Customer Service an Oxymoron in the USA

by **Hikonejou** » Sun Oct 16, 2011 11:27 pm

My J-Wife and I moved to "The States" 5 Years ago from Nagoya, and we're still having a tough time adapting to the "Whatever and About" Society that America is...

Rude Waiters, Rude Managers, Rude Doctors/Nurses, No Show Repair Techs, Nothing ever goes On Time...essentially it wears on your nerves.

My J-Wife gets so stressed living in America that at times, she gets sick (like fever sick).

One time, she got so stressed living here that I took her to the Doctor. When we got there, our FAT Nurse was complaining to another FAT Nurse about her job, and THEN she was Rude to my wife during examination, and my wife got so stressed at the Doctors Office that she Passed Out!

They called an Ambulance and took her to the Emergency Room - They didn't even want to treat her! Like WTF????

She goes back to Japan once in a while, because if she doesn't, she'll go insane living here...

Believe me Gents: You got it made living in Japan.

by **plaid_knight** » Mon Oct 17, 2011 1:48 am

Believe me Gents: You got it made living in Japan.

I understand completely. Sometimes I dream that I'm back in Japan, which sucks to wake up from.

About the only thing good about living in the states is being able to turn up my stereo without driving my neighbors nuts.

by **Typhoon** » Mon Oct 17, 2011 3:53 am

[YT]fvUQQF5S4Dg[/YT]

I scream, you scream, just give me my f*cking ice cream.

by **matsuki** » Mon Oct 17, 2011 10:29 am

Hikonejou wrote:My J-Wife and I moved to "The States" 5 Years ago from Nagoya, and we're still having a tough time adapting to the "Whatever and About" Society that America is...

Rude Waiters, Rude Managers, Rude Doctors/Nurses, No Show Repair Techs, Nothing ever goes On Time...essentially it wears on your nerves.

My J-Wife gets so stressed living in America that at times, she gets sick (like fever sick).

One time, she got so stressed living here that I took her to the Doctor. When we got there, our FAT Nurse was complaining to another FAT Nurse about her job, and THEN she was Rude to my wife during examination, and my wife got so stressed at the Doctors Office that she Passed Out!

They called an Ambulance and took her to the Emergency Room - They didn't even want to treat her! Like WTF????

She goes back to Japan once in a while, because if she doesn't, she'll go insane living here...

Believe me Gents: You got it made living in Japan.

Where in the states are you living?

While I totally understand why the wife is freaking out, sounds like she needs to find some way to vent if the stress from it is that bad. I'm assuming she just holds her tongue by what you're describing but you need to teach her that just like in Japan, she can call out the lazy turds on their shit. She also needs to accept that "about" nature of the U.S. Someone who is hours late is one thing but when your plumber shows up 15 mins late, it's not worth stressing over. Keep in mind that people that can't show up on time aren't exactly the winners in the rat race in any country. If all else fails and they don't seem to care about your business, send em packing and let her blog about their shittyness online or something.

As far as having it made in Japan, the grass is always greener eh? I'm back and forth all the time and it's amazing how quickly I miss the US while in Japan and miss Japan when in the US. If I'm really in a bad mood, I find it helps to just start thinking of my best memories in each country. Usually gives me ideas, motivation, etc. and suddenly I'm not hating life no matter where I am.

by **Samurai_Jerk** » Mon Oct 17, 2011 11:32 am

omae mona wrote:SJ, what classifies as "good" for you? Maybe I'm not picky enough, but especially when I'm not at a high-end place, all I really expect is for them to be polite, fast, and not screw up my order. I guess I feel like I get all of that more often in Japan than back home. But maybe my standards are low... are there other services I should be expecting?

I find service in restaurants in Japan to be slow, inflexible and inattentive. Outside of restaurants and bars though the service in Japan is 1000 times better than the US.

by **Hikonejou** » Mon Oct 17, 2011 1:04 pm

chokonen888 wrote:Where in the states are you living?

While I totally understand why the wife is freaking out, sounds like she needs to find some way to vent if the stress from it is that bad. I'm assuming she just holds her tongue by what you're describing but you need to teach her that just like in Japan, she can call out the lazy turds on their shit. She also needs to accept that "about" nature of the U.S. Someone who is hours late is one thing but when your plumber shows up 15 mins late, it's not worth stressing over. Keep in mind that people that can't show up on time aren't exactly the winners in the rat race in any country. If all else fails and they don't seem to care about your business, send em packing and let her blog about their shittyness online or something.

As far as having it made in Japan, the grass is always greener eh? I'm back and forth all the time and it's amazing how quickly I miss the US while in Japan and miss Japan when in the US. If I'm really in a bad mood, I find it helps to just start thinking of my best memories in each country. Usually gives me ideas, motivation, etc. and suddenly I'm not hating life no matter where I am.

For now, we're living in Houston. I try to make her understand and somewhat accept the "Whatever & About" Culture in America, but she's got that that A Type Japanese Blood in her, and it's hard to convince an Overthinker to start being an Underthinker...you know what I mean? There's just no way...not with the Japanese. Imagine if those Subway Trains or City Buses in Japan starting performing like American Subways or City Buses...there'd be "Dai Panic" amongst the Japanese...

by **Hikonejou** » Mon Oct 17, 2011 1:15 pm

plaid_knight wrote:I understand completely. Sometimes I dream that I'm back in Japan, which sucks to wake up from.

About the only thing good about living in the states is being able to turn up my stereo without driving my neighbors nuts.

Very True. I remember when we lived in Nagoya, and how freak'en quiet it was late at Night. You can hear your neighbors Fart it's so God Dam quiet at night. I did appreciate the quietness, but it kind of limits your party time, because your neighbors might wake up and start turning lights on...and that not a good sign.

by **IparryU** » Mon Oct 17, 2011 3:30 pm

Samurai_Jerk wrote:I find service in restaurants in Japan to be slow, inflexible and inattentive. Outside of restaurants and bars though the service in Japan is 1000 times better than the US.

really though... I went to outback and the Japanese waitress was taking her sweet ass time getting everything perfectly done... wouldn't even let us sit at the table we wanted after the people left because it wasn't ready yet... it just needed the fucking menus and silverware. we said it was ok as is and we just wanted that seat, but no... not gonna happen...

then the FG waitress came over and moved us and got shit done and sat 3 other tables along with us... and at that time the j-waitress was still just lollygaging around trying to figure out where the other customer's feet were...

j-waitresses are just like the ward/city office workers... they run in circles trying to find out the first step of doing something, and if there is one minor error, the glitch and get lost... then they come back to you to confirm something, then start the malicious circle again...

even in the US with the fuck you attitude... shit either gets done or they tell you to fuck off and it wont be done.

(straightforwardness + knowing if something will get done) > (politeness + assuming that it will get done)

by **Screwed-down Hairdo** » Mon Oct 17, 2011 3:44 pm

chokonen888 wrote:I'm back and forth all the time and it's amazing how quickly I miss the US while in Japan and miss Japan when in the US. If I'm really in a bad mood, I find it helps to just start thinking of my best memories in each country.

This thread is starting to sound like a Gen Y, 21st century version of Martin Sheen in the hotel room scene of Apocalypse Now.

by **tigermilk** » Mon Oct 17, 2011 11:18 pm

For now, we're living in Houston.

So, being in Houston have you found any decent eats? Thing I always miss is the food, and ever since the little mom and pop shop next to Nippon Daido closed I haven't had a decent (re: halfway authentic) J-meal experience in Houston.

by **Bucky** » Tue Oct 18, 2011 12:51 am

McTojo wrote:Well, Bucky. How does it feel to be on the other side? I'm sure you have a better appreciation for the country you left. Japan was always better.

Well, Mr. McTojam, there are plenty of things in Japan that I do not miss.

Hands-on customer service like this, is something that I do not miss.

Along with those customer service experiences and other opportunities that I do miss (eating Good ramen.) I might point out that Japanese customer service, does come at a cost. Mrs. Bucky just came back from a 3 week stay in Tokyo and she was astonished to compare to cost of dining out in Tokyo to that on the Left Coast.

by **Mike Oxlong** » Tue Oct 18, 2011 1:06 am

Hikonejou wrote:Very True. I remember when we lived in Nagoya, and how freak'en quiet it was late at Night. You can hear your neighbors Fart it's so God Dam quiet at night. I did appreciate the quietness, but it kind of limits your party time, because your neighbors might wake up and start turning lights on...and that not a good sign.

I don't know where you were, but in Kanayama, Nishiki, and Meijo, it was too damn loud. I'm sure there are pockets of serenity, just like there are hotspots in Setagaya-ku, but they are rare in my experience...

by **Coligny** » Tue Oct 18, 2011 9:40 am

Mike Oxlong wrote:I don't know where you were, but in Kanayama, Nishiki, and Meijo, it was too damn loud. I'm sure there are pockets of serenity, just like there are hotspots in Setagaya-ku, but they are rare in my experience...

Really few in Nagoya... The yagoto part is a bit different because of its repopulated contryside origin, but the huge amount of greenery/forrest makes it a jungle humid living hell most of the year... walls of fog, unbelievable amount of snow blocking most small roads for weeks (icy hills, plenty of roads have gradient higher than parking access ramps).

What (zu mein spiel) makes Nagoya an even worse shithole than Tokyo is the fact that you have all the unbearable aspects of the wall to wall concreted city in tropical climate AND you don't even have the proper shopping / cultural / entertainment value of big cities.

by **Hikonejou** » Tue Oct 18, 2011 10:09 am

Mike Oxlong wrote:I don't know where you were, but in Kanayama, Nishiki, and Meijo, it was too damn loud. I'm sure there are pockets of serenity, just like there are hotspots in Setagaya-ku, but they are rare in my experience...

We lived in Ikomacho...but I guess I have to take it back: The freak'en Alley Cats (in heat) are loud and annoying at night.

by **IparryU** » Tue Oct 18, 2011 10:24 am

Hikonejou wrote:We lived in Ikomacho...but I guess I have to take it back: The freak'en Alley Cats (in heat) are loud and annoying at night.

Coligny would know a few resolutions for that...

Just dont wash 'em before you off them... good words.

by **Coligny** » Tue Oct 18, 2011 10:46 am

IparryU wrote:Coligny would know a few resolutions for that...

Just dont wash 'em before you off them... good words.

Cat in heat... pack some food and water then run for the hills and wait...

by **IparryU** » Tue Oct 18, 2011 2:44 pm

Coligny wrote:Cat in heat... pack some food and water then run for the hills and wait...

why not pack the cat and leave it in the hills? it will find some food and water for itself me tinks...

by **matsuki** » Tue Oct 18, 2011 3:31 pm

Bucky wrote:Well, Mr. McTojam, there are plenty of things in Japan that I do not miss.

Hands-on customer service like this, is something that I do not miss.

Along with those customer service experiences and other opportunities that I do miss (eating Good ramen.) I might point out that Japanese customer service, does come at a cost. Mrs. Bucky just came back from a 3 week stay in Tokyo and she was astonished to compare to cost of dining out in Tokyo to that on the Left Coast.

Hehe, then there's that...

Really really crowded in LA means what, a 30 minute wait? 30 mins is almost normal in Tokyo...all for a table 1/4th the size, a meal 2, 3, or 4x the price, and enough secondhand smoke to choke a goat. :beer:

Cheers!

by **2triky** » Tue Oct 18, 2011 3:34 pm

chokonen888 wrote:Hehe, then there's that...

Really really crowded in LA means what, a 30 minute wait? 30 mins is almost normal in Tokyo...all for a table 1/4th the size, a meal 2, 3, or 4x the price, and enough secondhand smoke to choke a goat. Cheers!

Too bad that smoke ain't Kush.

by **Mike Oxlong** » Tue Oct 18, 2011 3:38 pm

chokonen888 wrote:Really really crowded in LA means what, a 30 minute wait? 30 mins is almost normal in Tokyo...all for a table 1/4th the size, a meal 2, 3, or 4x the price, and enough secondhand smoke to choke a goat. Cheers!

Some restaurants in the US encourage that!:p

by **Samurai_Jerk** » Tue Oct 18, 2011 4:24 pm

Bucky wrote:Mrs. Bucky just came back from a 3 week stay in Tokyo and she was astonished to compare to cost of dining out in Tokyo to that on the Left Coast.

At the current exchange rate no wonder she thought it was expensive.

by **Jack** » Wed Oct 19, 2011 2:41 am

Bucky wrote:Well, Mr. McTojam, there are plenty of things in Japan that I do not miss.
Mrs. Bucky just came back from a 3 week stay in Tokyo and she was astonished to compare to cost of dining out in Tokyo to that on the Left Coast.

Apples and oranges. Compare dining out in Tokyo with dining out in New York, Paris or London. You will see that on average Tokyo is in the middle of the pack.
Besides, this thread is about service not "cost".

I'll tell you a story about a colleague who once commented on my Rolex watch and said that instead of buying a $10,000 Rolex watch "I'd rather go on a nice vacation". To which I replied I got the Rolex AND I go on great vacations every year. So maybe Mrs. Bucky should ask Mr. Bucky to make more money.

by **Iraira** » Wed Oct 19, 2011 7:17 am

Jack wrote:I'll tell you a story about a colleague who once commented on my Rolex watch and said that instead of buying a $10,000 Rolex watch "I'd rather go on a nice vacation". To which I replied I got the Rolex AND I go on great vacations every year. So maybe Mrs. Bucky should ask Mr. Bucky to make more money.

I thought you not only owned, but that you are also the CEO of "Trollex"?

by **matsuki** » Wed Oct 19, 2011 9:52 am

Iraira wrote:I thought you not only owned, but that you are also the CEO of "Trollex"?

Just wait til it comes out that he is also his own CFO and the books are cooked harder than Greji on a goat farm.

by **IparryU** » Wed Oct 19, 2011 9:58 am

Jack wrote:Apples and oranges. Compare dining out in Tokyo with dining out in New York, Paris or London. You will see that on average Tokyo is in the middle of the pack.
Besides, this thread is about service not "cost".

I'll tell you a story about a colleague who once commented on my Rolex watch and said that instead of buying a $10,000 Rolex watch "I'd rather go on a nice vacation". To which I replied I got the Rolex AND I go on great vacations every year. So maybe Mrs. Bucky should ask Mr. Bucky to make more money.

Or maybe Bucky and the reast of the FG crew should ask your wife for a rolex and vactaion money?

Coligny is excluded from this... you fuggin gold digger you [color="SlateGray"](yes i am jerrous)[/color]
:domo:

by **tone** » Wed Oct 19, 2011 12:34 pm

dont go breaking your neck while sucking your own dick

-your mom

by **Greji** » Wed Oct 19, 2011 12:43 pm

Jack wrote: I got the Rolex AND I go on great vacations every year

Well, you should with all that money I gave your wife.......
:cool:

by **matsuki** » Wed Oct 19, 2011 1:13 pm

Greji wrote:Well, you should with all that money I gave your wife.......

You had to pay? She took it like a champ with me and even paid for the hotel :smoking:

by **Iraira** » Wed Oct 19, 2011 1:23 pm

chokonen888 wrote:You had to pay? She took it like a champ with me and even paid for the hotel

She cooked me dinner afterwards and apologized for the stretch marks on her rump.

by **matsuki** » Wed Oct 19, 2011 1:29 pm

Iraira wrote:She cooked me dinner afterwards and apologized for the stretch marks on her rump.

Those were stretch marks?! I thought she still had stockings on. Shit was all scaly :cry2:

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