Car life - Japan

Completely missed TAS every year due to being overseas at that time.

Cool you’ve met Chris Broad, I used to watch his videos before living here. Can’t watch Sam’s videos, they’re too cringe for me. He’s a damn good driver though, met him at R34 Matsuri last year.

You need to get yourself out on track, it’s infinitely more accessible than in the U.K. and a fantastic opportunity to better your driving ability. Plus it’s dirt cheap.

You’re right I do, although perhaps probably should wait until after graduating. Even cheap track work and student budgets aren’t really compatible!

I’m lucky I’ve had quite a bit of circuit time prior to Japan to amuse myself!

Today was 8/6 day and I pooped over to Suzuka Twin to watch a friend driving. Was a great day out.

That's a magnificent knob!

You are a very lucky person. I was in Japan just before lockdown in 2020. As a rather large ex MMA bloke I had fervent hopes and they weren't disappointed.

I hope to return some day.

You've just added a bit more.

35+ years of experience in Japan, including living there and working for Japanese companies.

Your post comes off as being from one of the whiny, dissatisfied types I have often come across who appear dismayed that Japanese society will not change itself just for them.

And Switzerland!? LOL. Japan stretches from almost Scandinavian landscape in the north to palm tree tropical in the south, with volcanoes, typhoons and earthquakes for good measure. Switzerland has fondue, cuckoo clocks and interesting banking arrangements.

I don't know what you mean by "traditional entities".

My first job in Japan was with a small company of just 9 staff engaged in imports from Europe. I was the only fluent English speaker and writer and my Japanese was - naturally - very limited at that point. I had to fit in and learn fast. Living with a host Japanese family and socialising without non-Japanese groups certainly helped. No internet, no social media, no smartphones back then. Landline, fax, Telex and post.

I often came across non-Japanese guest workers (many in law or finance) who met up and complained about their lot. My impression was that they expected Japan to accommodate them or give them some kind of priority treatment, whilst seeming unaware that they *were already* receiving it. After a few drinks their own lack of empathy, prejudices and superiority complexes would start to leak out.

Japan is not perfect, but where is? My own home town (London) has changed so drastically in cultural terms recently that I hardly recognise it. Japan will change more and more rapidly with the huge influx of visitors it is now seeking to attract. Some of what I see is not good.

As you can see from a lot of the comments, it’s a controversial place to live. It’s hit exceeded some of my expectations and missed on others. But overall it’s been an amazing life experience and something I have no regrets over trying. Relocating anywhere in the world is a huge personal adventure and learning curve.

I still visit the place but was lucky enough to live in Niigata for a year back in 1999. I still remember this guy hawking the Wagon R all over the place...wonder what became of him.

"GO WAGON R!"

Fascinating country. I was lucky enough to visit Osaka a few years ago and absolutely loved it. Of course, a holiday is rather different to living there, but I found the Japanese to be overwhelmingly polite and friendly. Just knowing how to say a few words, smile and bow gets you a long way.

I love their cars too. So many interesting vehicles over the years. Long may that continue.

OP - I enjoy reading about your experiences. Keep it up!