Quick Qs about living in Japan

[OSUblake]

Some quick questions I was wondering about...

Is it socially acceptable to have your tattoos exposed? Would this hinder me in a getting a job over there, like an IT job? I have some big tats on my arms, but they don't go below the elbow. I don't want to look like a criminal over there.

Is there any way to get US satellite TV or Radio over there?

Do they have tanning beds over there? I hate looking pale.

Is it true that Japan is still basically a cash based society, and debit/credit card acceptance is low... like no places in Japan take them? Is it also true that ATM machines close at 4pm?!?

Is it true that Japanese people will pay for your drinks just to see if you can handle your alcohol? I'm down for free drinks anytime http://www.five-hole.com/forum/images/smiles/woohoo.gif

My last Qs are about foods I can't live without...

Is the selection at import grocery stores good, or is it just basic items?

I keep hearing about all these beef bans to Japan, so that probably means I won't be enjoying some steak from Kansas when I'm over there. So how does steak over there compare to North America?

This one is very important. Do they have good Mexican food over there? I'd be happy with Mexican fast food like Taco Bell or Chipotle, but a sit-down restaurant would be better, especially if they serve Mexican style drinks and beer.

BUFFALO WINGS!!! I don't know if they are served outside of the US/Canada, but this inquiring mind wants to know. Buffalo wings and beer are must have for me. Ramen noodles and smelly sea creatures just won't cut if for me over there.

[JusenkyoGuide]

Is it socially acceptable to have your tattoos exposed? Would this hinder me in a getting a job over there, like an IT job? I have some big tats on my arms, but they don't go below the elbow. I don't want to look like a criminal over there.
Nope, tattoos = Yakuza in the Japanese way of thinking. While you might be able to get a job, you mostly likely will be asked to have them covered at all times (95% certain). Also, hotels and onsen can and will refuse to let you go in/stay if you have visable tattoos.


Is there any way to get US satellite TV or Radio over there?
The Japanese satellite companies can pick up some US stations, don't ask me which ones, and satellite/Internet radios rock!

Do they have tanning beds over there? I hate looking pale.
Sure, just follow the Kogals in Shibuya. I don't know if they'll let you in with tattoos though.

Is it true that Japan is still basically a cash based society, and debit/credit card acceptance is low... like no places in Japan take them? Is it also true that ATM machines close at 4pm?!?
It's getting better, but yes, many places outside of Tokyo/Osaka/Kyoto will not take credit cards. Major tourist places will though. And yes, ATMs do close at silly times (holidays, and around 7PM or so). Tokyo is starting to see more 24 hr ATMs, but get used to have lots of cash on hand.

Is it true that Japanese people will pay for your drinks just to see if you can handle your alcohol? I'm down for free drinks anytime
I've never had it happen to me, but I don't really drink. At enkais I get pressure from my co-workers to see if I can pack away the sake, but I helped pay for that.

Is the selection at import grocery stores good, or is it just basic items?
Depends, depends on the store and the location. My import store in Matsumoto carries some basics, but nothing spectacular. The Tokyo stores are much better, and there's always the Internet and the food clubs.

I keep hearing about all these beef bans to Japan, so that probably means I won't be enjoying some steak from Kansas when I'm over there. So how does steak over there compare to North America?
Supposedly they have American style steak. I've eaten it at a number of places and it's never tasted anything close to steak in America, but it ain't bad. It's very expensive though.

This one is very important. Do they have good Mexican food over there? I'd be happy with Mexican fast food like Taco Bell or Chipotle, but a sit-down restaurant would be better, especially if they serve Mexican style drinks and beer.
You're not going to find any fast food Mexican joints. There are some actual Mexican food places in Japan, some are fairly good, but nothing like the US.

BUFFALO WINGS!!! I don't know if they are served outside of the US/Canada, but this inquiring mind wants to know. Buffalo wings and beer are must have for me. Ramen noodles and smelly sea creatures just won't cut if for me over there.
Well, they have chicken wings at the Konbini, but I've never run into buffalo sauce. Japanese usually do not like spicy stuff (excepting wasabi).

[羽之助]

Is it socially acceptable to have your tattoos exposed? Would this hinder me in a getting a job over there, like an IT job? I have some big tats on my arms, but they don't go below the elbow. I don't want to look like a criminal over there.


Too bad, because you will. But the only way this will hinder you in getting a job is if people see them.

Do they have tanning beds over there? I hate looking pale.
http://i.somethingawful.com/fashion/ganguro/4.jpg
I think the answer is yes. :rofl:

Is it true that Japan is still basically a cash based society, and debit/credit card acceptance is low... like no places in Japan take them? Is it also true that ATM machines close at 4pm?!?

Yes. The post office won't accept credit cards. But I use my credit card at the supermarket all the time, and they give me a 5% discount at the end of the month. If you're buying a stereo, you can use a card. If you're paying a tailor to repair your jacket after you ripped it, then no use.

Is it true that Japanese people will pay for your drinks just to see if you can handle your alcohol? I'm down for free drinks anytime
No. They will pay for your drinks because they are being nice.

This one is very important. Do they have good Mexican food over there? I'd be happy with Mexican fast food like Taco Bell or Chipotle, but a sit-down restaurant would be better, especially if they serve Mexican style drinks and beer.
HAHAHAHA no. Still, if you look hard enough, you can find what you want ... but going to Japan for Mexican food is like going to Italy for a hot dog.
http://www.bar-and-restaurant.com/en/detail.php?id=S01908

Ramen noodles and smelly sea creatures just won't cut if for me over there.
Ouch, you just eliminated 2/3 of your possible culinary choices. How long are you planning to come for?

[OSUblake]

Hey, thanks for the quick and brutally honest reply!

I plan to stay in Japan for around 2-3 years. Just long enough to learn the basics of their culture and language and be valuable enough to become a go-between for a U.S. corp.

It sucks to hear about the tattoo issue. I'm not looking forward to wearing long sleeve shirts in the hot Tokyo summer.

Honestly, do you think the tattoo issue will be much of a problem? Isn't there some sort of amnesty for being a stupid gaijin???

Obviously my food options are shot all to hell after reading replies to my thread. Oh well, I will have my mom FedEx stuff like that to me. Is customs going to be a problem?

Thanks,
OSUblake

[JusenkyoGuide]

Honestly, do you think the tattoo issue will be much of a problem? Isn't there some sort of amnesty for being a stupid gaijin???
Nope, the only amnesty I've seen is that you may still be able to find a job.

Some of the folks on JET in Nagano complain about how their school requires them to cover up, no matter what the weather/situation while at school.

Obviously my food options are shot all to hell after reading replies to my thread. Oh well, I will have my mom FedEx stuff like that to me. Is customs going to be a problem?
Any dried/pre-processed/canned food usually passes muster. If you want anything fresh, customs may or may not grab it as it passes through. I've gotten shipments of jerky in, but that's about as far as I'm willing to push it.

Honestly, your best bet is find a Japanese resturant in Kansas and figure out what you can eat. It will be a lot cheaper.

[nameplease]

It sucks to hear about the tattoo issue. I'm not looking forward to wearing long sleeve shirts in the hot Tokyo summer.
Is it absolutely necessary for you to live in Tokyo?

[Scott]

As a side note, real ramen from a ramenya isn't even comparable to instant ramen you get at the grocery store here... the difference is something like a porterhouse steak compared to microwavable quik-ribs from the grocery store. So even if you don't like instant ramen, you can still really, really enjoy and fall in love with real ramen.

America is not the only place that beef and steaks come from - you can get Australian meat too.

[MNJetter]

You can get things that taste a lot like buffalo wings (minus the spiciness) at quite a few yakitori joints in my area. And at one specific one, they serve a beef yakitori (yes, i know "yakitori" means grilled chicken, but they actually call it "beef yakitori") that tastes uncannily like a genuine chargrilled steak with a light dusting of spices. It's wonderful. Steak and stuff might be rare here, but if you really want it, you can find it.

Most places where you would really need to make big purchases (airlines, hotels, electronics stores, automotive chain stores, internet) will allow credit cards.

Too bad about the tattoos, though. That's gonna be an obstacle. Being a gaijin will get you banned in the big cities, and having tattoos will get you banned throughout the country.

As for other food, I recommend making friends with someone at the nearest US military base. I don't have a friend at our local base, but I have a Japanese friend whose husband is in the Japanese "self-defense force." He makes occassional trips to the U.S. base in the prefecture. He actually got me cheez-its last time :D

....hey, maybe they'd have frozen buffalo wings or something there. If not, you can always try www.fbcusa.com (the Foreign Buyer's Club). They no longer require a yearly membership fee, so it's a great place to find foreign foods. And they've got frozen buffalo wings.

[OSUblake]

I actually have a blue military ID so I can go to any US base in the world and shop at the commissary.

I'm a little confused about the tattoo issue. I understand at work showing them off is a big no-no, but what about on my days off? Is it going to be hard to enjoy leisurely activities? Will wearing a short sleeve shirt cause problems if I'm doing my laundry, watching a movie, shopping, or going to a restaurant/bar? I guess I could always wear a big bandage over it. http://www.five-hole.com/forum/images/smiles/icon_rolleyes.gif

[JusenkyoGuide]

I'm a little confused about the tattoo issue. I understand at work showing them off is a big no-no, but what about on my days off? Is it going to be hard to enjoy leisurely activities? Will wearing a short sleeve shirt cause problems if I'm doing my laundry, watching a movie, shopping, or going to a restaurant/bar? I guess I could always wear a big bandage over it.
Be prepared to get a lot of stares and nervous looks. Also, there will be places that will refuse to serve you due to your visable tattoos. It varies though.

[Pierrot le Fou]

Let me try to dumb this down for you...

Tattoo = Trouble-maker.

They will assume that you will scare off other patrons, that you aren't a law-abiding citizen, and that you will cause problems in their establishment. There are plenty of folks with tattoos around, however they have the sense to keep them covered up. You can use bandages, long sleeves, or deal with the fact that you will be denied entrance to places, and be discriminated against for having visible tattoos.

If you can't cope with that, don't come to Japan, or have your tattoos removed.

Most of the other stuff you're complaining about is almost laughable. You can get plenty of beef in Japan, even if it isn't the same as a sirloin steak. There is plenty of stuff for those who don't eat 'ramen or smelly sea-things' even if you aren't aware of them. And even better, if you're planning on learning Japanese culture, how about not making dumbass assumptions about their food and actually visiting here and seeing what it's like before committing 2-3 years?

Honestly, what the fuck is the point of coming to a country if you've already decided you hate the heat, refuse to conform to their culture, and can't stand their food? Just stay home for crissakes and save us all the headache.

[OSUblake]

Let me try to dumb this down for you...

Tattoo = Trouble-maker.

They will assume that you will scare off other patrons, that you aren't a law-abiding citizen, and that you will cause problems in their establishment. There are plenty of folks with tattoos around, however they have the sense to keep them covered up. You can use bandages, long sleeves, or deal with the fact that you will be denied entrance to places, and be discriminated against for having visible tattoos.

If you can't cope with that, don't come to Japan, or have your tattoos removed.

Most of the other stuff you're complaining about is almost laughable. You can get plenty of beef in Japan, even if it isn't the same as a sirloin steak. There is plenty of stuff for those who don't eat 'ramen or smelly sea-things' even if you aren't aware of them. And even better, if you're planning on learning Japanese culture, how about not making dumbass assumptions about their food and actually visiting here and seeing what it's like before committing 2-3 years?

Honestly, what the fuck is the point of coming to a country if you've already decided you hate the heat, refuse to conform to their culture, and can't stand their food? Just stay home for crissakes and save us all the headache.

OMFG, you have me all figured out don't you?!?

First off, I have lived in Japan. I lived at the Yokosuka Naval Base when I was 16. After high school I joined the army and traveled around the world and have experienced and conformed to many different cultures. Even though I was under the military's umbrella, I still had to "fit in" with the local culture and eat some of their foods on occasion... especially in the mid-east where I had daily contact with them.

I'm going to graduate from OSU later this year and plan on returning back to the country I fell in love with a long time ago. I wasn't complaining about Japan, I was asking simple questions about what type of things I might take for granted while living over there, and what possible substitutes might be available.

I can tolerate the heat. I've been to, and have lived in a lot hotter places than Japan. And wanting an insider's thoughts about my tattoo situation doesn't mean I won't conform. And I never said I wouldn't eat the food over there. I said ramen noodles and sea creatures wouldn't cut if for me, meaning I would need a fix of food I'm used to back home every now and then.

[kitsunepixie]

There is a Hard Rock Cafe that is a 15 minute walk from where I live. I never thought that I would get so lucky.

[OSUblake]

Hard Rock Cafe... Oh hell yeah!!!

I wonder why SEGA hasn't opened up any GameWorks restaurants in Japan. Their food is awesome!!!

[kitsunepixie]

Oh, for the tattoo situation during the summer, I would recommend wearing a tank top when out in the heat, but carrying a light, long-sleeve shirt to put on before entering an establishment that you think may be uncomfortable with your arms. It's a look that can be dead sexy, too.

[Azrael]

I don't mean to pick on you on contradict you or whatever, but you did not live in Japan. I have friends out in Yokosuka. They acknowledge that they aren't really living in Japan. Living in Japan and living on a naval base on Japanese soil are two entirely different things.

[Pierrot le Fou]

And living on a naval base as opposed to living (and I assume working) in Japan outside of a base are entirely different things as well.

If you're familiar with this sort of thing, I'm wondering why you're asking. And furthermore, I'm wondering why, if you have lived in Japan, you don't know about the slew of foreign food that is available (but expensive).

And anyway, if you have access to the stores on base, so long as you live near enough a base or a CostCo, you can probably get most of your stuff you'd have at home.

[OSUblake]

True Azrael, living on a US base in Japan and living on your own in Japan are 2 totally different things. I was a 16 year old living with my parents at the time, so I haven't been totally immersed into their culture like others on this forum have. But it is not like we were hermits on base and never ventured out to see what Japan was like.


And living on a naval base as opposed to living (and I assume working) in Japan outside of a base are entirely different things as well.

If you're familiar with this sort of thing, I'm wondering why you're asking. And furthermore, I'm wondering why, if you have lived in Japan, you don't know about the slew of foreign food that is available (but expensive).

And anyway, if you have access to the stores on base, so long as you live near enough a base or a CostCo, you can probably get most of your stuff you'd have at home.

I was a 16 yr old at the time. Did you know everything about where you lived when you were 16? Of course you didn't, you learned all the ins and outs when you were 18 or so and not tied down to your parents.

When my parents would take me off base, we would never eat western food. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Off base I ate all sorts of Japanese foods, including a pizza with mayo and corn on it http://www.five-hole.com/forum/images/smiles/anim_puke.gif

And just because I have access to a commissary doesn't mean it is convenient. Ft Knox is only 3 hours away from me , but I'm not going to drive 6 hours just to get some hookups from the gov. Likewise, I'm not going to waste 6 hours out of my life to go to a base in Japan to take advantage of their commissary.

I asked what I thought were pretty simple Qs and ended up with a debate. Most people gave a honest answer and I thank them for that. NICE!!! :clap:

[Azrael]

My concern, at least from what I got from your initial post, is that it seemed like you wanted to live in Japan, but create some kind of American bubble around yourself. You can't really do that. And even if you could, that's not really living in Japan. It's like being a long-term tourist.

Actually living in Japan requires giving up A LOT of the stuff you became accustomed to back home. It also means A LOT of sacrifices. Be sure you're prepared to make those sacrifices before hopping on the plane over here. A lot of people think they are...but they're not.

[OSUblake]

I don't want to give up a lot of the conveniences back home, but I'm willing to adapt, and it won't be the first time. After living in Iraq for 6 months, I'm sure I can handle the stressors of life in Japan. I'm not trying to imply that I'm better suited for life over there than others, but one thing is for sure, I've been up shit creek before it won't be the last time.

[jjcha]

My concern, at least from what I got from your initial post, is that it seemed like you wanted to live in Japan, but create some kind of American bubble around yourself. You can't really do that. And even if you could, that's not really living in Japan. It's like being a long-term tourist.


Generally this is very true (and it is not really living in Japan).

Just wanted to say it is very possible to create an American bubble around yourself if you're an expatriate professional on an expat package.

Dinner at Lawry's on Monday. Oak Door Tuesday. Pizzakaya Wednesday. Wolfgang Pucks Thursday. Bangkok on Friday. Bourbon Street on Saturday. Chinese delivery on Sunday. Movies at Roppongi Hills. Catch Norah Jones at the Blue Note Tokyo. Send your kids to the American School. Do your grocery shopping at the Kinokuniya or National Azabu supermarkets.

You get this interesting pseudo-Japanese version of America. It's a fascinating life.

Best regards,

-Jason

[rameek]

I cant believe this tattoo business that has to be a real joke :confizzled:
I have a tattoo now and I'm getting fresh ink in a little while before I head over there. Actually I was planning on a lot of serious ink.
I really dont have issues hidding the tatts because I have a corporate background but all this banning business seems a little over the top...

[jinkusu]

I cant believe this tattoo business that has to be a real joke :confizzled:
I have a tattoo now and I'm getting fresh ink in a little while before I head over there. Actually I was planning on a lot of serious ink.
I really dont have issues hidding the tatts because I have a corporate background but all this banning business seems a little over the top...
Think about your employment opportunities if you lived in Los Angeles and ran around with "I am a member of the Bloods/Crips" t-shirt on.

That's what a tattoo does for you. No, they can't identify your specific group of "friends" -- but they can identify that you're more than likely trouble.

[Cool Bones]

I cant believe this tattoo business that has to be a real joke :confizzled:
I have a tattoo now and I'm getting fresh ink in a little while before I head over there. Actually I was planning on a lot of serious ink.
I really dont have issues hidding the tatts because I have a corporate background but all this banning business seems a little over the top...

I don't see how it's over the top, you are almost writing I AM A CRIMINAL on your skin.

[rameek]

Think about your employment opportunities if you lived in Los Angeles and ran around with "I am a member of the Bloods/Crips" t-shirt on.

That's what a tattoo does for you. No, they can't identify your specific group of "friends" -- but they can identify that you're more than likely trouble.
Not to jack the thread but its in the same genre... My wife said she didnt want me to put rims on my car because it reminded her of the gangs in Japan (we were living in the NY about 7 years ago).

My tatts will not below the short sleeve line on the arm. But it will go up the rest of the arms and a portion of my back so I am not really that concerned. It will not reach my neck though.

[Pierrot le Fou]

Just don't count on being able to join a gym or enter a public bath/onsen while you're there.

[rameek]

Just don't count on being able to join a gym or enter a public bath/onsen while you're there.
i have a membership at NAS already for the gym and swimming but havent used it yet... that means i have to work out and swim with a tshirt on...
selfpwnt/ :duh:

[Pierrot le Fou]

They will not allow you to enter the pool most likely, even with a t-shirt.

And of course you'll have to wear a shirt while working out.

[Azrael]

Looking around on the web, I found makeup that will supposedly cover tattoos and is waterproof. I was hoping to go swimming when the new gym in my town opens in March, so I ordered some. It hasn't arrived yet, so I have yet to test it out.

If you have tats and you want to go swimming in Japan, this might be your only options.

[erbiumfiber]

My local pool totally freaked out when I tried to enter wearing tiny earrings and a necklace. It really doesn't take much...

Hell, try to enter without wearing a bathing cap- they'll have a heart attack.

[JapaneseLever]

*shudders*
this thread is making me think of ways to cover up my huge ass tattoo for when i embark.
az do they have that makeup for (extremely) white people? i didn't get kicked out of public bath/onsen last time i was there, but i need something for a long-term solution before april.

p.s. sorry to hijack

[nameplease]

Generally this is very true (and it is not really living in Japan).

Just wanted to say it is very possible to create an American bubble around yourself if you're an expatriate professional on an expat package.

Dinner at Lawry's on Monday. Oak Door Tuesday. Pizzakaya Wednesday. Wolfgang Pucks Thursday. Bangkok on Friday. Bourbon Street on Saturday. Chinese delivery on Sunday. Movies at Roppongi Hills. Catch Norah Jones at the Blue Note Tokyo. Send your kids to the American School. Do your grocery shopping at the Kinokuniya or National Azabu supermarkets.

You get this interesting pseudo-Japanese version of America. It's a fascinating life.

Best regards,

-Jason
Kinokuniya supermarket? I've been to Kinokuniya before (ones located in the US) and I didn't know there was any kind of supermarket related to it. Or is it just a supermarket that happens to have the same name?

[Hito]

What if someone decided to be a wise-ass and tattoo "I AM NOT A CRIMINAL" in kanji on their arms? lol
Or, more seriously, what if a couple virtues of Bushido just happened to be on my arm? Would that be so bad?

[KojiroTakenashi]

Don't Yakuza also follow some Bushido-derivative?

[kitsunepixie]

Yeah, Yakuza tend to get tattoos like that :duh:

Incidentally, I saw a lot of yaks at a NIN concert I went to in Osaka. There was certainly no mistaking them for the hard rockers that were also at venue...