Top image: Stephanie Lee / RICE File Photo
It’s that special time of year when it feels like all of Singapore has collectively decided to vacation in Japan.
There’s just something about Japan that’s so attractive to the Singaporean holidayer. Maybe it’s the weak Yen against the Singapore Dollar or the crispy, yummy fruit. Sometimes, it even means Singaporeans end up bumping into each other in Tokyo, 5,000km from home.
And while it’s nice to meet fellow Singaporeans overseas, sometimes we remember that we left the country for a good reason. A holiday getaway might suddenly feel much closer to home when we hear Singlish pealing down the corridors of our super-authentic, super-indie Airbnb.
How do Singaporeans feel about meeting compatriots overseas? And if we aren’t keen on seeing other Singaporeans, where should we go to minimise exposure?
“I feel like I just can’t escape from my own country [if I bump into Singaporeans in Japan]. Inherently, that’s not a bad thing. It’s just that I took a holiday to feel immersed in a completely different environment, you know? The most identifiable thing is always the accent. It stands out wherever I go. I’d say avoid the Big 3—Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka—because that’s generally where Singaporeans love going.
The countryside is always a good bet, or cities that you don’t hear much about. Just because there aren’t glamorous social media videos featuring the place, it doesn’t mean it’s a less fun experience than the usual spots. Places like Ehime, Beppu, Wakayama…
I could list them all down, but then again, I’m afraid to turn another place into a tourist attraction for Singaporeans.”
— Lily, 31
“At first I think: Oh my God, a Singaporean! Then I think: Oh my God, a Singaporean…
Then I tuck my head down and walk fast fast.”
– Glenda, 22
“In my upcoming vacation to Japan, I think I’ll see a lot of Singaporeans. But it’s okay lah. If it’s a good place to vacation, then everyone will know about it and go. But Singaporeans are very recognisable—other than the accent, I’ve seen people using NTUC Fairprice plastic bags to hold their umbrellas. Then I know they’re Singaporean.”
– Fei, 51
“It was actually quite comforting to hear Singaporeans around me as I was travelling alone, and I was harassed by Japanese men multiple times during my trip—I knew that the Singaporeans would help me if I needed it.
I think people should be a bit less judgemental of other Singaporeans when abroad. Of course, if they’re doing things that make us look like horrible tourists, I can understand the aversion and will often kindly remind them not to do whatever it is they’re doing. But everyone is generally just trying to have a good time. Is it ever that serious?”
– Rachel, 25
“Singaporeans are a bit annoying to meet… If I hear another Singaporean, I make sure to talk softer because the accent is so distinctive. I’m going to Shizuoka in December—I don’t think there’ll be a lot of Singaporeans there?”
– Naevin, 16
“I don’t really care or mind that Singaporeans go to Japan or whatever; I just don’t want to associate with a good portion of them—I’m in a different country to experience different things, so I don’t want to meet Singaporeans. I get out of dodge when I hear the accent. Also, I don’t seek them out through stuff like the Singaporean Student’s Association or whatever.
If you’re Singaporean, then you would know how to avoid Singaporeans. Just avoid Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hokkaido.”
– Syazwan, 22, Singaporean studying in Japan
“In Japan, you’ll hear Singaporeans before you see them. Your ears instinctively prick up at the familiar ‘sia’, ‘leh’, and ‘wah’ cutting through the sea of polite Japanese vocalisations. Nothing wrong with crossing paths with fellow Singaporeans on the street, but things can turn awkward when you’re stuck in the same eatery. Like, what’s the etiquette? Do you exchange small talk just because you’re all Singaporeans in this izakaya, or is ignoring each other the more tasteful option?
That said, I get the frustration. Considering how Japan’s such a default destination for us, it can sometimes feel like you haven’t truly escaped Singapore. If that’s your gripe, try a hiking trip at the Izu peninsula. Few Singaporeans venture to this mountainous coastal haven—or pack hiking gear for Japan, for that matter.
I highly recommend the 9 KM Jogasaki Coast trail, where you’ll see the most gorgeous coastlines, jagged cliffs and volcanic rock formations. Trust me, the only thing you’ll hear is the sound of crashing waves, not ‘wah so nice sia’.”
– Ivan, 35
