Tokyo Alleycat
 

Hi,

I built this thread because I was generally looking for alleycat (in Tokyo) threads but I couldn't find them so...Mainly thought if you know or plan alleycat race in Tokyo, please post with information. Like, what kind of alleycat, location, fixed gear only or not,entry fie etc. If you can update, that'll be great.
And if you are plaining one, I rather happy to help you too.

tak

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PS I'm also looking for foreign piste bikers around Tokyo!
I live in Kugahara (southern Tokyo) so if you live close, let me know!

watashi-wah ahona bei kokujin

From your sig: Why would you use Gaijin (外人)? You really should use Gaikokujin (外国人). Gaijin is more derogatory.

I'm looking for a Japanese girlfriend.

Ah yes, the ultimate hipster accessory.

This isn't the same Tak that bought some bikes from me is it?

gaijin is an abbreviation for gaikokujin.
and i dont think 外人 gaijin is derogatory at all
its not like japanese -> jap
plus sometimes ppl use gaijin as adj
like gaijin bar/gaijin club/gaijin area (like roppongi)
so if i go "gaikokujin piste bikers" that doesnt sound familiar to me

im japanese so...im pretty sure.
but if you felt in that way. im sorry

>>I'm looking for a Japanese girlfriend.
They are so shy. unless they are like jap trash girl on shibuya centre st

Gaijin is derogatory, because of its origin. It use to refer to an enemy (spy). Yes, I do know it is an abbreviation, but I also know what it is generally used for.

Maybe those in Tokyo don't mean it that way. My friend from Tokyo didn't understand why I had a problem with it either, but my friend from the Fukuoka would never think of calling me Gaijin.

>> This isn't the same Tak that bought some bikes from me is it?
I dont think so...

btw is any alleycat arround tokyo? lol

hey tak remember when we were in setegaya-koen trading racial slurs with that dude who has the kirin tattoo?

i was always taught that gaijin was an impolite way to say gaikokujin


edit: but then again i was also taught in a public school.

Jap ; Japanese : 外人 ; 外国人

>>abe
yea i remember him. what about?

okay i dont want to have the discussion of whether gaijin is derogatory or not on this thread.
(go to 2ch or 4ch or watever)
if you can read japanese
http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%A4%96%E4%BA%BA
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaijin (eng) <- conclusion

i found out the debate is going for long time
but personally i dont give a **** even you guys call me "jap"
its a fact.

but i didnt want to insult you, i didnt mean in the way you guys think.
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about the alleycat. if theres no alleycat (i believe thats quit impossible)
i really want to organize one later. so whoever can help me or if i can help you to do so. please let me know!

Don't get upset about it. We are just bringing it up, making you aware. And waiting to see if anyone knows of some Tokyo Alleycats.

whatever, I don't find it offensive at all

kugahara is nice!!

+1

I use gaijin to refer to myself sometimes, and don't take offense if others use it to refer to me (usually).....but it definitely is less polite than 'gaikokujin' and sometimes people use it in a deliberately derogatory way. It depends on the situation. What irks me more the is quasi-polite "gaijin-san" as if it is some sort of occupation.


Alley-cats-----they usually make their way to the 'track bikes in Tokyo' thread. But cruise around the hipster shops (Carnival, etc) and you are bound to see flyers.

Visit Punch or Carnival and ask around. Carnival is probably your best bet though. Hal (Haru) seems to have his hands in the scene.

gaijin-san??? WTF??

yeah. "gaijin-san" happens a lot when someone is talking about foreigners to someone else --people usually seem to mean it politely. like: "a lot of gaijin-san come to our store, they are good customers" etc.

for some reason I don't hear "gaijkokujin-san" very often. seems like people bump up to the more polite "gaikoku no kata"

After being called a gaijin-san once I got snarky and pointed out that being foriegn wasn't really a profession (though that is very definitely open to arguement!) and the flustered shop staff asked what was better and I went for "gaikoku no kata" Hmm....anyway, sorry for the digression.

Is it just me or is it usually older people who use this `gaijin-san' form?

(digression continues)

you should read will furgeson's book about hitchhiking in japan (hokkaido highway blues), its kind of cheesy at points but he gives a really awesome explanation of the concept of "gaijin-san"

I've noticed it more from younger people trying to be polite in retail situations, but hey, I'm a consumer.

I haven't read Ferguson's book, but I do like hitchhiking here! Do you remember the gist off hand?

ps--to further digress, anyone riding around tomorrow should swing by Yasukuni. It is a madhouse on the 15th and worth seeing, if only for the spectacle/been-there seen-that factor.

hopefully Abe won't go down---last year when Koizumi did the tons of TV helicopters woke me up at 5:30 AM (I live nearby).