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| Talk,
Simon Anderson,
19 January 1999 | |
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Since arriving in Tokyo I’ve been expecting to suffer a little culture shock. I’ve read the books, I know the score, and have made a point of examining myself for any small psychological lumps. Over the past year, I’ve become increasingly blasé as each of my little faux pas or misunderstandings have come to nothing. And I thought myself awfully worldly wise that nothing I’ve experienced has caused me too much of a problem. That said, the thought of two weeks back in Blighty had my juices dripping - all those pubs, drinking sessions and greasy food hangover cures.
I couldn’t wait to be able to collapse in front of the television understanding everything that’s going on, read adverts on the tube and actually be able to order food on my own, without any help in a restaurant. What I really didn’t expect was to feel any sort of culture shock back on my own turf. First of all, I can’t believe how small the tubes are. Tokyo trains are crowded and yes, there is little personal space but it’s surprising that in London, I can almost actually play slappy knees sitting across from my friends. Need I mention train times?
Then there’s background noise that has become almost deafening. In Tokyo I’ve become quite accustomed to understanding none of what anyone around me is talking about. So much so that it’s become nothing more than background music. Now I can hardly hold a conversation without having my train of thought broken by whatever anyone else is saying in the room. And, British people appear so aggressive. I experience so little attitude in Tokyo that even just walking along the street here has me feeling defensive. The -after the pub "I’m the centre of my own universe" mentality- sucks the high hard-on.
PS. I’m also missing my girlfriend
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