Nov
22
2007
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Written by Will
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Thursday, 22 November 2007 |
The close attention to detail in Japan is truly incredible. Even on the flight here, the way the meals are prepared is just immaculate. Anything that you can use or consume is presented in such a careful manner. The steamed hand towels before meals. The personal meal plastic lunch boxes. The vending machine drinks that already have the straw inserted for you. Miniature tooth brush and toothpaste combos. Individually wrapped toothpicks. So much tender love and care for something that is meant for a one-time use. To be disposed of and thrown away in a short matter of time.
While the business relationships I build here in Tokyo may have a promising future attached to them, the likelihood of reconnecting with some of the other people I meet are slim to none. They are my single-serving friends. I try hard not to go out with such a negative outlook; staying as positive as possible. Maybe I'll meet someone I'll keep in touch with after I leave. Or maybe I won't. And although this reality may be discouraging at times, the detachment of reputational repercussions is a freedom that you don't experience often in the states. You can go out anywhere without a care in the world. Nobody knows who you are. |
Nov
11
2007
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Written by Will
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Sunday, 11 November 2007 |
There was a time and age when I believed that all I would need from the world would be from my "soul mate." The one I would enjoy the rest of my life with, hand in hand, into the sunset, just the two of us, forever and ever, and happily ever after. Why would I bother going out with my single friends, when I can just stay in with my girlfriend? Why go meet new people at parties, when I already got my one and only? Why bother trying any harder in life, when I already have everything I need? You'll see similar complacent mindsets from maturing, soon to engage, officially engaged, or already married couples. They'll come out once in a while, but mostly keep their distance.
If not careful, these couples will eventually enter a soul-deadening phase within their relationship. Their strong inter-dependence will develop a boring lifestyle, this dullness will cause frustration, the lack of fulfillment will spark arguments, these disputes will grow into long-held grudges, and eventually force a divorce or breakup. But why wait for the inevitable? Or live the rest of your life together in misery? The future is in your control. Take authority over your life and relationship. Learn to love and grow together. Keep in touch with friends and family. Go out together. Live healthier lifestyles. Explore the world. There's so much out there. |
Nov
11
2007
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Pickup in a Foreign Country |
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Written by Will
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Sunday, 11 November 2007 |
Although English is a required language course in Japan, there are still a significant population of locals who do not speak a word of English. Your approach anxiety will nearly double because of this. With the language barrier present, conversational technique is all but useless. It's a totally different game out here. You have to be able to build attraction relying solely on body language. Knowing how to speak the language well is not necessary in the short-run. You are most likely not going to be carrying out any long and interesting conversations with a majority of the girls here. So you should definitely try and learn a few phrases that will help get you out onto the dance floor as soon as possible. "Hey. How are you? I'm Will. Nice to meet you. Let's go dance."
Know that you will fail much more than you will succeed. Learn to accept that. Continue to maintain a strong, confident, charming vibe throughout the night. Make sure to always award the girl by smiling for interacting with you. She will most likely be very self conscious about speaking to foreigners in front of her friends. While 50% are curious, the other 50% are deathly afraid of us. That is also why initially opening with English is not a good idea. All foreigners do that. If you're looking for a girl who can speak English, just wait until a really good song comes on and pay close attention to which girls begin to lip-sing. Hopefully their English will be good enough for you to work your magic. |
Nov
11
2007
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Written by Will
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Sunday, 11 November 2007 |
Midweek, I had a day where I was suddenly released early from my inhumane working hours. Confused at first, I caught a cab to my corporate apartment to wash up and change into a pair of jeans. With all the extra time left in the evening, I decided to make my way to Ropppongi although it was during the middle of the week. Asked a few locals for bar or club recommendations and landed myself in a sports bar with a pretty decent crowd. I initially opened myself up to an interesting double couple from Australia who had been in Tokyo visiting some friends. Shortly after, a young Japanese girl approached me with the brightest of smiles to compliment on my attire. Although her English had not been perfectly fluent, I continued on with my regular game and conversation techniques. Her vibe was interesting, she was way too committed into the interaction and I could feel it. I thought I had just been a smooth operator. But, she wanted something from me.. fuck.
The Roppongi district in Tokyo features an active nightlife that is fueled by western tourists and an expatriate community. One thing you'll notice right away is a flurry of African pimps. Yes, pimps. You'll run into one every few steps as you make your way to whatever destination. They will invite and try to pull you into their "love hotels." Attractive girls passing by are complimented and handed business cards to these joints. Initially, I was surprised that the Japanese government would allow these businesses to be ran so publicly. But I guess they can't stop the inevitable. More profound than in the states, there are a lot of girls who go out and are on the prowl for money. It will make you think twice before approaching certain girls. They will even make the full effort for building rapport with men who look financially promising. They are trained and deadly. Seems too easy doesn't it? It sure is. If that's what you're looking for. |
Nov
11
2007
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Written by Will
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Sunday, 11 November 2007 |
Outside of the Tokyo office, my level of communication matches that of a mute. I point, present, smile, and say "arigato." Okay, so I have a slight advantage. But barely! Majority of my interactions are transaction based. All that society has taught me thus far seems meaningless without the ability to properly communicate. My mannerisms, etiquette, behavior, thoughts, attire, etc allows me to blend in with the rest of society. But I am unable to truly express myself. So, this got me thinking.. How has human advancement truly affected the way we interact with each other?
As primitive beings, it was simple: food and reproduction. (Hand a piece of meat) You like food? So do I. (Pull on hair) You're a girl? Great! (Pull close) Let's stick together. Through social evolution, we began to differentiate ourselves by creating different paths of life. I'm part of this tribe. You're part of that tribe. My parents are blacksmiths. Yours are carpenters. You like Starbucks coffee? I rather go get some Jamba Juice. You're an Apple person? I prefer PC. With the increasing variety of options in life, we have successfully segmented our society to make ourselves more unique, more "civilized."
Two men dressed alike may have similar physique and looks. One could be a worldly intellectual and the other a village idiot. There are of course higher regards to the individual with greater options in life. Why? Because there are already an abundant supply of men just like the village idiot. If we were stripped from our existing lifestyles and materialistic possessions, we would be left with a universal measure for survival: our goals and ambitions. Regardless of the number of increasing alternatives, we are all still human. We live to either survive or prosper. This inner desire is what truly separates us. How we convey ourselves and interact with one another is merely a mode to achieving our goals. |
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