's a place where the mafia operates.
    just came throughh there hahahaha all nigerians

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    Default Re: Some thoughts about a recent trip to Japan.

    Quote Originally Posted by brocktonblockbust View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by wanderingfighter View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by gandalf View Post
    think the appetizer thing is cultural. They don't do it for restaurants here, but if you go out for drinks a lot of places expect you to pay for a side dish to go with it.
    i guess it's some sort of cover charge since tipping is not expected.

    i heard of someone in japan that they got stuck with a $300 dollar charge like this and the people responsible for running the establishment he was at attempted to intimidate him when he refused to pay. Though this was in the roppongi part of tokyo so i guess it comes with the territory since that's a place where the mafia operates.
    just came throughh there hahahaha all nigerians
    Exactly how long are u running this scam

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    Default Re: Some thoughts about a recent trip to Japan.

    Quote Originally Posted by walrus View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by brocktonblockbust View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by wanderingfighter View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by gandalf View Post
    think the appetizer thing is cultural. They don't do it for restaurants here, but if you go out for drinks a lot of places expect you to pay for a side dish to go with it.
    i guess it's some sort of cover charge since tipping is not expected.

    i heard of someone in japan that they got stuck with a $300 dollar charge like this and the people responsible for running the establishment he was at attempted to intimidate him when he refused to pay. Though this was in the roppongi part of tokyo so i guess it comes with the territory since that's a place where the mafia operates.
    just came throughh there hahahaha all nigerians
    Exactly how long are u running this scam
    Decided on 6-week TEFL course in Ogori City starts next week, staying on here indef

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    Default Re: Some thoughts about a recent trip to Japan.

    Quote Originally Posted by brocktonblockbust View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by walrus View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by brocktonblockbust View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by wanderingfighter View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by gandalf View Post
    think the appetizer thing is cultural. They don't do it for restaurants here, but if you go out for drinks a lot of places expect you to pay for a side dish to go with it.
    i guess it's some sort of cover charge since tipping is not expected.

    i heard of someone in japan that they got stuck with a $300 dollar charge like this and the people responsible for running the establishment he was at attempted to intimidate him when he refused to pay. Though this was in the roppongi part of tokyo so i guess it comes with the territory since that's a place where the mafia operates.
    just came throughh there hahahaha all nigerians
    Exactly how long are u running this scam
    Decided on 6-week TEFL course in Ogori City starts next week, staying on here indef
    Still no real evidence

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    Default Re: Some thoughts about a recent trip to Japan.

    Quote Originally Posted by wanderingfighter View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by Gandalf View Post
    Think the appetizer thing is cultural. They don't do it for restaurants here, but if you go out for drinks a lot of places expect you to pay for a side dish to go with it.
    I guess it's some sort of cover charge since tipping is not expected.

    I heard of someone in Japan that they got stuck with a $300 dollar charge like this and the people responsible for running the establishment he was at attempted to intimidate him when he refused to pay. Though this was in the Roppongi part of Tokyo so I guess it comes with the territory since that's a place where the Mafia operates.
    That's bad. There was a story about a bar out here in Itaewon that was putting zolpidem (sleeping pills) into customers drinks and then charging thousands on their credit cards. Some dodgy bars out there.

    It looks like Brock is the go to guy when it comes to Japan. Mind you, if he finds it so xenophobic I question why he would want to live their indefinitely considering his hero Trump is making his homeland great again. Talk about flip flops.

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    Default Re: Some thoughts about a recent trip to Japan.

    I, too, had a recent trip to Japan. It was like Enter The Dragon without the fighting.

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    Default Re: Some thoughts about a recent trip to Japan.

    Quote Originally Posted by Gandalf View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by wanderingfighter View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by Gandalf View Post
    Think the appetizer thing is cultural. They don't do it for restaurants here, but if you go out for drinks a lot of places expect you to pay for a side dish to go with it.
    I guess it's some sort of cover charge since tipping is not expected.

    I heard of someone in Japan that they got stuck with a $300 dollar charge like this and the people responsible for running the establishment he was at attempted to intimidate him when he refused to pay. Though this was in the Roppongi part of Tokyo so I guess it comes with the territory since that's a place where the Mafia operates.
    That's bad. There was a story about a bar out here in Itaewon that was putting zolpidem (sleeping pills) into customers drinks and then charging thousands on their credit cards. Some dodgy bars out there.

    It looks like Brock is the go to guy when it comes to Japan. Mind you, if he finds it so xenophobic I question why he would want to live their indefinitely considering his hero Trump is making his homeland great again. Talk about flip flops.

    I don't think I'm going back to Japan unless is for a very short duration. I didn't like the vibe. I'm back in Thailand now and the difference between the way people are is night and day. Though one bad part about this whole thing is that I spent 10 days drinking in Japan and was offered an amateur fight on November 4th (when I came to the gym yesterday) during the big festivals here and ended up declining it. This is my 2nd declined fight in less than 2 months at some point I need to either slow down with my obsession or take things serious. The Japan trip completely threw me out of focus and hurt my pockets. Plus I might be addicted to alcohol.. once I start I don't stop and then I end up days without training with all sorts of physical problems. But then I won't drink for 4-5 months and out of nowhere go on a drinking binge and have to re-start all over. It doesn't help that Japan is a culture of alcoholics. It's socially acceptable to be visibly drunk in public there and alcohol consumption is expected in social circles. I need to stay away from that place.
    Last edited by wanderingfighter; 10-17-2017 at 06:56 PM.

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    Default Re: Some thoughts about a recent trip to Japan.

    Yes, Thailand and Japan are worlds apart. The people in Thailand are much warmer, much outgoing, more friendly. By comparison Japan can seem very stiff. The people in Japan have this slave culture mentality where excessive working hours are the norm and people end up only having their co-workers to socialise with and to unwind from the conformity they just seem to get incredibly drunk. Then back to work in the morning. Plus you factor in 30 years of economic decline and Japan can probably be a bit of a depressing place to live. Still very rich, but it gets cheaper to visit every time you go because their inflation is low. Thailand is way behind but year after year it grows faster than Japan.

    You sound like a lot of us with the drinking. Lots of alcoholics and former alcoholics here. Me and Walrus used to be able to drink well, but our nerves are shot these days. Maybe you get to a point where you just need to give up completely. Some people don't have that off button, so perhaps just avoid that button. It does make life a bit more pedestrian, but over the long haul it is good for you and it will mean you can keep training properly.

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    Default Re: Some thoughts about a recent trip to Japan.

    I really like Japan though. I think it is a beautiful and well maintained country. I shouldn't overgeneralise when it comes to work and drink habits as there are plenty of people who likely reject that way of living and do their own thing.

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