Shock and awe: Living in Tokyo has its hits and misses just like any other city in the world…how about that? And I do enjoy my glamorous life here, but there are some things I could do without. So enough of my rambling, let’s get to it.

A thing I like about living in Tokyo:

The convenience – especially where I live. I’m right in the centre of the city so everything I could ever want and more is within walking distance (and before you ask, yes that includes food, shelter, financial security, health, love and acceptance). There are three chain grocery stores nearby plus countless independently run shops, my bank, two post offices, two train stations, karaoke  (in case I have an unstoppable urge to sing badly and drunkenly), clothes stores, shoe stores, convenience stores and drug stores, restaurants, bars and a McDonald’s.

A thing I don’t like about living in Tokyo:

Lately, the earthquakes: Nothing like being shaken awake at 4am, scrambling to find the pajama pants I kicked off in the night because it’s so hellishly hot. And what’s merely inconvenient for me so far is devastating for the people closest to where they hit. As many of you know, the last big earthquake triggered a huge tsunami that wiped out parts of north-eastern Japan, and crippled a nuclear power plant. It will take years to recover. I heard one sad story of a farmer committing suicide because he couldn’t sell anything from his farm, for fear it was contaminated with radiation. The natural beauty of this county is astounding but earthquakes are a heavy price to pay.

A thing I like about living in Tokyo:

The nightlife: I’ve been known to cut a rug in my day, and there are lots of places to go out and party depending on what you want to do. There’s of course Shibuya, where there are lots of bars, clubs and izakaya restaurants. When I go clubbing it’s usually in Shibuya. Places stay open until between 4-5 am, so if I miss the last train all I have to do is stay drunk enough to party until the trains run again. There’s also Roppongi, where many foreigners go to party, and find willing “prey”. The gays live it up in Shinjuku’s nichome district. I’ve been there a couple times and people are always so friendly. Shinjuku’s also got a ton more izakaya and 24 hour restaurants.

A thing I don’t like about living in Tokyo:

Chikan, or perverts. Here there are women-only train cars because molestation on the trains is such a big problem. Luckily, I haven’t had any experiences myself, well except this one time. I noticed a salaryman was awfully and unnecessarily close to me on a train that wasn’t even crowded, to the point where his thigh was rubbing against my butt ever so slightly. I thought it might be an accident so I moved forward, and I soon found myself having to move again, until I was being pushed forward against the train door. I not-so-accidentally, elbowed backward into his crotch, but that only seemed to spur him on! Finally I turned around and looked him in the eye, and that got him to back off.  My roommate also told me that on her way to school every day during the morning rush, it’s so crowded she can’t even move her arms and legs. That’s when the chikan really come out to play. She says there are hands touching her butt, even going up her skirt! And there’s no way for her to tell who it is, or get away. I haven’t had to endure that kind of groping — maybe the chikan are afraid of my foreignness (they’re a bunch of cowards, groping women who can’t do anything about it) or maybe they can’t work out how to wrap their disgusting fingers around the unusual rotundness of my African-American behind. Whatever the reason, I’m glad it hasn’t affected me as badly as it could. Still, it’s an aspect of Tokyo life I really dislike.

A thing I like about living in Tokyo:

The fashion – I love playing dress-up and I get so many ideas just walking the streets of this city.  The shoes are my favourite part. Japanese women take the art of shoe wearing to a reverent level. I am not worthy! The dedication it takes to totter around the city on 5 inch, peep toe heels is staggering (pun intended). I know my feet get tired after 15 minutes, so I don’t know how they do it. But I have to admit, they look hot! I also like the layered look, the miniskirts, the hats, the bracelets, the necklaces and all that vibrant colour.  Looking good, Tokyo!

A thing I don’t like about living in Tokyo:

Not many people speak conversational English. I can hear you now all you Captain Obviouses: “Well duh, it’s Japan!”

Thank you, and I know that. I live here remember? I don’t expect everyone to know how to speak English, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it. There are days when I really wish either my Japanese were better or the English of the person I was talking to were better.  Days when I’m tired and hungry and I don’t feel like charading-out my desire for three 90 yen stamps, or that I don’t want a meal set, just the sandwich. I knew coming here that it would be an issue, but that doesn’t make it any less annoying.

A thing I like about living in Tokyo:

It’s easier to get a job than back home — if you’re willing to teach English that is. There’s a big market for it here that’s increased since the March 11 earthquake, as some of the native English speakers who were working here took that as a sign to move back to their respective countries. For better or worse, all you need is a visa and your English speaking ability and you’re set.

A thing I don’t like about living in Tokyo:

The real estate prices — I’d like to move in to my own apartment next year, because right now I live in a little matchbox of a room, and the mountain of clothes I keep buying is threatening to bury my alive — I don’t even have a closet! However, the rent on my own place plus paying for utilities like heat, gas and internet will cost me an arm, a leg and three of four of the fingers on my remaining hand. It’s the price I’ll have to pay though, because I’ve been spoiled by the convenience and bright lights of big city life, and I don’t want to live out in the bush.

A thing I like about living in Tokyo:

My friends — I’ve meet some fabulous students and staff through English teaching, and met some more friends through blogging and even met a couple people out partying. When living in a foreign country making some friends is essential in fighting off the onset of homesickness, and I’m glad I have people I can talk to and hang out with, or life here would be very lonely. Another benefit is that my Tokyo friends introduce me to new restaurants and places to have fun of go sightseeing. So when my Toronto friends come to visit I’ll know where to take them.

A thing I don’t like about living in Tokyo:

The stares — I’m black, get over it! Ah, here’s Captain Obvious and friends to the “rescue” again: “Of course they stare at you, you look so different! Japan is a homogeneous society blah blah blah regurgitation blah blah blah ignorance. I still don’t like it!  And no I will not “just go home” because I’m making good money and there are many more things I do like keeping me here. But damn if the staring doesn’t get on my last nerve every once in a while. Couple that with the fact that I still can’t understand much Japanese, and I don’t know if people are talking about me or not, and it’s extremely unnerving.

Well there you have it my friends, the 10 things I like and dislike about living in this famous city.  What are some of the things you like and dislike about Tokyo?

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