[Nyororin]

Originally Posted by dogsbody70

The thing is that whereever we go-- we need to try to fit in with the ways and culture of that country--not expect the country to change for US.

This is something that a LOT of foreigners in Japan need to realize - It is extremely popular to want everyone to do things the way they like it, as it was done in their country... Without realizing that their way is familiar, but familiarity doesn`t necessarily make it a better way.

The AMerican Occupation must have had an impact-- and the American military presence?

The occupation was long enough ago that I don`t really believe it has any impact on people now. The American military presence is confined to bases in very specific areas - most certainly not all over Japan.

Originally Posted by WingsToDiscovery

Basically, here in Japan, if you're a gaijin then you're American until proven otherwise. That's a Japanese generalization, not a western one.

I don`t find this the case at all. In fact, even though I am originally from America - I can`t really think of anyone who has assumed that I was. Most everyone asks politely where I am from. In fact, the only place I have had people assume I might be from is Brazil. (Has happened a couple times, but is a mystery as I don`t think I look particularly like I am from there...)
Other foreigners though tend to assume that you`re from the same place as they are, and if you`re not can be quite unfriendly.

It will always remain difficult to assimilate in Japan because of the language and cultural differences.

If those were the reasons, it would be fairly easy to assimilate. You can have absolutely no problems with culture and speak the language perfectly but still be unable to assimilate. Appearances and the (most often true) stereotypes about language and culture build a wall.

Originally Posted by dogsbody70

I know this thread was about Americans living in Japan but what about Others from other natiions. Surely Japan wishes to do global business and no doubt many from the UK Buy Japanese goods. so surely it is worthwhile trying to get to know other nationalities.

Japan is not nearly as unaware of other nations as WingsToDiscovery has painted it. In terms of general knowledge about the world and other countries, I would definitely say that the base level of knowledge is above that in the US for example. People often say that everyone in Japan assumes foreigners are American, but that simply has not been my experience over 10+ years of living here.

Originally Posted by WingsToDiscovery

I haven't said a single thing about the UK. You called Americans war mongerers, which we're all not, and accused us of occupation.

Where was this said? The only mention of occupation in this thread is a valid one, as the US DID occupy Japan for some time after WWII.