NationStates Jolt Archive

Hi, I was wondering if anyone here lives or has lived in Japan and how did you like it? I am graduating soon and I have applied to some jobs in Japan. If you love or hate Japan, please share your experiences.

Also, if you have never been to Japan but you want to make a joke about robots or tentacle porn, this is the thread to do it in.:)

I spent about 6 weeks in Japan so more a long holiday than actually living there but it was awesome. The skiing/boarding was especially good, they had the best powder I've ever been on.

My husband was a missionary in Japan before we married. He regrets leaving.....which you know makes me feel awesome since he met me stateside.....:(

He says it was a very cool place to live and has been trying to drag me there since we married.

My husband was a missionary in Japan before we married. He regrets leaving.....which you know makes me feel awesome since he met me stateside.....:(

He says it was a very cool place to live and has been trying to drag me there since we married.

You should totally go! IIRC, you're not that fond of where you are atm.

*casts summon: NERVUN and summon: Daistallia ####*

^-^ :3

*casts summon: NERVUN and summon: Daistallia ####*
*appears suddenly* Who?! What?! Where?! How?! Why?!

Oh... one of these threads. :tongue:

To the OP: I'm in my fourth year here in Japan and it doesn't look like I'll be returning home anytime soon. In general, yes, I love it, or I wouldn't be staying here. It does have its downsides too of course though. As for experiences... could I ask you to be a little bit more specific? 4 years is a lot to cover. :wink:

I wouldn't mind hanging out with some weird or interesting Japanese girls. :)

My husband was a missionary in Japan before we married. He regrets leaving.....which you know makes me feel awesome since he met me stateside.....:(

He says it was a very cool place to live and has been trying to drag me there since we married.

Interesting, can I ask what he like about it specifically?

I wouldn't mind hanging out with some weird or interesting Japanese girls. :)
Uh... you might want to re-think that. The weird ones are scary.

...weird or interesting Japanese girls...

Over there, they just call them 'Japanese girls'.

Never been, but my son was stationed at Yokusuka for three years. When he had leave/liberty he'd head for the mountains, apparently the skiing is awesome. According to him, though, the Japanese girls he met were not the type he'd bring home to mother.
Of course the situation was such that he wasn't going to meet girls from good families.

Never been, but my son was stationed at Yokusuka for three years. When he had leave/liberty he'd head for the mountains, apparently the skiing is awesome. According to him, though, the Japanese girls he met were not the type he'd bring home to mother.
Of course the situation was such that he wasn't going to meet girls from good families.
True, the ones hanging around the bars in Yokosuka are either for hire or looking for the gaijin notch for their bedposts, usually. There have been exceptions of course.

Over there, they just call them 'Japanese girls'.

So all Japanese girls are weird and interesting?

Uh... you might want to re-think that. The weird ones are scary.

I like scary.

*appears suddenly* Who?! What?! Where?! How?! Why?!

Oh... one of these threads. :tongue:

To the OP: I'm in my fourth year here in Japan and it doesn't look like I'll be returning home anytime soon. In general, yes, I love it, or I wouldn't be staying here. It does have its downsides too of course though. As for experiences... could I ask you to be a little bit more specific? 4 years is a lot to cover. :wink:

What about Japanese culture do you like? Is there something special about Japanese society? Why is it so cool over there? Besides the skiing that I hear so much about.

He says: The food mostly. The public transit was fun and efficient. With the exception of a big grocery trip he didn't need a car. He ate Bento every day for lunch, rode his bike to the train, rode the train to the town, hung out, met cool people, made friends, learned Japanese tongue twisters, and got back on the train and rode his bike home. Life was simple.... and fun.

I think he has some sort of nostalgia going on.

What about Japanese culture do you like?
I like a lot of things about it. I like that a good many Japanese feel that contributing to their community is a must. I like how when Japanese sales staff says that the customer is god, they mean it. I like the food, I like the history, I like the people here, I (kinda) like the language. I like how you can be wandering in the middle of Tokyo, among the high tech, most modern buildings, and run into a temple that's been there for the past 500 years. I like how children in Japan are given the freedom to be children, and I like how older kids are taught about responsibility. I like the music. I like the TV shows, I can't understand them half the time, but I do like them. I love the beautiful scenery out here in Nagano. I like the vibrant culture that is in the cities (excepting Tokyo which just tries to suck out your soul, but that's Tokyo for ya). I like how regionalism is alive and semi-well in Japan so going from one prefecture to the next really does feel like entering a new area with new things.

Is there something special about Japanese society?
Quite a bit. As a whole, the Japanese tend to take their responsibilities to others and their communities very, very seriously. I have seen insane levels of dedication to schools, clubs, work, or hobbies that is just unimaginable in the US. I also appreciate the politeness that pervades the culture as well. There's very little feeling of "Well screw you!" that I get in the US a great deal of the time. A lot of it is, yes, a facade, but it does mean that there tends to be less friction on the whole. You're not spending all your time wondering who's gonna stab you in the back kinda thing.

Why is it so cool over there? Besides the skiing that I hear so much about.
You have a very, very old society and a very high tech modern one living and working side-by-side, and it works. In Tokyo I've wandered around Ueno Station from time to time and seen the remains of the post-WWII black market with shop keepers screaming out their sales at the top of their lungs as they have for centuries (Some of those stores do date back that long), while a Buddhist monk in his full robes and begging bowl stands silently asking for alms for his daily bread, while above it all, the shinkansen (bullet trains) whisks people around the country at incredible speeds and kids are busy rapidly typing into their cell phones, and this is normal.

You can still find pilgrims doing the famous routes between temples, dressed the same way they have for centuries, walking along side Sony factories making the latest high tech gadget. Japan is a series of contradictions, but it all works.

I like a lot of things about it. I like that a good many Japanese feel that contributing to their community is a must. I like how when Japanese sales staff says that the customer is god, they mean it. I like the food, I like the history, I like the people here, I (kinda) like the language. I like how you can be wandering in the middle of Tokyo, among the high tech, most modern buildings, and run into a temple that's been there for the past 500 years. I like how children in Japan are given the freedom to be children, and I like how older kids are taught about responsibility. I like the music. I like the TV shows, I can't understand them half the time, but I do like them. I love the beautiful scenery out here in Nagano. I like the vibrant culture that is in the cities (excepting Tokyo which just tries to suck out your soul, but that's Tokyo for ya). I like how regionalism is alive and semi-well in Japan so going from one prefecture to the next really does feel like entering a new area with new things.


Quite a bit. As a whole, the Japanese tend to take their responsibilities to others and their communities very, very seriously. I have seen insane levels of dedication to schools, clubs, work, or hobbies that is just unimaginable in the US. I also appreciate the politeness that pervades the culture as well. There's very little feeling of "Well screw you!" that I get in the US a great deal of the time. A lot of it is, yes, a facade, but it does mean that there tends to be less friction on the whole. You're not spending all your time wondering who's gonna stab you in the back kinda thing.


You have a very, very old society and a very high tech modern one living and working side-by-side, and it works. In Tokyo I've wandered around Ueno Station from time to time and seen the remains of the post-WWII black market with shop keepers screaming out their sales at the top of their lungs as they have for centuries (Some of those stores do date back that long), while a Buddhist monk in his full robes and begging bowl stands silently asking for alms for his daily bread, while above it all, the shinkansen (bullet trains) whisks people around the country at incredible speeds and kids are busy rapidly typing into their cell phones, and this is normal.

You can still find pilgrims doing the famous routes between temples, dressed the same way they have for centuries, walking along side Sony factories making the latest high tech gadget. Japan is a series of contradictions, but it all works.

wow, I think you just convinced me I need to go.

wow, I think you just convinced me I need to go.
Well, if you have any more questions, I'll be glad to answer them.

I like scary.

Oh good. You will like my torture chamber then. It's got all kinds of nice things.

I think I'll start you on a good old fashioned rack with a thumbscrew for flavor. :)

I like scary.
Wilgrove, this isn't the good kind of scary, this is the 'if you piss me off I'm going to boil your pet bunny alive in front of you' kind of scary.

Well, if you have any more questions, I'll be glad to answer them.

Ever experience any racism?

and

What do you miss the most about wherever it is that you used to live?

yes. you will be much happier in Korea. that being said. I got connections and I can get you a job in Korea.

yes. you will be much happier in Korea. that being said. I got connections and I can get you a job in Korea.

!!! are you serious, because I will totally take you up on that.

Ever experience any racism?
In the area where I live, no. Nagano is pretty cool about us gaijin. Hosting the Olympics will do that. Outside of Nagano, yeah, sometimes. Normally though it's just low level stuff like staring or let's not sit next to the gaijin. I've never had any actual overt stuff happen though.

What do you miss the most about wherever it is that you used to live?
Food, friends, family, and my beloved Sierra Nevada and Lake Tahoe. I really miss the desert and central heating too. :tongue:

yes. you will be much happier in Korea. that being said. I got connections and I can get you a job in Korea.
I admit that I haven't been in Korea, but I have a number of friends who have and disagree with you a lot.

!!! are you serious, because I will totally take you up on that.

Do you have a 4 year degree or will have one? (any will do)
private message me and i will set you up with the people.

I admit that I haven't been in Korea, but I have a number of friends who have and disagree with you a lot.
Korea depends a lot on whether you get into a regular business position or police-state high. A lot of the foreign positions in Korea are still very heavily regulated by the government. That means a work visa for them is a lot like ownership papers.

That was true in Japan as well, though the rules have lightened up a bit. And, before you ask, I've been in Japan for over 20 years now. Came here as an exchange student and never went home. I've lived and traveled in most parts of Japan, agree with Nervun on most of his/her comments.
Places to live:
Sapporo, Otaru, Hakodate all in Hokkaido
Sendai in Miyagi
Tokyo area outskirts anywhere (Most happening place in the world, Tokyo)
Nagano in Chubu
Kobe in Kansai
Fukuoka in Kyushu (Miyazaki if you like surfing)

Places to Avoid:
Hamamatsu, armpit of Japan
Toyama, too far from everything
Kitakyushu, too industrial

Likes:
Safe, friendly, changeless yet changing, quirky, open minded (or at least willing to listen).

Dislikes:
too small, too small, too small! Rooms, cars, lanes, etc.

Last note:
The market is tough here and now. Some of the people hiring abroad for Japan and Korea can be unscrupulous. It's a good idea to check out the company before agreeing to anything...

Korea depends a lot on whether you get into a regular business position or police-state high. A lot of the foreign positions in Korea are still very heavily regulated by the government. That means a work visa for them is a lot like ownership papers.



If you go through my people in Korea you only have to work 25 hours a week with anything extra being overtime. And if your employer does not abide by this they will get you a different employer.
I hesitate to bring up Pay just because the won has bottomed out, but it almost always rebounds in 3 months.

Do you have a 4 year degree or will have one? (any will do)
private message me and i will set you up with the people.

I emailed you.

Korea depends a lot on whether you get into a regular business position or police-state high. A lot of the foreign positions in Korea are still very heavily regulated by the government. That means a work visa for them is a lot like ownership papers.

That was true in Japan as well, though the rules have lightened up a bit. And, before you ask, I've been in Japan for over 20 years now. Came here as an exchange student and never went home. I've lived and traveled in most parts of Japan, agree with Nervun on most of his/her comments.
Places to live:
Sapporo, Otaru, Hakodate all in Hokkaido
Sendai in Miyagi
Tokyo area outskirts anywhere (Most happening place in the world, Tokyo)
Nagano in Chubu
Kobe in Kansai
Fukuoka in Kyushu (Miyazaki if you like surfing)

Places to Avoid:
Hamamatsu, armpit of Japan
Toyama, too far from everything
Kitakyushu, too industrial

Likes:
Safe, friendly, changeless yet changing, quirky, open minded (or at least willing to listen).

Dislikes:
too small, too small, too small! Rooms, cars, lanes, etc.

Last note:
The market is tough here and now. Some of the people hiring abroad for Japan and Korea can be unscrupulous. It's a good idea to check out the company before agreeing to anything...

I gotta ask, why did you go, and why haven't you left Japan?

I haven't lived properly in Japan, but I stayed for about a month in a friend's apartment in Higashi Rinkan, close to Machida, a suburb in the south-west of greater Tokyo.

Lovely place, incredibly friendly to this bumbling gaijin; I only wish I could've stayed longer.

The one thing I would stress (as other, more informed, people have been saying) is the difference between different parts of Japan; even relatively close parts. The change between Tokyo proper and rural Japan is astounding, and even the change between countryside and coastal Kanagawa (the prefecture I was staying in) was marked to my eye; not just architecturally.

Overall, NERVUN's chat is very close to my, admittedly limited, experience.


I've wandered around Ueno Station from time to time and seen the remains of the post-WWII black market with shop keepers screaming out their sales at the top of their lungs as they have for centuries (Some of those stores do date back that long), while a Buddhist monk in his full robes and begging bowl stands silently asking for alms for his daily bread, while above it all, the shinkansen (bullet trains) whisks people around the country at incredible speeds and kids are busy rapidly typing into their cell phones, and this is normal.
Dondered out into the street after getting the train from Narita airport, to be confronted by an incredibly similar scene as the above.

It was at that point the thought sunk in: I'm. In. Fucking. Japan.

Best holiday ever. I'd love to actually live there.

I gotta ask, why did you go, and why haven't you left Japan?
Reason for going...serendipity

Wait listed for graduate school of choice, chance to go, encouragement from family...I thought, "Sure, why not..."


Reasons for staying.

It was easy to make a living here...Then I met a beautiful woman...Then I got interested in the culture...Then I became comfortable here...Still easy to make a living for the time being...Am much more heavily involved in the culture...Married beautiful woman...

Reason for going...serendipity

Wait listed for graduate school of choice, chance to go, encouragement from family...I thought, "Sure, why not..."


Reasons for staying.

It was easy to make a living here...Then I met a beautiful woman...Then I got interested in the culture...Then I became comfortable here...Still easy to make a living for the time being...Am much more heavily involved in the culture...Married beautiful woman...

wow, I am a little jealous...

Easy to make a living there you say? What kind of job do you think I could get? Teaching English?

wow, I am a little jealous...

Easy to make a living there you say? What kind of job do you think I could get? Teaching English?
That's the way most of us come in. Then we find our interests and make connections. You can be Tao and just kind of fall into things or you can be Te and agressively pursue them.

Just a warning: You're talking to a Japan fan. You really should have some input from a Japan loather as well. Some people do come here and hate it.

One reason is space: Take the state of California. Put the Rocky Mountains on top of it (13 colonies and Appalachian Mountains works as well). Now take half the population of the United States and plunk 'em down wherever there's enough semi-flat space left to live. Expect to be bumped frequently.

If your big on personal space then you might want to rethink. People over 6 ft tall might also have some misgivings about Japan.

I gotta ask, why did you go, and why haven't you left Japan?
I know it wasn't directed at me, but: I've been interested in Japan since I was in elementary school. I tried a few times to get over here before and during college, but never made it. After I graduated from graduate school however, I was accepted into the JET Programme. I stayed here after my term was over because 1. I honestly love it here, and 2. My Japanese wife wanted to stay here for a bit before we migrate back to the US. Given that this migration keeps getting pushed back and I'm on the verge of year 5 (Most people return home before then, after year 5, it's less likely you'll go back)... who's to say I will?

Easy to make a living there you say? What kind of job do you think I could get? Teaching English?
That's what a lot of Westerners do. It's fairly easy to fall into and you don't need Japanese for it. It's a great steppingstone for other jobs.

One reason is space: Take the state of California. Put the Rocky Mountains on top of it (13 colonies and Appalachian Mountains works as well). Now take half the population of the United States and plunk 'em down wherever there's enough semi-flat space left to live. Expect to be bumped frequently.

If your big on personal space then you might want to rethink. People over 6 ft tall might also have some misgivings about Japan.
Well, depends on where you are of course. Nagano doesn't have the space issues and I was shocked by how much is available in Hokkaido. The height thing is an issue though. I'm 6'2" and a bit, how shall we say, on the chunky side. Finding clothing and shoes that fit is a challenge (Thank God for Uniqlo). I also find myself bumping my head on some door jams, but for the most part it isn't too bad.

I know it wasn't directed at me, but: I've been interested in Japan since I was in elementary school. I tried a few times to get over here before and during college, but never made it. After I graduated from graduate school however, I was accepted into the JET Programme. I stayed here after my term was over because 1. I honestly love it here, and 2. My Japanese wife wanted to stay here for a bit before we migrate back to the US. Given that this migration keeps getting pushed back and I'm on the verge of year 5 (Most people return home before then, after year 5, it's less likely you'll go back)... who's to say I will?


That's what a lot of Westerners do. It's fairly easy to fall into and you don't need Japanese for it. It's a great steppingstone for other jobs.


Well, depends on where you are of course. Nagano doesn't have the space issues and I was shocked by how much is available in Hokkaido. The height thing is an issue though. I'm 6'2" and a bit, how shall we say, on the chunky side. Finding clothing and shoes that fit is a challenge (Thank God for Uniqlo). I also find myself bumping my head on some door jams, but for the most part it isn't too bad.

oh, thankyou for replying. I'm 6' 1" so its good to hear that you haven't had many problems with that. I actually got rejected by the JET program. I have no idea why, but I am still looking for a job there. Some of my friends in Japan have invited me to visit for a while and I think that I would have more luck finding a job if I was actually in Japan.

That's what a lot of Westerners do. It's fairly easy to fall into and you don't need Japanese for it. It's a great steppingstone for other jobs.

True.

BTW off topic: Great picture of Rei's left eye. Is that Asuka reflecting?:hail:

Oh good. You will like my torture chamber then. It's got all kinds of nice things.

I think I'll start you on a good old fashioned rack with a thumbscrew for flavor. :)

Oooo, can you make a game out of it?

Wilgrove, this isn't the good kind of scary, this is the 'if you piss me off I'm going to boil your pet bunny alive in front of you' kind of scary.

Ahh...well I was talking about the good kind of scary.....you know girls who dress up weird, stuff like that.

oh, thankyou for replying. I'm 6' 1" so its good to hear that you haven't had many problems with that. I actually got rejected by the JET program. I have no idea why, but I am still looking for a job there. Some of my friends in Japan have invited me to visit for a while and I think that I would have more luck finding a job if I was actually in Japan.
You would, yes. However, I caution you on that because Japan is very, very strict about its visas and violating the terms of one can get you kicked out of Japan for 5 years.

BTW off topic: Great picture of Rei's left eye. Is that Asuka reflecting?:hail:
Thank you, actually it's Rei herself (er, one of herselfs) in the LCL vat. Reflections of me. :wink:

I think you're the first person to actually catch the reflection in my avatar. :salute:

Thank you, actually it's Rei herself (er, one of herselfs) in the LCL vat. Reflections of me. :wink:


Really? I always thought it was a door that was being reflected. One with a single diamond pattern.

You would, yes. However, I caution you on that because Japan is very, very strict about its visas and violating the terms of one can get you kicked out of Japan for 5 years.


Thank you, actually it's Rei herself (er, one of herselfs) in the LCL vat. Reflections of me. :wink:

I think you're the first person to actually catch the reflection in my avatar. :salute:
Ah, the red on top threw me, but now that you mention it, I remember the scene. That was one weird ending to an animation, but we'll need a whole different thread to discuss EVA.

Cheers

Ah, the red on top threw me, but now that you mention it, I remember the scene. That was one weird ending to an animation, but we'll need a whole different thread to discuss EVA.

Cheers

There's a bunch of forums out there dedicated to that sort of thing. I know of one or two. PM me if you want an address.

Really? I always thought it was a door that was being reflected. One with a single diamond pattern.
Yup, see?
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a377/jusenkyoguide/ReflectionOfMeRevised.jpg

Ah, the red on top threw me, but now that you mention it, I remember the scene.
This was a composite image I whipped up really quickly one night for a friend as inspiration for a fan panting she was doing. I have her finished work which is far superior to what I did, but it made for a good image for forums.

That was one weird ending to an animation, but we'll need a whole different thread to discuss EVA.
A-yup!

I lived in Japan for six months. Students were great, the part I was in had a lot of great wooded areas, food was amazing, I didn't need a car.

And I noticed even goofy looking American men were considered exotic by some of the women...

18 years at the end of next month. :)

Pinnucre and Nerv have hit alot of it.

I admit that I haven't been in Korea, but I have a number of friends who have and disagree with you a lot.

Same here.

And, before you ask, I've been in Japan for over 20 years now.

:eek2::hail:

Came here as an exchange student and never went home. I've lived and traveled in most parts of Japan, agree with Nervun on most of his/her comments.
Places to live:
Sapporo, Otaru, Hakodate all in Hokkaido
Sendai in Miyagi
Tokyo area outskirts anywhere (Most happening place in the world, Tokyo)
Nagano in Chubu
Kobe in Kansai
Fukuoka in Kyushu (Miyazaki if you like surfing)

Places to Avoid:
Hamamatsu, armpit of Japan
Toyama, too far from everything
Kitakyushu, too industrial

Likes:
Safe, friendly, changeless yet changing, quirky, open minded (or at least willing to listen).

Dislikes:
too small, too small, too small! Rooms, cars, lanes, etc.

Last note:
The market is tough here and now. Some of the people hiring abroad for Japan and Korea can be unscrupulous. It's a good idea to check out the company before agreeing to anything...

Pretty much all agreed. See below.

Just a warning: You're talking to a Japan fan. You really should have some input from a Japan loather as well. Some people do come here and hate it.

Personally, I'm on the ambivalant side of like - generally a love-hate relationship, but a real FuckedGaijin (http://www.fuckedgaijin.com/forums/) might be better. (Warning - the folks on that site bite worse than NSGites...)

Greed and Death may also be able to provide some negatives...

Just for a balanced picture, a list of random things I dislike about Japan:
For the most part, Japanese cities are pretty fugly places.

The public transportation's not always what it's cracked up to be.
Osaka's Midosuji subway line is supposedly the worst for train gropers.
A friend who lives on the same JR line as I do calls it IR - Italia Rail...

The people aren't always nearly as polite as you may be led to believe. (*Not* learning Japanese helps here... Do you really want to understand the teeny bopper complain about having to sit next to a "smelly old gaijin" on the train?)

Racial/ethnic stereotypes abound.

Japan is not a perfectly safe place. I've been in some downright dangerous spots. (Note, however, that other non-Japanese are generally more dangerous.)

People here will do things that you will find to be utterly, totally, and completely batshit insane, and they won't get it at all.

That should do for now...

On the plus side, the people are generally accomadating. Even the folks at the immigration office... :eek:

The food's generally good, especially if you're open to it.



I know it wasn't directed at me, but: I've been interested in Japan since I was in elementary school. I tried a few times to get over here before and during college, but never made it. After I graduated from graduate school however, I was accepted into the JET Programme. I stayed here after my term was over because 1. I honestly love it here, and 2. My Japanese wife wanted to stay here for a bit before we migrate back to the US. Given that this migration keeps getting pushed back and I'm on the verge of year 5 (Most people return home before then, after year 5, it's less likely you'll go back)... who's to say I will?


That's what a lot of Westerners do. It's fairly easy to fall into and you don't need Japanese for it. It's a great steppingstone for other jobs.

It's pretty much how I got here, except I first made it over in college.

Yup, see?


That's not Rei. That's someone pretending to be Rei. Rei's bust is nowhere that size.

That's not Rei. That's someone pretending to be Rei. Rei's bust is nowhere that size.
This is Gainax we're talking about here ya know.

This is Gainax we're talking about here ya know.

I try to pretend their merchandising of EVA related material outside of the series don't exist.

I try to pretend their merchandising of EVA related material outside of the series don't exist.
Hey! I LIKE my Rei cheesecake statue! If my wife didn't object, I'd get the whole dang series! :D

There's a vending machine for damn near any need (I saw one that had schoolgirl panties, I kid you not), on many corners. I loved the trains, and the (if feigned, still nice) politeness. The food.

It is expensive as hell to live there if you even make small attempts to eat like a Westerner (cheese, most fruit, etc. is frightfully expensive).

I spent six weeks there in July/August of 1990, so it was a while back, but I would love to return, older and wiser.

There's a vending machine for damn near any need (I saw one that had schoolgirl panties, I kid you not), on many corners.
I spent six weeks there in July/August of 1990, so it was a while back, but I would love to return, older and wiser.

You may have though that's what you saw, but I'm going to have to call BS on that unless you can provide clear photographic evidence.

The FINAL word on used panty vending machines in Japan.

Published by Rich Pav at 11:13 pm under General

Here it is, all in one post. Please digg it. Do it for Japan. Every misinformed Japanophile needs to learn the truth once and for all.

1. This is NOT a photo of a used panty vending machine: http://www.photomann.com/japan/machines/bizarrex.jpg

I can't read all the text because of the low resolution of the photo and the big scratch on the face of the machine, but what I can read is, "ladies & mens brand new lingerie" in the center and "imported from USA" on the right. My guess is the machine was either in or near a love hotel.

2. Snopes is WRONG. (gasp!)
The page reads,

We'd read that this practice ended in 1993 and reported as much in the original of this article (which was penned in 2001), but since that time numerous readers living in Japan have written to say that not only haven't the machines gone away, but that they've themselves seen them.

How many of those eyewitnesses could read enough Japanese to tell if a vending machine was selling new knickers or used ones?

3. It is illegal in many prefectures to sell schoolgirls' used panties.

This Google search retrieves page after page of the laws in many prefectures that forbid the sale or purchase of used schoolgirl panties (even fake ones) anywhere, including in vending machines. Almost all of them use exactly the same wording. The average fine for breaking the law is 300,000 yen.

So how did this rumor first get started? This page sums it up best. Apparently, in 1993 someone in Chiba City put used panties in one or more vending machines. Subsequently, skanky underpants were classified under the law as second hand goods, which require a license to sell. This law is actually to prevent the sale of stolen goods, as explained on this page, which answers the question from a concerned mother whose daughter and friends were making a killing by peddling their skid-marked skivvies over the internet.

Are we all clear on this now?

Just this second I thought of the easiest way to get proof on video, if there's anyone out there who's still not convinced: I'll go to a police box with my camcorder and ask a policeman.

P.S. In Japan, there aren't any convenience stores staffed by robots either.
http://www.herroflomjapan.com/2006/09/21/the-final-word-on-used-panty-vending-machines-in-japan/

http://i29.tinypic.com/10cqkhd.jpg

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk9/rob-roy42/japan.jpg

Whatever you do, don't arrive by rising out of the pacific ocean and smashing through downtown. I hear they HATE that.

whatever you do, don't arrive by rising out of the pacific ocean and smashing through downtown. I hear they hate that.

goshira!!!

goshira!!!

Gamara is friend to children.

Gamara is friend to children.

What about Mothra?

http://www.engrish.com//wp-content/uploads/2008/08/toilet-beard-know.jpg

http://www.engrish.com//wp-content/uploads/2008/08/toilet-beard-know.jpg

Oh gods! LOL!:D

What about Mothra?

Mothra doesn't take to children as well. Mothra had a bad experience once working as a volunteer teaching assistant.

Mothra doesn't take to children as well. Mothra had a bad experience once working as a volunteer teaching assistant.

Really? Care to elaborate, Ghost?

http://www.engrish.com//wp-content/uploads/2008/08/toilet-beard-know.jpg
Staying overnight in Nagoya on our way to CentrAir for a trip back to the States, I found that our hotel toilet had carefully placed and drawn instructions for how to use the toilet, divided for both male and female use... And with the 'What not to do' drawings with Xs through them.

Sometimes I really, really, really wonder about Japan.

You may have though that's what you saw, but I'm going to have to call BS on that unless you can provide clear photographic evidence.


http://www.herroflomjapan.com/2006/09/21/the-final-word-on-used-panty-vending-machines-in-japan/

When did I say used?

Never been to Japan, but I keep getting messages from the Japanese girl I was seeing before I left Aus, asking when I'm coming (to Japan).

Reportedly, I am, 'handson' in Japan, so it is tempting, but... I'm terrified and poor. I do really want to see it, though, all be it from a safe distance.

...So I have nothing useful to contribute.

When did I say used?
Uh... then how did you know they were schoolgirl panties?

No convenience stores staffed by robots?

Well that's it, I'm not going until they get their act together.

Uh... then how did you know they were schoolgirl panties?

For which gender is easy enough to determine. For whether they are for school attendees, depending on the school grade, the size. However, since they would not have been used if they were factory fresh, it does make things a little head scratching. Is school accouter, school accouter, if it is not yet bought as school accouter yet?

When did I say used?

You didn't have to, it was implied. pretty much everyone knows the salacious story. A partial retelling implies you have the full facts.

I'll admit to an assumption on my part, but one based on what I know, but I doubt you have the full facts.

Many visitors to Japan who can't read Japanese see things that make no sense if you can't read the language.

If you can provide a picture of said vending machine that clearly states it's selling schoolgirls undies, used or not, I'll happily admit you're right.

But w/o said evidence, I'm going to stick with the evidence I have, and assume you were mistaken.

Uh... then how did you know they were schoolgirl panties?

Logos. What appeared to be school crests were emblazoned on the clearly feminine civvies.

You didn't have to, it was implied. pretty much everyone knows the salacious story. A partial retelling implies you have the full facts.

Implied by you. Assumption. Thanks for playing, though.

I'll admit to an assumption on my part, but one based on what I know, but I doubt you have the full facts.

If that mattered to me at all, I'd say more than this.

Many visitors to Japan who can't read Japanese see things that make no sense if you can't read the language.

Right, so I'm so incredibly ignorant that I don't know panties when I see them, and can't make a simple judgment about what the patterned logos were. Jeez, does it ever get tiring being so self-righteous?

If you can provide a picture of said vending machine that clearly states it's selling schoolgirls undies, used or not, I'll happily admit you're right.

It was 1990. I didn't have the luxury of a camera at the time. I was forced to rely on memory. Once again, giving a fuck what you think is a little more than I'm prepared to undertake.

But w/o said evidence, I'm going to stick with the evidence I have, and assume you were mistaken.

Yippee.

You didn't have to, it was implied. pretty much everyone knows the salacious story. A partial retelling implies you have the full facts.

I'll admit to an assumption on my part, but one based on what I know, but I doubt you have the full facts.

Many visitors to Japan who can't read Japanese see things that make no sense if you can't read the language.

If you can provide a picture of said vending machine that clearly states it's selling schoolgirls undies, used or not, I'll happily admit you're right.

But w/o said evidence, I'm going to stick with the evidence I have, and assume you were mistaken.

The vending machines, apparently Daist-sama, do exists.

http://www.inquisitr.com/wp-content/panties.jpg
http://www.oneinchpunch.net/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/used-school-girl-underwear.jpg
http://www.trendhunter.com/images/phpthumbnails/5475_1_230.jpeg

I should have known that vindication was forthcoming from NNT.

Adigato gozaimas-ta.

Let me guess - educational show about magnetism

http://www.collegecandy.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/05/crazy-japanese-show_02.jpg

I should have known that vindication was forthcoming from NNT.

Adigato gozaimas-ta.

Do itashimashite, Inta-sama. Demo, it's the truth. I've been hearing about those vending machines for a few months now and the photos confirm they do exist. Now, if the undies are indeed from school girls, I am not sure. But the undies are surely sold as if they were.

Japanese cities have never appealed to me, or the culture, but the mountains and forests look gorgeous.

SNIP

Those men have small penises.

Those men have small penises.

Don't all Japanese men do?:tongue:

Don't all Japanese men do?:tongue:

I wouldn't know. *Looks around shiftily*

I wouldn't know. *Looks around shiftily*

Or would you? *shifty eyed*

Or would you? *shifty eyed*

Maybe, maybe not. *Still shifty*

Maybe, maybe not. *Still shifty*

Oh, really? *shifty shity eyed*

Oh, really? *shifty shity eyed*

Perhaps, perhaps. *Really shifty now*

Oh, really? *shifty shity eyed*

Shity eyed?

Really?

Shity eyed?

Really?

Why do you have so many accounts?

Why do you have so many accounts?

I need a lot of accounts. Saving accounts for saving money for porn, checking accounts for paying my electric bill so I can see porn, credit cards for buying porn, 401k account so that when I'm old I can still get porn..

I need a lot of accounts. Saving accounts for saving money for porn, checking accounts for paying my electric bill so I can see porn, credit cards for buying porn, 401k account so that when I'm old I can still get porn..

No, I mean NS accounts. I've seen you as Jhahannam, Hammurab, Baldwin for Christ, Ghost of Ayn Rand and now this. Why? And how come you still occasionally post using the other names?

No, I mean NS accounts. I've seen you as Jhahannam, Hammurab, Baldwin for Christ, Ghost of Ayn Rand and now this. Why? And how come you still occasionally post using the other names?

Don't be crazy, those posters aren't alike at all!

No, I mean NS accounts. I've seen you as Jhahannam, Hammurab, Baldwin for Christ, Ghost of Ayn Rand and now this. Why? And how come you still occasionally post using the other names?

What are you talking about?

What are you talking about?

You have been on this forum for years, as Jhahannam, Hammurab, Baldwin for Christ, and now you're simultaneously running Sgt. Toomey and this account. Why?

I havn't been yet, but my dad grew up there and loved it.

I spent about 6 weeks in Japan so more a long holiday than actually living there but it was awesome. The skiing/boarding was especially good, they had the best powder I've ever been on.

For powder head to Steamboat ski resort in Colorado- you'll think you've died and gone to heaven :)

You have been on this forum for years, as Jhahannam, Hammurab, Baldwin for Christ, and now you're simultaneously running Sgt. Toomey and this account. Why?

I have no idea what you're referring to. I have one account.

Those other guys are forlorn homos and possibly Scientologists.

forlorn homos

Good name for a band.

I have no idea what you're referring to. I have one account.

Those other guys are forlorn homos and possibly Scientologists.

I think I preferred you as Hammurab. You were good as Jhahannam, and as Hammurab, but you lose your funniness each incarnations since then, although Baldwin for Christ was almost as good as your original 2.

Good name for a band.

Yeah, but they can't do emo. It would have to be like a Ted Nugent cover band or something.

I think I preferred you as Hammurab. You were good as Jhahannam, and as Hammurab, but you lose your funniness each incarnations since then, although Baldwin for Christ was almost as good as your original 2.

Ghost of Ayn Rand's problem is he's kind of single-schtick...Ayn Rand is only funny in a very narrow way.

Ghost of Ayn Rand's problem is he's kind of single-schtick...Ayn Rand is only funny in a very narrow way.

What's your excuse for Sgt. Toomey then? And why change accounts constantly? I like back in the old days, with your pwning liberal jew women threads etc.

What's your excuse for Sgt. Toomey then? And why change accounts constantly? I like back in the old days, with your pwning liberal jew women threads etc.

Those had a very limited audience.

Sgt Toomey was conceived as a drunken ultra-conservative wingnut based on Walken's character from Biloxi Blues, but when I watched the movie again, I realized he wasn't really like that.

Those had a very limited audience.

What? I can't particularly remember Jhannam, because I only started getting involved that much in the forums just as you left that account, but Hammurab was always popular, and what people remember you as.

What? I can't particularly remember Jhannam, because I only started getting involved that much in the forums just as you left that account, but Hammurab was always popular, and what people remember you as.

Jhahannam got sigged the most, I think. None of them were truly popular, although there were a few fans.

Jhahannam got sigged the most, I think. None of them were truly popular, although there were a few fans.

What are you on about? There was the Katganistan thread, that was great.

Korea is probably a more "Asian" experience so I hear but aaanyway back to Japan.

I have lived in central Tokyo (inside the Yamanote line) for 3 years now so maybe its a little fresher in my memory, until you speak some Japanese outside of major cities (and pretty much even around here) you will struggle to make simplest of conversation, its almost guaranteed. But prepare to be (very occasionally) shocked when a taxi driver knows that Manchester (UK, my home city) is an industrial city in the north and is willing to talk in great detail (I still remember that guy).

Don't come because of the girls, they are mainly just normal people imo, ok theres some cosplay fanatics but meh is that what Japan's about? Is the US about mickey mouse or the grand canyon etc, actually....don't answer that. The food and culture is amazing, the scenery out of the city is beautiful. The people are mostly polite, kind, friendly, help as much as they can. The skiing especially in Hokkaido is amazing. People treat you with respect (outwardly), everyones job is important in its own way. The place compared to the UK is so damn clean! Omg Ramen! The clashing of old and new is amazing, I have seen a old old shrine being carried around and stopping all traffic at the worlds busiest crossing in Shibuya at Obon, just amazing.

I live around the embassies so I don't know if this is true of elsewhere but expect nationalist demonstrations talking about some unpleasant stuff or blasting out famous speeches at tremendous volumes, every weekend. Expect to be told you should go home, we don't want you here probably in English. Expect to be stared at, you are different you must be examined, Japan is all about conforming to the group norms even if they are wacky groups. Expect people to be false to your face and certainly at work expect them to be the least efficient they could possibly ever be. This is of course a generalisation but there's truth in there. Expect red tape, if you want to do something like getting a drivers license it takes allllllllll day and that's when you don't have to take a conversion test (as you do from the US). Expect to be discriminated against based on your age, older people have more experience and so ARE better than you. Expect an Obaasan state, they set rules for everything which is often why people are so polite, when there aren't rules people are just as rude as elsewhere in my experience. Obaasan is grandma or nanny, and they are everywhere, old people abound and they will get in your way as you walk down the pavement possibly as they queue to get into pachinko.

Crash course to survival:

The first things to do are learn the katakana alphabet and learn how to read: Shampoo and Conditioner, if you end up with a million bottles of one or the other it can put a crimp on your day. Preferably learn some spoken Japanese before you come. Learn to direct a taxi, migi (right), hidari (left), masugu (straight) and koko (here) will suffice at a bare minimum.
This book is excellent: http://www.amazon.com/CultureShock-Japan-Survival-Customs-Etiquette/dp/0761454888/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1235776342&sr=8-1
Culture shock Japan its funny informative and accurate.
When you get here, make a couple of Japanese friends asap, don't (as I am guilty of) hang around with foreigners (gaijin) the whole time.
Mostly don't tip, I have been chased by a shopkeeper to return my change of 1 yen.
Daijoubu is the best multi purpose word, you can say most things I find with the right facial expression and dai-jou-bu. It means its ok, I'm ok, and hence I don't need it don't trouble yourself etc etc.
Get air con, unless you live up north summer is hot but so so humid.
Go to the onsen, learn how to and then go, at the minimum it builds character.

I really probably don't know as much as the guys who have been here 20 years but in my comparatively short stay I have had on the whole a fantastic time. The negatives are outweighed by the positives, you realise this when you go back to your home city and miss Japan really quickly.

Logos. What appeared to be school crests were emblazoned on the clearly feminine civvies.
Maybe, but given that such logos were (and still are) popular for, er, roleplaying, it would be rather hard to claim that they were for schoolgirls.

The vending machines, apparently Daist-sama, do exists.

http://www.inquisitr.com/wp-content/panties.jpg
http://www.oneinchpunch.net/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/used-school-girl-underwear.jpg
http://www.trendhunter.com/images/phpthumbnails/5475_1_230.jpeg
Nanatsu... the first two pictures were obviously taken inside a store, where yeah, they do sell packaged, supposedly used (and supposedly by schoolgirls), panties. The last picture, of the vending machine is probably for NEW panties. How do I know this? I tracked down the original image. http://www.photomann.com/japan/machines/ One, it's from 2002, which puts is far, far later than the original used schoolgirl panties machine back in 1993 that was shut down. Two, the prices. The panties in there range from 1000 to 3000 yen, that's the range of new panties at the local konbini, it's far too cheap to be the used stuff. There are pantie vending machines in Japan, some of them are in areas where it makes sense, such as onsen, a lot are by love hotels so that people who are enjoying themselves there do not have to put on their, ah, soiled (Yeah, that's the word!) panties after using said hotels.

Not to mention a lot of Japanese guys have a pantie tearing fetish so...

Sorry, that's not a used schoolgirl pantie vending machine. They don't exist.

Shity eyed?

Really?

Bah.

I've never lived in Japan, but my younger sister did for a year. She found it interesting, but hard work & a bit wearing over the year. I went there on holiday for a few weeks & loved it, a really fascinating, quirky, historically rich & often very beautiful place.

Edit: plus I loved the food! :)

The vending machines, apparently Daist-sama, do exists.

http://www.inquisitr.com/wp-content/panties.jpg
http://www.oneinchpunch.net/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/used-school-girl-underwear.jpg
http://www.trendhunter.com/images/phpthumbnails/5475_1_230.jpeg


The last one's definately not - it's covered in the link I posted above. The writing on the first two's not clear enough, but it looks to be simply photos. Off in a hurry, I'll try and get a better look later...

The last one's definately not - it's covered in the link I posted above. The writing on the first two's not clear enough, but it looks to be simply photos. Off in a hurry, I'll try and get a better look later...

As I posted, the vending machines do exist, if they do sell used panties and if these belong to school girls, well, that's another thing.

As I posted, the vending machines do exist, if they do sell used panties and if these belong to school girls, well, that's another thing.
Nanatsu, Daistallia (and I both) said that pantie vending machines do exist in Japan, we have just stated that the ones selling used schoolgirl panties do NOT exist and have not since 1993.

Nanatsu, Daistallia (and I both) said that pantie vending machines do exist in Japan, we have just stated that the ones selling used schoolgirl panties do NOT exist and have not since 1993.

I stand corrected, NERV-sama.

Why would you want to buy used underwear anyway?

Why would you want to buy used underwear anyway?

Because you're odd like that?

Because you're odd like that?

Pretty much.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panty_fetishism

never even been, let alone lived there, but i wish we had their narrow gauge trains, shinto shrines all over my northern sierra nevada mountains in northern california where i did grow up, and strolling gardens in all the city, medium and small towns that i lived in growing up and do now. those are the main things about the place that interest me that i know about.

i mean, and respect for kitusni and all that. but not the traditional devotion to conventionality. i mean traditions of humility and that sort of thing cool, but the formality of degrees of higherarchy, that sort of thing, no, that part, even what we do have here that even distantly resembles it, is more then i can deal with.

of course how much of any of that is how real i haven't the slightest idea, except the wonderful pictures of trains hosted on nikosaki and also what i've managed to find to look up on the web about the kitusuni and the shinto and then a few other little details.

i like that there can be little roadside, even allie side shrines and things and people putting out glasses of water for the little spirit critters instead of jerks tearing things up like too often happens here.

i know i'm looking through some kind of rose colored idealization, a lot of that, but i do believe a culture that combines the bast of east and west and none of the worst, however unlikely, is at least possible.

i'm also realistic enough to not REALLY EXPECT anyplace to come nearly as close to the concept as i would like to live in.