stolen stuff

[Confound]

It has come to this... I need some advice from those living in Japan on how to deal with getting your stolen stuff back in the dojo.

My bogu bag was been stolen, and my bokutou. I don't give a damn about thebogu bag, but the bokutou was my sensei's. He gave it to me when he moved, it was his first bokutou, he used it to pass his sho-dan exam. it's the oldest, rattiest looking bokutou you've ever seen, but it has nice balance, and it isn't heavy like some poorly made bokutou.

at any rate, it was taken. not only was it stolen, it was stolen from the women's locker room, and i found it in a rack, with someone else's name on it. a guy's name in fact.

how do i go about getting it back? I've explained in no uncertain terms that my bokutou has been misappropriated, everyone knows it isn't where it is supposed to be, but noone is volunteering to give it back to me.

itook it up the ass over the bogu bag, because it's replaceable, but the bokutou is a totally different matter!

c

[cklin]

Just steal it back!

And then buy a new one and use the new one when you go to keiko.

[kendokamax]

ya just steal it back, it's yours!

You said before that you were bigger than all of these small japanese. shouldn't be a problem lol

But seriously I never though of someone stealing kendo stuff.
Maybe because not as many people practices kendo and that we all know each others (all over the country).

Sucks! I hope you get your stuff back

[KENSHIN]

Originally posted by Confound
It has come to this... I need some advice from those living in Japan on how to deal with getting your stolen stuff back in the dojo.


If you know who it is, then technically it should be easier to get back...so you say he is a some kid, well then i think that there are three options you have, the first is go and talk to him see if you can convince him to give it back, this should embaress him of the thought that he is one of your pupils and that he had stolen from his teacher, in which if he is a keen kendokan then he will not want to jeapordise his kendo training as you will inevitably give him a hard time from training from which he can not do anything about.

secondly, you can then go to his parents house, and explain the situation to them, i am sure they would believe you because being his parents they should know what their son owns, and of course if they can't remember buying him that then it is a dead give away, i mean they should know what he owns in terms of kendo equipment because parents like to know how much their child is investing into this sport because it is an expensive sport and therefore keep an eye on what he buys.

third option would be, and if it is that important to you, to get your old sensai to come and identify it in front of the sensai of that dojo, surely he would be regarded as a reliable source of evidence to your current sensai. furthermore, if it is an old bokutou then the incription of his name should be quite fresh, in which you can argue that if he had decided to put his name on his bokutou for the purpose of identifying it as his, then he would have done so from the outset of when he bought it, so then why are there fresh markings on the bokutou...i am sure if your sensai is logical enough he will be able to see through this.

i don't recommend stealing it from him, as you say his name is now inscribed onto it, therefore it will be hard for you to disprove that it is not his, making it easier for him to get you into even more sh.it.

Anyhoo, i don't want to sound too bad to you, but for some reason i just find it quite hard to believe that someone would steal it...it just sounds to strange and too stupid for someone to do it from the same dojo because if i had found out who had stolen something of mine i would not be merciful.

I guess this situation will inevitably go into your black book of the hatred you feel for japan, what a shame i guess.

[Hyaku]

You certainly work for some wierd schools. If something of mine went missing at some of the places I work at, all hell would break loose

Normaly thefts of this type are reported at the early morning staff meeting. Then the staff will search all the lockers. Failing this the whole class will do it.

If an item is found someone will be in the guidance councellors room pretty quick. As already mentioned get the Sensei to identify it. These things do happen so its important to deal with the culprit as an example.

Hyaku

[Kendoka]

Tell the class, making sure that the culprit hears you, that you intend to call the police unless you get it back by next week, giving him time to retrieve it from the rack and to remove his name.

Richard

[inner_cent]

Confound, no offence intended, but, really curious here.

How come you always getting yourself stucked into situation like this ? So far I had no problem with something like this when I was in Jaapan ( or anyone else that I know of were in japan ), but you seems getting alot of weird things happened around you.

[KhawMengLee]

Hmnnn...bad luck or not...I would go for the Sensei thing. Even if you confront him it would be good. There are so many questions you could ask to trap him, "where did you get it? which shop? etc"

Stealing Public property is one thing (eg. Tanuki) but private is a no no.

Meng

[Kuri]

Confound, you seem to be a magnet for trouble. Based on what you have already said about your situation, even if you can prove it's yours, you have no chance in hell of ever getting it back.

You really need to examine why you even still train there.

Good luck �i‚ª‚ñ‚΂ê�j

[Confound]

Originally posted by inner_cent
Confound, no offence intended, but, really curious here.

How come you always getting yourself stucked into situation like this ? So far I had no problem with something like this when I was in Jaapan ( or anyone else that I know of were in japan ), but you seems getting alot of weird things happened around you.

i have no idea why these things happen to me. I'm one of those people who plan for all contingencies, so when something happens to me, it's incredibly weird.

You also have to consider where all these weird things were happening (and are still happening): In a school where no one wants a foreigner, and there are many many children whose parents are either IN the yakuza or indirectly involved. So i was teaching, and am still studying kendou, in an area with extremely traditional views, both toward foreigners and toward women. The school in general is pretty crappy. Students hit, punched and slapped me *in* class, while the teacher was there, watching. Not to mention the time a kid menaced me with a knife. These things were all 'acceptable'. Needless to say, I requested a transfer.

I'm working at another school now, but i'm still returning for a night kendou class at that school. The sensei is a nice old man, but he hasn't even bothered to learn my name, even after a year. he gave me my ikkyu certificate, but it had no name on it. a fully official document, but my name wasn't there because he told me he doesn't know it. well, he didn't tell me, a mother of one of my students to whom he gave it (so she wold give it to me, so he wouldn't have to talk to me), told me that.

it's odd really. because when we're in bogu, he treats me like everyone else, but the rest of the time i'm some kind of weird monstrosity he'd rather not speak with.

perhaps that explains why these things happen to me... I suspect that the new school will be better, however, the old budokan is going to get worse, because the students I used to get along best with will be leaving ths school soon. leaving only the ones who like to steal my stuff. At least I know my bogu is too big for them, they would have no reason to steal that.

c

[KhawMengLee]

Hmmnnn...when all else fails, take the law into your own hands and get yer bokuto back.

Meng

[Hyaku]

I have had a number of things stolen. After one day one bike dissapeared which I got back.

I did also lose a nice mountain bike.

This time last year someone was trying my cars doors at 3:30 in the morning. Now I have sensor light all around.

Underwear thieves are rife. Cuaght one red handed removing stuff from a line.

Sexual molestation is also abound. Its really no different here to anywhere else apart from the fact that these things never seem to actualy get printed in the newspaper

Hyaku

[Confound]

Originally posted by Hyaku
Its really no different here to anywhere else apart from the fact that these things never seem to actualy get printed in the newspaper

Hyaku

Thank you, Hyaku. I am often flamed for telling the truth about my life here. Do check out the 'budokan abuse' thread that was recently revived from the dead by a passing troll. I admit, I fed him. Bad. Someone slap my wrist.

At any rate, like any other place beyond our own neighbourhood, we often don't see Japan as it really is. Then again, we don't see Bolivia, or any other country in the world as it really is through the tv screen or on printed pages. The 'holiday inn' syndrome doesn't help either.

see? I'm not lying. These things happen. This is not the happy land of the harmless cuddly Pikachu, it's just like any other place. There are good and bad people here. I'd even go as far as to suggest that the good people here are more open in expressing their willingness to help.

Total strangers, who have later turned out to be the mothers or elder sisters of my students, have offered me drives when i was waiting or walking in torrential rains. A kendou sensei gave me his very own bokutou, his first one, because he knew I was too sick at the time to go get one before practice. I've had a decent time here all told, it's just that these nasty incidents almost seem to seek me out. You learn to grow a tough skin over time, not that I didn't have one to begin with, but the constant staring and nasty comments from my former work colleagues and students tend to wear thin after a while. (It was an area apparently popular with the yakuza, hardly foreigner friendly...)

enough public confessions for today.

c

[KENSHIN]

Originally posted by Confound


see? I'm not lying. These things happen. This is not the happy land of the harmless cuddly Pikachu, it's just like any other place. There are good and bad people here. I'd even go as far as to suggest that the good people here are more open in expressing their willingness to help.

c

I think most people know that, but i have to say that some times the negativity that you express can at some times be quite harmful, I say this because I can imagine that there are quite a few Japanese people on this forum, and speaking on their behalf it's not nice to keep hearing about your country in such a hateful way. I mean afterall it happens all over the world, it is actually very discoruaging for some who may take what you say about Japan and have second thoughts about going there, just because of things that are happening to ya.

[KhawMengLee]

Underwear thieves are rife. Cuaght one red handed removing stuff from a line.

Arrghh! I hate those perverts! We got them in Malaysia as well. My friend's housemate (a girl) was complaining about her undies going missing and we both spotted the next door nieghbour's kid taking them one afternoon. So my mate and I waited next day and he actually popped up on cue! He took two panties then noticed us standing at the back door.

It was pretty funny cause he actually slowly put them back and ran back in. He was a teenager so it was kinda fun because he was really freaked we'd tell his parents. Every time we see his dad or mom, we'd like "G'day!", and strike up a conversation. I can still see him shitting himself peeking nervously from his window.


By Confound

see? I'm not lying. These things happen. This is not the happy land of the harmless cuddly Pikachu, it's just like any other place. There are good and bad people here. I'd even go as far as to suggest that the good people here are more open in expressing their willingness to help.

I agree. When I was there some people, (after finding out I wasn't japanese) said, "Oh, you are chinese! You eat dog!"

"I was like, nah, man! I'm Hokkien, you are thinking about the Hakkas."

Then they were like, "Hok..kki..en??!!??"

Heh, that stumped them.
Menh

[Confound]

Originally posted by KENSHIN


I think most people know that, but i have to say that some times the negativity that you express can at some times be quite harmful, I say this because I can imagine that there are quite a few Japanese people on this forum, and speaking on their behalf it's not nice to keep hearing about your country in such a hateful way.

I wouldn't say it's hateful, I'd just say it's a forceful reality check. I tend to speak and write in definitive terms, I don't water down what I experience. It comes out exactly as it was. Pulling punches isn't my style.

c

[damocles]

speaking of reality checks... I find that reading the Japanese news helps keep my head from swelling with romantic notions about the country. (though the coverage is more neutral than some western papers I've read...)

http://mdn.mainichi.co.jp/

Though I have yet to see the AJKC in there...

[KENSHIN]

Originally posted by Confound


I wouldn't say it's hateful, I'd just say it's a forceful reality check. I tend to speak and write in definitive terms, I don't water down what I experience. It comes out exactly as it was. Pulling punches isn't my style.

c

Don't get me wrong because i really do feel for what has happened to ya, especially the whole situation about your eyes. however, i guess my point is that sometimes this type of information is unnecessary, and sometimes the way you address some issues, in which there have been some cases where you have made some crude generalisations, therefore these types of generalisations can be hurtfull to some on this forum.

[olaf]

damocles: have you read the "Wai Wai" section of the Mainichi news web site? It's unbelievably funny, yet mildly disturbing.

[inner_cent]

Confound,

Seriously, No country are perfect. Like you said, you are somehow in a very bad location. But however, you will need to understand something here. You are in their country, so you just get used to their culture, and not changing the culture to fit you. Maybe some of the things, you need to understand abit more of their culture before passing too much of these judgement.
Please note, I'm not saying that what they did is right/wrong, but if you understand the culture background, it will make your life alot more easier....

Just my 1 penny thoughts....

[Confound]

DUH. But it certainly makes for a good laugh when y ou hear the awful stories, now doesn't it? I laugh a good deal about the things that happen to me, you should too. It's the only way to deal with them really. I'm beginning to suspect that there isn't really anyone else around here with my harsh and nasty brand of humour. You're all so PC. Yuck.

c

[ben]

Way-hay, that's the Confound of old. My ISP's been down for a WEEK and I come back, there's all these new threads, stuff flying around...

Weirdest thing is how all the new folders now have animated flames leaping from them. Made me wonder what I was in for...

b

[Confound]

Originally posted by ben
Way-hay, that's the Confound of old. My ISP's been down for a WEEK and I come back, there's all these new threads, stuff flying around...

b

Old? Funny how time gets warped over the internet.

Anyway, i'm as vicious as ever. Someone needs to put the nasty pin of reality into some of these bloated threads. I'm so self-aggrandizing. *snicker*

c

[Hyaku]

Originally posted by KENSHIN

I think most people know that, but i have to say that some times the negativity that you express can at some times be quite harmful, I say this because I can imagine that there are quite a few Japanese people on this forum, and speaking on their behalf it's not nice to keep hearing about your country in such a hateful way.
.............

I rant a lot too. But the reason is I really like Japan. As a resident I would really like to see some simple things improve. But one seems to be blocked in every way by a bovine mentality. The lack of actual action is extremley frustrating.

Be assured I would soon say something if I felt some thing was said that was offensive to Japanese. My family "are" Japanese.

I can quote one theft incident that comes to mind. One sports teacher at a school I know was caught stealing money from the students changing rooms. When interviewed it seems he had taken what amounts to a hundred thousand yen over the years. It was all quietly covered up. The story went around that he had been admitted to hospital with an illness. He now runs a very profitable sports shop!

So I doubt it if Confound will be able to make a crack in the system.

I think what shocks me most is the fact that these things do not get publicised and are carefully hidden leaving one with a very superficial view of the country. A bit too neutral for my liking. Unless the public are made aware of these things no one will do anything and nothing will improve.

There is another side to Japan that Westerners should be aware of. And the only place you will see it sometimes is in forums like this and others when Foreigners living in Japan interact.

I really dont think Confound is in a particularly bad place. A few recent problems I have had to put up with is a neighbour using my garden for his dogs toilet because he's too damn lazy to walk it.

Recently they have built a public walthrough in the historical area I live in and men have also taken to relieving themselves in my garden. Not very nice for my wife looking out of the window.

Also some one who runs a electrical scrap business is burning about half a ton aof plastic at 3 am in the morning or weekends As the city hall is closed no one can phone the office and complain.

None of this has nothing to do with being in other peoples cultures. Its having a general respect and personal feelings for other human beings that's missing.

My wife (born here) read the threads and says she is not offended in the least. She says we are all human beings and people should drop this culture/custom rubbish.

I think a lot of foreigners can also live here and live totally outside the Japanese environment occasionaly venturing out for some sort of cultural foray. Then return to their own country after a few years.

People should also understand what job Confound does. Her job is to try and teach a bit of English and relate to people what its like in her and her country. Generally you receive respect here based on the fact that you are from another country. If you try to be too Japanese they think youre strange.

Therefore it is essential to be yourself

She seems to be in a strange situation where they want her to be more Japanese.

Its generally what we would call an Inakapei mentality.

Hyaku

[olaf]

Forgive me, fellas, but why is it that all of a sudden all of the forum threads have turned into rambling about the vicissitudes of living in Japan, as experienced by Confound?

[Confound]

Originally posted by olaf
Forgive me, fellas, but why is it that all of a sudden all of the forum threads have turned into rambling about the vicissitudes of living in Japan, as experienced by Confound?

Must be my magnetic personality.

On a more serious note, it has become that way because people like to attack me over my experiences, and put themselves on the 'high moral ground'. You see, when you call me a bigot, or an arse, you make yourself look moral, decent and culturally enlightened.

Take Ares(abunch of numbers). He enjoys trolling me and calling me a cultural nazi. He didn't read my posts thoroughly, he didn't even read the responses to them. He hopes to gain instant recogniztion for being culturally enlightened after his attempts to make me look like a brutish moron; however, i doubt that will happen.

my apologies, Olaf. It really isn't my doing.

c

[Confound]

Originally posted by Hyaku
Originally posted by KENSHIN

I rant a lot too. But the reason is I really like Japan. As a resident I would really like to see some simple things improve. But one seems to be blocked in every way by a bovine mentality. The lack of actual action is extremley frustrating.

She seems to be in a strange situation where they want her to be more Japanese.

Its generally what we would call an Inakapei mentality.

Hyaku

Again, Hyaku, thanks for the timely post. You're right on all counts as usual.

The inakapei mentality was very strong in the school where I used to work.

One thing I would like t raise, however, is the 'general consideration for other human beings'. There is that feeling, but only in ritualized, predictable interactions. Many Japanese people have 'moral education' in school, and it teaches them what to do in various situations. This provides knowledge of good behaviour for only certain times. I've seen the textbook, and I've been in some of the situations it describes, and everyone behaved just like the textbook. scary.

many japanese people have wonderful manners, but they don't THINK about how their actions affect others. That's why the driving habits in this country are very bad, because many people don't LOOK, and they don't THINK. Driving is just one example. The theft of my bokutou is another. Maybe the kiud didn't intend to steal it. he just meant to borrow it. but after i didn't show up for a week (while getting used to the new school), he wrote his name on it without thinking. (i am being generous here.)

such is the bovine mentality of Japan. Change, when it occurs at all, is infinitesimally slow. it's almost depressing...

c

[JSchmidt]

"On a more serious note, it has become that way because people like to attack me over my experiences, and put themselves on the 'high moral ground'."

Nonsense. It's got more to do with the fact that in your first 20 or so posts, pretty much every single one of them, had a negative reference to Japan.
Yeah, I like Japan, No, I haven't lived there, only been a tourist, yes, I realise everything is not as rosy as it appears to be, but..hello!..that's the case for pretty much every single country. Or is Canada some kind of Utopia?.
You say you stay because of the money..Good!..then accept the money and STFU...or request for a seperate forum called 'whatidontlikeaboutjapan' and post the gripes in there.
Reality checks are cool, constant griping isn't.

Jakob

[Ares2907]

Originally posted by Confound


[snippage]
Take Ares(abunch of numbers). He enjoys trolling me and calling me a cultural nazi. He didn't read my posts thoroughly, he didn't even read the responses to them. He hopes to gain instant recogniztion for being culturally enlightened after his attempts to make me look like a brutish moron; however, i doubt that will happen.

c

Again with the generalisations and assumptions. I enjoyed trolling you - once - and only because you were asking for it. I read your stuff and the responses. My comments were based on the broad generalisations and potentially incorrect assumptions you appeared to be making at the time.
AFAIC, you are clueless as to what I was or was not trying to achieve. I never called you a nazi of any kind, just commented on your ignorance. You are doing a great job of making yourself look like a brutish moron without any assistance from me. Any recognition I get will come from posts other than poking fun at you.
Don't get me wrong, I hold no malice toward you of any kind. Actually the board is more lively for having you around. I just get a kick out of some of the stuff you put out there. Way out there.
I do empathise with events that have befallen you. You seem to be genuinely trying hard, I just thought you were quick to make a grab for the jaded, wounded femme fatale role.
*shrug*
guess that's your bag, baby.
Ares2907