Comments on: Gym Membership

By: karen

karen — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:02:58 +0000

I suppose I did know that tattoos were related to gangs. And it’s probably much simpler to say “No Tattoos” than “No Gangsters”.

By: steve

steve — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:43:50 +0000

My understanding – which is based largely on Beat Takeshi movies, so I could be wrong – is that there’s an assumed association between “showing tattoos in public” and “being a member of the Yakuza”, so the no tattoos rule is probably designed as an anti-gang measure.

By: karen

karen — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:35:31 +0000

Just because Ohata-san thinks I would look cute in a pink bathing cap complete with flowers doesn’t mean that I will actually buy one!

By: Alan in Belfast

Alan in Belfast — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:30:54 +0000

Sounds like a private club that needs a membership exam. You’ve been given the “Highway Code” but now need lessons in order to pass the “Driving Test”.

Do keep us up to date on the next chapter of this adventure – we’ll be expecting a “cute” photo as evidence!

By: karen

karen — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:18:33 +0000

Hails, I think I will keep my clothes on – at least in the areas where other people are dressed There are rules about taking off your swim wear before going to the shower area.

Jessica, I don’t feel very brave. I hope that forcing myself to go with someone else will at least make me pretend that I am.

By: Jessica Marie

Jessica Marie — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:36:25 +0000

This made me laugh. You are a brave woman, Karen.

By: Hails

Hails — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:51:22 +0000

I used to go swimming in Estonia, where they also had the various confusing lanes and rules about overtaking, although I didn’t bother to translate most of them. Japan really takes it to a whole new level! I love the laundry one. And I suggest you go to an aerobics class dressed in biking leathers or a clown suit. Or just naked. There’s no rule against it…