Items you miss from Japan when outside of Japan

sleidia · Dec 11, 2003, 23:48

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 · Dec 12, 2003, 01:17

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 · Dec 12, 2003, 03:09

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

probably the food
And the convenience stores that carry the fun stuff you can't find in the backwater US

Where people are still so amazingly primitive that they think 7-11 is only good for their 40 gallon slurpies and expanding waistlines

m477 · Dec 12, 2003, 05:06

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

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** · Dec 12, 2003, 05:28

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** · Dec 12, 2003, 16:02

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 · Dec 14, 2003, 02:36

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 · Dec 14, 2003, 12:12

@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!

MissingOki · Dec 15, 2003, 16:37

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 · Dec 15, 2003, 23:13

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

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

Angel of Ten · Dec 16, 2003, 09:27

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 · Dec 16, 2003, 09:36

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

Golgo_13 · Dec 17, 2003, 10:16

"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.

Being complimented on my physique.

**Iron Chef** · Dec 17, 2003, 13:57

"Being complimented on my physique."

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

dadako · Dec 17, 2003, 14:58

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

I guess I'll miss vending machines and karaoke

dadako · Dec 17, 2003, 15:04

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 · Dec 18, 2003, 00:24

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 · Dec 20, 2003, 02:04

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** · Dec 20, 2003, 11:18

"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 · Dec 21, 2003, 13:51

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 · Dec 22, 2003, 18:26

TAKO YAKI, OKONOMI YAKI, GE SEN(game center), no that's not a thing its a place

. GYU DON, SUSHI I'm talkin bout real sushi.

sleidia · Dec 25, 2003, 21:23

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 · Dec 27, 2003, 22:25

Japanese earspoons!

keith863 · Dec 28, 2003, 06:13

* 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

Buntaro · Dec 28, 2003, 07:59

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

(I really miss this!) (zannen!)

Dec 11, 2003, 23:48	#1
sleidia Junior Member Join Date: Dec 5, 2003 Age: 37 Posts: 16	Items you miss from Japan when outside of Japan 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

Dec 12, 2003, 01:17	#2
dadio Regular Member Join Date: Aug 25, 2003 Age: 31 Posts: 57	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! __________________ __________ Dadio (^o^)/

Dec 12, 2003, 03:09	#3
den4 Regular Member Join Date: Nov 15, 2002 Location: mushroom forest Posts: 1,215 Blog Entries: 3	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 probably the food And the convenience stores that carry the fun stuff you can't find in the backwater US Where people are still so amazingly primitive that they think 7-11 is only good for their 40 gallon slurpies and expanding waistlines __________________ I know nothing...except the answer is 42. You know more than I do.

Dec 12, 2003, 05:06	#4
m477 無修正！ Join Date: Jun 6, 2003 Location: Seattle Posts: 300	Haha... how come all the responses are about food? 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. __________________ I'm learning Japanese I think I'm learning Japanese I really think so

Dec 12, 2003, 05:28	#5
Uncle Frank You SPAM/We BAN ! Join Date: May 21, 2003 Location: State of Maine Age: 59 Posts: 6,715	I Forget the Name ?? 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

Dec 12, 2003, 16:02	#6
Iron Chef Villain Join Date: Feb 26, 2003 Location: Fukuoka (current), Nagoya, Sapporo Age: 38 Posts: 1,962	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).

Dec 14, 2003, 02:36	#7
Elizabeth Regular Member Join Date: Apr 22, 2003 Location: アメリカ Posts: 8,508	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 ! . __________________ たとえ辛くても、永遠に続く苦しみなどないでしょう。

Dec 14, 2003, 12:12	#8
mad pierrot I jump to conclusions Join Date: Nov 22, 2003 Location: The world via Chi-town Age: 28 Posts: 1,333	@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!

Dec 15, 2003, 16:37	#9
MissingOki Junior Member Join Date: Nov 19, 2003 Posts: 9	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.

Dec 15, 2003, 23:13	#10
sleidia Junior Member Join Date: Dec 5, 2003 Age: 37 Posts: 16	Oh ... I had forgotten CALPIS WATER and HOT DRINKS IN CANS ! ;) BTW, thanks for the nice feedback. Please go on !

Dec 16, 2003, 09:27	#11
Angel of Ten Junior Member Join Date: Sep 1, 2003 Location: Belgrade, Serbia Age: 28 Posts: 14	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?

Dec 16, 2003, 09:36	#12
sleidia Junior Member Join Date: Dec 5, 2003 Age: 37 Posts: 16	Well Angel ... you should already know that everything tastes different in Japan ;)

Dec 17, 2003, 10:16	#13
Golgo_13 Koushaku Join Date: Nov 27, 2003 Location: KIX -> JFK -> LAX Posts: 1,402	"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. Being complimented on my physique.

Dec 17, 2003, 13:57	#14
Iron Chef Villain Join Date: Feb 26, 2003 Location: Fukuoka (current), Nagoya, Sapporo Age: 38 Posts: 1,962	"Being complimented on my physique." That's something you really miss when outside of Japan? No shortage of modesty I see...

Dec 17, 2003, 14:58	#15
dadako super famicom Join Date: Dec 1, 2003 Location: 渋谷区 Age: 31 Posts: 182	I'm in tokyo so I miss things from england! I guess I'll miss vending machines and karaoke __________________ http://www.dadako.com/

Dec 17, 2003, 15:04	#16
dadako super famicom Join Date: Dec 1, 2003 Location: 渋谷区 Age: 31 Posts: 182	Re: I Forget the Name ?? 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

Dec 18, 2003, 00:24	#17
Chacrazy Junior Member Join Date: Nov 21, 2003 Location: USA Posts: 12	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

Dec 20, 2003, 02:04	#18
sapporokirin Junior Member Join Date: Nov 19, 2003 Posts: 3	I really miss..... 1) izakaya( 2) fish market(sakanaya san) 3) japanese coffee 4)nabeyaki udon 5)japanese green onion(negi)、burdock(gobou)

Dec 20, 2003, 11:18	#19
Iron Chef Villain Join Date: Feb 26, 2003 Location: Fukuoka (current), Nagoya, Sapporo Age: 38 Posts: 1,962	"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

Dec 21, 2003, 13:51	#20
noyhauser Regular Member Join Date: Feb 20, 2003 Age: 28 Posts: 361	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.

Dec 22, 2003, 18:26	#21
Tonma Junior Member Join Date: Dec 22, 2003 Location: Kankokujin Age: 33 Posts: 15	TAKO YAKI, OKONOMI YAKI, GE SEN(game center), no that's not a thing its a place . GYU DON, SUSHI I'm talkin bout real sushi.

Dec 25, 2003, 21:23	#22
sleidia Junior Member Join Date: Dec 5, 2003 Age: 37 Posts: 16	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

Dec 27, 2003, 22:25	#23
Buntaro 運動不足 Join Date: Dec 27, 2003 Location: Westmorland, California, USA Posts: 802	Japanese earspoons!

Dec 28, 2003, 06:13	#24
keith863 Junior Member Join Date: Dec 28, 2003 Location: America Posts: 2	* 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 Last edited by keith863; Dec 28, 2003 at 08:01.

Dec 28, 2003, 07:59	#25
Buntaro 運動不足 Join Date: Dec 27, 2003 Location: Westmorland, California, USA Posts: 802	The nightly Sumo DIgest TV show, whenever there is a sumo basho. (I really miss this!) (zannen!)

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