tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6531601964128518668.post4108113253695747491..comments2023-10-03T00:09:27.749+09:00Comments on The Adventures of a Foreign Salaryman in Tokyo: The "Gaijin Nod" ControversyMr. Salarymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02874380653396343115noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6531601964128518668.post-63657667359619398612011-08-09T02:13:28.765+09:002011-08-09T02:13:28.765+09:00Having been a tourist in several countries (though...Having been a tourist in several countries (though not Japan, yet), I usually nod at whoever I happen to catch the eye of, foreigner or not. Do this at home, as well. <br /><br />I know this is not what you are talking about, but it made me wonder if this is unusual in Japan. I've always done this as a matter of politeness if I've locked eyes with someone, would it be considered odd in Japan?Rebeccahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04543086831039313707noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6531601964128518668.post-43350330157605763362011-07-27T21:47:37.584+09:002011-07-27T21:47:37.584+09:00Actually, Osaka is surprisingly open that way. Ma...Actually, Osaka is surprisingly open that way. Maybe its part of the whole, あつかましい関西 thing. Also I live in Minato-ku here, and most of the foreigners are tourists going to / from USJ or Kaiyukan. I know you specifically excepted tourists, but since they keep initiating nods, it feels vaguely rude not to nod or smile back.John in Osakanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6531601964128518668.post-45601537938456849732011-07-25T21:28:32.820+09:002011-07-25T21:28:32.820+09:00MJC - Yeah, I can see that, it seems like some peo...MJC - Yeah, I can see that, it seems like some people don't like it at all, makes you feel a bit stupid if there's no reaction at all in response...<br /><br />Chris - Well, can't say that I'm surprised, you don't really seem like the type that's too excited with stuff like this, assuming no tits and ass ;)<br /><br />Jen B - How about this? Maybe we can try to extend it from a "Gaijin nod" to a general nod? Just nod at everyone in the street and see how much response we'll get? <br /><br />Saraf - Yep, in a mid- large city I don't think it really serves any purpose, but if you're out in the countryside where foreigners are uncommon, it can be an easy way to at least acknowledge someone<br /><br />Jamie - I think it's very nice of you to spare all those poor Japanese people those premature coronary infections ;)<br /><br />JiO - Well, I think that sounds like a quite reasonable approach, but if you're in Osaka then it's not really needed, is it? Considering that there's quite a few foreigners in there?Mr. Salarymanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02874380653396343115noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6531601964128518668.post-7658561498530438992011-07-24T20:54:21.707+09:002011-07-24T20:54:21.707+09:00I've always followed the rule of replying to a...I've always followed the rule of replying to a nod / smile, but not initiating it myself. In the end, I don't know or really have anything in common beyond skin colour with the vast majority of random foreigners I meet on the street, so there's not a lot of point in treating them any different to locals.<br /><br />Of course, if I'm staggering home from a long day of work, then screw eye contact, I'm too focused on getting to my front door and collapsing.John in Osakanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6531601964128518668.post-74018130318329096782011-07-24T20:00:31.281+09:002011-07-24T20:00:31.281+09:00If one does catch another foreigner's eye, it&...If one does catch another foreigner's eye, it's a little rude not to have some kind of communication... but I don't go out of my way to catch folks eyes and like Sarahf says, you have to be in a nodding mood.<br />Besides, if a Japanese person catches eyes with you, the <i>only</i> way you can prevent them from having a mild heart attack, wondering what they should do now having made eye contact with a foreigner, is to bow to them.<br />I don't need to prevent coronary's with most foreigners but I'm not really doing anything much different...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6531601964128518668.post-87366450155886200102011-07-24T09:44:53.144+09:002011-07-24T09:44:53.144+09:00I usually nod if I'm feeling noddy. If not, I ...I usually nod if I'm feeling noddy. If not, I don't bother. I've never really analysed it, but living in a small city means walking past the same people over and over again, so nodding is my way of acknowledging that I've seen them around but that I know we're not friends. Something like that anyway.Sarahfhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17570295122864601160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6531601964128518668.post-75453127766583492642011-07-24T00:58:53.057+09:002011-07-24T00:58:53.057+09:00I will never, ever understand the gaijin nodding t...I will never, ever understand the gaijin nodding thing. Ever. I'm a nice person (most of the time. Maybe. Ok, maybe not) and I don't have a "my Japan" thing going on; thing is, every time someone whines about not getting the gaijin nod because said non-nodder wants to be the "only gaijin in the village", I just think, "how do you know? Maybe they're tired? Maybe it's not all about you?"<br />I think that people who worry about the nod have never lived in any other foreign country apart from Japan. Maybe. I dunno. I'm going to bed.Jhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14553733046815039365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6531601964128518668.post-19442560447749064842011-07-23T22:12:12.444+09:002011-07-23T22:12:12.444+09:00I don't nod at anyone and no one talks to me. ...I don't nod at anyone and no one talks to me. If you don't have nice tits and a sweet ass just move along.<br /><br />I wouldn't wan't a nod in Hawaii and I don't want one here.<br />If someone has a question or needs directions...approach...otherwise get the fuck away from me. I'm not in whatever club they think they are a part of too.Chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14244086663441014048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6531601964128518668.post-20942452254832272862011-07-23T20:55:47.170+09:002011-07-23T20:55:47.170+09:00I have to be honest and say I've stopped with ...I have to be honest and say I've stopped with the 'nod' because I feel like I don't get a nod in return. I've become jaded. <br /><br />It depends on the situation, but I usually just keep looking straight ahead.<br /><br />If I see another gaijin female, I may try a nod or smile, but usually she is doing the same thing as me: looking straight ahead.The Purple Roomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03961897972722124589noreply@blogger.com