How do I look 'as European as possible' for a plane flight?

Question

Later this year I'm going to be traveling to Japan. In a travel booklet I was sent in the mail, I was told that wearing American flags, Eagles, etc., were dangerous due to how the USA is viewed by people from other nations.

One time it was mentioned that looking 'European' should be a rule of thumb. How so?

Answer 1

Wear an Italian designer suit.

It'll cost ya about $5-6000 bucks.

Don't forget the cologne/perfume too!

Answer 2

Since you're going to Japan, I don't think you'll have any trouble - lots of Americans travel to Japan, and the people are generally very friendly. But since I just got back from a trip to Europe, I think I may be able to help you out...

Europeans dress a bit more...formally, I guess you could say, than Americans. They wear the same sorts of things that Americans do - jeans, t-shirts, sneakers - but they're more fitted. They also wear darker colors in general - no bright turquoise or orange or yellow, that sort of thing.

Just avoid wearing shirts that have an American state on them (i.e. a shirt that says "Missouri" on it or something), local/national sports teams, etc. Go for plain shirts with no writing or graphic t-shirts that don't have anything "American" on them.

Like I said, Japanese-American relations are good right now - it's not as if you're going to China or the Middle East - so I don't really think you'll have anything to worry about. Just remember to always be polite, no matter what - a lot of nations think we Americans are all crude and have no manners. Now's your chance to prove 'em wrong! :)

Have a great trip.

Answer 3

I travel all around the world and no one has ever given me a problem. Some people dont like out govt, but most people ( except middle easterners) dont hate us strictly for being American.  Just dont be loud and arrogant and you wont have problems. The other suggestion is avoid real in depth political conversations. In America we let people say whateve they want, but most cultures are not like that. It can be very easy to offend them especially if you are a white american. Bottom line, act respectful and you will almost never have a problem. Especially in Asia , where they like Americans for the most part.

But if you want to look European i would suggest acting very s****., avoiding the sun for about a month, and dress like a hippie from the 60s.

Answer 4

You should not have a problem in Japan.  Lots of Americans go to Japan.  If you want to be more European, speak a European language and see how Europeans dress.