Job Discussion Forums

buddhaboyjp · Joined: 24 Jan 2006 Posts: 75 Location: Dai Po, Tai Wo

Have you ever noticed this, or is it just me?

Here is the situation:
A sales person rings the front door. When you answer it, they are already bowed forward (1). When the straighten up(2), the see that you are a gaijin, and then tend to lean backward(3) from the shock. Hence, the 3 way bow.

Also, when you hear the knock at the door, you get there to answer it, and they are already standing in you geikan? I know this is Japanese custom, but it is a bit embarresing when I have only a towel on.

Lastly, when you pull up to a gas station. Do you keep your door lock so the gas attendant does NOT open your door to ask you what you want?

bshabu · Joined: 03 Apr 2003 Posts: 200 Location: Kumagaya

I do get the shock treatment from time to time.

Lock your door and they can't get in.

I go to self-serve gas stations...cheaper. and I get a discount for using my Fastpass.

JimDunlop2 · Joined: 31 Jan 2003 Posts: 2286 Location: Japan

I've gotten used to the "random Japanese in my genkan" effect already, even though my wife has NOT! It doesn't help any that I live in a traditional-style Japanese house with a sliding front door and a proper, large "genkan" where they can stand.

When they announce themselves, I usually yell back, "chotto matte kudasai" from the other room, thus allowing me to put on some clothes, get off the throne, put down the knife... whatever... They all respect that, as they will yell back, "Hai!" and wait patiently for me to get to them...

I suppose that's why I don't mind so much...

If I ever get a "shocked" expression, with an accompanied, "Ah! Gaikokujin da!" I usually jump back a half a step, give them an equally shocked expression and respond with: "Ah! Nihojin da!"

Even better yet is when it's a door-to-door newspaper salesman, and when they realize that you are a foreigner they say, (in Japanese): I guess I can't interest you in a subscription to our newspaper then... When I tell them, "No, I'm sorry -- you can't.... I'm already a subscriber" their jaw just about hits the ground before they make a hasty retreat.

I love screwing with the heads of people who come around to my front door. (Don't even get me started on the JWs)... Twisted Evil

As for opening my car door at the gas stations... Not only do I not mind it, I encourage it. See, I have power windows on my car... In order for me to get my FULL SERVICE window washing job, my windows need to be rolled up, which is a bit hard with the engine ignition switched off... It's easier to keep the windows rolled up and have the dude open my door so he can clean my window later.... Smile

buddhaboyjp · Joined: 24 Jan 2006 Posts: 75 Location: Dai Po, Tai Wo

Apsara · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 2142 Location: Tokyo, Japan

Hmmm. Sounds like living in a new building where visitors have to be buzzed in the main entry door and I can see them on the little screen on my wall if they ring the bell is causing me to miss out on some interesting experiences.

It does allow me to lie low and avoid the NHK fee collection guy though- I don't think anyone in our building has coughed up for that!

JimDunlop2 · Joined: 31 Jan 2003 Posts: 2286 Location: Japan

Apsara · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 2142 Location: Tokyo, Japan

I'm not sure. The NHK guy did come around when we first moved in and my husband fobbed him off with some excuse so we didn't pay- don't know what the situation is now exactly.

Bozo Yoroshiku · Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2006 5:48 am Post subject:

Jazz1975 · Joined: 14 Feb 2006 Posts: 301 Location: Zama, Kanagawa

That's too funny!! Laughing

buddhaboyjp · Joined: 24 Jan 2006 Posts: 75 Location: Dai Po, Tai Wo

Bozo Yoroshiku · Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2006 6:14 am Post subject: