[Saffy85]

Hi guys. May sound like an odd question, but since the majority of people interested in Japan have become so through Anime and Manga, I was wondering how many of you have a fantasy land of what Japan is in your head?

Let me divulge it a bit. From what I read, real life in Japan is not too different that that here in the west, but from what I see in Anime and Manga they live fairy tale lives.

For instance, there is always some form of black suit gangster in anime from Yakuza, shades, white shirt, black tie, nice watch, European cars etc etc, very distinguishable. But in modern Japan they have been outlawed from wearing business attire so they wear flashy unique stuff, you wouldn't be able to tell them from a normal person 99% the time now (and could lead to a lot of trouble for foolish travelers).

Another would be how naturally smart Japanese are. In Anime/Manga they are made out to be geniuses naturally, but in real life they have to study harder than any other nation in the world to get to thier level of intelligence. Through this intense studying many decide to crack under the pressure of getting good grades, not wanting to dissapoint thier parents/family and continuous study with massive build up of stress, then a lot of them suicide themself (I belive Japan has the worlds highest suicide rates, majority of the deaths are linked to the above). Alao a lot will consider suicide if they get bad grades or are even predicted to do bad. Not the fairy tale world I had pictured in my head at one time.

So my examples might not be the best but you get the idea of what I mean when your expecting something only because it was in an Anime/Manga and in real life it is totally the opposite.

Anyone wish to give further examples feel free to add.