[Pachipro]

Originally Posted by -ShibaInu

And like jasmine, Tsukikage, Vesperd, etc. , I am still bent on going to Japan even for just a few days...

Good for you Shiba. If that's how you feel then you should go by all means to see for yourself what Japan is really like. As I said before, if you want to go, go! Don't take my or any others' word for what Japan is really like. Each person will experience Japan in their own way. I'm just giving a little "heads up" on what it was like for me as are the others.

Being an Asian , I experienced discrimination in one form or another in the western countries that I went to but these were isolated cases...I still had a generally enjoyable experience in those places...And I believe going to Japan is no exception...

Don't be surprised if many Japanese people assume you are Japanese and start speaking Japanese to you and then become a tad upset when you don't speak it back thinking you are being coy with them or something. I have seen it happen to Asian friends of mine. Once the Japanese understand though, things should be cool. I hope you have an enjoyable experience and will share it with us.

Btw, i have a stupid question that I am not afraid to ask...Are organized crimes like the Yakuza, something that a foreigner needs to be concerned about when staying in Japan? Do they like targeting foreigners such as threatening them or extorting money?

Not at all Shiba. There is no need to worry about Yakuza targeting you for money, or any foreigner for that matter, at all. They usually stay to themselves and do not get involved in the affairs of foreigners at all. Foreigners are not of interest to Yakuza unless you do something to disrupt their business somehow like starting a fight in one of their bars or refusing to pay for hostess services, etc. How do I know this? Because my oldest and best Japanese friend of 34 years is a member.

"Chinpira", young yakuza in training or yakuza wannabes, are another matter. They are usually young, in their late teens or early 20's and can usually be spotted by their slicked or "punch perm" hair, toothpicks, sunglasses, shiny shoes and dark suits with no ties. These people can be trouble to anyone as they want to make a name for themselves. If you encounter these types just keep going and do not confront them. However, you will probably not encounter this type as you are Asian and they will assume you are Japanese.

I was confronted by three of them one day while walking with my Japanese fiancee. Luckily 3 older yakuza came out of a bar and stopped it before it got bad. In 30 years, that was my only confrontation. And that was 25 years ago!