Yokohama Local Customs

Yokohama is a safe city and nowhere I ever had the feeling that we might get into trouble, not even in the port-area, that might normally be a bit dangerous in other parts of the world. There were almost no people in the streets, no drug-addicts but at a very few places I saw homeless people sleeping somewhere in the shade of a building like in my main photo here.

1 more image

Watch out for the various different manhole covers in Yokohama ! In my 1st photo you will see the manhole-cover that you will find in most places of the modern city of Yokohama, showing the sailingship that is docked as a museum-ship there.
The manhole-cover in my 2nd photo can be found mainly in the port-area.

A democracy is a form of government in which the people, either directly or indirectly, take part in governing. However, the term is also sometimes used as a measurement of how much influence a people has over their government, as in how much democracy exists. The word democracy originates from the Greek "demos" meaning "the people" and "kratein" meaning "to rule" or "the people to rule" which meant literally: "Rule by the People."

A modern democracy implies certain rights for citizens:

* right to elect government through free and fair elections
* freedom of speech
* the rule of law
* human rights
* freedom of assembly
* freedom from discrimination

Verbatim form the web. But at least, i say it!!!. (-;

Japanese language is one of the most complicated! Three types of characters. Anyway, here's some useful phrases to keep in mind in case you need help.



IN AN EMERGENCY:Help! Tas'kete!
Stop! Tomete!
Fire! Kaji!
Call the police Keisatsu o yonde kudasai!

Useful Phrases:

Yes Hai
No Ie
Thank you Arigato gozaimasu
Please Dozo
Sorry Sumimasen
Excuse Me Sumimasen
I don't understand Wakarimasen
Do you speak English? Eigo o hanashimasuka?
How are you? Ogenki desu ka ?
Good morning Ohayo gozaimasu
Good afternoon Konnichiwa
Good evening Konbanwa
Good night Oyasumi nasai
Good bye Sayonara

You don't need to give tips to the waiter or waitresses when they have it in the bill for service charge. By the way,in Japan when buying, the tax is not yet included so don't be surprise if the tag price is different to the one you have paid.

Some helpful Tips

English Japanese

Help!   Tas'kete!
Stop! Tomete!
Fire! Kaji!
Call the police Keisatsu o yonde kudasai!

Useful Phrases:

Yes Hai
No Ie
Thank you Arigato gozaimasu
Please Dozo
Sorry Sumimasen
Excuse Me Sumimasen
I don't understand Wakarimasen
Do you speak English? Eigo o hanashimasuka?
How are you? Ogenki desu ka ?
Good morning Ohayo gozaimasu
Good afternoon Konnichiwa
Good evening Konbanwa
Good night Oyasumi nasai
Good bye Sayonara

I found it was possible to get around Japan and not speak any Japanese. The train system was easy to use. Buses were more difficult because there is very little english involved in them. Getting food is pretty easy. Make sure to ask it they have an english menu. Pointing to displays in the windows are also an easy way to order.

Lots have novels have been set in Japan in the second half of the 19th century - from the arrival of Commodore Perry's Black Ships in 1853 to the rapid industrialisation of the country towards the end of the century - but one of the best for historical accuracy is James Clavell's monumental 'Gai-jin'. It runs to 1500 pages - and counting! - but paints an epic picture of Yokohama in the early 1860s, as Japan gradually opened to the outside world after 250 years of isolation.