[djskrimp]

Anyone ever been or live there now? I am going in September for 2 to 3 years, and I'd like some inside intel on things there. I grew up in Germany, so I already know how not to be "the rude American". That, and I am completely enamored by the Japanese culture, so I won't be staying home and eating McDonald's. I am slowly learning the language using Japanese language CDs. Still, any help in this regard would be appreciated....

[EphelDuath666]

woah, now that's quite a step! Not that I know anything about Japan but you sure got balls!

A friend of mine lived there for most of his life.. I asked him tons and tons because i was planning to move there myself. He said generally the older Japanese think any foreigners that try to speak Japanese are being rude. The way he put it was that a foreigner speaking Japanese was a lot like a trained circus ape doing a trick. That's only the older crowds though, the younger people don't seem to mind.. I'd add that he did say that most Japanese girls prefer foreigners who can't speak Japanese just because the mispronounciations and misunderstandings get annoying when they can speak English just fine.

Aside from that, the quieter and calmer you are, the better. Also, if you go outside of the major cities, don't be surprised at the complete and utter lack of anybody that isn't native to the area. Generally tourists/foreigners don't leave the cities, so I encourage you to do so. Good luck

I would love to visit there. I've always been a huge fan of their architecture and design. I'd also love to learn the language, but now I'm not so sure, heh.

[djskrimp]

I would love to visit there. I've always been a huge fan of their architecture and design. I'd also love to learn the language, but now I'm not so sure, heh.

The language, on paper, isn't all that difficult. Only 5 vowel sounds..easy peasy. However, these Japanese language CDs are proving that the actual spoken language has many little rules and idiosyncracies that I am not quite catching just yet. Kinda wish I had a Japanese friend.

Hmph, me too.

<--- taps on Takeshi's shoulder

Well, how they treat you based on language depends on how good you are. Lower levels, you are like a trained circus ape, but at better levels, you're more respected on that front. You should learn as much as you can because most Japanese SUCK at English.