Quote:
Originally Posted by WingsToDiscovery
I actually spent a lot of time doing research on the topic as part of a project. We covered a lot of issues, mainly from perception of culture by gaijin and the reaction of Japanese. Of course things like using chopsticks weren't a big deal, but when discussing things like a foreigner wearing a yukatta during summer season or things of that nature, nearly 100 percent of the responses were always "That's pretty weird," "Why would they do that?" and things of that nature.
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I was stared at in 2005 when I went to an eatery near Yurakucho Eki. I was eating my meal with chopsticks. Perhaps they were surprised I knew how to use them. I was in full vacationing gaijin mode. I'm happy with that-them knowing I'm a tourist, because I am!
Then again, last October I was on the bus in Kyoto when a pale blonde American got on board with a full kimono. It just looked odd to me. I wasn't judging her and I really didn't notice anyone else on the bus staring at her either. Perhaps that is a little more common in Kyoto than Tokyo....