20 reasons I know I live in Japan

You know you live (or have lived) in Japan (on or off base) when:

1. You know that someone saying hi (Hai) doesn't mean hello, but yes.

2. You bow when greeting people, even after you have left the country.

3. You have rushed home to beat the 5pm national anthem that makes everyone stop on the side of the road.

4. You have stood up for the National Anthem before a movie.

5. You show your ID EVERYWHERE you go. So much that when you are on leave you still accidentally pull it out at Walmart.

6. You own something with Kanji on it.

7. You know what Konnichwa, Arigatou gozaimasu, and Dou itashimashite mean.

8. You know how to count to 10 in Japanese: ichi, ni, san, shi, go, roku, shichi, hachi, kyu, ju

9. You have used a toilet that is in the floor.

10. You have eaten teppanyaki.

11. You have come to hate small parking lots, unless you bought a tiny car.

12. You have a mink blanket as does everyone in your family.

13. You have mailed everyone you know either a Japanese doll or some type of china.

14. You have at least one child with Japan as the birthplace.

15. You think Vonage is the greatest thing since sliced bread.

16. You have to count the time difference in your head almost every time you call home.

17. Driving on the left side of the road is no big deal, after you've hit a couple curbs, been on the wrong side and someone waves you to the correct side of the road.

18. You know that you can get an array of different foods in Japan to include: Mexican, Thai, Chinese, and Mongolian (and they are awesome!).

19. You've been to a beloved 100 yen store and end up spending 2000 yen before you know it.

20. While the experience of Japan is cool, you can't help but miss the little things like Walmart, Target, and Arby's!!!


This is a list I made up all on my own. I was just thinking about it the other day and came up with the list. I could probably have added way more but I am about ready to hit the sack. Happy blogging!!!