Hokousha wrote:
> "Musashi" <Miyamoto@Hosokawa.co.jp> wrote in message news:<DLo%b.50080$RF2.12166@newssvr33.news.prodigy.com>...
> 
>>"wasabi" <shibuya@excite.com> wrote in message
>>
>>>That was then, now is now.  Most modern Japanese don't think that way.
>>
>>Again,. maybe in the cities. Go to the boonies where being a "gaijin" means
>>you're from the city, not another country.
> 
> No, I think he may be right. Even out here in the countryside, one of
> the first questions people usually ask is what country I'm from. If
> there was a strong presumption that all foreigners are American, they
> probably wouldn't do that. It's the same with older people, too, like
> war veterans. You may just have to face the fact that the country is
> becoming internationalized. Well, at least a little bit.

A little bit yes. If you are still up in Hokkaido Tim, then wouldn't 
part of it be "a strong presumption that all foreigners are American or 
Russian"? Or for Okazaki "a strong presumption that all foreigners are 
Brazilians or Students". The little bit of change is still very welcome 
of course.


-- 
"Oh don't give me none more of that Old Janx Spirit/ No, don't you give 
me none more of that Old Janx Spirit/ For my head will fly, my tongue 
will lie, my eyes will fry and I may die/ Won't you pour me one more of 
that sinful Old Janx Spirit"