I've now been in Japan for one month. That's enough time for me to start getting the country, I think. Below I have compiled a list of my first impressions. I'll update it if anything else sticks out to me.
So far, I LOVE JAPAN!
*All of the following impressions are just experiences that I've experienced and have perceived. This does not make it so for the entire country, nor does it mean you will have the same experience as me should you visit Japan.
1. Mind your Own business
I still don't know if this is a good or bad thing, but everyone here minds their own business. It doesn't matter what you look like, how you're dressed, if you're sick and passing out (yes you read that right). No one, for the most part, will bother you. I've heard stories of elderly people falling, dropping all of their things, or dying in the subway, and no one coming to the aid of that person. One of my friends theorized that it's because helping the person would become a burden. If a person helps, they may be late to work (being late is unacceptable) and have to explain to their boss the situation (taking up valuable work time) and they also don't know how long the person in need will need help for. Interesting theory.
2. Trying to Speak Japanese won't necessary allow the listener to understand you
For some reason, many Japanese are so fixated on your appearance and that you are not Japanese that, although you may be fluent in the language or at least know what you're talking about, they will insist that they don't understand. Only for a Japanese or Asian friend to say the exact same words you did to the Japanese clerk and for them to understand perfectly. hahahaha. This hasn't happened to me, but I saw this happen a few times.
3. Food here is awesome!
I was about to say nothing I have eaten here so far has been bad, although, as I write this in a cafe, I made a mistake of ordering a mango lassi in a non-Indian restaurant. It's not that great. Everything else has been phenomenal. Food here can be pretty cheap, but because the portion sizes are so small, you may find yourself eating 2 or 3 of their meals (and paying the price).
4. Finally another country that knows to stick to one side on the escalator
After living in DC, I have become accustomed to standing on the left side of the elevator if I don't choose to walk all the way up. When I go to other cities or countries that do not do this, words can not describe how irrationally frustrated I get at the people who stand in the middle of the escalator. Luckily, Japan got the memo!
5. Saving Face > Racism
Since coming to Japan many friends at home have asked me whether I have experienced any racism or problems while here. So far, nope, I haven't! I feel like one reason (of many) why I haven't experienced any racism is because the Japanese culture is super polite. Usually when traveling, whether it's because of my skin color or how I carry myself differently from the locals, people usually stare or point out that I am not from that country. In Japan, while there are occasional stares (to which I give a friendly smile and mentally challenge the onlooker to an eye-staring contest), people consider it rude to stare and don't even look at me. Yes, I'll catch people looking at me from the corner of my eye, but the moment I turn my head in that person's direction, they change their gaze. I'm invisible! There have been a few instances where people are looking at my awesome dreadlocks and have even asked to touch them or how I do them. Also, since coming here, many foreigners have told me that the Japanese are two-faced. In order to not cause any problems, they'll be super polite and not voice their real opinion or disapproval of something or someone. While I have felt multiple times when people are not being genuine, since it isn't hurting me, I have no problem.
6. Everything is KAWAII (cute)
If there isn't a cute face on the trash can or mailbox, it's not Japanese! Everything must be cute! I'm not complaining. I love it! :D
7. Beware the Weeaboos!
Since I've been in Japan, the gaikokujin (foreigners) who I've met have fallen into 3 categories: Weeaboo, workaholics, or combination of the two. Let me explain:
- Weeaboo - What is a weeaboo? A weeaboo is someone so obsessed with anime and Japan (because of anime) that they neglect their own culture and insist on acting "stereotypically" Japanese. I have found that usually these people have flocked to Japan after delving into anime because of social problems in their own country. These types are usually disappointed when they come to Japan and realize not everyone wears cosplay, nor will you see it out of certain areas (like Harajuku). Japan is just another "normal" country.
- Workaholics - Japan is already known for its workaholics and high suicide rates because of work and school pressures. Add to this, foreigners who don't really have much interest in Japan, but only want to get ahead in their career. "Anime, what? Jrock, huh?" I have found that these types typically stay within the foreigner circle and don't venture out much to learn the culture or language of Japan. They're still pretty cool...if you can catch them outside of a networking event.
- Combination of the two - I'd like to think I fall into this category, but sometimes I'm not so sure. Generally these types are students (from Waseda or Temple) who work hard, but do like certain aspects of Japanese culture. While they work hard, they know how to play harder.
8. Hai!
I loved this word the moment learned it when studying Japanese while younger. Hai (yes), can be used for everything. It can be used: to acknowledge someone's presence when they walk by you; when you want someone to notice that you've given something to them; when you want to voice that you understand; or, when you do actually mean "yes." It's an awesome word!
9. Japan can be pretty diverse too!
Before coming to Japan I had expected to be surrounded by a sea of east Asian faces. That's not necessarily the case here though, at least in Tokyo. I have met people of all colors, shapes, and sizes, who have been born in Japan and all classify as Japanese. I was even surprised to find many people of ethnically Nigerian decent who were born and raised in Japan and consider themselves Japanese. When you think about it, I guess it does make sense for a developed country like Japan to gather many immigrants and be diverse, although, as it is not what we see in the media, I was shocked.
10. Crowded City≠ Friends
Japan is awesome! There's plenty to see and do, although, because people are super polite and shy it is easy to feel lonely and hard to meet people - think of the movie Lost in Translation (you can find out how not to be lonely in Japan here). Having learned a lot when I first moved to DC by myself, I was luckily able to quickly make friends in order to combat this common problem many foreigners have when in Japan.
Follow your Dreams!
10. Crowded City≠ Friends
Japan is awesome! There's plenty to see and do, although, because people are super polite and shy it is easy to feel lonely and hard to meet people - think of the movie Lost in Translation (you can find out how not to be lonely in Japan here). Having learned a lot when I first moved to DC by myself, I was luckily able to quickly make friends in order to combat this common problem many foreigners have when in Japan.
Follow your Dreams!
