Would you rather live in America or Japan? [Archive] - Page 2

Pachipro

Nov 19, 2008, 02:01

I decided to pick USA after 1.5 years of stay in Japan. Even though I have a condo here in Tokyo, I am going to rent it out for the long haul. I simply cannot see myself in such a crowded country for the rest of my life. In the hindsight, I regret I came back after many years of stay in USA (but, at the same time, it was good I came back to Japan to realize how I am not really into Japan). If everything goes well, I would be relocating back to the East Coast in a month or two.
I hope you have a good, secure job lined up Jersey Boy as you will be coming to a country that will economically and financially collapse within the next year to 18 months. Unemployment is at an all time high, personal bankruptcies are at an all time high and increasing weekly, firms are laying off by the thousands on a weekly basis and things are just not good here right now. Even my own company, which has never had a lay off in its 76 year history is laying off about 20% this month!

The financial/economic news is dismal and there is absolutely no good news on the horizon. I really don't understand why anyone would want to come to the USA right now. Even Japan announced that they are in a recession yesterday as well as the rest of the world. If I were you I'd stay in Japan if you have secure employment as the unemployment rate is expected to rise above 10% especially if GM and Ford declare bankruptcy. For the moment, at least, the yen is strong vs the US$ and will only get stronger as the US dollar collapses in the near future.

My feeling is the fall will begin in February of 2009 when 4th quarter results are issued which will show the worst quarter in more than 50 years and which will probably take the US stock market to around 5 - 6,000 if not lower further worsening the US economy.

And if anyone thinks that President Obama will save the US from financial collapse they are sadly misled and should be chanting "O baaaaaa ma" as they are sheeple anyway and believe he will save them from collapse when there is no way on God's earth he can do it.

ArmandV

Nov 19, 2008, 03:00

Unemployment is not at an "all time high." It is around 6-7% now, whereas, it was 12% under Jimmy Carter.

Pachipro

Nov 19, 2008, 03:32

It is at an all time Armand. The US is hiding it with their bogus death/birth models and the fact that they do not include those that have given up finding a job after their unemployment benefits run out. It is all a lie!

The true figure is well above the 7% they want us to believe just as are the figures for inflation, which is actually hovering around 11% and the trade deficit and such. Is it any wonder why the figures are always "revised" the next quarter? If the US were to state the real inflation figures they would have to increase benefits to Social Security recepients by the same amount! Of course they would never tell the truth. C'mon, you are not that naive to believe what is printed in the papers and reported in the press and reported on CNBC are you? One look at your grocery bill compared to last year should tell you that inflation is well above 10%. Mine is and I keep track of it.

Rember the old adage: "Figures lie, and liars figure." It has not changed. You wait and see what the revised figures are next quarter. They will be much higher than what we are being told today as it is the same with everything else the government tells us.

Unemployment is actually higher than it was in the 70's and if the model of the 70's were used as well as for inflation as it was back then, you'd see and understand it. We never had "core inflation" (minus energy and food prices) back then and, if we did, inflation, as well as unemployment would be way lower than what was printed back then.

If one takes "real inflation" into account the average American worker has actually lost ground and makes far less, in real dollars, than he/she did back then. The same holds for unemployment figures.

Inflation and unemployment is what the press and government says it is and sadly, many people beleieve it without doing their own real research for if they did, they would soon discover that it was all a lie and that the figures were much higher than what we were told they were as they are always printed and revised later on. But who notices that? Hardly anyone and that is what "they" are counting on.

ArmandV

Nov 19, 2008, 05:03

Where's your proof?

Actually, the addage is, "Figures don't lie, but some liars figure."

Aurura

Nov 19, 2008, 05:51

Pachipro san, you live in the US.... are you staying in the US when the collapse comes? With as far down as our country is plummetting and the highly detailed way that you share your knowledge of it all, it seems that you don't really wanna be here.

What would be the best country to live in for the next upcoming years?

I would love to have a long-term (up to a year, perhaps) visit Japan at least once before life is over for me, but U.S is where I was born and raised.
Whether we rise back up from this financial rut or not, we are a country that has a history of knowing how to survive. It may not be the much, but at least it's something. Even if things never get any better, being able to adapt is still possible, isn't it? Even in the slightest bit? Perhaps not *every* citizen would know how to, but at least we as a whole can try to together.

tada

Nov 19, 2008, 05:56

I really can't believe people can tell me not to be against working in the US. I have a feeling those people have not been here recently.

JerseyBoy

Nov 19, 2008, 17:11

I hope you have a good, secure job lined up Jersey Boy as you will be coming to a country that will economically and financially collapse within the next year to 18 months.
But, is Japan almost in the same boat on that? The Japanese government has been running up the budget deficits for so many years and it could be a prime candidate for bankruptcy. I have started looking in information on the future economic landscape and I noticed there were so many dooms-sayers for USA in the 80's as well when Donald Reagan was doing the spend and borrow policy on the grand scale. But, still USA stands as a sole superpower. If US goes down the tube, I believe Japan follows the same path swiftly as it holds billions of US treasury notes. It would be scary to be on such barren small islands when Japanese' economy and government's finance collapse.

Uchite

Nov 19, 2008, 19:23

As a musician, I can say there are even less gigs here in America now. Gigs that you can live off of that is. At least in Japan, people seem to really appreciate true art and culture. Here it is going down the drain more and more. All you have to do is either be a snob, have an attitude, have a huge ego, have a tattoo, have body piercings or be by (or all of the above) to "make it.

In all other endeavors, it seems to be the same way. Look at the unemployment rate. Look at the so called "bail out". Why are all these things happening?

Will Obama really come to the rescue? Change? Yes there will be change alright, but not for the better.

I think some of America's darkest days will be starting only a few months ahead right after Inauguration Day.

Where will all the prisoners at Guantanamo go? Will they be tried on U.S. soil? You betcha! They will be given every right that all Americans have, right to a fair trial, tons of trial lawyers set to make millions. Shoot! Even bin Laden himself will be able to get a fair trial here, make bail and go free to the nearest airport and won't even be searched because that will violate his "civil rights" as deemed by the new color blind (supposed), incoming fairness doctrine endorsing administration.

I think America will be hit and hit hard. The question is not if, but when. I don't want to be here when it happens.

And just watch: The U.S. Government will bail out the lazy workers at GM who have no inclination of doing a proper job with pride of purpose in it, but are only working for and toward punching out the timeclock, the paycheck, retirement and a pension. That is the mentality of the average U.S. worker! No wonder this country is in the trouble it is in!

Take me to Japan anyday over the upcoming future U.S.A.!

Pachipro

Nov 20, 2008, 01:43

Where's your proof?
There's plenty out there. Some links:

http://www.freedom4um.com/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=74332

But the government’s “unemployment rate” statistic is a propaganda device. It does not count as “unemployed” people who are “not in the labor force.” According to economist Richard DuBoff, participation in the labor force by working-age males has been drifting downward for more than 40 years. Therefore, the government’s official “unemployment rate” is an increasingly misleading statistic.

From OpEdNews (http://www.opednews.com/articles/opedne_mike_fol_080408_culinary_accounting_3b.htm) :

Lost jobs in construction and manufacturing seem to be leading the way to the bottom. Let’s apply some Mikeronomics to that problem and see if we can flesh out the reason.

Housing is in the toilet (that’s an economic term), and those people who used to build houses don’t do that anymore. The people who used to manufacture the things to build houses with, don’t do that anymore either. Neither group buys new autos with their unemployment compensation checks…so I guess that about solves the mystery.
The government will come to these same conclusions about 6 months from now.

In March, the U.S. lost 80,000 jobs, but that’s old hat and you heard it on the 6 o’clock News. What you didn’t hear on the local or national or world news was that on average, the U.S. adds 180,000 jobs per month. Want to know why? Because there are on average, 180,000 new job seekers each and every month. Want to know why? Because we believe that growth is good.

But this is not the end of the good news. During the past 90 days, the U.S. has lost 232,000 jobs. That means that each month, 180,000 people entering the job market also failed to find employment, but are not included in the numbers, as they were never employed previously.
The actual real unemployment then, grew by 772,000 in 90 days. They probably just forgot to tell us that on the 6 o’clock news huh?

...........This calculates that best case, 12 months from now, 2,160,000 people will have not found work…but won’t be reported as unemployed!

Another one from the marketoracle (http://www.marketoracle.co.uk/Article4742.html):

Frankly, a 5% unemployment rate lacks statistical credibility and certainly fails to document the pain of America's unemployed. Let's take a closer look at the BLS data:

Since its peak in September 2006, construction employment has fallen by 457,000.

Over the past 12 months, manufacturing employment has declined by 326,000.

Since its peak in March 2007, the retail trade industry has shed 137,000 jobs.

The health care industry has added 365,000 jobs over the past 12 months.

Professional and technical services employment rose by 27,000 in April after showing little change during the first quarter of 2008.

Since October 2007, food services employment growth has declined to an average of 13,000 jobs per month; this compares to an average increase of 28,000 jobs per month for the preceding 12-month period.

Total unemployment increased by 11.6% from 6,532,000 persons in April of 2007 to 7,287,000 persons in April of 2008.

The number of people who lost their job, or were no longer holding a temporary job, increased by 21.0% from April 2007 to April 2008.

The number of people who were told they had permanently lost their job increased by 30.1% during this same period.

From Q1 2006 to Q1 2008, the number of Layoff events has increased by 45.3%.

They increased by 20.6% from Q1 2007 to Q1 2008. There has been a continuing increase in the number of layoff events, and the number of Total Initial Claimants, since August of 2007.

Despite these data points from the BLS report, the BLS claims the Unemployment Rate has increased from only 4.30% in April 2007, to a negligible 4.76% in April of 2008. Does this create a credibility problem?

There's plenty more than where these came from. The fact remains, the governments of all countries, especially Japan, manipulates the unemployment rate in order to show that things are less worse than many perceive until it gets too bad and more people stand up and take notice. It has been going on for many years and will continue to go on until more people become informed as to the daily propaganda they are constantly being fed.

Pachipro

Nov 20, 2008, 02:01

Pachipro san, you live in the US.... are you staying in the US when the collapse comes? With as far down as our country is plummetting and the highly detailed way that you share your knowledge of it all, it seems that you don't really wanna be here.
No, I really don't want to be here and I wouldn't be if it weren't for my dog. I know that sounds like a lame excuse, but I explained that elsewhere in another post. Also, my job is recession proof and I enjoy it and it pays well. Even though we will have a 20% layoff in the next two weeks, I will be not be affected because of my seniority. (No we are not a union company). Even if the US economy was doing well, I'd still rather live in Japan as I am very comfortable there and eventually will retire there.

It's just that I hate where my country is headed and the road the elitist bankers are leading us down because they have found cheaper ways to produce goods in China and desire a One World Government. Sadly, many do not see it coming and believe what the mass media tells them as fact without doing any independent research and I hope to spread the truth to any who will listen, but it seems like a useless endeavor most days as most people refuse to believe it. But that's ok as a few are taking notice. However, I feel that when most people do wake up it will be too late.

If the automakers do not receive a bailout, the handwriting will be on the wall as about 3 million will be thrust into unemployment lines and America, as we know it, will die a slow death in the next two years.

ArmandV

Nov 20, 2008, 02:19

tada

Nov 20, 2008, 03:16

Would be interesting to see how a poll posted now would differ from this one, as it's rather old (2004).

Uchite

Nov 20, 2008, 10:34

No, I really don't want to be here and I wouldn't be if it weren't for my dog.

I love it! :D :bravo: :beer: :beer: :yeahh: :yeahh: :cool:

I can totally relate! :beer:

powerman

Nov 20, 2008, 15:37

Hmm, I can't decide on that one... I'd have to pick both, because I'd want to go between them every year or so :P

Pachipro

Nov 21, 2008, 01:56

Pach, ol' buddy, the problem with those items you posted is that while it's true manufacturing has been in a downward sprial for years, those workers who have been affected (before the current mess) went into something else through retraining and moving to other areas.

Maybe some have done some retraining, but the majority have found much lesser paying jobs or have just given up altogether and they are not included in the unemployment stats. Also, those whose benefits have run out are not included either. Therefore there are tens of thousands who are included.

Todays (November 20th) unemployment rate is the highest 4 week moving average in 25 years and now they are saying on the media that unemployment could reach 9 or 10% and some are even mentioning those that have not found new, similar employment and have given up. You watch, the true figures will eventually be let out and many will be shocked to find unemployment double what the government says it is.

If they aren't showing up in the unemployment stats, what do you suppose they are doing? Sitting and collecting welfare? No, they are doing something else.

Does, "Would you like fries with that?" or "Cheese or Pepperoni, sir?" or "Do you need odd jobs done?" sound familiar?

Let me give you an example. I recently hired a layed off union assembly line worker of 25 years with the Peterbuilt Corporation. (Peterbuilt manufactures big trucks). The company went on strike 6 months ago and the company locked them out and has not re-opened. His unemployment benefits ran out as well as his savings. Previously he was making more than $30/hr. He resurfaced my deck and stained it and did some needed painting around the house.

He is begging for "handyman" jobs at $12/hr and HE IS NO LONGER INCLUDED AS UNEMPLOYED and is not part of the statistic that the government puts out as he is "working off the books" so to speak and his benefits have run out! Therefore, he is not included any longer.

I believe there are tens of thousands like him and yes, some are living off of welfare as recent news in the Nashville/national area has reported on. It is bad and getting worse and the true statistics are not being reported for those that have given up and whse benefits have run out.

ArmandV

Nov 21, 2008, 03:22

Pach, you don't need to tell me about being "underemployed." I am normally an insurance claims examiner and due to the economic mess, I am working as a security field supervisor. It was either that or starve.

Still, we haven't reached the Carter levels yet.

Karuchan

Nov 22, 2008, 04:34

I don't want you to change your mind, but hard times are coming for everyone.

Japanese situation is not so much better than american or european one.

uchimizu

Nov 29, 2008, 23:09

I do not know the whole of the US and Japan, but if I have to compare the places I experiences, Tokyo, Kyoto and Atlanta, I certainly would rather live in Japan. I believe some of the things I need as a european (old buildings, very good food, narrow streets) are more present in Japan. I feel Japan is a more creative place.

I found America a quite easy place to live in, and the people are very friendly and welcoming. Though I must say I may miss some "flavour" living in suburban America. Maybe my opinion would be different if I experienced downtown New York or San Francisco.

hogdriver

Dec 8, 2008, 12:11

Hmm, I can't decide on that one... I'd have to pick both, because I'd want to go between them every year or so :P

Ditto dude.

HD

JerseyBoy

Dec 13, 2008, 10:46

I found America a quite easy place to live in, and the people are very friendly and welcoming. Though I must say I may miss some "flavour" living in suburban America. Maybe my opinion would be different if I experienced downtown New York or San Francisco.
I used to live in both the small town and large metro area (NYC) for many years. The NYC metro region (which includes some parts of NJ and CT) has a totally different atmosphere compared to the country side. It's a tough work environment there; but, I find it more suitable to my characteristics and personalities there.

Two of the things I don't like are the road rages and lack of respect to the personal properties. I cannot remember how many times I flipped the finger each day back then. Also, I was so paranoid about getting a nice car as I was afraid some low-life parks his old beater next to me to leave a dent or scratch on my car. I had a garage; so, I avoided parking my personal car in the crowded parking area.

I am moving back my adopted home state NJ (about 5 miles from GWB) early next month. Good to be back where I belong.

Also, I have a condo here in Tokyo, which I am going to turn into a rental unit. So, I can keep building the equity in Tokyo. In an event I need to come back to Tokyo again, at least I can have a place of my own to live.

hogdriver

Dec 13, 2008, 18:33

I ain't into difficult choices...I want BOTH!

cohen avshalom

Dec 14, 2008, 00:41

i thinks i prefer to city area,better is the rural village area,will alote of space,for the personal using...

icarus5

Yan

Dec 14, 2008, 01:17

If I would be able to find a job and to learn japanese, I'd rather like to live in Japan than in US. Actually I'd rather like to live everywhere except in US.

cohen avshalom

Dec 14, 2008, 01:21

yan i thinks australia are the best...

icarus5

Yan

Dec 14, 2008, 01:23

yan i thinks australia are the best...
icarus5

Your sentence is funny because I'm actually talking with an australian on MSN!

cohen avshalom

Dec 14, 2008, 01:46

yan,to speak with some one from australia this is nice,to enter and live there,that is not so easy...lol

and thank you for answer me,not many did that for my last posting...again lol
icarus5

zen777

Dec 17, 2008, 17:13

I always admired Japan for the beautiful places, and i also admired the U.S. becouse of the great casinos that can be found lol =))
If i have to choose i choose Japan;)

Zulan Grey

Dec 18, 2008, 11:09

I prefer Japon. USA is not liked by me...
More correting life & more high culture :)

-ShiroUsagi-

Dec 27, 2008, 07:13

If I would be able to find a job and to learn japanese, I'd rather like to live in Japan than in US. Actually I'd rather like to live everywhere except in US.

:p I totally agree with Yan on this one! If it was something like canada and japan, I would go for both lol ahaha but seeing its the US... no offence I dont think I would, anyway my opinion plus BC is practically beside Japan :-) Anyway I plan on visiting Japan and then perhaps working there.. I would enjoy the exotic experience lol.:win:

Incognito69

Dec 28, 2008, 15:57

I've never lived in America, but I think some parts of America could be nice places for living. Some of my relatives have moved to Canada and life, so far, have been great for them.
But for me, I think I'd prefer Japan. I've lived there for a while and I think Japan is still an Asian country, not too much of a cultural shock for me (asian). Nonetheless, I'd really like to live in America for a while, just to try out the life in America.

Thuglife

Jan 1, 2009, 17:48

After 7 years in Japan I'm about ready to head back to Hawaii.

Hawaii >Japan

JerseyBoy

Jan 1, 2009, 21:14

After 7 years in Japan I'm about ready to head back to Hawaii.

Hawaii >Japan
Hawaii rules, man!. When I decide to invest in the vacation home, Hawaii would be my top choice. I really enjoyed my stay in O'ahu, Kauaʻi, and Big Island. The beaches were beautiful.

kusojiji

Jan 2, 2009, 00:20

After 7 years in Japan I'm about ready to head back to Hawaii.

Didn't you just say in another thread that you've been there for 6 years? Which is it?

JerseyBoy

Jan 2, 2009, 11:43

Didn't you just say in another thread that you've been there for 6 years? Which is it?
Possibly because the year just changed from 2008 to 2009?

kusojiji

Jan 2, 2009, 13:39

That doesn't add another full year to the total amount.

Echigo

Jan 2, 2009, 15:04

This is a tough question as there are things that I love/hate about both. I wish that I could combine all the good elements of the two countries and then live in the one that had the most to offer in the combination.

Ukonkivi

Jan 2, 2009, 15:21

Best place in America: Washington.
Or as a continent, not meaning the US, Canada.

But I think I would appreciate Japan the most. It being so much harder to gain acceptance and appreciation of any kind would make me appreciate it more. Whereas in my own country I take it for granted.

Also, I doubt people over here are going to be any nicer to me for being a Japanophile.

kusojiji

Jan 2, 2009, 22:29

Washington state, or D.C.?

Thuglife

Jan 2, 2009, 22:49

Didn't you just say in another thread that you've been there for 6 years? Which is it?

I forgot it's 2009.

Ukonkivi

Jan 4, 2009, 11:07

Washington state, or D.C.?
Washington state. For the temperate rainforests and Shinto shrines.

gaijinalways

Jan 5, 2009, 00:28

I still find it odd that some people posting on this thread have lived in neither country. I'd find it diificult to comment on a place to live, especially one I'd never even visited. But I suppose people are entitled to different opinions, it's what makes life interesting.

That being said, I'm not sure which I'll pick for my retirement. Certainly if my wife were to pass away, I would probably leave Japan Since my employment opportunities here are much brighter at the moment, I won't be leaving any time soon.

alexlovesrock

Jan 5, 2009, 01:12

thats easy the answer is japan. japan has better food! its expensive though, esp if u are paid in dollars... Us dollar is so weak now!!

kusojiji

Jan 5, 2009, 03:08

I still find it odd that some people posting on this thread have lived in neither country.

Actually, that's kind of interesting to see what various preconceptions are out there.

Echigo

Jan 5, 2009, 14:10

Maybe some have done some retraining, but the majority have found much lesser paying jobs or have just given up altogether and they are not included in the unemployment stats. Also, those whose benefits have run out are not included either. Therefore there are tens of thousands who are included.

Todays (November 20th) unemployment rate is the highest 4 week moving average in 25 years and now they are saying on the media that unemployment could reach 9 or 10% and some are even mentioning those that have not found new, similar employment and have given up. You watch, the true figures will eventually be let out and many will be shocked to find unemployment double what the government says it is.

Does, "Would you like fries with that?" or "Cheese or Pepperoni, sir?" or "Do you need odd jobs done?" sound familiar?

Let me give you an example. I recently hired a layed off union assembly line worker of 25 years with the Peterbuilt Corporation. (Peterbuilt manufactures big trucks). The company went on strike 6 months ago and the company locked them out and has not re-opened. His unemployment benefits ran out as well as his savings. Previously he was making more than $30/hr. He resurfaced my deck and stained it and did some needed painting around the house.

He is begging for "handyman" jobs at $12/hr and HE IS NO LONGER INCLUDED AS UNEMPLOYED and is not part of the statistic that the government puts out as he is "working off the books" so to speak and his benefits have run out! Therefore, he is not included any longer.

I believe there are tens of thousands like him and yes, some are living off of welfare as recent news in the Nashville/national area has reported on. It is bad and getting worse and the true statistics are not being reported for those that have given up and whse benefits have run out.

I've heard plenty of sad stories like this from the US where workers get the sack with little if any severance or assistance. This is the ultimate outcome though when a country decides to go from a manufacturing to a "service" economy though. Seems that $30/hr isn't really so much either and seems reasonable for that sort of work. When someone in China is making less than $10 per day to do the same work though, the corporations get greedy and move production abroad. They rarely if ever pass those savings along to the end customer though.

My heart goes out to the poor guy trying to make it as a handyman now. Beats working in fast food though I guess.

gaijinalways

Jan 7, 2009, 10:22

melon

Jan 11, 2009, 02:39

i choose japan... :dance:

xpid

Jan 15, 2009, 15:15

Akihabara is what identifies me as a thrill seeker, also the country, on my prespective, quiet enough and obedient, rather than the "MACETA" of Puerto Rico filled with abusive, disobedient, vague behaviours, infested with drugdealers swiping away lives on bystanders, self-corrupted government, even Puerto Rican television isn't fun anymore because of negligent administration of NBC(WKAQ-TV 2ch San Juan) and Univision(WLII-TV 11ch) Caguas, and they're willing to plug themselves off the air, all but WAPA-TV 4ch San Juan.

But my ideal life out there will be like this:

1. Everyone that recognises me by name
2. A decent, firm and non-corruptible government system
3. Affordable housing starting off in the countryside prior to Tokyo
4. Expertise in healthcare
5. Positively strict driving laws(Highway Code)
6. More decent postage system
And many other benefits that the country will offer me, but too much to post it here

ahlee

Jan 19, 2009, 02:00

I wish to live in Hokkaido, lol

JerseyBoy

Jan 19, 2009, 23:48

I wish to live in Hokkaido, lol
Be careful what you wish for. Hokkaido is like in the middle of the Adirondack all year long (and it's like Utica or Binghamton is the largest city).

JerseyBoy

Jan 19, 2009, 23:53

Unfortunately, it's not just the US, it's also happening in Japan. All those workers being let go at Toyota, Nissan, and Honda are taking home big severance packages. Instead it's more like hello to 'Hello work'.
I don't think the temp workers laid from Toyota, Nissan, and others are not getting a robust severance package (I am not sure they are even getting any severance package except for a 30-day-worth of pay).

Hello Work is mainly for non skilled workers. So, if you were let go from the high paying job, there is nil chance you will find the position you look for at Hello Work.

gaijinalways

Jan 20, 2009, 22:50

There are many workers, both temporary and used to be permanent, and they are going wherever they can once the severance, if any, runs out.

By the way, from what I understand, going to the Hello work center is a requirement if you're collecting unemployment benefits here in Japan (satisfies the looking for work clause).

CaptainSpandex

Jan 26, 2009, 17:20

The U.S., for me. Visiting Japan for a few weeks was nice, but where I live, I can drive for less than an hour and see wide, open spaces, climb mountains, whatever.

Japan is a beautiful place, don't misunderstand me, it's just difficult finding a place that hasn't been paved over, and isn't an obvious tourist trap.

kusojiji

Jan 26, 2009, 17:35

The U.S., for me. Visiting Japan for a few weeks was nice, but where I live, I can drive for less than an hour and see wide, open spaces, climb mountains, whatever.
Japan is a beautiful place, don't misunderstand me, it's just difficult finding a place that hasn't been paved over, and isn't an obvious tourist trap.

80% of Japan is forestland. You have to actually leave Tokyo to get to it though.

CaptainSpandex

Jan 27, 2009, 02:46

80% of Japan is forestland. You have to actually leave Tokyo to get to it though.

I'm unsure where you're getting the 80% figure from, but in looking at satellite images of the island of Japan, it's fairly easy to see that your statement is incorrect. A good 60-70% of the mainland is gray, you can literally see how much is paved over and it's a little sad. Comparing this to my home state, where I can ride my motorcycle for hours and not see a telephone line, never mind a building, for hours, I hope you'll understand better what I was driving at.

Also, I've never been to Tokyo. I was in Japan on volunteer work, not as a tourist.

kusojiji

Jan 27, 2009, 03:28

You need to study the topography, not just glance at a color chart.

In fact, only Finland and Sweden have similarly high percentages of forest cover as a percentage of overall territory.

Thuglife

Feb 24, 2009, 11:14

I don't think the temp workers laid from Toyota, Nissan, and others are not getting a robust severance package (I am not sure they are even getting any severance package except for a 30-day-worth of pay).
.

My student (women 24yrs) has a brother 28yrs? who has worked for Suzuki for 5years and has recently been to India to train Indian workers. His week was just cut to 3 working days a week. He has no special money coming down the road for him. Japan is going to spiral down for another 2 years (best estimate) before it even begins to recover.

Giostigma

Feb 25, 2009, 05:23

Although I have no experience in living in Japan. I would live there in a heart beat. From the hundreds of videos I've seen it looks like a cool place to live.

JerseyBoy

Mar 3, 2009, 18:22

Finally, I think I am ready to leave Japan again. As soon as I set up the living arrangement in the States, I will be out. :)

After staying here in 1.5 years, I prefer the USA. Japan is too crowded, too insular, too conformist, too much bound by out-of-mode codes, and etc. Its economic future is in doubt as well (see the other thread on "Economy").

I have nothing against the country. I would still consider getting hardwares such as a Japanese sports car, a flat screen TV, consumer electronics, and etc in the USA, even though I may not consume its non hardware-based services, except for banking.:) I need that to collect rents from my property.

For people who are interested in Japan solely because of mass media, video games, and other indirect methods, I wanna suggest they test the water first before committing your time, careers, and lives on the long term basis. You could be disappointed after trying about 5 years or so.

ASHIKAGA

Mar 3, 2009, 18:57

Finally, I think I am ready to leave Japan again. As soon as I set up the living arrangement in the States, I will be out. :)
Finally, indeed! It sounded to me like you've been mulling over wether to go to US or stay here for a while from reading your posts in the past year or so. I wish you a happy life in the good ol' US of A.

You could be disappointed after trying about 5 years or so.

or not. I've been loving every minute of my life in Japan. Apart from the stuff you mentioned ( video games, stuff you see in the mass media...), Japan has so much to offer. Chances are, people would come here expecting to find an Anime-Manga-J-Rock Wonderland, only to encounter a whole new country and fall in love with it.

I do agree with your advice, though, about visiting Japan first to "test the waters" before making a long-term commitment.

anon

Mar 3, 2009, 21:45

I might go for JEP!!

an0nymusBlu3

Mar 4, 2009, 01:16

I have wanted to live in Japan since I was very young I found the culture and the sights really interesting and as I grew older the want only got stronger but I know not a lot of japanese are so into foreigners so I want to learn all of the language and how to act etc before I think of making a long term move or anything like that
I like America and everything I just think Japan is a beautiful country and I would feel more at home there for some reason..I never really have here and I don't agree with Americas politics atm..haven't for a while

I agree with that one poster a lot of "weeabos" are wanting to go for the wrong reasons

Giostigma

Mar 4, 2009, 05:21

JerseyBoy

Mar 4, 2009, 16:47

Finally, indeed! It sounded to me like you've been mulling over wether to go to US or stay here for a while from reading your posts in the past year or so. I wish you a happy life in the good ol' US of A.
or not. I've been loving every minute of my life in Japan.
I have not yet pulled a trigger yet as I have one other career opportunity pending in Japan which let me work in both countries.:)

ショーン

Mar 19, 2009, 04:58

I've never been to Japan even though I would like to visit & hopefully will soon. I have to say that I wouldn't want to live in a big city in the US because big city life here is much different from what I hear about it places like Kyoto & Tokyo in a bad way. I am fairly content living in my small city along the Mississippi River but living in Japan is still something I have thought about

xpid

Mar 19, 2009, 06:24

In my P.O.V. living in Puerto Rico is such a eeeeeeeeeeh!!!!

the "maceta" civilisation, irresponsibility with the people is at large, especially senior citizens, that nobody will ever take 1 second of their lives to spend it with them.

Crime rate is also at large, the police force, state and municipal(especially San Juan, Guaynabo, Hato Rey, and all other cities of the metropolian area) is self-corrupt. they're utilising the police guards to protect the drug cartels instead of the citizenship against crime, netherless that in the end of 1994, the Puerto Rican murder rate reached it's all time highest since 1973, and the State police administration by Pedro Toledo predicted that in any moment the record might break.

The disadvantage of my country is also education, the State's educational system was a total disaster due to the inept administration of the Minister of Education Rafael Aragunde, vague teachers, students behaving like drug catels hunting for innocent civilians, frequent vandalism, etc.

Driving in Puerto Rico is like having the grim reaper sitting next to you, reporting annualy 36.1 deaths for every 100,000 habitants. this might be the cause of frequent speeding(425km/h in a zone of 90km/h), no giving way to pedestrians, reckless lane changing, double parking, stopping in unauthorised areas, etc. As i suggested, the responsible driving ratio is a fatal 1:3, stating that for every responsible driver in the commonwealth, 3 negligent drivers are beside him. and that's all because no drver in the country is capable of obeying the driving code.

Also the data that depresses me, 49.5% of the population are homeless. no one, not even the state government could help the homeless.

Health management in Puerto Rico is also dangerous, the case of "fake doctors" is at large, doctors and nurses, try to obtain the licence by simply "cheating" the test, where the exam candidate tells someone to alter the answers whereas the answers were 100% correct. Healthcare insurance provided by the government is also self-corrupt, stating that the poor and the mid-class people will have absolutely NO access to healthcare services, that way, even healthy people die every 6 seconds.

Tax evasion is also persistent, nearly 65% of the population never file taxes by 15th April every year, and that causes the ministry of treasury to arrest that percentage of the population.

The government is also a mere but lethal danger to the people. with the self-corrupted legislation, administered by both Tomas Rivera Schatz and Jennifer Gonzalez, instead of creating new laws, they're opposing their duties, using the nation's funds for drugs, porn movies for children under 18 and 21, weapons, etc. and this is how they react to it's inhabitants :gun:

And therefore this is how i feel in my country :(
but all of that is gonna change when i land foot in Japan as the first Puerto Rican to acquire permanent citizenship, no matter what obstacle the constitutional monarchy might place me on the way.

As i said, Puerto Rico is 100% pure eeeeeeeeh!!!!!!!!!

Snake258

Mar 23, 2009, 10:04

I've never been to Japan. I live in Texas and love it. I've lived all over the US and have been to Mexico and the Caribbean (beautiful!) but I've always wondered what it would be like to live in Japan for a while.
And the Japanese girls are cute! :D

minime

Apr 7, 2009, 15:08

Everything is fantastic, besides i'm still learning Japanese....

c14g8

Apr 8, 2009, 12:01

i have some students who live in japan ant they say that they love life in Japan. they sometimes also have these happiness attacks on the street and I cant stop smiling, and also allmost crying.

Angel-of-Starlight

Apr 8, 2009, 12:49

I'd rather live in Japan. It seems more free, funner, and safer there than here in the U.S. Besides, there are friends there that I'm looking for.:p

JerseyBoy

Apr 8, 2009, 18:15

I'd rather live in Japan. It seems more free, funner, and safer there than here in the U.S.
Unless you are in the middle of ghettos in the USA, you would be fairly safe. When you are coming from the USA to Japan, there would be lots of things you need to adjust your bearing and tastes.

MCS

Apr 8, 2009, 18:24

where i live it's quite comfy/safe most of the time, the bigger cities here are 'pretty' safe but they're really small compared to other major cities in other countries because belgium is so small. i go to london from time to time and i love it there, it's busy and i love taking metros and mixing in and become anonymous because there's so many people. people tend to think the attitude of people in big cities is rude and uncaring but eventho people always tend to be in a hurry they will stop and try to help of you ask them.
i've never been to a major city in japan (osaka, kyoto, tokyo) but am aiming to do so at the end of this year (starting off with tokyo).
i've never been to america but friends who have been to both osaka, tokyo and new york, los angeles say they felt much safer and comfy in osaka and tokyo even with the language barrier, the atmosphere is much more friendly and respectful overall. but i can't wait to find out for myself though, it's not all happy dappy environments but i hear it so often japan is a safer country than the states so there must be some truth to it. also the food, japan would win that from the states, easily. ;-)

Deniska

Apr 23, 2009, 03:52

Since im not from America and Japan, i would like to try living in both of these countries =]

Proud Asian Kid

Apr 28, 2009, 01:37

You should go back to your home country in the west in you plan to raise childrent who not look like Japanese or at least Asian in Japan since he/she will get discrimination all over his/her live especially in school [ except of you send him in school full of westerner ].

kusojiji

Apr 28, 2009, 06:26

Speaking of school, go back to troll school kid. You are doing a terrible job of it.

makalala

May 19, 2009, 17:31

I don't really know. In america, everything is so big and crowded. But I've heared about the metro's and trains and stuff in Japan. Is it really that terrible crowded?
But looking at culture, I prefer Japan. I love the music and Harajuku clothing.

Titmouse(Gabe)

May 22, 2009, 11:45

been living in portland oregon, USA my whole life and its getting old, so if I was rich I would move to japan and come back when I felt like it

the only prob with japan is its freaking crouded in the some places, but I would rather be crouded and trust my neibors, than be living in this neiborhood and experience crime. I mean, there was a freaking drive by right across the street just a couple weeks ago. pisses me off

Riona-Chan

Jun 2, 2009, 08:44

Titmouse(Gabe)

Jun 2, 2009, 08:47

I would rather throw my self of the eath then to live in the U.S.A.
I have nothing agains Americans and i have met some pretty nice ones but I just hate the country and the mentality for the biggest part.

I prefer Japan because:

#1 I have been there.
#2 I like the mentality better.
#3 Lowest criminal score in the world.
#4 I can adjust to the Japanese culture quite well, but to the American?

I think americans are more rough around the edges because life in most cities is rough.
I am always giving ppl ****, somtimes I am joking, sometimes I am not
its just the way I have become. probably has to do with being in america my whole life (im only 22 but still :D)

deep down I am a nice guy, but I have my own issues, which makes it hard

Riona-Chan

Jun 2, 2009, 09:07

Titmouse(Gabe)

Jun 2, 2009, 09:08

^ I know dear don't worry haha I know there are pretty nice ones too.
As for me, grown up in Europe (I am not saying that Europe is better) I grew up in a diffrent culture so often the American culture is a bit...shocking to me ^^;;
(not saying Japan is a perfect country lol)

well, I think all men should be strong and kind at the same time, and not be afraid to say what needs to be said.
so many ppl are passive and just let anything go.

Nan

Jun 5, 2009, 00:28

Well, I voted Nippon on that poll.
I'm not sure I could live here forever, and I've never walked the US's soil, so I can't really be a proper example.
But this is a coutry ( USA) I'll visit soon, it's just like my love for Japan, I could not explain why...
But lots of things are pretty easier than in France, wherein lot of things are prohibited, or simply too expensive, even unaffordable.
But I guess it's not the thread to talk about that country ( that I must say now I love)

Titmouse(Gabe)

Jun 5, 2009, 08:14

emee

Jun 24, 2009, 20:16

USA is out of the question :P ...and I want to be in Japan for some years:haihai: but Sweden is my home and I want to have a good economic situation in Japan to stay there

Titmouse(Gabe)

Jun 24, 2009, 21:01

USA is out of the question :P ...and I want to be in Japan for some years:haihai: but Sweden is my home and I want to have a good economic situation in Japan to stay there

the best thing about america is the freedom
you can own a gun if you want, you can own a truck without environmental wackos telling you "NO," you are not forced to recycle, and if you choose to, we only have 3 different bins, so its easy, etc etc etc.
just a lot less restriction than the rest of the world

Grampus

Jun 26, 2009, 17:12

the best thing about america is the freedom
you can own a gun if you want, you can own a truck without environmental wackos telling you "NO," you are not forced to recycle, and if you choose to, we only have 3 different bins, so its easy, etc etc etc.
just a lot less restriction than the rest of the world

Being a Canadian married to a Japanese, the choice is simple if those are the only two options. I understand Japan and the Japanese way of thinking much more than I do that of the USA.

Titmouse(Gabe)

Jun 26, 2009, 21:00

Being a Canadian married to a Japanese, the choice is simple if those are the only two options. I understand Japan and the Japanese way of thinking much more than I do that of the USA.

yeah I think I can relate to japanese mindset a lot more than the american mindset

gaijinalways

Jul 2, 2009, 12:21

It's interesting to see what people deem safe. Japan has the most police officers per the number of population, but also it figures highly in international reports of unreported crime as well as a high number of confessions. I would say for violent crime (such as assaults), pretty safe. If you're a woman though, it's not as safe as the media plays it up to be.

Overall it's pretty good here, but there are times when it's worrisome, especially now in Roppongi where you can be subjected to random drug tests. Nothing like a police presence!

Titmouse(Gabe)

Jul 2, 2009, 20:04

It's interesting to see what people deem safe. Japan has the most police officers per the number of population, but also it figures highly in international reports of unreported crime as well as a high number of confessions. I would say for violent crime (such as assaults), pretty safe. If you're a woman though, it's not as safe as the media plays it up to be.
Overall it's pretty good here, but there are times when it's worrisome, especially now in Roppongi where you can be subjected to random drug tests. Nothing like a police presence!

america isnt as bad as the media makes it out to be
however we ARE the melting pot. so many different ppl coming together causes strife

Sukotto

Jul 3, 2009, 21:53

Nihon ni sumitai, I'd like to try. But one usually needs a college degree or some extra special skill in order to survive there. And I'm not sure I want to go back to college and obtain one.

gaijinalways

Jul 4, 2009, 17:09

titmouse posted america isnt as bad as the media makes it out to be
however we ARE the melting pot. so many different ppl coming together causes strife

I don't think America is bad at all. It would depend on where you live. My parents still usually don't lock their doors during the day, but they live in a medium sized town, not a city.

People lock their doors here in Tokyo, and my wife doesn't like me to leave the bedroom window open at night (though personally I would like to see a Japanese burglar try and come in through the window. I would have no compunction about reminding him about the law of graivty:D).

Titmouse(Gabe)

Jul 4, 2009, 18:29

titmouse posted
I don't think America is bad at all. It would depend on where you live. My parents still usually don't lock their doors during the day, but they live in a medium sized town, not a city.
People lock their doors here in Tokyo, and my wife doesn't like me to leave the bedroom window open at night (though personally I would like to see a Japanese burglar try and come in through the window. I would have no compunction about reminding him about the law of graivty:D).

yeah....
living in a small town doesn't really count as a fair comparison.

gaijinalways

Jul 7, 2009, 22:59

I don't consider a population of 60,000 small, but I'll let you judge that for yourself. I have lived in some very small towns, but I still usually locked my doors when I went out for the day (not so many neighbors around to keep an eye on things).

Grampus

Jul 8, 2009, 13:54

hm...the crime rate in Japan being compared to that of the USA? hm...

Lotusflower15

Aug 2, 2009, 07:59

defintely Japan , crime rate is very low compared to US

ceneash

Aug 9, 2009, 01:02

ofcourse in Japan. thought i have never been in japan either in USA, but it's just the way it is. altought i guess it would be easier to adapt to the USA society, but oh well, my dream is Japan. :}

Chidoriashi

Sep 1, 2009, 07:37

I always find it curious how people having never been to Japan are quick to decide that this is the place for them. In reality it is my feeling that only a certain breed of foreigner can really chug it out here for the long run.

nice gaijin

Sep 1, 2009, 10:20

defintely Japan , crime rate is very low compared to US
quoting a statistic like that without any sense of context or relevant information is a misuse of the figure. Crime statistics is aren't an accurate representation of what life is like... anywhere.

Emoni

Sep 2, 2009, 05:43

Maybe more specific information is needed, but you can't tell me that you feel safer walking around in our city compared to when we were in Japan... It is significantly safer over there in a majority of areas compared to a majority of areas here.

nice gaijin

Sep 2, 2009, 08:15

crap, lost my response. cliffnotes version.
but you can't tell me that you feel safer walking around in our city compared to when we were in Japan...Safer from what? assault? being shot? pickpockets? being falsely accused of a crime myself? I've never been the victim of assault in either country, but that doesn't mean I'm not still vigilant. I HAVE been falsely accused of a crime in Japan, so should I be more worried that it would happen again? If I were a girl, should I feel more or less safe from sexual assault on the train? Should my perceived safety be affected by the fact that trains are far more common in Japan?

Japan and the US are very different countries, and there are a lot more factors to crime than the mere number of incidents. How do you even begin to establish an equal scale with which to relate the two? Use samplings of areas with similar population density? Categorize by types of crime? What about things that are illegal in one country and not the other, do they still count? Do you think Lotusflower took any of this into consideration when she posted?

Statistics without context is data. Data is not information, and inferences made from data alone are uninformed ones.

Emoni

Sep 2, 2009, 08:41

Ugh, hate it when I lose a whole post or email like that.

I absolutely agree that categorization of what is being compared in regards to "safety and crime" is critical in any comparison. I'm not going to guess what Lotus was thinking though, just because I can't read minds and there was not enough information posted by s/he to be able to make any sort of remote conjecture.

When I am speaking of safety, I'm speaking mostly of physical safety from violent crime or theft in general. I would never be so foolish as to walk through many downtown areas around Sacramento at night, the same goes with San Francisco or L.A. However, there are only a couple spots I would even be concerned about being robbed or violently attacked in Japan. A majority of Japan I have little to no concern walking through even at 1am totally alone in the dark. Does this sort of violent attack happen in Japan? Certainly. However, the chances I'm going to get shot, robbed, or be the victim of some sort of gangbang is pretty damn low in Japan compared to the US. Even the occasional maniac with a katana situation is fairly low. I'd go as far as to say in China I generally felt safer from violent crime like this compared to many places in the US. (I'm comparing violent muggings here)

Now on to false accusations, sexual crime, and general trust in the police. I don't trust the police in Japan one bit; however, I also don't trust the police in the United States either. In Japan this quickly gets into the realm of human rights issues. As for sexual crime, I don't think I have to worry about this too much, as long as you don't concern the chance of being falsely accused in a train because some panicky lady assumes it was me who grabbed her and not some pervy drunk businessman. (In a crowded train I always purposefully have my hands visible and above my shoulders to avoid this sort of thing the best I can. Call it paranoia but, I already know foreigners are seen with a suspicious eye.)

I guess I could look up some statistics yes, but I don't quite have the time to do that for a forum posts and have other preparations to do. I already waste too much time on here :D

ChrisGR

Sep 2, 2009, 09:09

crap, lost my response. cliffnotes version.
Safer from what? assault? being shot? pickpockets? being falsely accused of a crime myself? I've never been the victim of assault in either country, but that doesn't mean I'm not still vigilant. I HAVE been falsely accused of a crime in Japan, so should I be more worried that it would happen again? If I were a girl, should I feel more or less safe from sexual assault on the train? Should my perceived safety be affected by the fact that trains are far more common in Japan?

Japan and the US are very different countries, and there are a lot more factors to crime than the mere number of incidents. How do you even begin to establish an equal scale with which to relate the two? Use samplings of areas with similar population density? Categorize by types of crime? What about things that are illegal in one country and not the other, do they still count? Do you think Lotusflower took any of this into consideration when she posted?

Statistics without context is data. Data is not information, and inferences made from data alone are uninformed ones.

Well done for this nice classic predictable answer like trying to defend! so... well, Japan is pretty much safer than USA and thats called common known fact
or some fancier english word. you dont have to categorize, check densities, do experiments or whatever.
i dont know why you get offended by that, trying to cover it with excuses and stuff.
if
it was for Greece instead of US i would again agree that Japan is safer too, even tho i havent been there but for these years of searching some stuff and participating in forums, i think i can tell. and data IS information man.

RavenRockstar

Sep 2, 2009, 09:16

I cant really decide without having lived in both those places.
Plus, maybe I would like somewhere else better

Emoni

Sep 2, 2009, 09:19

Well done for this nice classic predictable answer like trying to defend! so... well, Japan is pretty much safer than USA and thats called common known fact
or some fancier english word. you dont have to categorize, check densities, do experiments or whatever.
i dont know why you get offended by that, trying to cover it with excuses and stuff.
if
it was for Greece instead of US i would again agree that Japan is safer too, even tho i havent been there but for these years of searching some stuff and participating in forums, i think i can tell. and data IS information man.

While I can barely read what you wrote, I'm almost certain you missed a great deal of what NiceGaijin was trying to explain. I highly recommend you read much more carefully before being so critical.

Moreover, if your reasoning is "everyone seems to know, and even though I've never been there, it must be true" then you kid, need to seriously consider a class that involves critical thinking or basic logic so you see how absurd and foolish that statement was.

Emoni

Sep 2, 2009, 09:41

I cant really decide without having lived in both those places.
Plus, maybe I would like somewhere else better
Most honest and intelligent reply yet.

nice gaijin

Sep 2, 2009, 09:42

However, the chances I'm going to get shot, robbed, or be the victim of some sort of gangbang is pretty damn low in Japan compared to the US. It's possible to put yourself in a situation in both countries where you are just as susceptible to being the victim of a crime. Statistics can't predict the future.

The three crimes you quoted are good examples of contextless generalizations. There are less guns in Japan, so there are less gunshot wounds. They are also illegal, so any citizen carrying one is a criminal. If we rely on statistics, perhaps it'd be more effective to look at stats for HOW guns are used in crime. Robbery, as in being mugged? How about being extorted? (http://books.google.com/books?id=rNNhhuURbLIC&pg=PA172&lpg=PA172&dq=japanese+extortion+apology&source=bl&ots=SCiMJMfG0I&sig=RSL2v0kUiDt-6imeD-qW_dZAzQo&hl=en&ei=Hb6dSu2yGoOMtAPYiLAm&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1#v=onepage&q=japanese%20extortion%20apology&f=false) As for gangbangs, how many gangs in Japan operate that way? We're getting into the different approaches to criminal activity in different cultures, and comparing them without context just leads to generalizations and misunderstanding.

For the record, I walk around downtown at night without anxiety or needlessly scaring myself or others into thinking I'm going to be victimized, but I remain vigilant of the situation around me, which is usually the situation in which I've put myself. This applies everywhere.

data IS information manNo, it is data. Or to be more succinct, data is not knowledge. What kind of understanding could you hope to have of any raw data if you don't know how it relates to anything else? I suggest you take a look at Information Anxiety, by Richard Saul Wurman. (http://www.amazon.com/Information-Anxiety-Richard-Saul-Wurman/dp/0385243944)

Chidoriashi

Sep 2, 2009, 09:44

Well done for this nice classic predictable answer like trying to defend! so... well, Japan is pretty much safer than USA and thats called common known fact
or some fancier english word. you dont have to categorize, check densities, do experiments or whatever.
i dont know why you get offended by that, trying to cover it with excuses and stuff.
if
it was for Greece instead of US i would again agree that Japan is safer too, even tho i havent been there but for these years of searching some stuff and participating in forums, i think i can tell. and data IS information man.

I'm not going to comment on overall safety because safety is basically relative. I lived most of my life in the USA and not once have been the victim of any sort of violent crime. Hect I cannot even remember getting anything stolen. But since being in Japan, I heard a knife fight going on and later saw blood splattered all over the scene, (never seen that in America), and have had my bicycle stolen several times. So what does that tell me? It's all relative, period. Do I feel safer walking around Japan at night? Sure, but sometimes I wonder how much of our feeling about safety in the US has been offset by the media that likes to sensationalize things and make the country/world seem a lot more violent than it actually is.

Emoni

Sep 2, 2009, 09:57

It's possible to put yourself in a situation in both countries where you are just as susceptible to being the victim of a crime. Statistics can't predict the future.

The three crimes you quoted are good examples of contextless generalizations.

Now I think you are just picking for anything, and I think you're missing the point in an attempt to be a bit TOO specific without even the tools at hand. :D

Of course they are contextless generalizations, they are simply examples of possible violent crimes. Neither of us are jumping into research studies or statistics so both of us are generalizing just as much as the other. If you want to switch in "stabbings" for "gunshot wounds" be my guest.

My point wasn't to itemize each specific type of crime, my whole point is that in general I feel much safer from violent crime and muggings walking alone through the streets of Tokyo at night than I do the streets of other major cities in the United States.

Now, you can break that down even further if you want, but then you almost should have a serious research and statistic based thread mixed with a bit of philosophy for spice if you are going to go THAT deep. If you want to look up statistics for the types of crime I listed and try to compare violent crime in a city like LA compared to Tokyo, go for it. I'd be very curious of the results myself to see the differences. That is a separate thread if you are going to go to that extent.

Nothing is wrong with detail, but if you are focused exclusively on each little pinpoint to where you miss the picture as a whole, then you might need to take a deep breath and take a step back.

RolandtheHeadless

Sep 2, 2009, 11:17

I've lived in both countries, and prefer my own.

1. More freedom here, less pressure to conform.

2. Law-abiding citizens can arm themselves equally to the criminals. I've never been a crime victim in either country, but at least here I know that if someone breaks into my house at night, I can defend myself and family.

3. More space, less traffic, fewer crowds. (Not true everywhere you go.)

4. Our kids never had to worry about being treated as half-breeds at school. We've never been discriminated against here because we're an inter-racial couple. (Wife is Japanese, I'm white.) This was not true when we lived in Japan, where most landlords wouldn't rent to us and some establishments wouldn't serve us.

There are some very good things about living in Japan (the food) and the Japanese people; but some things were hard for me to live with.

Emoni

Sep 2, 2009, 13:15

Those are some very good reasons Roland. I'm still torn between the choice myself, but I'm lucky that I don't have to make it for some time. I think I'll know depending on the situation I'm in.

nice gaijin

Sep 2, 2009, 16:37

Now I think you are just picking for anything, and I think you're missing the point in an attempt to be a bit TOO specific without even the tools at hand. :D
Of course they are contextless generalizations, they are simply examples of possible violent crimes. Neither of us are jumping into research studies or statistics so both of us are generalizing just as much as the other. If you want to switch in "stabbings" for "gunshot wounds" be my guest....
...Nothing is wrong with detail, but if you are focused exclusively on each little pinpoint to where you miss the picture as a whole, then you might need to take a deep breath and take a step back.
I wasn't asking for detailed statistics in earnest; I was using those questions to illustrate just how vague and non-informative a statistic out of context can be.

in general I feel much safer from violent crime and muggings walking alone through the streets of Tokyo at night than I do the streets of other major cities in the United States.That's a perfectly valid way to feel, but is it because of crime statistics that you feel safer in Japan? Too often we seek false comfort in information taken out of context, and we lose sight of any real understanding of how or why the "facts" are what they are. As others have pointed out, perceived happiness includes a lot more than perceived safety, which includes a lot more than how many crimes are committed in a year.

Emoni

Sep 2, 2009, 17:49

Oh, I already completely agree that information out of context is dangerous. Random statistics or comments made out of context without attention made to under-appreciated semantics can be very dangerous.

I'll agree on your last statement on the above post as well... to an extent. There hasn't really BEEN any facts or hard information posted though, so it is really hard to worry about things going too far yet. Feeling of safety (which is only accurately measured on a relative scale anyway), and the actual percentage of the chance of a crime occurring (maybe even harder to judge due to so many factors) I expect, as most would, show a great discrepancy in the final results. Add in type of crimes, and other factors and you quickly have possibly the most complex social study ever conducted.

However, ultimately on an issue like this you have go both by life experience and general results based on a variety of data that may be present when you make your choice to step out that door. This goes for anyone.

No matter the results, I still would feel far safer walking through Tokyo at 1am than downtown LA at 1am. I'll leave the hard research and statistics as to why for someone else though.

Toshi-pyon

Sep 23, 2009, 00:09

Although it may not be related to this topic, I really like hearing good things about Japan.
I was born and raised here in Japan and I am really proud of this country.
I just want to say "Thank you" for all who are interested in Japan :)
I wish I could show you all around my living area in Tokyo and have fun together~.

sorry if my English is rubbish..

tomoshiraishi

Sep 24, 2009, 16:22

how about Australia!

nice gaijin

Sep 24, 2009, 17:18

how about Australia!
oh, that's because no one wants to live in Australia ;)

Chidoriashi

Sep 30, 2009, 09:35

how about Australia!

How about... starting a thread for Japan and Australia?

Dogen Z

Oct 18, 2009, 08:22

(Sorry to interrupt - I don't know much about Australia, but I've met some great Aussies :) )

Getting back to the OP's question - I chose Japan because

In the U.S., the top 1% of the population controls 25% of the country's wealth.
The country ranks no. 3 in income inequality (among developed countries) according to the Gini Coefficient. (Story at this Bsns Wk link: http://images.businessweek.com/ss/09/10/1013_biggest_rich_poor_gap_globally/index.htm?chan=globalbiz_asia+index+page_top+stori es&technology+slideshows)

(Click this link for another interesting article regarding this issue: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/fe92f40e-ba67-11de-9dd7-00144feab49a.html?nclick_check=1)

OTOH, Japan ranks as one of the lowest in income inequality beaten only by Denmark.
This is one of the biggest factors contributing to the difference in quality of life between the 2 countries.

So, while I sometimes miss the wild diversity and excitement that the U.S. is famed for, I enjoy living in a more eqalitarian society (despite being an outsider - since being a total insider has its price, too) .