Hey there! As I mentioned in my earlier post, this will be the first part of my impressions of Japan. I have been using my notebooks some of you gave to me back in Germany (thanks a lot again! :)) over the last month to write down everything amazing, funny or paradoxic people do here. Japan never fails to surprise. Even doing your research in advance does not prevent you from the occasional "culture shock" ;) Hope you enjoy!
1. When life gives you... tissues
While western stores and companies tend to have people standing around distributing flyers to passersby, in Japan, the same people will give you a free pack of paper tissues with their ad. They are always there where you don't expect them: At train stations, store entrances or just at random places on the street. When I was at Bic Camera for my SIM card and had to leave and re-enter three times, I had collected three packs of tissues by the end. That is why I never need to buy any and still always have a steady supply. Pity is that Japanese tissues are very thin and not very solid - but free stuff in this rather expensive country is nothing to complain about. Maybe it all has to do with traditional Japanese cleanliness?
While western stores and companies tend to have people standing around distributing flyers to passersby, in Japan, the same people will give you a free pack of paper tissues with their ad. They are always there where you don't expect them: At train stations, store entrances or just at random places on the street. When I was at Bic Camera for my SIM card and had to leave and re-enter three times, I had collected three packs of tissues by the end. That is why I never need to buy any and still always have a steady supply. Pity is that Japanese tissues are very thin and not very solid - but free stuff in this rather expensive country is nothing to complain about. Maybe it all has to do with traditional Japanese cleanliness?
2. Let's all look fancy
On Japanese streets, you will almost never see a Japanese girl or woman who is poorly dressed. "Kawaii" dresses, jewellery and high heels seem to be the standard fashion, even (or especially) at university. When strolling through one of the numerous shopping malls, you will rarely find clothes that are not tasteful, elegant and cute. In addition, I noticed that a lot of men are wearing women's handbags. Not in bright colours, mostly black, but still, it is fun to see the mix of briefcases, backpacks and handbags amongst male Japanese in the train. I don't know if handbags are considered feminine here at all, but it does add a certain feminine touch :)
3. Your loyal servants
You may have heard of Japanese vending machines selling everything: From cup noodles over flowers to used panties. However, I must disappoint you at this point: The only machines I have seen in Tokyo so far are drink machines (and only one snack machine at a train station). But they offer a lot of different drinks: Green tea, juice, ice coffee, energy drinks, beer and other alcoholic drinks, and among them - well disguised - water. I am emphasizing this because when you are new to vending machines, it can be tricky to figure out what is normal water and what is not. Sometimes to have to apply a trial-and-error technique. But the most striking about these vending machines is that they can be found everywhere. You turn around a corner or just walk 100 meters, there is a vending machine. It is impossible to die of thirst in Tokyo, especially because the machines never seem to get empty. And the best of all: You can sometimes even get hot drinks from such a machine!
4. Anime voices
3. Your loyal servants
You may have heard of Japanese vending machines selling everything: From cup noodles over flowers to used panties. However, I must disappoint you at this point: The only machines I have seen in Tokyo so far are drink machines (and only one snack machine at a train station). But they offer a lot of different drinks: Green tea, juice, ice coffee, energy drinks, beer and other alcoholic drinks, and among them - well disguised - water. I am emphasizing this because when you are new to vending machines, it can be tricky to figure out what is normal water and what is not. Sometimes to have to apply a trial-and-error technique. But the most striking about these vending machines is that they can be found everywhere. You turn around a corner or just walk 100 meters, there is a vending machine. It is impossible to die of thirst in Tokyo, especially because the machines never seem to get empty. And the best of all: You can sometimes even get hot drinks from such a machine!
4. Anime voices
Over time, you get used to the fact that everyone welcomes you with an obligatory and mostly female "Irasshaimase!" at every store - and you start to like it. The voices, however, are incredibly high and penetrating - comparable to the way cute anime characters exclaim their excitement (I could not believe real people could and would do it on a regular basis that until then). It is impossible to go visit boutiques in a big shopping mall without almost getting deaf, because the shop assistants are not only greeting, but also advertising their goods in a loud manner. But I guess you get used to it. I am, however, still amazed how they can keep their voice working all day. Maybe I should ask for their secret?
5. Can we take a selfie?
People's reactions to foreigners here are hugely ambiguous. Take restaurants for example. Some waiters like to chat, especially when you demonstrate some language skills. When you tell them you are from Germany, they will always add a "Dankeschön!" when you are leaving. :) Others may politely claim to have no English menu or to be booked out, while actually meaning to say "LEAVE!" (this really happened to us several times). One of the funniest reactions from random people we met on the street or with whom we were sitting in a café was asking to take a selfie with us :)
Of course, there is a lot more Japan has to offer. I will make sure to share more impressions with you soon. Until then - have a good start of the week! :)
People's reactions to foreigners here are hugely ambiguous. Take restaurants for example. Some waiters like to chat, especially when you demonstrate some language skills. When you tell them you are from Germany, they will always add a "Dankeschön!" when you are leaving. :) Others may politely claim to have no English menu or to be booked out, while actually meaning to say "LEAVE!" (this really happened to us several times). One of the funniest reactions from random people we met on the street or with whom we were sitting in a café was asking to take a selfie with us :)
Of course, there is a lot more Japan has to offer. I will make sure to share more impressions with you soon. Until then - have a good start of the week! :)
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