The people here are teeny. Not like dwarves or anything, but they are very petite for the most part. My husband and I wonder at how they maintain their size, since we often see them wolfing down fresh doughnuts and pastries when we go to the market, and there is a proliferation of sweets and sugary sodas available at the many convenience stores and the 8 billion vending machines on every corner. Most of which do not offer diet soda, I might add.
But I had heard that Asians were smaller than us European or American-bred women, so grabbing the large size off the rack wasn’t such a shock. I need the large to fit my linebacker shoulders (I’m actually not that largely built myself, but compared to these ladies I could be a member of the Chicago Bears starting lineup). Unfortunately, things that fit my shoulder area well tend to be too roomy elsewhere, so it looks like I will keep clothes buying to a minimum during our stay here. Clothes buying I can live without.
Shoes, on the other hand…or foot…
These people also have small feet. Cute footwear, for the most part, but really small feet.
I wear the biggest size in the store, and it is still a bit snug. Of course, I have total pregnancy feet right now, which will hopefully deflate once baby is here. If not…
I will just have to find the big lady’s shoe shop. I can live without a fresh influx of sweater fashion, but new shoes are a must for mental health boosts!
Of course, there’s always handbags…
I am actually not a fan of Japanese shoes…I am 25.5cm so usually can not buy at a normal shoe shop in Japan anyway but I am not a high heels kind of girl and it is quite hard to fine nice shoes that don`t have a heel.
Clothes on the other hand- I love Japanese clothes BUT they just do not fit me. The tops don`t fit because my arms are too long, my boobs too big and my torso too long… and pants well they are usually too short and my arse is just too big for them. I figure no matter how skinny I got I would never have the body shape to fit into them anyway…
There are a couple of shops however that have good shopping for foreigners- Zara, Gap, UniQlo are probably the main couple.
Have fun handbag shopping!!!
Hi there,
Just discovered your blog tonight and thought I’ll drop few lines.
I’ve been living in Boston MA for 3 years but prior that move I lived in Japan for 10 years and delivered 2 sons at the Aiku Hospital in Minato-ku. Where are you going ?
At the time I was there, there was an other hospital more popular among Americans but I forgot its name.
And since it looks like we’re heading back to Japan next summer I’ll make sure to visit your blog often. You’re welcome to use my pers address as well.
Does Akachan-hon-po still exist ? I remember buying some cute stuff but lots of ugly maternity clothes there as well.
UniQlo has been my favorite from day 1. It has a baby-kids line (or at least use to) and my 3rd boy (born in CT during a short stay) got to wear some of his brothers’ stuff.
Anyway.
Get plenty of sleep now and be ready for this unbelievably rich adventure.
A