Foreigner visiting Japan for the first time, have alot of questions!

[XShaolin7]

Hello everyone,

Let me preface this by saying that I'm a newbie, so forgive me if I ask some redundant / ignorant questions; I've tried to read through many of the threads as possible first, to acclimate myself in preparation for my visit. And I do have quite a few (especially as it pertains to social / cultural etiquette), so I hope that's ok!

I will be coming over for a month, simply as a tourist to visit, learn and explore. My Japanese is non-existent, with the exception of a few phrases I picked up from a phrasebook. I have read that though you might make an effort to speak in Japanese, you will often have locals reply in English anyways...would it be more prudent, more pragmatic to simply ask in English? I'm concerned that I might offend with my admittedly terrible Japanese speaking skills, or worse yet that even with the horrible Canadian accent it will be assumed I speak somewhat fluently, and I won't understand the rapid fire Japanese response! What would be your advice? If I am completely lost, would it be acceptable to ask those around for help or would it be considered rude to simply approach someone (again, forgive my ignorance but Japanese culture is very different and far more subtle in certain aspects)?

Also, since I will be staying for a good month, I have looked into other accommodation besides hotels as there are cheaper alternatives. Does anyone here have any experience renting a flat / condo? There seem to be a few around that cater specifically to foreigners. What areas would you recommend to stay in, or by the same token avoid?

Also, I will be bringing a sketchbook along with me to do lots of drawing. If I am sitting in a cafe, wandering a shopping district, or set up along a street somewhere to draw people -- what would be things to be mindful of? Presumably certain things are universal i.e. try not to stare too long, be respectful of others' personal space etc.

My sketchbooks also contain life drawing i.e. nude figure studies from models; though I will be careful and try not to have those right open, if someone were to catch a glimpse, would that be something considered to give offense? I'd really rather not end up in jail for public indecency on my first visit to a beautiful country! If there are any artists here who could give some helpful advice that would be great, and certainly I'd welcome any suggestions for art museums.

I guess one potentially sensitive area and a minor concern for me is the treatment of other Asian (non-Japanese) visitors. I have read and heard anecdotally that Chinese are looked down upon a bit -- no doubt having to do with previous war history, socio-economic and political tensions, local crimes committed by Chinese etc. I'm a visitor there, and I clearly want to be respectful and observe the social mores and values of Japan, but I think that would be one aspect that would bring me down (if upon discovering I was of Chinese descent, I would receive different treatment). What has been the experience of other Asian non-Japanese visitors here? I am reasonably easy-going, and cognizant of the fact that if you don't look for trouble in certain regards (i.e. have a victimized mentality or a chip on your shoulder) you won't find it, for the most part, in any region of the world.

Whew ok, that's a long write up. Sorry for the huge wall of text! I am sure I will have a few more questions and follow-ups depending on the response I get, so thank you very much in advance for taking the time to read and respond.

Cheers,

Ken

[Glenski]

I will be coming over for a month, simply as a tourist to visit, learn and explore. My Japanese is non-existent, with the exception of a few phrases I picked up from a phrasebook. I have read that though you might make an effort to speak in Japanese, you will often have locals reply in English anyways...would it be more prudent, more pragmatic to simply ask in English?If you aren't prepared to receive answers in Japanese, just say so by asking, "Do you speak English?" or even "Is a little English ok?" You're going to get answers like "A little" regardless, unless you run into a really fluent and confident person. Emphasis on the word confident, too. Japanese are too shy to admit how well a few of them can speak. EDIT: Just finished reading your whole post, so you might also want to explain you are from Canada, so people won't think you are Chinese. Answers will depend, too, on what you're asking. Menu questions? Directions to some place? How to operate the ticket machine?

I'm concerned that I might offend with my admittedly terrible Japanese speaking skills,Don't be concerned. In addition to the Japanese' poor ability to learn spoken English, many/most are under the impression that no westerner can learn Japanese. Understand that if you confront someone older than HS age, they will have gone through 6 years of grammar classes, so there's SOME margin for communication there, even if it's to write something down.

If I am completely lost, would it be acceptable to ask those around for help or would it be considered rude to simply approach someone (again, forgive my ignorance but Japanese culture is very different and far more subtle in certain aspects)?Need directions? Have a map at hand, and know how to pronounce the destination. If you only want subway or JR train instructions, the routes in the major cities are listed in English and Japanese anyway. Major stops are listed at each station, so you will know which platform to use just by knowing what stops are along the way to your destination.

Also, since I will be staying for a good month, I have looked into other accommodation besides hotels as there are cheaper alternatives. Does anyone here have any experience renting a flat / condo?Can't help you there. Hostels are cheap, as are capsule hotels. Business or tourist hotels cost fairly little (4000-5000 yen/night with breakfast). What's your budget? Most apartments won't rent for a month, only for 2 years, and you usually need a guarantor (employer in Japan) to vouch for you.


Also, I will be bringing a sketchbook along with me to do lots of drawing. If I am sitting in a cafe, wandering a shopping district, or set up along a street somewhere to draw people -- what would be things to be mindful of?Just use common sense. Sketching a bank looks suspicious.

My sketchbooks also contain life drawing i.e. nude figure studies from models; though I will be careful and try not to have those right open, if someone were to catch a glimpse, would that be something considered to give offense?Hardly! Japanese businessmen have nude magazines and comics with nude and sexual pictures in them, and they openly "read" them on trains.

(if upon discovering I was of Chinese descent, I would receive different treatment). What has been the experience of other Asian non-Japanese visitors here?Is your nationality Chinese, or are you merely a second, third, tenth generation? If you are Canadian (whether born there or naturalized), then you area Canadian. Don't say Chinese-Canadian. You MIGHT get a few looks or questions, but use your nationality to ease matters. Chinese students and gangs are the ones who cause trouble, not Chinese-Canadians.

[XShaolin7]

Wow, thank you for the thorough and quick reply Glenski! Good to hear that my sketching will not be an issue, as that's a big part of daily routine for me, even at work (sketch on breaks / lunch). I promise, no bank sketching ... I had to laugh at that one.
Is your nationality Chinese, or are you merely a second, third, tenth generation? If you are Canadian (whether born there or naturalized), then you area Canadian. Don't say Chinese-Canadian. You MIGHT get a few looks or questions, but use your nationality to ease matters. Chinese students and gangs are the ones who cause trouble, not Chinese-Canadians.
To answer your question, I'm full ethnic Chinese, born in Malaysia, and raised in Canada i.e. naturalized. Further to this:
EDIT: Just finished reading your whole post, so you might also want to explain you are from Canada, so people won't think you are Chinese.
But, I am Chinese! Presumably you mean those Chinese from the mainland, born and raised in China? Not to read too much into your posting but it still seems there are perception and bias issues revolving around Chinese in Japan (perhaps deserved, in some cases). I can promise I will observe and respect local culture and customs, what else can I do right? It's not really my place to tell people how they should think or behave towards me ... hopefully, I will have that respect reciprocated but if not then that's life! I am not too concerned, though it may intially bother me more than I'd let on.
Can't help you there. Hostels are cheap, as are capsule hotels. Business or tourist hotels cost fairly little (4000-5000 yen/night with breakfast). What's your budget? Most apartments won't rent for a month, only for 2 years, and you usually need a guarantor (employer in Japan) to vouch for you.
Hmm, I have bookmarked a few sites where monthly accommodations may be had, though of course I've no idea what to expect beyond the posted pictures. I had budgeted about $1500 CDN (roughly 150000 yen, I think), but perhaps that's on the low end considering the cost of staying in and around Tokyo proper. I'm not sold on the hostel idea simply because I would have to leave electronic devices behind, things I wouldn't necessarily be carrying with me all of the time.

I had read that it's a good idea to carry small gifts to give. What's the proper etiquette for that? It would seem a bit strange to simply offer something to someone who has stopped to help me, but as I understand things some will go out of their way to offer aid and I wouldn't want to be caught empty handed in that situation. Is it normal or expected to offer something when someone is quite generous in their help, beyond a simple thank you? What would be appropriate, exactly (someone mentioned small pins, or candy, etc)?

Thank you again Glenski. If anyone else would like to offer advice as well, please go ahead!

[bammbamm&pebbles]

I know 2 female Sino-Malaysians living in Saitama Prefecture 埼玉県,both working as English teachers in local Japanese public elementary schools.They get along very well with ordinary Japanese.One of them told me that her family was turned down for a rental apartment because they're of Chinese descent.

Yes,some are burdened by bad reputations of China people.

[Chidoriashi]

Well Shaolin, first of all, if you are 100% Chinese people may actually assume you are either Japanese or can speak Japanese fairly well. So stick to just English. And expect people to most likely start talking to you in Japanese (if they are the ones that initiate the conversation) The more Asian-looking you are here the better you Japanese ability is assumed to be.

As far as hotels etc goes, have you heard of the capsule hotels? You can find them in bigger cities and pay quite a bit less for them than regular hotels. Also, believe it or not some love hotels are cheaper than regular hotels. And then there is always Karaoke.. if you can sleep just about anywhere that is. At Karaoke you will get your own private room and usually a couch like place where you can lie down and sleep. I recommend this only on weeknights though, and or during their "free time" periods.. where you pay a set amount for like a 6 or 8 hour time period..it usually will start after midnight. Internet cafes can also be a good option if you can sleep in a chair (the chair is usually pretty comfortable and you can lean back in it). Oh and for your bathing and personal hygiene, onsen's and sento's should be all over the place for you to use... and do your laundry at coin laundry places. Oh and you can store you luggage at train stations in coin lockers.. but be weary of the time. You usually must pick them up before it gets too late.

About sketching people.. hmm.. I would be surprised if anybody even noticed.. people are doing various things on the street all the time, and many people are off in their own world anyway so..

and the nude drawings thing.. haha... like Glenski said.. you see people looking at porno mags in public all the time here. I would not worry about it.

[pipokun]

people may actually assume you are either Japanese or can speak Japanese fairly well.

The imaygination is interesting, but the simple fact, the significant increase of signboards/maps written in simplified as well as traditional characters or Korean language on the street, may deny the assumption.
Or the assumption may be true when you just face another simple one, more Asian students here.

Just buy "The original "POINT-AND-SPEAK" phrasebook" before you come to Japan when possible.
http://www.yubisashi.com/books/detail.asp?id=727

It is my generalization that people soon go somewhere after posting one or two questions, "How (put your ethnicity, country, gender or whatever) are treated in Japan"?
I don't know when you will come to Japan, but it is interesting to read your follow-ups, good or bad.

[bammbamm&pebbles]

The imaygination is interesting, but the simple fact, the significant increase of signboards/maps written in simplified as well as traditional characters or Korean language on the street, may deny the assumption.






Japanese generally can tell apart dark complexion southern-stock Chinese ( especially those born in SE Asia ) at a glance.

[XShaolin7]

Thank you so much for all of the responses everyone, I'm grateful for the counsel considering it will be my first time in your country!

I think I will make some attempts to speak a little Japanese, though I'm quite sure it will be limited to short phrases and greetings. As a visitor to another country, it's important to observe and respect the rules and social behaviours being adhered to. Hopefully my horribly Canadian accented, rudimentary Japanese won't cause me too much embarassment! I am sure we'll all have a good laugh though.
As far as hotels etc goes, have you heard of the capsule hotels? You can find them in bigger cities and pay quite a bit less for them than regular hotels. Also, believe it or not some love hotels are cheaper than regular hotels. And then there is always Karaoke.. if you can sleep just about anywhere that is. At Karaoke you will get your own private room and usually a couch like place where you can lie down and sleep. I recommend this only on weeknights though, and or during their "free time" periods.. where you pay a set amount for like a 6 or 8 hour time period..it usually will start after midnight. Internet cafes can also be a good option if you can sleep in a chair (the chair is usually pretty comfortable and you can lean back in it). Oh and for your bathing and personal hygiene, onsen's and sento's should be all over the place for you to use... and do your laundry at coin laundry places. Oh and you can store you luggage at train stations in coin lockers.. but be weary of the time. You usually must pick them up before it gets too late.
I'm not sure how many of these suggestions I will take up, Chidorashi, though I'm grateful for the advice of course! I know $1500 isn't that much, but hopefully it's enough to get me one clean, safe, secure place to store my stuff and sleep / shower etc. There seem to be some promising leads from renting apartments, so I will keep my fingers crossed.

I haven't yet been able to find the point and speak phrasebook, though I understand I can pick it up in Narita airport somewhere? I also have a phrasebook I bought at a bookstore here, with written characters, so if all else fails I hope I am able to use that just as well.

Pipokun, I apologize if my followups came across as paranoid or pessimistic. Though the stories I've read on here and heard from co-workers are anecdotal, sometimes you can't help but imagine worst case scenarios! I am quite easy going though, and respectful, so even if I encounter an issue, I should know better than to respond in kind.

As much as the encounters I have with people will help shape my perceptions of Japan to an extent, I'm also an "unofficial" ambassador for Canadians, and ethnic Chinese as well. So, it's my hope that by displaying a good attitude and a friendly demeanour, I can help break down the perceptions and bias in some small way. And to answer your question, I will be in Japan for all of December and into the New Year. Please let me know of any neat things to enjoy during that time, if you have any suggestions!

[XShaolin7]

Here's one I was thinking about today -- does one hold open doors for others (especially elderly people, mothers with little babies, etc.) or would that be considered strange? I know I would certainly give up my seat on the train, as well, for an elderly person or the aforementioned mother with children, but again I'm not sure what the etiquette is?

[kusojiji]

the Japanese' poor ability to learn spoken English.




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Here's one I was thinking about today -- does one hold open doors for others (especially elderly people, mothers with little babies, etc.) or would that be considered strange? I know I would certainly give up my seat on the train, as well, for an elderly person or the aforementioned mother with children, but again I'm not sure what the etiquette is?


Doors won't often be an issue as most you come across in public will be automatic. Giving up a seat to an older person will be appreciated anywhere. Just don't sit in the silver seats.

[Glenski]

People hold and don't hold doors open all the time. Politeness goes a long way.

I had read that it's a good idea to carry small gifts to give. What's the proper etiquette for that? For whom? Unless you are planning to visit someone, there is no need. Of course, if someone helps you, just smile and say thanks.

Re: Chinese vs. Canadian
My mistake. You are LIVING in Canada, but you ARE Chinese. There is no need to advertise your nationality anyway. I'd definitely suggest doing so if you do something extraordinarily nice, though. Shake up a few perceptions here.

Just have a good time.

[kusojiji]

In addition to the Japanese' poor ability to learn spoken English, many/most are under the impression that no westerner can learn Japanese.





I recommend you disregard this irrational bit of contradiction.

[Glenski]

Nothing contradictory or false about my statements. You aren't even in Japan, nor have you ever been here (according to your cutesy profile).

Japanese speak English badly.
Many / Most Japanese let the poor Japanese ability of foreigners slide because they don't expect them to learn it well, and they think foreigners have a difficult to impossible time learning it.

I recommend you disregard the remarks from someone who has never even been here.

[kusojiji]

Nothing contradictory or false about my statements. You aren't even in Japan, nor have you ever been here (according to your cutesy profile).

Japanese speak English badly.
Many / Most Japanese let the poor Japanese ability of foreigners slide because they don't expect them to learn it well, and they think foreigners have a difficult to impossible time learning it.

I recommend you disregard the remarks from someone who has never even been here.


I guess my profile said nothing about the years I lived in Japan or the fact that we spend a few weeks there every year. I registered here some 5 years ago and just now got around to posting. Not that such experience should be necessary to see that irrational generalizations like those above are unproductive and inaccurate.

There are loads of Japanese who probably speak English better than you do and there are loads who have all but forgotten what they learned in school because they didn't need to use it (their counterparts in the US often claim to be 'fluent' in Spanish under the exact same circumstances). Nevertheless, the ability to learn languages is essentially equal among human beings all over the earth, and most people in most countries who aren't complete a-holes will give positive encouragement to someone from another country who is clearly trying to communicate in the local language.

[Chayssie]

"Look up and not down. Look forward and not back. Look out and not in, and lend a hand."
Edward Everett Hale

Hello...konnichiwa everyone! I was wondering if anyone out there will be kind enough to give informations about flea markets particularly in yokohama? We live in Minami-ku area, a flea market outside of it will be burdensome for me because I have to bring my 3kids with me,everytime I go out...Thank you very much!:cool:

[Chidoriashi]

"Look up and not down. Look forward and not back. Look out and not in, and lend a hand."
Edward Everett Hale
Hello...konnichiwa everyone! I was wondering if anyone out there will be kind enough to give informations about flea markets particularly in yokohama? We live in Minami-ku area, a flea market outside of it will be burdensome for me because I have to bring my 3kids with me,everytime I go out...Thank you very much!:cool:

I suggest you start a new thread for this. And sorry I don't know much about Yokohama. I have only visited there a few times.

[Chidoriashi]

Kusojiji> While Glenski saying the Japanese lack ability is not the correct term, I think his assertions are quite correct. On the whole I think Japanese don't speak English that well. And why should they? Learning a language is hard work. It takes real practice and commitment. Especially when trying to learn one so different from your native one. So unless they have a real reason to make English more than just a subject in school, they probably won't.

And I really hope you were just exaggerating when you said there are "loads" Japanese who speak English better than Glenski, because you would be quite delusional to believe that is true. Even suggesting there would be one such person would be a stretch. It is just nonsensical. And I know Japanese people love to make comments like "your Japanese is better than mine!" and sorry if you believed them.. but they're lying.

[kusojiji]

And I really hope you were just exaggerating when you said there are "loads" Japanese who speak English better than Glenski, because you would be quite delusional to believe that is true. Even suggesting there would be one such person would be a stretch. It is just nonsensical.



Not at all. Now of course I would need to sit down and speak with what's his name to really get a sense of his English usage, but the point remains. Many native speakers of any language are very sloppy and inaccurate because they can be. Many people who master a second language to a high degree are more careful and grammatically accurate than the average native speaker for the simple reason that they pay more attention to how they speak. There are 'loads' of native Japanese speakers who have mastered English to such a high degree. They are obviously a minority, as would be expected of any peoples from a relatively homogeneous linguistic envirnoment (like the US), but they are there and they are proof, if any was needed, that "the Japanese' poor ability to learn spoken English" is a foolish thing to say.

[Chidoriashi]

Ok I am not going to bother finding statistics and studies for something that I think is really obvious, so I will just talk from personal experience.

While it is true that many natives technically make some mistakes when speaking, they can get away with it because nobody cares about those errors. Using who or whom?? Nobody cares because it doesn't take away from the naturalness of the conversation. Besides those kinds rules change over time anyway. Did you know that the pronoun "you" used have a plural form? So I am sure that many natives spoke "incorrectly" for a period of time until it was realized that the plural form of "you" was not necessary.

The difference is though that non-native speakers make the mistakes that are unnatural to make. Honestly, how many Japanese have you met that truly live up to being better than a native speaker? Do they always use prepositions correctly? Do they speak foreign accent free? Do they always use "a" or "the" properly? Do they understand all subtle nuances? Have you ever paid close attention to their listening comprehension? Do they really understand everything.. all of the time? What would an honest assessment of their vocabulary level show? I have literally met hundreds of Japanese, and only one of them even comes close to what you are suggesting. This person has lived in the US for 10 years, she will soon be an MD, she is a perfectionist and extremely smart. She pretty much has no Japanese accent, but she still is not better than a native speaker.

I am sure there are "loads" of Japanese (although that is a relative term) that have mastered English to a high level... say... 50,000? 100,000? 500,000? 1,000,000? Yeah that is a lot, but it is minuscule when compared against the entire Japanese population of 127 million. And of that number of high level achievers I assert that to find one that is TRULY up to the level of a native speaker would be extremely rare.

I have never met a Japanese who speaks English better than an native speaker, so I think for you to suggest that there are "loads" of Japanese who speak English better than Glenski is quite a nonsensical statement.

And I am not making a statement about the ability of Japanese to learn English here. Their ability is equal to that of anybody else. I just simply don't believe that a second language learner can achieve a level that is equal to a native speaker in every respect. And yeah, maybe it can be done (cuz nothing is impossible) but there certainly will never be "loads" of them.

[kusojiji]

While it is true that many natives technically make some mistakes when speaking, they can get away with it because nobody cares about those errors. Using who or whom?? Nobody cares because it doesn't take away from the naturalness of the conversation. Besides those kinds rules change over time anyway. .



See, you are already getting into the distinction between prescriptive and descriptive grammar. The definition of 'better' is already becoming complicated, leaving open the question at hand.

[kusojiji]

Go to your average high school in your average US city and listen to the way the kids speak. The psuedo-Ebonic mess they use to communicate with each other is likely to be very far from what you yourself consider "correct."

I was in a doctor's office just the other day and overheard a receptionist working in a professional setting make a few dozen grammatical errors and repeatedly pronounce 'ask' as 'axe.'

[kusojiji]

With all the errors of grammar and pronunciation that native speakers are regularly guilty of, how is it that they may be considered 'perfect?' Is it because they are able to communicate effectively in their language environment? A non-native speaker who has mastered a second language to a high degree may also achieve such effectiveness, and be more accurate in one or several areas than many native speakers of that language.

[Chidoriashi]

See, you are already getting into the distinction between prescriptive and descriptive grammar. The definition of 'better' is already becoming complicated, leaving open the question at hand.

I made this distinction because that is what people will judge the other upon, naturalness.

[Chidoriashi]

Go to your average high school in your average US city and listen to the way the kids speak. The psuedo-Ebonic mess they use to communicate with each other is likely to be very far from what you yourself consider "correct."
I was in a doctor's office just the other day and overheard a receptionist working in a professional setting make a few dozen grammatical errors and repeatedly pronounce 'ask' as 'axe.'

I imagine you see the same in any country with any language, including Japan. And the psudo-Ebonic mess you speak of is cultural. Language changes and evolves. Just because it is different from what you grew up doesn't make that way of speaking any less natural. It is still native.

[Chidoriashi]

With all the errors of grammar and pronunciation that native speakers are regularly guilty of, how is it that they may be considered 'perfect?' Is it because they are able to communicate effectively in their language environment? A non-native speaker who has mastered a second language to a high degree may also achieve such effectiveness, and be more accurate in one or several areas than many native speakers of that language.

Communicating effectively in ones language environment is the point exactly. And these high achievers may be effective, but I guarantee you they still make unnatural mistakes, which coincide with the environment they are in.

They are not better than native speakers. And you did not answer any of my questions... Starting with have you met a Japanese that is truly better than a native speaker according to the rest of the questions I proposed? Please be honest. And if you have not paid close enough attention to know for sure than say so.

[kusojiji]

I made this distinction because that is what people will judge the other upon, naturalness.



And how do you measure that?

[kusojiji]

Just because it is different from what you grew up doesn't make that way of speaking any less natural.


LOL! You don't say! :okashii:

[Ahega]

To get back to the topic~ look through those links, there are pretty cheap accommodations listed. http://j-hoppers.com/e_g_links.html
Though I have to say that it will be difficult to stay one month with that budget. You should look out for 100 Yen Shops to buy your basic food and stuff you need, that'll save you a lot of money.

As suggest have a map and something to write with you to get directions and stuff. Also there are quiet a lot of nice people who would bring you all the way to your destination. You don't have to give something to people who help you on the street. In fact they'd feel uncomfortable if you do so. Just say "thank you" with a nice smile as you would do anywhere else.

I think it's never wrong to try to speak at least some words of the language, which is spoken in the country you're visiting. Personally I consider it as polite. And don't be bothered by your accent. Just imagine someone with heavy accent and somewhat broken English will speak to you, somehow you'd understand that person anyway, right?
Maybe you should learn a phrase saying that you only speak English...? Anyway, try to pick up some of the language while you're there. It's the best way to learn it and will definitely help you. Especially if you decide to visit more rural areas.

I guess that's all I can think of for now... I hope you'll have a nice trip! And don't forget there are hundreds of thousands of people who managed to enjoy Japan without speaking one single word and knowing nothing about it - so you'll make it, too!

[kusojiji]

Do they always use prepositions correctly?

Do all native speakers of English?




Do they speak foreign accent free?


Ask a Texan that question about a Bostonian.




Do they always use "a" or "the" properly?

Do all native speakers of English?


Do they understand all subtle nuances?

Do all native speakers of English?




Have you ever paid close attention to their listening comprehension?


Exceedingly close attention.



Do they really understand everything.. all of the time?


Do all native speakers of English?


What would an honest assessment of their vocabulary level show?







The same thing it would show among native English speakers; a variety of outcomes based on a variety of aspects.

[XShaolin7]

To get back to the topic~ look through those links, there are pretty cheap accommodations listed. Though I have to say that it will be difficult to stay one month with that budget. You should look out for 100 Yen Shops to buy your basic food and stuff you need, that'll save you a lot of money.
Thank you so much, Ahega! I see things have been sidetracked a bit, so I'm grateful you spoke up and offered much appreciated advice! Just to clarify, the $1500 CDN (or roughly 150000 Yen) is for my accommodations alone i.e. just the hotel, or apartment rental in my case. I will be bringing another $3000 CDN spending money for other costs like food, shopping money, etc. It's still not a high end budget, but I don't think it's so low that I will be begging on the streets! Most, if not all gift buying, will be for family and friends back here and not for me (the exception being nice art supplies I might find cheaper here, but I'm not sure about that).
As suggest have a map and something to write with you to get directions and stuff. Also there are quiet a lot of nice people who would bring you all the way to your destination. You don't have to give something to people who help you on the street. In fact they'd feel uncomfortable if you do so. Just say "thank you" with a nice smile as you would do anywhere else.
That is good to know! I think I'd feel bad if they felt obligated, out of politeness, to bring me all the way to my destination -- but I am not sure if it's rude to tell them it's unnecessary? Also, it's good to hear your counsel on the gift giving; small advice as simple as this helps me out a great deal, because I expect I will be lost a few times. Thank you!
Maybe you should learn a phrase saying that you only speak English...? Anyway, try to pick up some of the language while you're there. It's the best way to learn it and will definitely help you.
Oh yes, I definitely plan to make an effort even with my poor / nearly non-existent abilities. I think I can say "Eigo o hanashimasu ka" / "Eigo de iidesu ka" / "Eigo ga dekimasu ka"? Though I'm not sure which would be the most polite form. I have a phrasebook as well, which I will be putting to use!
I guess that's all I can think of for now... I hope you'll have a nice trip! And don't forget there are hundreds of thousands of people who managed to enjoy Japan without speaking one single word and knowing nothing about it - so you'll make it, too!
Ahh, thank you for the kind word of encouragement Ahega! I can only hope it will be as brilliant and beautiful as I'm anticipating; but I believe my attitude and how I conduct myself will play a big part in all of that as well.

Please keep the suggestions and advice coming, guys!

Ken

[Ahega]

Just to clarify, the $1500 CDN (or roughly 150000 Yen) is for my accommodations alone i.e. just the hotel, or apartment rental in my case.
Oh~ I see! There should be no real problem then. Just one thing, which crossed my mind: you should calculate a fair amount on transportation! I think those expanses are a bit underrated in my opinion.

but I am not sure if it's rude to tell them it's unnecessary?
No I don't think so. Actually I think they'll just go on insisting to go with you... It just happened to me once and that time I was glad that they showed my friends and me the way.

"Eigo o hanashimasu ka" / "Eigo de iidesu ka" / "Eigo ga dekimasu ka"? Though I'm not sure which would be the most polite form.
They are all polite, though you should go with the first and the third. The second one is not wrong at all, but personally I wouldn't use it for that purpose. But I guess you're better off asking someone with a higher level of Japanese.

but I believe my attitude and how I conduct myself will play a big part in all of that as well.
So true~

[Chidoriashi]

And how do you measure that?
Does this even need to be explained?
It is intuitive.

LOL! You don't say! :okashii:
I'm glad I could enlighten you on this.
(sensing the smart aleck remark...)
I'm not quite sure what youre laughing about cuz bringing it up as an example of "bad native speakers" says that you really did not realize that.

[Chidoriashi]

I like how you avoided all of my very direct questions, which in a lot of ways tells me you would have answered "No".

Well first off, in regard the the accent thing, I said "FOREIGN" accent, and by foreign I mean non-native English speaker accents.

And for prepositions, "a" and "the", nuances etc.. all this shows me is you have missed the point. Are all native speakers perfect? No, people do make mistakes. You got me.

The point is though produce one Japanese who can do all those things better than a native speaker. You know anybody? Didn't think so..


And give a thoughtful response this time, or don't bother please.

[kusojiji]

Does this even need to be explained?
It is intuitive.



In other words, you can't.

[kusojiji]

The point is though produce one Japanese who can do all those things better than a native speaker.



I thought we covered this. Why do you want us to repeat ourselves?

[Glenski]

Can we get a moderator to sweep the room clean of unnecessary posts here?

[Chidoriashi]

Kusojiji> No, in other words you're not making any sense.

and covered it? If you mean the fact that you cannot produce anybody. Then yeah we covered it. :-)

Well, you can't give more than a 10 second "I know you are but what am I response" so I am done trying to convince you an apple is not an orange.

[kusojiji]

and covered it? If you mean the fact that you cannot produce anybody. Then yeah we covered it.


I addressed this already. Why do you want to keep going over it?

[FrustratedDave]

I addressed this already. Why do you want to keep going over it?
Are you just playing the fool ,or are you really feeding the crap that you are serving?

[kusojiji]

With what are you having a problem?

[becki_kanou]

Hmm. I'm not sure I like the way this thread is heading, but I'll throw my two cents in anyway.
I've lived in Japan for many years and met thousands of Japanese people and I've yet to meet one who I would consider as good as a native speaker, let alone better than a native speaker. (This is, of course, leaving out native bilingual speakers.) Most people I've met spoke a little English (greetings etc.) some spoke intermediate/conversational English and a few spoke quite excellent English that would be sufficient for business/ professional communication.
Among those, however, I never met anyone who had the perfect intonation, vocabulary, pronunciation, knowledge of casual and formal expressions and when to use which that would qualify them as, "as good a native speaker" in my mind.
Of course the plural of anecdote is not data, but if there really are "loads" of NSOJs who are better than a NSOE at English, I'd think I'd have met or at the very least heard of even one.

[FrustratedDave]

Hmm. I'm not sure I like the way this thread is heading, but I'll throw my two cents in anyway.
I've lived in Japan for many years and met thousands of Japanese people and I've yet to meet one who I would consider as good as a native speaker, let alone better than a native speaker. (This is, of course, leaving out native bilingual speakers.) Most people I've met spoke a little English (greetings etc.) some spoke intermediate/conversational English and a few spoke quite excellent English that would be sufficient for business/ professional communication.
Among those, however, I never met anyone who had the perfect intonation, vocabulary, pronunciation, knowledge of casual and formal expressions and when to use which that would qualify them as, "as good a native speaker" in my mind.
Of course the plural of anecdote is not data, but if there really are "loads" of NSOJs who are better than a NSOE at English, I'd think I'd have met or at the very least heard of even one.
And of the close to 15 years I have been here I also have only met one person who was good enough at English for me to not know that their first language was Japanese. (however she lived in the US for most of her life and my Japanese was better than hers. She could not write kanji at all . Both her parents were Japanese BTW.)

And although we are in agreement Becki, Kusojiji seems to know better. But I am betting that he would not know the difference between hyougoken and kyuushu dialect.

So What do have a problem with? The fact that the statements you have made are clearly showing your knowledge or lack there of on the situation on the Abilities of the majority of the population and their English speaking abilities. It is not that Japanese are completely hopeless, it is just not how you are putting it.

[kusojiji]

I never met anyone who had the perfect intonation, vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar, knowledge of casual and formal expressions and when to use which


You've never met a native speaker of English who was perfect in all those areas either.


And you never will.

[kusojiji]

So What do have a problem with? The fact that the statements you have made are clearly showing your knowledge or lack there of on the situation on the Abilities of the majority of the population and their English speaking abilities.



What comments did I make about "the majority of the population?"

[becki_kanou]

You've never met a native speaker of English who was perfect in all those areas either.
And you never will.

Are you kidding? While I'll grant you that there may be some tact-less or uneducated native speakers who can't handle register-switching appropriately or have a low vocabulary, all native speakers have perfect grammar, pronunciation and intonation (leaving aside momentary slips of the tongue and memory losses); that's what makes them native speakers.

When it comes to vocabulary no one is perfect, no one knows every single nuance of every single obscure word in their native language. I may have a larger vocabulary in some areas of knowledege than many NSOJs, but never would I consider myself better than a NSOJ, they have an instinct about their language that I'll unfortunately never have, however close I may get.

[ASHIKAGA]

It does not look like this argument/discussion is going anywhere. Can we just wish the OP a happy trip to Japan and leave it at that?

[becki_kanou]

You're right.

I'd forgotten the original purpose of the thread. I'll leave off here.

And I hope the OP will enjoy his trip. I recommend visiting the Kansai area, in my opinion it's the best part of Japan!

[kusojiji]

all native speakers have perfect grammar, pronunciation and intonation .




Wrong, and you admitted to the rest.

[ASHIKAGA]

I really think this has gone long enough. I am closing the thread.