Discretion Is The Better Part of Valor

Going to be Stationed In Japan?

August 25th, 2008

I enjoy reading FEWL.NET because the writer has a unique way of expressing himself, he is in the Navy and also he is stationed on a ship in Japan, my twidget nuke Son is on the USS George Washington and on his way to Japan. Well, the Author just wrote an article that should be mandatory reading for every member of the any crew headed for the Yokosuka waterfront. The following are a couple of excerpts from “What USS George Washington Should Know About Japan“;

I can see how this law might make sense,

Don’t ride with someone who is drunk - Under Japanese law, you will be found just as guilty for letting the person drive, whether you’re sober or not. Also, just having one beer and getting behind the wheel can land you in jail for a Driving While Drinking Indicated (DWDI). The base conducts surprise breathalyzers all the time, so driving drunk here is definitely Russian roulette with your career.

Avoid any ugliness. You know when your not comfortable in a place or circumstance, remember, discretion is the better part of valor. Use the good sense you were born with!

Expect racism - Japan is a homogeneous society, so there is of course some racism. If you try going into a bar, club, or other establishment, and someone puts their arms up in an “X” or says Japanese only, bow slightly and leave the place. Get over it, it happens to all of us at some point or another.

The more you know about a culture the more you’ll enjoy the experience.