A hot subject of argument amongst the sexually prolific bilinguals in Japan is whether you should approach Japanese girls in English or Japanese.
I've attempted it in both languages extensively. For me, it has constantly been much better to approach Japanese women in English. Bear in mind, I am not a typical foreigner so your situation could require a modification of strategy. My reasoning is as follows.
Standing Out and Avoiding Cultural Obstacles
By appearance alone, I am not much different from the average Japanese man. If I begin to speak in Japanese as well, the chances that I will be lumped together with all the other Japanese men in this country will be even higher. This is not a good thing as most Japanese men who approach women they don't know do a horrible job of it.
If I holler at a woman by simply stating "hello", it right away reveals that I am not native Japanese. This gives me a pass on all the mandatory social expectations in Japanese culture and any negative impressions of Japanese wannabe playboys she may have.
Also, when she anticipates seeing a white dude but sees my asian mug instead, it can also be an interesting surprising. If I ran into a white female who spoke flawless Japanese, I would be equally surprised. I'd certainly remember her the next day, even after a couple of rum and cokes.
Quick Sorting and Reliable Reactions
Whether a Japanese girl is interested in me or not, utilizing English offers me excellent feed back that will inform me of where I stand. This is due to the fact that approaching in English is far more polarizing than doing so in Japanese. Her feedback to your opening will have more clear indications of whether she is interested or not. It also makes her to put effort into the interaction, which is never a bad thing. On the occasions where the conversation strikes a lull due to her absence of English capability, I can switch to Japanese and keep it going.
It's Just Easier
My Japanese is pretty damn good. But even as good as it is, it's not my first language. It still takes a non-trivial amount of mental effort to converse in Japanese, even when sexy times with a beautiful Japanese girl is on the line. I believe in making things easy on yourself, and that's why I always approach in English.
Furthermore, even though the level of English penetration in Tokyo, the most international of all cities in Japan, is pretty bad, your average girl on the street will understand basic English greetings. My advice is to just use the first English greeting that comes to mind and let the chips fall where they may.
Conclusion
In terms of time and effort, using English to approach Japanese girls just cannot be beat even if it's only for the initial "hi". Never feel like you "have to" talk to Japanese girls in Japanese.
I've attempted it in both languages extensively. For me, it has constantly been much better to approach Japanese women in English. Bear in mind, I am not a typical foreigner so your situation could require a modification of strategy. My reasoning is as follows.
Standing Out and Avoiding Cultural Obstacles
By appearance alone, I am not much different from the average Japanese man. If I begin to speak in Japanese as well, the chances that I will be lumped together with all the other Japanese men in this country will be even higher. This is not a good thing as most Japanese men who approach women they don't know do a horrible job of it.
If I holler at a woman by simply stating "hello", it right away reveals that I am not native Japanese. This gives me a pass on all the mandatory social expectations in Japanese culture and any negative impressions of Japanese wannabe playboys she may have.
Also, when she anticipates seeing a white dude but sees my asian mug instead, it can also be an interesting surprising. If I ran into a white female who spoke flawless Japanese, I would be equally surprised. I'd certainly remember her the next day, even after a couple of rum and cokes.
Quick Sorting and Reliable Reactions
Whether a Japanese girl is interested in me or not, utilizing English offers me excellent feed back that will inform me of where I stand. This is due to the fact that approaching in English is far more polarizing than doing so in Japanese. Her feedback to your opening will have more clear indications of whether she is interested or not. It also makes her to put effort into the interaction, which is never a bad thing. On the occasions where the conversation strikes a lull due to her absence of English capability, I can switch to Japanese and keep it going.
It's Just Easier
My Japanese is pretty damn good. But even as good as it is, it's not my first language. It still takes a non-trivial amount of mental effort to converse in Japanese, even when sexy times with a beautiful Japanese girl is on the line. I believe in making things easy on yourself, and that's why I always approach in English.
Furthermore, even though the level of English penetration in Tokyo, the most international of all cities in Japan, is pretty bad, your average girl on the street will understand basic English greetings. My advice is to just use the first English greeting that comes to mind and let the chips fall where they may.
Conclusion
In terms of time and effort, using English to approach Japanese girls just cannot be beat even if it's only for the initial "hi". Never feel like you "have to" talk to Japanese girls in Japanese.
About the Author:
Girls in Tokyo can be tricky. They certainly were to me, and I'm Japanese-American. Fortunately, I figured out how to lead a life of romantic abundance in the land of the rising sun. Learn everything I wish I'd known back when I was a college graduate on my blog about getting girls in Tokyo.
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