Hello everyone,
Let me preface this by saying that I'm a newbie, so forgive me if I ask some redundant / ignorant questions; I've tried to read through many of the threads as possible first, to acclimate myself in preparation for my visit. And I do have quite a few (especially as it pertains to social / cultural etiquette), so I hope that's ok!
I will be coming over for a month, simply as a tourist to visit, learn and explore. My Japanese is non-existent, with the exception of a few phrases I picked up from a phrasebook. I have read that though you might make an effort to speak in Japanese, you will often have locals reply in English anyways...would it be more prudent, more pragmatic to simply ask in English? I'm concerned that I might offend with my admittedly terrible Japanese speaking skills, or worse yet that even with the horrible Canadian accent it will be assumed I speak somewhat fluently, and I won't understand the rapid fire Japanese response! What would be your advice? If I am completely lost, would it be acceptable to ask those around for help or would it be considered rude to simply approach someone (again, forgive my ignorance but Japanese culture is very different and far more subtle in certain aspects)?
Also, since I will be staying for a good month, I have looked into other accommodation besides hotels as there are cheaper alternatives. Does anyone here have any experience renting a flat / condo? There seem to be a few around that cater specifically to foreigners. What areas would you recommend to stay in, or by the same token avoid?
Also, I will be bringing a sketchbook along with me to do lots of drawing. If I am sitting in a cafe, wandering a shopping district, or set up along a street somewhere to draw people -- what would be things to be mindful of? Presumably certain things are universal i.e. try not to stare too long, be respectful of others' personal space etc.
My sketchbooks also contain life drawing i.e. nude figure studies from models; though I will be careful and try not to have those right open, if someone were to catch a glimpse, would that be something considered to give offense? I'd really rather not end up in jail for public indecency on my first visit to a beautiful country! If there are any artists here who could give some helpful advice that would be great, and certainly I'd welcome any suggestions for art museums.
I guess one potentially sensitive area and a minor concern for me is the treatment of other Asian (non-Japanese) visitors. I have read and heard anecdotally that Chinese are looked down upon a bit -- no doubt having to do with previous war history, socio-economic and political tensions, local crimes committed by Chinese etc. I'm a visitor there, and I clearly want to be respectful and observe the social mores and values of Japan, but I think that would be one aspect that would bring me down (if upon discovering I was of Chinese descent, I would receive different treatment). What has been the experience of other Asian non-Japanese visitors here? I am reasonably easy-going, and cognizant of the fact that if you don't look for trouble in certain regards (i.e. have a victimized mentality or a chip on your shoulder) you won't find it, for the most part, in any region of the world.
Whew ok, that's a long write up. Sorry for the huge wall of text! I am sure I will have a few more questions and follow-ups depending on the response I get, so thank you very much in advance for taking the time to read and respond.
Cheers,
Ken
Let me preface this by saying that I'm a newbie, so forgive me if I ask some redundant / ignorant questions; I've tried to read through many of the threads as possible first, to acclimate myself in preparation for my visit. And I do have quite a few (especially as it pertains to social / cultural etiquette), so I hope that's ok!
I will be coming over for a month, simply as a tourist to visit, learn and explore. My Japanese is non-existent, with the exception of a few phrases I picked up from a phrasebook. I have read that though you might make an effort to speak in Japanese, you will often have locals reply in English anyways...would it be more prudent, more pragmatic to simply ask in English? I'm concerned that I might offend with my admittedly terrible Japanese speaking skills, or worse yet that even with the horrible Canadian accent it will be assumed I speak somewhat fluently, and I won't understand the rapid fire Japanese response! What would be your advice? If I am completely lost, would it be acceptable to ask those around for help or would it be considered rude to simply approach someone (again, forgive my ignorance but Japanese culture is very different and far more subtle in certain aspects)?
Also, since I will be staying for a good month, I have looked into other accommodation besides hotels as there are cheaper alternatives. Does anyone here have any experience renting a flat / condo? There seem to be a few around that cater specifically to foreigners. What areas would you recommend to stay in, or by the same token avoid?
Also, I will be bringing a sketchbook along with me to do lots of drawing. If I am sitting in a cafe, wandering a shopping district, or set up along a street somewhere to draw people -- what would be things to be mindful of? Presumably certain things are universal i.e. try not to stare too long, be respectful of others' personal space etc.
My sketchbooks also contain life drawing i.e. nude figure studies from models; though I will be careful and try not to have those right open, if someone were to catch a glimpse, would that be something considered to give offense? I'd really rather not end up in jail for public indecency on my first visit to a beautiful country! If there are any artists here who could give some helpful advice that would be great, and certainly I'd welcome any suggestions for art museums.
I guess one potentially sensitive area and a minor concern for me is the treatment of other Asian (non-Japanese) visitors. I have read and heard anecdotally that Chinese are looked down upon a bit -- no doubt having to do with previous war history, socio-economic and political tensions, local crimes committed by Chinese etc. I'm a visitor there, and I clearly want to be respectful and observe the social mores and values of Japan, but I think that would be one aspect that would bring me down (if upon discovering I was of Chinese descent, I would receive different treatment). What has been the experience of other Asian non-Japanese visitors here? I am reasonably easy-going, and cognizant of the fact that if you don't look for trouble in certain regards (i.e. have a victimized mentality or a chip on your shoulder) you won't find it, for the most part, in any region of the world.
Whew ok, that's a long write up. Sorry for the huge wall of text! I am sure I will have a few more questions and follow-ups depending on the response I get, so thank you very much in advance for taking the time to read and respond.
Cheers,
Ken