Hey hey all,

Been reading boards a week ro so, figured id make an account >_<

Anyways, eventualy, before too long here I plan on visiting Japan, seeing as much as I can in a couple weeks, all that fun stuff... But I'm mainly wondering, How many of the locals there would know english? Or would i need to learn alot of ( at least ) the basics of the language for wherever im going to be?

Say Tokyo for example, Woulf i be able to get around OK just knowing english and very limited japanesse =P ?

Also, how would i be "treated" i guess the word would be ;P being from the US and all

In smiley terms... would it be more like,


Or more like



Lol =)

In Tokyo, many signs are in English and most secretaries or info desk workers will know English. As for the country and most citizens, you'd better know some Japanese or can talk with your hands pretty well.

As for how you'll be treated,

it will be unless you're a and then it will be -

Ahh hehe ok cool thanks, and i like to think of myself oppisite of =P

I'm a pretty easy person to get along with and try my hardest to be nice ;P
Assuming thats what ya meant and all,

Guess ill definatly need one of those English to japanese pocket dictionary thingys

ack! no yu can say j@p! its considered an insult to the japanese cuz of WW2

any way i found this cool website that teaches japanese but i dun think im allowed to post things like that

you PM me the link for site? would be appreciated ^^

I have never lived in tokyo. But I will answer your questions.

"How many of the locals there would know english?"

A good number of people would know atleast basic english in most areas of japan. But you should try to learn basic japanese because not everyone does.

"Also, how would i be "treated" i guess the word would be ;P being from the US and all"

In tokyo outside people are common. You should be treated well. American tourists are known for having alot of money available so you will be approached to buy things regularly I am sure. You may also be stopped several times by police. Also if you are visiting tokyo I would not bother traveling during the earlier parts of the day because it wil be sloooow from what I hear. Tokyo is over crowded and everyone trying to get some where at once is can not be fun. I would wait for the later hours of the day before adventuring out far.

I took a cab once in Tokyo in rush-hour
(probably the most stupid mistake I've ever made in my entire life)

Sonkeigo and kenjougo are the keywords. You'll get a great laugh when speaking to young people(using extremes of the keywords), because they'll panick and get confused when trying to create a "fitting" answer. Or you'll get a boring teineigo-only answer and get on with your life.

I hear Shinjuku is fun, but I've never been there myself.

edit Hehe, I actually forgot that you're not even a beginner of the japanese language. Sorry about that. Nevertheless, enjoy your trip.

Not a *total* beginner, I've got a book on it I've read about basic Japanese culture/language introduction, but im not sure how much I exactly remember xD

I prolly know more veitnamese tho from some fo my friends >_< witch doesent really help alot in Japan xD

good luck on your trip!

I so dream of visiting Japan, I would love to spend a week there, half soakign up the gorgeous countryside and then the other half enjoying the urban life.
In particular i think the Japanese culture is so beautiful.

I think i would freak being near an ACTUAL temple or statue.

you are...its not consider spam you know..but its up to you to share it or not...some people dont even care if you do or not