Country Discussion...Japan

[Billy Dean]

When I was staying in Kyoto I was in a cheap hotel that had an arrangement with a local cafe where you could go and get a cheap breakfast. Went there and tried to order breakfast but the waitress couldn't speak English and obviously I couldn't speak Japanese. Another customer there, old dude, said he'd sent some time in England so he basically translated for us so I could order my food. Whilst eating I was having a bit of a chat with him etc. Then he finished before me and left. Few minutes later I finished my brekkie and went to pay up. The waitress managed to communicate to me that the old dude had paid for my food too.

I think I might even say the people were the highlight for me in Japan. They won't invite you for a pint with them or anything like but very kind and polite people I found. But that was just my experience. Might be different for others.

 

[DavidH]

Fascinating place. Dying to go back. They do most things right over there that's for sure. Turd at Footy.

 

[Spadge Vernacular]

Heard it’s amazing, always been into the culture but their obsession with school girls with big knockers is a bit worrying.

Vending machines selling used/soiled knickers is a bit mad too.

 

[Spadge Vernacular]

The death and digital resurrection of Japan’s used panty vending machine​

Tech in Asia - Connecting Asia's startup ecosystem

www.techinasia.com

 

[Bkk Andy]

Tokyo's a fabulous place. I've been a few times and it's loud, flashy, an attack on the senses and then suddenly slow, peaceful and serene. It can switch from ultra modern to ultra traditional very quickly. Ultra modern is utterly mental - comfortably the strangest place I've ever visited - but fun. The people are friendly and helpful despite the language barrier. I've known a few people who lived there and they all say the same thing; it's great for 6 months then infuriating and that you'll never be truly accepted.

I'll probably go back at some point but for a holiday only.

 

[davids]

Okinawa is nice. They want rid of the US base there,but they are refusing to budge.

 

[wm02]

An excellent country to visit. Probably the favourite country I’ve traveled to.
I previously worked for a Japanese company and was able to tie on some travel after some business trips over there. Kyoto and Tokyo are amazing, each in their own way.

Highly, highly recommend visiting Japan

 

[dholliday]

their obsession with school girls with big knockers is a bit worrying.

some cringy anime has that sort of thing...with squeaky-high baby voices...unwatchable.

Negs: Anime

Agree when it's the above cringe-borderline-disturbing sort. But there's good stuff as well: Akira is a masterpiece of film-making, Perfect Blue is another highlight. Ghosts in the Shell is cult. Samurai Champloo calls back to classic samurai movies.

Tokyo's a fabulous place. I've been a few times and it's loud, flashy, an attack on the senses and then suddenly slow, peaceful and serene. It can switch from ultra modern to ultra traditional very quickly. Ultra modern is utterly mental - comfortably the strangest place I've ever visited - but fun. The people are friendly and helpful despite the language barrier. I've known a few people who lived there and they all say the same thing; it's great for 6 months then infuriating and that you'll never be truly accepted.

I'll probably go back at some point but for a holiday only.

Well-described! It's that sort of visceral experience I'd be looking for: the strangeness, almost-otherworldly, aspect is very appealing.

I've been to loads of places in Europe and it all starts to feel a bit samey.

 

[blueloon]

I spent four weeks there four years ago following the Rugby World Cup. It’s a wonderful place , joint top with New Zealand in terms of countries I’ve visited. I loved Kyoto and Nara and a wee place called Beppu on the coast. There are some strange contrasts, we travelled up and down using super efficient Bullet Trains , but paid for virtually everything else with cash , not many restaurants for instance accepted credit cards. In a strange way it was also nice to be in a country where so few people spoke English and you had to do the communicating .

 

[dholliday]

Japan’s population drops by nearly 800,000 with falls in every prefecture for the first time

Changing demographics are affecting nearly every part of society, while efforts to turn around the decline have so far had little impact

www.theguardian.com

They should encourage financially-supported migration from japan-interested Westerners, with english-friendly work programs. There must be lots of interest but the expense and lack of work for westerners traditionally was always a massive hurdle.

They have to do something, as the report says national policies aren't making a dent.


Also interesting to compare & contrast these kinds of issues with the Climate Crisis, where many people say the problem is over-population and it's a good thing that people are having less kids. Economies are however so sharply programmed to assume a certain birth-rate that any big deviation from this causes all kinds of issues.

 

[Nymzee]

Japan’s population drops by nearly 800,000 with falls in every prefecture for the first time

Changing demographics are affecting nearly every part of society, while efforts to turn around the decline have so far had little impact

www.theguardian.com

They should encourage financially-supported migration from japan-interested Westerners, with english-friendly work programs. There must be lots of interest but the expense and lack of work for westerners traditionally was always a massive hurdle.

They have to do something, as the report says national policies aren't making a dent.


Also interesting to compare & contrast these kinds of issues with the Climate Crisis, where many people say the problem is over-population and it's a good thing that people are having less kids. Economies are however so sharply programmed to assume a certain birth-rate that any big deviation from this causes all kinds of issues.

I’m all for it. Send me over there to mate with the saucy locals. Thin the blood.

 

[larrygobfiend]

Best place I’ve ever visited.

The food is excellent and half the price you’d pay over here.

 

[IrishBlue2022]

Entered a ballot for a free trip to be drawn at 2pm. Fingers crossed.

 

[dholliday]

Send me over there to mate with the saucy locals. Thin the blood.

bluddy 'ell, nymz

 

[Nymzee]

bluddy 'ell, nymz

Well that's what you're suggesting isn't it? Migration to help out a dwindling population.