Might be going to Japan; need advice.

[Synbios459]

Hey, guess what? I might actually be going to Japan in about 5 months or so. I'm really excited. I was wondering though, I know I've said this before but I just want to make sure. I don't have any mobility problems, just hand problems

(pic )
I can't really use my left hand but I can pick up and do some fairly decent stuff with my right, but it's just chest high as you can see. Anyway, I was wondering if you had any warnings for me where I may have issues. I am really excited.

A guy on another mssg board said this:

.

A guy on another mssg board said this:

Japan (especially Tokyo) isn't exactly the place for the handicapped, especially wheelchair handicaps.

>>one thing I like is that you can go pretty much anywhere via bullet train, and since I can't drive

Two problems with that, in Tokyo especially:
1.) The bullet train (Shinkansen) is expensive. I wouldn't depend on that for daily travel. There are express trains that go to local locations, but because they are express (and because the Japanese believe in being extremely punctual) those trains are very crowded, especially around rush hour (mornings 7am - 10am and nights 6pm - midnight), but all depending on which line you use and your destination station.
2.) Driving is an expensive joke -- You pay for parking at your own home, and then if you park at a public location, it's impossible to find a cheap, vacant spot. There aren't abundant parking garages like there are in the States. A lot of people use scooters and motorcycles due to street size differences (they're narrower here).

If you want to live in the rural area, you're going to have to adapt to eating Japanese food and learning the language moreso than people that live in a major city -- while living in a city doesn't require much knowledge of Japanese since many people speak a little (or in some cases fluent English), out in rural areas, no one speaks English hardly at all. Major cities have more variety of food and cuisines to chose from -- rural areas have mostly and only Japanese cuisine.

My best advice for you, is to stay in the States. I can't imagine living in a Japan and having a disability. Not to discriminate, but you don't want to live here -- it'll just cause more hardships, especially if you need assistance with anything due to a handicap.

if they avoid me because of it, I won't mind to much (heck, I've had people here do the same), but do you think if I were to say try to talk to someone or ask for help getting food or whatever they'd avoid me?

Any help is appreciated.

[FlameOfCallandor]

Japan is pretty cool towards the handicapped, its probably the best place to be in the world. Japanese people are so happy and generally very helpful.

You wont need to drive anywhere. Can you ride a bike? I rode my bike everywhere, but I lived in a smaller city.


How long are you living there? Moving to another country with another language is hard for anyone no matter if they are handicapped or not. Will you know anyone there?

[MrAngryFace]

Just make sure you have a camera around your neck and an American Flag shirt and they will think youre a tourist and will treat you well cause you have money and they like money.

[FlameOfCallandor]

Just make sure you have a camera around your neck and an American Flag shirt and they will think youre a tourist and will treat you well cause you have money and they like money.

Uh, Its obvious he isnt Japanese.

[MrAngryFace]

Yes, but they dont like typical white people, they like white TOURISTS. If they liked any old White Person Sp0rks wouldnt be in his current position.

[FlameOfCallandor]

They loved me.

[futami]

i want to make a joke about your condition, but then you'd probably cry.

[Howard Alan Treesong]

Japan is a terrible country for wheelchair-style handicaps. Lots of stairs with no ramps, etc.

As long as you can walk okay, you shouldn't have much trouble getting around...the only thing I could see as being an issue would be getting your train tickets. Those are done at ATM-style touchscreens and by dropping change into a slot. On the other hand, as a tourist you could get a JR pass for the week and then keep it in a transparent "passport" pouch around your neck and avoid fiddling with coins that way.

re: the other board's two points
1) You will not take the bullet train unless you go from city-to-city. If you get a JR pass (about $250 for a week) it gives you unlimited local AND bullet train rides.
2) You will not need to drive ever. EVER. Unless you go to northern Honshuu and even then there are buses and taxis.

You will probably get stared at a lot, but then Japanese people stare at anyone foreign or different. Just try to remember that it's curiosity and confusion, not fear or disdain.

If you have more specific questions I can try to answer.

[MrAngryFace]

Come on Futami, there's better troll material in other threads.

[FlameOfCallandor]

My town also had a cultural center where you could sign up for free language courses and hang out with other foreigners. It was pretty cool.

[Saint Cornelius]

i want to make a joke about your condition, but then you'd probably cry.

Do you think he still lives with his parents, though?

[futami]

Come on Futami, there's better troll material in other threads.

so we can laugh at a girl who had her feet sliced off, rendering her a cripple, but we can't have a little fun with this guy?

how patronizing.

[Madrun Badrun]

i want to make a joke about your condition, but then you'd probably cry.

I'd like to make a joke about your condition, but then we all already did in the jeans thread. 

Why do I get the feeling that futami is maki? 

[futami]

i want to make a joke about your condition, but then you'd probably cry.

Do you think he still lives with his parents, though?

i don't know, nor do i really care.

each night you go to bed a virgin, do you rock yourself to sleep with bitter tears of self-loathing?

[futami]

i want to make a joke about your condition, but then you'd probably cry.

I'd like to make a joke about your condition, but then we all already did in the jeans thread. 

Why do I get the feeling that futami is maki? 

who is maki?

[Synbios459]

Thanks a lot guys. Generally my only real problems are getting stuff on a high shelf or cutting up some food, and bathing is pretty difficult, but those detachable shower things that Japanese uses seems pretty cool.

Oh, and I don't live with my parents, I live in an apt close by, but since my mom is dead my dad comes over and helps.

[FlameOfCallandor]

If you dont mind me asking, what happened?

[Mr. Gundam]

Are you just visiting Japan?

[Saint Cornelius]

so we can laugh at a girl who had her feet sliced off, rendering her a cripple, but we can't have a little fun with this guy?

how patronizing.

who the fuck is "we"? and nicca please with your "patronizing" bullshit. Look up patronizing in the dictionary and your stupid knuckledragging ass is pictured right next to it. wearing a doorag.

[Synbios459]

It's an handicap called Arthrogryposis, I might just be visiting for about a month.

[futami]

Thanks a lot guys. Generally my only real problems are getting stuff on a high shelf or cutting up some food, and bathing is pretty difficult, but those detachable shower things that Japanese uses seems pretty cool.

Oh, and I don't live with my parents, I live in an apt close by, but since my mom is dead my dad comes over and helps.

do you have a problem getting laid?

[Howard Alan Treesong]

Thanks a lot guys. Generally my only real problems are getting stuff on a high shelf or cutting up some food, and bathing is pretty difficult, but those detachable shower things that Japanese uses seems pretty cool.

Oh, and I don't live with my parents, I live in an apt close by, but since my mom is dead my dad comes over and helps.

do you have a problem getting laid?

It's clear now that your $400 jeans are an attempt to compensate for your vile personality. They're not working.

[FlameOfCallandor]

do you have a problem getting laid?

Probably not as much as you. cigarillo.

[Cheebs]

how do you play video games if I may ask?

[Synbios459]

how do you play video games since you love them?

With my feet, which I use to type as well. But triggers/bumpers I can't use.

Oh, another guy said this:

The Japanese tend to be ashamed of imperfections/disabilities/unfortunate circumstances. It is actually an odd sort of kindness/empathy that leads to the "turning the other cheek". It's almost as if pretending not to see you, they're less likely to embarass you. You'll find the same treatment given to the homeless, those who fall in train stations and ocaisionally those who are seriously injured on the street. People will keep walking and avert their eyes.

I think you'll find your disability will make the average Japanese far more uncomfortable than it does most the average American... but it's entirely likely that no one will ever even bring it up in conversation much less that you'll be taunted for it. It's far more likely, you will be avoided.

[Synbios459]

Thanks a lot guys. Generally my only real problems are getting stuff on a high shelf or cutting up some food, and bathing is pretty difficult, but those detachable shower things that Japanese uses seems pretty cool.

Oh, and I don't live with my parents, I live in an apt close by, but since my mom is dead my dad comes over and helps.

do you have a problem getting laid?

Well, that was really uncalled for but I will say women have rejected me because of my handicap:(

[Saint Cornelius]

do you have a problem getting laid?

well, regardless of his answer - at least he doesn't have to worry about sneaking anyone past mommy & daddy

[Mr. Gundam]

how do you play video games since you love them?

With my feet, which I use to type as well. But triggers/bumpers I can't use.

Oh, another guy said this:

The Japanese tend to be ashamed of imperfections/disabilities/unfortunate circumstances. It is actually an odd sort of kindness/empathy that leads to the "turning the other cheek". It's almost as if pretending not to see you, they're less likely to embarass you. You'll find the same treatment given to the homeless, those who fall in train stations and ocaisionally those who are seriously injured on the street. People will keep walking and avert their eyes.

I think you'll find your disability will make the average Japanese far more uncomfortable than it does most the average American... but it's entirely likely that no one will ever even bring it up in conversation much less that you'll be taunted for it. It's far more likely, you will be avoided.

This is what I've been told by my friend from Tokyo. I work in special education, and I'm very curious as to how comparable Sped. services and disability acceptance is in other countries.

[futami]

how do you play video games if I may ask?

play videogame?

he is a videogame.

dude looks like an enemy from silent hill.

[futami]

synbios, i'm just joking.

don't take what i say seriously.

i have my own flaws, believe me.

no one is perfect, and you'll find a girl one of these days.

i guarantee it.

[Synbios459]

synbios, i'm just joking.

don't take what i say seriously.

i have my own flaws, believe me.

no one is perfect, and you'll find a girl one of these days.

i guarantee it.

Yeah, but who do you think would be more likely to look past my handicap and help, an American girl, or a Japanese one?

[Howard Alan Treesong]

synbios, i'm just joking.

don't take what i say seriously.

i have my own flaws, believe me.

no one is perfect, and you'll find a girl one of these days.

i guarantee it.

Yeah, but who do you think would be more likely to look past my handicap and help, an American girl, or a Japanese one?

To be honest, an American one. Treating the handicapped as "invisible" is not uncommon.

Though you'll be sure to find people who will be happy to help in either country.

[FlameOfCallandor]

Dude you type with your feet and paly video games with your feet? Thats amazing. Holy shit dude. 

[Mr. Gundam]

synbios, i'm just joking.

don't take what i say seriously.

i have my own flaws, believe me.

no one is perfect, and you'll find a girl one of these days.

i guarantee it.

Yeah, but who do you think would be more likely to look past my handicap and help, an American girl, or a Japanese one?

Dude. Don't go to Japan looking for a girl.

And, from my experiences, in general, Japanese women tend to be shallower than American women.

[Synbios459]

synbios, i'm just joking.

don't take what i say seriously.

i have my own flaws, believe me.

no one is perfect, and you'll find a girl one of these days.

i guarantee it.

Yeah, but who do you think would be more likely to look past my handicap and help, an American girl, or a Japanese one?

Dude. Don't go to Japan looking for a girl.

And, from my experiences, in general, Japanese women tend to be shallower than American women.

Oh, I'm not, just saying.

[Himu]

So will you be staying with a host family?

[FlameOfCallandor]

Get a hooker in japan.

[Synbios459]

No, just may be visiting with my dad. Well, are Japanese hookers hotter than American ones, if so.....maybe.

LOL I can only imagine a host family having to take care of a handicap foreigner, pretty weird to say the least.

[Synbios459]

Oh, do Japanese places have those sliding doors a lot? I do have trouble with door knobs.

[Mr. Gundam]

Oh, do Japanese places have those sliding doors a lot? I do have trouble with door knobs.

Most everywhere I went had automatic sliding doors.

[futami]

how do you jerk off?

[Synbios459]

how do you jerk off?

Your mom helps.

[futami]

oooh.

the gloves are off now.

[FlameOfCallandor]

Im actually kind of curious also. Do you jerk it?

[Cheebs]

I am also curious.   

Anyway what type of games do you play with your feet? Isn't it hard for really action based ones?

[futami]

i'm not THAT curious.

jeez, guys.

[Synbios459]

I am also curious.   

Anyway what type of games do you play with your feet? Isn't it hard for really action based ones?

I use my big toes for everything pretty much, I keep the KB/M on a computer table like normal I just raise the computer chair as high as it will go and rest my heels on the table as you would your wrist and just move my foot depending on what key needs to be pressed.

As far as the mouse goes, same concept I put my right foot on the table and use my big toe for the left mouse button and use the right part of my foot to use the right mouse button.

In FPS I make the right mouse button go forward and make strafe left/right/down to the arrow keys respectively, I use the left part of my foot for those.

I want to get a better gaming mouse but all tne impressions are for hands:) So I guess I';ll have to experiment. The thing that I hate is triggers/bumpers on consoles, they';re my bane. Since I put all my controllers on the floor (except Wii) the R2/L2 buttons on the PS3 kept pushing against the floor making me have to buy the adaptor to use my PS2 controller.

Although from what I';ve heard you don't have to be handicapped to hate them:)

When I play the Wii I can use my right arm well enough to hold and aim the Wiimote I sit on the couch and turn the nunchuck to the left a little and use my big toe to move the stick and just use my little toes on my right foot to press the Z and C buttons (although it is sometimes hard to press the C button).

[FlameOfCallandor]

Fucking bad ass! Wii FTW.


Do you work anywhere. I have a friend who has cerebral palsy and is stuck in a wheelchair. He is looking for a job but cant find one. Any tips for him?

[Synbios459]

Fucking bad ass! Wii FTW.


Do you work anywhere. I have a friend who has cerebral palsy and is stuck in a wheelchair. He is looking for a job but cant find one. Any tips for him?

No, I live off of SSI. I want to go to college and get a degree so I can teach english in Japan. I've tried applying at various places but I've never got called back. Unfortunately I live in a small town and can't drive so my options are limited. That's one reason I really think Japan would be great for me, I'd be able to actually travel.

[Mr. Gundam]

Fucking bad ass! Wii FTW.


Do you work anywhere. I have a friend who has cerebral palsy and is stuck in a wheelchair. He is looking for a job but cant find one. Any tips for him?

No, I live off of SSI. I want to go to college and get a degree so I can teach english in Japan. I've tried applying at various places but I've never got called back. Unfortunately I live in a small town and can't drive so my options are limited. That's one reason I really think Japan would be great for me, I'd be able to actually travel.

I don't think you'd get hired to teach English in Japan. While it's been referenced as simply too embarrassed to acknowledge you, the Japanese are pretty superficial. I doubt they have things like ADA, 504 and IDEA.

And, you know, you could always move to a larger city in the US with good public transportation. You'd have a better chance at employment.

Japan is not some magical land where everything is perfect. It's far from it.

[Synbios459]

Fucking bad ass! Wii FTW.


Do you work anywhere. I have a friend who has cerebral palsy and is stuck in a wheelchair. He is looking for a job but cant find one. Any tips for him?

No, I live off of SSI. I want to go to college and get a degree so I can teach english in Japan. I've tried applying at various places but I've never got called back. Unfortunately I live in a small town and can't drive so my options are limited. That's one reason I really think Japan would be great for me, I'd be able to actually travel.

I don't think you'd get hired to teach English in Japan. While it's been referenced as simply too embarrassed to acknowledge you, the Japanese are pretty superficial. I doubt they have things like ADA, 504 and IDEA.

And, you know, you could always move to a larger city in the US with good public transportation. You'd have a better chance at employment.

Japan is not some magical land where everything is perfect. It's far from it.

I never said that it was. Maybe so, but I'd at least like to try. And if I were to move to a big city I'd rather it be some place really unique.

[Mr. Gundam]

Fucking bad ass! Wii FTW.


Do you work anywhere. I have a friend who has cerebral palsy and is stuck in a wheelchair. He is looking for a job but cant find one. Any tips for him?

No, I live off of SSI. I want to go to college and get a degree so I can teach english in Japan. I've tried applying at various places but I've never got called back. Unfortunately I live in a small town and can't drive so my options are limited. That's one reason I really think Japan would be great for me, I'd be able to actually travel.

I don't think you'd get hired to teach English in Japan. While it's been referenced as simply too embarrassed to acknowledge you, the Japanese are pretty superficial. I doubt they have things like ADA, 504 and IDEA.

And, you know, you could always move to a larger city in the US with good public transportation. You'd have a better chance at employment.

Japan is not some magical land where everything is perfect. It's far from it.

I never said that it was. Maybe so, but I'd at least like to try. And if I were to move to a big city I'd rather it be some place really unique.

What's ADA, 504, and IDEA?

America is much more accepting of individuals with disabilities than most places in the world. Go to Japan and visit, I'm sure you'll enjoy it, but please don't think that you'll be better off if you lived there.

ADA = Americans with Disabilities Act
IDEA = Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act is American legislation that guarantees certain rights to people with disabilities

[FlameOfCallandor]

Come to Austin! Austin has a decent public transporation and you could find a job here!

[Synbios459]

Come to Austin! Austin has a decent public transporation and you could find a job here!

Doing what?

[futami]

Come to Austin! Austin has a decent public transporation and you could find a job here!

Doing what?

join a carnival?

[FlameOfCallandor]

You can do what I do. Be a full time bum while applying for worthless craiglist jobs.

[MrAngryFace]

Come on Futami, there's better troll material in other threads.

so we can laugh at a girl who had her feet sliced off, rendering her a cripple, but we can't have a little fun with this guy?

how patronizing.

Oh Futami lol

[demi]

oh my god this thread is full of hilarity

make a video of you playing a video game or typing a letter with your feet, that would be sweet.

[Mupepe]

PLEASE, tell me I'm not the only one who thought of Scary Movie 2?

I'm not making fun, that's just what I thought of.

[Van Cruncheon]

JAPAN IS A MAGICAL PLACE FULL OF GIRLS WHO WILL NOT LAUGH AT YOUR VIRGINITY BUT INSTEAD WILL SWEETLY BLUSH AND PRAISE YOU ON THE SIZE OF YOUR AMERICAN WANG ALSO THEY ALL LOVE ANIME AND ROBOTS AND VIDEOGAMES ESPECIALLY THE RPGS YOU FREQUENTLY AUTHOR SELF-INSERTION FANFIC ABOUT