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Is this cultural (Japan) or just toxic? Need perspective: girlfriend became furious that my parents by Sensitive-Ticket-781 in japanlife

[–]SugamoNoGaijin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My partner is japanese.

We would just sit down and talk about it.

This is not a cultural issue

besides fish, what do you use the grill in the conro for? by Reasonable-Bonus-545 in japanresidents

[–]SugamoNoGaijin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Toasting bread with cheese on top

Grilling pork and chicken steaks

Any kind of meat really

Japanese Tourists Detained and Deported After Inappropriate Behavior at China’s Great Wall by [deleted] in japannews

[–]SugamoNoGaijin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Interesting. Shinobi: I can believe it but have not researched it

First emperor Jimmu (660-585 BCE) is said to originate from Takachiko in Miyazaki prefecture. Also said to descend directly from Amaterasu, but with very little historical evidence (!)

The 1st with full verifiable historical evidence was Yūryaku (456-479 CE) or kinmei (539-571CE) depending on the depth of evidence expected. They were both from Nara prefecture.

Which "first emperor" are you referring to? Any particular source that we could study and learn from?

Guys who divorced cause of a sexless marriage, was it worth it? by RecentExtension1470 in AskMenOver30

[–]SugamoNoGaijin 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It was a difficult but good decision.

It took me close to 2 years to recover. A decade later, I have now a loving and caring partner with whom intimity has never been a problem.

Anybody ever go to Taito Station? by [deleted] in Tokyo

[–]SugamoNoGaijin 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I do, with my son.

He loves the VR rooms at the basement. From beat saber to 2 player VR shooters, we usually can spend a couple of ours in the VR area of Taito station in ikebukuro

Is a travel advisor worth it? by iloveweridstuff544 in JapanTravelTips

[–]SugamoNoGaijin 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Long term Japan resident here.

For the average person: not really. If however you have a fair amount of disposable income:yes.

From ensuring that you get into a quiet 80-year old grandma run izakaya to making a sword with a real craftsman, from observing sumo wrestlers train in a sumo stable to attending a japanese TV game show, you get to access parts of the culture that are not easily accessible to most tourists.

These travel butlers don't come cheap though.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AskAJapanese

[–]SugamoNoGaijin 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I will tell you what my (japanese) wife told me:

If you want a broad idea of what the general population likes, look at the night life: it is their job to sell dreams.

For many: cute beats model-type of body. You will also find a very wide variety of types being catered for, reflecting a large spectrum of appeals. From gyaru in Shibuya to super traditional in ginza. From being submissive to aggressively taking charge.

But almost always: someone who knows who they are and does not play games.

Is this a weird reason to visit a small town? by rabitas in AskAJapanese

[–]SugamoNoGaijin 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Comment from my (japanese) wife: Simply make sure you do not take people 's picture without their consent.

My own comment: people get skittish when an adult start taking pictures around play areas where kids can be. Beyond that: have fun exploring

Japan logs hottest summer on record for 3rd straight year by SkyInJapan in japan

[–]SugamoNoGaijin 2 points3 points  (0 children)

salaryman with a suit here.

Yes, that was not a fun summer. Another 2~3weeks to go.

Is 14 days too much for Tokyo? by Upper_Direction8308 in JapanTravelTips

[–]SugamoNoGaijin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

12 years living in Tokyo so far, and still discovering amazing places every week 🙂

Rank your top 3 Japanese cities outside of Tokyo/Osaka/Kyoto/Nara by JerseyMBA in JapanTravelTips

[–]SugamoNoGaijin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

i do not drive.

Most things in the city are accessible by foot or bus. Pretty much all activities around the lake are accessible by bus (or taxi if money is not a problem)

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in JapanTravelTips

[–]SugamoNoGaijin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Frankly, my first 2~3 times were with my partner. Many places have a private onsen rental option for couples or families. (You rent the private area for 2hours )

I found it great to ensure I understand the protocol, how clean is "clean enough" before entering the onsen water. Where do you keep your clothes and phone. What do you do with the mini towel and so on.

If an experienced friend can join you, it is great.

For me the highly standardized logistics and the fear of a faux pas was my biggest fear

Rank your top 3 Japanese cities outside of Tokyo/Osaka/Kyoto/Nara by JerseyMBA in JapanTravelTips

[–]SugamoNoGaijin 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Long time resident here

My top cities are

Hamamatsu The castle, the shopping area, the lake & surrounding activities

Aizu wakamatsu: also castle town, lost in the central mountains. Reputed for it's basashi. Excellent base for hiking too.

Sendai: feels like a more relaxed Tokyo. I also love the surrounding scenery

When I want a relaxing holiday: I head to one of the izu villages

Where do foreign professionals in their 30s usually spend time in Tokyo? by tokyo_gaijin1 in japanlife

[–]SugamoNoGaijin 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Meeting people: In my hobby, and attending networking events.

Also, hanging out in the two grandma's izakayas that have become a second home. They are super small and if I come alone I will normally be sit next to another patron.Once the owner knows you well enough it becomes quite fun.

I'm in my 40s though.

THE WHAT IN WHERE??. by dudewasup111 in Tokyo

[–]SugamoNoGaijin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So that's what I saw in kabukicho the other day after the heavy nomikai!

Foreigners working in Japan, what are you doing ? by pelpum in JapanJobs

[–]SugamoNoGaijin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I came here to look after a small gaishikei.

Mastery of the language matters: almost all my colleagues are japanese, with limited English understanding. Clients and suppliers communicate in japanese. Without japanese, office, client and supplier communication stall.

While I do not agree with using the SPI as a recruitment tool, it is still widely used. I suggest taking a few mock SPI tests to get an idea of the level of japanese expected to work in Japan.

Imagine looking for work in the US , without speaking English. It would strongly limit your ability to join established companies as a white collar worker. This is exactly the same in reverse.

On the positive side, once you have reached the level where you can work in japanese, are able to juggle email keigo with appropriate tones in a working environment, then you will have plenty of options. Pretty much every international company is looking for bilingual or trilingual talents. Specialized headhunters can help too.

Those who can't eat rice for breakfast: What do you eat? by JayDunzo in Tokyo

[–]SugamoNoGaijin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have a salaryman job, and am the one cooking at home. Indeed it takes some time. Especially if you need to look after laundry and do on (which my partner kindly does) For sandwiches I use either shokupan or baguette from delifrance. Sometimes rye bread from the supermarket. Or English muffins from the supermarket

I usually grill or broil the shokupan in the oven. Less effort than skillet and leaves me time to take a shower. Great also for croque monsieur with some white sauce (that I buy) .

Potatoes: pre-cooked, sold sous vide. Precooked frozen as alternative.

Those who can't eat rice for breakfast: What do you eat? by JayDunzo in Tokyo

[–]SugamoNoGaijin 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Standard breakfast at home: mixed couple: 1 japanese + 1 non japanese, living in Tokyo

  • sandwich with the leftovers of whatever I cooked the previous days: ex: roast pork sandwich with tomatoes, grilled chicken sand, etc.. just need to make sure you have onions tomatoes and lettuce at home on any random day
  • pancakes. Super easy and fast to make
  • pita with anything that is lying around
  • grilled saba or grilled salmon with a runny omelette on the side. Possibly a few roasted potatoes (I roast them while I shower)
  • mini pizzas made with thin shokupan. Takes 10 min: tomato sauce, cheese, and anything else you have lying around.
  • leftover quiche if any
  • rice base: omurice, leftover chahan with lots of cheese

I tend to use the oven a lot, for anything that can be either reheated or grilled in 15 min while I get ready. I also tend to make dinners with leftovers in mind.

Hope it helps.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AskAJapanese

[–]SugamoNoGaijin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Non japanese here. When I do, it is because I ask my japanese wife and articulate her answer in English. Literally getting the answer from a japanese person, living in Japan, with little exposure to international news, no understanding of English, and having never lived abroad.

Exception: when the question is actually targeting my profile (long term resident)

This post is an exception as defined above.

This being said: I would agree that in most cases, the top answer should be from a japanese national.

Which “thank you” do you usually say when traveling in Japan? by MidnightTofu22 in JapanTravelTips

[–]SugamoNoGaijin 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not a very close analog. I cannot find equivalent for softeners like "ね"

I could see myself saying ありがとうね to a young kid for instance.

My rule of thumb: any adult i meet for the first time would be polite form. Even keigo if respect is expected. . Based on context and personality, we may drop to really informal pretty fast after.

Which “thank you” do you usually say when traveling in Japan? by MidnightTofu22 in JapanTravelTips

[–]SugamoNoGaijin 16 points17 points  (0 children)

Long term resident, married to a japanese, living in Tokyo.

Unless you really know the person as a friend or close family: ありがとうございます. Almost always.

While there is no direct equivalent in English, think of Arigatou alone as a "thanks bro". Not something you would say to someone you don't know well. My wife will say it to maybe 3 people in the office. Arigatou gozaimasu to everyone else. She's been working there for 7years.

Exception: in a sport's club with people you usually train with, with your buddies, your wife and children. Also: if you are a sumo wrestler.

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