Japan's Obsessions

[gocchin]

Many people around the world are interested in Japanese culture. I spent many years sharing my knowledge and love of Japan with English speaking people around the world. I wanted to show people all about Japan good and bad, cool and strange. Japan is a wonderful place but yes it is A WORLD OF ITS OWN.

I wrote this a few years back for my site jpop.com, I think in 2004 or so and took some pics to go along with it. Japan is all about obsessions, and it's not only golf. I'll post more threads and insights from jpop.com into Japan here in the coming days:

Japan's Obsessions

If there’s one thing Japan has down pat, it is obsessions. From cute girls in sailor suits to the urge to conquer every ramen store across the country, when the Japanese want something, they want it bad. And if they want it that bad, they’ll go to any lengths to get it.

Of course there is nothing wrong with that. The desire of the consumer is what drives Japan's unique culture. Where else (Harajuku) can you buy undies worn and sold unwashed by teenage schoolgirls and then satisfy your other appetite with hundreds of different kinds of ramen by riding over two stops to Shinjuku? Where else will you find people lining up for 10 hours to get 10% off an $800 designer bag? Where else can you buy porn out of vending machines (see picture below)? Japan has long been known as a weird yet fascinating, dark but fun place.

Some will label these people as otaku, but otaku is a strong word in Japan and probably shouldn't be used with all Japanese people who are obsessed about something. The definition of otaku does refer to someone who is totally obsessed with something that it consumes their life and stops them from functioning normally on a social level. Being born in the west, I think that is kind of extreme. I personally would rather consider an otaku as is someone who wants to know everything about something they like -no matter how trivial it may seem. Otaku, just like other ambitious people, want to be on top of their game.

People in North America will use the term pretty freely and if not anything else, jokingly. We laugh and say sure there are lots of anime otaku in America, but in Japan people would find the word derogatory, referring to an outcast of society. I can sympathize with that because there are quite a few otaku in Japan that are downright scary.

I saw a documentary once about a 37 year old who lived with is parents. He had his room plastered with the cartoon character Sailor Mercury and wished she would be his girlfriend (he had never had one in his life). Of course he had no real friends and he just lived in his own fantasy created world full of Sailor Mercury collectibles and obscure information that no one else on earth would give a s**t about. At least these types aren’t propagating.

Then there’s another breed of otaku who have obsessed over an idol so much that he’ll know more about her life than she will (see picture below of fans outside Yokohama Arena before Hello! Project concert). Every penny scrounged goes to purchasing any conceivable product associated with their "hobby". These otaku only manage to survive by eating discounted bento boxes from corner conbini (convenience store). Believe you me, those discount bento boxes get old real fast.

Otaku is often synonymous with “fan boy”, but obsessive behavior is not exclusive to Japanese men. To quote a Wai Wai column on Mainichi.com about obsessed David Beckham fans, one Japanese girl said: "I stayed at hotels where Beckham stayed during the World Cup. I checked toilets he might have used, took photographs of them and even licked them," she said. "I'm definitely going to England. I want to live in Beckham's neighborhood and go swimming or shopping together with him. If I meet his wife Victoria, I will ask her to leave him." Yes, she actually believes this. And no, as far as I know, she hasn’t been exposed to mind altering drugs.

Okay, enough about those crazy fringe types. What about the ‘normal’ Japanese citizen? Yep, even the average nihonjin is obsessed about one thing or another. Japanese can’t resist designer goods or anything with a name. If something is considered hot then people will just have to have it no matter the cost. Japan has had major Prada and Gucci swings, when department stores and boutiques have lineups for hours due to a minor sale. There are trendy shops which open only for one day a week ? and promptly unload their entire inventory in the first few hours of business.

People say the economy is bad in Japan but I don’t believe them. When I go shopping the stores are packed and everyone is buying… Alright, the economy may technically be hurting (which is why you can get some killer deals), but consumers are not showing the pain. Specialty stores that cater to otaku or hobbyists are out in full force, electronic stores keep pumping out more cool gadgets, and restaurants are opening (but also closing) on every corner. Japan's desires drive this unique cycle of artificial demand even in an atmosphere of financial uncertainty.

This is what makes Japan such a wonderful place. They don’t really know what they want, but they do know that whatever it is, they gotta own it. Where else could a Toy company on the brink of bankruptcy (Takara Co. Ltd.) make a comeback selling banana shaped cell phone headsets… and then spend that money developing a dog translator? It is this slightly off-kelter mindset that allows the Japanese to innovate at such a rapid pace and always stay one step ahead of the rest of the world. If you’re looking for the next great fad, look no further than Japan... the land where obsession is born.

[Duffer19]

Now I understand where this obsession of your (on anything JDM golf) comes from and I am totally shocked that you actaully visited those porn stores (was that me in the background?) I like Japan for its tradition that is the reason I go back yearly or twice yearly for hotspring Onsen. It is like going back in time. My other obsession is sushi and all Japanese food (the traditional kind.)

Good stuff T.

[gocchin]

R, I've been back to Japan 14 times... I grew up ONE of those OTAKU. I'd like to think I know a lot about Japan... trust me my friend my biggest obsession with Japan is FOOD, especially my mother in law's home cooking in Chiba. But yes I have lined up an hour an a half for a bowl of noodles and I have attended those concerts with those crazy fans and I only went in the Adult shops to take pics for this writeup... no really... just for the writeup. (^_^)

I've been obsessing about Japan since I was 12 years old and in 1996 started jpop.com to share that obsession though to be honest my focus has waned from that site (too much work!!)

[karjar]

Thanks Gocchin, interesting read. I know I would like to visit there someday, and some other places..LOL Now if I just get my son through college first. He's coming out TO way to Ryerson this fall.

[master]

Gocchin, I would say I'm obsessed with Japan as well. This year alone, I've been to japan threee times already, once for the Golf Fair & twice for onsen & golfing. Japan is like a magnet & everything there facsinates me. I can spend hours & hours exploring the golf shops in different parts of Tokyo & Osaka. In Kensai, people has more knowledge of the small brand whereas in Tokyo, golf market is mainly dominated by the big oem. I'm researching the various golf courses around the major cities in japan & want to write something about it as I find golfing in japan is a wonderful expereince & its relatively inexpensive.

[Duffer19]

Gocchin, I would say I'm obsessed with Japan as well. This year alone, I've been to japan threee times already, once for the Golf Fair & twice for onsen & golfing. Japan is like a magnet & everything there facsinates me. I can spend hours & hours exploring the golf shops in different parts of Tokyo & Osaka. In Kensai, people has more knowledge of the small brand whereas in Tokyo, golf market is mainly dominated by the big oem. I'm researching the various golf courses around the major cities in japan & want to write something about it as I find golfing in japan is a wonderful expereince & its relatively inexpensive.

Master

Can you recommend any Onsen that would have private hotspring in the rooms? I have been to Otaru twice already and Nagoya this year but always looking for better ones. I would try to go at least once a year to Onsen just to unwind.

[gocchin]

Master

Can you recommend any Onsen that would have private hotspring in the rooms? I have been to Otaru twice already and Nagoya this year but always looking for better ones. I would try to go at least once a year to Onsen just to unwind.

Yes there are a few with private onsen in the rooms or at least private onsen that you can book. Let me dig out the names and locations for you.

[+TourSpecGolfer]

If anyone is going to Japan and needs help getting a tee time or dealing with a course in english please PM me and we will put you directly in touch with them. We have amazing contacts that can book Tee Times for english speaking players at just about any course. We can even get you discounts, directions etc..

This is really an awesome post gocchin, a little perverted but still a fun read

Lets talk food!

In my most recent trip TourSpecGirl and I ate at the Oak Door, The Oak Door specializes in premium quality meats and ingredients cooked to perfection in dramatic oak wood-burning ovens. We had the ultimate steak shootout, Kobe vs Sendai. The Sendai was 300 bucks for a 10oz steak ala carte while the Kobe was 450.00 for an 8oz steak. Let me just say for those who think Ruth Chris's or Mortons is good, this will blow your mind! Nothing like whats available here in the states, its so soft and tender and marbled it simply melts in your mouth. Both TSgirl and I feel the Sendai steak was the better of the two because it was less oily and rich. The funny part is we had planned on taking half of each steak back to our room when the waiter dropped the bomb on us " sorry we dont allow you to leave with our food " We did our very best to finish but ended up wasting a lot of it. I had so much fatty steak the next morning felt like a slug.

We are also big fans of the various types of Maguro (tuna), especially our personal favorite O-Toro! Most Japanese enjoy Chu-Toro because its less fatty but for those who like sushi you gotta try them both! We never did care much for Fugu ( blowfish ) not much flavor unless enjoyed in a good broth. Oh yeah and white rice in Japan is so amazing, some rice goes up to 160.00 for a 10lb bag. Its unreal!

Here are some random pics:

[ajaykkr]

My wife works for a japanese bank, and has been to japan several times. Next time, I guess, I will tag along.

[Blader-X]

I love Japan as well but I must say I'm not a huge fan of the cities. Fascinating they are, but I much prefer the countrysides and seasides. You won't see what Gocchin describes above. Kyushu area is my favorite part of Japan. The people are very friendly and very nice.

My wife grew up in the Yokohama area but was born in on an island off Kyushu called Tsushima. I've been there once and actually fished for aji and ate sashimi right after catching it. Talk about fresh and good. Aji is one of my favorites when it comes to sushi/sashimi.

Another great experience is the freshly prepared mountain trout called "yamame". Near the volcano of Mt. Aso in Kyushu, (wonderful onsen there by the way) there's this little restaurant in the hills. It actually sits over and next to a waterfall and they take these live trout, skewer them and then place them over a bed of hot coals and cook them. That with fresh soba overlooking this waterfall is like a scene from those beautiful scroll paintings Japan is known for. I've spent some time in different parts of Kyushu visiting family but have spent most of my time in Yokohama.

My favorite food is ramen. My favorite kind is Hakata style which uses pork-bone as a base for the soup. A chain called Ippudo has unreal "Hakata-style" ramen. I ate there two years ago at a site in Hakata as well as Yokohama. They actually opened one up in New York. Still eagerly awaiting one to open in LA. There is this one place in Tokyo-area though that serves this really spicy, Chinese style ramen. Its a tiny little shop among all these other eating places in a mall. It seats maybe 12 people and you buy coupons outside in a vending machine and then wait for a seat to open up. In fact my wife's sister took us and we waited an hour for it to open up, but it was well worth the wait!! Just unreal.

I don't eat fast food anymore but there is a chain in Japan I like called Mos burger. They put a sauce on it that seems to be a fresh tomato style. I just love it.

The food is my favorite part of Japan, especially my mother-in-laws cooking. Breakfast consists of like 6-8 different things. Always fresh and always good.

If one is ever in Japan and you see a line outside a restaurant, that's a good sign you want to eat there. If you go to a place and there's not a soul around. Stay away, probably not the best food.

The one thing about Japan that I can say about the food is when its good, its really good. You don't find that kind of devotion to making food here. Well, not at least where I live. We just don't compare. Japan is just on a higher level when it comes to satisfying the consumer. I hope, with the newer generations, that does not change.

[shoe295]

I've been fascinated by Japan since my sister moved their in the early 80's. I never got to visit her before she died, but her children live in the states now (they're half Japanese) and they have some fascinating tales of everyday life. Hopefully I'll get to take them back soon for a visit. There is no where I'd like to visit more.

Thanks for starting this thread...and for making me really really hungry.

[808golfer@54]

Japan seems to be in a world on it's own. I am amazed about everything and anything to do with this place. The care and thought process to making things are unbelievable. I am like Blader-X and TourSpecGolfer who appreciate the culinary aspects of the country. I am a little more thrifty and am always looking for a good deal. I once found a lunch place serving 100 yen sushi plates...toro and uni were included. My favorite places were small bars serving beer and different apertizers. I have not seen the Japan that gocchin has descrbe. I have been to Harajuku and Ginza and never experience the things that he has described. I usually visit the castles, shrines, temples, palaces, and Tokyo Disneyland. The people that I have meet are friendly and helpful...It is probally the safest places that I have visited. Chris I may take you up on your offer with help getting a tee time. I would like to experience taking a hour lunch break after making the turn.

Edited May 20, 2007 by 808GOLFER@54

[tour-md]

Sent you a pm G.

[ClubHoUno]

I'm beginning to wonder if I should visit Japan some time in the near future - I'm a bit fascinated by the country and their customs and unusual way of living compared to the European way of living.

I see a lot of Japanese tourist in Copenhagen (they stumble on each other trying the take photos of the little mermaid), where I live. Quite a few of them don't even speak English - and I say to myself that they are really brave visiting a country without even being able to communicate with the inhabitants of the country.

I see literally thousands of Japanese tourist every year visiting Copenhagen - maybe I should visit Japan for a change

I met a nice beautiful looking girl from Japan last year in a cafe in Copenhagen and she spoke excellent english - she called me 'Dolph Lundgren', because she thought that I looked like him

Only problem is that I might need an interpreter to get around - don't know if I can expect, that a lot of them will be able to speak English