17 points that make Japan great !

[mcalpine]

1) The vending machines offer the greatest variety of goods.
2) The most efficient transportation system in the world.
3) The largest variety of restaurants all at four star level.
4) The most accomidating country in the world in terms of cultural understanding e.g. Japanese are willing to learn about a wider variety of cultures with great enthusiasm.
6) The best agricultural products in the world in terms of agriculture and production and methodology.
7) Drinkable tap water straight from the faucet to the mouth .
8) The most desirable( not beautiful) women in the world.
9) Every season has a theme point !
10) The sexiest obachaans and momachans by far. The aging population are very attractive.
11) The cutest babies.
12) 12 national holidays. In America we only have six and lucky to get paid for one of those holidays.
13) The vending machines offer the widest selection of goods.
14) No religious extremist with the exception of Aum( cult)
15) Very good night scene; clubs, parties , etc.,
16) Love Hotels for every fetish !
17) over 3000 registered hot springs

[kintarou]

that's only 16

[JayJay]

1) The vending machines offer the greatest variety of goods.

Granted, but also ciggarettes for minors

2) The most efficient transportation system in the world.

Granted

3) The largest variety of restaurants all at four star level.

Any multicultural country can contest this, assuming you dont only mean Japanese restaurants

4) The most accomidating country in the world in terms of cultural understanding e.g. Japanese are willing to learn about a wider variety of cultures with great enthusiasm.

Are you joking?

6) The best agricultural products in the world in terms of agriculture and production and methodology.

No, thats New Zealand, Japan doesnt even come close.

7) Drinkable tap water straight from the faucet to the mouth .

Again, New Zealands water is far more drinkable than Japanese water.

8) The most desirable( not beautiful) women in the world.

Granted

9) Every season has a theme point !

Granted

10) The sexiest obachaans and momachans by far. The aging population are very attractive.

Momachans, granted. Obachans?

11) The cutest babies.

Maybe granted

12) 12 national holidays. In America we only have six and lucky to get paid for one of those holidays.

Granted but it very hard for Japanese to take time off otherwise and work longer hours

13) The vending machines offer the widest selection of goods.

You've already said it, hence you only have 16 points

14) No religious extremist with the exception of Aum( cult)

Extremism doesnt have to be religious

15) Very good night scene; clubs, parties , etc.,

Granted

16) Love Hotels for every fetish !

Granted

17) over 3000 registered hot springs

Again you've obviously never been to New Zealand but... granted.[/QUOTE]

And you missed number 5.

9 out of 15. A passing grade McAlpine.

[Arsenal]

You put the vending machines one twice
How polite the people are

[Arsenal]

6) The best agricultural products in the world in terms of agriculture and production and methodology.

I would say that one belongs too china

[JayJay]

I would say that one belongs too china

He's not gonna like that Arsenal.

[Arsenal]

He's not gonna like that Arsenal.

HAHAHAHA i know

[takai]

*) is there something more beautiful in life, than going with a 19-years old chubby, nice skin, akarui, long hair, beautiful moon-face J-bird, to onsen, and seeing her lying on tatami mat, semi-naked with kimono, her wet hair and fresh skin from the onsen, binding her,.....(plenty of sashimi and nihonshu)

*) is ther something more funny than going with two retarded and brain-dead, kinky, dirty kogyarus to karoke and having the night of your life????

*) is there something more sexy than going with a 21-years old J-bird, who works at the cosmetic section of a luxury brand, sophisticated, sexy, to a 5 stars hotel, drinking champagne,and seeing her making a striptease in front of the open window (where you can see all TOkyo, at night), displaying her long legs, T-back, black lingerie...

*) is there something more pleasant to eye, than sitting in a outside onsen, and seeing the snow fall???

*) is there something more encouraging than seeing the proud faces of people who work at supermarkets, departments stores, coffe shops, etc..., although they earn ____ and work hard, they are proud of themselves, take care of themselves, and have the Japanese ganbatte spirit....

WE LOVE JAPAN!!!!!!!

[User Name Deleted]

McAlpine gives us some reasons to like Japan, as does Takai. Japan does indeed have its attractions.
And its downsides too. McAlpine, do you have a list of those, just to offer some balance?

[Kumachan]

McAlpine gives us some reasons to like Japan, as does Takai. Japan does indeed have its attractions.
And its downsides too. McAlpine, do you have a list of those, just to offer some balance?

McToejam only sees the good side of Japan and is blind to the bad side.

After all, when he says it's the most accomodating country in the world, you know he's either delusional or full of sh*t.

[mcalpine]

Japan's agriculture sector is very small in comparison to most countries BUT the quality of the products are superior.
Sure N.Z. and China produce volume but not quality.

For example:

1) Hokkaido has the best azuki beans (red beans) the largest and sweetest.
2) Corn of Obihiro the largest and most flavorful taste you can find anywhere.
3) Yubari Melon(cantalopes) southern part of Hokkaido ! I think they cost about 4000 yen per melon ! Very good and juicy; best I've ever had !

4) Iwate has the highest ranking in quality of wheat and water than anywhere in the world. France awarded Iwate three gold stars for mineral water due to its high magnesium content and flavorfullness. The Wheat is exceptional above all standards.

6) Aomori Apples without a doubt are the most delicious and beautiful apple every. Full, well balanced in color, crispy. In China Aomori apples sell for 2000 yen a piece.

7) Aomori garlic has the highest rating too ! Aomori garlic has a sweet aftertaste and is much smaller and flavorful than its Chinese counterpart and more expensive.
7000 yen for 12 I think.

8) Black cow beef(kalbi) is without a doubt the finest beef you can eat

9) Japan offers nine different kinds of Rice:

1. Yamada Nishiki Rice: From Hyogo, Okayama and Fukuoka. The so-called King of Sake Rice.

2. Omachi Rice:
From Okayama. Generally less fragrant, more defined flavor elements, more earthiness. The only pure strain of rice left in Japan.

3. Miyama Nishiki Rice:
From Iwate, Akita, Yamagata, Miyagi, Fukushima, and Nagano.

4. Gohyakumangoku Rice:
From Niigata, Fukushima, Toyama, and Ishikawa.

5. Oseto Rice:
From Kagawa. Rich and earthy, very distinctive.

6. Hatta Nishiki Rice:
From Hiroshima. Earthy undertones,

7. Tamazakae Rice:
From Tottori and Shiga.

8. Kame no O:
From Niigata and Yamagata.

9. Dewa San San:
From Yamagata and Niigata.

These rice are premium from which you may hear koshikikari variatals. Japan has the best and most specialized rice selection in the world.

[mcalpine]

McToejam only sees the good side of Japan and is blind to the bad side.

After all, when he says it's the most accomodating country in the world, you know he's either delusional or full of sh*t.

When I mean accomodating I mean as a host. It's true. Japan looks at all gaijin the same no matter where you come from, remember that. Other countries like America and England use labels for people...e.g. Chinese are no good for this; blacks are no good for that...people draw differences and conclusions based off of what they think whereas Japan looks at all gaijin as gaijin with maybe a minor exception to Chinese and Koreans.

[mcalpine]

In Japan a black and a white are both gaijin no matter what.

In another country there would be sharp distinctions between the two. Especially in other non-English speaking countries.

Remember the Seine Commune and Bobby Oregon show ? Seine was portrayed as this well educated tall white man and Bobby Oregon was portrayed as an ignorant African who spoke funny Japanese and who acted stupid ? And you would think that the Japanese would draw conclusions from this but actually Bobby went on to become a sensation and even more popular the Seine ! Bobby's image has even become that of a normal person, speaking better Japanese , dressing better and gaining enormous popularity in this country.

[aha yes]

1) The vending machines offer the greatest variety of goods.

Indeed, very important criteria when judging a country's greatness...vending machines.

3) The largest variety of restaurants all at four star level.

In the world?! You need to get out more.

4) The most accomidating country in the world in terms of cultural understanding e.g. Japanese are willing to learn about a wider variety of cultures with great enthusiasm.

Yeah they travel abroad a lot, but I think that's more like going to the zoo for them. They like to watch Hollywood and French movies and listen to hip hop too, but put a real live foreigner in front of them in their own country and they crap their pants.

9) Every season has a theme point !

And don't they constantly remind us? Actually, seasons in most cultures have theme points. In the West, they got assimilated and de-naturalized by the Church so they're easy to miss, but think Halloween, Christmas, Easter...

10) The sexiest obachaans and momachans by far. The aging population are very attractive.

Glad you find them attractive. Stick around for a couple more decades, you'll be in heaven with all the wrinkly hobbling obachans.

11) The cutest babies.

Some cute babies, yep. But you gotta admit there's some funky looking ones too.

[JayJay]

Sure N.Z. and China produce volume but not quality.

Judging by the huge market in Japan for New Zealand (and Aussie products) it would seem many Japanese disagree with you.

Do tell McAlpine, what is so great about Japan's quality? Is it the rice paddies in industrial areas? The acid rain? Giving cows beer to drink? Do tell.

Also what do you know about other countries technequies and if so, how do you compare?

You know the number of BSE scares in Australia and NZ? 0
How many there are likely to be? 0
The number of farms in Aus and NZ polluted by factories? 0

How many organic free range chickens are in Japan? 0
How many award winning vineyards in Japan? 0
World famous Kiwi fruit? 0

I could go on and on.

To compare Japan to other countries, you have to know about the other countries too.

[eku]

japan's amazing produce has a yummy level of dioxin... in fact japanese breast milk is high in dioxin too

and just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water.....
the fish

[Kumachan]

When I mean accomodating I mean as a host. It's true. Japan looks at all gaijin the same no matter where you come from, remember that.

No they don't.

I've heard lots of Japanese make comments about black gaijin and Indian gaijin, treating them differently than your typical "European" gaijin. Simply because they don't have a word for these people doesn't mean they don't differentiate between them.

Other countries like America and England use labels for people...e.g. Chinese are no good for this; blacks are no good for that...

Correction, racists and small minded individuals use comments like that unless it's part of a scientific study in which there are definite proven differences in races.

Without getting into specifics and boring people with dry, scientific stats, it was demonstrated that on average people of African descent had a large percentage of "fast" twitch muscles which granted them better explosive power but poorer endudrance. While those from European descent had a larger percentage of "slow" twitch muscles which gave them greater muscular endurance, but poorer explosive power.

If you want more information, ask me offline.

people draw differences and conclusions based off of what they think whereas Japan looks at all gaijin as gaijin with maybe a minor exception to Chinese and Koreans.

We might all be labeled as "gaijin", but we're not all seen as being the same.

Remember the Seine Commune and Bobby Oregon show ?

No.

Seine was portrayed as this well educated tall white man and Bobby Oregon was portrayed as an ignorant African who spoke funny Japanese and who acted stupid ?

No you're right. That's not racist at all. How could I have imagined the Japanese were racist and treated all gaijin the same?

Hold on, I never said any of that, you did. So how does this support your theory?

And you would think that the Japanese would draw conclusions from this but actually Bobby went on to become a sensation and even more popular the Seine ! Bobby's image has even become that of a normal person, speaking better Japanese , dressing better and gaining enormous popularity in this country.

And this is supposed to prove what? That some black man is capable of becoming a huge star here by acting in a tired old stereotype? McToejam, you're talking about a country that back in the 80's had gone crazy over the frilled basilisk. You know the one. It's the lizard that due to his big webbed feet is capable of not only running on his hind legs, but over water as well.

This is Japan where people become celebrities for whatever reason. This is the country where you see the same actors about 5 times a day on different TV shows. This is the country were a small cadre of individuals do most of the print advertising and commercials.

Obviously the Japanese liked him, thought he was funny and when he changed his image they continued to like him. I honestly don't see where this fits into your view that "all gaijin are treated equal".

[eku]

ooooooh the nissan phrilly-lizard... yeah he enjoyed a short but bright popularity aling with the UFO oopa-roopa and the dango kyoudai....

totally the tiramisu phenomena....

tiramisu hits japan... becomes an overnight success
before too long there is tiramisu gum, tiramisu ice, tiramisu chocolate...milkshakes, T-shirts, keyholders, keitai straps...tiramisu flavoured condoms (not shltting you) nado nado nado

then one day *poof*

something new comes along ...

MINUS IONS!!!!!!!!!! waaaaaaaaaaaaa

before too long you have minus ion gum, ballpens, keitai straps, condoms (yessiree) aicon, hairdryers nadonado nadoooo

same with ppl

here today minus ions tomorrow.

oh well...

[mcalpine]

Judging by the huge market in Japan for New Zealand (and Aussie products) it would seem many Japanese disagree with you.

Do tell McAlpine, what is so great about Japan's quality? Is it the rice paddies in industrial areas? The acid rain? Giving cows beer to drink? Do tell.

Also what do you know about other countries technequies and if so, how do you compare?

You know the number of BSE scares in Australia and NZ? 0
How many there are likely to be? 0
The number of farms in Aus and NZ polluted by factories? 0

How many organic free range chickens are in Japan? 0
How many award winning vineyards in Japan? 0
World famous Kiwi fruit? 0

I could go on and on.

To compare Japan to other countries, you have to know about the other countries too.

I admit I don't know anything about N.Z. nor her agriculture market. But Japan does have free range chicken in Nagoyo, its called "kochin" and its pretty famous down there. I tried it and it was great. If you go to Yamanashi you can try the budo wines which have won some awards albiet not on an international level but some recognition neverthless. Sure we have had a number of BSE scares in Japan but still her beef is unrivaled anywhere else. The assertions you made about pollution are something I'm not aware of. If you can provide me a source I'd like to see it. Aussie beef products are popular because they are cheap and good, I agree with you. However, I am a die hard "Yonezawa Gyu" man !

[mcalpine]

No they don't.

I've heard lots of Japanese make comments about black gaijin and Indian gaijin, treating them differently than your typical "European" gaijin. Simply because they don't have a word for these people doesn't mean they don't differentiate between them.".

Kumachan, I'm sure most gaijin living in Japan would agree that a gaijin is a gaijin no matter what your friends have told you. There may be some small preferential treatment when it comes to jobs and marriage but bottom line we are all on the same footing and are treated the same, end of argument. And another thing, you are using too many extraneous examples that are useless. Before you know it we'd be getting carried off into several different arguments that have very little meaning to both you and I.

You can research Amnesty International about the treatment of gaijin in Japan. Your Japanese friends will tell you what they want you to hear but let the truth be told, gaijin are gaijin and you will never be treated better than any other gaijin.

[JayJay]

I admit I don't know anything about N.Z. nor her agriculture market. But Japan does have free range chicken in Nagoyo, its called "kochin" and its pretty famous down there. I tried it and it was great. If you go to Yamanashi you can try the budo wines which have won some awards albiet not on an international level but some recognition neverthless. Sure we have had a number of BSE scares in Japan but still her beef is unrivaled anywhere else. The assertions you made about pollution are something I'm not aware of. If you can provide me a source I'd like to see it. Aussie beef products are popular because they are cheap and good, I agree with you. However, I am a die hard "Yonezawa Gyu" man !

You do have a point McAlpine, but again it does matter WHO you compare Japan too. Compared to other "Northen countries" yes Japan does have high quailty water and food products. But Australia and New Zealand (remember that New Zealand is VERY simular to Japan geographically but with a very low population hence more useable land) are very compedative and cheaper. New Zealand does actually offical have the cleanest water in the world (in ine particalr spring thoug its not used for agriculture).

In most cases (you have a point about Kalbi beef) New Zealand can do something almost as good as Japan for much cheaper. Hence the popularity of Aussie/Kiwi beef in Japan (like you pointed out) and other products. New Zealand Ice Cream, while only now making in roads, is set be be a big hit in Japan.

Granted though, Japan does lead the way in rice.

The references to polluted farms come from Alex Kerr (yes I, know what people think of him) but should not be to hard to track down. There was of course the famous case of the "itai itai" sickness, that poisoned a whole village (from a battery factory) but that was through fish.

To recap, genrally you are right, but to say "in the world" is a bit fetched.

[enigmatic-alien]

Yes, it's great, but is 17 the limit? Limitless in it's greatness, that's Japan.Not really. I like it, even love it, but i still miss things about my own country. The sense of humour for starters, the less stressful lifestyle for another. I could list 17 things i despise and loath, but that wouldn't be nice, now would it? Don't care for vending machines, they make no impact on my life heheheeheh I am looking forwarding to living in a nice house, with land, and being able to grow organic fruit and vegies I can't do that here. There's plenty i like about Japan, but there's plenty of advantages that call me back home too.

[Arsenal]

Yes, it's great, but is 17 the limit? Limitless in it's greatness, that's Japan.Not really. I like it, even love it, but i still miss things about my own country. The sense of humour for starters, the less stressful lifestyle for another. I could list 17 things i despise and loath, but that wouldn't be nice, now would it? Don't care for vending machines, they make no impact on my life heheheeheh I am looking forwarding to living in a nice house, with land, and being able to grow organic fruit and vegies I can't do that here. There's plenty i like about Japan, but there's plenty of advantages that call me back home too.

........true......very true...except the growing vegies part

[eku]

there is no way you can ever grow organic veggies in japan... fullstop.
the rain is full of pollutants, including insectecides, herbacides and dioxin. no way are you going to be able to live far away enough from traffic that you won't have carbon monoxide either in the air or in the ground water or soil..
and if you do live far away enough from a road, trust me there will be a golf course or ski slope or forest nearby which will be just as chemically toxic as being closer to urban shlt.

[donpaulo]

I would put san francisco at the top of the best restaurant city in the world list. You have to experience it to believe it. New York gets a close second.

I would also very favorably rate california produce with that of Japan's and in fact Cali chemical free stuff/organic blows away anything in japan. Plus the mexicans the macal loves to castigate keep the system CHEAP. In fact California (like NZ) is about the same size as Japan. Actually its montana that is about the same size, but cali is close.

Ever had the tap water in Oakland California straight from the Sierra ? or the tap water in the big apple ? simply awesome. Then try the tap water in Osaka... um no thanks. Then again try some H2O in Mishima or Numazu straight from fuji san. it compares favorably with US water.

vending machines comparison is pretty much for the birds. The only thing good from a vending machine is beer and you can get better tasting beer at the super or the bar around the corner. Condoms come from vending machines everywhere so comparing this is pointless.

The best transit system in the world is NY, its the biggest and can survive a direct hit by two jets and continue to function. Ever ridden the NYC subway system ? unlimited stops for a buck 50. try riding more than 3 stops in tokyo for a buck 50.

Most efficient system. Does this include trains that wrap around buildings in Hyogo ?

babies are cute everywhere.

night scene is nice but compare to NY. I want russian food at 5am on sunday... its open. I want thai food monday at 2am, its open. yadda yadda yadda. In japan the shinkansen stops WAY TOO EARLY. Which by the way is the problem in London's tube, Paris' metro and San Fran's BART. they all close. NY never closes. Las Vegas claims to be 24/7 but they learned in from NYC.

finally mcal, the more often you stay away from myopic rantings on japan's bushi code the better IMO

[Arsenal]

there is no way you can ever grow organic veggies in japan... fullstop.
the rain is full of pollutants, including insectecides, herbacides and dioxin. no way are you going to be able to live far away enough from traffic that you won't have carbon monoxide either in the air or in the ground water or soil..
and if you do live far away enough from a road, trust me there will be a golf course or ski slope or forest nearby which will be just as chemically toxic as being closer to urban shlt.

true....very true...even the organic veggies part

[eku]

ps remember if they bring back bushido,,,, they gonna take the bloody lot of us down to the beach and cut us up with katana..... even mactoejam... especially mactoejam, cuz he dare defile the hinomaru by sticking it on his car.

[mcalpine]

I would put san francisco at the top of the best restaurant city in the world list. You have to experience it to believe it. New York gets a close second.

Okay Don, you got a good point about San Francisco. The French Laundry by far is the greatest place on earth, I think second in the world for culinary delights and a hefty price tag to go along with it.

I would also very favorably rate california produce with that of Japan's and in fact Cali chemical free stuff/organic blows away anything in japan. Plus the mexicans the macal loves to castigate keep the system CHEAP. In fact California (like NZ) is about the same size as Japan. Actually its montana that is about the same size, but cali is close.

I admit that yes, California produce is excellent. Artichoke capital of the world is in a city called Coppers Town near Monterey ! You have the San Juaqin valley as well which produces tons of organic produce a year plus you got Napa and Sonoma Valley that produce world class wine.,etc..

vending machines comparison is pretty much for the birds. The only thing good from a vending machine is beer and you can get better tasting beer at the super or the bar around the corner. Condoms come from vending machines everywhere so comparing this is pointless..

The vending machine comparison is still valid I think. Japan has a much wider selection of products you can choose from besides soft drinks. Plenty of healthy choices such as vitamin C drinks as well as unhealthy choices such as beer and sake which would be considered hard liquor in the states.

The best transit system in the world is NY, its the biggest and can survive a direct hit by two jets and continue to function. Ever ridden the NYC subway system ? unlimited stops for a buck 50. try riding more than 3 stops in tokyo for a buck 50...

No, I've never ridden the N.Y. subway system...survive a direct hit from two jets...hahaha..

night scene is nice but compare to NY. I want russian food at 5am on sunday... its open. I want thai food monday at 2am, its open. yadda yadda yadda. In japan the shinkansen stops WAY TOO EARLY. Which by the way is the problem in London's tube, Paris' metro and San Fran's BART. they all close. NY never closes. Las Vegas claims to be 24/7 but they learned in from NYC....

Have you ever been to Minsky's in Tokyo ? That's Russian food at its best and they stay open until late too.

[mcalpine]

ps remember if they bring back bushido,,,, they gonna take the bloody lot of us down to the beach and cut us up with katana..... even mactoejam... especially mactoejam, cuz he dare defile the hinomaru by sticking it on his car.

You remembered that pic ? Yes, I'm sure I'd be the first to be bayoneted after they finish beating there heads on the wall.

[mcalpine]

there is no way you can ever grow organic veggies in japan... fullstop.
the rain is full of pollutants, including insectecides, herbacides and dioxin. no way are you going to be able to live far away enough from traffic that you won't have carbon monoxide either in the air or in the ground water or soil..
and if you do live far away enough from a road, trust me there will be a golf course or ski slope or forest nearby which will be just as chemically toxic as being closer to urban shlt.

Actually, facts state otherwise. Last year I was planning to go to to this place called Ohiro Farms in Setagaya Tokyo which happens to be famous for growing organic vegetables.
here is the link:http://www.jijigaho.or.jp/app/0502/eng/sp03.html


People from all over the world come here to learn techniques for growing organic vegetables. There's supposed to be some waiting list too. Some of the staff speak English, I learned.

[eku]

techniques...yeah.. results...well unless they grow them in a biosphere with distilled water
http://lists.essential.org/dioxin-l/msg01159.html

[Kumachan]

I would put san francisco at the top of the best restaurant city in the world list. You have to experience it to believe it. New York gets a close second.

What about Vegas? A few years back it was gearing up to be *the* premiere spot for food on the face of the planet.

If you do go, I suggest going off the strip as the places can be really good, and cheap as hell.

[CM]

2) The most efficient transportation system in the world

It's pretty good, would be better if people would stop throwing themselves in front of trains during rush hour.
Moscow actually has the reputation of having the best subway system in the world.

3) The largest variety of restaurants all at four star level

I actually find the quality of international restaurant ie: food that isn't Japanese; to be pretty crap. Go to an expensive Italian restaurant get Sh*t Pizza and hard pasta. Better off spending 600 yen in a ramen shop.

4) The most accomidating country in the world in terms of cultural understanding e.g. Japanese are willing to learn about a wider variety of cultures with great enthusiasM

Now your just being silly.

6) The best agricultural products in the world in terms of agriculture and production and methodology

They're pretty good in terms of pesticides but by no means the best. I think the Scandinavians and New Zealanders get to claim that one.

7) Drinkable tap water straight from the faucet to the mouth.

The smell is enough to put me off. When I first came here I couldn't believe the levels of chlorine in the water, when I filled the bath the whole appartment smelled like a swimming pool.

9) Every season has a theme poinT

I haven't been anywhere that I wouldn't say that is true. Even the Sahara has seasonal theme points apparently, I reckon you'd probably need to be there a long time all the same.

10) The sexiest obachaans and momachans by far.

whats that sound?

11) The cutest babies.

There it is again, could it be the sound of barrel scraping?

12) 12 national holidays. In America we only have six and lucky to get paid for one of those holidays

If there were no National holidays people wouldn't even get a day off never mind take a whole week.

13) The vending machines offer the widest selection of goods

It's good but as was pointed out earlier kids can get cigarettes. However I don't think I have ever seen anyone under 18 smoking, 16 is the legal age in most of Europe.
I will give you that one if you change it to selection of drinks. In london the the selection of snacks is much better.

14) No religious extremist with the exception of Aum( cult)

There are huge number of cults in Japan, you only need to go to shinjuku station to see people out recruiting. It's only a matter of time.

15) Very good night scene; clubs, parties , etc

I would have to say that of every city in the world I have been to, Tokyo is well behind on the night life.

16) Love Hotels for every fetish

Certainly don't get that anywhere else. Maybe this accounts for the lack of decent clubs.

17) over 3000 registered hot springs

Well done.

I liked living in Japan until I read your post. Then I was reminded how much more fun I had before I came here.

[donpaulo]

I used to hit vegas two or three times a year for a decade. It has always lacked a true second destination... its main call has always and will always be gambling. Restaurants are viewed as point of sale transactions with secondary marketing vistas mainly for drawing more people to the casino.
Yes you can get very good food. Yes if you leave the strip the prices drop and yes the odds also increase slightly in your favor. My usual haunt would be a second class casino on the strip like say "Harrahs" they used to have all sorts of gimicks like 60 minutes at the slots for free. Insert your point card and play away. If you are down after 60 straight minutes they refund your money ! How great is that >?

and I still say that japan can't touch california organics. Yes the artichokes are amazing, but so are the strawberries, PLUS peaches, plums, nectarines and all for about 25 cents each if you know where to shop. If you are ever in Berkeley head to the "Berkeley Bowl" a 3rd generation japanese american supermarket. it simply cannot be compared, although whole foods does a decent copy on a corporate scale.

minky's never heard of it. Where is it located, and when does it close ? I have been hankering for some borscht for quite some time.

[electric_japan]

17: safety
Without question this is the safest place at least where I am sitting.
I had a long conversation last night with two other foreigners from 2 diffrent countries whom told me their experiances here.
I told mine over some delicious alc0holic beverages(tasty) in a beautiful oriental restraunt,now that's a Friday night surrounded with many women.

[robred]

McAlpine, you`re probably not as screwed up as you give the impression of from your posts about Yasukuni, Japan`s Imperial Army etc (by the way, I`d shut up about them around Asian people - your views, whether serious or not, are as legit or funny to them as a wannabe Hitler Youth joking about Jewish people), but your list of Japan`s good points shows a lot of naivety.

Have you EVER been to countries like Australia, the UK, Canada, New Zealand? I expect you`ve never seen these countries because your post has all the wide-eyed wonder of somebody who hasn`t seen the quality lifestyle available in those countries - though I will say the UK is unbelievably expensive in places like London and some things suck which explains why English people I`ve met in Japan seem to think that Japan`s lifestyle is really good!

3) Your restaurant point was ridiculous. Your home country of the US, Australia and the UK offer REAL food of most of the world`s countries. The variety is tremendous and AUTHENTIC because of the multicultural population.

I am still amazed at how un-Italian and how un-Chinese the restaurants in Japan are. To give only 2 examples. It`s always the half-baked (pun intended) notion of what `ethnic` food tastes like that is available in Japan.
Come to Melbourne, especially the inner city areas of Carlton, Richmond and Fitzroy to taste authentic varieties of food. Or even go out to the boonies - outer suburbs and you`ll find more variety in every Oz city.

4) That`s absurd. The Japanese are no more open to the world and its cultures than they were back in the Meiji period - they`ve just disguised their extreme nationalism and ethnocentrism better. They also have no choice - given the Korean/Chinese/Filippina/western foreigner population here, the numbers of which were zilch in the Meiji period.

All of Japan`s laws are tailored to keeping out foreign influences of every kind and making clear distinctions between the gaijin and the Japanese `race`. Yes, it`s enjoyable teaching in Japan because of some good conversations you can have about other cultures.

But the Japanese only take what they want - ie what`s useful for a homestay or when they go travelling. They are also good at putting on a polite face to westerners like yourself who are gullible enough to take them at face value.

The Japanese are the ultimate culture stealers. They`ve been doing it for centuries, their own culture is an ersatz mixture of Korean/Chinese and back in the day Mongolian influences.

Don`t tell them that - they`re `unique`. Ha! During Meiji they took all the western influences they wanted (firearms, western higher education, meat as a usual food, etc) for the sake of building up their military and sense of increasingly chauvinistic and racist nationalism.

Just because their adoption on the face of it of other culture`s elements and practices is peaceful unlike in the past doesn`t mean it`s any more in-depth. So reggae dancing and African drumming, and Korean food, and other things are very welcome. Because they`re safe. The people who give them those things are not welcome apart from as tiny minorities existing with no real legal rights in practice.

6) Where is 5 - but then again you`re not very logical. Agricultural products produced by whacking in a shitload of chemicals into just about anything. Especially chemicals outlawed in other countries. In Oz I never had bright yellow/green urine after eating, in Japan it happens all the time.

Something to do with their `best agricultural practices`. And if you think the prices charged are somehow normal, I feel very sorry for you. Go to NZ or Australia for really fresh, healthy, natural produce for about half the price or even less. No square melons but then again we aren`t so superficial as to charge sad amounts of money that sad people will spend just because we did something with the shape of a fruit.

And enjoy tucking into that asbestos-tainted, grossly over-priced white rice! We`re all paying for it again and again and again! See a useful Japan facts on the rice industry website to get the real deal about this farce of an industry.

7) The `delicious` water? Now, that`s really sad. Your post is sad but that takes the prize for the most deprived person posting. The water here is disgusting in most areas of Japan and the high levels of chemicals mixed in there also are designed to nix your sperm count. Maybe that`s what`s wrong with McAlpine.

[electric_japan]

I am having a panic attack after reading all that.

I think I will make a desposit in the toilet now.

[kurogane]

So, MacTurd has finally lost his marbles and gone full flaming Nativist, eh?
The things that happen while the big dog is way away at work. Harumph.
I like it here, but aside from the Japanese food, the idea that Japan is even in the first rank as far as quality of life, food, water, health, and certainly in the range of its cosmopolitanism is absolootly laughable.
Let's face it, this place is a technological and cross-cultural backwater. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

I like it, though.

Also, good Japanese food here.

PS Takai is a snotgobbling git.

[Kumachan]

Kumachan, I'm sure most gaijin living in Japan would agree that a gaijin is a gaijin no matter what your friends have told you.

I'm not saying a gaijin isn't a gaijin, but some are treated better than others.

A blonde haired, blue eyed "surfer dude" from California will be treated a lot better than some Indian guy from New Delhi. In fact, a few years back when they relaxed the immigration rules and there was a sudden influx of Indian engineers into Tokyo, there was more than just a little muttering about all these Indian gaijin.

There may be some small preferential treatment when it comes to jobs and marriage but bottom line we are all on the same footing and are treated the same, end of argument.

No, it's not the end.

McToejam, you're constantly being shown up on these boards. You make wild, exaggerated claims about Japan and get shot down on most of them.

And another thing, you are using too many extraneous examples that are useless. Before you know it we'd be getting carried off into several different arguments that have very little meaning to both you and I.

Hey, you set the stage. I just run with it.

You can research Amnesty International about the treatment of gaijin in Japan. Your Japanese friends will tell you what they want you to hear but let the truth be told, gaijin are gaijin and you will never be treated better than any other gaijin.

I don't agree. Even within your "perfect" Japanese society there are levels and "grades" of people that are treated better than others. I realise that this has nothing to do with gaijin, but if you have a class of Japanese people that are treated worse than others (like the "burakamin"(sp?)) for no fault of their own, can it not be far from the truth that the Japanese would treat some gaijin better than others? Maybe it's purely a subjective thing as in this person treats gaijin A, better than gaijin B simply because gaijin B is of a racial stock the Japanese person doesn't like. It's possible, and it's real.

A gaijin in just a gaijin, but some will be treated better than others.

[Kumachan]

1) The vending machines offer the greatest variety of goods.

Yeah, but do you really need one that sells schoolgirl panties?

Granted I've never seen one of those, but then I've also never seen one that sells rice either (but I want to).

2) The most efficient transportation system in the world.

Define "efficient". Yes, it goes everywhere and yes, you don't really need to own a car but I wouldn't say it's "the most efficient". How efficient can it be when the trains don't run after midnight?

3) The largest variety of restaurants all at four star level.

Bullsh*t. Yes, there are a lot of good restaurants here, but I would say New York, San Francisco and Vegas have it all over Tokyo in that regard. Of course there are probably other cities in the world that could claim that title as well.

4) The most accomidating country in the world in terms of cultural understanding e.g. Japanese are willing to learn about a wider variety of cultures with great enthusiasm.

We've gone over this one already.

6) The best agricultural products in the world in terms of agriculture and production and methodology.

Sorry, don't buy this one. Other places have it all over Japan on this one. Japan makes a lot of things that look nice and taste good, but they're also too labour intensive for the trouble.

7) Drinkable tap water straight from the faucet to the mouth .

Too many other places to mention. Besides, Tokyo tap water has too many chemicals in it.

8) The most desirable( not beautiful) women in the world.

Have you ever been to Finland? Some of the most welcoming women I have ever met were in Finland. Eastern Europe however had the most desireable women I have ever seen. And, they were also *very* welcoming.

9) Every season has a theme point !

And?

10) The sexiest obachaans and momachans by far. The aging population are very attractive.

No they're not.

11) The cutest babies.

Most babies are cute, not just Japanese ones.

12) 12 national holidays. In America we only have six and lucky to get paid for one of those holidays.

Okay. This one works, although back home I got paid for every one of the national holidays (of which there were 8 official ones).

13) The vending machines offer the widest selection of goods.

You already said this one.

14) No religious extremist with the exception of Aum( cult)

Okay, I'll give you this one.

15) Very good night scene; clubs, parties , etc.,

You've obviously never been to Berlin. I remember going out at night, and coming home in the early morning on more than one occasion. And this is a "normal" thing for these people.

16) Love Hotels for every fetish !

Okay this is not a good thing as I have heard of some fetishes that are just too disgusting.

17) over 3000 registered hot springs

Yes, the Japanese are crazy about their Onsens. I don't see how this is a plus, but I'll take your word on it.