Foreigners and Prostitution in Japan?
Hey, so one of my good buddies is going over to Japan this summer for some language program that he signed up to do recently. However, just the other day he told me that he's planning on hiring a prostitute some time during his trip, and he hasn't stopped talking about it. According to him, prostitution is practically legal there and is widely accepted by Japanese society. We both just turned 18, and he seems to be really pumped-up about going "out into the world and living his own life" or whatever, and I actually think that he's planning on doing this. I've tried to dissuade him from doing this by reminding him that he risks contracting STDs, could maybe get arrested since it's not "technically" legal, and may be supporting human trafficking by hiring a prostitute in Japan (I've heard that Japan is a problem spot for human trafficking for sex work). He's a really good friend of mine and I just really wouldn't want anything bad to happen to him because of a dumb mistake that he made. Well since I can't really seem to do anything to stop him from doing this, there's only one thing that I can think of that would get in his way, and that's the actual hiring of the prostitute. As an 18 year old white American foreigner without much ability in Japanese, will he really be able to successfully hire a prostitute?
Do older single Japanese women need to date foreigners to get married?
A difficult question but some interesting answers. so, for what it's worth, here is my answer. Her chances of marrying are pretty slim I would think, although I'm sure some young men out there would jump at the opportunity to do so, but alas, all for the wrong reasons. I have travelled extensively and I can tell you that the lady in question is not alone. Some women of the same age, same circumstances and of various nationalities are attracted to foreigners because they see no future in the lifestyle they have chosen and see foreigners as an easy way out as opposed to marrying their own nationality who would no doubt be aware of their background. Some young gullible western men on holiday ( vacation ) or studying for awhile are an easy target as they still have to learn a lot about the ups and downs of life. No wonder then that many such marriages end in divorce. I am talking specifically about the 37 year old woman in your question and doe's not in any way apply to Japanese women in general.
Do Japanese people like foreigners who try to speak Japanese?
Outside of Japan, I have run into two very distinct types of people.The first and most common, are people who are thrilled that you are learning their language and will do everything in their power to forward your progress. I had two Japanese old ladies at a restaurant practically adopt me when I would stop there for dinner after Japanese class.The second type, which I would estimate at about 20%, don’t want to have anything to do with it. I’ve had entire conversations where I spoke only Japanese and the person I was speaking to spoke only English.One time, when I was in Paris for business, I went to a Sukiyaki place near my hotel. I proceeded to speak in Japanese. The people there immediately started speaking French to me. I told them I didn’t speak French, which was true. They then shifted to English. I told them I didn’t speak English, which was a lie. They then asked me what language I did speak. I made up some “mock Russian”, which thankfully, they didn’t speak. Essentially, I left them no choice other than Japanese. They were not happy, but as I said, they represent only about 20%.On the same trip, I got onto an elevator full of Japanese business men. I don’t remember what I said but one of them responded with “o jouzu desu nee” (you’re good) to which I responded “ton demo nai” (no way). Today I would probably say “mata heta desu” (I’m still bad). Anyway, this resulted in more friends as a result of trying to speak Japanese. Everytime I ran into some of them in the elevator they wanted to help me with my Japanese.So I would say that most Japanese people don’t mind and are even happy. There is that 20% though, that don’t want you to try and speak Japanese.
Could you please give me some safety tips when traveling in Tokyo?
♥The best safety tip I can give you is to use common sense. Don't go into dark areas alone. Stay in well populated areas so that you can ask for help or directions if you need it. There is usually always a "Koban" = Police box, on most streets if you have trouble. Most restaurants have fake food displays and picture menus, so it's easy to order. Most attractions have English pamphlets and info, you just have to ask for it. Keep your cards, cash, travelers checks and passport close at hand. If you worry about losing personal things, put a small label on them identifying them as yours in case it's lost. I lost my wallet twice and got it back both times with all my money and cards. Japan is generally safe. Just use regular caution. I have never experienced sexual harassment. If people, men or women look at you, it's because you're a. a foreigner and b. they're curious, just looking. Occasionally you will see drunk business men on the train or road, just avoid them. Keep a memo with the name and address of the place you are staying in case you get lost or want to take a cab. Many people speak a little English so relax and enjoy Tokyo!♥
Do Japanese guys like dating foreign girls?
I am a foreign woman in Japan.Dated and married a Japanese guy for several years, and dated several others after him.As a result I am not dating Japanese men at the moment, and the answer to this question has to do with it.I have lots of Japanese friends who refer to me as ‘gaijin’ it actually stands for outsider, but they use it to widely to mean foreigner.I get asked a lot if I would date a Japanese man. It seemed weird at the beginning because for me they were just men. Well, their question had a downside, because in fact they would not date a foreing woman themselves.And when they say foreign they mean white.And when they say date, they mean commit.I had friends telling me they would not date or have a serious relationship with a white woman, as they put it, because:They would stand out too muchThey would not be able to look at their pretty white faces and focus on anything elseThey would have a hard time controling themWhite women wear g strings and that is what prostites wearWhite women shave there and that is what prostitutes doThey would have to make an effort to communicate (not language barriers, but cultural ones)Yes, Japanese men love dating foreign women for fun, as long as they can brag about you to their friends, as long as you can subordinate to their rules of not holding hands in public, not kissing, even on the cheek in public, not meeting more than once a week, not communicating very often, and in an ultimate instance,not trying to be foreign on them, which means that as long as you are willing to act like a 100% Japanese woman they are ok. And Japanese women do not ask for anything, but anything in return.What I have stated above is years of asking very good friends and working colleagues when we went drinking what they actually thought, because unless under the influence of alcohol they would not actually have the power to state what they believe.It does not apply to all of course, but this is my experience with men aged 25–35 doing rather well in their carreer, and having lived most of their lives in Tokyo or nearby. I would like to state I do not believe it applies to all, but it is just my decision to stop dating Japanese men, even the ones who have been raised overseas because of the immense cultural differences and other huge compromises I would have to make.
Japanese girls or women who date Caucasian men are considered as a disgrace?
Is this assumption true? Can anyone tell me more about this situation? About the importance that girls or women put on the whole dating foreigns, are they mostly likely to go out with foreigners for a fling or just out of curiosity or .......? help me out with this topic pls.... some advice from people who have experience in that area would be nice...
Yukata sizing for plus sized American woman?
At your size, the Kimono Market Sakura yukata are not big enough for you to wear them properly. The two front panels are supposed to completely overlap each other, with the outer edge of one reaching the opposite side seam (so, the edge of the left front panel should be even with the seam running down your right side). The good news is that you can find yukata and obi that fit -- I'm bigger than you and I have four that fit me. The bad news is that since yukata season is almost over and you're not the only woman who wears bigger sizes, most of the ones available to you online are going to be sold out already. If you're currently outside of Japan, try the kimono and yukata section of Jshoppers.com. Earlier this year they were selling three styles of larger-size yukatas and accessories. Many of the sizes were sold out when I bought mine way back in May, but you might still find one in your size. They have a fairly accurate sizing chart that shows the conversion between Japanese sizes and American sizes that should help you at least figure out your Japanaese size. Ichiroya also sold some larger yukata this year, and while most of their selection is sold out there are a few left. Ichiroya seems to label their yukata according to American sizes (so if you see a yukata labeled 4L that's fairly accurate to American sizing, maybe a touch on the small side). But they also give the maximum hip measurements the yukata will fit. You're going to want a hip measurement bigger than your actual measurement by a pretty good margin for a proper fit. If you're not sure what will work, email them and ask. They do speak English and they're very nice about helping people out. Just be clear in what you're asking. You might have a hard time finding yukata that fit your height, but many larger yukata are also a bit longer than standard yukata so it shouldn't be to much of a problem. As long as it's not much more than 10cm shorter than you it should be okay.