Women’s Issues SeminarTamanna Hye
SafetyJapan: very safe country overall for womenPolice boxes are located all over Harassment does occur: just be firmIntense displays of negative emotions upset
“harmony”Groping on trains sometimes happens
Food Kitchens: two gas rings and small grill
Shopping: fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, meat
Imported/organic food: bit more expensive but available in specialized shops, supermarkets, mail-order stores
Eating out: only marginally more expensive than cooking
Many kinds of restaurants “Viking”: all you can eat “Coin”: pay machine, choose dish “Sit down and order”: regular restaurants
Japanese food very healthy for women: seaweed/sea vegetables, turnip, tofu, miso soup, Japanese green tea,
ClothesJapanese women tend to be smaller than
Western womenTeenagers are taller and curvier If you start comparing yourself, remember:
Most Japanese women wish they had a figure like yours
Large eyes are a huge assetDon’t feel awful if you cannot find clothes or
bras that fitLarger cities have lots of department stores
to shop in
Hair Hair loss, brittleness, lack in softness is
commonWater is differentShampoos, conditioners, hair treatments
widely availableGoing to a salon: check that they speak
English, find out where they’ve been trained, ask how many foreign clients they’ve had
Health care systemThings to take when you visit a doctor: alien
registration card, health insurance certificate (if you have one)
Taking care of your teeth: 50% of toothpastes have fluoride so check before you buyTeeth can deteriorate due to the water &
toothpaste contentUse only bottled water for drinking & brushing
teeth (recommended)
GynecologyAll hospitals have gynecology depts: try the
larger onesCheck with ward office for public health
centers: free breast, cervical examinationsSTDs: always use a condom, readily available
throughout JapanFree AIDS tests offered at public health
centers (should be anonymous)
ContraceptionThe pillDiaphragmsIUDsWithdrawalThe rhythm methodEmergency contraception (as soon as
possible; doctor likely to make you wait until you know you are pregnant)
MenstruationBring plenty from home when you first arriveJapanese women: pads more popular than
tampons“Glad Rags”: washable & reusable productPain relief: OTC medicine available
RelationshipsEasy to make friends with foreigners &
JapaneseHave a wide variety of friends, not only other
JETsJapanese women: close, supportive, loyal,
helpful
Being SingleBeing single is a matter of choiceIncorporating relationship in Japan is
overwhelmingJapanese men not attractive (?), physically
smaller than Western womenWestern men prefer relationships with
Japanese women
Being in a RelationshipComing to Japan togetherLong-distance relationships: frequent contact
is importantInsecurity: Japan is still male-oriented societyJapanese partner: learn communication style
of your partner & his culture, be honest with yourself as to whether or not you can accept him & live within the rules of the culture
My contact [email protected](917) 957-4607
Have a wonderful time and enjoy your experience!
Top Related