Very interesting topic. Mercedesjin, you kind of remind me of my little brother. You don't really care what people think of your ways and your not too willing to change for them. You like to give your own two cents on what you believe to be correct, but when it comes to other people telling you what they think you should do, your not too interested... of course, your not always like that. Sometimes you listen to other people. - I hope I'm not offending you. If I'm wrong and misconceiving, then it's probably just misinterpretation.
I think the whole arguing thing was a little pointless and uncalled for... but no matter where you go, there will always be more than one opinion on one subject. You guys both have a point. But they kind of clash.
I, myself, have my have 5 ear piercing and used to want to pierce my eyebrow... lately, I'd like to get my navel pierced and I'll probably get a tattoo later in life when I can agree on what I like. I like the subtle things and getting my navel pierced is nice because I can keep it concealed and look at it when ever I wish. When I first got my ears pierced I thought everybody was judging me for them. I later learned that nobody, not even my old fashioned Grandma cared. There are a few people here and there that are a bit too judgmental... but that's their problem and not yours. You begin the problem when you get offended by someone else's ignorance, and in turn, you end up looking very ignorant yourself. There is always someone in world that will not agree with you... so why waste your time arguing with them? Just look for the right in their opinion and nod your head.
And my opinion on traveling to a different country and a different culture is: do what ever you like. It is your choice if you wish to stand out... if you want to be seen, it is all up to you. You know enough about it to know what you are getting yourself into(not saying that anything bad will come out of it). There are enough people in the world that dress to their own attire, and there are enough over judgmental people that will get over if within a few moments.
I hope to go to Japan some day. I will probably try to be as mindful as possible of the Japanese culture. I don't wish to offend other people, so mindfulness is the wisest choice you can make.
Hope you enjoy your trip.
