Job Discussion Forums

[lupin71]

I'm curious to know what it is like for bigger people living in a country where anemities, clothing, customs, etc... are suited for a physically smaller population. I'm 6foot 3inches tall and weigh 240 lbs. What are the advantages and disadvantages to this? Any insight is much appreciated.

Cheers,

L71

[Gordon]

In Japan, you'll only be 220 pounds because the scales only go to 100 kgs most of the time.

You will have a really hard (if not impossible) time finding clothes or shoes that fit you. Bring all the clothes that you'll need. Maybe a big city will have a Big and Tall type of clothing store.

You wil be a celebrity of sorts as you will stick out even more than the rest of us. You'll wack your head on the doorways more times than you can count and I bet even get some stitches too. I got 8 one time.

When you go out to restaurants you'll probably want/need to order two portions as the serving size here is small. You'll get used to it though as your stomach will undoubtably shrink.

[Brooks]

there are big and tall stores in Tokyo.
Some people like to go to American stores like Eddie Bauer or the Gap for clothing.

On the plus side, you won`t get pushed and shoved on trains.

[Canuck2112]

I think I'm one of the bigger people in my prefecture. There are big and tall shops in some of the larger cities, but these tend to cater to overweight people only. If you're built like Grimace from McDonalds you'll be all set, but if you're muscular you're out of luck. I've tried on a few dress shirts at B and T shops...tiny shoulders and essentially a parachutes worth of material around the waist. I brought a bunch of clothes from back home...when these run out I'll take to ordering clothes online (despite the hefty importation tax).

That said, jeans shouldnt be a problem provided your waist isnt too big. I'm 6'4" with a 36 inch waist and I've had no problem getting jeans that fit. Same goes shorts.

Shoes are out of the question for me. The biggest size I've seen is a Canadian 11.5. Again, you might consider ordering these online or just bringing enough from home.

[lupin71]

Thanks guys for the info. I guess I should have been more specific. I'm not worried about finding clothes or shoes as I have already planned to bring an extensive wardrobe. But I have to say I'm surprised nobody's mentioned using a japanese toilet?

So to get to the point are there plenty of "western toilets" to use or am I doomed to squat.

Also something else I should have mentioned. I am recovering from knee surgery and don't plan on coming over until I can walk properly without the aid of a cruth or cane. But sitting "seiza" or cross legged has always been a problem for me because of my size and I fear even more so now because of the condition of my knee. Does anyone find themselves sitting in this position on a regular basis.

[canuck]

Uniqlo has clothes that will fit big and tall foreigners. It's cheaper than Canada too.

[guest of Japan]

The Japanese will not expect you to sit seiza style. In fact they'll be pretty amazed if you do. There are lots of opportunities to sit cross-legged, but no one will bat an eyelash if you stretch you legs out under the table and say that you are a bad Japanese person.

The squatting toilet can be avoided (usually).

As for clothes and shoes I can't be much help because everything fits me perfectly in this country.

[Celeste]

My husband is 6'1" tall and about 90 kilos. We can get clothes for him at Uniglo, Costco, and sports authority. For shoes (he wears size 12) there is sports authority and I have heard of a big&tall shop in town. My husband has done himself a bit of forehead damage in our apartment (often going through the bathroom door at night. A friend of ours is 6'5" tall and doesn't seem to go around naked, so there must be things around that would fit you as well.

[PAULH]

[lupin71]

Thank you all for your advice. As I mentioned before I plan on bringing enough clothes to last me at least a year but it is good to know I wont be at a total loss for choice if I need something spur of the moment!

Cheers,

L71

[Lynn]

I agree with the others that you'll probably never have to sit seiza. We are gaijin, after all. Hell, I don't even sit seiza and I'm a girl!

Will you be teaching children? I've had big coworkers who got abused by children. They see you as indestructable, so they'll kick and punch a little too much a little too hard. They don't mean any harm. It's just horse-play kicked up a notch. Be aware of that. And also don't be afraid to have a serious talk with the Japanese staff about this, too.

Good luck and you will get a little more attention. It unavoidable. I wonder if you have blond hair and blue eyes too.

[Canuck2112]

Kids will also inevitably try and stick their hands into your @ss.

[Gordon]

[Lynn]

[lupin71]