How do I describe my job?
 

Hello!

I am an female that will be travelling solo to Tokyo for 10 days and 8 nights in November. I have been researching for my trip for a couple of months and I have some questions I have not been able to find any advice about.

If it comes up in conversation, I am unsure how to describe my job. I am a security contractor in video surveillance for my city's transit system. I work with Police and Homeland Security. Are American Homeland Security measures an uncomfortable topic in Japan? Also, will people think I am joking about my job because I am female?

In addition, I am in the Military. Should I even mention this?

Lastly, I am an older female. Should I discreetly lie about my age, or tell the truth and possibly be dismissed as being "aged" and potentially loose out on more youthful activities or conversation I would be very interested in (such as Video Games, Otaku culture, etc.)?

Thank you in advance for any help you may be able to offer!

How much older? I know it might be rude to ask, but it could help.

I think if you're going to lie about your age, always use the 5 year window rule, unless you can REALLY pull it off ;)

Sorry I can't help with the other questions. I don't know much about how Japan views American military at this point. Security/surveillance on the other hand, could be kind of a cool thing?

Unless your fluent in Japanese, I really wouldn't expect the subject to come up. Not to mention the prospect of having conversations with anyone other then other tourists.

However if it does, your description is fine.

Don't you think you're overreacting?

It's not like you're attending a job interview or being grilled at customs.

The Japanese are very polite and even the most curious wouldn't ask your age. The most they'd ask is where you're from.

If it comes to job occupation, you can simply tell them that you work for public transit.

If the conversation gets to job occupations, couldn't you just tell them that you work for public transit? :confused:

Don't you think you're overreacting?

It's not like you're attending a job interview or being grilled at customs.

The Japanese are very polite and even the most curious wouldn't ask your age. The most they'd ask is where you're from.

If the conversation gets to job occupations, couldn't you just tell them that you work for public transit? :confused:

Reply
 

Well, that's a good point. I guess I have an inherent aversion to lying. :) Public Transport is a good answer, I was thinking more along the line of telling people "security". I just don't know how to phrase it! I have figured out how to tell tell people where I am from, name, etc, but the job always created a SNAFU!

Are you kidding? I was asked my age all the time. Establishing age is important in Japan and it's not considered rude to ask as far as I could tell.

To Go Native
 

Could you please tell me what is considered an age "cut-off"? I am not interested in dating, but I traditionally enjoy "younger" things.

Thank you!

It is actually rude specially if it is a guy asking a girl her age but I guess this is somewhat true in every country.

Aren't Gaijin an exception?

ThrenodyT

Don't lie about your age. Age is important, and you look like a fool when people ask you "How old were you when Titanic came out?" or something like that.

I don't know;) . When my male coworkers asked me about age, there is always an apology before the actual question.
Personally , I really don't care. I always give my real age anyway:D

Normally, they don't ask you of your age except of course in filling out forms :D

Even without lying, I would not be able to recall my age of that event and possibly others.

I am sure you could get by with a couple years. Harmless, really.

I don't know how old you are, but chances are your age will have little to do with the subject of conversation. Unless, well, you leave all the topics completely to the other person.
Conversations are a two party event, so talk about what you enjoy and are interested in. Your expressions of interest are going to be a lot more important than your age in what is talked about. The other big key is going to be the person you are talking to. Regardless of your age, if they don't know anything about what you are interested in, it will not come up.

As for your job - the Japanese military is the defense force. The majority of people will not harbor any feelings in either direction about your position. Your gender also will not make a difference. Contrary to popular rumors, Japan is NOT that sexist.