Similarities Between Laredo And Tokyo

My home of Laredo, Texas is very different despite sharing similarities in some ways to Tokyo, Japan which I visited last year on my summer vacation. Although they are very far apart from each other, similarities between the two do exist. In contrast many differences exist between the two cities as well, from the people themselves who inhabit the cities to the way they get around transportation wise.

A major difference between the city of Laredo and Tokyo is the way people get around for leisure activity or to go to work. Many people in Laredo often use automobiles and autobuses to get around the city and seldom use any other active types of transportation, such as bicycles, skateboards, and scooters. On the other hand, in Tokyo people rarely

use automobiles, or buses they often walk on foot to work or take one of the many train routes around Tokyo. Many citizens of Tokyo use bicycles to get around the city as many places in the city allow them to rent bicycles for the day or even longer if needed. Many more people outside actively go to work or places of leisure in Tokyo. It is seldom that anyone is seen walking outside or taking their bike to work in Laredo.
Another difference between Laredo and Tokyo is the people in general.

The people of Tokyo are polite no matter who you are, and will almost never want any trouble or want to be rude to you or anyone else. The people of Laredo are not nearly as polite; they do not respect you unless you are important, and they make no effort in trying to be polite. When entering a store in Tokyo you are always quickly greeted, asked about your day, and asked if they can help you with anything. Stores in Laredo are not nearly as polite as you enter a store in Laredo, you are not always greeted by the employees and they rarely ask if you are looking for

something.
One more major difference between Tokyo and Laredo is how different the traditions are between the two cities.

The people of Laredo are mostly Hispanic and have Mexican traditions, such as having quinceaneras for girls and celebrating the Day of the Dead and Mexican Independence Day. In the city of Laredo traditional Mexican foods are eaten, such as tamales, enchiladas, and chorizo. Laredo has strong Mexican traditions and has a different tradition compared to that of Tokyo. The city of Tokyo has strong traditions that are held throughout the city. Many people have celebrations and hold festivals within the city, such as the Kanda Matsuri, which is a very big Japanese tradition and is held every May in Tokyo. In Tokyo citizens eat very traditional foods as well, such as miso soup, white rice, and nato beans. Japanese tradition is strong in Tokyo and is different from Mexican tradition.

Very few similarities exist between the two cities, but one similarity is the martial arts training that both Tokyo and Laredo have. Laredo has an abundance of Jiu Jitsu schools and kickboxing academies. Tokyo also has an abundance of these academies. Laredo has Jiu Jitsu and so does Tokyo. Kickboxing can also be found in Tokyo as well as in Laredo. Akido exists in Laredo as it does Japan. When I went to Japan, some of the people there were learning the same martial art I

was.
One more major similarity between Tokyo and Laredo is how some stores and restaurants share resources. In Tokyo many 711 gas stations are scattered about the city while Laredo has two 711 gas stations within the city. McDonald’s is also in Tokyo and is very popular as it is in Laredo. A Starbucks coffee is also located in Tokyo and is extremely popular there as well as it is in Laredo. In Laredo a Hooters restaurant has just been recently built and in Japan a Hooters restaurant has been there for many years. Many other restaurants such as Outback Steakhouse, Denny’s, and Burger King are shared between the two cities.
My home of Laredo, Texas is different despite sharing minor similarities with Tokyo, Japan. Minor similarities between the two cities exist such as the restaurants they share to the martial arts studios located in both cities. In contrast many differences also exist, from the people who inhabit the cities, the way transportation is used, and the traditions that are celebrated throughout the cities. The cities of Laredo and Tokyo are very far from each other and have many differences between the two cities; in contrast some similarities are shared as well. In finding the similarities and differences between Laredo, Texas and Tokyo, Japan I feel as if I have a better understanding of both cities as a whole.