Kyushu-Bound FG

[Molokidan]

Well, hello again! Today, I found out where I'll be staying for a year as I go to Japan as a exchange student...Kyushu! Well, it's not central japan, or anywhere near Tokyo, but hell, it's Japan, so I'm psyched! I'll be in Oita-Ken, in the town of Hita. Anyone know any good tidbits about the area? I'm doing tons of research to find out any interesting places around the region.

[cstaylor]

Yes, there's a Japanese saying, "The real men of Japan are from Kyuushu".

You might be a little young yet, but the best Shochu from Japan comes from Kyuushu.

[Watcher]

[kamome]

All I know about Kyushu is that the people there are, in general, nicer than average and that the ramen and shochu are some of the best in Japan. Try Hakata Ramen if possible, and as cstaylor said, the shochu.

[Adhesive]

There is a cool race-track near you that my brother-in-law's team races at, if you're into that sort of thing.

Kyushuu is cool, great food generally, and like was mentioned above, the people seem friendlier.

[Molokidan]

Thanks for all the comments, guys, (Definitely gonna check out that racetrack!) I'm reviving because I got a little bit of new information.

I'm in Oita prefecture, but the actual district I'm in is Yabakei town. Anyone familiar? It's a bit north of Hita, where my actual high school is. I'm also stationed with a family that has two kids, a boy and girl that are both in the upper years of high school, right around my age! I'm so excited, just about three more weeks. Any last tips before I zip up my suitcase and prepare to be a full-fledged FG?

[GomiGirl]

Yes, there's a Japanese saying, "The real men of Japan are from Kyuushu".

You might be a little young yet, but the best Shochu from Japan comes from Kyuushu.

The shochu is sensational!!

On the men thing, I have heard that Kyushu is famous for breeding chauvanists.. For example, when you see a couple on the train and when a seat becomes vacant the boyfriend sits down leaving the girlfriend to stand up holding the shopping bags - the comment I have heard a few times is that the guy is probably from Kyushu..

But then in Japan for so long, I have seen some pretty poor male behaviour - usually salary men - towards women. No-one helps young mothers with baby carriages up stairs at the train stations and young boys will never give up their seats for the elderly or physically challenged. However, I am pleased that most of the foreign guys retain their good manners.