Name: Maggie CAMP
Nationality: American
Job: PhD student
Stay in Japan: 1 year
|
What
aspects do you like about Japan? |
What
aspects do you dislike about Japan? |
The Mix of Traditional
and Modern
Among busy streets in cities are small shrines, buildings
with traditional architecture and peaceful gardens. You
can still see women wearing kimono sitting among office
workers in suits on the trains sometimes talking on
their cell phones. |
Excessive Wrapping!
Fruit has its protective wrapping in addition to the
fresh produce bag. My friend once bought a pillow that
was wrapped in plastic, placed in a large plastic shopping
bag which was then taped shut. The kicker was the foam
padding taped around the handle. |
Name: Skabt
Nationality: British
Job: Musician
Stay in Japan: 8 years |
What
aspects do you like about Japan? |
What
aspects do you dislike about Japan? |
The Music Scene
People are friendly, inclusive and helpful. Japanese
artists and producers really strive to be the best they
possibly can. Also, there isn’t the pill-fueled
debauchery of other cities, and this lets the music
get more
attention. |
Louis Vuitton
C’mon people, for the same price as a handbag
you could have a great holiday in China and come back
with all the branded goods you can carry! |
Name: Louise OHASHI
Nationality: Australian
Job: English Teacher
Stay in Japan: 5 years
|
What
aspects do you like about Japan? |
What
aspects do you dislike about Japan? |
Many Types of
Seasonal Dishes
After you’ve been here a few years and you start
to feel winter creeping in you crave nabe (Japanese
style hot pot dish)! Then it gets just a little warmer
and you keep your eyes peeled for sakura mochi (cherry
flavored soft sweet rice cake). Fabulous! |
Women-only Carriages
I am not keen on what the need for women-only carriages
implies. It’s scary to think that women need to
escape to a carriage of their own to avoid being felt
up on the way to or from work. |
Name: Fintan BRENNAN
Nationality: Ireland
Job: Teacher
Stay in Japan: 5 years |
What
aspects do you like about Japan? |
What
aspects do you dislike about Japan? |
The Low Crime Rate
This is a credit to the Japanese. I feel so safe here.
Also the public transport is amazing-so efficient and
punctual. At home I’m amazed if trains are actually
on time. The high standard of service in stores and
restaurants is also great. |
Urban Grey Concrete
The endless urban sprawl of grey concrete is hideous.
It’s a shame that one of the most beautiful island
countries in the world has ended up like this. Also
junkmail and the excess packaging on products really
bugs me. |
Name:
Antonia McLAUGHLIN
Nationality: New Zealand
Job: Teacher/Writer
Stay in Japan: 6 years
|
What
aspects do you like about Japan? |
What
aspects do you dislike about Japan? |
Excellent Service
I really like the very high standards within the service
industry here. Even going into a crummy Doutor (coffee
shop) or local dodgy izakaya you get the most wonderful
rock-star service with a smile. |
Noise at the Station
The incessant bombardment of noise during elections,
and the ridiculously loud bleating over loud speakers
at the station when you are waiting on the platform
to take a train, and a lot of what is being shrieked
is so inconsequential. |
Name: Jeff SAWYER
Nationality: Australia
Job: Translator
Stay in Japan: 7 years |
What
aspects do you like about Japan? |
What
aspects do you dislike about Japan? |
Traffic System Runs
Punctually
It is easy to move as trains and buses run punctually.
In Australia, delays are common. Sometimes passengers
wait 30 minutes. Trains run frequently and it is convenient
that the Chuo Line runs every two minutes during the
day. In Perth they run at about 30 minutes intervals. |
Government Procedures
are not Flexible
When I went to a counter at my ward office for my alien
registration card, the staff said “Take a number
please” despite nobody waiting. So I went all
the way to a waiting number machine to get a slip bearing
the number one. Then the staff called me saying “Number
one, please!” |
Name: SHU Ming
Nationality: China
Job: Company Employee
Stay in Japan: 3 years
|
What
aspects do you like about Japan? |
What
aspects do you dislike about Japan? |
Similar Culture
Japan is a beautiful country. In addition, Japanese
have good manners and are polite and generous. Japanese
and Chinese cultures are similar and have many things
in common. |
Prejudice Towards
Chinese
Many Japanese have prejudice towards Chinese. When I
was looking for a part- time job during my school days,
I was turned down. Japanese do not try to understand
other cultures. |
Name: Simon GIBSON
Nationality: New Zealand
Job: Writer
Stay in Japan: 8 years |
What
aspects do you like about Japan? |
What
aspects do you dislike about Japan? |
Japanese Food
Japanese food is really enjoyable. I especially like
the range of tofu one can find here – with yuba
being my favourite. Mountain vegetables are great too,
especially freshly picked and cooked in tempura. Yummy! |
Japanese Police
I found someone’s mobile phone and took it to
the koban and they spent half an hour questioning me
about where I lived and who I lived with and my job!
The idiots seemed more interested in this than helping
find the owner of the mobile phone. Now if I found something
like a wallet I would hand it in to a convenience store. |
Name: Jodi STURGEON
Nationality: USA
Job: Teacher
Stay in Japan: 6 1/2 years
|
What
aspects do you like about Japan? |
What
aspects do you dislike about Japan? |
No Trash Left
Japan is in general a very clean place to live. Considering
the thousands of people who pound the city streets,
there is virtually no trash left. This is an example
of the respect Japanese have for the environment. |
Disrespect in the
Train Stations
The disrespect shown in the train stations is almost
hilarious. The first time I took a train someone mowed
into my shoulder. I looked back and there was an 80-year-old
lady in a purple kimono and wooden flip-flops running
toward the station exit. |
Name: Chris DEEGAN
Nationality: British
Job: Translator
Stay in Japan: 37 years |
What
aspects do you like about Japan? |
What
aspects do you dislike about Japan? |
Nature of Japan
I like rustic scenery and seeing people in the countryside
with mountain backdrops behind them. The food is delicious
and I love fish. |
Loud Speakers Causing
Nuisance
I hate the noise from election candidates’ cars
so much that I want to run away from Japan. The manner
announcements on trains are more annoying to me than
people who speak on their mobile phones. It is too much
that station staff repeat the same announcements that
are automatically broadcast on station platforms. |
Name: FUKADA Navy
Nationality: Cambodia
Job: Housewife
Stay in Japan: 14 years
|
What
aspects do you like about Japan? |
What
aspects do you dislike about Japan? |
Japan’s
Four Seasons
People are kind and polite. And I like the four seasons
since we do not have them in Cambodia. It is also
very nice that guests can eat seafood in their rooms
in ryokan. |
Japanese Ambiguity
Japanese do not express themselves clearly and use many
vague expressions. It is difficult for me to deal with.
I also dislike the small houses in Japan. |
Name: David BEAUFAYS
Nationality: Belgium
Job: Company staff
Stay in Japan: 1 month |
What
aspects do you like about Japan? |
What
aspects do you dislike about Japan? |
Traditional Japanese
Culture and High-tech Culture
In Japan, one can experience both cultures at same time.
If you want to experience high-tech culture, you can
go to Akihabara, and if you want to experience traditional
culture, you can go to Kyoto. |
Communication
As English is not spoken much in Japan, it is difficult
for short stay visitors to communicate with locals. |
Name: Andrea MORI
Nationality: Canada/Japan
Job: Freelance Writer
Stay in Japan: 7 years |
What
aspects do you like about Japan? |
What
aspects do you dislike about Japan? |
Many Contradictory
Aspects
Regarding Tokyo, I love the enthusiasm, creativity
and the sense of possibility that comes with living
in a city where people come to follow their dreams.
For Japan as a whole, I like the fact that there are
so many seemingly contradictory aspects to the country,
such as traditional versus modern, or urban versus
rural, that manage to coexist in relative harmony. |
All the Bureaucracy
I dislike all the bureaucracy involved in living in
Japan as a foreigner, although I am sure it’s
the same for anyone living in their non-native country.
I also find it really frustrating that the trains don’t
run 24-hours-a-day. |
Name: Saeid
Nationality: Iran
Job: Interpreter, Talento
Stay in Japan: 17 years |
What
aspects do you like about Japan? |
What
aspects do you dislike about Japan? |
Food is Delicious
Japanese cuisine is healthy and delicious, especially
the fish is wonderful since there is so much variety.
Nanbanzuke (Japanese sweet and peppery vegetable sauce),
when cooked ‘Mama’s way’ is the best!
Various restaurants provide a very delicious and real
taste of the country. |
Law and Red Tape
for Non-Japanese
I do not understand many laws and documents for non-Japanese.
Although seals can obtain residency permits, non-Japanese
cannot get them even after living in Japan more than
10 years and becoming parents. In spite of this, their
notice of tax payments due is very kind. |
Name: HIRANO Ainah
Nationality: Philippines
Job: none
Stay in Japan: 8 years |
What
aspects do you like about Japan? |
What
aspects do you dislike about Japan? |
Japanese People
Have Good Hearts
I like Japanese culture and the environment. There
are trees everywhere. Japanese people have good hearts
for everyone, especially their loved ones. Onsen are
also nice and the food is delicious.
|
Parents and Teachers
are Not Very Strict
Among parents, teachers and students do not communicate
enough. Since parents and teachers spoil children, the
behavior of young Japanese is very bad. Japanese students
wear school uniforms, but in the Philippines, only call
girls wear them. |
Name: Mike HANNAH
Nationality: Australia
Job: English teacher
Stay in Japan: 11 months |
What
aspects do you like about Japan? |
What
aspects do you dislike about Japan? |
This Country has
Leisurely Pastimes Down Pat
I was very surprised by the turnout at Yoyogi Park on
a Sunday afternoon and the variety of activities going
on all over the park — bongo drummers, badminton
players, martial arts exhibitionists, buskers of all
genres. Most people are really good-natured and hospitable. |
Excessive Politeness
and Plastic Smiles
Particularly at convenience stores, can get overbearing
at times. Getting chased down the street by a cashier
who is determined to give you the 1 yen coin you deliberately
left behind is a bit excessive. I find this, and the
pointlessness of J-pop, to be a stain on a culture that
is otherwise humble and praiseworthy. |
Name: Jessica HODGINS
Nationality: Australia
Job: Travel Agent
Stay in Japan: 2 years |
What
aspects do you like about Japan? |
What
aspects do you dislike about Japan? |
People are Always
Dressed Well
No matter what time of day I walk around the city, people
are always dressed extremely well. Not just women, but
men also take great pride and care about their clothes
and hairstyles. It’s the only country in the world
where I don’t feel strange wearing a cocktail
dress at noon. |
They didn’t
Have an English Speaking Doctor
A doctor tried to give me a suppository when I came
to his clinic with a sore toe. And even when I just
have a common cold they prescribe me 10 kinds of medicines.
It’s really quite scary. |
Name: Benjamin VALK
Nationality: Netherlands
Job: Student
Stay in Japan: 1 year |
What
aspects do you like about Japan? |
What
aspects do you dislike about Japan? |
People are Free to
Dress and Behave
No matter how weird it might seem, as long as it is
within the law, people do not mind. Another thing is
the lack of petty crime. It is no problem whatsoever
to fall asleep in the train with your wallet in plain
view and not have to worry at all about the possibility
of having it stolen. |
Forced Hierarchy
The automatic humbleness and reverence that you must
show to your sempai (seniors). Also, the extreme and
fake exaggeration that is prevalent on all TV shows.
No matter how mundane the meal, it is no doubt “oishiiiiii!”
(delicious) or “umeeee!” (good). |
Name: Federica
Nationality: Italy
Job: Postgraduate Student
Stay in Japan: 2 years |
What
aspects do you like about Japan? |
What
aspects do you dislike about Japan? |
I love Amazake
I am very fond of amazake (a sweet drink made from fermented
rice) because it is soft to drink. And I like the Japanese
autumn with its beautiful tinted autumnal leaves, especially
the entrance of Mt. Takao at that time of the year.
Also, views from Tokyo Tower and Roppongi Hills are
wonderful. Shrines and temples are splendid. |
Salarymen's Black
Bags
Most Japanese salarymen carry a black bag. It seems
to me that they lack individuality. Also, whenever I
enter a restaurant, in particular izakayas (a Japanese-style
bar), staff will welcome me saying “Irrashai mase”
in a loud voice. Why do they have to shout in such loud
voices? |
Name: Sanjay Kumar JHA
Nationality: Nepal
Job: Student
Stay in Japan: 8 months |
What
aspects do you like about Japan? |
What
aspects do you dislike about Japan? |
Japanese Technology
One of the things that I like most about Japan is its
technology. From daily use equipments to robotics, the
technology is of such a high standard and brings many
conveniences to peoples’ lives. Japanese technology
is also very famous worldwide for its high quality and
long life. |
Difficult Language
The Japanese language has three scripts: Hiragana, katakana
and kanji. Kanji is too difficult and widely used everywhere
making daily life slightly complex. Kanji should be
supplemented by hiragana / katakana or English. |
Name: KO Bun Kun
Nationality: China
Job: Student
Stay in Japan: 6 years |
What
aspects do you like about Japan? |
What
aspects do you dislike about Japan? |
Advice from sales
clerk
I often go shopping alone. Sales clerks always show
or advise me about clothing that fits me. I am really
satisfied with their service. Sales clerks of not only
big department stores, but also at ordinary supermarkets
kindly take care of me. This kind of service is wonderful.
|
Students’ make
up
I came to Japan soon after graduating from high school.
Still, as I am a student, I go to school without make
up. So, I was surprised to see Japanese students doing
their make up. By putting on make up, they do not look
like students any more. |
Name: Zack VARFALVI
Nationality: South Africa
Job: Recruitment Consultant
Stay in Japan: 4 years |
What
aspects do you like about Japan? |
What
aspects do you dislike about Japan? |
Safety!
I love the fact that my wife can come back home from
attending a function — taking the last train home
and I’m not frantically pacing up and down wondering
if she’s been raped and / or murdered (unlike
some other countries ...) Japan is still a VERY safe
country to live in. |
The boorish way people
tend to behave on the trains
Yawning without putting their hands over their mouths;
same with sneezing and bad body odor. From the Government
down. Also — the day that the Japanese can accept
other people as part of the human race would be most
welcome. |
Name: Jeanette FARRELL
Nationality: Ireland
Job: Student
Stay in Japan: 7 months |
What
aspects do you like about Japan? |
What
aspects do you dislike about Japan? |
Dressing dogs like
people
Constantly discovering amazing little places. My adopted
hometown-Kagurazaka with it's beautiful winding streets
and hidden treasures. The shrines and temples. Dressing
dogs like people. The general adventure that is every
day. Winter sunshine. Hot springs. Crazy old people. |
The rent for my tiny
apartment
Some days nothing, other days; the spitting, the pushing,
sometimes when I look up from reading my book on the
train there are five people all staring at me. The rent
for my tiny apartment. Being allowed to smoke everywhere.
Being patronized by old businessmen. |
Name: Alexey KUDASHEV
Nationality: Russia/USA
Job: Tax Consultant
Stay in Japan: 2 years |
What
aspects do you like about Japan? |
What
aspects do you dislike about Japan? |
Responsibility for
their work
If Japan manufactures planes, they would be the only
planes I would fly on since they would never break down.
This is because it is difficult to find in other countries
people who have such responsibility for their work as
Japanese. I honestly feel jealous. |
I have not been praised
Although I have been working in a Japanese company,
I have been praised as seldom as the snow has fallen
in Tokyo. It's not because I lack ability. I am young
(24 years old) and have no position title. For a Japanese
company, I am merely a laborer. |
Name: Merle MATSUURA
Nationality: Phillipino
Job: Housewife
Stay in Japan: 8 years |
What
aspects do you like about Japan? |
What
aspects do you dislike about Japan? |
Systematized garbage
system
I'm really thankful for the systematized garbage system
of Japan. Every place has its own assigned schedule
on what kind of garbage should be thrown out on a particular
date and day. It's good to separate recyclable garbage
from the unrecyclables. It makes us more self-disciplined
and earth-friendly citizens. |
Expensive commodities
Generally speaking, living in Japan is not cheap! As
a housewife who manages the family budget, it is a tough
job to balance the monthly expenses. I have to be smart
in finding the best bargains and half-priced goods in
order to increase my savings. |
Name: Jeremy N. MAJORS
Nationality: USA
Job: English Instructor
Stay in Japan: 2 years |
What
aspects do you like about Japan? |
What
aspects do you dislike about Japan? |
I like the convenience
in Japan
The travel infrastructure is awesome! (a bit expensive
though). I like how you can put two passes in the ticket
gates at the same time, and how you can get travel schedules
with your mobile phone on the Internet. |
Japanese need to
be more open to self-expression
I don't like that in Japanese culture people often keep
their feelings bottled up, and it's expected of you
here. I also wish Japanese, especially women, paid more
attention to politics and world issues. Politics are
more important than Louis Vuitton or Pachinko. |
Name: Angela MUELLER
Nationality: Germany
Job: exchange student
Stay in Japan: 3 months |
What
aspects do you like about Japan? |
What
aspects do you dislike about Japan? |
Big ramen or bento
Besides the difficult but interesting
language I like tiny little things like people on the
train sleeping on the shoulders of their neighbors,
the unique fashion, the big “ramen” which
is totally the opposite size of Japanese food, or the
“bento” which you can buy everywhere, etc. |
I don’t have
a chance to speak
in Japanese
It irritates me when I try to speak Japanese to Japanese
people that they tend to answer in English, or when
they don’t speak English and I’d like to
ask for something in Japanese that they walk away and
say: “Sorry, I don’t speak English!” |
Name: John RUCYNSKI
Nationality: USA
Job: Instructor
Stay in Japan: 7 years |
What
aspects do you like about Japan? |
What
aspects do you dislike about Japan? |
I love what I call
“controlled
mayhem”
I often go to Koshien Stadium. It has to be one of the
craziest places in Japan, but it still has an orderly
and safe feel to it. Plus, since everyone goes there
by public transportation, they are able to serve beer
until the end of the game. |
A lack of common
courtesy in daily life
At the train station, I am frequently stuck
behind someone who stands right in front of the ticket
machine and slowly counts their change. Plus, on the
train, I once stood up so that an elderly woman could
have my seat. However, a young Japanese male quickly
rushed over and took it! |
Name: LUO Cheng Hua
Nationality: Chinese
Job: Student
Stay in Japan: 4 years |
What
aspects do you like about Japan? |
What
aspects do you dislike about Japan? |
Many people are kind
For instance, when I ask someone for directions, they
kindly tell me by pointing or writing them on a sheet
of paper. Occasionally they direct me to the wrong place
... (^_^). I am thankful to the person who showed me
how to buy a ticket when I took a train for the first
time. |
Don't pull my arm!
I don't mind people speaking to me, but some people
stop me and forcibly pull my arm. This is unpleasant
and people should stop it. Please. (^_^). |
Name: David CRYSTAL
Nationality: USA
Job: Narrator
Stay in Japan: 3 and a half years |
What
aspects do you like about Japan? |
What
aspects do you dislike about Japan? |
The food and ingredients
In Japan, seasons and dishes are closely linked. I like
that for most of the dishes I learn how to cook, the
base ingredients are almost always the same: Dashi stock,
or shoyu, and mirin. Since Japanese dishes don't require
too much preparation, so I can enjoy cooking. |
Crowds and drunks
Taking Tokyo trains to work during the morning rush
hour is something I've gotten used to, but I still hate
being packed in a train and feeling like a sardine in
a can. Many Japanese people love to drink, but aren't
really good at drinking. I see many people throwing
up. |
Name: Beata SZABO
Nationality: Hungary
Job: Model
Stay in Japan: 7 years |
What
aspects do you like about Japan? |
What
aspects do you dislike about Japan? |
People are very kind
Japan is a beautiful country with lots of hot springs,
and various landscapes. The food is delicious and people
are very helpful and kind in general. |
Crowded everywhere
Too many people live on a narrow amount of land. Tokyo
is crowded wherever you go. Roads, too. In summer it
is too cool in buildings and trains. On the other hand,
heaters are weak in winter, many buildings do not retain
heat well, and heating systems often do not working
well. |
Name: Jeremy DROUIN
Nationality: USA
Job: Teacher
Stay in Japan: 6 years |
What
aspects do you like about Japan? |
What
aspects do you dislike about Japan? |
The sense of community
What I like most about Japan is the sense of community.
Probably, because most people here are from Japan, as
well as their ancestors, everyone respects the same
traditions and values for the most part. As a result,
the modern popular culture is easily appreciated by
almost everyone. |
Smoking
The smoking is really difficult to tolerate. Smoking
affects me directly, every day. I always find myself
walking behind a smoker and I have no choice but to
breathe it in. The smoke is really disgusting to nonsmokers.
I don’t think they realize this sometimes. |
Name: KO Shourai
Nationality: Chinese
Job: Postgraduate student
Stay in Japan: 8 years |
What
aspects do you like about Japan? |
What
aspects do you dislike about Japan? |
Smiles
The most memorable moments in Japan when I first arrived
was seeing that Japanese smile very often. I see many
smiling shop clerks, school teachers, Japanese talking
in the streets and many other places. I don’t
think it is too difficult to smile, but it is wonderful
to see they can do it so naturally. |
Many drunken people
It is a very nice aspect of the culture that they all
drink together in a friendly way, but I cannot understand
why they drink so much that they lose control. I see
drunken people at stations, in front of izakaya (Japanese
pub) and in trains almost every day. Let’s have
sake more enjoyably! |
Name: Carl SMITH
Nationality: New Zealand
Job: Student
Stay in Japan: 6 months |
What
aspects do you like about Japan? |
What
aspects do you dislike about Japan? |
The high moral
standards
One of the things that stands out most for me is the
high moral standards of most Japanese, which makes
for relatively stressand confrontation-free living.
I also look forward to the different foods and customs
whenever I get the chance to travel to different places
in Japan, which is something we don’t have back
in New Zealand. |
No rubbish bin and
no seat
There is never a rubbish bin when you need one, but
you can go to a coffee shop and leave your rubbish.
The other difficult thing is finding a seat. However,
I have found ways around this like catching a train. |
|
