Getting a japanese PenPal

[Arctic]

For my spanish class we were allowed to get a pen pal in spain for bonus.. but, we could get another one if we wanted.. So I decided I would get a pen pal about my age in japan.

I was beginning to think I wouldn't get one since the first time they screwed up and gave me a 12 year old in china.

Anyway today I got her address and I was going to write a letter but, then I remembered something.. the customs over there are different. I myself do not know japanese or anything about its customs. So any tips? What should I not mention? Is there anything that might be considered offensive or rude?

The person I am writing to knows english however, I don't want to write the letter in english and have some horrific misconception occur. Also.. due tot he fact that my hand writing is horrible to the 9th degree.. I was thinking I would type it.

ANy suggestions? things i should stay away from?

Note: I already know anime is a pretty bad topic.. I like it and all but, its not why I'm interested in japan.. In every group of people there is the one guy that is obsessed head over heals with japan just because of anime.. I think I feel the need to make this distinction because well honestly.. the sheer number of idiots at my school like that.. is pretty appaling.

 

[omEigaMan]

Hi Arctic!

OK, if I got what you said correctly, you are writing in Spanish to a pen pal who lives in Japan who also speaks English, right?? And I'm going to assume this person is Japanese and not a native of a Spanish speaking country who is currently living in Japan.

Anyway, in general you have nothing to worry about. What would be offensive or rude in your country is probably offensive or rude in Japan, so use common sense. I wouldn't worry too much about any "horrible misconceptions." Many of the faux pas in Japan are based on behavior. Since you are simply exchanging letters, there's not much chance of you stepping on the tatami with your shoes or wearing those garish bathroom slippers for your night on the town.

In my experience the main issues to be aware of with communication will be: 1) Japanese are generally not as direct as Westerners. So, I wouldn't write something like "you better type your letters to me from now on because your handwriting is even worse than mine." Try to be more diplomatic and say, "until we get used to each other's style of communicating, let's try sending typed letters." I exaggerate to make a point, but you get the idea. Likewise be aware that she may understate things she feels more strongly about. 2) Topic changes. Pronouns are often omitted in Japanese and I sometimes find myself not realizing that the subject/topic has changed. This is less likely to occur if you're not speaking Japanese, but I have had this happen occasionally in English conversations, too.

Topics you can't go wrong with: Weather. Food. Travel.
Topics to avoid until you know her much better: Politics. Religion.

This is just my opinion and is from my limited experience. Those living in Japan could probably offer more insight. But any advice you get will be based on general observations and cultural trends. People are unique no matter what culture they are from and you'll find out on your own over time what this individual's personality is like.

Have fun!

 

[Arctic]

erm.. you got it mostly correct. I have two seperate pen pals.

One in japan one in spain. I was just explaining how I got involved in the pen pal world. Yeah.. I am going to avoid the issue of politics or religion. I personally like those topics but, I know better. I personally wouldn't be so rude as to insult her handwriting however, I will suggest we email eachother because its faster.

I do realise it all depends on her personality how she percieves japan and the culture and such however, I don't mind that.

Any adive on how I should write it? just like "Dear (Penpals' name here)".. or what? I am asking because even in english i find it odd writing "dear whoever" always seems to personal.. even if it was my brother or mom I wouldn't want to start it like that however, if it is best for here... then I will write it like that.

 

[Tomii515]

Hello! I have a million snail-mail penpals. I think I have.. 3 or 4 from Japan. Usually what I do is hand write it. I honestly don't agree that you should type it, but take your time writing it. It makes it more "friendly" i guess. Anyway, I usually introduce my self by saying some like "Hi. I'm Tommy. How are you? i'm fine." or something like that (but obviosly use your own name ) Ummm, I usually tell about the things I like to do, tell about my family, my town, and such. Then I'd ask them some questions as well. Just be polite and they shouldn't be offended. lol I hope that helped ^^

-Tommy

 

[Arctic]

Alght thats pretty cool. I will make it a point to apologize for typing.. Hand writting is more personal I don't deny that.. but, people in english can berly understand my hand writing.. My english hand writing looks closer to heiroglypics...

 

[Sparky]

Don't be afraid to mention you like Anime. If there is one thing I have learned living in Japan is that they will not discriminate you for your likes or dislikes. They really are interested in the things you enjoy! So if Anime is what you enjoy then make sure they know that.

Plus almost every child, youth, and adult read Manga here in Japan. So it might be a good thing, you may have a common interest you can discuss!

If you are interested in the culture as well then let them know it and ask them questions about it don't be afraid to sound funny they know you are from a different culture as you know they are.

Hope this helps!

 

[Arctic]

Sparky I have no intention of ignoring my interest.. I am just saying I don't plan on acting like a guy I use to be freinds with.

His soul interest in japan revolves around manga.. I mean he is the guy who's dream is to go to japan to learn to fight so he can be a super hero type situation.

I like japanese martial arts anime and such. But, i realise there is more to japan then just games manga and the stereotype that all japanese people know bushido.. If you understand what I am saying.

I am interested as a whole.. I want to learn about what I like and what I don't have so much interest in yet if you understand what I mean...

 

[Tomii515]

My friend from South Korea is going to send me a book inKorea, not that I'll understand it XD lol And I'm going to ask my /Japanese penpal to send a manga. That's kind of random, but yeah...h !! Don't forget to send a picture of yourself

 

[Arctic]

Dear (her name here),
My name is (my first name). I apologize for not hand writing this letter however, I have very bad hand writing and it would be a waste of time to send you a letter you couldn稚 understand. If you want in the future I will handwrite my letters. I am very interested in Japan its people and of course you. I am curious as to what life is like in Japan. I myself am slightly colorblind so I can稚 tell you much about myself. Some people say I have dark brown hair and others say its black. I am told my eyes are somewhere between blue and green although they appear green to me. I am interested in a variety of things which include: video games, computers, manga, music, some sports and things of that nature. What are your interest and hobbies? Also if you want to you can email me at (my email) email might take less time to communicate .
Your Penpal,
(My name)

think that will suffice?

 

[ekino]

Even if your penmanship may be bad, still take the time to handwrite it. There is a more friendly feeling and shows to the other person that you actually took the time to write to her.

Though email may be faster, letters are something you treasure more. Personally I feel that letters expresses your emotions better than emails.

Also, don't forget punctuation~! Good luck!

 

[Arctic]

i guess i'll try to handwrite it...

I will probably still give her my email and use both.. letters because they are more personal.. email because its faster..I do agree.. letter is better for personal. Email works because its closer to regular conversation.. best of both worlds I think.

 

[undrentide]

If it is the first letter you're going to send to the new penpal, I'd like to suggest to keep the message rather short and write in a simple sentences at the beginning. When you get a reply or two and see she is fluent and is able to express complicated things with long sentenes, then it is OK. But if she is new to being panpal in English, which is not her native language, then long and complicated sentence/message may intimidate her, or make it difficult to reply soon.

So far your draft of the letter looks nice and polite, I just wish you good luck with your new penpal.

 

[Arctic]

I edted it slightly.. i might put a picture in there if i can find one before tomarrow.. just don't have any recent ones.. i don't care to take alot of pictures. Also I am somewhat worried about my parents.. they tend to over react to various things.. I could see that reaction "WHY DO YOU NEED TO SEND A PICTURE".. Jeez.. I'm 18. and I still get treated like I'm 2 still.. smarter to live at home for the time.. way easier... just no dignity

 

[a51ts4]

Good thing you started this topic. I was thinking about finding a penpal in Japan soon; and this info will help . How did you find a penpal around your age Arctic?

 

[marsans]

I found a very good penpal in Kyoto using Japan-guide.com ! I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a Japanese penpal.


Basically you just put up an advertisement, or answer others advertisements. The site is strictly friends, not love interest.

 

[a51ts4]

That site is great. Found some great info just browsing around. Great tip!