Young female gaijin in Tokyo

Diana · Jul 30, 2002, 14:44

Since I'll be going to Tokyo in the fall, I wonder what I should expect in terms of how the Japanese will see me. I've heard a lot about gaijin men (and how desirable they are LOL), but less about women. I'm a student in the US, but I come from Romania.

So... will I be stared at? Will I hear comments on my big eyes and feet? (My eyes are actually pretty big.)

I'd appreciate some opinions, and/or warnings, advice etc.
Yoroshiku!

Maciamo · Jul 31, 2002, 00:24

Japanese people love big eyes. You'll make envious there. Just look at the manga; why do you think they always have so huge eyes. It's cute and sexy, so suits Japan perfectly.

If you are blond with blue eyes, you'll also attract attention (positively). Otherwise, don't worry, caucasians are pretty well perceived in Japan. They will not make the difference whether you're from Romania, France or the US. Japanese are very bad at distinguishing gaijins (except whites from blacks).

Diana · Jul 31, 2002, 00:34

You were close. I'm dark blonde with green eyes.
;)

samuraitora · Jul 31, 2002, 02:33

a side note is that they may treat you great...don't expect to be completely acepted into their social circles.

Don't let that diminish your opinion...they will ALWAYS treat you with grace and respect.

nukleareraffe · Jul 31, 2002, 05:13

Mm, wow, does anybody know how male gaijin are received in Japan? I know people that had to give autographs and a lot of japanese wanted their photo taken with them. and they are NOT famous at all.

thomas · Jul 31, 2002, 06:05

Must have done something wrong, as I was never chased by autograph hunters in Japan...
;)

"Gaijin attraction" also depends on your location, don't expect people in Tokyo to turn their heads, you may have different experiences at the country-side though.

Maciamo · Jul 31, 2002, 13:27

Yeah, I had dozens of schoolchildren asking me for autographs and pictures with them in Nara because their teachers had asked them to question foreign tourists about what they tought of Nara, then to make them sign on the questionaire. That's not really the same thing though.

nukleareraffe · Aug 1, 2002, 03:43

Seems fun though.

moyashi · Aug 1, 2002, 21:57

I've had my share way back when. Recently it's mother's at the school I teach at.

Gaijin are no longer that popular ....

jiminnwa · Aug 2, 2002, 00:14

Glad to hear that gaijin aren't as popular as before.....I remember
being on a local train in Shizuoka-ken when another train pulled along side going in the opposite direction. One of the chidren in that car waved to me and I made the mistake of waving back. Soon everybody in the other car,children, women, and old men
were waving back at me and they didn't stop until my train finally pulled away a couple of minutes later. After that I made sure I would try and maintain non-eye contact whenever I found myself in a trapped location. The situation was definitely different in Tokyo where gaijin are a dime a dozen but then Tokyo has always been its own cosmopolitian world compared to the rest of Japan.

Scott · Aug 2, 2002, 01:53

Hahahaha. These are all great stories. I can't wait to see what happens when I make it to Japan someday.

Shinmeiryu · Aug 2, 2002, 05:12

Likewise, as I will be in the greater minority considering I'm not caucasian. My first trip will be Tokyo, but I am also interested in extending it to the countryside for my first visit.

nukleareraffe · Aug 2, 2002, 20:18

Prepare and have some autographed photo-cards ready!!

moyashi · Aug 3, 2002, 18:33

Hey! Those kinds of kids are great! I do it all the time even while driving

It's the drunk old farts that irratate me ... errrr ...

Diana · Aug 4, 2002, 06:20

Nice stories!
Thanks for your insights, I would indeed imagine Tokyo to be quite cosmopolitan. If I manage to make a few good Japanese friends (and no enemies), then I will declare myself very happy with the Japanese experience. It should be cool.

I don't expect to ever understand "all things Japanese", but at least I can keep an open mind and be friendly.
You know they say, "If you want to make a friend, be a friend."

I hope the stories will keep coming...

ghettocities · Aug 26, 2002, 13:34

Who said Gaijin are not popular? 1. I don't think you should speak on behalf of ever single foreigner in the world and 2. it's obviously something wrong with you because if you have good looks, nice designer clothing and money you'll have the opposite sex falling for you like crazy, let me reiterate once again, don't show up to a costume party in a tshirt and bluejeans.

Sorry forum i've been busy being filmed and planning my next trip, i'll be back in Japan this November, if anyone wants to chill just email me.

josh - ghettocities clothing
sehrerj@hotmail.com
http://www.geocities.com/ghettocities/

moyashi · Aug 26, 2002, 21:54

I guess it depends on what you're looking for.

If a lasting relationship it's more difficult and Gaijin are less popular.

If it's a one night thing, Gaijin can be very popular. But so are various STD/VDs. Condome usage is still very low in Japan. ;)

Also, the amount of popularity compared to 10 years ago has dropped due to the amount of Gaijin and commanlity of them. But I guess you know the scene much better than I do.

yeah ...

samuraitora · Aug 27, 2002, 02:49

I agree with moyashi sensei. There are far more gaijin over there now and just talking with my penpals, they have expressed a discust for a lot of them. Gaijin are not tuned to the right social graces, for the most part. If you looking for exceptance as a gaijin, there certainly are places you can go. Just be warey of STD's...very warey...

Sgt. Wang · Jun 22, 2004, 17:19

Originally Posted by Maciamo

Japanese people love big eyes. You'll make envious there. Just look at the manga; why do you think they always have so huge eyes. It's cute and sexy, so suits Japan perfectly.

If you are blond with blue eyes, you'll also attract attention (positively). Otherwise, don't worry, caucasians are pretty well perceived in Japan. They will not make the difference whether you're from Romania, France or the US. Japanese are very bad at distinguishing gaijins (except whites from blacks).

I think I quoted the wrong quote. I know Ghettocities has a bigger jet-setting lifestyle than all of us, so I guess the regular populus of gaijins won't be regarded, and Josh will......I think that's what I'm getting from this whole conversation. So yeah,....uh.........don't get STD's....they're bad for you......?

I've always thought it odd that the Japanese had a fetish with the common foreigner with doe eyes look......why is that anyway? Is it because it's an uncommon Japanese look? I'm just confused by the wide eyes.........

RockLee · Jun 22, 2004, 17:50

hmm why does EVERYBODY always continue on topics that ENDED 2 years ago????

Ewok85 · Jun 22, 2004, 18:01

WHY WONT IT DIE!?!

Ah well, i thought it was funny seeing josh on the forums then i saw the date :|

Sgt. Wang · Jun 22, 2004, 18:04

What? I'm sorry....I wasn't picking a fight or debating a discussion Rock Lee. I was telling it how I saw it.

Wait, if you joined in 2004, how would you know about a topic ending two years ago?

Chipi · Jun 22, 2004, 18:15

Well Im not in Tokyo, but in Kyoto..I guess there are some similarities though with the reactions youll get in Tokyo..(?)

Ive had in a way three kinds of reactions:
1. they ignore me (and sometimes I feel very relieved about it)
2. They stare me, with not-so-friendly-athmosphere, for example one old man grounted at me at the train station...all though I think it was hilarious ;)
3.They stare me, are very friendly, and in the club some are VERY friendly..

Some of the girls are best, they really cheer me up when they point at me and yell "kawaii!" and clap their hands. Then again, last weekend in the club, so many people came to talk to me, but they were all guys. (not that there would be anything wrong with it though ina way ;) ) one guy allready asked me to be his girlfriend..

My feelings vary - sometimes I really love to get the attention and sometimes I just wish I was invisible...but mostly, Im enjoying

RockLee · Jun 22, 2004, 19:01

Sgt Wang....hehe look at the date of the last post

26-08-02 19:49
samuraitora I agree with moyashi sensei. There are far more gaijin over there now and just talking with my penpals, they have expressed a discust for a lot of them. Gaijin are not tuned to the right social graces, for the most part. If you looking for exceptance as a gaijin, there certainly are places you can go. Just be warey of STD's...very warey...

I'm just mentioning that you better look at the last post in some cases...because they ended 2 years ago

Chipi · Jun 22, 2004, 19:29

..heh,true, i didnt notice the dates either..

Jul 30, 2002, 14:44	#1
Diana Join Date: Jul 29, 2002 Location: Mass, USA Posts: 19	Young female gaijin in Tokyo Since I'll be going to Tokyo in the fall, I wonder what I should expect in terms of how the Japanese will see me. I've heard a lot about gaijin men (and how desirable they are LOL), but less about women. I'm a student in the US, but I come from Romania. So... will I be stared at? Will I hear comments on my big eyes and feet? (My eyes are actually pretty big.) I'd appreciate some opinions, and/or warnings, advice etc. Yoroshiku!

Jul 31, 2002, 00:24	#2
Maciamo Decommissioned ex-admin Join Date: Jul 17, 2002 Location: Austrasia Posts: 6,647	Japanese people love big eyes. You'll make envious there. Just look at the manga; why do you think they always have so huge eyes. It's cute and sexy, so suits Japan perfectly. If you are blond with blue eyes, you'll also attract attention (positively). Otherwise, don't worry, caucasians are pretty well perceived in Japan. They will not make the difference whether you're from Romania, France or the US. Japanese are very bad at distinguishing gaijins (except whites from blacks). __________________ Over 100 destinations in the Japan Sightseeing Guide + detailed Tokyo Guide and Kyoto Guide Eupedia : Your Guide to Europe in English Read the "Maciamo FAQ" "What is the use of living, if it be not to strive for noble causes and to make this muddled world a better place for those who will live in it after we are gone?", Winston Churchill.

Jul 31, 2002, 02:33	#4
samuraitora Regular Member Join Date: May 29, 2002 Location: Detroit MI Age: 35 Posts: 782	a side note is that they may treat you great...don't expect to be completely acepted into their social circles. Don't let that diminish your opinion...they will ALWAYS treat you with grace and respect. __________________ ja mata samuraitora (^_-)/

Jul 31, 2002, 06:05	#6
thomas Decommissioned ex-admin Join Date: Mar 14, 2002 Posts: 4,209	Must have done something wrong, as I was never chased by autograph hunters in Japan... ;) "Gaijin attraction" also depends on your location, don't expect people in Tokyo to turn their heads, you may have different experiences at the country-side though. __________________ Remember what the dormouse said, feed your head, feed your head!

Aug 1, 2002, 21:57	#9
moyashi Regular Member Join Date: Apr 15, 2002 Location: SonyLand Age: 40 Posts: 1,566	I've had my share way back when. Recently it's mother's at the school I teach at. Gaijin are no longer that popular .... __________________ crazy gonna crazy

Jul 31, 2002, 00:34	#3
Diana Join Date: Jul 29, 2002 Location: Mass, USA Posts: 19	You were close. I'm dark blonde with green eyes. ;)

Jul 31, 2002, 05:13	#5
nukleareraffe Regular Member Join Date: Jul 8, 2002 Location: Germany Posts: 35	Mm, wow, does anybody know how male gaijin are received in Japan? I know people that had to give autographs and a lot of japanese wanted their photo taken with them. and they are NOT famous at all.

Jul 31, 2002, 13:27	#7
Maciamo Decommissioned ex-admin Join Date: Jul 17, 2002 Location: Austrasia Posts: 6,647	Yeah, I had dozens of schoolchildren asking me for autographs and pictures with them in Nara because their teachers had asked them to question foreign tourists about what they tought of Nara, then to make them sign on the questionaire. That's not really the same thing though.

Aug 1, 2002, 03:43	#8
nukleareraffe Regular Member Join Date: Jul 8, 2002 Location: Germany Posts: 35	Seems fun though.

Aug 2, 2002, 00:14	#10
jiminnwa Junior Member Join Date: Jul 20, 2002 Location: Seattle Washington USA Posts: 13	Glad to hear that gaijin aren't as popular as before.....I remember being on a local train in Shizuoka-ken when another train pulled along side going in the opposite direction. One of the chidren in that car waved to me and I made the mistake of waving back. Soon everybody in the other car,children, women, and old men were waving back at me and they didn't stop until my train finally pulled away a couple of minutes later. After that I made sure I would try and maintain non-eye contact whenever I found myself in a trapped location. The situation was definitely different in Tokyo where gaijin are a dime a dozen but then Tokyo has always been its own cosmopolitian world compared to the rest of Japan.

Aug 2, 2002, 01:53	#11
Scott Regular Member Join Date: Jun 25, 2002 Location: USA Age: 21 Posts: 123	Hahahaha. These are all great stories. I can't wait to see what happens when I make it to Japan someday.

Aug 2, 2002, 05:12	#12
Shinmeiryu SCAR Join Date: Jul 30, 2002 Location: Southern CA Age: 28 Posts: 201	Likewise, as I will be in the greater minority considering I'm not caucasian. My first trip will be Tokyo, but I am also interested in extending it to the countryside for my first visit.

Aug 2, 2002, 20:18	#13
nukleareraffe Regular Member Join Date: Jul 8, 2002 Location: Germany Posts: 35	Prepare and have some autographed photo-cards ready!!

Aug 3, 2002, 18:33	#14
moyashi Regular Member Join Date: Apr 15, 2002 Location: SonyLand Age: 40 Posts: 1,566	Hey! Those kinds of kids are great! I do it all the time even while driving It's the drunk old farts that irratate me ... errrr ...

Aug 4, 2002, 06:20	#15
Diana Join Date: Jul 29, 2002 Location: Mass, USA Posts: 19	Replies Nice stories! Thanks for your insights, I would indeed imagine Tokyo to be quite cosmopolitan. If I manage to make a few good Japanese friends (and no enemies), then I will declare myself very happy with the Japanese experience. It should be cool. I don't expect to ever understand "all things Japanese", but at least I can keep an open mind and be friendly. You know they say, "If you want to make a friend, be a friend." I hope the stories will keep coming...

Aug 26, 2002, 21:54	#17
moyashi Regular Member Join Date: Apr 15, 2002 Location: SonyLand Age: 40 Posts: 1,566	I guess it depends on what you're looking for. If a lasting relationship it's more difficult and Gaijin are less popular. If it's a one night thing, Gaijin can be very popular. But so are various STD/VDs. Condome usage is still very low in Japan. ;) Also, the amount of popularity compared to 10 years ago has dropped due to the amount of Gaijin and commanlity of them. But I guess you know the scene much better than I do. yeah ...

Aug 27, 2002, 02:49	#18
samuraitora Regular Member Join Date: May 29, 2002 Location: Detroit MI Age: 35 Posts: 782	I agree with moyashi sensei. There are far more gaijin over there now and just talking with my penpals, they have expressed a discust for a lot of them. Gaijin are not tuned to the right social graces, for the most part. If you looking for exceptance as a gaijin, there certainly are places you can go. Just be warey of STD's...very warey...

Jun 22, 2004, 17:19	#19
Sgt. Wang The Disco King Join Date: May 9, 2003 Location: United States/England Age: 32 Posts: 220	Originally Posted by Maciamo Japanese people love big eyes. You'll make envious there. Just look at the manga; why do you think they always have so huge eyes. It's cute and sexy, so suits Japan perfectly. If you are blond with blue eyes, you'll also attract attention (positively). Otherwise, don't worry, caucasians are pretty well perceived in Japan. They will not make the difference whether you're from Romania, France or the US. Japanese are very bad at distinguishing gaijins (except whites from blacks). I think I quoted the wrong quote. I know Ghettocities has a bigger jet-setting lifestyle than all of us, so I guess the regular populus of gaijins won't be regarded, and Josh will......I think that's what I'm getting from this whole conversation. So yeah,....uh.........don't get STD's....they're bad for you......? I've always thought it odd that the Japanese had a fetish with the common foreigner with doe eyes look......why is that anyway? Is it because it's an uncommon Japanese look? I'm just confused by the wide eyes......... __________________ Like I said, yeah yeah, you really are fit but my gosh don't you just know it? ~ Fit But You Know It/ Mike Skinner aka 'The Streets'

Jun 22, 2004, 17:50	#20
RockLee Hullu Join Date: Apr 22, 2004 Location: Espoo Age: 26 Posts: 3,084	hmm why does EVERYBODY always continue on topics that ENDED 2 years ago???? __________________ ~ Parempi hullu kuin tylsä - Better crazy than boring ~ http://www.fin-style.be/blog -> My Blog about Finland and other random thingies.

Jun 22, 2004, 18:01	#21
Ewok85 Cute and Furry Join Date: Nov 14, 2003 Location: Saitama/Tokyo Age: 24 Posts: 2,343	WHY WONT IT DIE!?! Ah well, i thought it was funny seeing josh on the forums then i saw the date :\|

Jun 22, 2004, 18:04	#22
Sgt. Wang The Disco King Join Date: May 9, 2003 Location: United States/England Age: 32 Posts: 220	What? I'm sorry....I wasn't picking a fight or debating a discussion Rock Lee. I was telling it how I saw it. Wait, if you joined in 2004, how would you know about a topic ending two years ago?

Jun 22, 2004, 18:15	#23
Chipi Yancha-Kunoichi Join Date: Mar 10, 2003 Location: UK, Manchester / Finland, Lahti / Japan, Minokamo Age: 28 Posts: 357	Well Im not in Tokyo, but in Kyoto..I guess there are some similarities though with the reactions youll get in Tokyo..(?) Ive had in a way three kinds of reactions: 1. they ignore me (and sometimes I feel very relieved about it) 2. They stare me, with not-so-friendly-athmosphere, for example one old man grounted at me at the train station...all though I think it was hilarious ;) 3.They stare me, are very friendly, and in the club some are VERY friendly.. Some of the girls are best, they really cheer me up when they point at me and yell "kawaii!" and clap their hands. Then again, last weekend in the club, so many people came to talk to me, but they were all guys. (not that there would be anything wrong with it though ina way ;) ) one guy allready asked me to be his girlfriend.. My feelings vary - sometimes I really love to get the attention and sometimes I just wish I was invisible...but mostly, Im enjoying

Jun 22, 2004, 19:01	#24
RockLee Hullu Join Date: Apr 22, 2004 Location: Espoo Age: 26 Posts: 3,084	Sgt Wang....hehe look at the date of the last post 26-08-02 19:49 samuraitora I agree with moyashi sensei. There are far more gaijin over there now and just talking with my penpals, they have expressed a discust for a lot of them. Gaijin are not tuned to the right social graces, for the most part. If you looking for exceptance as a gaijin, there certainly are places you can go. Just be warey of STD's...very warey... I'm just mentioning that you better look at the last post in some cases...because they ended 2 years ago

Jun 22, 2004, 19:29	#25
Chipi Yancha-Kunoichi Join Date: Mar 10, 2003 Location: UK, Manchester / Finland, Lahti / Japan, Minokamo Age: 28 Posts: 357	..heh,true, i didnt notice the dates either..

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