[JohnBraden]

I told myself I wouldn't do this, but based on the number of replies, I thought there might be some substance to this thread. So here's my two pesetas worth....

On my most recent trip to Japan, I found myself in front of the golden pagoda of Kinkaku-ji, photographing it from across the pond like everyone else does, both tourist and native alike.

I noticed couples taking individual photos of their significant other and then exchanging the camera with their partner for their turn. They would then walk away and continue their tour of the place. I thought to myself it was a sad thing they didn't have one of both of them in front of the pagoda.

I heard a younger Spanish couple in their late 20s doing the same thing. When one is Spanish-born and has been away from Spain for as long as I have, the accent is unmistakable and it sticks out like a sore thumb. I decided to approach them and kindly ask them if they wanted a photo of both of them shot with their camera, of course. They were happy to hear another Spaniard speak and were glad and thankful I offered, so they posed and I took some to their satisfaction.

What I hadn't realized was that this hadn't gone unnoticed and all of a sudden, couples started approaching me with their cameras held out so they can get a photo themselves. I could tell by their language they were Chinese, Thai, Korean, Italian, from everywhere. They posed and I shot. We exchanged pleasantries and smiles and they thanked me for the next half hour or so. I was delighted to offer.

I caught up later on with the Spanish couple I first met and they filled me in on their trip, how they were there to see the Formula One race in Suzuka but the flight from Ibiza to Madrid was delayed so they missed their Emirates flight to Dubai and had to get a later flight and they missed the race altogether. (I was thinking I'm fortunate to have a non-stop flight to Tokyo available twice a day) We also talked about the exchange rate and how many Spaniards I saw in Tokyo and wondered if the rate was favorable for Europeans, etc. It was small talk, but I could tell they were glad to be able to speak to someone in their native tongue. It was pleasant for me as well.

On a sidenote, I was walking along Inokashira Park in Mitaka on Sports Day, a national holiday, when I ran into the same problem: fathers taking photos of their families without they themselves being in them. I offered to take photos of the whole families and they were so happy I was thrilled to help out. It felt really good to do.

I guess what I'm trying to get at is; gaijin will always be gaijin. You can be born in Japan, live there all your life and you'll still be a gaijin. There's no hiding it, so there's no point in trying. If you're carrying a camera and have a back-pack, chances are you are a tourist. But tourist or not, you're still a gaijin. Well, this eigojin doesn't mind running into others. Do I act surprised and go out of my way to acknowledge them? Of course not. Am I offended they're occupying the same real estate as I am? Why should I be? After all, we are there to have a good time and enjoy the culture and sights. I don't go asking them for directions because they probably don't know much themselves and I don't need to ask anyone but locals for directions-that's where Koban come in handy. (A few phrases in Japanese and you can get by)

The only difference I may have with local gaijin is in the dress code. I may dress a bit more comfortably than is expected there, but that's for personal comfort. And no, I don't wear any t-shirts with vivid colors and slogans. I wear khaki or jean shorts and polo shirts. Even when it was still warm and in the 80s, I didn't see any locals wearing anything short. Yeah, I stick out like a sore thumb, but I don't care. As long as I don't disrespect anyone with the way I dress, I know I'm going to be labeled a tourist. I am polite and try to follow all the customs of which I am aware. I speak to locals in as much Japanese as I can and thank them for their help. (when I do ask for directions)

When I do run into other gaijin, I definitely don't go out of my way to avoid them, but I don't make it obvious I'm aware they are there either. They are just another part of the landscape and you deal with it. When you do run into more than normal, in obvious touristy places, sometimes they talk to you and ask you where you're from. It would be rude not to answer, so I do and exchange small talk for a bit and move on....

I'm in my mid to late forties and all that little nonsense about running into others like you in a foreign land is somewhat insignificant to me. I'm not a loud, obnoxious foreigner who paints a bad picture of their homeland to others, so I really don't give it much thought....

Well, two pesetas turned into two hundred. I apologize for the long speech....