I’ve been in Japan the last several weeks (Onomichi->Kyoto->Tokyo) and it’s been more diverse and yet the same than I ever imagined. I’ve been studying Japanese the last two years and so I can get by mostly okay with some English help but I think studying the language caused me to build up a lot of stereotypes in my head.
In truth, I’ve encountered all sorts of people from overly helpful hotel staff, izakaya waitresses that don’t give a crap, a small Ramen shop owner who loves his craft yet is short with customers, a street beatboxer, a super chill Hawaiian sandwich shop owner, a woman dancing in front of the beer cooler at a 7-11, and a man who refused me entry into his onsen…
Some service people say “arigatou gozaimashita” with long drawn out tones while others just stare at you until you leave. Some people are willing to be patient through your slow Japanese while others tell you “there’s a restaurant across the street” and ignore your Japanese completely. Some people bow constantly while others just don’t. Some people say “daijoubu” while others like “okay desu”. Some people use a quiet “sumimasen” while others will clap right in your face.
Japan is an incredibly diverse country and I know it sounds stupid that I should have realized this sooner but I think I got sucked into too many stereotypes about “Japanese people do this, Japanese people do that…” during my language studies in learning how to behave and act in a foreign country. In actuality, people here are like everywhere else, so similar to people back in the U.S., yet culturally different because of the thousands of years of this country’s history.
It’s like the culture is different but personal motivations, wants, and needs are the same as anyone else. People are just trying to get by. Some are wonderful intelligent caring human beings while others are closed minded jerks.
Anyway, i don’t have a strong point to this post. I just wanted to share this feeling ive been having. If anyone has experienced a similar adjustment please share.
by investoroma