Myths about japan. Common myths about japan.

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.

Buying really cheap electronics

Myths — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 22:26:59 +0000

You can buy really cheap electronics in Japan. This was true many many years ago. But now a large majority of all electronics produced by Japanese companies are not manufactured in Japan. So currently this is a myth. Although years ago when the electronics were being manufactured in Japan this was reality. Depending on what part of the world you live in and how much sales tax etc you have to pay. A majority of electronics you can probably by as cheap if not cheaper in your home country. BUT there are many electronics that are manufactured for use just within Japan and this is where the novelty factor comes in. A little bit of a tip here. The novelty factor can quickly become the frustration factor if you are unable to read the instruction book or on screen directions. And although the difference between Japan and North America is only 10v. Some people do purchase Japanese electronics and used them back in their home countries where the voltage may be different. It has been noted that the average life span of those electronics is slightly shorter than if the proper voltage is used.

Tattoos in Japan

Myths — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 23:36:37 +0000

I have seen many people wondering around with Japanese characters (letters) tattooed on their body. Along with the fact that I find Japanese tattoos wonderful and beautiful s it is a given that tattoos are accepted in Japan. WRONG

To this day the Japanese associate tattoos with the Yakuza (the Japanese mafia) and you will have nothing but problems if you are fully tatted out. You will not be able to go into the public onsens ( Japanese hot springs) join most gyms, public pools etc. If you lie about not having tattoos and they catch you they can and will either tell you to cover it up immediately or leave. Very black and white. There is no room for negotiation on this one. It does not matter how big or small or where it is located if it is spotted there is trouble. I heard a story that a girl was a member of a gym and had a small tattoo on her ankle. She was swimming and was spotted and was told to leave the pool and her membership was cancelled right then and there. So you have been warned about tattoos.

Japan is credit card friendly

Myths — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 23:33:07 +0000

I won’t need to bring any cash with me I will just use my credit card since Japan is so technologically advanced there should be no problem. Japan to this day is a cash society. Which means there are still many places that do not even accept credit cards. And debit cards don’t even go there. Most major department stores etc accept credit cards but smaller shops, restaurants etc do not. So exchange a chunk of cash before you arrive in Japan and bring your credit card for back up. You may ask well can’t I exchange my money in Japan. Of course you can but try going into a smaller or for that matter a large Japanese bank with no Japanese skills and try to communicate that you want to exchange money. Believe me it is not fun.

The myth that Japanese are extremely friendly

Myths — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 02:12:01 +0000

The Japanese are very kind and polite. I am walking on thin ice on this one. But I thought it was important for the newcomers to Japan to get inside the Japanese psyche.

When you first arrive in Japan you will see smiling faces, people bowing and everything seems to be fine. The Japanese are masters at doing one thing and feeling something completely different. It is part of their rich history and customs. Never to show emotion and to always save face. This one is difficult to explain but if you ever spend any length of time in Japan you will soon find this to be true. So on leaving this point remember not everything seems as it appears.

Everything in Japan is written in Japanese and English

Myths — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 02:28:44 +0000

Everything in Japan is written in English and Japanese. There is some partial truth to this one. Since in the international airports, large train stations, major roads in major cities etc you will find signs in Japanese and English. But pretty much everywhere not listed above you are out of luck. If you venture into residential areas you are pressed to even find a street sign let alone one in English.

Tip: So if you are taking a train and you can not figure out how much you should pay. Just pay the lowest fare. Since at each train station exit there is an add a fare machine. All you do is go up to the ticket machine insert your ticket and it will tell you how much you owe. If you owe nothing it will just spit your ticket out.

Myth: Unprotected sex is safe in Japan

Myths — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 23:23:12 +0000

This one is not only for the guys but the girls also. Play safe. There is a myth that Japan is free from Std’ s and that is a BIG MYTH. Always and I means always wrap up. And for the ladies no glove no love. The Japanese for years used abortion as a form of birth control. Which means not to many people were practicing safe sex. No matter how cute and innocent the Japanese appear to be they are just as likely to be carrying an STD as someone from your home country. And yes there is AIDS in Japan.

The Japanese although are quite hedonistic when it comes to sex (i.e. you will see love hotels all over the place) they are not high on the scale on female personal hygiene. Which means there are no long line ups at the gynecologist office.

Myths about the visa run in japan

Myths — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 17:15:03 +0000

The old visa run. For those of you who are not familiar with it I will give you a brief description before I debunk that myth. Depending on which country you arrive from you will be entitled to stay in Japan for 3 months maximum. So years ago the people who arrived in Japan with out the proper credentials to legally teach and work in Japan i.e a university degree would stay in Japan for 3 months then take a quick weekend trip to Korea and upon your return would get another 3 month temporary visitor stamp in their passport so they are good to go for another 3 months. WARNING DO NOT OVER STAY. Even if it is for one day you will have nothing but grief at the airport and can be arrested and detained right at the airport until you are officially deported.

Now that everything is computerized and every foreigner who enters Japan has their fingerprints scanned and a computer picture taken the days of the old visa run have disappeared. Take it from me you do not want to get into any kind of legal problems in a country where you do not only understand the language nor the culture.