Yankees

In Japan, there's a term for people who look like they're in gangs and act loud or... um, gang-y in public. They're called yankees. I thought this was both derogatory towards Americans and funny when I first heard it; I don't really think about it now, but that's what happens when you hear a word for 8 months. But anywho, these yankeesと言う have a pretty bad reputation in Japan. Other people typically try to avoid them, and they are often seen as remotely dangerous (like harassment or pick-pocketing danger, not murderous bank robbers), but they're usually just guys trying to seem tough.

I bring this up because a few days ago I was coming home from a violin lesson, and I got to sit next to one. It's usually around 6:30 when I get on the bus home; it's always packed then. On that day, it was especially bad, and I was worrying I would be stuck in the aisle holding my umbrella, violin, and school bag, but- lucky me!- I saw a free seat. It was weird; the bus was pretty packed, but nobody would take the free seat. I sat down happily, and then turned next to me and saw the pierced and not-very-happy face of a yankee. I gave him the obligatory half smile required when someone catches you staring at them, and then turned to the window. He fell asleep right away, and I enjoyed the seat that everybody else was too scared to take.

I thought it was really funny. All those people could have gotten the seat way before me, but alas. There are a lot of little things like this in Japan that I recognize (and a lot I don't, I'm sure) but completely ignore. Foreigners can't speak Japanese. Yankees are all bad news, even for a short bus ride. Girls should only hang out with girls and guys with guys. Foreigners won't eat the "weird" Japanese foods (My host dad thinks I'm a weird foreigner because I'll eat pretty much anything they give me XD). There's a lot. As is in any country. But this one situation stuck out to me, dunno why- hope you enjoyed it!

じゃあ、ねー