Myths about japan. Common myths about japan.

Working themselves to death

Myths — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 00:23:42 +0000

I am sure everyone read on the internet or their local newspaper about some Japanese workers who have actually worked themselves to death. Well sorry folks this one is true. Work is high on the Japanese hierarchy of importance in ones life. Up until rather recently the Japanese were some of the most productive people around.

Of course when you take a closer look at the Japanese work force you will find that a large majority of the excessive amount of overtime they do is unpaid. They do it for the company good.

For a look at living in Japan with a satirical twist check out japanasty.com

Religion in Japan

Myths — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 23:04:58 +0000

All Japanese are Buddhists. This is a tricky one. Since a large majority of the Japanese population does partake in the many ceremonies that take place throughout the year in Japan. And most of them happen at Buddhist shrines or temples the fact remains that not to many Japanese people are active practicing Buddhists. Due to history and the societal norm of doing what everyone else does regardless if they agree with it or not a majority of Japanese do participate in Buddhist ceremonies but as far as being active practicing Buddhist. I am afraid that is nothing more than a myth.

Fast food in Japan

Myths — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 22:56:56 +0000

There are no McDonald’s in Japan. Rest assure people there are plenty of McDonald’s in Japan. Along with an abundance of KFC and some Wendy’s restaurants. As far as the other fast food restaurants that you may be familiar with well I am afraid you are out of luck. You will probably find more ramen shops than any of the fast food shops you may be used to seeing in your home country. The Japanese have a different take on fast food and junk food then what most western countries have.

Dental Care in Japan. Does it exist?

Myths — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 23:17:28 +0000

There are no dentists in Japan. This is absolutely a myth. Since not only are there a lot of dentists in Japan the national health care covers a large portion of dental care. But going to the dentist is a timely procedure. By this I mean you can never get out of the dentist office with just one visit. They will stretch anything from teeth cleaning to extracting a tooth into several visits. Now I know some of you out there are scratching your heads. It is a cultural thing. It is considered to be very cute to look like that.

Ah the dream of being a male host in Japan

Myths — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 00:30:29 +0000

I will go over to Japan and become a male host. This is a popular fantasy for many men once they know about the hosting job. For those of you who don’t know what a host does a host is someone who is paid to socialize with ladies and encourage them to drink. And I mean drink. Because that is where the host’s make their money. The more you can get the ladies to drink the bigger your payout. Now the reality of this is A) you have to be a seriously strong drinker. Since you will be drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. You must also be able to handle your alcohol. Which means no falling asleep or getting violent or touchy with the clients.

B) I have seen many foreign male hosts and they are not overly attractive. But they do have the standard host criteria. Which is big hair. Think about the 80′s and you will now know about the hair style that is popular. Lots of hair spray and dye.

C) The only real people making any money in these host bars are the top hosts. Since they are the ones that all of the clients want when they come into the bar. If you are not a top host you will probably be cleaning the toilets or stocking the bar.

D) Part of the job is to bring in clients. Which means you will be out on the streets rain or shine trying to get clients into your club. Once you do have a few clients you will be on your cell phone constantly trying to get them to come to the club.

E) This is obvious but it needs to be mentioned you need to be able to speak Japanese. Not only to talk with your clients but also to be able to understand your boss and the daily pep talks before your shift starts.

F) The final point is that in most cases it is illegal for foreign males to be hosts. Since in order to get a work visa you have to find a school to sponsor you. And part of that visa states: You can only work as a teacher in teaching positions and nothing else.

So the myth of jumping on a plane and landing in Japan and immediately becoming a host and making thousands of dollars a month is nothing but a myth. You have to take into account of all the factors mentioned above. I should mention that years ago there was an entertainer visa but specifically for the women. At that time a lot of ladies from Russia and the Philippines were working in the hostess bars legally. But those days are long gone also.

Japan is technologically advanced

Myths — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 01:24:13 +0000

Japan is one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world. Well it is true they do create a lot of interesting electronics but if you ever have to visit the dreaded ward office or department of motor vehicles you will see this is very far from the truth. You want to change your address on your driver’s license. Well they will write the new address on the back by hand and then will put a hanko stamp on it. I am sure once anyone sees the green monster (i.e. Japan public phone) the whole myth of being technologically advanced will quickly dissipate.

Japan is a dangerous country due to all of the earthquakes

Myths — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 00:38:21 +0000

Japan is a dangerous country to visit due to all of the earthquakes. Well there is some truth to this myth. The truth is that Japan does have an awful lot of earthquakes due to the fact that it is located in an area where several continental and oceanic plates meet.

Japan for many years has had building codes that were to meet a certain earthquake level. But after the Kobe quake in 1995 even stronger codes were implemented to make sure that all new buildings could sustain an even higher earth quake level. So to summarize yes Japan is in a very active earth quake zone but the Japanese have adapted to this and unless you are in a very old building (made of wood)or a very large earth quake hits chances are Japan is a very safe country to visit.

All Japanese are rich

Myths — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 00:28:21 +0000

This is one that most people think and feel about the Japanese when they see Japanese tourists in their home country. All Japanese are rich. Sorry folks this is just another one of the many myths about Japan.

It is true that when a majority of Japanese travel abroad they do stay at higher end hotels and are dressed well etc.

This is due to the fact that when a majority of the Japanese travel outside their country they go on package tours. A large majority of the tour companies do not even offer cheap accommodations in their packages.

The reason for the designer clothes etc is that appearance is very important not only in Japanese society but also it’s culture.

If you do get the chance to travel to Japan and you go to any major city you will also see a large population of homeless people. Japan is not all neon lights and electronic gadgets. You will especially see them congregated around the rivers and parks that pass through the major cities. A sure sign is the blue tarps.

Japanese eat sushi every day.

Myths — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 14:46:55 +0000

The main staple of the Japanese diet is Sushi. This is a very common myth among people who have no real knowledge of Japan. But unfortunately it is also nothing but a myth. The traditional diet in Japan mainly consists of rice and miso soup. Which can be served and eaten at all meals but Sushi is not something the Japanese people eat on a daily basis. Good sushi in Japan is extremely expensive even more so then places outside of Japan.

So the myth that the Japanese eat sushi everyday is nothing but a myth.

Getting a credit card in Japan

Myths — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 00:28:11 +0000

It is impossible for a foreigner to acquire a Japanese credit card. This is surprisingly only a myth. Although it is difficult for foreigners to get hold of one it is not impossible. What you do have to have is a steady income with a work reference that the credit card company can call to see if you actually are working there. Of course the real challenge is filling out the credit card application. Since there are no English versions available. My advice would be to get a native Japanese person to help you on this one. There are many factors involved with this process. Your nationality is a big one. We have heard that many foreigners have had success with Saison Credit.