More than a 100 [Japanese] expatriates a year are sinking into a state called "the Paris syndrome" which is characterised by feelings of persecution or suicidal tendencies, according to the mental health facilities of city hospitals.

Part of their clinical depression stems from having to reconcile their romanticism about Paris with reality, psychiatrists said.

After a relatively short period of only three months or so, Japanese immigrants expecting to find a haven of civilisation and elegance instead discover a tougher existence with many problems dealing with the French.

Then there is this sensitive French commiseration:

"They are, in general, young ladies who have been spoiled and protected. Ill-prepared for Western freedom, they often go off the rails," the head of the French association Young Japan, Bernard Delage, said.

M. Delage feels your pain, ladies.

* It's about time I should be leaving

My God, where do you find these stories? ;-)

You'll have to admit that many Japanese have a warped sense of reality even at home... suicide over failed exams or poor work performance is not uncommon... oh, and I know a few Japanese living in Paris, they're doing very well and have no plans of throwing themselves from the brand new Millau viaduct...

Zoomerx, too, feels their pain.

I think the sight of Paris' sidewalks as compared to those of Tokyo would be enough to send any Japanese citizen into shock.

Compare the crime rate in the US to Japan's, on that same analogy.

Zoomerx,
Lame comparison as one could say that about practically ANY other country when it comes to crime rates in Japan. Not just America. Or France.

Besides, the discussion is the psychological impact of France on Japanese visitors. Stay on topiic.

Damian,
Did you ever hear of the Japanese TV show where the host (a Japanese man) wold take popular "Japan-glish" phrases and then come to America and use them? It was funny, and interesting, from the clip I saw. As when he used some pharase called "A Sunday Morning". He would ask Americans what that meants. One couple took him to their church for services, other people treated him to brunch. But apparently the phrase, in Japan, ment none of those thngs. My favorite Japan-glish was the toilet paper brand called, in English, "My Fanny."

How more direct can one get in one's marketing?

Besides, the discussion is the psychological impact of France on Japanese visitors. Stay on topiic.

You're right. This is such an insightful and objective "topic".

Very interesting. For what this situation reveals about how the French treat any one differnt from themselves. And for the image of France held by the Japanese. A vision tha did not match reality.

For some , not all.