Because I haven't blogged for months...

Ok, because I haven't blogged for months I'm making up for it with 2 blogs! HAZZAH!

This one is about getting Japanese girls phone numbers.

Recently in the past 2 months I find myself filling my cell phone with names (all in kanji I can't read) and numbers! It is an amazing experience when a girl agrees to exchange phone numbers. In Japan we all have infrared sensors that allow us to send our phones information (name, number, email, blood type, star sign, fears, favorite baby names, favorite alloys, etc.) by just holding our phones together and clicking a button. This act of exchanging phone numbers by this infrared sensor is often referred to as "phone sex." Not to be confused with talking dirty on the phone, but perhaps because before exchanging information one person asks should I give you my information or receive it first. "give it" or "receive it"? This question always results in a giggle. Then the next awkward part happens. Why isn't the information being sent quickly? Which in the turns to both parties positioning their phones in the most strange positions trying to find where the sensors are located on the phone to create maximum signal strength. "Maybe I should flip it like this and then if you turn yours to the left and shake it a bit...AH! THERE WE GO!"

After this process is completed both parties walk away feeling a sense of accomplishment. AHA! I have just put a new name in my book! Score one for me!

For me this process has been taking place quite often. Why? I honestly don't know. Why would any girl really want my phone number? I often think that perhaps maybe during this season girls get very lonely and their self-esteem drops thus risking providing their number for anyone including a confused looking foreigner. Or perhaps it is during this season that I have really come into my own in this country. I mean, my japanese is much better than before, I have lowered my standards a lot, and I've realized that no Japanese person will refuse exchanging numbers if you ask. Perhaps it is a combination of all the above to create a perfect storm of phone number exchanges.

So no matter the cause or how phone numbers are exchanged what happens afterward? Generally there is a follow up email: "Hey! That party was fun. I can't believe you like EXILE!" or "Where did you learn all the words to the backstreet boys songs?" or "Did you make it home? I thought about driving you to the hospital, but you looked so happy in that ditch."

In which I think of the most clever responses to create any desperate heart to smile. But regardless of my own personal technique I believe it possible for anyone to come here and to have a successful cell phone exchange experience if they just follow a few basic rules:

1. Lower your standards. It doesn't matter who it is - having their name in your phone will fill up your contact list and make you feel like you have friends.
2. Pressure them into giving it to you. If they act reluctant just take their phone and do it yourself. They won't stop you.
3. Get them really drunk. That's when they're most vulnerable.
4. Use blackmail. Dig up dirt on them before you meet them. This will force them into a tough spot of risking their reputation or becoming your friend.
5. Bribery. "Why don't you come to America with me?!!!" You wouldn't believe how much that works. (note: don't actually take them to America. This is a sign of marriage proposal and could lead you into a forced marriage by your town)
6. Steal their phone. If you just steal their phone not only do you have their number, but a reason for a "second date". "Hey Naomi, I have your phone in my house let's meet at Cafe Gusto and I'll give it back to you." PERFECT!
7. Ask what cell phone provider they use. "We both use AU! Wow! What a coincidence! Let's exchange numbers!!" (Note: This is not really a coincidence as there are only 3 real cell phone providers in Japan)
8. Lastly, use ninja techniques. The original ninjas were not spies or assassins. No, the original ninja's were just lonely guys trying to get some girls number and willing to go to any extreme to get it. The emperor/shoguns/warlords of japan knew this and exploited the ninja's for their own personal gain promising an endless amount of girl contacts.


So their you have it. The cell phone exchange is one of the most important cultural experiences anyone can experience. I hope you can one day enjoy this as I have. GOOD LUCK!