What do Japanese think of the USA?

[DangerousBob]

Well, I am an American, and just wanted to know what you all think of America.

....Also, I guess I could answear any questions you have, if you have any.

 

[nice gaijin]

Is this meant to be rhetorical?

 

[gaijinalways]

I think some of the common associations I get from Japanese are;

big (people, country, dishes, cars/trucks, houses)

dangerous (guns, higher crime, people who don't look like me, i.e less homgenous population, less predictable people)

cheap (cheaper than Japan, more or less true for most things)

freer life (more or less true)

 

[Mikawa Ossan]

I think some of the common associations I get from Japanese are;
big (people, country, dishes, cars/trucks, houses)
dangerous (guns, higher crime, people who don't look like me, i.e less homgenous population, less predictable people)
cheap (cheaper than Japan, more or less true for most things)
freer life (more or less true)

As an ex-pat in Japan, I have to say that I hold these same associations speaking in the general sense, although of course things are never so simple as to be able to be summed up in five words!

 

[gaijinalways]

Of course, and I don't think most people would read my post that way. Yet, these are the common associations that keep popping out of the mouths of Japanese I meet, so it must be what it is on the mind of some of them when they hear the word 'USA'. Of course some of them talk about 'Iraq' a lot too (but then these types always follow with the peaceful Japan lecture:smash: ).

 

[Mikawa Ossan]

I'm sorry. In my own way, I was actually agreeing with you! I just happen to think that generally speaking they are a fair suface-level assessment of America.

 

[DangerousBob]

I think some of the common associations I get from Japanese are;
big (people, country, dishes, cars/trucks, houses)
dangerous (guns, higher crime, people who don't look like me, i.e less homgenous population, less predictable people)
cheap (cheaper than Japan, more or less true for most things)
freer life (more or less true)

Interesting....well that is, for the most part, true.

anyway when I think of Japan, I think of Anime, Giant Robots, Godzilla, Videogames, and cars, lots of cars.

 

[gaijinalways]

I'm sorry. In my own way, I was actually agreeing with you! I just happen to think that generally speaking they are a fair suface-level assessment of America.

No worries, mate. Though the cheap aspect depends on where you go. When we talk about parking fees, my students are always shocked to hear that parking in Manhattan even back in '93 was already at $36/hr!

As to the dangerous aspect, my parents almost never lock their front door (even at night), something I wouldn't dream of doing in Tokyo.

 

[Mikawa Ossan]

No worries, mate. Though the cheap aspect depends on where you go.

Never a truer word spoken! Also, certaain things may be cheaper in America, but they tend to be more basic. Or, I remember when I bought my parents a FAX machine. It was the same price as mine here, but it was a lot more simple. No LCD display with a calendar that you can use. No email capability, etc. Of course, my parents would never use such features anyway, but it is something I noticed.

I think food is a lot cheaper in America. Or at least you get a lot more for the same amount of money. Of course, everything in America is made from corn nowadays, anyway...

When we talk about parking fees, my students are always shocked to hear that parking in Manhattan even back in '93 was already at $36/hr!

That's pretty outrageous! I'll stick with parking prices here, thank you!

As to the dangerous aspect, my parents almost never lock their front door (even at night), something I wouldn't dream of doing in Tokyo.

This depends on location, too. What makes me feel unsafe about America is the fact that almost everyone I knew when I lived there was mugged or otherwise prey to the unsavory element of society at least once. I knew a guy (a co-worker) who was just minding his own business when he got mugged and his throat slit. I saw the scar, and I honestly have no idea how he lived through it without any (visible) problems!

By the way, I'm mostly talking about the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.

 

[gaijinalways]

I hear you, though I am a bit surprised, never thought of Minnesota as a dangerous place. My wife got mugged in Paris and pickpocketed in London, so I'm not sure America is that 'dangerous'.

 

[MajideSaiaku]

I think thats less to do with overall safety and more to do with the fact tourists are like big billboards advertising for becomming a crime victim.

 

[DangerousBob]

Never a truer word spoken! Also, certaain things may be cheaper in America, but they tend to be more basic. Or, I remember when I bought my parents a FAX machine. It was the same price as mine here, but it was a lot more simple. No LCD display with a calendar that you can use. No email capability, etc. Of course, my parents would never use such features anyway, but it is something I noticed.
I think food is a lot cheaper in America. Or at least you get a lot more for the same amount of money. Of course, everything in America is made from corn nowadays, anyway...
That's pretty outrageous! I'll stick with parking prices here, thank you!
This depends on location, too. What makes me feel unsafe about America is the fact that almost everyone I knew when I lived there was mugged or otherwise prey to the unsavory element of society at least once. I knew a guy (a co-worker) who was just minding his own business when he got mugged and his throat slit. I saw the scar, and I honestly have no idea how he lived through it without any (visible) problems!
By the way, I'm mostly talking about the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.

You all do realize that America is a very BIG country right? Each State is different. New York City is one of the most expensive places in the Country. Why? Because it is New York City. I am sure land value, items, food, etcl is much more expensive in Tokyo then other parts of Japan. Same with NY. I live in Virgina and when I drove up to visit NY City I was surprised at the prices on everything. They know people will pay so they charge up.

As for crime, well that depends on were you are. Just like you said about Tokyo. Large citys = Crime. Its that way with every Country. But if you live in the Suburbs like me, there is not that much crime.

food is cheap, 1$ for a Burgre

 

[sabro]

Overall though the perception that there is more violence in the US is probably accurate. We could just compare per capita rates, but guns are so rare in Japan and common in the US that there really isn't a need.

We have different laws and more open space-- so bigger cars, and a more individualistic, diverse and pluralistic culture in the US.

 

[justin]

I know what all the Japanese ladies think of the USA: "I love the USA! That's where the ultra cute Justin is from! Justin-san ichiban!"

Hey, I can dream can't I?