The other threads have been discussing this question obliquely, and it looks like it may need its own stream of thought. Here's a couple to get you started. As I think of other ones, I'll post them here also.

"Feeling of being in Japan" is the strange ritual that Honda-san, the 29 year-old chef of his own restaurant (called, with a flourish of originality, "Ristorante Honda"), two doors down from my apartment in Aoyama goes through every time we eat there. We are frequent patrons of his place, (which by the way, is excellent and very good value for money), and so every time we eat there, as soon as we ask for the check, one of the waiters will discreetly rush off into the kitchen to alert Honda-san that we are leaving. And then Honda-san will come out of the kitchen wearing his chef gear, and escort us to the door and bow multiple times thanking us for our continuous patronage. He doesn't do that for anybody else we've seen, and an "only in Japan" moment.

"Feeling of being in Japan" is when Sakamoto-san, owner and chef of the famous "Kifune" ryotei in Ginza (which by the way, is in the 8th floor of a non-descript building in Ginza, but it is always full), comes up to you and whispers in your ear to you (and nobody else) that they have fugu karaage or fugu sashimi or whatever that day, but it is not on the menu, but if you want some, he can arrange it.

"The sound of flint and metal being struck together and the shower of sparks at your back that accompany the goodbyes after visiting loved ones."

"Pushing your hands into a bowl of bubbling nuka (http://www.bento.com/taste/tc-pick.html), literally generations old, and smelling your fingers several hand washes later".

“Exchanging pleasantries with naked strangers (some of them octogenarians) at a neighbourhood Sento (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sento)”.

"Watching a Go match on the TV and counting every time the expert (male)commentator manages to make 'eye contact' with the TV camera."

D@mn, you folks are poetic today.

Working off Pickles' idea, "feeling of being in Japan" is going to one of the many sake bars/shops I frequent, some more regularly than others, and having the owner greet me by name even if it's been a year since I've been there, and recommend a particular sake he's just got in, only has a few bottles of, and that he knows I'll like. And he's generally right.

Of course, I've also had that happen at the Starbucks branch nearest my Tokyo office--after a year away, I walked in for the second day in a row to have the barista ask me "The usual?"

Whereas the "feeling of being in NY" is having dinner (sakekasu-marinated salmon, yum) at a Japanese restaurant where your dining companion is the only person in the place who can't speak Japanese, then stopping on the way home at Moishe's Bakery to buy hamantaschen.

They're both good feelings.

Boy! You guys make me feel like a piker. I was going to say something about really good ramen or better yet, soba, or maybe the heavenly odor wafting from a good rice cracker shop in some back alley as the next batch comes out of the oven. Top-flight restaurants, very good sake, - out of my league. :p

JR

Finding a "Dai-Nippon" branded beer bottle from the 1930's in the Kyoto mountains while attending a "formal" bird spotting trip with a local social group. Who was this undisplicined fellow back then? ;)

Going to a secluded tea ceremony in Kyoto with all others being at least semi-professionals and seeing them joking and making fun of the whole thing...

A trip to Tokyo and a sympathetic kacho introducing the amazing tiny jazz clubs in the ghetto part of Kabukicho.

How about the slurping of noodles in an Italian restaurant.

How about the slurping of noodles in an Italian restaurant.

Yes! Mrs. Pickles finds this both intensely funny and intensely annoying...

"Feeling of being in Japan" is the strange ritual that Honda-san, the 29 year-old chef of his own restaurant (called, with a flourish of originality, "Ristorante Honda"), two doors down from my apartment in Aoyama goes through every time we eat there. We are frequent patrons of his place, (which by the way, is excellent and very good value for money), and so every time we eat there, as soon as we ask for the check, one of the waiters will discreetly rush off into the kitchen to alert Honda-san that we are leaving. And then Honda-san will come out of the kitchen wearing his chef gear, and escort us to the door and bow multiple times thanking us for our continuous patronage. He doesn't do that for anybody else we've seen, and an "only in Japan" moment.


Just googled Ristorante Honda, and it does look quite nice--will have to check it out sometime. I note it's the same brilliant naming scheme as a favorite of mine in Azabu, Ristorante Terauchi. But his website says that Chef Honda was born in 1968, the same year as me--does that make me 29, too?

(God, I hope so.)

Just googled Ristorante Honda, and it does look quite nice--will have to check it out sometime. I note it's the same brilliant naming scheme as a favorite of mine in Azabu, Ristorante Terauchi. But his website says that Chef Honda was born in 1968, the same year as me--does that make me 29, too?

(God, I hope so.)

Honda-san is 38? Uzo-Kuuuuzo! He doesn't look a day older than 29! There you go, another "feeling of being in Japan" moment. Like that bent-over obaachan that got on the train elbowing everybody with the flexibility of a Cirque acrobat and the strength of a linebacker, who looks like she's 95 years, is really 157 years old, but she keeps in shape by drinking potato hooch and smoking sun-dried beetles wrapped in shiso leaves.

The smell of Natto from across the room is another feeling that one does not get in other countries.

"feeling of being in Japan"? Here it is,

When I
...discovered that pizza-traps on the street(in Shinjyuku/Shibuya)
...heard that one of my neighbors got cheated by "It's me! frauds"(Ore-Ore).
...found the signs of love-hotel on the road-side saying "the green-light".
...walking on the street, all of a sudden a Ko-Gyaru asked me cell-phone # and I lied to her I'm just 26! These are my "feeling of being in Japan" moment.
Honda-san is 38? Uzo-Kuuuuzo!

"feeling of being in Japan"? Here it is,

When I
...discovered that pizza-traps on the street(in Shinjyuku/Shibuya)
...heard that one of my neighbors got cheated by "It's me! frauds"(Ore-Ore).
...found the signs of love-hotel on the road-side saying "the green-light".
...walking on the street, all of a sudden a Ko-Gyaru asked me cell-phone # and I lied to her I'm just 26! These are my "feeling of being in Japan" moment.

Found most of this hysterically funny, but I don't get the pizza trap bit... (if it's not PG-13, please PM me with an explanation!).

Working off this theme, "feeling of being in Japan" is sitting on a rather long Limousine Bus ride to Shinjuku (stupid me to take the bus in the snow) and spending much of the trip listening to the ko-gyaru across the aisle having a cell phone conversation with a friend discussing, in graphic detail, her, ahem, part-time job.

She was surrounded by us gaijin, so maybe she thought we couldn't understand, maybe she just didn't care. Educational in some ways, depressing in others (selling yourself for the key money on a 6-man a month apartment....).

Setting: Tiny little hot spring ryokan up in the Japan Alps. It was a balmy summer night, and after a beautiful day some clouds had gathered and it had started to rain. I watched the raindrops light up in the floodlighting as the nearby river roared past, and laid back in our private little tub, the Japanese girl on my left arm holding an umbrella over my head while the one on my right arm fed me chilled Himuro Daiginjo. :cool:

Neo..http://www.killsometime.com/Pictures/images/pic0766.jpg

Found most of this hysterically funny, but I don't get the pizza trap bit... (if it's not PG-13, please PM me with an explanation!).

I thought that this referred to 'pavement pizzas' - the classic accompaniament to any decent night out in Shinjuku. :( :)

And I'll add another "feeling of being in Japan" as that provided by Mr Toto whenever I encounter a warm toilet seat. And the low whirs and humms that precede a blissful feeling of personal freshness which I'm sure we all enjoy.

Having breakfast?

:eek: - in the case I wish I'd been mistaken!

Or whenever I head back to the West and I stand in front of doors at commercial establishments waiting for them to open on their own. Or when using the loo, stepping back and waiting for the autoflush...and it doesn't!

I thought that this referred to 'pavement pizzas' - the classic accompaniament to any decent night out in Shinjuku. :( :)

And I'll add another "feeling of being in Japan" as that provided by Mr Toto whenever I encounter a warm toilet seat. And the low whirs and humms that precede a blissful feeling of personal freshness which I'm sure we all enjoy.

See what happens when I try reading things before having my first cup of coffee! Should have known that.... I always enjoy the piles of unchewed noodles, personally.

Now that I've finally closed on my apartment and am thinking about the renovations, I'm seriously considering getting a Toto for one of the bathrooms....

Always knowing there'll be another train along in a few minutes.

See what happens when I try reading things before having my first cup of coffee! Should have known that.... I always enjoy the piles of unchewed noodles, personally.

Now that I've finally closed on my apartment and am thinking about the renovations, I'm seriously considering getting a Toto for one of the bathrooms....

OMEDETOU GOZAIMASH!TA!!!! :) :) :D

Well done you!!!

Or when using the loo, stepping back and waiting for the autoflush...and it doesn't!
I misunderstood what you meant by autoflush for a moment and concluded that you had perfected a very unusual way of washng your hands! (Or just liked to tease the cat!)

I misunderstood what you meant by autoflush for a moment and concluded that you had perfected a very unusual way of washng your hands! (Or just liked to tease the cat!)

I believe the autoflushing system I'm referring to is not used by women (except in Japan if you have a Toto Neorest, which I do, it is definitely a key contribution to humankind from Japan). My cat, Smidgen, has waterproof fur, so I don't know how he'd feel about your proposal. He smelled of lemongrass once, and we have no idea where he picked up the scent, since he's an indoor neko and there was no lemongrass anywhere in the apartment.

Also, have you noticed that nekos in Japan are "different"? I don't just mean that many of them are genetically sans tail. They seem to be more contemplative, and can sit still for hours even in a hubbub. Kind of reminds me of the sararimen who will fly down the stairs to catch their train, sit down, and within 15 seconds be deeply asleep. And then, as soon as the train pulls into their station, they'll open their eyes, look around, and just jump off the train, as if time had stood still.

Having the total confidence that everything will actually function.

And not worrying about being robbed or mugged.

...another "feeling of being in Japan" moment. Like that bent-over obaachan that got on the train elbowing everybody with the flexibility of a Cirque acrobat and the strength of a linebacker...

When relaying her experiences of Japan over the phone to her family in Spain, my mother regularly cites this as being one of her own ‘feelings’.

In order to heighten this particular feeling to its absolute conclusion, I recommend you get off or on public transport in the Ikebukuro district...

In order to heighten this particular feeling to its absolute conclusion, I recommend you get off or on public transport in the Ikebukuro district...

But you can get some breathing room if you eat some miracle fruit beforehand.

But you can get some breathing room if you eat some miracle fruit beforehand.

LOL

You may get the room, but I doubt you'll want to breathe in very much!!!

...And not worrying about being robbed or mugged.
This is exactly what the victim of OYAJI-Gari is saying. (at the PD, after got robbed)

Always knowing there'll be another train along in a few minutes.
This is exactly what the drunken-sararimen is insisting to Eki-In-San(at 3AM, laying on the bench in the train station)

Another one: The guy at the counter in Tonki in Meguro whose only job appears to be watching for you to finish your meal so that he may go by your bar-stool and, with a flourish, uncover the little shot glass with the toothpicks.

-I get that Japan feeling when the air raid sirens sound at precisely 12:00PM and 5:00PM.

-I get that Japan feeling every day when my neighbour drops by at 7:00AM to drag the Bull Terrier out for a walk (no matter that I have a guest over or not ;) ) But this same neighbor admonishes me for drying my underwear inside/outside where guests/others might see them!

-I get that Japan feeling everytime I am challenged to try some new delicacy.

-I get that Japan feeling when my close Japanese friends invite my parents/family/foreign friends into their homes for fantastic homemade meals, impromptu cooking lessons,flower arrangement classes and kimono wearing(the latter after some potato hooch imbibing).

-I get that Japan feeling when I can drive within 30 minutes to some great natural hot springs for a soak , with a splendid view and only for 300 Yen!

...go by your bar-stool and, with a flourish, uncover the little shot glass with the toothpicks...
This is absolutely perfectly "feeling of being in Japan".

-I get that Japan feeling when the air raid sirens sound at precisely 12:00PM and 5:00PM.

-I get that Kyu-Shu feeling every day when my neighbour drops by at 7:00AM to drag the Bull Terrier out for a walk (no matter that I have a guest over or not ;) ) But this same neighbor admonishes me for drying my underwear inside/outside where guests/others might see them!

-I get that Kyu-Shu- feeling everytime I am challenged to try some new delicacy.

-I get that Kyu-Shu- feeling when my close Japanese friends invite my parents/family/foreign friends into their homes for fantastic homemade meals, impromptu cooking lessons,flower arrangement classes and kimono wearing(the latter after some potato hooch imbibing).

-I get that Kyu-Shu- feeling when I can drive within 30 minutes to some great natural hot springs for a soak , with a splendid view and only for 300 Yen! ^

[This post has been corrected by TR35R 2006/Mar/18th 8:48AM PT]

... coming up the department store escalator, while everyone seems to stumble at the top, I step into a crowd of young women all dressed in identical uniforms, either handing out little packets of toilet paper or shouting into their little cardboard megaphones ...

... never worrying about how many small notes I'm carrying, because I don't have to tip ...

... the sound of the jingles on the JR Yamanote line ...

...young women all dressed in identical uniforms, either handing out little packets of toilet paper or shouting into their little cardboard megaphones ...
Just for the record. In Osaka, it is against the law to attempt to get the packet more than 3-times at the same-place. If you break this law, you have a lot to lose.

Ohh... where to start.

Just a few more geared towards living there:

Waking up and your body is all warm under your huge comfortable comforter, but your nose is cold to the touch because the room is 50 degrees. Reaching out for the remote for the room heater...

Walking around a sakura filled park and enjoying the blooms with every office in the area!

The ability (in smaller cities) to literally be out in the mountains with nothing around, in a matter of minutes from downtown.

Anytime somebody does something totally genuine and thoughtful, for no reason except that they knew it would make you feel good. Thats always a "feeling of being in Japan"

Waking up and your body is all warm under your huge comfortable comforter, but your nose is cold to the touch because the room is 50 degrees.

Ah!! Atsui!

If the room is cold at 50 degrees, then you haven't been living in Japan for long enough! ;)

(what I mean is that you should eventually get used to using Celcius)

Or, how you can stand at the corner of Aoyama doori and Gaien Nishi (or Gaien Higashi) doori on a weekend afternoon, and watch millions of dollars in high-end automotive hardware parade on by, and everybody all snazzed up with their dogs in sweaters, and all the high end stores and on and on... And, then walk one block away from all that visual and audible noise, and enter a residential area that is dead quiet, with nobody around, with buildings untouched by time (and apparently, maintenance) since 1955...

Getting served a meal with a fork, when everyone else at the table gets chopsticks.

Sitting down on a toilet seat the first thing in the morning, expecting a cold shock, and being greeted with beautiful warmth.

Seeing the look on someone's face when they say "Hello" in English, and, to their suprise, it works and I answer "Hello" back.

Seeing a guy watching a high-tech TV in his car, while driving on streets that haven't been plowed.

Having to return half of each wedding gift to the people that sent them.

Wondering if that teenager has any clue what the English on her shirt really means.

One word...namahage!

hage!
Stop disparaging Pickles hairstyle.......

A real one of these is a good bit of entertainment. Only just discovered the fun that can be had Akita style. Ended up shaking hands and doing polite greet8ings with the big hairy critter.

Mike

...namahage!

The namahage looks kind of like my cat Smidgen when he's constipated.

To me, being in Japan means never having to run out of pocket packs of Kleenex.

I do not have nearly as much experience in Japan as most of the veterans of the Japan forum, but over the course of my few vacations and one semester spent there, primarily in Tokyo, a "feeling of Japan" for me could be:

-leaving some coins on a baked goods counter at a konbini one night (because I did not enjoy carrying them around, especially the detested 'fives') and coming back the next night remembering my monetary gift to myself, and thus, a dessert gift

-being shown where to go on a map with eccentric use of the middle finger

-accidentally walking into a sperm bank, replete with hentai, rushing quickly outside and then two doors down to an abandoned temple (in Nanao, on the Noto peninsula)

-seeing a jidouhanbaiki (vending machine) hawking glass cans, "new" rice and again, hentai

-wondering if tomorrow, one jidouhanbaiki won't be stocking the same five Boss coffees and corn potages just placed into the machine yesterday

(this makes me want to hop on the first flight to Kappabashi, I could really use another pair of 6000 yen tempura sampuru...)

You get that Japan feeling when you eat at Mosburger and the hamburger looks exactly like the picture and even tastes good too.....

You get that Japan feeling when you attend a 3 different graduation ceremonies in three different places and they all sing the same songs, and decorate the halls the exact same way.......it's spooky!

How about the slurping of noodles in an Italian restaurant.

Ah, Tampopo!

...is going to one of the many sake bars/shops I frequent, some more regularly than others, and having the owner greet me by name even if it's been a year since I've been there...

Touche! Going into small bars, having the staff remembering your name from the second visit, and getting fantastic service. It's a stark contrast to London! For me, exemplary service is a major part of the "feeling of being in Japan".

My favourite mad service experience was getting out of a taxi at the Park Hyatt soon after it opened, because I wanted to go to the shopping centre next door, and the taxi driver did not know where it was. I was shocked to be greeted by name by the hotel doorman as I got out of the taxi (first time to visit the hotel, and I obviously did not have a reservation for that night), and had a tough time convincing my instantly suspicious girlfriend that I did not frequent the place with someone else...

One word...namahage!

What about M-hage (http://www.hairman.co.uk/images/trans_after.jpg), U-hage (http://www.smittskyddsinstitutet.se/upload/6585/sven-hoffner.jpg), W-hage and O-hage (http://www.drivingmrspacey.com/BaldSpotDacey1.jpg)??? (I’m sure I’ve witnessed a T-hage too)

....M-hage, U-hage, W-hage and O-hage??? (I’m sure I’ve witnessed a T-hage too)
Are you trying to antagonise someone? Let me suggest one thing. Don't use "suberu" "zurasu" "nukeru" in the conversation with those people. That's always in my mind.

Yes, you can enjoy the piles of unchewed noodles for free. ;)
Ah, Tampopo!
How about the slurping of noodles in an Italian restaurant.

-being shown where to go on a map with eccentric use of the middle finger
I'm sorry but... Are you sure they're human-being? No animal-reports please!

I'm sorry but... Are you sure they're human-being? No animal-reports please!

I had a teacher who couldn't bend her middle finger - great amusement whenever she wrote anything on the blackboard. We nicknamed her 'ET'.

Sorry, I'll give it up.

Wonder what they'll say?
http://www.amnesty.org/
http://www.rangercentral.com/

I had a teacher who couldn't bend her middle finger - great amusement whenever she wrote anything on the blackboard. We nicknamed her 'ET'.

while constantly repeating Hai Dozo and Hai Domo. Took me a few days to stop doing that when I got back.

The feeling of living in a steambath during the month of August.

The feeling of living in a steambath during the month of August.

It is disgusting out there. On the other hand, think of the benefits of an emptier city for at least a week, since everybody seems to be here (http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/zoom/MM20070811101507362M0.htm) right now.

I get "the feeling of Japan" when visiting department stores...salesman older than me (usually in the furniture department) stare off into space or walk away when I approach.

Rajio Taiso (http://youtube.com/watch?v=3lSxredOH6w) - always brings back fond childhood memories spending summers in Japan and waking up at 5:30am for these sessions

Rajio Taiso (http://youtube.com/watch?v=3lSxredOH6w) - always brings back fond childhood memories spending summers in Japan and waking up at 5:30am for these sessions
Wow! Listen to those cicadas!:)
I used to watch a school (I think - could have been something else) performing this waaaay down below on an almost daily basis from the top of mjm's mori building. Loads of people, like co-ordinated ants.

Wow! Listen to those cicadas!:)

I kicked about 15 cicada carcasses off my balcony this morning. I think the heat's getting to them as well as me.

Although I have nothing to add about "feeling of being in Japan", I do want to say thanks to everyone who shares their experiences and knowledge about Japan, its people and their customs.

This is one of those threads that helps me get in the Japanese mindset.

Japan is at the top of my list of places to visit and right now I am in the research phase. The FT Japan forum has been a great resource. I feel as if I know some of you personally. At the least I do know some of your personalities quite well. :D

I kicked about 15 cicada carcasses off my balcony this morning. I think the heat's getting to them as well as me.

Those were the spirits of your ancestors, returning for o-bon.

Those were the spirits of your ancestors, returning for o-bon. And what a noisy lot they are/were!:p

Although I have nothing to add about "feeling of being in Japan", I do want to say thanks to everyone who shares their experiences and knowledge about Japan, its people and their customs.

This is one of those threads that helps me get in the Japanese mindset.

Japan is at the top of my list of places to visit and right now I am in the research phase. The FT Japan forum has been a great resource. I feel as if I know some of you personally. At the least I do know some of your personalities quite well. :D Errr, thanks I think. We can sign you up to new fan club feature. Only 5,000 Yen per person and limited to the first 10 million who apply......(kind of like the SMAP fan club).

Errr, thanks I think. We can sign you up to new fan club feature. Only 5,000 Yen per person and limited to the first 10 million who apply......(kind of like the SMAP fan club).

....and we'll even throw in a free bus ticket from Narita to Akihabara!

:):):)

....and we'll even throw in a free bus ticket from Narita to Akihabara!

:):):)If it's more than 100 :DYen it will eat into our profits.........and Smidgen:mad: is a tough six fingered auditor!

Those were the spirits of your ancestors, returning for o-bon.

Merde. I never knew I had such a prolific family. More & more spirits are arriving every day. :eek:

Went to this bizarre thing tonight with my kids. On the end of a long bamboo pole was a length of wire attached to a kerosene soaked ball of cloth that was then set alight. All the neighbourhood kids then stood along the edge of a ditch/creek and held these flaming balls over all the reeds and weeds, dipping them in and out of the grass and generally waving them around. It was so surreal. Despite living here for almost 11 years I'm still not anywhere near being able to say I know what's going on.

Despite living here for almost 11 years I'm still not anywhere near being able to say I know what's going on.After 17 years I still feel the same way........

After 17 years I still feel the same way........

Calling DoubleJ....

Went to this bizarre thing tonight with my kids. On the end of a long bamboo pole was a length of wire attached to a kerosene soaked ball of cloth that was then set alight. All the neighbourhood kids then stood along the edge of a ditch/creek and held these flaming balls over all the reeds and weeds, dipping them in and out of the grass and generally waving them around. It was so surreal. Despite living here for almost 11 years I'm still not anywhere near being able to say I know what's going on.

Scroll down to chapter 12 on this page: http://www.fullbooks.com/Glimpses-of-an-Unfamiliar-Japanx39061.html

"Now the name Sanemori is an illustrious one, that of a famous warrior of old times belonging to the Genji clan. There is a legend that while he was fighting with an enemy on horseback his own steed slipped and fell in a rice-field, and he was consequently overpowered and slain by his antagonist. He became a rice-devouring insect, which is still respectfully called, by the peasantry of Izumo, Sanemori-San. They light fires, on certain summer nights, in the rice-fields, to attract the insect, and beat gongs and sound bamboo flutes, chanting the while, 'O-Sanemori, augustly deign to come hither!' A kannushi performs a religious rite, and a straw figure representing a horse and rider is then either burned or thrown into a neighbouring river or canal. By this ceremony it is believed that the fields are cleared of the insect."

Does sound like a traditional 'rite' to clear insects and protect the rice crop got 'hijacked' in order to encompass this Senemori-San legend in Izumo. But the underlying actions (without the straw horse) seems to be what you've described.

I wonder if killing insects at the creek stops them from breeding.

Given the timing, I suspect that's more of a mukae-bi to welcome back the spirits for O-bon, rather than a bug killing technique.

A quote from the Daily Yomiuri that I found online:
As the first day of Bon approached, you'd find small bundles of straw at the florist's shops and supermarkets. On the first day of Bon, the dead are said to find their way back to their families by the light of burning straw (mukaebi or "welcoming fire"). On the last day, straw is burned again (okuribi or "send-off fire") for the dead returning to their own realm.

Given the timing, I suspect that's more of a mukae-bi to welcome back the spirits for O-bon, rather than a bug killing technique.
I've just learnt that there are bug killing festivals across Japan (they're usually called mushi-okuri) - but as you implied, the timing is probably wrong, most of them take place a month or so earlier.

I've just learnt that there are bug killing festivals across Japan (they're usually called mushi-okuri) - but as you implied, the timing is probably wrong, most of them take place a month or so earlier.

I've been celebrating this festival for some weeks now.

I've been celebrating this festival for some weeks now.

I hear the Shiro-ari okuri in Kyushu in May is pretty spectacular, especially with its modern spin.

Calling DoubleJ.... Don't wake him, he's enjoying his year away!^

I hear the Shiro-ari okuri in Kyushu in May is pretty spectacular, especially with its modern spin.Har, har.........:mad::p

I hear the Shiro-ari okuri in Kyushu in May is pretty spectacular, especially with its modern spin.

I prefer the satisfying crunch of exoskeleton underfoot. :p

I was tempted to import this festival to NY this morning when a 2-inch long roach walked by me on my way to work. YUCK!

Anytime somebody does something totally genuine and thoughtful, for no reason except that they knew it would make you feel good. Thats always a "feeling of being in Japan"Well said! On point, I was somewhat-recently in "piss alley" with a couple of friends (gaijins, mind you) and a solo-eating salary-man in his 50's slid over a few stools to sit next to us for a moment as he was paying his bill. He leaned over and quietly said with a little bit of foreign language struggle: "Please, I hope you enjoy your stay in Japan". He stood up, bowed and disappeared in the crowd before we could express our gratitude at his sincere kindness. It makes me smile every time I remember it to this day.

Nice thread!

Let me add my 2 yen - this is from 13 years ago...

Being taller than most people (I'm only 5'11").

Being stared at (or studiously ignored) because I'm light haired and blue eyed.

Beers available in vending machines. Calpis. Sweat.

Amazing attention to detail and timing:

* Trains are ON TIME. If the schedule says 12:11, it's 12:11.

* Have Google Earth? Take a look at the Shinkansen staging yard near the monorail - they are lined up *perfectly*.

* I saw - and took a picture of - a 5 or 6 man crew meticulously fixing a very small hole in a street, couldn't have been more than a few inches wide

A little heater in my hotel mirror in the bath to prevent condensation so I could shave without messing up the glass.

Being asked to countersign my travelers checks MORE THAN A DOZEN TIMES because my signature didn't quite perfectly match what the hotel manager was looking for - I still chuckle about this.

Pointing at food replicas to order - great food for the most part, even if I had no clue what it was.

Electronic musical chimes abound. Hard to explain if you haven't been there, but these were omnipresent when I was there...

100+ FM stations in the hotel room

Amazing neon, just amazing

Seeing at least a smattering of English (Engrish) nearly everywhere in Tokyo that I went.

"No Westerners" signs

The ever-present tissue being handed out on the streets. Some of the first advice I got - "Take some, you never know"

T-shirts in English that make no sense, or worse.

No tipping - service was, for what I could see - taken quite seriously and personally.

The warrens of Akihabara.

Dang, I really need to go back!

"No Westerners" signs

I've never seen one of these, although no doubt they exist, according to Aldwinckle. Anybody seen one of them?

I've never seen one of these, although no doubt they exist, according to Aldwinckle. Anybody seen one of them?
Nope, saw some "No Americans" signs in Okinawa. When I lived in Okinawa the video store had a "no foreigners" sign there but he let me sign up no problems, told me that it's only military-people they wouldn't lend videos to.

I've never seen one of these, although no doubt they exist, according to Aldwinckle. Anybody seen one of them?
I can't give any comment to 13 years ago, but for the past 5 years I've never seen one. I took the advice from a series of guidebooks and some internet sites that I might not be welcome at places with the sign "SNACK" on them, but having peeked into a few of these I'm not sure I wanted to go in anyway.

And a couple of years ago, when I was snooping around the lobbies in an area in Osaka with many 'Boutique' Hotels I stepped though some sliding doors to be confronted with newly arrived silence and hard stares from a huge room full of... I may never know for sure. If I'd been in London and they'd been caucasian, I would have taken them for Cab drivers. But there was a yakuza like quality to this gathering, not that I stayed long or dwelt on details. And it really freaked MrLapLap out who'd been standing behind me. I bowed, said gomen nasai, and left. Very quickly. All I can say for sure is thet there'd been no "No Westerners" sign.

David Aldwinckle (Arudo Debito) lists a bunch on his website. He is a bit of a wild-eyed activist, but has photos.

http://www.debito.org/roguesgallery.html

David Aldwinckle (Arudo Debito) lists a bunch on his website. He is a bit of a wild-eyed activist, but has photos.

http://www.debito.org/roguesgallery.html

I'm in complete sympathy and support of this guy's campaign. But for Tokyo itself there are 5 signs listed and one of these discriminates against locally active foreign prostitutes (the 'foreign' bit is excessive, but as it's arguably regarding "a clear and present endangerment of public morals" this particular sign seems legal enough). Not one of the signs says "No Westerners". I don't doubt that there are more, but they are obviously very difficult to find.

My anger is focused especially on those who discrimate against ethnic Koreans living in Japan:mad::mad::mad: Now where could I source a couple of stinkbombs before a visit to Princess Plumeria's establishment...?

My anger is focused especially on those who discrimate against ethnic Koreans living in Japan:mad::mad::mad: Now where could I source a couple of stinkbombs before a visit to Princess Plumeria's establishment...?

Korea might be the most ethnocentric and sometimes fanatically nationalistic country in the World, so it's not all one sided. And some of the Koreans in Japan have been very succesfull, as can be seen from the Lotte empire.

Korea might be the most ethnocentric and sometimes fanatically nationalistic country in the World, so it's not all one sided. And some of the Koreans in Japan have been very succesfull, as can be seen from the Lotte empire.
And this same argument could excuse the way some racists treat British Muslims and those with family from India in the UK :rolleyes:

Isn't the guy from Lotte's wife Japanese? I know he has a Japanese name as well as his Korean one.

When Princess Plumeria makes a policy of not having her staff perform pedicure on ethnically impure feet, I doubt she feels she is doing her bit to redress some kind of perceived 'balance'. I personally don't accept it, don't believe it has a place in modern Japan and have, thankfully, married into a family with no inclinations towards this kind of prejudice.

Racism in Japan? Surely you jest. :rolleyes:

--Shopkeepers in department store basements or arcades growling, "Hai, irasshai! Irasshai!" at passersby.

--Small children who always wear hats outside.

--Teenagers carrying briefcases to school and small children with those distinctive "randoseru" backpacks.

--Tiny old women in greyish kimono

--Houses that are right on the sidewalk but have potted plants outside and futons being aired out on the balcony.

--Those little clothes hanging devices that are just the right size to fit on a Japanese balcony

--Talk shows on which utterances that seem especially startling or witty are instantly repeated in subtitles

--Not needing a car!!!!

--Sitting at the kotatsu sipping tea in an otherwise unheated room

--Magazine ads hanging from the middle of the subway car

--TV dramas, even hard-boiled cop shows, in which someone always ends up crying in the last scene

--Enka, performed by singers whose voices are almost always totally shot

--Traffic lights that play the first two lines of "Tooryanse" when it's all right to cross the street

--The sentou

--Curry rice with a piece of paper napkin wrapped around the spoon handle

--The police making their rounds on squeaky bikes

--Deliverymen from noodle and sushi shops riding around on scooters equipped with spring-balanced racks

--The lines in the station platform indicating where you should wait if you want to board a specific car on a specific train--and having the arriving train line up exactly with those designated spaces

I could go on, but I do have other things to do. :)

--Teenagers carrying briefcases to school and small children with those distinctive "randoseru" backpacks. Seeing the price of those backpacks in a department store:eek::eek::eek:

Apparantly each school has its own particular back pack and the price of these can vary considerably. There are plenty of people paying ¥50,000 and upwards for those cute little backpack cases. I bet that's a real "feeling of being a parent in Japan" when someone is first confronted with cost of buying one.

When you get on the Yamanote line and occupying two seats is a huge sumo wrestler, dressed in his yukata and sandals, topknot and all, listening to his iPod and surfing the web on his phone.

When you get on the Yamanote line and occupying two seats is a huge sumo wrestler, dressed in his yukata and sandals, topknot and all, listening to his iPod and surfing the web on his phone.

And nobody, repeat NOBODY, is messing with him.... :D

Seeing the price of those backpacks in a department store:eek::eek::eek:

Apparantly each school has its own particular back pack and the price of these can vary considerably. There are plenty of people paying ¥50,000 and upwards for those cute little backpack cases. I bet that's a real "feeling of being a parent in Japan" when someone is first confronted with cost of buying one.
The ones my kids have were only 20,000. Not bad considering they are to be used every school day for 6 years.

Its 9pm on friday night and the office is half full...

Its 9pm on friday night and the office is half full...

Slackers.

Explaining to Japanese that "we really do not waite in two hour lines for KFC in America at Christmas for our Christmas chicken" and in fact KFC in America is closed on Christmas.....because it is er, Christmas.

Newspaper holidays?:confused:

Reduced ATM hours at banks so that they can save money.

Being told at a Japanese bank that some of my Romaji are not writen correctly and that I need to cross off, rewrite, and put my hanko above four of the letters in my own name.:(

Having a loudspeaker truck outside my apartment at 7:00 a.m. on a Sunday blairing "VOTE FOR ME VOTE FOR ME VOTE FOR ME".

Working as an extra on a Japanese T.V. show and realising that you just confused the star with a crew member when you asked where the toilets were.

Realizing that Japan is the only country in the world with four seasons.

While riding the Shincansen, noticing a young lady pushing a cart and yelling "ICE CREAM ICE CREAM" and wondering who in their right mind would buy an ice cream at 6:30 a.m. in the middle of winter.

Realizing that the same street has been repaved every night for the past twelve years and that you could take the same material and build a road to the moon and back six times.

Talking to a Doctor about life and death decisions and realizing that he/she has a Mickey Mouse pen in his/her pocket.

Explaining to Japanese that "we really do not waite in two hour lines for KFC in America at Christmas for our Christmas chicken" and in fact KFC in America is closed on Christmas.....because it is er, Christmas.

Newspaper holidays?:confused:

Reduced ATM hours at banks so that they can save money.

Being told at a Japanese bank that some of my Romaji is not writen clearly enough and that I need to cross off, rewrite, and put my hanko above four of the letters in my own name.:(

Having a loudspeaker truck outside my apartment at 7:00 a.m. on a Sunday blairing "VOTE FOR ME VOTE FOR ME VOTE FOR ME".

Realizing the the same street has been repaved every night for the past twelve years and that you could take the same material and build a road to the moon and back six times.

Talking to a Doctor about life and death decisions and realizing that he/she has a Mickey Mouse pen in her pocket.

Now, that's funny! :D

I'd cry if it weren't so true (except I'm never allowed any cross-outs, I have to rewrite the entire form & get back in line...).

Let's not forget the Super Yosakoi (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yosakoi).

On one occasion I saw someone reserve a seat at the food court by leaving her wallet there and proceeding to the food establishment. Every time I get frustrated with things (like having to wait four days for a form to arrive so that you can sign on it for the ISP to reset your password since you forgot it or waiting over two hours to do a wire transfer from shinsei banks supposedly foreigner friendly omotesando hils) I realize there are things in Japan that you will never get anywhere else - like safety for instance.

waiting over two hours to do a wire transfer from shinsei banks supposedly foreigner friendly omotesando hils

I use the Lloyds Bank service, www.golloyds.com Once it is set up, wire transfers are no more vexing than a trip to the ATM.

Being able to lose a wallet with tens of thousands of yen, credit cards, an NHI card and various other cards in it and get it all back promptly. But, if you leave your keys in your bike, knowing your bike will promptly be stolen.

Let's not forget the Super Yosakoi (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yosakoi).

Oh! Wonderful! Japan! Kawaii! Banzai!

(A modern take on the scene from Typical Spanish (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvuooMOezd0) at 1:08)

Maisen's crustless sandwiches (http://www.ekipara.com/html/Indication/shophtml/K1300B02_029.html)

>People having curry rice for breakfast in a train station "stand bar"

> Finding unusual flavors of soda in the vending machine (cardamom, plum) and 10 varieties of canned coffee drinks and 1-liter bottles of tea with milk

> Niboshi--little dried salted fish eaten whole as snacks

> The Minnie Mouse voice that female bank tellers and sales clerks often use

> The smell of barbecued eel

> The smell of roasted chestnuts

> Advertisements for businesses that feature little inset maps giving directions from the nearest transit stop

> Side streets where all the hotels have only fake windows

> Half the people in the subway car (and all the people under 30) are texting

> The distinctive style of clothes worn by stay-at-home married women, which one of my friends dubbed "the okusan look."

> Teenagers in school uniforms wearing white tennis shoes with the backs squashed down

> Shops that start selling umbrellas on the sidewalk whenever it rains

> Drink vending machines everywhere--including on hiking trails

> Being served iced coffee in a tall glass with a tiny pitcher of cream and a matching tiny pitcher of sugar water

> Farm women wearing sunbonnets and mompei

> Buses with light-up automatic fare indicators over the driver's seat

> Kimono stores that display unbelievably gorgeous ¥500,000 kimonos

> The ubiquity of mikans in the winter

Asleep on the train after the 3rd place and wake up at the precise moment to get off at your station.

Arrive at Haneda 10 minutes before flight time and still get on the plane.

Maisen's crustless sandwiches (http://www.ekipara.com/html/Indication/shophtml/K1300B02_029.html)

Ah yes, the infamous katsu sando. Has to be one of the world's most heinous and disgusting creations. Who the hell thought up the idea that the crunchy part is on the inside and the mushy part on the outside? Crustless white bread? Couldn't they have picked something a bit higher in the Western food totem pole?

The katsu sando stands out because it is the definition of vileness in an otherwise excellent universe of edibles. And the feeling of Japan part comes of course, from the fact that the Japanese love it and is extremely popular. That's when I know that the Japanese are different.

--Taxi drivers wearing little white gloves. Taxis with lace curtains.
--Trucks with little vases on the dash--with a single flower.
--flower arrangements with only a few flowers.
--people dozing as they ride the subway
--Takarazuka all-female theater company
--bath salts in different colors and smells, but no bubbles
--department stores displaying bolts of cloth (for kimonos) expensive rocks
(for collectors)
--cricket cages
--obligatory maps to find restaurants, hotels, homes
--Hello Kitty and the prevalence of "kawai"
--the feel of tatami underfoot
--laundry hanging out on balconies

My feeling of being in Japan?

The tears that flow once you gaze across the pond at the golden temple in Kyoto on a surreal morning as the low clouds lift gracefully like a curtain. ;)

Another one? Looking way up and up and only noticing the eggs in ma's underbelly at Mori's Roppongi Tower! Ahh the MABO feeling! ;)

Sanosuke!

Ah yes, the infamous katsu sando. Has to be one of the world's most heinous and disgusting creations. Who the hell thought up the idea that the crunchy part is on the inside and the mushy part on the outside? Crustless white bread? Couldn't they have picked something a bit higher in the Western food totem pole?

The katsu sando stands out because it is the definition of vileness in an otherwise excellent universe of edibles. And the feeling of Japan part comes of course, from the fact that the Japanese love it and is extremely popular. That's when I know that the Japanese are different.

oh, oh, pity me, I like those katsu sandos! Or am I turning Japanese, I think I'm turning Japanese, I really think so?

oh, oh, pity me, I like those katsu sandos! Or am I turning Japanese, I think I'm turning Japanese, I really think so?
I'm glad you 'fessed up as I wouldn't have had the guts to admit that I do too. Of course, I like the actual katsu-pan that is in a roll that has the crust still on. The only white bread sandos I buy are the ones with bright orange egg yolks in the middle. I know we are making Pickles cringe, but - yumm!

JR

PS - extra points for identifying the Sponges.

oh, oh, pity me, I like those katsu sandos! Or am I turning Japanese, I think I'm turning Japanese, I really think so? Utter abomination, time to report you to the food culture department at the Foreign Ministry! Hopefully you will be thoroughly questioned the next time you are through..........

A certain attention to small details that seems to be lacking in most parts of the world.......not to mention the best "French" patisserie in the world..........

.......not to mention the best "French" patisserie in the world..........
Now 'imported' to the UK (to my utter delight :))

Richmond, West London,
http://www.williamcurley.co.uk/

Would definitely hold its own in Tokyo (he polished his training in Japan for a while and has a Japanese wife, Suzue, who is also an accomplished patissiere) and his shop is frequented by many expensively groomed Japanese customers.

I'm glad you 'fessed up as I wouldn't have had the guts to admit that I do too. Of course, I like the actual katsu-pan that is in a roll that has the crust still on. The only white bread sandos I buy are the ones with bright orange egg yolks in the middle. I know we are making Pickles cringe, but - yumm!

Don't get me wrong, I have a soft spot for katsu in general, and I would not be averse to a nice crispy hire katsu chunk between two pieces of crusty french bread, with a bit of tonkatsu sauce and mustard.

But crustless white bread? Not even Smidgen would go for something like that. And this is a neko that has no compunction of licking his nether regions before or after eating his foul-looking (and probably equally foul-tasting) neko crunchies.

I'm a big fan of katsu sandwiches but I understand Pickles' resistance to the inside-out nature of the crunchy filling and soft exterior. Perhaps if you were to deep-fry the katsu-sando?

Sandwiches that really give me the "feeling of being in Japan" are:
- Strawberry and cream sandwiches
- Fried noodle sandwiches
- Mosburger's riceburger sandwiches
- Potato salad sandwiches
- Sandwiches that defy Pythagorus with the disproportionate amount of filling on the hypotenuse
- Sandwiches in soup (I know... it's "hanpen")

I'm a big fan of katsu sandwiches but I understand Pickles' resistance to the inside-out nature of the crunchy filling and soft exterior. Perhaps if you were to deep-fry the katsu-sando?

That might work. Hirekatsu sando korokke, anyone? Speaking of sandos, I think the chiken salada sando on graham tosto at the Homeworks in Hiroo or Azabu Juban is pretty darn good. Not the one at the "Pantry by Homeworks". In that one, don't know, cost cutting or what, but they mix in some pasta salad which isn't that prime.

Anytime somebody does something totally genuine and thoughtful, for no reason except that they knew it would make you feel good. Thats always a "feeling of being in Japan"

I have only been in Japan once. Yet this statement absolutely epitomizes Japan for me.

-simon

That might work. Hirekatsu sando korokke, anyone? Speaking of sandos, I think the chiken salada sando on graham tosto at the Homeworks in Hiroo or Azabu Juban is pretty darn good. Not the one at the "Pantry by Homeworks". In that one, don't know, cost cutting or what, but they mix in some pasta salad which isn't that prime.

Agree with you. the pantry is indeed bad.

A certain attention to small details that seems to be lacking in most parts of the world.................

Yes, where the sushi chef and tempura chef noticed that you are left handed and place the piece correctly in front of you.

I'm a big fan of katsu sandwiches but I understand Pickles' resistance to the inside-out nature of the crunchy filling and soft exterior. Perhaps if you were to deep-fry the katsu-sando?

Sandwiches that really give me the "feeling of being in Japan" are:
- Strawberry and cream sandwiches
- Fried noodle sandwiches
- Mosburger's riceburger sandwiches
- Potato salad sandwiches
- Sandwiches that defy Pythagorus with the disproportionate amount of filling on the hypotenuse
- Sandwiches in soup (I know... it's "hanpen")

The Earl of Sandwich is rolling in his grave.:(

- Fried noodle sandwiches
And to think I blot this one out.

Seeing a loved one eat what is essentially a hot dog bun bursting with yakisoba and then slathered in mayonnaise... definitely a queasy "feeling of being in Japan" I'm not much looking forward to.

I try to look away, I just can't :(

I think it's the combination of red pickled ginger and mayo that gets to me.

Probably the whole 'mayora' cult in general, especially when glimpsing some of the cult's more dedicated accolytes. And I even like mayonnaise.

...what is essentially a hot dog bun bursting with yakisoba ...
Good thing you don't travel with me. I love the nasty things - only without the extra mayo. The ginger is what makes it so good. :D

JR

Good thing you don't travel with me. I love the nasty things - only without the extra mayo. The ginger is what makes it so good. :D
We're good, I've even taken a bite out of one of these combini delicacies. The mayo is the proverbial straw on what is already a very mangy and colicky camel. Just the idea of mayo on yakisoba in general.... urgh...

Anytime somebody does something totally genuine and thoughtful, for no reason except that they knew it would make you feel good.

I must have missed this street in Tokyo.

Probably the whole 'mayora' cult in general, especially when glimpsing some of the cult's more dedicated accolytes. And I even like mayonnaise.

The one that made me laugh out loud in a Pronto coffee shop was a roll that was advertised as containing cod roe with double mayonnaise. :eek:

My feeling of being in Japan?
The tears that flow once you gaze across the pond at the golden temple in Kyoto on a surreal morning as the low clouds lift gracefully like a curtain. ;)


Or the tears that flow when Kyoto City has left a "you can pick up your bike for a fee at..." note where your bicycle was parked last night.

- Sandwiches in soup (I know... it's "hanpen")
And you thought you were joking...
http://mo-mama.com/log/2005-06.php
Drawing your attention to the entry made 2005年06月28日(火)

Is it just me, or does anyone else thinks this (http://mo-mama.com/img/050628-d1.jpg) looks really good? (Without the rice though)

I thought I'd throw my .02 cents in to this thread :

The feeling of being in Japan can be best realized when you step off the plane and feel a wall of humidity and heat hit you in the summer! ;)

Sanosuke!

Well, today, it finally happened. I stuck a 1,000 yen bill on the Metro ticket vending machine, and it just swallowed it.

Now, for the feeling of being in Japan part, I had just realized the machine had swallowed my money was pondering what to do next, and and soon as I realized that I should move my left index finger towards the "yobidashi" button, a ticket agent came out from back and asked me what was wrong. I didn't even have time to react to the situation when they knew what was going on. Within a minute I had my 1,000 yen back and used another machine to buy a ticket.

For JR, they simply open the small window between the ticket machines.

Yesterday, I drop two 5 yen coins into the machine and they came back out. So I realized that 10 yen is the minimum.

In keeping with Japanese custom, I kept a go-en coin in my pocket for good luck.

Lunch sets

The 1:50 wait for donuts at the new Krispy Kreme in Yurakucho. What kind of idiot waits two hours for donuts? Hats off to the genius who decided to bring the KK franchise to Japan.

Or the Metro staffer that ran all to the way to the platform to give me the 10 yen coin I forgot to pick up at the ticket machine, 120 meters back.

Multiple Japanese folks bringing boxes of Krispy Kremes on GMP-HND last night, to avoid the 1:50 wait in Japan (no wait in Seoul for KKs).

I was wondering about the boxes of Krispy Kremes people were carrying on the flight HND-ITM last Sunday. I went to the BIC store in Yurokucho but didn't notice the KK shop.

Hey guys, it's MY job to update Flyertalker's on Krispy Kreme Japan news.:confused:

Hey guys, it's MY job to update Flyertalker's on Krispy Kreme Japan news.:confused:

I have an idea. Why don't you go to the KK store in Yurakucho, stand in line with a Blackberry and update a sticky we'll set up for you on the waiting times throughout the day. When it looks like the line is short, we'll send somebody over to buy some for the next Mabodofu Nemawashi. How does that sound?

I have an idea. Why don't you go to the KK store in Yurakucho, stand in line with a Blackberry and update a sticky we'll set up for you on the waiting times throughout the day. When it looks like the line is short, we'll send somebody over to buy some for the next Mabodofu Nemawashi. How does that sound?

Finaly a good idea.^
If we need to wait for the line to be short it may take a few years,:)

Multiple Japanese folks bringing boxes of Krispy Kremes on GMP-HND last night, to avoid the 1:50 wait in Japan (no wait in Seoul for KKs).

Brilliant--international donut arbitrage... :p

Brilliant--international donut arbitrage... :p

True international donut arbitrage would be if the Seoul buyers went to the Yurakucho KK and re-sold the donuts to the idiots in line for enough markup to cover the transaction costs of ferrying them from Seoul.

Couple more:

The electronic voice that says "otsukaresamadeshita" when we lock up the office and activate the security systems.

On the runup to Valentine's Day, the 400 pound sumo wrestler, dressed in winter yukata, topknot, tabi, geta, and all, walking into Gucci in Ginza to buy his girlfriend a present.

Speaking of katsu sando, on the outside wall of Omotesando Hills there is a huge picture of a guy lying on the floor with some massive katsu sandos pressing on him. The caption is omo-ttee-sando... Har har. Not as good as the new TV show, Ojisans 11. Probably features a bunch of sararimen in polyester and combover, snorting and smacking their teeth, and saying "ayeeshhh" when sitting down.

Last night it was the feeling of staying away from Kudanshita.

Based on the noise level (real crowds + sound trucks) it was wise of me to stay north of the Yasakuni shrine.

:eek:

Had no idea that blackberrys could work in Japan. :o

I have one that I bought here in Canada.. wonder if I'll require a Japanese blackberry model to work there?

Sanosuke!

.....wonder if I'll require a Japanese blackberry model to work there?

Sanosuke!

From what I understand, yes.

Had no idea that blackberrys could work in Japan. :o

I have one that I bought here in Canada.. wonder if I'll require a Japanese blackberry model to work there?

Sanosuke!

8707g and 8707v can work in UMTS networks and at least voice should work. RIM website doesn't state Japan compatibility so the email part may not work.

8707g and 8707v can work in UMTS networks and at least voice should work. RIM website doesn't state Japan compatibility so the email part may not work.

My understanding is that you need to be on the Japan NOC for Blackberry to get email working here, and that requires you to sign up with DoCoMo and buy the six man phone that they offer. Not my cup of tea, but I've gotten over my Crackberry addiction.

My 8707v worked very well in Tokyo and Kyoto on roaming, both voice and emails.

My understanding is that you need to be on the Japan NOC for Blackberry to get email working here, and that requires you to sign up with DoCoMo and buy the six man phone that they offer. Not my cup of tea, but I've gotten over my Crackberry addiction.

You can bring in a unlocked 8707v and buy a FOMA SIM and pay for the blackberry service on it. You don't need to buy the 8707v from DoCoMo. That how we do it as our company gets a good deal on BB's overseas.

You do have to deal with the DoCoMo Business Center, not a shop, to do this and that can be a frustrating exercise.

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