Mishima Transportation

Before heading to Japan for a while I read a book about hitchhiking through Japan. The decision was made then and there, I will use this form of transport to my advantage. In America hitchiking is not such a great idea if you like to remain in one piece. Stories abound of people Hitch hiking and getting hacked apart by a Jeffery Dahmer. In Japan free rides were easily aquired. If I desired a ride to the bar I would write on a piece of paper in broken Japanese symbols "To Mishima Station" which was the closest major attraction, and than simply stand on the side of the main road and sport a huge "I AM GAIJIN" (foreigner) smile. You have to lock eyes with the drivers. Stand close to a traffic light so you can make sure they see you. With in 10 minutes I always got a ride even if I was visibly affected by the bars offerings, at any time of the night. I was dwelling kind of close to a KFC and Dennys so since I was American I would always ask to be dropped off there to live up to the American Fast Food stereotype. They always asked "Why KFC"? The thumb method would work occasionally, but definately is more work, opt for the sign that way they know where you are headed prior.
One night on one hitchhiking excursion, it,s 2 am, we get a call on our phone and it was someone who picked us up in the past, he spotted us at it again. "Just wait there I'm turning around to get you."
After the first ride with him we made friends, he even invited us to a volleyball game at his school. I wouldn't hitchhike in any other country, its just when I am in Japan I feel redicuously safe (good or bad), and it also helps that the local people like to try and communicate with Americans to hone their English skills.