Unexpected Things That Stood Out When You First Came to Japan

[Alma]

All the guys in suits reading pornography on the trains.

really? i haven't seen that cause i never took public transportation... nevermind..
somebody mentioned small towels.. that was surprise.. but i figure it out fast
but mosquitoes!!!! oh i did expected them, but not that much :auch: i actually still have some scars... they were crazy about me..

 

[Riyko]

The main thing for me was how smoggy the air is over there, I just thought they'd have cleaner air because of all of the trees they have there and because it's surrounded by water.

 

[caliope]

A lot of Japanese guys look like they spend more time on their hair than I do, some of them are prettier than me too, I'm kind of jealous.

 

[Han Chan]

First time I had a beer sitting next to a Japanese woman: After a while she took my half empty beer-can...I thought OK she also like to have some beer and want to pour some for herself - why did I not think of that....But no, she poured the beer into my glass - amasing!

Later on, I have learned that it is considered bad manners to poor for yourself, and Japanese (in particular women) are trying to make shure that you are suffering from thirst and because of good manners not willing to pour for yourself. Now I mostly enjoy beer in relaxed company and I am not affraid of pouring for myself, but I do enjoy when hosts are now and then showing good manners by pouring for me.

 

[Tim33]

The porn thing is completly beyond me. Not cos they have the guts to read it on trains but cos its all censored anyway. Japanese porn is terrible unless its made for western audiences and bought in the west. I dont want to see a load of scrambled squares, or cartoons.

 

[Rich303]

I was struck by how friendly and helpful people are.
I wasn't sure what people would make of me, because I do stand out a bit, but I talked to quite a few(especially older) people who were very warm towards me.
I occasionally feel a pang of regret that I fell out with my first pen pal, because her family were some of the nicest people I've ever met.

And I liked being able to get booze out of a machine any time I want.

 

[Delaine]

All the guys in suits reading pornography on the trains.

 

[Grandpa Frank]

Outdoor urination , LOL. It seemed there was a taxi for every person in Japan , so many. The things eaten at the bar for snacks like dried squid. At times it seemed every other person asked if they could practice their English with me. (1970&71)