Fan

Gaijin Joe with a fan in his bag

You’ve been in Japan a long time when summer means carrying a fan in your bag.

Peace Sign

Gaijin Joe making a peace sign in a photo. He can't help it.

You’ve been in Japan a long time when you find yourself making peace signs in photographs.

Squid on a Stick

Gaijin Joe enjoying a nice squid on a stick

You’ve been in Japan a long time when you list squid on a stick as a favorite food.

Instead of saying no

Japanese body language for no

You’ve been in Japan a long time when you tilt your head to the side and suck air through your teeth instead of saying ‘no.’

Defensive Driving

Flash your hazards after changing lanes.

You’ve been in Japan a long time when you flash your hazard lights to apologize after changing lanes.

Loud Cell Phones

Cell phone ringing in the office

You’ve been in Japan a long time when you find it incredibly rude when someone’s cell phone rings out loud in the office.

Practicing Golf in Public

Practicing golf at the station with an umbrella.

You’ve been in Japan a long time when you feel completely comfortable practicing your golf swing with an umbrella at the train station.

Is this the men’s room?

Cleaning lady in the men's restroom.

You’ve been in Japan a long time when you’re comfortable with cleaning ladies walking around in the men’s room while you’re doing your business.

Dirty Old Men

Men reading porn in public.

You’ve been in Japan a long time when you are not at all surprised to see middle-aged men ‘reading’ porn in a crowded train.

Size Matters

A c-cup really stands out in Japan. In North America, not so much.

You’ve been in Japan a long time when a C-cup looks HUGE.