[NicoleS]

I am a Navy wife living in Japan and I have peircings and they have never been an issue, but I only have my tongue in here. My ears are done all the way up. The fashion is rather lost in the 80s style. It is a very formal culture though, even in everyday exchanges. You will learn to bow a lot as it is a big part of the culture, when you thank someone or say goodbye you bow. You bow a lot, so start practicing now. Don't just say Doumo to somone for thank you as it is rather rude if the person is older than you. You bow and say the full Doumo Arigato Goziamas. I know I have slaughtered the spelling or just use arigato. It is a wonderful culture and you are very lucky to get to experience it in the fashion you are. I love it here. Oh, don't walk and eat, they find that repulsing. Don't forget to slurp your soup it is a sign that you like it and considered polite here.