Quote:
Originally Posted by MMM
What isn't true is the dirty looks and tons of no foreigner signs on shops. This is TOKYO...one of the most international cities in the world. It's simply not true. It's not about "defending Japan" or being a "Japanophile"...it's about telling the truth. And biggest mistake isn't telling the truth.
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One of the most international cities in the world? I doubt Tokyo can really be called that. From what I can remember, Tokyo population has roughly 2.5% foreigners. Out of those 2.5%, 2/3 are East Asian. So that leaves lets say 1% of foreigners that don't look anything like Japanese.
Therefore, I doubt the Japanese are at all used to seeing foreigners which makes me believe that a tourist that isn't in a typical tourist spot WILL get stares (whether you take it as dirty looks or not depends on your personality. Someone with admiration towards the Japanese will surely not take it as dirty looks, but someone neutral will likely find it uncomfortable and slightly uneasy, especially at first, hence the feeling of dirty looks).
I don't blame people for feeling they are dirty looks. I too felt that in China, I had non stop dirty looks until after the first week when I got used to being where I was and felt a sense of security. Being abroad in a place you don't speak the language is already intimidating, so having people look at you doesn't help until you get used to things.
EDIT: You're probably going to reply something along the lines of, "even if you believe they are dirty looks, they really arn't. They do not mean bad by it"... which is true, but doesn't change the fact that they are dirty looks for some people. Many, believe staring is rude! Just because it is done in Japan without malintent, doesn't mean it's not rude!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nyororin
I`ve seen you defend China many times noodle - I`m sure you understand that clearing up misconceptions isn`t the same as saying somewhere is a wonderland.
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Me defending China and this situation are not the same. This person says he just came back from Japan. Me defending China is usually against people that have never stepped foot on China and usually have strong feelings based on what they have seen on TV. So, if someone comes to me and says "when I was in China.... so and so happened...", I will not defend it, the way Japan is being defended right now. Anyway, my main point is that even my Japanese friends here are not so defensive. They don't even deny the fact that there are "Japanese Only" signs scaterred here and there. I'm sure TONS is an exaguration, but it seems pretty obvious that they exist!
EDIT: Anyway, I shouldn't really debate this because I have never been to Japan, but I don't think people should just jump on someone because he's given a negative view of Japan. People need to hear about the Negatives of everywhere, Japan included. I'm sure people will not take it as Japan being a sh*tho*e! The most likely thing it will do is open peoples' eyes and make them realise Japan isn't perfect, which I've seen you guys say before. But saying Japan isn't perfect isn't really that helpful unless you give examples (even extremely rare ones).