Some very interesting replies, thanks guys!
...toothpaste and deodorant? Really?! I remember I got a "soap" scented deodorant in Japan when I was there on holiday and it was highly disappointing, smelled more like oven cleaner... is that what you mean? (will not make a joke about bad japanese teeth
)
Naoko, hmmm... I can see what you mean, perhaps some American woman can be a bit 'brash' (I am English, don't know if that would make much of a difference in Japan - all westerners are westerners, is that right?) but I do consider the opinion that women should be polite, diminutive and 'cute' sexist. Being 'cute' at all times cannot possibly be the nature of all Japanese women, indicating they are making a special effort to appear that way, in which case they're doing it only to fit in with a male ideal of what a woman should be like etc. etc. That's the sort of thing I'd have a problem with.
I've heard about Japanese women speaking in a higher voice that comes naturally to them to appear more girl-like and cute. Ridiculous IMHO. I probably would be considered more 'un-feminine' compared to Japanese women. Oh well. Especially considering I'm pretty much going there to study my martial art seriously - Aikido. Bruises, broken bones and blood not so feminine?! heh heh
Nyororin, I can certainly see how there is truth in that. Japanese women do appear a lot more willing to just go with whatever the husband does and western woman are not so likely to do that. You made some very good points. Indeed, I had heard that some Japanese women aspire to get western boyfriends and it's not so common the other way around. There's always the exceptions though, with the right guy (with nice hair) I'd be willing to drop anchor in Japan! I have heard Japanese men are shy. I like shy guys, but I'm shy too! Oh no!
hee hee
Anyway, relationships aside and all that (I'm not on a husband-hunting trip or anything
) I am really looking forward to being there. <--- understatement, I'm more like delirious with excitement and can hardly walk straight! Six weeks to go! *dokidokisuru!*