I studied abroad in Japan for 9 months, so when I signed up for the JET program I didnt expect a lot of culture shock. And that was the general situation. However, one behavior has really shocked me. The constant commenting on others' physical appearance- even by strangers!
Take two recent conversations Ive had. Let me set the scene for the first one. Im at Cainz. Sort of the Japanese equivalent of Home Depot with a larger selection. I went with my supervisor to meet the new JETs coming to Minamiboso. They needed to get their photos taken so we stopped at the photobooth by Cainz. A teeny Japanese old lady comes out of nowhere.
Old lady I hate: Hello.
Me: Hello
Old lady I hate: You have very big boobs.
Me: (i start to move away)
Old lady I hate: Im old, so my boobs sag, yours are so perky!
Me:
Old lady I hate: blah blah boobs blah blah *points to boobs*
Me: . (runs to car)
Old lady I hate: Heres a grapefruit. (Hands it to a new JET)
Keep in mind this happened in front of my SUPERVISOR. How pleasant.
Second story. Im on vacation in Tohoku. Im visiting Matsushima and having a grand time. Im waiting to cross the street. An old man is staring at me. To get him to stop fucking staring at me, I smile and say Its hot isnt it?
Old man I hate: Yes, its so hot. It must be worse for you though.
Me: .
Old man I hate: You have such a big tummy and are so fat. The heat must be hard for you. Hahaha.
Me:
Old man I hate: blah blah big tummy blah blah big tummy.
Me: Really? You look pretty chubby to me too. Thats very rude (hit him lightly with my water bottle)
Old man I hate:
Sometimes, I really don't miss Japan.
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oh, wait... did you say fantasy or culture...?
thanks for posting in BBA