Now that the word is out that the USS George Washington is headed to its new home port in Japan, I thought it was time that I finally talked about what her crew could expect with their arrival in Japan. I’ve been here three years on a ship, coming to the country with no real idea of how it was. Because the GW’s arrival is such a high-profile issue here, I thought I’d try to help my shipmates out and tell them what they should and shouldn’t do in Japan.
First, nobody wants you here. Nobody. - The Japanese people are ignorant to how nuclear carriers operate, and since this country is the only one to ever to experience a nuclear bomb, it’s a sensitive issue. The Japanese people aside, no one in the Navy wants you here either. We experienced major problems with the old Kitty Hawk crew, so everyone’s under the assumption we’ll have at least one murder and two rapes within your first week. Most of us on small boys are hoping we’ll be underway when you arrive so as not to get involved with all the bullshit you’re going to bring. So you can see how high the bar has been set for your conduct on liberty. Please, I beg of you, prove us all wrong. Make us all look like people who completely underestimated the training program and personal integrity of the USS George Washington’s Sailors.
You’re not a punk/thug. - If you think you’re going to come to Japan and all the Japanese men are going to be in awe of seeing a real American, or that the girls are going to be throwing themselves at you in record numbers, stop. Don’t walk around like you’re some hot shit because you’re an American. Don’t dress like a retard, either. You represent the US Navy whether you want to or not. Leave the plaid punk rocker pants and the XXXL white-t’s at home. No matter how hard you try, everyone knows you’re in the Navy and the smallest fuck up ripples through the entire waterfront.
Be wary of The Honch - The Honch is the bar district right across from base. It serves cheap drinks and is a good place to unwind. There’s a shitload of shore patrol, and even more seamen and white/green card holders who can’t go anywhere else. Don’t drink to the point that you’re an idiot, because you’ll get hemmed up quickly. The Honch is also not the place to have a bar brawl or a fight over a girl. One fuck up by a Sailor can lead his entire ship to be recalled and anchored out for the next few days. That being said, don’t think going to Roppongi or somewhere farther away gives you a ticket to act like an asshole. While in The Honch you’ll get taken back to your ship, in Tokyo you’ll be arrested. The foreigner is always at fault here, so better to just avoid being in a precarious situation instead of trying to talk your way out of it later.
Expect racism - Japan is a homogeneous society, so there is of course some racism. If you try going into a bar, club, or other establishment, and someone puts their arms up in an “X” or says Japanese only, bow slightly and leave the place. Get over it, it happens to all of us at some point or another.
Cameras are everywhere - If you skip a taxi fare, piss on a public sidewalk, or anything else considered illegal, you will most likely end up on someone’s video footage. The Japanese police are great investigators and always manage to find someone on video. Both Big Brothers are watching you here.
Don’t drive like the taxi drivers - I admit that I learned how to drive in Japan by watching the taxi drivers. They blow through red lights, turn into oncoming traffic and speed like crazy. Don’t do the same thing. If you hit someone, and don’t kill them, you’ll be paying out the ass in gomen-payments and following expenses. I know a guy who hit a scooter almost a year ago. The guy got up and said everything was fine and went home. Somehow it came back and now the guy’s still dealing with expenses related to the accident. There’s also a lot of kids who walk on the sidewalks to and from school, so drive like you would if a police cruiser was behind you in the US.
Schoolgirls are underage! - The age of consent in Japan is 20! Enough said.
Learn some of the language - Yes they technically all learn English in school here, but they don’t speak it too often. Conversational English is something many Japanese don’t feel comfortable with so they might shy away from it. The FFSC offers basic Japanese classes, or you can try something like the free JapanesePod 101 podcasts.
Explore Japan - There’s more to do here than just drink. Go to a baseball game in Yokohama, or see the Giant Buddha in Kamakura. Go climb Fuji when in season, or check out one of the many traditional festivals throughout the area. The ITT office by the Exchange will have information on all of these events, or you can read the local Seahawk newspaper.
Don’t get a SoftBank phone - I don’t care if they’re offering the iPhone, SoftBank is the worst cell phone service in Yokosuka. The reception sucks, sometimes not working on the waterfront, or inside your home. So many Sailors get it, however, because it’s offered right in the Exchange. Don’t fall for it! Go to AU right outside the base to get a phone with more features, reception, and better customer service. Trust me!
Understand buy-me-drink bars - Buy-me-drink bars, or Hostess Bars as they’re officially known, are as Japanese as rice and fermented beans. Many bars will have women sitting around who greet you when you enter. Don’t get too excited, Hostess Bars are not a place to pick up prostitutes. In Japan, hostess bars have girls who will sit and talk with you while you’re drinking. They’ll pour your drinks, light your cigarettes, and sing karaoke with you. The catch is you have to buy them drinks every so often. It usually costs about $10 a drink, or $20 in The Honch, and it doesn’t get you anywhere with them. There is usually a cover charge of $40 or $50 for each hour to 90 minutes that you’re there. The “water trade” as it is known here is an accepted part of Japanese nightlife and can be pretty expensive. Never use your card! Most of the girls are Filipinas, but occasionally on a slow night you may be invited into a bar with Japanese girls. No boobies either. Last note, when going to Roppongi, don’t believe the African dudes who try to get you into their “gentleman’s club,” it’s just a really expensive hostess bar. Lastly, always remember to report any suspected trafficking in persons!
Keep rape on your mind. - Guy meets Japanese girl. Invites her to his place. Starts working his magic and ends up in bed with the girl. Next day the Japanese police are at guy’s place and have him in handcuffs. “I tried saying no, but I was too scared of the big aggressive American.” What…you don’t think it could happen?
STDs are everywhere. - I can’t believe how many guys have unprotected sex with JN girls because they think they’re cleaner. I remember reading somewhere (I couldn’t find it…I know I know) about a non-profit group who set up an HIV testing booth outside of a nightclub. They found most of the visitors weren’t “sexually educated” and a good portion of them tested positive for STDs. Always wear a condom!
Don’t ride with someone who is drunk - Under Japanese law, you will be found just as guilty for letting the person drive, whether you’re sober or not. Also, just having one beer and getting behind the wheel can land you in jail for a Driving While Drinking Indicated (DWDI). The base conducts surprise breathalyzers all the time, so driving drunk here is definitely Russian roulette with your career.
Travel - Many Sailors will take leave in Japan and just sleep in their apartment or barracks the whole time. Japan is a great launching pad to hit up other countries. Go to Thailand, Korea, China, or other SE Asian countries on the cheap using IACE Travel.
Forget about Tokyo Drift - Don’t be one of the guys who buys a Skyline and pimps it out for no reason. You’re not going to be drifting in these small ass parking garages or non-existent mountain roads. Don’t even get a car because the parking sucks everywhere. Trains can take you anywhere you need to go.
If you or your dependents fuck up, Sayonara! - Enough said. If you, your wife/husband, or brat kids mess up, you will most likely be sent back to the US.
Know how to call Base Security - Call Base Security for any and all off-base problems, to include car accidents and absolutely anything the Japanese police stop you for. They have translators, and it’s best to keep them in the loop from the get-go. Don’t try to handle it on your own because you think you’ll get hemmed up. To call Base Security from off-base, dial 046-816-2300.
This is the FDNF - Things are very different here, and the justification is usually “This is the FDNF.” Courtesy turnovers (CTOs) are not just CTOs here, you will be getting hemmed up. Understand that “perception is reality” which means you can get hemmed up for anything, regardless of the situation. “You’re an ambassador” which means you can get hemmed up for something that may have been ok in the US. Individual Liberty Plans (ILPs) are designed to screw you, so don’t violate them. Instructions and regulations don’t really mean what they say, and only the interpretation of said instructions and regulations by your khakis does. Suck it up, shipmate, this is the FDNF.
Well, that’s my very short list of things I think the newly arriving GW Sailors should be aware of. If anyone has anything to add, or a new Sailor has questions, please post in the comments.
Welcome to Yokosuka, GW!
Comments 36
Pretty much sums it up…can’t wait till March 09!
Posted 24 Aug 2008 at 3:45 am ¶I sent the link to my son.
He has been learning to read, write and speak the language since high school and been looking forward to getting to Japan for as long as I can remember.
Posted 24 Aug 2008 at 5:57 am ¶army > navy
Posted 24 Aug 2008 at 6:27 am ¶The best part of the year I spent in Japan was the three months I was deployed to Australia.
Posted 24 Aug 2008 at 6:40 am ¶Jimbo - You’ve outdone yourself again. Bravo Zulu on providing your shipmates with a candid portrait of the reality of being stationed in Yoko-Town nowadays. This type of reality-check needs to be published, because you will NEVER see it in that poor excuse of a base newspaper “Seahawk,” or the other censored rag, “Stars and Stripes.”
Posted 24 Aug 2008 at 10:45 am ¶THE TRUTH RULES!
Interesting read, a fellow CTF person and myself came across this and are already talking about spreading it to as much of the GW as possible to avoid as much hassle as possible with upcoming events. You have a sharp wit but hey sometimes the best way to get information across is to be 100% blunt even if it upsets some people. Just hope the sailors onboard have the sense of maturity, because I do hate the fact that it only takes one fuck up and everybody pays the price..
Posted 24 Aug 2008 at 11:08 am ¶I’ve emailed a copy to my husband in case he’d like to pass it around his department.
Posted 24 Aug 2008 at 3:34 pm ¶I would like to go to the GW on my next tour but have reservations about enforcing rules that not only I do not believe in, but that I am against. Seems like an excellent place for a decent sailor to make a single mistake and have a single minor incident become career stalling. Much risk, and some reward as being forward deployed. Maybe I will catch you out there IT1. -MM1
Posted 24 Aug 2008 at 4:25 pm ¶McJeebus: It’s not all that bad, really. You may not agree with the rules, as I don’t with many of them, but we should still enforce them. The greatest thing about the FDNF is that it’s the hardest duty you’ll ever do on a ship. It makes everything else seem like a vacation and you learn a brand of leadership that, honestly, can only make you succeed elsewhere. Give it a shot. If I’m still around, shoot me an e-mail and we’ll have a drink in The Honch
Posted 24 Aug 2008 at 4:35 pm ¶I have been to Japan. Never had a good time. They hate everyone who isn’t Japanese. They think they are better. funny.
Posted 24 Aug 2008 at 6:08 pm ¶Sadly, things sound as thought they have sure changed in Yoko since the 60s!
Posted 24 Aug 2008 at 9:11 pm ¶Well, I don’t think you can blame the carrier for all the problems that’s caused here because didn’t that guy that stabbed the taxi cab driver come from a small boy?
I guess for most of us, it’s a double edge sword because a lot of us are waiting for the GW to get here because of spouses/significant others while we are not looking forward to the problems that may come with its arrival.
My 2 things for Japan:
1) Get a Pasmo or Suica card for the train/bus. They work on both rail lines.
2) Get a Japan travel book. So much to see and do in Japan and they are mostly just a train ride away.
Posted 25 Aug 2008 at 1:17 am ¶Good info
Posted 25 Aug 2008 at 12:26 pm ¶I thought the age of consent was 13 (serious)
Posted 25 Aug 2008 at 3:31 pm ¶I dread this entire fiasco. I hope these sailors truly understand what they are coming to. Some sailor the other day asked my teen daughter if she was ready to make babies with him. His words. “Make babies.”
So I guess my advice to add to this list would be:
TEENAGERS THAT GO TO THE HIGH SCHOOL HERE ARE NOT PART OF THE DATING POOL Stay away from the kids, they look like adults but are really just kids in high school. Ask to see an id or you could be the one who gets busted for statutory rape. All these kids have identification, ASK TO SEE IT.
Posted 25 Aug 2008 at 4:27 pm ¶I get the feeling the base will be locked down for the first few weeks the GW is here. I have been dreading this day for awhile and i have been his for over 5 years.
One more thing if you do get a car and want to drift or race there are plenty of tracks around. go the the auto hobby shop and find out more info.
Posted 26 Aug 2008 at 4:51 am ¶Hmm, as an asian girl, I’d like to thank you for spreading that last peice of advice… particularly the one about asian girls throwing themselves at americans. That’s quite a crock.
Posted 26 Aug 2008 at 5:24 pm ¶“He hits, he scores — the fans go wild!” Great post. Rock on brother.
Posted 27 Aug 2008 at 2:11 am ¶I read this article a few times and couldn’t really see where Jim said that asian girls throw themselves at Americans. Unless you were being facetious..I’m lost.
Posted 28 Aug 2008 at 6:09 am ¶PigeonMan: She’s talking about the second thing I wrote about people acting like they’re something special as an American, or expecting Japanese women to be falling over them. Many western men tend exoticize Japanese women into subservient Geisha-like gaijin lovers, when it’s really not the case.
Posted 28 Aug 2008 at 2:33 pm ¶Well you apparently said the opposite of how she took it…oh well. I’m not into butch girls anyway..sorry toughgirl. I do like asians though!
Posted 29 Aug 2008 at 8:01 am ¶Japan is a fragmented society. Some love the U.S., some hate the U.S., most are too concerned with their own lives to care. You gotta find a niche that makes you happy. Needless to say, I’ve been living in Nagoya for the past 15 years in a very comfortable niche as an English teacher.
I’m just an ex-MILBRAT, half Japanese/American, ex-machinest mate from the Cold War that’s been living in the countryside of Nagoya, Japan for the past 15 years. And loving every minute of it.
Posted 29 Aug 2008 at 3:45 pm ¶There are so many Japanese that literally “LOVE” the GW. Here’s a magazine called “Carrier Mania” for military enthusiasts.
Posted 29 Aug 2008 at 4:12 pm ¶http://trekker1.hp.infoseek.co.jp/carrier_mani.html
These Japanese probably know more about us concerning the GW and U.S. Navy.
Did you know we’ve given the Japanese all of our recent military technology. That’s the Aegis, Raptor F-22, SM-3 missle, and who knows what else.
I could go on forever about the positive side of the Japanese. And actually, I have at NTWS, where I’ve literally hijacked a thread about Japan in the forums.
I’ve spent 23 years trying to figure out the Japanese. Only recently, have I reached ththat goal. Needless to say, it’s a very unique, mysterious and traditional culture. And as you can see, if I keep going, I’ll end up hijacking this thread, too. So I’ll stop here.
(To be cont.’d)(Maybe)
Major events in Japan’s recent history:
1. The MBTI(Myers Briggs Type Indicator) was introduced to Japan 6 years ago. Sorely needed considering the suicide rate has been topping 30,000 for the past 8 years.
2. The “Jury System” will be introduced to Japan soon. I thought in 2008 but haven’t heard anything.
3. The English school industry is going through a major overhaul after Japan’s ex-largest English school chain, Nova, went under last year. 3,000 teachers were suddenly without jobs and 400,000 students didn’t have classes to go to anymore.
4. Needless to say, the George Washington will be the first nuclear carrier to be stationed in Japan.
5. Starting this year, police interrogations of the accused will be video-taped to prevent anymore forced confessions through illegal means.
6. And you wonder why I use my real name? I happen to run an English school in Nagoya. No thanks to the Nova fiasco, students are now demanding more “Transparency” about how an English school conducts their business. So these days, the only way to win the trust of my students (and bring in more students) is to reveal my name. And these days when I run an advertisement in the newspaper or in the internet, I make sure the ad also displays a picture of my face. If I want the Japanese to trust me, I’ve gotta make the first move.
(To be cont.’d)(Maybe)
Posted 30 Aug 2008 at 11:26 pm ¶All,
I have edited some things.. some for fun all for information..
First, nobody wants you here. Nobody. - they want us there, because they dont want the chinese running their country.. and we are the first they call when N korea decides to act a fool.
You’re not a punk/thug. - If you think you’re going to come to Japan and all the Japanese men are going to be in awe of seeing a real American, or that the girls are going to be throwing themselves at you in record numbers, stop. Don’t walk around like you’re some hot shit because you’re an American. Don’t dress like a retard, either. You represent the US Navy whether you want to or not. Leave the plaid punk rocker pants and the XXXL white-t’s at home. No matter how hard you try, everyone knows you’re in the Navy and the smallest screw up ripples through the entire waterfront. true (read your whole department locked down to the ship for a couple days.. It happened to my department x2).
Be wary of The Honch - The Honch is the bar district right across from base. It serves shitty expensive crap and is a very very bad place to unwind. There’s a shitload of shore patrol , “shipmantes” (plain clothed shore patrol) . Don’t drink at all. go somewhere else. The haunch is the devil i have lost 2 sailors because of it, and many others have lost several as well. STAY OUT.
Expect racism - all of us are the minority there, its a part of life live with it.
Cameras are everywhere - If you skip a taxi fare, piss on a public sidewalk, or anything else considered illegal, you will most likely end up on someone’s video footage. The Japanese police are great investigators and always manage to find someone on video. Both Big Brothers are watching you here. yup.
Don’t drive like the taxi drivers - I admit that I learned how to drive in Japan by watching the taxi drivers. They blow through red lights, turn into oncoming traffic and speed like crazy. Don’t do the same thing. If you hit someone, and don’t kill them, you’ll be paying out the ass in gomen-payments and following expenses. I know a guy who hit a scooter almost a year ago. The guy got up and said everything was fine and went home. Somehow (not somehow. we have Y plates. and there are traffic cameras everywhere cover your ass) it came back and now the guy’s still dealing with expenses related to the accident. There’s also a lot of kids who walk on the sidewalks to and from school, so drive like you would if a police cruiser was behind you in the US.
Schoolgirls are underage! - The age of consent in Japan is 20! Enough said. i would say that its 25, just for safety, cause at 20 they dont look 20… and japanese FAKE ID’s are very very easy to get.
Learn some of the language - Yes they technically all learn English in school here, but they don’t speak it too often. Conversational English is something many Japanese don’t feel comfortable with so they might shy away from it. alot of japanese can write english but are too embarrassed to say anything…
Explore Japan - There’s more to do here than just drink. Go to a baseball game in Yokohama, or see the Giant Buddha in Kamakura. Go climb Fuji when in season, or check out one of the many traditional festivals throughout the area. The ITT office by the Exchange will have information on all of these events, or you can read the local Seahawk newspaper. yup x100,000.
Don’t get a SoftBank phone - I don’t care if they’re offering the iPhone, SoftBank is the worst cell phone service in Yokosuka. The reception sucks, sometimes not working on the waterfront, or inside your home. So many Sailors get it, however, because it’s offered right in the Exchange. Don’t fall for it! Go to AU right outside the base to get a phone with more features, reception, and better customer service. Trust me! I have had no problems with Softbank in the 3 years i have been in Japan.. AU rips people off, i have had to help too many of my sailors because they get AU phones and do stupid shit, like leave them in the barracks.
Understand buy-me-drink bars - Buy-me-drink bars, or Hostess Bars AVOID LIKE AIDS.
Keep rape on your mind. - Guy meets Japanese girl. Invites her to his place. Starts working his magic and ends up in bed with the girl. Next day the Japanese police are at guy’s place and have him in handcuffs. “I tried saying no, but I was too scared of the big aggressive American.” What…you don’t think it could happen? Happens all the time, they call it international incident. we call it Jail time. 7 years.
STDs are everywhere. - Always wear a condom! the haunch girls have been there way longer than you think, and yes they take guys home all the time. its not new.
Don’t ride with someone who is drunk - Under Japanese law, you will be found just as guilty for letting the person drive, whether you’re sober or not. Also, just having one beer and getting behind the wheel can land you in jail for a Driving While Drinking Indicated (DWDI). The base conducts surprise breathalyzers all the time, so driving drunk here is definitely Russian roulette with your career. Jail time.. BAD STUFF!
Travel - Many Sailors will take leave in Japan and just sleep in their apartment or barracks the whole time. Japan is a great launching pad to hit up other countries. -True!! Go to Thailand , Korea, China, or other SE Asian countries on the cheap (IACE is kinda cheap but lower prices can be found you just have to shop around) GET A PASSPORT LEAVE BASE, Go to SAIPAN, TINIAN, ROTA, FIJI. the Philippines. I would recommend you never go to Thailand its a shit hole, lined with sharp sticks and dull knives.
Forget about Tokyo Drift - nuf said, it was a dumb movie to begin with.
If you or your dependents screw up you leave . If you, your wife/husband, or brat kids mess up, you will most likely be sent back to the US. yup, and your evaluation goes to shit.
Know how to call Base Security - Call Base Security for any and all off-base problems, to include car accidents and absolutely anything the Japanese police stop you for. They have translators, and it’s best to keep them in the loop from the get-go. Don’t try to handle it on your own because you think you’ll get hemmed up. To call Base Security from off-base, dial 046-816-2300. X 100,000
This is the FDNF - Things are very different here, and the justification is usually “This is the FDNF.” Courtesy turnovers (CTOs) are not just CTOs here, you will be getting hemmed up. Understand that “perception is reality” which means you can get hemmed up for anything, regardless of the situation. “You’re an ambassador” which means you can get hemmed up for something that may have been ok in the US. Individual Liberty Plans (ILPs) are designed to screw you, so don’t violate them. Instructions and regulations don’t really mean what they say, and only the interpretation of said instructions and regulations by your khakis does. Suck it up, shipmate, this is the FDNF. this cannot be understated.
Posted 01 Sep 2008 at 12:51 am ¶I am no longer AD Navy but I am living here in Japan. I was on the the Independence from ‘95 till decom and returned to the Kitty Hawk after my tour of shore duty. Things were different on the Indy and we took care of our own. In reference to your comment about punks and thugs I believe that will be one of the biggest issues with the GW when it gets here. It happens all the time the “new kids on the block” think they will come in and take over and run things. It always happens and never works.
Posted 03 Sep 2008 at 12:55 am ¶Keep up the good work!
Good post for the GW, Jim.
Just one thing to point out:
The national (per the Japanese Constitution) age of consent is 13. However, the age of consent is effectively 18 everywhere (not 20).
Most municipalities have more restrictive laws that make sex with a child (a child is defined in the constitution as being younger than 18) illegal. It might be everywhere by now; just a few years ago, Nagoya and Tokyo were the only holdouts, where the age of consent was still 13.
18 and 19-year-olds are minors but they aren’t legally children. They can’t vote and they can commit crimes with little fear of serious punishment but they can have sex with whomever they want.
Posted 04 Sep 2008 at 8:48 pm ¶Great post. Awesome post. Sadly, I’m still wary of the GW coming here; in light of incidents occuring prior to thier arrival, I’m not sure what will happen. Hopefully, nothing occurs and we all can take a deep sigh of relief and move on.
Posted 04 Sep 2008 at 9:58 pm ¶I can pare this down to simply the following:
Unless you’re a khaki, expect to be treated like a second class citizen, both inside & outside the gates. If you have the ability to get other orders, do it with a quickness!
All that having been said: Yes, Japan is a great place to be…as long as you’re not in the service!
Posted 05 Sep 2008 at 8:00 am ¶I want to start off by saying that none of the comments I say are intended to offend anyone. This is the truth about the Navy being stationed in Japan. I have been there 3 years and I know how shit works.
First, nobody wants you here. Nobody: The Japanese would be very much better off without us here. Japan has a low crime rate, but as soon as we began being stationed there, the crime rate increased, with murder, rape, vandalism, and alcohol related incidents. When I first arrived in Japan, I thought to myself, this is going to be a wonderful experience. It was, and still is, overall. Despite the new people that haven’t been to foreign countries, don’t know the language, don’t know the culture, and especially don’t know how things work as being forward deployed. Follow the laws, respect the people and culture, interact in a positive way, make some Japanese friends, they will show you around and make your time in Japan worthwhile. The protests are non-violent, but that doesn’t give you the right to intimidate or interfere with them. They also have the right to show their disagreements.
You’re not a punk/thug: There is no reason to be dressed like you own the town. You are American. If you owned the country/town, you would look like them, being of Japanese background. That doesn’t mean go out and dress like them to blend in. Like the comment above says, act casual. Japanese like to see that you are trying to blend in, trying to understand the language, trying new things such as the food. The girls will not give themselves up to you if dressed like a punk, except for the Honch girls.
Be wary of The Honch: One fuckup by a sailor brings a lot of media attention, not to mention discredit to the Navy. Also, it will get the department recalled, if not the whole ship. Don’t fuck your other shipmates by your stupidity. I have seen some stupid shit going on. You want to have a good time and not worry about shore patrol, go to Tokyo. There are plenty of clubs there to get into trouble. You will be arrested instead of getting a CTO. Shore patrol is there for your safety and the safety of the Japanese locals. Be respectful, be responsible. Being stupid isn’t worth 45/45 and loss of $3000. you can make some friends, get yourself a nice boy/girlfriend and spend the 45 days and $3000 on a vacation either in Japan or SE Asia, rather than on restriction.
Expect racism: I can definitely attest to this. I have tried to get into a few bars/clubs and I have gotten the “X”. I said ok, and walked away. There is no reason to fight with them to let you in. there are plenty of bars and clubs to get into, some of which may be better than the one you got turned away from. Like I said above, make some new Japanese friends. They will show you around, and 99% of the time, having a Japanese friend is a good way to get into the Japanese only places. My fionce is Japanese and I have been to many places with her and her friends that I wouldn’t normally be allowed in to. But, don’t use them just to get in, and don’t act stupid once you are inside. Some one will find out, you will be kicked out. Remember, someone is always watching. You are an American in Japan. The way you act will be noted.
Cameras are everywhere: This is no lie. There was a case about a year ago with a few guys that went to Roppongi and got into some major trouble. They tried to lie about it, but little did they know that there was a camera across the street at one of the shopping centers that caught them doing what they were doing on tape. Cameras are everywhere, streetlights, train stations, in some cases elevators. There are many hidden cameras as well, not to mention, the cell phones are also good video recorders for things like this. Japanese will record stupidity.
Schoolgirls are underage!: A big thing about this. Just because a girl looks older than she is and acts mature, don’t fall for it. Of my 3 years in Japan, I must say the older school girls are very attractive, but don’t let them fool you. The way someone looks doesn’t reflect their age. You will see women that look 25 but are really in their mid 40’s. on the flip side, you will see girls that look 18 or 20, but you will find out that they are only 15 or 16, NOT LEGAL. Don’t be mistaken.
Learn some of the language: Learning the language is harder than you may think. A majority of the younger generation can speak English fairly well and will try to hold a friendly conversation with you, but they feel more comfortable speaking in Japanese. They do offer classes around base for basic Japanese. I suggest going to one or two, see how you like it. You will need to learn some, like manners, directions, how to ask questions, and greetings. Things like foods, places, other conversational aspects you will learn through time and experience. I have learned a lot from just listening, reading, studying, and also from some friends I have made over the years. That’s another point, make some friends! They will help teach you some Japanese. They are very friendly and love it when an American messes the words up. It keeps them entertained and also makes your friendship stronger.
Explore Japan: Agreed. When I turned 20 in 2007, I did a lot of partying, drank a lot and went out maybe 2 or 3 days a week, most of the time on weekends. Now, I have a good night out once or twice a month and I get around Japan. My friends and fionce have shown me so much of Japan, taken me to restaurants I wouldn’t normally go into alone, tried many foods I would never have tried, and introduced me to many of their friends, who are now my friends as well. Get out and enjoy Japan. ITT offers tours to the hotsprings, amusement parks, cultural areas, historical sites, and much more. There are also brochures in town, although you wont be able to understand or read them, but the pictures will say it all.
Don’t get a SoftBank phone: When I first got to Japan, I wanted a cell phone so all we all could keep in contact with each other. We started out with Softbank, which was previously called Vodafone. It was a prepaid phone, the cards would eventually add up to more than $100 every 3-4 weeks, the signal sucked inside buildings, there really wasn’t a customer service center except for the stand in the NEX. I went out and got myself an AU phone. I never loose signal inside buildings (only train tunnels there is no signal), unlimited texting, free AU to AU calls, free incoming calls, global passports meaning the phone can be used in other countries including China, Philippines, US, Guam, Australia, and many others, cheap rates to the US, free anytime service, and at most $75 for the best service and best deals.
Understand buy-me-drink bars: Don’t really have much to say about these. I did most of my buy-me-drink experiences in Hong Kong. I have however found some of these places in Tokyo but never wasted my time with them. Never use your credit card to run a tab. Pretty soon your bill will be way more than you intended to spend at that place and now youre broke. The gentlemans clubs are a crock of shit. There are over 10 of these per block in the party districts of Tokyo. Don’t fall for their tricks. There are way more places to enjoy a good night out without the covercharge and annoying buy me drink girls. Take what you want to spend. About $300 max, for dinner, the clubs, bars, and maybe a little shopping, maybe a few drinks for the NON buy me drink girls.
Keep rape on your mind: You will be watching a video over and over again about a marine that got arrested for raping a Japanese girl. Alcohol was involved. Rape is no joke, it will ruin your career and future. Keep it in your pants. I don’t care how innocent she may seem, how much she wants to do it. If you haven’t known her more than 1 night, don’t do it. Find yourself a steady girlfriend, then maybe, depending on how things are going, you will eventually earn her trust and be able to “get with her”. Until then, DON’T DO IT, its not worth it in the end. This leads to the next comment about STDs.
STDs are everywhere: Couldn’t have said it better myself. Wrap it up. It never hurts to be safe. I have read and heard that Japanese girls are cleaner than most Asian women. They smell better, they are much healthier than the rest of us, but don’t be fooled about what I say, or what others may say. Protect yourself. Its not worth it in the end to have one of the best nights ever, then later find out you have an STD. Wrap it up, I cant say it enough.
Don’t ride with someone who is drunk: I haven’t had much experience about driving in Japan. However, there are many many school students that use the sidewalks next to the busiest streets in town. You will attend lecture after lecture about drinking and driving. Doesn’t matter if you had ½ beer. You get caught, hell is coming your way. Even on bicycles, scooters, mopeds. You cant drink and ride these little machines. You will get caught with DWDI (driving while drinking indicated). Don’t do it. That is a big career stopper right there. We have all heard about those who got caught in San Diego with DUIs. Its not worth it, don’t do it, not now, not ever, ESPECIALLY in Japan or foreign countries.
Travel: IACE is a great place for discount tickets and tours to other SE Asian countries. My experience. I was going home on leave right after New Years and on Expedia they had tickets for roundtrip from Tokyo to my home state and back for around $1200. I heard about IACE and went to talk with them, by the way, they do speak English well and are very polite, looked around for a few minutes and I got a ticket for my destination and back for about $850. IACE is located across from the main gate and down at the end of the block to the right. Its easy to miss, I passed by it a few times before I noticed it. Try it out.
Forget about Tokyo Drift: Yeah, I wouldn’t really agree with this. You will see the “Tokyo Drift” cars around town, mostly around Yokohama and Tokyo. In December they have an annual drifting competition around the Yokohama Bay Bridge. It does exist and would be a great experience, however, if shit goes down, don’t be the one to get caught there. Havent heard any stories yet but im sure there are plenty. Late at night on the weekends in Yokosuka, you will see these cars in the Honch. DO NOT mess with these cars. You have probably heard of the Japanese mafia, aka Yakuza. They do exist. Don’t start shit with them, you will be fine.
If you or your dependents fuck up, Sayonara!: Don’t know anyone that this has happened to, but I can assure you, being part of the forward deployed military, this will happen. Coming to Japan while in the military is almost a privilege, and we all know, they can and will be taken away for people who fuck up, including your family if here with you.
This is the FDNF: Liberty plans are no joke. 90% of the mast cases that happen in Japan are because someone failed to follow their liberty plan. True story, sailor A was out in town, wasn’t on his liberty plan. He saw sailor B get hit by a taxi so he called base security, contacted the Japanese emergency services. Help arrived, took sailor B to the hospital in critical condition. Sailor A however, went to mast because he failed to follow his liberty plan, even though he helped out sailor B when he was in trouble. Liberty plans will fuck you. If you want to deviate from them, call your chain of command and let them know. CYOA. (cover your own ass-for those who don’t know acronyms yet). And, even thought khakis may seem like help, they are out to fuck you too, not all of them, but there are some assholes out there and you will run into a few. Keep copies of records. Know what you are getting into.
Use common sense, don’t be stupid, respect the culture, people and laws, get out and experience Japan. You will be amazed at how much there is to see and do. Try new foods, meet new people. Go back to the US and tell your friends about all the places you’ve been to, things you have done, make them jealous! Seriously, get out and enjoy Japan. Why not, you are here for a few years, make the best of your time!!
Posted 06 Sep 2008 at 10:02 pm ¶My son is part of the decommission transfer group from USS Kitty Hawk and I guess they are already on lock down before they hit land…something about cigarettes…a lot of what is posted has a ring of truth…although my son has been there for 2 years and actually loves it in Japan. The people there are very civilized and as long as you take the classes on base for assimilation into their society and heed them, you will be fine. It is a beautiful country, rated 2nd to New Zealand when it comes to cleanliness (no graffiti). The Japanese do appreciate the Americans because of China and the bullying tactics.
Posted 10 Sep 2008 at 5:59 pm ¶I understand that the fact the USS GW is a nuclear carrier is the main issue. Commander Hayley who has taken over th USS GW has already been based there before and I understand he runs a tight ship and his personnel will be well educated. No reason to over hype the situation, our kids, families are safer there than in many urban cities in the USA…As with any country one visits we should all heed the saying..’when in Rome do as they do…”. I imagine our US Naval presence over in Japan will be welcomed more than our troops have been in the middle east ..Peace out!
The following is a quick rundown of “American(Left side) vs. Japan(Right side)” characteristics:
Christianity vs. Buddhism
Capitalism vs. Socialism
Individualism vs. Groupism
One great big continent vs. One small island with active volcanoes
President vs. The Emperor
Won the war vs. Lost the war
Alphabet vs. Chinese characters
Short history(230+ years) vs. Long history(2,000 years)
Self-expression vs. Silence
Frontier spirit vs. Preservation of tradition.
The Americans see Japanese as very polite but not friendly.
The Japanese see Americans as friendly but not polite.
Why? America is a country that will take in citizens from all over the world. It’s the land of dreams.
Japan is a country that wants to protect her traditions and customs.
I think I’ll stop here. Needless to say, American and Japanese culture is like “Black and white”, “Night and day”, “Hot and cold”, etc. So from this viewpoint, I can’t imagine why anyone wouldn’t go to Japan with an open mind. Besides, why in the world would you want to view Japan’s culture from an American viewpoint? To me, it’s the same thing as trying to put a round peg in a square hole.
I’m just an ex-military brat, and ex-machinist mate in the Navy during the Cold War that’s been living in Nagoya, Japan for the past 15 years. And loving every minute of it.
(To be cont.’d, maybe)
Posted 11 Sep 2008 at 7:42 pm ¶Well, the GW is now inport. What are the initial impressions from those still in Yoko?
Posted 25 Sep 2008 at 4:31 pm ¶Okay, I just have one comment…. People in the US do not want Nuclear Plants, Japan does not want GW……. ever think that education is needed in both places. A NUC ship is not a NUKE Bomb………….
Posted 02 Oct 2008 at 5:53 am ¶Okay two comments, seems like nothing but bad behavior is expected from the GW sailors/families, so are you saying all the current sailors/families are all well behaved?
My dad used to be in the navy for 20 years and still works for them now as a civilian. In May I was lucky enough to come with him to Yokosuka (and Kamakura and Tokyo) for some job on some ship there and now I’m obsessed with moving to Japan. Unfortunately, I am not in the Navy and don’t plan on enlisting anytime soon. Maybe you’re the wrong person to ask but what are the jobs like off-base or on-base for civilian Americans? I figure for the grand scheme of things it’d be easier to gradually assimilate (live among both Americans and Japanese) than to immerse myself and have to resort to a teach English job, blahh. Oh and your site is very funny and informative! Thanks
Posted 22 Oct 2008 at 5:14 pm ¶I wish I had known about this site, and this posting specifically, before I moved here. It would have saved me a week of AOB/ICR. They even left out the age of consent in the brief. How could they take an entire week of educating a group of at least 50% single sailors and never mention something like that, given the 2 year difference that works against their norms?
Posted 23 Oct 2008 at 2:55 am ¶Trackbacks & Pingbacks 1
[...] I enjoy reading FEWL.NET because the writer has a unique way of expressing himself, he is in the Navy and also he is stationed on a ship in Japan, my twidget nuke Son is on the USS George Washington and on his way to Japan. Well, the Author just wrote an article that should be mandatory reading for every member of the any crew headed for the Yokosuka waterfront. The following are a couple of excerpts from “What USS George Washington Should Know About Japan“; [...]
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