Living and training in Japan

[Nina]

I am not shure about when, but at least I am shure that I want to spend some time in Japan...I heard that noone will speak english, also they could? And that you will need a lot of time to get in contact with japanese people?
So I would like to know, if there are many foreigners and if it is difficult to get in contact with them?

[torbjork]

You may want to check out Robert Twigger's book Angry White Pyjamas, wherein he tells his story of going through the Yoshinkan Aikido 11 month senshusei course at their Honbu dojo. Take it with a pinch of salt though, and remember that even though he did take the course, his book is a novel and so he's entitled to a significant amount of artistic license.

I can't recall now if Twigger spoke Japanese already when enrolling in the course, but apparently many of the current students are from outside Japan, and instruction is given in both Japanese and English.

I believe there are people on the board who have lived in Japan, they'll be able to give you better advice on the actual experience than I can - I just wanted to point out the book as it is quite entertaining.

[sheb]

Unfortunately I hadn't the chance to train in Japan up to now. But I heard from others that it's perhaps a little bit difficult if one doesn't speak Japanese, but on the other hand by this one also can learn the language and possibly find some contacts/friends. Also I remember the training session end of 2006 in Sweden where we took part. The Japanese senseis also didn't speak english. But it worked. ... also at least in Shorinji Kempo the training has usually always the same structure. Thereby it's perhaps easier if one is there for the first time.

[Jeff C.]

For what it's worth, Japanese receive at least 6 years of English in school, so I have been told by my Japanese friends. I have had no problem communicating in English with polite Japanese who want to help.

Jeff Cook

[Nina]

That`s true, I guess SK is more or less the same everywhere...Probably it wouldn`t be a problem outside the dojo, if you at least understand their gestures?
Anyway, maybe this sounds a little bit strange, but I like it to communicate via anything else then language, because that is not important to me.
When you meet people from abroad, what are you listening to?

[Jeff C.]

I listen to their body language/gestures within the context of their own society.

Jeff Cook

[Nina]

I listen to their body language/gestures within the context of their own society.

Jeff Cook

But if I am informed correctly, Japanese people don`t show feelings?

[Jeff C.]

Everybody shows feelings to some extent, Nina. But that is beside the point. Body language/gestures reflect other things besides emotions. You just have to know and understand the cultural relevancy of the gestures.

Jeff Cook

[Nina]

Body language/gestures reflect other things besides emotions. You just have to know and understand the cultural relevancy of the gestures.

I am not sure if I understand you right, but I guess if you know about body language, you also know haw you can influence it...

[Josh Reyer]

But if I am informed correctly, Japanese people don`t show feelings?

I'm afraid you are informed incorrectly. Japanese people are very expressive. It's just a matter of time and place.

[P Goldsbury]

I am not shure about when, but at least I am shure that I want to spend some time in Japan...I heard that noone will speak english, also they could? And that you will need a lot of time to get in contact with japanese people?
So I would like to know, if there are many foreigners and if it is difficult to get in contact with them?

Hello,

Have you talked to anyone within your own SK community who has spent time in Japan? I suppose that if you want to train here, you would logically go to the SK Hombu in Shikoku, or is this not possible?

A couple of years ago, a Dutch student of mine came for a short period (about one month), used my house as a place he could leave and come back to, and travelled around the country going from dojo to dojo. I knew where he wanted to go and so I telephoned in advance and introduced him. Actually, this made quite a difference to how he was received.

Another Dutch student came with his wife, booked a hotel and travel package in Holland, including a rail pass, and they spent a few weeks making their way across the country from Fukuoka to Tokyo, stopping off at different places (including Hiroshima). He trained when he could and and they both did some sightseeing together.

Outside Tokyo, language is sometimes a problem, mainly because many Japanese appear to believe (wrongly) that they are incapable of speaking a foreign language, especially English.

So, unless you want to do some serious SK training here in one of the SK powerhouses (and I am sure there are many), you could buy a Japan Railpass and start at one end of the country and work your way to the other. Others have done this (on foot, actually, but you might not have the time or inclination for this method). In addition, rather than Angry White Pajamas (which in my opinion does not give a balanced picture either of Japan or the martial arts here), you might like to read Donald Richie's The Inland Sea, or Alan Booth's The Road to Sata. The latter book is a record of Alan's walk from the north of Hokkaido to the southern tip of Kyushu. It is a classic. Richie, also, gives a brilliant evocation of the Inland Sea, which is one part of Japan I am familiar with, including an island that used to be out of bounds as a leper colony and another island, for many years not on any maps, where the Japanese army manufactured poison gas.

Best wishes,

PAG

[Nina]

Have you talked to anyone within your own SK community who has spent time in Japan? I suppose that if you want to train here, you would logically go to the SK Hombu in Shikoku, or is this not possible?

Hi,
My instructor spent around two years in Japan and from time to time there are some Japanese kenshi, who visit us for some days...It is possible to train at Hombu, but I would be more interested in visiting some smaller dojos or doins, of course I will also go to the headquarter.
I also heard that the main problem to communicate in english, is not due to the fact that many people don`t understand english, but are maybe a little bit to shy to speak...Maybe I should learn a little bit Japanese...

[graymatter]

Wow, a great idea if you can afford the time and the expense. I spent a year in Tsurumi (near Kawasaki) teaching English in order to get an opportunity to live in Japan and soak up the culture. I also used the opportunity to join an Aikido school (Shohokai) and managed to make it to my brown belt befor I headed back to the US.

In large cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Hiroshima, etc. you will have almost no REAL problems getting by. I did study Japanese for a year and that DID help considerably. I also did struggle in classes to understand what they instructors were telling me/asking me. I am certain that a lot of philosophy and nuance was lost on me (a real shame).

BUT I would totally do it again. I met some great people (both Japanese and foreigners alike). I learned a lot about Aikido and came to appreciate both uniqueness of Japan and the freedom of the United States.

If you can figure out a way, you should go!

Michael

[David Craik]

One thing that used to work for me in Japan was written language. Japanese do take English in school, however in more out of the way places they don't have the opportunity to speak English very often, so a lot is forgotten. I found that many that have a problem understanding a word when it is spoken will often recognize the word if you write it down and show them. A pocket Japanese/English dictionary also helps a lot.

Along the same lines, if asking directions or whatever you may be better off asking a younger person than an older one because they were in school more recently. They usually try to be very helpful and like the opportunity to try their English with a foreigner. Despite the Japanese reputation for xenophobia many people will go way out of their way to help you, at least in my experience.

As already said, in larger cities you should have no problem getting around. And I second Peter's recommendation of 'The Roads to Sata', it's a very engrossing read and brought back many memories.

[Jeff C.]

I know I will be looking for that book. Thanks for the suggestion, Peter and David!

Jeff Cook

[Rich]

I spent five years in Japan with my (very understanding) wife. We taught English to support ourselves and I trained at the Kodokan Judo Institute four or five days a week.

My advice would be go to a big city like Tokyo because it's easier to find a MA school. The people in big cities are familiar with meeting foreigners and our different habits and are therefore more understanding in general. Try to learn some basic phrases to get by such as greetings, basic questions, numbers and common shopping vocabulary.

Japanese do learn English in school but the focus is almost entirely on grammatical structure. Many Japanese feel unable to use what they have learnt to actually communicate in English. This is why English conversational schools are so popular in Japan.

If you go there with an open mind and try to adapt to their culture and social etiquette you will have a good time.

Good luck!