will I find anything that fits?

[AlbertSiegel]

I want to know if I will have any issue finding anything that will fit me well.

I am 6.2 feet (188cm) tall, size 12 - 12 1/2 shoe (american), neck size 16 1/2 inch, arm 34 inch, and 32 x 32 inch for pants.

I was told that I will not find a single thing in Japan at all that will fit me. Is this true?

[Shibuya Me]

I think you will have no problem finding underwear in your size.

Other than that....

[NeoNecroNomiCron]

I want to know if I will have any issue finding anything that will fit me well.

I am 6.2 feet (188cm) tall, size 12 - 12 1/2 shoe (american), neck size 16 1/2 inch, arm 34 inch, and 32 x 32 inch for pants.

I was told that I will not find a single thing in Japan at all that will fit me. Is this true?

You are roughly the same size as me but I am a little taller and bigger shoes. I have been here for 3 months and only bought a pair of shorts. even they are a size 32 which I take they are actualy noticibly smaller... Before somebody jumps in saying I got fatter, since comming to Japan I am constantly losing weight.

[Taro Toporific]

I want to know if I will have any issue finding anything that will fit me well.

I am 6.2 feet (188cm) tall, size 12 - 12 1/2 shoe (american), neck size 16 1/2 inch, arm 34 inch, and 32 x 32 inch for pants.

I was told that I will not find a single thing in Japan at all that will fit me. Is this true?

Nope, the GAP, Eddie B., Sports Authority, Isetan Shinjuku, et al can fit ya.

Your selection in dress shoes will be limited. Trousers 32 x 32 inch are every store in Japan. Shirts in neck size 16 1/2 inch, arm 34 inch are common enough but fewer than in the States.

Basically the size problem is a blessing. Japanese "fashion" clothing is expensive, smallish, and faddish. You won't be able to waste money because the bigger sizes are the basics.

Bottom Line: Bring shoes.

PS: Steve B., GuyJean, me, and even the Pongi are all your size or bigger and we ain't walking around naked.

[kamome]

Albert, it doesn't look good for you. Your best bet are the big and tall shops scattered around town (there are one or two), or maybe the GAP or Eddie Bauer. I've found that the American stores like GAP carry the full range of sizes. Just don't try to shop at Japanese department stores. You won't be able to get a leg into their pants.

[Taro Toporific]

.. I have been here for 3 months and only bought a pair of shorts. even they are a size 32 which I take they are actualy noticibly smaller...

Don't worry. Shorts are cut with less "rise" for the no-butt Japanese. Likewise , J-suits are cut with no chest 'cause Japanese don't have pecs. J-shirts don't have shoulder yokes 'cause Japanese don't have much mass either.

[Taro Toporific]

...Just don't try to shop at Japanese department stores. You won't be able to get a leg into their pants.

Hey, he's 32x32 and 34x32 is the last "normal" J-size. Dang things are cut narrow for a lard-butt like me, Kamome.

BTW: Weird items like bike leathers, wet suits, sky diving clothes will be a huge problem, but you'll be WAY TOO busy for the first 6 months to worry about that.

[NeoNecroNomiCron]

I have found that even popular brands have been Japanised. And thoes large size shops generely just cater for sumo sised guys. If you have a credit card just buy of the internet. I always buy shoes of the internet.

[Taro Toporific]

I have found that even popular brands have been Japanised....

Brands suck for size in Japan. Note that many Gaijin name-brand are just licensed brands. Expensive brands are the worst for sizes. Hell J. Press really is JPN Press in the States too.

As Kamome said before GAP, LL Bean or Eddie Bauer stores are here and have your size. The Internet is great but be warned that there is 50% shoe/leather tax *IF* your package gets caught by J-customs (it only rarely happens because they are so damn lazy).

[GomiGirl]

.. I have been here for 3 months and only bought a pair of shorts. even they are a size 32 which I take they are actualy noticibly smaller...

Don't worry. Shorts are cut with less "rise" for the no-butt Japanese. Likewise , J-suits are cut with no chest 'cause Japanese don't have pecs. J-shirts don't have shoulder yokes 'cause Japanese don't have much mass either.

Thank you!!! This is the same problem that us girls have. It is not because we are fat!!

Try buying a bra here!! Sheesh..

[Steve Bildermann]

Of course if you really want BIG then I suggest you go over to the Ryogoku area around the Kokugikan.

There are several clothing shops there that have SUMO wrestler sizes in shirts, trousers, sweaters etc. Most big Gaijin are too small even for SUMO S size.

[Taro Toporific]

Most big Gaijin are too small even for SUMO S size.

Come on Steve. You work out like me and you're TWICE as thick as me in 'most' dimensions. It still ain't that difficult for ya to get clothes is it?

[Taro Toporific]

This is the same problem that us girls have. It is not because we are fat!!

Try buying a bra here!! Sheesh..

Dang. The body boarding girls were telling the same thing at the beach last weekend --- "try buying a bra".

[AlbertSiegel]

Don't worry. Shorts are cut with less "rise" for the no-butt Japanese. Likewise , J-suits are cut with no chest 'cause Japanese don't have pecs. J-shirts don't have shoulder yokes 'cause Japanese don't have much mass either.

heh heh.... um... see.. I am half Cuban so I do have a latin male size butt....

[AssKissinger]

Bring condoms. Unless you're hung like Shibuya Me, JPN rubbers are too small.

[AlbertSiegel]

Bring condoms. Unless you're hung like Shibuya Me, JPN rubbers are too small.

HA HA HA

Are you for real?!?!?

Are the condoms really smaller? The ones in the US fit just right... I'm hung like a Pongi! LOL... sorry... this is just a funny subject..

Thanks for the tip though.. Is there any way to get American condoms in Japan?

[AssKissinger]

I was in the inaka (countryside) during my nampa (girl hunting) days. There were no American condoms where I lived. You're gonna be in Tokyo? I don't know about in the big cities. But for sure, JPN condoms are smaller. A normal Trojan fits me fine but I found JPN condoms to be restrictive and uncomfortable. Bring 'em and use 'em. The girls here look very cute and innocent but a lot of STD's are getting assed (uh, I mean passed) around. Japan supposedly has super low HIV rates but I think the figures are skewed because they're so secretive.

[Taro Toporific]

There were no American condoms where I lived. You're gonna be in Tokyo? I don't know about in the big cities. But for sure, JPN condoms are smaller.

In Tokyo they are available but you have to look. As an Eagle Scout I must say: BE PREPARED.

Speaking of slip-ons, size 12.5 dress shoes are a pain-in-the-ass to find so BYO. If you have a choice, bring some kind of slip-ons (black) 'cause you're gonna be taking your shoes off in enter houses many times a day. Lace up shoes are hastle (but I notice most male FG like me wear 'em anyway, go figure).

Nike, sneakers are available to size 14 at the Sports Authority (four locations) and CostCo (two locations).

[Taro Toporific]

...Bring 'em and use 'em. The girls here look very cute and innocent but a lot of STD's are getting assed (uh, I mean passed) around. Japan supposedly has super low HIV rates but I think the figures are skewed because they're so secretive.

Japan gears up for potential AIDS explosion
Japan Times, August 19
Fearing a potential AIDS explosion, Japan will step up its monitoring of people
infected with the deadly disease by conducting a more thorough study into ...in 2002, the reported cases of chlamydia and gonorrhea rose by about 1.6 times from 1999 figures. Experts say this is evidence that people are not using condoms and have multiple sexual partners.

[jim katta]

the small condom thing isn't a joke. when I finally got comfortable enough in japan to feel like I might get some, I went to the local combini to buy some condoms. they looked small so I figured I try one on just to see if it could fit. I LITERALLY almost hurt myself trying to get one of those things on. I'm of okay size, but I'm not a porno star, those japan condoms are SMALL. just go to Condomania in harajuku. prices are high, but it's worth it to protect your little man.

[kamome]

I've suggested this before in other threads: get those Goku Atsu condoms. They feel like you're wrapping it in a Hefty trash bag, but they're larger and thicker (i.e., you last longer) than with normal Japanese brands.

[American Oyaji]

I remember the first time I was about to get laid in Japan.
The girl handed me a condom, and I couldn't wear it.

Then again, I've always had problems with the size of rubbers. Even in the U.S.

So, in Japan, unless I buy from the Base exchange. I didn't use them

I didn't worry much because everything I did was in Aomori, but I got lucky I didn't get anything as much shagging that I did.

[AssKissinger]

I didn't worry much because everything I did was in Aomori, but I got lucky I didn't get anything as much shagging that I did.

Hey, I lived in Aomori for three years. Maybe we shagged a couple of the same chicks...lol. You're black right? My first girlfriend kept no secret that she liked black guys and I know she went to the Misawa base looking for fun...

[American Oyaji]

Well, I lived in Misawa from 1992 to 1995 and Hachinohe from 1995 to 2000

[AssKissinger]

Well, I lived in Misawa from 1992 to 1995 and Hachinohe from 1995 to 2000

Hirosaki, 1998-2001

[AssKissinger]

Maybe the next generation of humpers and pumpers won't have to wrap it up at all http://www.yahoo.com/s/113924

[Caustic Saint]

Maybe the next generation of humpers and pumpers won't have to wrap it up at all http://www.yahoo.com/s/113924

Sure they will. There's no cure for herpes or syphilis yet. Never mind all the other little (curable) nasties out there. Just becuase you can cure a disease doesn't mean it's okay to get it.

As far as the AIDS vaccine goes, the article said they're testing it for side effects now. My problem with the next stage of tests is that they're going to have to inject the test subjects with the AIDS virus to make sure the vaccine works inside the human body. Who wants to be that person?!? "Sorry, Bob, it worked great in the petri dish, but not so great in your bloodstream."

[AssKissinger]

There's no cure for herpes or syphilis yet

Syphilis is a bacterial infection that can be cured with antibiotics. Even resistant strains can be cured with the right reatment. Herpes has no cure and neither does genital warts. Both are viral and nasty and all over the place. Also, the American Social Health Association admits that they're not even sure if condoms even help at all to prevent the spread of these diseases because they spread through any contact involving mucus membrane. So if the area around the penis touches the area arond the labia (and it will, even with a condom) the viruses can be spread. They can also be spread through oral contact. Moral of the story? Be careful where you stick that thing, boys.

However, common sense will tell you that wearing a condom is better than not wearing one and they do prevent AIDS (which we all know). I just want to emphasize that point so nobody will mistakenly think I'm saying there's no reason to wrap it up. By all means, wrap it up.

[Caustic Saint]

Okay, nice to know the info about syphilis. I've been wrapping it so long I didn't bother to keep track of what had been moved from the "incurable" to the "curable" column.

Yeah, warts and herpes would be a huge drag. Thankfully, I've not run into either of those.

[AssKissinger]

they're not even sure if condoms even help at all to prevent the spread of these diseases

I think I'll have to retract that statement (sorry).

I was reading on the American Social Heath Association website about herpes and came across this..

When there are no symptoms present, using latex condoms for genital-to-genital contact reduces the risk of transmission.