Posted By flyerNO88 on 10 Jan 2010 07:37 PM
I like the respect, the greeting when you go into a store, we say (in our house!) mashi mashi! I was driving to Yoko base the other day, and we passed a car dealership. A worker went to the corner of the street and the driveway (to help stop traffic). He didn't need to stop any traffic though, so he just stood there, after the car had pulled onto the road and drove off, he bowed. The people in the car couldn't even SEE him, but he still bowed. I guess to thank them for their business? I'm not sure, but it was really neat to see.

Posted By amauldin on 10 Jan 2010 08:02 PM
When you're in a restaurant, no one comes by your table every five minutes asking, "You still workin' on that?" or "Save any room for dessert?"


That is so true! I forgot all about that. Service in restaurants in Japan is far superior to the states. And to top it off there is no voluntary 10-15% tax, I mean tip for the service. I also appreciate that most times the Japanese try very hard to accommodate you desipite the fact you know very little Japanese. In the states I remember thinking that the Mexicans should know English if their going to be in my counrty! Wow, I'm such a hypocrite.

Posted By Pigeonman5000 on 10 Jan 2010 08:19 PM
I love how they all look happy doing their job, like the construction guy or the guy direction the traffic around the area. I like how much cleaner it is here in Japan. I like the convenience of everything around me from the Family Marts etc, to the public transportation. I love how they try to help you and speak English even if they know they can't. Their hand signals are amazing when trying to describe things to you. I agree with Elizabeth, but I think Japan has got it together more than the states.

Posted By Wilson on 10 Jan 2010 10:35 PM
I think the main difference you are seeing here is the professionalism that is lacking of most Americans these days (I am one of them so don't anyone flare at me). The Japanese take their jobs extremely seriously. They will not stop for casual conversation, they will not take a break...there are times allowed for this behaviour and they wait for it. (ie: on break time/lunch time they are out in their cars sleeping or somewhere eating). It is amazing as to how serious they take it...if you are being assisted at City Office and the Lunch bell sounds they will literally stop helping you and go to their desks, sit down & eat. As soon as lunch is over (unbelievably short time) they will get back up and start helping you again. I believe the true word for this would be "discipline" unfortunately most Americans would classify it as "robotic". Another good word is "PROFESSIONAL".

I thought it might be nice to have a post that is solely for positive rants about the things we like about Japan vice the things we don't like (Lord knows I've done my fair share of complaining!) So, I'll start it off:

Posted By Adam Jones on 10 Jan 2010 10:51 PM

I thought it might be nice to have a post that is solely for positive rants about the things we like about Japan vice the things we don't like (Lord knows I've done my fair share of complaining!) So, I'll start it off:

http://www.japanbases.com/Home/Foru...fault.aspx We all have little things that irritate us, but we also have a lot that we love. Please share them throughout this forum thread!..." href="http://www.japanbases.com/home/foru...topic.aspx">Things That You Love In Japan

I know what you mean by the ranting, from the RANT ABOUT SOMETHING forum. Thats why I countered it and created a new forum post called what you love about Japan. It was in the Japan Culture category, vice the rant section. Thanks for making a new post. I read through the comments, and they are excellent.

Posted By raider on 11 Jan 2010 10:20 PM
The reason you like Japan vs. the states is because you dont know the real Japan. If you did, you would might be disappointed. I wont rant on this to much, but there are many worlds here. Diplomats, base people, then the rest of us gaijin. But your right, base people got it good. Enjoy.

Oh well praise you lover of all things Nippon! I bet you salute the rising sun flag every morning.

Ill let you do your jobs.

you know life would be allot easier over here if people would relax, that why so many people complain about stess on the base etc because of high and might know it alls. None of us know it all, thats all Im saying. Dude was like he got a job I dont etc. See he started with that, like with some power or ego. He should know better, you know what Im sayin?

Posted By KP on 17 Jan 2010 04:40 PM
I love the food, everywhere you go you get quality food. Even at the 7/11's there is good quality food.

Agreed. The food here always seems to be held to a higher standard that what is usually presented in the States in the same type of venue (i.e. 7-11, McDonalds, etc.) Although I don't think Micky D's is a great example of Japanese food, it is a great example of the quality and care they put into something as insignificant as fast food. The burgers actually look like the picture on the menu board.

PIC POST MAN: What I like about Japan, taking trips to hotels like this, and having fun with my son.

I agree with so much of what has been posted.

I tend to find I miss the convenience of the states ( ie Target, bigger parking spots for idiots like me who can't back in for the life of them, jeans tall enough for a size 4 5'10 woman, Mexican rest. on every corner). What I LOVE about Japan is how being courteous is the trend.

When we first came to Japan in 02, I hated it for the first 8 months. Now to give myself some credit, I also became a new military wife AND Mom all within 6 months in a foreign country. We lived off base, I had no friends and with a new baby and husband gone all the time, was pretty miserable, but what I found was I hadn't really given Japan a chance. I expected to come here and live like it was the states. Once I embraced that yes things are different but once you have a positive attitude, you can live just about anywhere. We wanted to come back to Japan and glad we did!

Posted By Mike Applegate, MCPO, USN, Ret. on 18 Jan 2010 07:07 PM
I like their criminal justice system. Do the crime, do the time. It's not like the States where you get as much justice as you can afford to pay for.

The customer service is great...

Posted By 79Vetteman on 18 Jan 2010 07:40 PM

The customer service is great...

I like how when they are helping you (providing customer service) they have a little extra pep in their step, almost a run at times- even the older women do it! That shows me that they care about helping you as fast as possible. Last time I was at Wal-Mart....well....enough said.

Posted By Polly on 18 Jan 2010 07:40 PM
I love how drivers say "arigato" with their hazard lights after you let them into traffic.

I like how when someone pulls in front of you in a car, they flash their blinkers to say thank you.  I am from Philly and people are more likely to flip you the bird instead.

I also like how when you pay a toll on the highway, the old guys who work there are always, always, always in a good mood and smiling.  Maybe it's the exhaust fumes.