Funniest reaction is always when I start speaking Japanese that people don't expect it and are very surprised.
I'd argue that assuming a person can or cannot speak a language solely based on their apparent ethnicity does qualify as racism, though.
Their rulebook mentions that in order for the sim to work the phone needs a Japanese Technical Mark in the regulatory section of the phone.
Not just their rulebook. This is actually part of the legislation on telecommunications. With a domestic carrier, it is forbidden to use a phone that doesn't have the technical mark compliance logo.
You can think of the technical mark logo as a sort of Japanese equivalent to the FCC compliance logo in the US.
What made you interested in Japan?
I grew up in the 80's and 90's, and back then, most of my hobbies more or less came from Japan. So I'd always been curious.
Why did you learn the language (for those who are not learning, are you interested?)?
Because I wanted to be fully autonomous.
Also, I didn't like the idea of being essentially illiterate.
Are you currently living in Japan?
Yes.
How long have you lived in Japan?
Over 13 years. I currently live in Naha, Okinawa.
What is your favorite Hotto Motto meal?
None. I rarely go.
What is your favorite place in Japan?
I don't have a favorite place. The places I've grown emotionally attached to are the ones where I've lived, so if I had to pick just one, I'd say my former district of Kita-ku in Tokyo, because I have a lot of great memories there.
What is your favorite Japanese food & drink?
Same as above. I don't have a favorite food. There are too many I like, and I wouldn't give up any for any other.
As for drinks, beer would be my choice. I love sake, but it gives me colossal headaches.
Shochu, I'm not very fond of - and it also gives me horrible headaches.
The lowest in my book are Happoshu and all other tax-avoiding beer derivatives.
What is your favorite season to be in Japan?
Summer.
Where are you from, and which languages do you speak? (conversational and above)
France, and French, English, Japanese.
What should we call you if we ever met you IRL?
By my first name.