Items you miss from Japan when outside of Japan

[sleidia]

Hello,

Here is something I would like to know from you all, Japanese and non-Japanese, as a part of a personal study :

What are the japanese things ( objects and food only ) that you miss a lot when you are outside of Japan?
Please specify whether you are Japanese or not.

My items of choice are : Nikuman and the famous "MaronMaron" cake.

What about you?
Thanks for participating :)

[dadio]

Ah, lotsa things!...
in particular...
Okonomiyaki & Takoyaki...
also... Pocky & Pocari Sweat.
Yep!...
*oishii!*...
I miss 'em alot!...
luckily enough I'll be over there in a few days time eating & drinking 'em!:)
Woohoo! :)

[den4]

Japanese Commercials
Japanese television programming
I don't miss the crowds of Tokyo or the morning rush hour, so that's another thread I suppose :D
probably the food
And the convenience stores that carry the fun stuff you can't find in the backwater US :D Where people are still so amazingly primitive that they think 7-11 is only good for their 40 gallon slurpies and expanding waistlines :D

[m477]

Haha... how come all the responses are about food? :p

As far as food goes I'm really in ramen withdrawl.

Otherwise, I really miss the cleanliness of most places. It seemed like no matter where I went, there was always somebody cleaning something. Like I remember going to a Toys R Us and seeing the shelves being dusted and polished and the whole store was spotless. Here in the US even many upscale stores have a bunch of dust and crud on the shelves and in corners.

[Uncle Frank]

I always loved sitting around the little table with the heater underneath and the Quilt edge to put over your lap. Hands would roam around underneath and up top everyone would look so inocent and happy. Close friends and good times !

Frank

[Iron Chef]

Objects and food only? Hmm... how about some of the freshest and most affordable (relatively speaking) seafood available? Of course, this might be a Hokkaido thing, but I sure miss going down to the market with my friends to browse for that "perfect" King crab to dig into after a hard night at the karaoke clubs. That would be my second choice btw. Japan has some of the best karaoke clubs in the world imho (and trust me, I have seen some pretty bad ones in my travels abroad).
:)

[Elizabeth]

I miss having such ridiculous signs and banners around everywhere to laugh at making sure you don't drown yourself in the creek, get out on the wrong side of the subway, or fall down a crack in the sidewalk.

Hi no naka ni te wo ireruna! (Don't put your hand in the flame!)

or this one put out by the Fukushima police :
"Wakai me wo sodateru kankyou machizukuri" (Good neighborhoods are made by the proper upbringing of young people (actually young buds))

as well as the Pocari, tiled roofs, flammable and nonflammable recycling bins (it really is the little things that stick with you) but mostly the people ! :).

[mad pierrot]

@m4777 - Heh, Ramen withdrawl! Yah, I'd have to agree with you.

The great hole-in-the-wall Ramen shops. Ramen, Gyouza, Yakimeshi and a nice cold Asahi... Damn! Nothing else even compares!

:beer:

[MissingOki]

Sumo, Oronamin-C, Aquarius, Taco, Ramen, Gyoza, Beeping crosswalks, Onsens, Karaoke, Pulling up to the front of a long line of cars on your motorcycle, Taxis with doors you never touch, Smoking anywhere you like, and being taller than everyone else.

[sleidia]

Oh ... I had forgotten CALPIS WATER and HOT DRINKS IN CANS ! ;)

BTW, thanks for the nice feedback.
Please go on !

[Angel of Ten]

In two days it'll be a year since I came back from Japan. I miss ramen (I would do anything to get one right now), momiji manjuu, book shops, shinto shrines, and all those cool vending machines where you can buy almost anything. Btw, is it just me, or Evian tastes different in Japan? :)

[sleidia]

Well Angel ... you should already know that everything tastes different in Japan ;)

[Golgo_13]

"Creep" in my coffee.

House Vermont Curry in my Udon.

The aroma of a "Kissaten" as the automatic doors open and you walk in.

Those school uniforms that middle and high school students wear.

Shocking an average Japanese folk with my ability to speak English.

Playing a practical joke on an American by first pretending not to understand and gradually uttering some heavily-accented English words, and trying to see how long it takes for the American to realize I'm speaking in flawless English. :D :D :D :D

Being complimented on my physique. :clap: :clap: :clap:

[Iron Chef]

"Being complimented on my physique."

That's something you really miss when outside of Japan? No shortage of modesty I see...
:)

[dadako]

I'm in tokyo so I miss things from england!

I guess I'll miss vending machines and karaoke

[dadako]

kotatsu!

yes I want to build one when I go back to england

Originally posted by Frank D. White
I always loved sitting around the little table with the heater underneath and the Quilt edge to put over your lap. Hands would roam around underneath and up top everyone would look so inocent and happy. Close friends and good times !

Frank

[Chacrazy]

Since I'm still into the stuff, anything kimono ('specially all the ties and other stuff that's harder to get), and tea utensils.
It's easier to get some Japanese stuff in Chicago, not so far away, but still haven't found really good ramen like I used to eat in Tohoku area.
-wagashi
-tsuruki soba
-Akiyoshi stuff on a stick, especially their kushikatsu
-Yes, Aquarius!!! I used to drink it and eat mushipan every morning.

-everything else

[sapporokirin]

I really miss.....
1) izakaya(
2) fish market(sakanaya san)
3) japanese coffee
4)nabeyaki udon
5)japanese green onion(negi)、burdock(gobou)

[Iron Chef]

"3) japanese coffee"

"Georgia" in a can! I'm not much for hot coffee but I can put those down like a champ, heh. 8-p
:)

[noyhauser]

hmm...

Anpan. Still my favorite pastry.
100 Yen Kaitenzushi- 2800 yen later rolling yourself out the door and still less calories than a Macdonalds.
Instant Japanese apple curry. mmmmmmmmm
Usless Gadgets (why do you need a robotic dog?)
SAPORRO TIME!!
Roof top combined Beergardens yakiniku places. OMG is there ever a better party location for friends.

Those are a few that stick out in my head.

[Tonma]

TAKO YAKI, OKONOMI YAKI, GE SEN(game center), no that's not a thing its a place:p . GYU DON, SUSHI I'm talkin bout real sushi.

[sleidia]

One more thing I'll miss a lot after I leave the country :

The new TONPOOROO-MAN ( トンポーローまん ) !

If you are in Japan, go to the first combini you see and try one.
Simply delicious. It's not a traditional product ( I guess ) but it can't
be found oversea.

Taste it and tell me what you think :)

[Buntaro]

Japanese earspoons!

[keith863]

* jidouhanbaiki (vending machines)
* seifuku kitteru hitotachi (the many uniformed people/workers)
* conbini (convenience stores with japanese food/goods in them)
* oshare na kissaten (stylish coffee shops)
* kawaii to kirei na nihonjin no onnanohito
:clap:

[Buntaro]

The nightly Sumo DIgest TV show, whenever there is a sumo basho.

(I really miss this!) (zannen!)

[Golgo_13]

Originally posted by Buntaro
The nightly Sumo DIgest TV show, whenever there is a sumo basho.

(I really miss this!) (zannen!)

Mattaku soudesuyo!

Where are you located bro? I'm in LA and I used to watch Sumo Digest all the time when it was shown on Channel 18 until about 3 years ago. I even called the production company to ask what happened and they said they didn't have enough sponsors to keep the show going. But all they had to do was get a tape of each nights show from NHK and air it, but I guess even that cost a lot of money. If you get the satellite Japanese channel you can actually watch each basho in it's entirety but I can't afford it

Now, any news I get about Sumo comes from http://www.japantimes.co.jp.

I hope Akebono knocks out Bob Sapp with a "Harite" :D

[Buntaro]

Golgo Chan!

I live in Visalia, in Central California. Out here in the boonies, you can forget about any Sumo Digest!

My favorite throw was kimidashi, although I am always inpressed when someone would pull off off an utchari.

"Jinsei wa bo-ken desu!"
-Buntaro

[Buntaro]

I miss going to an akacho-chin and having edamame with beer. Hoo-hoo! Kawaebi was good too. And niku jaga. Good stuff. Anyone out there ever drink sho-chu?

[Buntaro]

What was the name of that large toy store in Harajuku? Going to Tokyu Hands in Shibuya. That big temple in Asakusa. Waiting for doors to coffee shops to open automatically - and standing there like a fool when it would be a wierd coffee shop that did not have an automatic door. Freezing my tail off on train platforms at night in the middle of winter. Watching pros play "Go" on TV on Sunday mornings. Going to a "sento" because my "yo jo han" did not have a bath. Doing "kiseru" on the trains. The big Buddha in Kamakura. The Sony building in Ginza. In Tokyo Station, going WAY DOWN to the fifth basement to catch the Sobu sen. What great memories! Watching the Take No Ko in Yoyogi, in the middle of the street on a Sunday - do they still do that stuff?

[neko_girl22]

Originally posted by Buntaro
Anyone out there ever drink sho-chu?

I live in Kagoshima-ken, which is shochu country... so that's what everyone drinks. My husband has adjusted very well and now drinks nothing else! In the beginning I hated the stuff, but now I really like it :p

[Buntaro]

Nzueda san!

Howdy from California!

Is it true that you get less of a hang-over when you drink shochu than other alcoholic drinks? That is what everyone believes. I have always wondered if it is true....

[Golgo_13]

Originally posted by Buntaro
Golgo Chan!

I live in Visalia, in Central California. Out here in the boonies, you can forget about any Sumo Digest!

My favorite throw was kimidashi, although I am always inpressed when someone would pull off off an utchari.

"Jinsei wa bo-ken desu!"
-Buntaro


Akebono got knocked out by Bob Sapp in round 1. I'm disappointed.

[eimik]

not having to speak english

my grandmother

the fashion

the ecentric culture

the technology

going to the supermarket

the services recieved as a customer

and blah blah blah

[neko_girl22]

Originally posted by Golgo_13
Akebono got knocked out by Bob Sapp in round 1. I'm disappointed.

common it was so obvious bob was going to win! He could've won in 30 seconds if he had wanted to ... very disappointing... such a lot of hype about 3 minutes of a one sided fight. Your flag is American, but you must be in Japan to see that fight, or is on cable?

I don't normally watch K1,wrestling etc but Bob Sapp against an ex-Sumo sounded interesting hehe

[neko_girl22]

Originally posted by Buntaro
Is it true that you get less of a hang-over when you drink shochu than other alcoholic drinks? That is what everyone believes. I have always wondered if it is true....

こんにちはBuntaro-san!:wave:
I don't really drink enough to say anything based on my own experience, but my husband says exactly what you said about shochu. That you don't get as much of a hangover - if any- compared to other alcoholic drinks.
It also has less calories - which I like hehe.

[Buntaro]

nzueda san! (Does that mean N.Z. Ueda San...?) Golgo San!

I am in San Francisco for New Years, and guess what! I dropped in a Japanese restaurant, and they had a tape of Sumo Digest playing on the TV! It was so cool! I hadn't seen it in years!

[neko_girl22]

Hi Buntaro!
hehe yeah I'm not very imaginative..... I'm originally from New Zealand and my surname is Ueda :p
Have a great time in San Francisco!

[Golgo_13]

Originally posted by nzueda
Your flag is American, but you must be in Japan to see that fight, or is on cable?


I'm in Los Angeles but the Nikkan Sports newspaper is available at Japanese grocers and restaurants everywhere, plus I'm a big martial arts fans so I get the news on the 'net. I do expect to see the fight when the video stores make them available in a week or two.

:bow:

[Old School]

Originally posted by Buntaro
What was the name of that large toy store in Harajuku?

It was called "Toyland". 6 floors of fun! That's where I bought my rare Sukeban Deka II doll. They were sold out the next day.

Watching the Take No Ko in Yoyogi, in the middle of the street on a Sunday - do they still do that stuff? [/QUOTE]

Nope. They stopped it. It's sad really. I used to go hang out there every week. Then a short walk over to "idol street" (Takeshita Dori). Yoyogi is where I saw Nori-P in a free concert. ROCK!! Yeah, I'm in the video.

[Old School]

Oooh, forgot to post to the original topic.

Takoyaki
Watching Tensai Bakabon on TV

[Buntaro]

Hi Old School!

You make it sound like they closed Toyland. Did they?

It is too bad that they stopped Take No Ko. I remember in the very beginning, when it was just people hanging out. Years later, I heard that they had whole bands set up stage right in the middle of the street. Amazing!

You reminded me of Japanese festivals - that is what I miss! The booths selling food. The bottles of soda with the little ball to seal them. The fish that kids would catch and take home (and I always wondered how long it would take for all of those fish to die!) All the young people in yukata. The Power Rangers masks that were for sale, back before anyone in America had ever heard of Power Rangers. Stopping by a temple and tying those white pieces of paper on a tree or whatever.

Natsukashii!

[Buntaro]

Hi Old School!

Did you ever spend time at Tokyu Hands in Shibuya? What was your favorite floor?

[Buntaro]

Is anyone here old enough to remember...

PINK LADY!

[neko_girl22]

Originally posted by Buntaro
Is anyone here old enough to remember...

PINK LADY!

I don't remember them, but I know of them. My husband had a crush on one of them when he was a kid!!! I guess it must've been all that tight lycra hehe ;)

[Buntaro]

I first visited Japan in 1978. When I got to Japan at that time, Pink Lady was everywhere - Pink Lady T-shirts, Pink Lady pencils, Pink Lady bicycles, even Pink Lady garbage cans for sale! It was just like the Beatles experience had been in America back in the 60's. It was amazing!

[Old School]

Originally posted by Buntaro
Hi Old School!

Did you ever spend time at Tokyu Hands in Shibuya? What was your favorite floor?

Too much time according to my girlfriend at the time. I hung out at the toy and hobby floor.

[Old School]

Originally posted by Buntaro
You make it sound like they closed Toyland. Did they?


Not that I know of.

Originally posted by Buntaro
It is too bad that they stopped Take No Ko. I remember in the very beginning, when it was just people hanging out. Years later, I heard that they had whole bands set up stage right in the middle of the street. Amazing!


I'm not sure why they put a stop to it. One theory I heard was that more and more foreigners were starting to discover it and it lost it's appeal. Yeah, the whole strip would be lined with amateur bands (powered by portable generators). The line-up was kinda chronological and would start with the "Yankees" (50s greasers straight out of American Graffitti - greased hair, leather jackets, poodle skirts, etc), then the Beatle-type British invasion bands, then the 60s acid rock groups, then the 80s metal bands, then the wanna-be idols. I posted in a different thread that one day at the end of this entire line, Nori-P (Sakai Noriko) had set-up a stage to promote her new single "Diamond Blue." It's on video (look for a long-haired dude all in black in the audience - that's me). :happy:

[Old School]

Originally posted by Buntaro
Is anyone here old enough to remember...

PINK LADY!

Of course! Kei and Mie! You should talk to flashjeff. He's the biggest Pink Lady fan in the US. He mostly hangs out in the Pop Culture section of this forum. Can you do the moves to "UFO"?

[Buntaro]

UFO? Man oh man, to this very day, whenever I hear the word UFO, I still put my hand behind the back of my head, do that stupid UFO gesture, and yell "Yoo Foh!"

Hey Old School, do you remember the Pink Lady TV series that aired in the U.S. way back then?

[Old School]

Owww...Originally posted by Buntaro
UFO? Man oh man, to this very day, whenever I hear the word UFO, I still put my hand behind the back of my head, do that stupid UFO gesture, and yell "Yoo Foh!"

Hey Old School, do you remember the Pink Lady TV series that aired in the U.S. way back then?

Yeah, it was so long ago that it's embarrassing! I remember when they had Alice Cooper on as a guest. What a match-up! I can't remember what he sang or even if they joined him. I think it was during his "Welcome to My Nightmare" tour. Anyway, they had painfully stupid banter written for them:

Aren't you girls the biggest thing in Japan?
"No, the biggest thing in Japan is Gojira! Hee hee heee...!" :p Owww...

[Golgo_13]

Originally posted by Old School
Watching Tensai Bakabon on TV

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D


That was a hysterical show. Like the "Simpsons" in the States

Did you ever see "Osomatsu-kun" by the same creators of Bakabon? A story about sextuplets. Also very funny :D

[Old School]

Yeah, Bakabon was my favourite show (Urusei Yatsura a close scond). You can't beat a character like "Unagi Inu" (Dog Eel). His house was half on land and half in the river so both of his parents could visit him.

I didn't get a chance to see Osomatsu-kun though.

[Karri]

The things I miss about Japan when I leave are the people, speaking japanese, the food, chu-hi, j-pop, Ayumi Hamasaki, japanese commercials that sometime do not make sense to me, and other things

[Golgo_13]

Originally posted by Karri
The things I miss about Japan when I leave are the people, speaking japanese, the food, chu-hi, j-pop, Ayumi Hamasaki, japanese commercials that sometime do not make sense to me, and other things

Then you've been in Japan for too long. :D

:bow:

[j codec]

No doubt:
ANY food in Japan and vending machines.
It's hard to find any food in the US that is even *near* the quality of food in Japan (in Tokyo, anyway).

[Flashjeff]

Karaoke clubs and those wild and crazy TV commercials! :D

[Flashjeff]

Pink Lady! Hot damn! Now you're talkin'! Yo, Buntaro! If you haven't already done so, then swing by my website for your Mie and Kei fix:

http://www.pinkladyamerica.com

As for Pink Lady & Jeff, it wasn't exactly must see TV (I have the entire series on DVD), but it had a certain sort of goofy charm. AND, the girls sang "UFO" in the third episode! :D

[Buntaro]

Hi flashjeff!

A Pink Lady DVD? Wow!

Do you know if there are any Pink Lady songs being shared on the internet?

[Golgo_13]

I miss the evening "Yomise" in the summers during a holiday. Venders line up a street (traffic-stopped) near a Buddhist Temple and sell stuff like Takoyaki, cotton candy, goldfish catching booths, etc. I like the atmosphere.

The closest thing that I've found in the U.S. is the San Genaro festival in Little Italy in New York. Venders line up Mulberry Street and the whole place smells like grilled Italian sausage.

[totoro]

hi, i'm new.
i definitely miss the food. i miss all the yummy restaurants and even the "Family Restaurant". I miss japanese new year, and all of the delisous Osechi food and Omatsuri, the summer festival. oh, the beautiful fireworks, too. all sorts of things i miss from japan!!

[Golgo_13]

Welcome totoro!

Where in Japan did you live? For how long? WHat did you do there?

Sorry, I ask too many questions.

[totoro]

i was born there actually. i've been in tokyo chiba and nagoya. i'm not really swedish despite the flag. does everybodys flag represent their nationality? if so, oops.

[Golgo_13]

So are you a Japanese national living now in Sweden?

Vi talar Swenke, ja?

[Bluebird]

Hehe perfect Swedish there Golgo-san, exept it's supposed to be "svenska". ;)
Totoro-san, I don't know how much Swedish you know but I'm currently trying to teach myself Japanese and it would be great if you could teach me some in exchange for some Swedish. (I'm sorry if you already speak Swedish, or don't know Japanese). Anyway let me know if you're interested, ne. :)

[budd]

certain magazines :)

[Golgo_13]

Originally posted by Bluebird
Hehe perfect Swedish there Golgo-san, exept it's supposed to be "svenska". ;) :)

Thanks! Actually I knew that but I was tired so I mis-typed.

Do you drive a Volvo or a SAAB?

I drive a cheap Toyota

[Bluebird]

Thanks! Actually I knew that but I was tired so I mis-typed.
Do you drive a Volvo or a SAAB?
I drive a cheap Toyota

Hehe :) Unfortunately I don't have a drivers license but as I still live at home with my parents I can tell you that we used to have a cheap Volvo some time ago. My dad has baught a Dodge from USA though.
Speaking of Swedish, my aunt had japanese student living with them for one year a few years ago. She learnt Swedish well enough during that time to speak mostly fluently, and even write letters back in Swedish after she had returned to Japan. I'm trying to get in contact with her right now to make her teach me Japanese that I recently found a liking for ^_^

Japanese for busy peopleでべんきょうをします。 <- Might be totaly wrong, but I'm learning by myself. (Oh, and I don't know any kanji exept for a few :l )
私は日本語が３しゅうかんだけべんきょうをしました。
Please tell me if these sentences are correct.

(Sorry for hijacking this thread) :bow:

[Golgo_13]

Bluebird,

Your sentences came out like

私は日本語が３しゅうかんだけべんきょうをしました。

So I have no answer. Please try again.

[Bluebird]

Hmm. I use this program called JWPce to write in japanese, so I just copied and pasted it to IE...
Test:
abc&aring;&auml;&ouml;
カタカナ
ひらがな
漢字
How was that?
I can see my own text and others once I change to Japanese encoding in IE. Strange.

Edit: Catch you tomorrow though, I'm off to bed now. Dewa, ashita ni.

[budd]

it's fine.
and
http://www02.so-net.ne.jp/~hirata-m/rojo/anime/anpan.jpg
http://mypage.naver.co.jp/gonn223/gazou/sya/52.jpg

[Golgo_13]

Originally posted by Bluebird
Hmm. I use this program called JWPce to write in japanese, so I just copied and pasted it to IE...
Test:
abc&aring;&auml;&ouml;
カタカナ
ひらがな
漢字
How was that?
I can see my own text and others once I change to Japanese encoding in IE. Strange.

Edit: Catch you tomorrow though, I'm off to bed now. Dewa, ashita ni.

Nope, still came out

abc&aring;&auml;&ouml;
カタカナ
ひらがな
漢字

I don't know why. Kanji shows up my screen in other posts on this forum at other times.

Oyasuminasaaaai! :sleep:

[budd]

right click
choose encoding
unclick auto select
choose japanese auto select or jis
lemme know if that doesn't work
good luck

[Golgo_13]

Me or Bluebird? I didn't work for me. LOL!

[まりも玉]

WHen I was in Canada , I missed
★hot kairo(ホッカイロ）
★soaking the bath tab
★sleeping on the train ( none was sleeping!!)
★saying [itadakimasu] and [gotisousama]

[Golgo_13]

Originally posted by まりも玉
WHen I was in Canada , I missed
★hot kairo(ホッカイロ）
★soaking the bath tab
★sleeping on the train ( none was sleeping!!)
★saying [itadakimasu] and [gotisousama]

How about saying "Tadaima" when you came home?

[まりも玉]

To Golgo_13 さん

Abusolutely!!
Even though I tried to say [ tadaima] when I got home,
my host family couldn`t understand what I said and never saied
[Okaeri] .
They just saied [ hi] instead of that.:eek:

[Bluebird]

Can you see my text Budd? I can see my own text (and others) after changing the encoding. Are you sure you did that Golgo?
This is copied from the site: まりも玉
This I wrote in JWPce: まりも玉
(I'm sorry I used your name まりも玉).

ブルーバード。

[budd]

はい。

[Bluebird]

そうですか。 Hmm, then I suppose you just have to change the encoding of page Golgo.
Thank you Budd.

[Golgo_13]

I have a simple computer at work. I haven't the slightest idea how to change the encoding of a page.

In other posts, Kanji and kana come in loud and clear

[Uncle Frank]

from a few days back. I never thought about it till I got on the Forum; I can't remember hearing Japanese music at all for the whole 2 years I was there. The only song I remember was my girls & I's love song; "Yuki GA Furo-Anata Kona ii" (something like that).
The group of Japanese friends I lived and worked with were OBSESSED with American music, and only songs you could dance to.
The bar where I worked as bouncer had a juke box with 100 45's and everyone was an American group. They introduced me to all kinds af groups I had never heard of from the US from that time period. I do remember a few British groups they liked, but only ones that made it big in the states. I feel guilty about all the Japanese culture I fluffed off !!


Frank

:bow:

[Bluebird]

Golgo:
Ah I think IE calculates the most number of the different encodings (hope that made sense). So if a page contains more japanese characters it will change to that encoding automaticaly. I think that may be why it shows up sometimes, and sometimes not. You just right click on the page, go to "enconding" -> "more" -> "Japanese". It might not be installed on your computer at work though.

Hope that helped.
Bluebird.
ブルーバード。

[Golgo_13]

Originally posted by Frank D. White
from a few days back. I never thought about it till I got on the Forum; I can't remember hearing Japanese music at all for the whole 2 years I was there. The only song I remember was my girls & I's love song; "Yuki GA Furo-Anata Kona ii" (something like that).
The group of Japanese friends I lived and worked with were OBSESSED with American music, and only songs you could dance to.
The bar where I worked as bouncer had a juke box with 100 45's and everyone was an American group. They introduced me to all kinds af groups I had never heard of from the US from that time period. I do remember a few British groups they liked, but only ones that made it big in the states. I feel guilty about all the Japanese culture I fluffed off !!


Frank

:bow:


Howaito-san,

You were a bouncer? How big are you, bro? But then again, most Gaijin are bigger than the average Japanese.

I'm 5'10" (178cm) and 215-220 (95-100 kg) have a torso much wider than my waist, so I hear people comment on my size incessantly when I'm in Japan.

Was "We're an American Band" by the Grand Funk on your juke box. That was about 30 years ago. The Japanese loved that tune.

:happy:

[Golgo_13]

Originally posted by Bluebird
Golgo:
It might not be installed on your computer at work though.
ブルーバード。


A lot of things are not installed to prevent employees from playing with the computer all day instead of working.

I was a math minor in college and a high school math teacher, but when it comes to computers I'm a aho-baka.

[Uncle Frank]

using your mouth more than your fists. Most fights were between servicemen and Japanese who both had a few drinks and didn't understand each other. Almost always started with the Japanese guy buying an American a drink so he could practice a little English. No problem there but in Fukuoka for some reson, guys dancing with guys was ok or sitting close with your arm around your buddy was ok. Well, they would try it with an American with a few drinks in him and HOMOFOBIA would strike. Usually I would see it start and take both parties aside and explain how things are different between the cultures, seperate em and everything would be fine. If not at 5 foot 8 and 120 lbs,
I'd sucka punch the hell out of them and squirm out of their reach. I grew up in a neighborhood where you had a fight every other day, especially if you were the runt of the litter. The only person who ever won was a 400 pound drunk sumo who swated me like a bug !!
I have to admit, it took me a long time to get used to my Japanese
friends hanging on to me, touching me, and trying to dance with me. One of the favorite words was HOMODATCHI when guys got to friendly !!
Remind me to tell you the story of the SISTER-BOY I made out with!!

Frank

:D

[Golgo_13]

"One of the favorite words was HOMODATCHI when guys got to friendly !!
Remind me to tell you the story of the SISTER-BOY I made out with!!"


LMFAO! I wouldn't want no boy puttin' his arm around either. Doing that to American GIs . . . askin' for trouble.

Did you know "it" was a sister-boy beforehand?

You're in New England--you must be Irish. Even back when I grew up in Middle Village, Queens, NY the Irish Catholic kids always wanted to fight after school.

[budd]

what operating system is on the computer?

[Golgo_13]

Moi?

Microsoft Windows 2000

Is that good? I ain't got a clue.

"What we done did . . . ." Brittany Spears's now ex-husband.

[Uncle Frank]

Turns out it was just an ugly girl. My Japanese buddies told me after French kissing for a couple hours in a dark corner, that I'd been making out with a guy !! It was the only time in my life I got so drunk I blacked out. God, I was so grossed out & embarassed. A few nites later she came back & I proceded to attempt to kill what I thought was a him. She showed me her driver's licence and I still wouldn't believe her. Next thing I know she grabs my hand and shoves it down the front of her pants to show me. Of course by this time everyone in the bar is watching. Then I feel around and have to agree she's female. Then I notice everyone watching and die of embarassment !!!
The night it happened I had been gargleing with 100 proof vodka all night and woke up the next morning outside behind the barracks wrapped in someone's rug with a dog peeing on me. Definately a night
to forget !!!

Frank

:blush:

[budd]

should definitely be seeing it in that case
lets see -- click settings --> control panel --> regional and lang options --> language bar
is the box for install files for east asian languages checked?
anyway, click details
nm, all that's for typing in ime
but is the install files box already checked?

[Golgo_13]

She could've been a trans-sexual, Frank. Ain't no big deal to cut them things off.

At least you didn't bring home any diseases . . . or did ya?

You mentioned a daughter earlier, so I assume you also had a wife.

What choo doin' makin' out with any human for?

[budd]

he talking about back in the day (probably)

[SacredBlue]

Hahaha you da man Frank:clap: :p

[Golgo_13]

Originally posted by budd
should definitely be seeing it in that case
lets see -- click settings --> control panel --> regional and lang options --> language bar
is the box for install files for east asian languages checked?
anyway, click details
nm, all that's for typing in ime
but is the install files box already checked?

It wasn't checked, so I checked it and got a message saying "Please install . . . . " So I gave up.

I ain't losin' sleep over this.

But thank anyways, Budd.

[Golgo_13]

Originally posted by budd
he talking about back in the day (probably)

Back in the day when he was still foot-loose and fancy-free?

Yeah, ole' Frank ain't the type to cheat on his good wife.

Are ya, Frank?

:p

[budd]

okey-dokey

[Uncle Frank]

BOO-SHE-DOE code. I will go to my grave never voting, cheating on wife, drinking any alcohol, or hurting someone who doesn't earn it.
No kids, never thought I could make a good father ! My daughters are my 2 cats.

Frank

:bow:

[Golgo_13]

Come on out to LA for a visit

We've got plenty of Sister-Boys on Hollywood Blvd.

[Matthew C. Perry]

What do I miss? Dunno... it's been so long since I left now that I forget.

[Golgo_13]

The little toy fire works that kids play with at night in the summer.

[Old School]

Thank you Matthew and Golgo for getting the thread back on track.

I also miss barbequed squid-on-a-stick bought from a cart. I ain't kidding. I think it's yummy!

I miss walking around castles and thinking "real samurai for the middle ages walked on these grounds".

Waking up to the sounds of Beethoven's 6th symphony blaring from the elementary school's loudspeakers across the street so the kids could do their little exercises. Wait, I don't miss that.

[sleidia]

I miss the immigration officer questionning me during one hour inside their dirty office at the airport :)

Just kidding ... but the fact is true : it happened.

[puggy]

Came across this site while searching for a place to purchase Oronamin C. I grew up in Tokyo - 15 years. I have ben back in Canada for 5 years now and there are too many thing to list about what I miss.

Here are the ones that come to mind:

Convenience Stores that actually sell useful items
WAVE Music store in Roppongi
Kiddyland on Omotesando
baby turtles
Oronamin C / Aquarius / Apple Chasse
beer in the movie theatres
taking a row boat around the imperial palace moat
a $10 cup of coffee on a lazy Sunday afternoon
Bike riding on the sidewalks
dish shopping at tawaramachi
roof hoping in Azabu Juban
Pizza potato chips
Tokyo weather in October
and the best public transportation

[Golgo_13]

Where in Canada do you live? Are there any Japanese grocery stores in your city? The ones in LA carry Oronamin C. I never liked the stuff, though. Calpis either.

But I love "Baum Cuchen" -- baamu kuuhen. The cake that looks like a tree with tree rings.

[Mandylion]

Politeness

[Erik]

Originally posted by noyhauser
hmm...

Anpan. Still my favorite pastry.
100 Yen Kaitenzushi- 2800 yen later rolling yourself out the door and still less calories than a Macdonalds.
Instant Japanese apple curry. mmmmmmmmm
Usless Gadgets (why do you need a robotic dog?)
SAPORRO TIME!!
Roof top combined Beergardens yakiniku places. OMG is there ever a better party location for friends.

Those are a few that stick out in my head.

Sapporro time? I don't like this beer! Kirin and Asahi tastes best!

[Golgo_13]

Yakitori from an old, dirty Yatai with an old man wearing a hachimaki cooking.

I just had some Yakitori in Little Tokyo in LA for lunch, and it was nowhere near as good as what you get in Japan.

[tsukinoko]

I'm back from Japan only for one month now and i miss soooo many things, I think I won't be able to list them all....

misoshiru to gohan to umeboshi for breakfast
lemonwater
ramen
onsen/sento
yukata (though I have some here)
conbini
depato (tokyu hands, loft etc.)
muji rushi-things
tv-shows (hey!x3, utaban, game-shows etc.)
the transportation system
politeness
warm toilet-seats
smell of tatami and incence
hearing Japanese everywhere
seeing Japanese people everywhere
jpn. book-shops
jpn. cd-shops
jpn. grocery-shops
getting things packed into the shopping-bag
the office where I worked
my collegues
my friends
exploring as much as possible in my spare time and enjoying every little detail
being happy
earthquakes (strange, but they made me feel more alive)

Okay, I better stop here, I'm afraid I could go on forever, especially about food I could make a very long list.

And I can't say what I miss most, except for the people:bawling:

I even miss the stupid melodies in the hospital I had to stay in, which tell the nurses that a person had called for them.:p

[Golgo_13]

Hope you can go back there soon.

[Golgo_13]

That white cotton surgical masks people wear during cold/flu season in Japan.

There's a woman in my work place who was out for a few days with the flu. She's back but she's still coughing a lot. I wish people would wear those things here. Have different funky designs on them--like a mouth with perfect teeth

:D

[tsukinoko]

Originally posted by Golgo_13
Hope you can go back there soon.
Thanks, Golgo_13! I'm almost only living for going back at the moment:bluush: :bow:

[Golgo_13]

Das ist gut!

Wo im Japan . . . did you live?

Mein Deutch ist nicht gut

[dadio]

I've already replied & I'm sure it's been mentioned a million times already...
I'm only back from Japan (again) a little while so I still have a few things clear in my mind that I miss alot!
I *really* miss some of those crazy Japanese TV shows!:cool:
myself & my girlfriend were rolling around laughing at this one in particular where it was a contest to see who could live spending the least amount of money on food for a certain period of time...
*Oh man!*...
there was this guy who went out into the sea hunting octopus with a long spike!...
& he was burning them in a fire & smacking them against the wall!...
and shouting to himself... & pretending they were alive...
like an absolute mad-man!
hehehehe...
ah, you'd hafta see it to see how crazy this guy was!
:happy:
Ah... I miss stuff like that!

[tsukinoko]

Originally posted by Golgo_13
Das ist gut!

Wo im Japan . . . did you live?

Mein Deutch ist nicht gut
Dein Deutsch ist besser als mein Japanisch!
I lived in Yokohama and a little while very close to Toyota.
Oh, I miss Yokohama! It's so comfortable to live there. In no time you're in Tokyo and in even less on the beach in Kamakura or Fujisawa! And Yokohama itself is great!

Are you sometimes visiting Japan?

[i] Originally posted by dadio [/i)
there was this guy who went out into the sea hunting octopus with a long spike!...
Hey, I did watch exactly that episode! After pulling the octopus out of the water (it was still alive) he bit off a ****** of it and then said that it was "umaiiii"... so funny!!!!

Well...I miss good, fresh sashimi....

[tsukinoko]

Why are there some stars in my post??? I wrote piece or so......

[Golgo_13]

Originally posted by tsukinoko

Are you sometimes visiting Japan?



I'm planning to go in April. I usually stay in Osaka.

Did I give you the information on the Ramen noodle shop in Berlin?


Cocolo (Ramen)

M�nzstraﾟe 2310178 Berlin Sa/So 19.00 Uhr- open end

[tsukinoko]

:ramen: :ramen: :ramen: :ramen: :ramen:
Ohhh...Ramen...
is it really good ramen in Berlin? I tried some in D�sseldorf, but they can't keep up with the ones in Japan!
I'm so glad that I can make ramen myself from scratch, otherwise that would be the first item on my missing-list!

[Golgo_13]

At the one in Berlin the soup is not as hot as it is in Japan. Most German customers complained that it was too hot, so Oliver, the owner, keeps the soup several degrees lower. Otherwise, he also makes everything from scratch including the noodles.

[Golgo_13]

How they gift-wrap any and every purchase so nicely at better department stores (without even asking them to). I liked Takashimaya with the wrapping paper with roses.

--------------

How Japanese mothers delicately peel and cut apples into pieces for their kids.

I still do that when I eat apples. Years ago when I was a college student, some loudmouth who sat in the same table as me in the dining hall said to me "You should eat the peel. That's where all the vitamins are."

I put the peel on his tray and said "If you wanted it, why didn't you just ask? By the way, it's also where all the insecticides, pesticides and plastic coating are, and they don't wash the apple before serving it here."

There were no comebacks.

[kirei_na_me]

I wasn't aware that peeling and cutting apples was unique to Japanese mothers...

[Golgo_13]

I've never seen any mothers do it here ever since I've been here at 9 years of age. All the kids I knew just bit into an apple whole.

"Black-Eyed" ? Your hubby gettin' rough with you agin?

[kirei_na_me]

Hmmmm...haven't been around many mothers, then? Mine did it for me all my life. Peel it, core it, and cut it up into pieces. In fact, we'd always see who could peel the entire apple without breaking the skin. Maybe it's a southern thing.

Anyway...

[mdchachi]

It was called "Toyland". 6 floors of fun! That's where I bought my rare Sukeban Deka II doll. They were sold out the next day.


Actually, no, it's called Kiddy Land.

http://www.kiddyland.co.jp/

[mdchachi]

> Doing "kiseru" on the trains.

You miss cheating the Japanese rail companies? Maybe if you go to Walmart and try shoplifting you'll feel better.

:confused:

[mdchachi]

Hmmmm...haven't been around many mothers, then? Mine did it for me all my life. Peel it, core it, and cut it up into pieces. In fact, we'd always see who could peel the entire apple without breaking the skin. Maybe it's a southern thing.

Anyway...

We always ate the skin. The only time we saw any apple peeling going on was when the apple was going to be baked into something.

[mdchachi]

> What are the japanese things ( objects and food only ) that you miss a lot when you are outside of Japan?

There are plenty of things but one thing on my mind right now is Mets Guarana. Actually I didn't even drink it that much but now that I can't get it, I miss it.

Does anybody know where to look for Guarana drinks (not necessarily Japanese) in the U.S.? I've been planning to look for a hispanic/mexican market but haven't got around to it yet.

[Golgo_13]

Some people tend to get very indignant when they see you peeling an apple.

But I'm not going to argue over an apple.

Watermelon? That's a different matter.

[kirei_na_me]

I just can't believe some people are that way.

I guess I'm just very unique in that mine was always peeled...hehe

Yeah, arguing over an apple is a little silly... :p

[Golgo_13]

In Japan, watermelons are perfectly spherical. Some have yellow flesh.

In the summertime Japanese do what's called a "Suika Wari" (cracking the watermelon open) A blind-folded contestant takes a long stick and tries to hit the watermelon with all his might.

Sort like hitting a pinata.

I also love the grapes in Japan. Fruits in general are better tasting in Japan but only problem--they're more expensive.

[kirei_na_me]

What about those square watermelons that will fit so nicely in your refrigerator? :-) Don't know if they're worth 10,000 yen, though.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/1390088.stm

[mdchachi]

> I also love the grapes in Japan.

Last I recall, seedless grapes aren't that popular in Japan. It's a pain to eat around the seeds, plus they throw out the skins. So I never got into Japanese grapes much.

[Golgo_13]

Too much!

Everything is so expensive over there. I'm going to have to give myself a 20,000 Yen per day allowance when I go there next month.

[Golgo_13]

> I also love the grapes in Japan.

Last I recall, seedless grapes aren't that popular in Japan. It's a pain to eat around the seeds, plus they throw out the skins. So I never got into Japanese grapes much.

I had seedless all the time.

They throw out the skin/peel/rind of EVERYTHING in Japan.

It's a wonder they don't circumcize their babies as a matter of custom. :D

[Golgo_13]

Back to the subject.

I miss those spotlessly clean taxi cabs. They pull up in front of you and the door pops open automatically. The drivers wear white gloves, hat and a uniform.

Wouldn't it be funny if one day you get into a cab and you see the white gloves, and the driver turns around and it's Michael Jackson?


Speaking of automatic doors, I miss those kissaten. I like the atmosphere and the aroma of coffee in those places. And the expensive fruit parfaits.

[neko_girl22]

Fruits in general are better tasting in Japan but only problem--they're more expensive.

That's so true. Even the kiwi fruit from my country are waaaay better than what I bought at home. I guess they exported the good stuff and we were left with what the Japanese wouldn't take :p
I looove Japanese fruit, but it is incredibly expensive. 100, 200Y for one apple? for that much I could buy 1kg back home!

[Golgo_13]

Ueda-san no Okusan,

Good to see ya again. Where ewe bin?

[neko_girl22]

my computer broke down and I thought it was time to bury the old girl, but a lovely friend took it away to have a look at and yesterday I got it home better than new!

In the 3 weeks or so it was down I actually found I had a life! ...It is nice to be back though ;)

[Buntaro]

Come to think of it, I remember those ladies who work in the department stores, wearing those very fancy uniforms, hats (indoors) and lots of makeup. I remember all of them lining up and welcoming in all of the customers at opening time. It was amazing!

[Golgo_13]

I loved the display cases out side of all restaurants with plastic samples of the dishes they serve. They looked so real.

[Ewok85]

Im missing the music right now. I can look at the charts online and maybe sneak a few songs off the net (i know i know :blush:) but not being able to watch the tv and listen to the radio make me nervous that im missing out on some good songs :(

[Apollo]

I miss senbei!!!!
I don't miss ramen, as I can buy them in special Asian shops.

[Ewok85]

Ah senbei! I got addicted to that the month before i left... need my fix.

[spyny]

Id say calpico and calpis water, melon soda.

[Elizabeth]

There are plenty of things but one thing on my mind right now is Mets Guarana. Actually I didn't even drink it that much but now that I can't get it, I miss it.

Does anybody know where to look for Guarana drinks (not necessarily Japanese) in the U.S.? I've been planning to look for a hispanic/mexican market but haven't got around to it yet.
It's rare to find in Japan from what I understand and I've never seen or heard of it here in the states. Is it even legal? There is someone willing to try and send some through regular mail, but not if there would be anything uncertain about it. :gulp:

[mdchachi]

It's rare to find in Japan from what I understand and I've never seen or heard of it here in the states. Is it even legal? There is someone willing to try and send some through regular mail, but not if there would be anything uncertain about it. :gulp:

Seems like there would at least be artificially flavored Guarana drinks even if not the real thing. Well, anyway, I don't want it bad enough to pay for mailing fees. Thanks.

[Elizabeth]

Seems like there would at least be artificially flavored Guarana drinks even if not the real thing. Well, anyway, I don't want it bad enough to pay for mailing fees. Thanks.
Alright. I'm still curious though -- it it something that is sold with other herbal supplements or soft drinks? In vending machines or convienent stores ?

[Brooker]

Here's my list....

- gyudon (discontinued)
- crackers (edemame chips, shrimp twisties, etc.).
- sushi (cheaper, better, easier to find)
- izakaya (food and atmosphere)
- rice and miso with most meals
- Shinkansen
- vending machine beer (and drinking it in public)
- internet cafes
- Lawson (good quality and selection for a convenience store)
- onigiri with tuna (like a J-tuna sandwich)
- Dekavita (for the wake up boost)
- Hot Lemon (out of a vending machine)
- Aquarius
- bento boxes for lunch
- pizza with corn, tuna, squid, mayonaise, etc. on it.
- karaoke parties
- Being part of an international community of world travelers (like this place!)

[mdchachi]

Alright. I'm still curious though -- it it something that is sold with other herbal supplements or soft drinks? In vending machines or convienent stores ?

The Guarana I was talking about is the soft drink produced by Kirin. Not the plant or extract itself. It has some similarity to Dr Pepper. I heard it's not so common in Tokyo any more but has a strong following in Hokkaido. It might be one of those seasonal drinks. Anyway if your konbini has it, it would be by the soft drinks. Or check your local kirin vending machines.

I found a picture of it.
http://www.tomakomai-ct.ac.jp/newsclub/clubs/ecc/English/Guarana.htm

Keep an eye out for it and let me know if you see it.

:ramen:

[Golgo_13]

I'm gonna miss the Glico brand mixed vegatable and fruit juice once I get back to the States! I've been drinking it every morning here in Japan before my Chi Kung practice.

[neko_girl22]

The Guarana I was talking about is the soft drink produced by Kirin. Not the plant or extract itself. It has some similarity to Dr Pepper. I heard it's not so common in Tokyo any more but has a strong following in Hokkaido. It might be one of those seasonal drinks. Anyway if your konbini has it, it would be by the soft drinks. Or check your local kirin vending machines.

I've never seen it down here... :souka:

oh I love the fruit and vege drinks too Golgo! It's amazing what kinds of veges are actually in the drink. Still tastes good though !

[rynoth]

Asahi LL Vitamin C!!

The first soft drink I had, on my first day in Osaka.
Anyone know where I could get some in the states? :(

[kochisho]

i'm lucky, i just go to edgewater new jersey were they have a mitsuwa and japanese shopping area. its huge and you can find anything there.

I loved the lipton lemon ice tea in japan. it had a lighter, better taste than the american version.

[Hero]

Pocari sweet, Ramon!!!, JP 7-11s, (in residential areas)>> parks almost every 30-40 yards, Okonomiyaki (tried a JP place here for Okonomiyaki but just wasn't as good), scenery such as buildings, greenery everywhere, etc. (that a object?)

and soooo much more but I have vague memory, lol...

Things not objects/food... the people!... and also the many stares I got from everyone, and the High school girls that stalked me, rofl...

[Apollo]

I miss senbei and furikake...

[anadorei]

i miss really good ramen especially from sapporo as well as genghis khan

[blade_bltz]

-Sapporo Ramen
-Guarana, Pocari Sweat, Aquarius, Amino Supli, etc
-Massive coke cans
-Awesome public transportation
-Wasabi sauce in McDonalds burgers...McGrand=heavenly
-Summer weather in Tokyo...no joke!!
-Being overwhelmed by massive crowds
-Tea instead of water

[chikazukiyasui]

-All the things everyone's mentioned (except coke & macdonalds), plus
-convenient vending machines for printing photos
-the lighting in the shops
-the muzak in some shops
-ume sour
-being able to ride around on a bike with total lack of regard for traffick rules
-tiny little restaurants and bars run by old couples who probably should have retired years ago (but you're glad they didn't)
-being able to totally disregard all traffic regulations when on a pushbike
-squeaky brakes
-cuteness shamelessly on display everywhere
-extreme youth fashions
-extremely earnest boy bands busking
-taiko
-politeness
-lack of rudeness (possible to have one without the other)
-trains that run on time (just thinking about this one makes me fume -- British trains are terrible -- always late, and always shabby)
-some funky architecture that you don't see anywhere else in the world

[pdx]

come on... dont tell me you actually like the squeaky brakes??? I cant stand them!

[ragedaddy]

Things I miss: :(

-I miss being able to go out the house and walk a couple of minutes to like either a ramen shop or a kaiten zushi.

-I miss just chilling with some firends in an Izakaya san, man the atmosphere was great, the food was always good, and once that nama beer touches your lips, it just tastes sooo good.

-I miss being to go anywhere by either train or subway.

-I miss nomihodais as well, it was a blast to got with some buds there once in a while.

-I miss having like 2 or 3 conbini's within a blocks radius, it was way too convenient.

-I absolutely miss going out to karaoke boxes, and just shread up the mic.

-I actually miss Japanese TV, even though they didn't have many channels.

-I miss the occasional travel out to an onsen, that was always relaxing.

-Call me crazy, but I kinda miss the train chimes when it would make stops at every station.

-I miss the respect and politeness.

-I miss the atmosphere of walking through Japan, it had some tranquil places.

Now, what I don't miss: :cool:

-I don't miss being packed into the train like a can of sardines during rush hour.

-I don't miss walking down the street, and having people try to distribute to me all kinds of advertisements.

-I don't miss the vans that drive around, and at super loud volumes, diseminate information about the canidate that was running for some kinda Government position.

-I don't miss the lack of space.

-I don't miss the dudes that will follow you for blocks trying to persuade you to go to their club.

-I don't miss the prices of everything.

-I don't miss, walking into Uniqlo and hearing "irashaimase" and "go yuukuri douzo" every five seconds.

-I don't miss taking the awful powder medicine when I got sick there for a little bit.

[chikazukiyasui]

come on... dont tell me you actually like the squeaky brakes??? I cant stand them!

After I worked out that they function as a clever alternative to a bell, I learned to be less annoyed by them.

Things I miss: :(
-I actually miss Japanese TV, even though they didn't have many channels.


Too many channels makes TV worse.


-I don't miss the prices of everything.


I take it you're not in Scandinavia, then.

[steamyrobotlove]

I really miss cheap udon and curry rice, and the only royal milk tea vendors found anywhere! Oh well, there's always Tapioca Express (if I were still living on the West coast).

The selection of video games in any one store was mind boggling! I've yet to find an American retail center with half as much stock as any of the back-alley game stores that can be found in Japan.

The hotel employees who spoke English better than I could ever muster...
The lights.
The sounds.
The vertical architecture.

Lastly, the 24-hour convenience stores. American 7-11's just don't cut it anymore.