What is the downside of Japan?

Question

I've heard so many good things about japan, but like any other country it has to have its downside, i want to visit some day and would like to know what are the bad things over there, perhaps things are too strict? or something like that?

Answer 1

Everything expensive and small.

Sushi is nice. Crowded everywhere old persons.

Answer 2

I would have to say the downside is the homogeneous. I mean you get used to it at some point, but then its just like you miss the variety of people and cultures that you experience every day back home. You will never be considered a Japanese if you are western and have lived in Japan all/most of your life. Chinese and Koreans may be looked at as a Japanese but the minute they show they are from another country they get the weird look (which i think really hurts, id rather be ignored off the bat than be thought of as something else and then huffed off after the fact).

Japanese medicine SUCKS! Oh boy does it suck. I mean it helps the problem, but they don't seem to have medicine that eliminates the pain or knocks you out at least so you wont have to deal with the pain(like Nyquil or codine). And sometimes they medicine is so weak that it takes awhile for it to do anything.

If you're one that likes a big house. I guess the housing would be uncomfortable. But I like cozy, close-nit areas so I don't mind Japanese apartments or houses.

I think as time is progressing things are becoming better for foreigners, as in terms of acceptance, etc. The younger generation that is (since I think in current times they are exposed to more global ideas and different people), the older ones will still think of you as foreigner even if you're Japanese national. This is all speaking from a city point of view. Farming areas I am unsure of their thoughts, etc.

Answer 3

High prices. Over crowding. Much smaller homes.

Answer 4

You are usually taller than everyone else,You must learn the language to fit in . It is polite to learn the customs,You shouldn't be surprised to see topless ads on the street.Do you likeraw fish , seaweed,squid  etc...etc...

Answer 5

expensive

But beautiful

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo

Answer 6

theres no soap or toilet paper in public toilets.

Answer 7

In my personal opinion, the biggest downside is the homogenous mentality. In the end, people always “fall in line” with what society (family, employer, etc.) expects of them. Of course, there are exceptions, but those people seem to be very rare.

Answer 8

Incredibly expensive, overcrowded in major cities, and xenophobic culture.  

Answer 9

house is common issue.  Quite small, unless you worked in a big company with fair well income like my friend. travel expense is also high.  Some little hotel run by the local who can't speak English wouldn't accept you to check in by phone no matter what and how much you have.  Their English is very bad... hahahah... I ever asked a JR stuff about the location of hostel in English, guess what?  I was brought by him to a nearby police station which is the very first experience in my life to go to such kind place.  It was kind funny but weird.  They also asked me showing them my money by requiring open my wallet to see how much money I had and whether it was enough to take by taxi and check in a nearby luxurious 5 stars hotel.

If you could speak fluent Japanese, then they would treat you like their people as what I experienced in the next time with preparation of learning Japanese.

Answer 10

Substance abuse is more common that what people think. Half the time when you hear of someone flipping out in Japan and stabbing a bunch of people it's a case of amphetamine psychosis-but the media will say "he must have suffered a sense of alienation from playing too many video games" or something lame like that. That appeals more to both westerners and the locals sense of Japanese exceptionlism, rather than the common sense "speed kills".

Then there's the kids whose teeth fall out from sniffing toluene, and the Halcion junkies, etc. -plus plain old fashioned drunks. Impaired driving is probably more common that what people think as well. There are inveterate alcoholics in Japan who don't get caught for DUI until they kill someone, just like anywhere else.

Answer 11

No matter how long a foreigner is there they will never be accepted as a patriot of Japan.  They won't treat you bad but, you will never be completely equal.

Answer 12

Downside? Rather than help, men will often ignore you, while women dont seem too shy about helping you if you need it for whatever reason (I am male, if that makes any difference).

The working conditions are far more stressful than American ones Ive had, and many Japanese I speak with concur. (Ones trade may as well be their lifeline here, it seems). Old ladies working in the rice fields love to make up stories with each other about a foreigner theyve seen but never met (''Ooh, I heard he doesnt like you!'' or other such BS from someone Ive never met.) I could go on, but I wont.

Yes, there are downsides, but honestly, this is the best place in asia to live if you ask my opinion. Its not perfect, but Japans been good to me all things considered.