Views on Japan's Racial Attitudes Today
Vložit
- čas přidán 30. 06. 2024
- Racial issues in Japan has been recognized and criticized in recent years. But there's still a gap between the Japanese and foreigners when it comes to the recognition. In this video, I'll try my best to share diverse experiences and perspectives of both Japanese and foreigners as much as I can.
============================
■Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:29 Views on gaijin treatment
4:37 Acknowledgement / Experiences
19:32 Views on housing discrimination
22:31 Views on racial profiling
24:32 Views on mixed-race Japanese
============================
■Typo:
0s: 'Is' racism still prevalent in Japan
21:17s: We gotta 'stop' assuming,
======================================
If you'd like to support these videos covering Japan's recent trends or culture, please consider making a small donation: find-your-love.tsubasakaiser.com
■Subscribe this channel
/ @thejapanreporter
======================================
Big thanks to all the interviewees for sharing their thoughts.
■Lemi
/ @lemifromjapan
/ lemifromjapan
■Kalie
/ @kaliechips
/ kaliechips
/ secondhandpages_
■Aimie
/ @aimieffp349
/ aimie_ffp
■Allison
/ @allisonintokyo
/ allisintokyo
■Julian
/ @kantanjapan
/ kantanjapan
■Marcel Jonte
www.jpkb.org/church
/ @japankingdomchurch
■Bebechan - 日本のフランス人
/ べべちゃんbebechan
■BrooklynTokyo
/ jesusfreak116clique
■Ananya
/ hiananyaa
■Joe Oliver
/ joe_oliver3
/ @toughbunny903
■Tiffany Rachel
/ tiffrichx
/ @tiffrichx
■AISHA
aisha-online.com
/ aishadayo
/ @aishadayo
■Anna
/ @__anagenia
/ __anagenia
■Saori
/ saosaorin
note.com/kataribaroots/n/n872...
■Alicia
/ aliciayuki
/ kyorochan
■Kaorin
/ @kaorintvjapan
/ kaori.zabre
■Sayaka
/ @onigiridope9418
/ sayakataka1006
■Akane
/ @akane-japaneseclass
■Nobita
/ nobita_from_japan
============================
All materials in these videos are used for educational purposes and fall within the guidelines of fair use. No copyright infringement is intended.
If you are or represent the copyright owner of materials used in this video and have a problem with the use of said material, please send me an email.
![Why This Couple Became Sexless [ENG CC]](/img/n.gif)
If you have been here, could you tell me how you personally see the racism in Japan? Also, would it be possible that Japanese and foreigners see eye to eye on racism?
nothing is true and nothing is a lie it all depends on the color of the glass you use to see through. All these people they think the know japanese behavior but they don't, a small minority might be racist, but 90% is cultural behavior. almost 10 years living in japan, working among japanese, just my first year I had that mind set.
I feel like it isn't racism but instead the differences that each side possesses.
me personally when I think of racism I think of "HANG THAT BLACK N***GER" or "MY RACE IS SUPPERIOR TO YOURS!!" that kind of foul abhorrent behavior.
from what I've heard and seen, the racism in Japan is nothing like that which begs the question of the name racism even being fit for the situation.
all though for the renting apartments situation where the landlord denies foreigners; whether that be in the right or wrong, that is 100% a form of discrimination.
such a difficult situation isn't it, lol
難しいですね.
I live in Japan. I recently experienced racism and sexism all in one: at a place that caters to foreigners. The more "globalized" a place is the more racist they are towards people like me, since I'm not white.
The problem with many westerners in Japan, especially white men, is they think they're superior to the rest of the world, so they say it's racism, for example, that Japanese laws apply to them (remember that French idiot that went on a hunger strike?); they say it's racism when they're treated like everyone else and expected to behave like everyone else, since in their countries they get away with sooo much.
These people also say the Japanese are racist for not doing what *they* tell the Japanese to do - they do the same back in their countries, though, calling everyone who disagrees with them racist. Japan is NOT racist for having its own culture, for not opening its borders to mass immigration, for not giving everyone citizenship, for not calling foreigners Japanese.
I dislike so many things about Japan, but I am soooo grateful that I can experience the safety found here. If Japan jumps on the diversity bandwagon, say good bye to leaving your bag unattended and learn to run from criminals trying to kill you.
@@YonkoKenji After living next to very noisy people from southeast Asia, I've come to totally agree with rental discrimination. It's hard when it happens to me, but I remind myself of the many sleepless nights I've had because of rude people.
Racism is fiction.
The guy saying “we are not racist” then proceeds to judge whole groups of people by negative stereotypes. My dude, I think you might need to have a nice long think about what you just said.
they may be discriminatory but i don't think that's the same thing as racism
Yeah. He pretty much confirmed the question “Does racism still exist in Japan?” 😒
Racism and a flaw in thinking does not correlate. Racism is calculated and systematic..a little bit of prejudice Is completely human..
japanese hypocrisy for you
I agree, the video does not age well. Anyway the CZcams creator is known for these types of videos.
Racism is everywhere in the world in Japan too,but for someone to stare at a foreigner does not necessary mean racism it could be just because you are different specially if they were kids.,
Agreed. I've found myself staring at other foreigners after being among Japanese people for a long time. It's not racism, it's just spotting the different.
Massive staring at people for any reason is a big negative as far as ever wanting to visit Japan. I'm just glad I wasn't forced to live in such a country.
Just go to Bangladesh and you got a predatory stares
Even in Poland as a so called EU country, sometimes the Sisters from the churches will stare deeply into Muslim women out of curiosity since they also wear the head scarf/veil...
@@shitmandood - You'll most likely find people in your country staring at foriegners than in Japan. You're just being overdramatic.
Being a Japanese-American (nisei), I’ve experienced racism in both countries. Growing up in NJ in the 80’s, I faced racism on a daily basis. They made fun of my name, my face and overall being Asian, which was foreign to a lot of white folks in the town I lived in.
During HS in Japan, once people found out I was born and raised in US, girls were calling me names and I did experience some bullying. Not out right racisms since I look and speak fluent Japanese. If I talk to strangers in English only, they’d label me as “Chinese” and I did feel like they treated me little differently, like I was a lower class citizen. It was interesting because I can understand everything they were saying behind my back in Japanese. So yes. As much as Japanese don’t want to admit, there are racisms in Japan.
I never felt like I belonged in Japan, so even to this day, it’s somewhere I “visit” since my family lives there but never a place I would 帰国
I can feel your inner pain from your personal expierences back then. Same thing happened to me too dealing with those racist westerners and toxic Mexicans and other ethnic groups of hispanics after I was born in the U.S. too
Of course there are racism everywhere. It is not the end of the world and not everyone is racist. You just move on and prove to everyone that your appearance has nothing to do with your character.
I am Korean living in NJ and things are not as bad as 80's I guess. So that's good.
Guess it depends on what town you were in, grew up same period in north NJ in a mostly Italian town. Only had a handful of experiences from school until graduation. We moved from NYC to NJ and NYC was bad at the time if you didn't go to an Asian majority elementary. Funny thing is as I got older like HS the racism was mainly from other minorities from traveling to other locations or coming to our school for events.
Why did they label you Chinese when you spoke English?
Ironically in Orange NJ we had a Japanese exchange student in 2005. He was different with huge Orange hair and stuff. The locals took him in as one of our own and he became popular instantly. Lol I was jealous.
Point is that Ironically the hood gets a bad reputation but we are the most accepting people.
I was living in Japan for a month going to Japanese school. And have encountered issues with racism 2 or 3 times…the society needs to grow up culturally. 😅
whut issues? someone try to bully you because of race or something like that?
@@redemissarium long story but just double standards in some situations
I disagree with what you say they need. Growing up will just make them boring. However, there should be classes on how to treat and interact with foreigners instead letting them go out and fear us, not knowing what to do.
@@MovingSocks well it will change due to westernization
@@warrenbradford2597 why? are foreigner a different species? Have different values? Why not treating them like ordinary people? That's all by the book racism.
I was in a whisky bar in Kyoto wearing a shirt from a concert I went to the previous week. It's a Japanese band (Band-Maid) so there was Japanese writing on the shirt. A Japanese man at the bar was pretty nasty to me about it, gave me a dirty look and said "you don't even know what that word means." I did know, but when I explained it he looked even more disgusted and said that I look stupid wearing it (possibly true, but unnecessarily hostile... I had done NOTHING that could be construed as rude or offensive besides existing with that shirt.) I couldn't help but wonder how it would be received if I was nasty to every Japanese person wearing a Metallica shirt. I recognize that this one idiot doesn't represent all Japanese people, but it was a pretty unwelcoming feeling to be challenged like that for wearing the shirt of my favorite band. People are too quick to assume that if a Westerner likes anything Japanese, then they're fetishizing it (weaboo) and disrespecting the culture. I just happen to like a few Japanese bands and that shouldn't be looked down upon. I don't consider that isolated experience as "discrimination" or "racism", it was just some asshole who happens to be Japanese. Every country has them.
On that same trip, I walked into an Izakaya in Narita and a worker walked up to me and made a big "X" with their arms and said "Japanese only. You leave." Again, this isn't representative of most of Japan, it's just some idiot who didn't want my business. The izakaya down the street was happy to serve me though, and all of my other business experiences that week were very pleasant.
All that said, I've seen non-Japanese acting shitty in Japan far more than Japanese people, so I can understand why some of them just don't want to deal with foreigners.
man what a jerk, but kinda makes sense to me if you were in a bar. I just assumed you'd see guys like that in there anyway
now u know how it is to be a negro in usa lol
This is better than having gangs of pakistani men, all muslim, who torture and abuse English and Sikh girls.
Fuck that guy, and respect for going to a Band-Maid concert - they rock! And you can wear that shirt with pride!
It's Kyoto. Dissing on gaijin is a citizen duty there.
As a black man, lived in Asia for 3 years, honestly I'm sure I encountered racism, but I chose to remain open and humble as I was in someone else's country. The result was kindness shown to me. This was my experience and I'm not knocking anyone else's experience.
Thx for giving me hope.
Thank you for being honest. I find that many experiences I see online from black people who have moved to Asian countries - particularly black men - seem to show a certain obliviousness to even the idea that racism is a thing. They act like they have found the one place which is completely untouched by racism, bigotry, prejudice...I appreciate your honest take in saying it is a possibility and then show how you were able to meet the challenge if it did occur. That is awesome! And that something that can actually help other people and not invalidate their experiences or set them up with unrealistic expectations. 🙏🏾
they are always kind to black ppl in front of your face. It's totally different when yr back is turned.
Doesnt make sense to me. If someone was nasty to you on purpose, best report such bad behaviour. If its a misunderstanding then that would make sense. Racism and discrimination thrives if you ignore it. God knows what it will turn into.
Sorry to say, but being humble and open won't solve anything, and in case you haven't noticed the majority of them use fake kindness to trick you, and secretly talk behind your back. Japan just so happens to do it worse without letting you know.
I've lived here in Japan since 1975, first in Tokyo, then Yokohama and now in the Kobe area. I grew up here as a child and now I continue to live here. I am female with pale skin that burns easily, green eyes, and reddish blonde hair. From childhood in Tokyo in the 70s, children would point and yell "gaijin da" (there's an outsider/foreigner), even from across the street, along with laughing out loud as they looked at me. I had people "pet" my hair, comment on its color and texture, pull it to see what I would do. Often, older high school girls would command me "Oi soko no kinpatsu gaijin koi" (Hey, you golden haired foreigner, come here!) I commuted to school by train, towards Tokyo so it was packed. From when I was about 13, chikan (perverts) on the train would touch me all over, my younger brother would try to protect me, it really sucked. The great friends I had were in our neighborhood, all Japanese kids who would stand up for me against the bullies. So, once I became friends with people, they were awesome. However when I went out of my "zone" where people knew me or my family, then there were tons of "gaijin da" (there's an outsider) with pointing and laughing. I learned to be the best as I could at speaking Japanese. So, when words came out of my mouth, people were often shocked. At first they would say 'we don't speak English', I would quickly tell them in Japanese that I was speaking Japanese! LOL yes, that happened all the time! So judgement happens from looking at the outward appearance. It would get tiring answering multiple questions like "can you use chopsticks", the way I look at it now is people are searching for something you might have in common, as well as being interested in how unique you are. It is not always comfortable. People were not threatened by me because I am not tall, and am female. I have not had my "gaikokujintorokusho" or "zairyukaado" (foreigner's id card back in the day, or visa/living/staying id card now), checked at all on the street. However, the rorikon (pedophiles) men are disgusting, touching young girls all over in the trains-sometimes even working in pairs to pin young girls. That was in the 70s and 80s, I think things are better now. As for my husband (who has pale skin, dark brown hair and blue eyes and is tall and big) and my son who is tall, they have a different, worse story to tell. Both of them have been stopped multiple times by police, asking to show their 'zairyukaado'. My husband has been stopped four times in our neighborhood alone! Our son has been pushed out of the train three times by three different men, all were in a rage and said "gaikokujin kaere" (foreigner, go home) on each time-those happened during the Covid-19 three years, when there were not many foreigners here, only people with working visas or permanent residency and their dependents. I would say Covid was hard, lots of stares, lots of nasty looks. Having kind, Japanese friends makes a difference. At work there is lots of racism-you would need a much longer essay to cover that. I do think, trying to live like those around us, dressing similarly, following the road rules, walking rules and general cultural norms is important. I would like Japanese to look inward and try to understand more how others who look differently might think or feel before saying things like 'there is no racism in Japan'. After living here most of my life I think there is racism in Japan, and have experienced it first hand, however it is more underground now (in the last 20 or so years) it is not as full on towards me, but for my husband and son it is very in your face at times. The first question my husband always gets is; "is your wife Japanese?" When he tells them, no, the men especially are often relieved! I am thankful there are good people too, for kindness that some show in the society all around us. Please though, do not deny that there is any racism. Some people are just ignorant and rude. We need to change that by being honest and by talking with our neighbors, also by breaking down barriers to communication.
Thanks for the short story.
Imagine the plight of people who didn't have the luxury to be born white.
@@BritonAD you are welcome, first time to post something related to this subject!
Thank you for your comment, there are too many people here excusing or justifying the prejudice that exists. Nationalities from other Asian countries will tell you clearly from experience that here is no different from any other country, prejudice based on your size, fashion sense, color and nationality exists everywhere. And other than Caucasians (they deal with some things too) you may well probably have a different experience. The fact that you live in the country as a guest and should therefore be grateful to them for allowing you to be here, is no excuse.
"I would like Japanese to look inward and try to understand more how others who look differently might think or feel before saying things like 'there is no racism in Japan'."
This will never happen. I say say this after dealing with Japanese people regularly for 4 decades, in countries outside of Japan, and living in Japan for almost 2 decades.
I have traveled a lot all around the globe, and been a very small racial minority in the places I've been. Getting stares is a given if you don't like or act like the majority, that has nothing to do with racism. The current discourse around racism has been poisoned by the blurring of terms. Is it racist to acknowledge that different races look different? Is it racist to expect foreigners to speak the language of the country they are living in? Is it racist to dislike the culture commonly found in another race? Is it racist to not be attracted to specific races? People can rarely agree on these things, so its no wonder there are mixed opinions on whether or not racism is notably prevalent. Most of these testimonies seem more to speak on Japan's distaste for nonconformity than anything else
I think applying a certain stereotype to all foreigners can be quite racist. For example, when a foreigner is not accepted to rent an apartment in Japan because the landlord may think they will be loud or throwing parties all the time, which is not true for all foreigners.
Yes it is racist. However you can argue if this is truly bad racism. For me those things you describe i will just brush off.
Like you I've traveled a lot and i actually used to enjoy being stared at. Especially little kids are just so fun to see.
It's when i feel uncomfortable that the racism starts te become a problem.
Like in Japan being on the subway and people do not want to sit next to you. Especially when the train is fully packed. OR they get up and stand near the door for 5 or so stations before getting off.
That's when I start to think do i smell bad or something.
@Dank Farrik - The problem is with people just hurling the word around with no context that we equally equate people with slight dislike to certain attitudes, not even people, as equally evil as the Nazi holocaust.
Then it goes the other way around that the labelling being casually thrown around too much that it lost it original connotation.
At it's root is a desire by morally conceited individuals to Label a certain group as evil. Just stamp "Racist" end of argument.
@@inisipisTV couldn't agree more! Racism has gotten a really bad annotation because of some real shitty racism being out there in other countries.
But in fact everything that is done because of race is a form of racism. Good or bad. In Africa or India i still get put in a higher class and therefore enjoy certain privileges that other locals might not enjoy. Absolutely a form of racism but of course you won't hear people complaining about it.
In Japan anything that happens i just brush off. Even when people don't want to sit next to me. It happens oh well.
Two weeks ago a white guy fainted on the Tokyo subway and i was the only one offering help while the rest just looked and remained seated. That was a bit worrying though. I could definitely used some help dealing with the subway staff to get him some help.
I think stereotypes exist for a reason, because to a certain degree it is true. Examples like foreigner isn't allowed to rent by some Japanese...I understand that people would feel it is racist but you have to understand that as the landowner they do not want to trouble themselves, to be on the "winning" side and not want to have a profit loss. So to make things less complicated and easy they will just say "no foreigners". It sucks but nobody wants the hassle
18:40 Is quite ironic that a Japanese person says to a Chinese person that he has an "invasion" blood. Especially when it was Japan that invaded China (and many other countries) before and during WW2.
Read up the rape of manchuria.
It's quite true if you look before WW2.
Exactly
I'm hafu and grew up half my childhood in Japan. When I was younger, I heard some slurs spewed at me. But as hafu performers increased in Japan things got better incrementally.
I speak Japanese well and many are surprised. My father is Spanish/Mexican some in Japan wonder if I was hafu of Japanese native tribe mix.
Part of what gaikokujin experience is the yamatodamashii and yamatogokoro mentality many Japanese have--what it means to be Japanese and having the heart and soul of Japan.
When I go to Japan and around Japanese people, I switch to Japanese tatemae or polite. I know that American mindset is foreign to them. When I am in America, I switch to the American mindset but have been told I'm overly polite. Americans have trouble understanding Japanese cultural values. And in America I must adapt for differences between groups. Mexican American, Native American, Church, class, etc.
In Japan, it's less complicated with a ubiquitous culture.
I have witnessed Japanese treat Japanese poorly in Japan. In the United States I've witness, white, black, hispanic and native treat each other poorly.
Discrimination does exist, but from my years of living strongly feel that it is rooted in poor self-image and fear of things that are different.
Great interviews as always. Thank you, Nobita!
I teach in an elementary school in the countryside of Japan and had one girl come up to me and told me that I looked and smelled as sweet as chocolate. Weird flex but acceptable! I have had children call me sh!t in Japanese quite often, but the easiest way to deflect that is to ask why they call me that and then they get really uncomfortable because they know why they're calling me that and why it's wrong. Once the children see past my skin color, they fall in love with me.
Except for the hair, I change my hair up like every other month and one teacher asked me how I do it and I told her it's because of 'Black Girl Magic.' She loved it!
As for the Real Estate and renting a house or an apartment, I've had a better time in the countryside getting an apartment than I am in Tokyo now. In Hokuriku, I picked a place, with zero Japanese under my belt and they loved me. One of my neighbors was like 'I thought you would be very loud at night but I hardly even hear you in the daytime.' Actually, I would love to talk about my experiences in Japan on this channel, from dating, to dealing with my ADHD. It's been a wild ride for me!
Would you say the country side is more tolerable than the urban areas, do you find one easier to get along in?
Oddly enoigh that has happened to me to....Here in Mexico...With adults, I have had a lot of my mexican people who have told me that I am "Too brown".... or that I smell bad too only due to my skin color....I truly think I would experience less racism in Japan than in Mexico, which is very sad to think that a lot of people from my own country think like that of me
I want to visit Japan and maybe live there but I have ADHD and I know that they are very harsh legally on the medication there as I think only Concerta is licenced for use? As I understand it the rules are convoluted (as it seems like most rules in Japan are!) and there isn't much 'recognition/awareness' of ADHD amongst medical professionals there?
Sorry if this is too personal a question here but could you share some of the difficulties and some things that helped you from an ADHD perspective? It would be much appreciated! You have a really positive attitude despite some difficulties so I hope Nobita gets in touch to share your experiences!
that girl is just like any japanese. pretending , lying , faking , and hypocritical , she would refuse to show her true personality to anyone. i am not jealous ; i just know well her culture. think twice before saying stupidities.
@Maegal Roammis Careful, what you say is discrimination, imagine that you would "know us mexicans really well"
And in your mind all of us are narcos who sell drugs, violent, lazy and ignorant....That is prejudice and you are putting yourself in a superior place from others....
You ARE NOT BETTER OR SUPERIOR THAN OTHERS, as much as it pains you, we are all equal, you and us mexicans, you and japanese people.
The only idiot that thinks that he is superior to others, above others to judge others like you did is the funny mustache man fromWorls War 2, he believed he was better than others, he spoke of other cultures with such poison like yoi do, don't be lile him, don't be a massove piece of sh-....
Greetings from Mexico
Loved the video. It did make a lot of things clear to me now. I'm an optimistic person, so I, like the guy at 13:17 that said "I'll try to fit in as much as possible", is what I am trying to do as well. I'm almost done studying kanji, so the writting system I'll finally be able to read and write, and I'm also studying the history behind Japan, not only the wars they had but the Bushido, the politics, religion and also some of the folktales like the Oni, Yuki Onna, etc. I've studied a lot about japan already so I'm thinking when I go to Japan, it won't take me long to adapt and maybe even make some friends there.
Keeep up the excellent work, Noibata. Long time fan of your channel, I really appreciate these insights that are quite thought about!
When in Rome do as the Romans do. When I visit Japan, I adapt to the behavior. I put on a mask where they wear them, I keep quiet on the train, and elevators. I take shoes off indoors, I politely head bow and say すみません, and act super polite with people if they are station attendents, police, shop owners etc. thanking them repeatedly and saying はい when its necessary in agreement and mirror.
Although I take shoes off indoors anyways in the US, and mandate a NO shoes policy in any dorm, apartment, hotel room, or house i'm in or when I enter other peoples spaces.
Yea cuz in that "last samurai" movie that idiot Tom cruise character get mud all over the place walking around with muddy shoes lol...
Sumimasen goes a long way in Japan 😁👍😁
Okay cool but the thing is, even if you do all that, you'll end up feeling discriminated for your physical difference, that's what it's about.
@@akaRyuka if i get looks at me for my appearance, i'll just take it in stride.
As a Filipina, I have never experienced discrimination in Japan most of the time and I attribute it with my face that blends with the Japanese crowd. However, a lot of Japanese would only notice that I'm a foreigner once I open my mouth as I don't speak Japanese very well. Maybe the Japanese feel mendoukusai in dealing with me with my not so fluent Japanese but I'd say they are still polite or very good at tatemae. I think the "racism" in Japan mainly stems from ignorance.
It only hits differently when I deal with my in-laws as there's a gap with their English and my Japanese but I never felt excluded even in my husband's family. They even express interest about Philippine culture and enjoy Filipino food. Language barrier can be patched up for sure (me making my Japanese better). Well, I guess I'm just lucky.
Because most of the xenophobia and anti foreigner hate of the Japanese older generations and boomers kind are geared more towards the westerners, I think mostly its the Chinese that the Japanese locals are raising their eyebrows at, but other Asians not that much.
I think I could say you're lucky. Whenever I see Japanese videos talking about the Philippines, Japanese people in the comments would all just go say "フィリピンやばい"
Yep I always enjoyed the Philippine National Day celebrations in the Park and St Patrick’s Day Parades ( I’m Irish ☘️👍☘️)
Maybe because you are married to a Japanese but if you were completely new to the country with no one to rely on such as Japanese friends or what. You could have different experience.
@@achuuuooooosuu it is just a stereotype of the country
it's very hard to differentiate racism with stereotyping. ultimately it's about how you treat the individual person in front of you and if you allow the existing stereotypes about the groups he belongs to race/religion/creed to affect your judgement of them. for example, there is a stereotype that japanese cheat in relationships, and statistics might prove that to be true. but it would be racist of me to assume that you are a cheater, just because you're japanese. before you're a japanese, you're a person. and I have to get to know you more.
i've noticed japan values peace/harmony over truth. that's why they "read the air". or make so many assumptions. or apologize without thinking. and aren't frank, opinionated or confrontational. meanwhile other cultures find assumptions insulting. the idea is, "instead of assuming what's best for me or who I am, why don't you just talk to me and let's learn the truth". they even have a saying "to ass-u-me is to make an 'ass' out of 'u' and 'me'".
japanese culture is always full of stereotyping, and making assumptions, and non-confrontation. that's what reading the air is. and that's why a lot of foreigners feel so offended when the japanese person, instead of talking to them directly about something, goes around and talks to other people. makes assumptions that they "don't know any better". and assumes that they can't speak japanese.
Yeah, there was clearly a lot of stereotyping in the talks about athletes. I am a tall black dude. I completely suck at basketball. What makes the tall black dudes they see who are good at sports is the hours and hours of practice they've probably had. With the same physical traits, anyone could be that good with practice.
yet it's possible
Exactly
Hey! that light skin half american girl is the female vocalist for the guilty gear strive ost! Her name is AISHA
I have been going to Japan playing music since 1984 - I have experienced many challenges with local attitudes, especially in rural areas. I have been refused service, even dry cleaning, and have had people be rude to me regarding language despite my accented fluency. 2023 is my last year where I will work in Tokyo. I am not disappointed this has come to an end.
Damn, that's a long run. I say push it to 2024 to finish it on 40 years strong, lol
Damn sorry to hear about that OG
Sorry to hear that man! I always knew Asian was the most racist next to Europe. Asian exchange students ONLY hang with other Asian exchange. So cliquey and racially motivated, disgustingly childish
he just should only visit that country.
Thank you for sharing this. Unfortunately, this is the most common thing I've heard from my friends that experienced racist treatment in Japan.
It’s not just racism. Japanese people have trouble with you if you are ugly, disfigured or ugly. Japan is the most judge mental country in the world.
South Korea: Hold my beer
@@joseph3036bruh😂😂
As a 6'4 (194cm) black man in japan with a Japanese wife I honestly felt more comfortable in japan than i did in the united states. I feel as a black person especially we're so used to the discrimination and stereotypes that the Japanese level of it is actually comfortable. Also 90% of the time what can be perceived as racisism is just an ignorance of other cultures so try not to take it personal. I actually don't have too much of a hard time making friends in japan probably because I'm sooo different Japanese people are usually relived when I can speak some Japanese and understand the manorisms pretty well (thanks to my wife)
Not sure why you needed to tell us your height specifically. Part of the problem of foreigners in reality since Japanese will never do this obviously. But like how does it feel like to be taller than most people in Japan? You don't feel out of place or like you're preying on them? Why don't you feel that way? 🤔🤷🏿❓
@@To411u you kind of answered your own question I’m taller than everyone so I stand out a lot more than typical foreigners so just mentioned to give perspective. And uhh no I’m completely fine that’s a weird question I’m not self conscious at all it’s just life
@@To411u Why does it matter so much to you? Let the man freely express himself weirdo
yea they hate anyone whos not white or japanese so theyre just not saying it to ur face but they do and always will hate u just like every other country on earth.
Lmao you have a japanese wife. How racist of the Japanese that one of them even married you! (i'm sarcastic obviously) It's clear that the Japanese aren't as bad as people make them out to be. Come here to Thailand if you want to face discrimination - i think there's a lot more racism out here than in Japan.
I was in Japan as an American (Middle Eastern race). I was never discriminated against. In fact, everyone I encountered were super friendly and helpful. Every single one. When I was with my Japanese girlfriend, no one looked at us weirdly for being a mixed race couple. When I was on my own and needed help, everyone I asked were extremely friendly. One time I was in the middle of a busy street and I had to use the restroom and couldn't find anywhere so I asked a Japanese guy who didn't speak English. Through some universal sign language though, he understood what I meant and he walked me into a 7 floor building and took me personally to the rest room and bowed. So I bowed. And he would have none of it. He bowed again, bowing deeper. So I bowed again, deeper. Then he still wouldn't have it and bowed again even deeper. Then I said thanks man and gave him a hug. Random encounter that I will never forget for the rest of my life. Japan is not racist. In fact it is the friendliest country I have ever been to.
Do look Arabic or speak with Arabic accent? I assumed they're very islamaphobic and colorist
easy to say when you speak fluently the language.
You didn't experience racism because you can't speak the language.
@@monyafeek101 Enim in Japan says a lot of what people think is racist are misunderstandings because they don't understand what Japanese people are saying
@LearnWithTheBest Here is the reason why a lot of tourists don't understand the issue, especially if they are tourists from western countries. In America, you can be racist on a personal level because you are protected by freedom of speech. However, you cannot be racist on a business or professional level, for example excluding someone from your business because of race or excluding someone from your company because of race, because that is illegal.
In Japan it is almost the opposite, it would be against social order to be rude to someone personally because of their race, but to exclude them on a business or professional level is 100% OK under Japanese law.
That's why western tourists to Japan have glowing reviews of Japan niceness, because all they experience is the personal level of Japan. If they get more involved with Japan they will discover that The laws are all against them and they don't have the same rights as Japanese people. Japanese people can outright say that they don't rent houses to gaijin. It is totally legal.
I like japan, i like japanese food, i like japanese culture, i like japanese people, but i had sad experience in japan
I once played to a castle in Japan. in front of the castle, maybe around 300-500 meters from the front of the castle, there is a soba restaurant. I entered that soba restaurant, then the restaurant owner's asked me "are you gaijin? are you not japanese?" (with japanese language)
I replied "yes, I'm not japanese" (with japanese language)
then the owner of the soba restaurant said "gaijin dame dame, gaijin no no, dete kudasai, dete kudasai"
After that day, I became afraid of soba restaurants.
I have been living abroad for 20 years, including Western Europe. Apart from big cities, people stare at you because we look different, but in addition to that, people suddenly stop you, mock at you, verbally insult you (such as "Nihao" in a funny tone or "Ching Chong Chang" slur), in a directly pervasive manner against your physical security.. Foreigners in Japan at least do not face this second part challenging directly your physical security. Those foreigners who experience some types of racism in Japan are encouraged to reflect how Asian people are treated in their own country and advocate against racism when they are back home..
With it being the way it is in Japan, I'm still blown away why anyone from outside Japan would want to live there. If I was young, I wouldn't want alienation and distancing. It's a big disappointment. The odd thing is that I've gone to other countries like Hong Kong, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Mexico, and other places and never felt like what is described here by foreigners living in Japan. It's weird!!!
I’m half Japanese/Canadian and I use to live in Japan for 7 years in a more rural area. I’ve never experienced negative racial bias until I started living in Canada… It depends on each individual’s experiences I guess
@China Chicken Soup I can't agree more with that. Many people are attracted to Japan because of the way it is promoted in media including anime.
People have their reasons. I personally hated living in the states, I was not like the others but in Japan, I found a place where I can be accepted. I'm lucky I can blend in and there have been occasions people have been rude when they find out I am not Japanese but it doesnt bother me as much. There are racist people all over the world so I'll take that over living in a country where people constantly kill each other just because of their religious beliefs and ethnic backgrounds.
@@chinito77 What comparison would you have to say: I hate the states, I need to move somewhere else? You don't have family to miss in the States? You're gonna leave the ppl that love you to go live with ppl that can't stand you. And that's better? How is that better? Can you explain it?
Your view on US people killing each other for is only because that is what is reported in the nationwide news.
Meanwhile, China casts a shadow over Japan and you expect the country you hate to protect you? Really? I'm smdh at the hypocrisy.
@@chinito77 in Japan people constantly kill each other over religious beliefs and ethnicity?
I did foreign exchange for two months and never experienced this. All the Japanese were cool and even tried to speak english for me which was really nice.
Wow a whole two months! You must know everything about Japan!.
Great video, Nobita. I really enjoyed it!
I don't think having certain policies to try to preserve Japan's culture is bad. When visiting Japan , people will definitely avoid you on the train. They will even pick a worse seat to not sit next to you as a black/foreigner. I know a lot of Japanese people for an American, and the only thing that sticks out to me about race is how obsessed the women are with white men tbh. They'll marry the first one who speaks to them.
Lol.
Talk about generalization lol. What sticks out to me when I visit the US is white women obsessed with Black men and will marry the first one that speaks to them.
@@silveriver9 that's definitely not the case lol. White female and black male intermarriage rate is really low. And I'm just saying what I've observed having been in the US and Japan. I've seen it happen. I'm not white so I have no investment in this. People in Japan are obsessed with presentation. Designer clothes and bags everywhere. But then you also see a ton of women with white guys who look like they haven't even bathed, at least in the touristy areas
@@fangiscool1 As the video shows, Japanese avoid foreigners almost like the plague.
@@silveriver9 in some ways, yes. In others, definitely not
Another great content! Excellent job
I think it's more about culture. Some cultures are just more open and warmer than others. I come from a homogeneous country but we are cultured to understand that foreigners may need time to adjust to our ways. So we're requested by the government to be friendly and helpful as much as possible. Plus, in our rural cultures, anyone coming from outside the community is considered to be a guest first. Some really rural ones even believe a visiting stranger maybe a reincarnated ancestor wearing a different skin or face. So you don't want to be rude or it may bring curses upon the community. Once they get to know you well, then you become one of us. The impression I get, is that the Japanese society is still one of the more closed off ones.
Aye
I needed to watch this because I am moving to japan soon so I can be a English teacher so thank you for making this video as well
I'm mixed race White/Polynesian from Hawaii but I speak ペラペラ日本語 and lived in Tokyo for a few years. Despite being near fluent in Japanese a deep understanding and practice of social and cultural rules/norms, I was more often than not treated as a exotic zoo animal trophy pet friend. I had absolutely no issues with making friends, dating, etc. But having deeper meaningful and impactful friendships is a different story. By and large, foreigners will always be outsiders no matter what, and Japanese law and old law makers will continue to ensure that.
spot on. the term 'zoo trophy' is 100% correct. Japanese friends are using foreigner friends to speak better english or use as a trophy to show off to their other jap friends.
If you can't assimilate into Japanese society, you'll always be a foreigner/outsider. And most foreign nationals living in Japan aren't actually fluent in Japanese language and culture (from the perspective of native seakers). If you can't understand Japanese newspapers, obviously nobody in Japan will consider you to be fluent.
The ones who are fluent have studied extensively in college, some of them even graduated from Japanese universities and can read/write in proper Japanese. They will always be given special treatment in employment opportunities, visa status, and permanent residency (and naturalization.) People who can't socially and culturally integrate in Japan will always be an extended tourist.
@@yo2trader539 facts
@@yo2trader539 im sorry but its not just culture its how u look as well. so don't even bother trying to be seen as one of them if u don't look like one of them
they will always be foreigners because they look different
I'm half Japanese and the company I now work at hires Japanese full-time from the start but hires foreigners on a 6 month contract before giving them a full time contract. I am a Japanese citizen and have no limitations in working here in Japan and yet I get the same treatment and had to endure the 6 month contract period. I thought this was something that happens only at blue collar jobs but it happens even at white collar jobs. To the people who say racism doesn't exist, I disagree. Perhaps you've just grown to accept what is going on and don't care
Are you not aware that it's not uncommon for foreigners to simply leave the country without telling their employers? Also, many foreigners do not adapt to the work culture, so companies are right not to give them an indefinite contract.
And if you're half Japanese then you're not Japanese.
@@MeMe-lx2jw I have Japanese citizenship so no I cannot just leave Japan without notifying my employer. I pay into the pension plan and what not. I understand what you are saying though. Many foreigners tend to have a hard time adapting to the working culture so it's better for employers to have the flexibility. I have only worked for Japanese companies and have no issue there, in fact I was praised during the interview for showing how "Japanese" I am and my ability to act "Japanese" so I really do feel like I made the wrong move when they said they will hire me and start me out as a contract employee before hiring me full time. My benefits were non existent during this period and it also effects when I am able to receive paid leave. No bonus either.
@@xXIronSwanXx I don't think you read the last bit of my comment. The thing is that equating citizenship with being from a certain country is an American idea, and not wholly even, and one also from some other countries that were invaded and colonized by Europeans. In Japan and other countries not completely destroyed by colonization, you're only from there if both your parents are from there (and going further back even), so in your case you might be a citizen but you're not Japanese. What's more is most hafus seem to illegally possess a second citizenship, so if I were a Japanese company I'd see hafus as foreigners, too, since keeping that second citizenship means they're only one foot in.
@@MeMe-lx2jw fair enough, I understand what you mean when you say I am probably never really going to be equated to someone who was born and raised in Japan. If they want to treat me like someone who is non Japanese, fine, but then why should I try to blend in if it isn't going to benefit me in any way? I try not to be the needle that sticks out but like you said I'm pretty much sticking out any ways.
There are cases where someone born in Japan and raised in a different country are getting categorized as 帰国子女 and are seen as different and non Japanese and are treated as such.
P.S. sorry if this is turning into an argument, but I am really in a bad place right now and I'm starting to question a lot about my own identity and where I belong. It's been tough for me trying to blend in to the society here but at the same time I don't really want to leave as there is still much to love about Japan.
Thank you for the video. Its very educational. I live in the US, but I want to know the lifestyle of different cultures all over the world.
Only casual racism I remember from my time volunteering in Japan was when we were communicating with elementary school students during English lesson and for some reason teacher told me "oh, don't mind this girl, she is half korean".
oh, don't mind this girl, she is half korean". and isn't this a form of racism?
@@mynameisgiovannigiorgio1027 to answer your question just read the comment again
maybe I misunderstood, I had understood that it was the Korean girl who made some racist comments and after the Japanese teacher's response
based teacher
@@mynameisgiovannigiorgio1027 ok...I answered with "this was what teacher said, girl looked not different from other kids". But for some reason my comment disappeared
Nobita-san, I hope I can visit Japan in next five years. I've been trying to learn Japanese but it's quite hard. However, I will continue to learn more and I hope I can feel how exactly it will be that experience.
Sometimes I feel like foreigner especially from western society tend to immediately link asian "surprise and curiosity but still want to be polite" as racism and discrimination
Because in their country the concept of racism, discrimination, equality become a recurrent issue and weaponized by their politician.
I am southeast asian guy, already travel to some of european countries and other developed nations
So far japan still an okay, far from what they called as racism but it different when I come to south korea,.swiss, germany, and UK because in that country I really got racist treatment from them.
Like getting "shoo-ed" and not getting served by swiss and south korean shop, get yelled "chinese" with mocking gesture by children in UK and germany
The only problem japan has is they can't find alrernative way to communicate with foreigner and too shy to start the conversation with foreigner
That's not the case in south east asian countries like Philippines, thailand, and Indonesia, they will glad to entertain their foreigner guest
I stayed in Kyoto for 3 months and I’ve never felt stared at, only children did. Whenever I walked in the city center I felt so good because I truly felt like no one cared about me and I didn’t feel judged at all 😂
I lived in Japan from 1979 to 1990, and there was a lot of pointing and staring then. Passing a school was quite a nightmare - it was like stirring up a hornets' next. The teachers of course did nothing to quieten them down, as if to condone the children's behaviour. On my more recent visits to Japan, though, this never happens. I wonder when the tipping point was.
good video as always, keep up the good work
I'm half Japanese-Filipina living in California and I've visited Japan with my family at least once or twice a year. I've never been discriminated and neither has my dad (filipino-american), but we do stick out a lot due to being a little taller than the average Japanese (me being 5'9"/175 cm and my dad being 6'2"/187 cm) so we'd get a lot of curious stares when we walk in public. Some people are very surprised of my Japanese and mannerisms when I interact with them and they learned im actually half Filipino and I live in the US.
Also, I've noticed a lot of the older generation are being more open and accepting to foreigners. It also helps that famous athletes like Rui Hachimura, Yu Darvish, and Naomi Osaka, former Miss Japan Ariana Morimoto and Priyanka Yoshikawa, and actors like Andrew Koji are half Japanese and gave been making a big impression in the world in recent memory!
Good for you. But just a bit confused with what you said, aren't older generations are the ones who are less tolerant when it comes to foreigners and younger one are more open? I haven't been to Japan but my High School peers have been to and said their experience about older and younger generations.
Well Japan committed atrocities in Philippines. How do you feel about that?
Here's one for the people that think racism isn't prevalent in Japan.
Recently in my city there was a vote to make foreigner residents "citizens of the city or 市民"
Instantly over 1800 Japanese citizens of the city wrote in to their city offices heavily disagreeing with the vote, saying something to the effect of, "Foreigners don't deserve the same rights as Japanese" and "We can't risk foreigners voting and changing our politics" even though the city citizenship didn't include voting.
@@biophonism One person doing it is appalling, 1800 doing it is beyond disgusting. What sort of culture would accept that?
Its like saying only 1800 people pooped on the floor in the middle of the subway car during rush hour traffic this month.
What is so horribly broken in a culture that 1800 people felt like what they were doing was an acceptable action?
@@biophonism Entire books on that topic for sure!
@@biophonism this is how d4mb you people really are. the woke culture taht you defend is killing the west and you think endorsing trump is a problem? the only man who wanted to fight this woke bs. please come up with something better. btw, a man is a man and a woman is a woman.
@@lijohnyoutube101 why's it appalling? foreigners aren't japanese citizens and don't deserve the same rights. That's just obvious. As an indian man, i can't even visit the EU or the US without a month+ long process and visa. I literally can't put my foot down on your country without being a felon. Should I say "oh these people from the first world are so racist towards me"?
Now, why would you expect foreigners to be able to vote as citizens of a Japanese city?
@@biophonismHoly deflection, Batman!
Nobita, thanks a lot for this powerful video. Some one in the Japanese government needs to watch this video and start taking the comments here seriously. Racism in Japan has been going on long enough. We can only hope one day things will improve if the Japan wishes to flourish internationally as a country.
Japan wasn't denazified like Germany was. So no, nothing will ever be changed. This society will collapse, grow older and hopefully die for good.
@bizonum I agree. Good riddance. I'm here and never would want folks to grow in population.
does it want to be a international country? there can be something done with it its called westernization
Having lived and worked in Japan over the last 10 to 15 years, I wouldn't say Japan is racist per se. It's just a very homogenous country. I think it is like 94% of the Japanese population is ethnically Japanese. They just kind of look at all foreigners the same way. I'm an American, btw.
19:56 I agree with him, it is anger us local seeing unruly Foreigner doing something illegal and disrespectful
And it's currently a headline news in many national media about lot of Unruly Foreigner in Bali.
🇮🇩
I’m a white guy who lived in Japan for several years and had been a regular visitor prior to COVID pandemic, great to be back for Christmas 2022 and New Year 2023 👍 I thought it was great that Japanese people didn’t bother me in public and that I enjoyed a peaceful and relaxed lifestyle time when I lived there. I also managed to developed a network of friends both Foreign and Japanese with whom I am still in contact with after all these years. I think some people can be over sensitive and should just go with the flow, relax and enjoy Japanese culture and food 👍🌸👍
Their culture is boring it's all about blending in and not being an individual how nice.. not. Plus Asians in general are culture obsessed it's as though they have ant brains instead of individualistic complex mammal brains.
If you were a BLACK guy living in Japan your testimony would be more convincing.
@@digital_gravity I'm Jewish - want to talk about "oppression"? We've got at least two thousand years of it, but we don't complain about it - at least the majority of us who've grown up and don't have a chip on our shoulder. Racism is just an excuse to complain.
The problem isn't "race" it's "culture". Another way to see it is this - it's easy to be a communist in a capitalist society, but good luck trying to be a capitalist in a communist one.
@@The_Phoenix_Saga "Racisim is just an excuse to complain." 🤦♂️
@@The_Phoenix_Saga wtf are jew even talking about lol
As a half Japanese, living and born abroad. I have never experienced any racial discrimination whenever I'm in Japan. I feel people seem to accept me as I am. I only wish I speak more of my home language. Something I'm actively trying to improve; more to fill a void and make communication easier.
I experienced some of those small discriminations before, but mostly it was not big a deal. It was shocking at first but you get used to it eventually.
When I was working for this Italian restaurant in Tokyo, this old lady manager repeatedly tell me this phrase when I make any mistake "ここ日本だよ” meaning "this is Japan you know". This is maybe just me, but what I can think of when I hear that is " this is Japan you poor, uncivilized foreign" . And not to forget that she always try to find my smallest mistake every time.
It was exhausting, I quit not long after.
That sounds really horrible. Even my half-Japanese friend who grew up there got treated so bad, her boss literally said "お前は外人だから何も知らないよね！” as you know means "You're a foreigner so you don't know shi*t" when she would make a mistake too. It's really sad when they get a bit racist, and in general always look for every little mistake or any way to take stuff out on you. Hierarchical society smh
Or just パワハラ in general
@@phen-themoogle7651 that sounds terrible…
brother your channel is awesome
as a half japanese currently living in Japan, I haven't experienced extreme racism, however there are many times when people seem to ignore me and look at my mom (japanese) or someone else and that does make me feel sad even though I speak Japanese.
I just came to the conclusion that they are unhappy people who may be jealous and also ignorant because I do have very good interactions with people here and people do treat me nicely.
My old company though was a right wing company and even though they knew my Japanese mom (who was a customer) and that I was half, they would still treat me like I'm a foreigner who knows nothing about Japan and the culture. They literally kept teaching me how to use chopsticks lol
but I found out they all had terrible relationships with their own family and unhappy so... oh well
Seems like they just thought you wete slow witted, that's exactly what is required for one to believe racism is real.
I love the way that guy in front of the glico sign said there's absolutely no racism in Japan and then in the next just stereotyped all foreigners as not speaking Japanese doing illegal things and using fake names as a reason they can't get approval for apartments ehhhmmm what?
A reasonable assumption is that its because some foreigners are flight risks and have skipped rent by leaving for good. Though its not really fair for a few dishonest people to represent all foreigners I think is the real issue.
This was a very good video. Thank you!
It's pandering to cultural destruction by way of forced multiculturalism, means it is an evil motivation behind making video.
When my now wife who is white and I were in Kyoto back in 2009, a sushi restaurant told us they were full but still let other Japanese in. AT the time we thought it was racism, but maybe they just didn't want to deal with the hassle of non-Japanese speaking foreigners. I also tried to ask a man on the street for directions who totally ignored me, not even acknowledgement, but might have been a Japanese not wanting to get involved with others and language thing. Going back in a few weeks, will see how it is now.
Thank you for interviewing me Nobita san. 😊
I'm more carefull of using the word 'Gaijin' because I know the word can be very offensive.
I never thought about it when I was using that word. But I now try to use 'gaikoku jin'
Any way, you did a great work interviewing so many people..! I hope we keep learning and try to understand each other's differences!🙏😊
As a white dude I can tell you, most of us don't give a care what you call us, whether it's cracker, whitey, gaijin, gringo, colonizer, etc etc. We just get annoyed at everyone else being so sensitive over race or racial comments.
@@broman9075 gringo is not a slur, I'm not sure why americans got that impression.
Sweet, Lemi. 😊
@@JaMeXDDD neither is whitey, just saying slang and slur don't cause the majority of us any discomfort
@@JaMeXDDD and we were factually colonizers, and effective at it
I had a Japanese language partner who didn’t realise I was part-colored, I’m olive skinned at most, and didn’t want to continue learning English from me when they realised I “wasn’t white”. I was like are you serious? Not only is English my first language but i am also an English teacher..
I can’t imagine why our brown and black brothers have to go through in Japan
Not much. I knew several black guys in japan and they had a great time. Grow a back bone.
@@Sunglare1 oh right, got it, so is that what you generally say to people who are on the receiving end of racism?
@@user-rd6vf7xk1x it is the correct thing to say to people who believe racism is a real thing
@@TheArgyrus so now racism does not exist? Pathetic.
@Cybr Friends Racism is a marxist invention that exists only to be used as a political weapon against those who are against the managerial elite. The only thing pathetic is not realizing this.
When I was in Japan, I found the exact opposite. The Japanese were very, very friendly and would walk a quarter of a mile out of their way to help me find the place I was looking for. I think when people show some aspect of being suspect, we all step back. I know I do. I am from the US.
i think they walk with you because it's easier than telling you directions
Been 3 times to Japan, totalling for about 3 months. Maybe once that someone next to me in the train stepped up and went away. But out of 100+ times, I would say that is negligible. I also have never been denied access.
The only place that was hard to get into was some Tokyo underground water reservoir where my Japanese wasnt as good and they explained I would need a translator cuz in the case of an emergency (we are talking water suddenly flooding). My airbnb host was happily to come long and it was a great experience for them as well.
Maybe if I were to find housing it may become hard. But guess what, the Netherlands which was ranked #1 least racist (in this video) also doesnt rent out places to just anyone. They have had foreigners suddenly disappear and not paying rent, so I think that is their motivation.
I'm watching this as a white guy riding the train in Osaka to work with 2 grandmas sitting both sides of me 😂
It is weird because I am a minority in my home country and experienced the "gaze".
But in Japan I can blend in with the local and people don't believe me that I am not Japanese and live comfortably.
They often asked me if I am half Japanese or have Japanese blood in me.
Once I spoke with a random middle aged man and I talked with him for almost half an hour.
And I had this one word that I did not understand and asked what's the meaning because my japanese is not good.
and he was surprised because he thought that I am Japanese.
And because of my occupation and education level I often get praised such as "Japan needs people like you", "please stay in japan", etc".
I would say that this is a kind of privilege.
Thank you for your video. It's interesting. I think that from what I've seen in my very limited experiences living in Japan, there is a big difference between being in a rural area and being in cities. I live in Iwate. I thought I would feel more comfortable in cities (which I have only visited for a few days at a time during vacations), because they are more used to foreigners. What I've found though is that people seem to treat me more like a person in rural areas. I guess in the cities, maybe they stereotype me, and generally associate me with the bad experiences they've had with foreigners. Also maybe, in my more rural setting, they don't have a lot of experience and their genuine curiosity comes across more strongly.
The feeling I get here is that there is a little bit of tension sometimes in public interactions when people are afraid I don't understand. I don't always understand either, but I've developed 'coping mechanisms' and language to convey this, and I've never had a terrible experience. One morning, I was up early as usual to notice that someone had put dog poop in front of my neighbor's door (and he is also a foreigner). I don't know why that happened, and I did clean it up for him (because that sucks), but I guess some people here don't like some things - I don't know how that person interacts with people. I've never had any issues, and in my experience I have not experienced what I would call 'racism'. I have seen things and heard stories which would allude otherwise. Maybe it's city vs. rural. Maybe it's how you are/interact with people. Maybe it's both, and also much more complicated even.
The first time I was in Japan (18 years ago) I felt the difference. Being taller that almost everybody else by at least one head I was "noticed". However I never felt anything that could even be remotely considered as racism/avoidance. (I'm from Europe).
The current mask situation is the only reason I will not be in Japan for the hanami this year. I would not want to keep wearing a mask anymore and I don't want to feel I'm doing less than the locals.
I've experienced this in Japan a few times and yes racism is absolutely in Japan.
I don't mind being stared at, especially by small kids. That's actually fun!
My GF is japanese and she is much much shorter than i am so we get stared at a lot but i don't mind that.
It's when I'm by myself and people don't want to sit next to me on the train that it becomes uncomfortable. Or when they get up and stand at the door for another 5 stations before they get off.
Maybe they don't mean bad but it makes me uncomfortable. However it happens less when I'm with my GF so i guess it could just be being scared I'll talk to them in English and when I'm with my GF they know I'll talk to her instead.
Still i see it in my GF too. She sold her apartment to a Chinese guy. He was willing to pay full price while some japanese lady asked for a discount. I think she would have given the discount if the agent didn't stop her and took the Chinese money. She really didn't like the Chinese guy buying the house even though he was a totally ok guy.
Then again my japanese family in-law have been totally nice and welcoming to me. And took me everywhere for sightseeing.
I've been living here for a bit over the past decade-more recently making CZcams videos about men and women-and, on the whole, I would say that I was fortunate to not experience much of the negativity many people touch on. Mainly the only thing I've noticed is the "gaijin seat," but that's about it. Well, at least from what I've noticed.
Anime lovers be like : Japan is not racist
Japan be like: Yes I am!
I personally don't pay much mind to the idea of racism today particularly here in the West because if you've seen the world, you'd laugh at the things people here get upset about. It's usually a joke. The thing that does kind of bother me about Japan is no matter how well I speak, read, and write I'll never be Japanese in the broader sense. That is one thing I do like about America. No matter where you from if you pay taxes and work, you're pretty much American to everyone else. There is a sense of belonging in America even know Americans themselves cannot see it funny enough.
I don't live in Kanto or Kansai and must admit I didn't really have bad racial experiences in my area. If any, it was more because I'm a woman and wife so older men went straight to hubby.
Otherwise, you just have to talk people dead. Or just start with a Sumimasen gå, chotto kikitai koto gå aru n desu ga. And you can see how the other person visibly relaxes and answers in normal Japanese. And whenever a person is unsure and tries to speak in easy/broken English, just asking in fluent Japanese makes them return to normal Japanese.
Ditto the police, I haven't been bothered by them even once in over two decades. They were only super helpful when my child had run away once.
Interesting interview it shows many different point of views. Great work!
About the behaviour one i can understand. Lately in Bali, we have some problems about western foreigners that causing a lots problem like working ilegaly, disturbing the traffic by driving the motorbike with high speed or looking down on the locals
For half of my life my plan was to travel to Japan. As I get older I see more and more how Japan doesn't want me to visit. I'm not even joking that I have a music playlist with underground Japanese bands, that I play on every flight, but that is likely the closest I will ever get.
But I will always love TRICOT and the BBC CHICKENS
NO , YOU ARE NOT , NOT WELCOME we will get our gov. to SHUT OUR DOORS TIGHT and do MASS DEPORTATION, married or not , have children or not with our people WE ARE A FAST GROWING FAR EAST FAR RIGHT GROUP and you will NOT LIKE IT , you will see the far right far eastern people ARE NO BETTER, NOT SOFTER than the white national front group , don't believe us ? JUST YOU WAIT & SEE .
The fact that you say "Japan doesn't want me to visit", shows that you've never been there. All japanese people are different, a lot of japanese people are thrilled that so many people love their culture, even conservative ones.
9:55 _"When I speak Japanese people often don't listen to me. It's not that hey can't understand me, they just don't listen to me."_
This is what I would say when I start noticing that they are not listening:
"Oh.. you must be a foreigner, you don't understand Japanese! where are you from gaijin?"
Genius 笑
12:30
I like this guy's perspective
Japan isnt racist. i am basically bl4ck, and lived in the country side with a japanese family for a long time. I was taken in as family and the outer society, because I actually LEARNT the culture and language, and therefore showed my respect. Japan wants to preserve its culture, and as a foreignor, I beg the japanese to continue to do so. None of these things are racist at all!
"Basically black"??? You either are or you're not.
@@tellallyourfriends27 To them I look like it, but i am actually south asian.
@@tellallyourfriends27yes and no. My mother is jamaican-born black and so am I too, but my father is mostly chinese so to some angry~hateful darker people treat me like I am not worthy of being black. It's fine that they don't see me as real black, I don't accept somalians and non west african descent africans as black. We all have our ideal.
As a descendant of chattel slavery I have the bias that only we are the truest blacks in the west indies and north America, just like the black Hebrew israelites believe but I don't assocuate with that strange group.
Ok weeb
@@Haunt888 Okay nice pfp, i am actually the opposite because when the weebs found out they couldnt be japanese, they started attacking japan to be xenophobic lol.
Thank you for the upload, this is a very interesting topic that should be coverED
also, the reporter is looking quite nice.
As someone who has lived on and off in Japan for more than 4 years in total now (living there atm), I have been discriminated against, that's for sure.
The Gaijin seat on the train or the fact people stare at you is a bit surprising at first but you get used to it.
Certain things get old fast though like when you talk to people in Japan and they feel the need to reply in English or comment on your Japanese EVERY SINGLE TIME you speak. You get used to it but it gets tiresome after hundredth and hundredth of time.
I have been lucky not to live in big cities most of the time as I think discrimination happens more in big cities as people in the countryside are more curious about foreigners than anything. Usually.
I have lived in the Osaka prefecture for a while and I have been arrested by the police 3 times. As I answered in Japanese, the first 2 times were pretty cordial and didn't last more than a minute but the last one lasted more than 10 minutes (checking my bicycle ID, my passport, etc...) and I was getting a bit irritated as I was in a hurry. The look of disappointment on the 2 cops when they couldn't find anything incriminating (didn't steal my bicycle and was not an illegal immigrant) was worth it though.
The other thing is when walking around Nara city, a Kuso-jiji (An older gentleman -to put it very mildly-) started talking to my Japanese girlfriend at the time and told her in Japanese not to date white guys as it was bad for the country and some other shit. When we ignored him, he just finished in English with a "No more white". I wanted to reply in Japanese something but my gf just said it wasn't worth it so I let it go. It was like 10 years ago, but even though it might have been an odd racist grandad, it is still engraved in my mind to this day.
So when some Japanese people in the video say there is no racism or discrimination or try to deflect the blame and say other countries are more racist than Japan, that is a bit concerning. Some Japanese tends to get quite defensive when you are critical of Japan though (And also weeaboos), so to me, it is not surprising. I just wish they would be open to discussing it instead of completely denying it.
@@yu8223 外国人用の席じゃなくて、外国人だから、いつも隣に座る日本人が少ないってことです。英語でGaijin seatって言います。慣用句っぽい
In my opinion, there should be some kind of education among Japanese people about learning the difference of races and cultures so they can easily understand each other and respect each other. From my observations from watching this kinds of videos is just one thing. Misunderstanding between foreigners and Japanese people. Even though I'm not going to deny that racism does exist, but misunderstanding is the bigger factor.
if the Japanese dont want to mix then they dont have to its not racist. others should respect and thank them for allowing them in their country
Or they could not allow immigration.
@@doreal I'm from the uk I dont wanna mix with people not from here. so I understand how the Japanese feel.
@@JIMBO8472 Ok. I get it. Just make sure that the same energy isn't only for the brown and black immigrants but is for all Non-English Europeans immigrating (I.e. French, Italian, German, Russian, Scandinavian, etc.).
@@JIMBO8472the whole point of the Leon Trotsky fiction called "racism" is specifically to break up and destroy the rights of a homogeneous state to force them unto a multicultural hellhole like us in Canada and the idiots of england or the morons of Australia and unfortunately the U.S.A too.
Belief in racism will only destroy the soace age, it will not help mankind at all.
@@doreal
no it's only for the black and brown people other Europeans do no bother us
My Grandmother is Japanese. I don’t look Japanese at all and grew up in California. In Osaka most racism i see is from foreigners that tell me how they really feel about Japanese people unbeknownst to them many of my family and friends are Japanese from here in Kansai.
Golly
It will never end the goal will always move until your people are a minority in there own nation
There are lots of advantages to not appearing Japanese and therefor not being able to speak Japanese, not just disadvantages. For instance, appearing ignorant during a traffic stop will sometimes get yourself out of being ticketed. Or just sitting by your car after getting a flat will sometimes result in people helping to fix the flat, and not even expecting you to lift a finger. The logic might be if you do not speak Japanese you can't possibly know how to do anything else. It's hilarious. It can be to one's advantage to turn off the Japanese language in these situations. This, based on 5 years living in Japan. Ridiculous, but true. And not just in Japan.
While watching this video and hearing people telling that because they are mixed, they don't feel home in Japan or USA... I come to think IF they were in Brazil that wouldn't happen. It's not like people wouldn't call them as "japa" (a common nickname that brazilians give to people who has asian physical characterics), but in general we would think they ARE brazilian, since it's a multi-cultural country. Doesn't metter the apperence. Unless you start tot alk in another language, them people will notice that you are a
foreigner.
Blame the parents for only caring about their own lust. The mixed kids end up not belonging anywhere.
It's amazing the amount of work he put into creating the video. You truly deserve a lot of credit!
In general, humans are such strange beings. I mean, every country has its own type of racism, which is ultimately prejudice based on something that you don't know about the next person. I think the problem is also generalization. We group people together and assume that everyone is the same, which simply isn't true.
For example, if we ask, "Are Japanese people racist?" we are being racist because we are unfairly judging millions of people. Remember, millions!
At the end of the day, there are always good people and "bad" people, individuals who will treat you well or poorly, regardless of the setting: school, work, or even in other countries.
The thing is, don't care too much about people's opinions of you, particularly if those opinions are untrue. Instead, prove them wrong with your actions.
It's important not to expect to receive good treatment from everyone, everywhere. We must understand that we can't force people to change, but we can strive to become better versions of ourselves. Always aim to improve, and don't expect acknowledgement from everyone.
All humans judge to a certain extent, often without realizing the harm it can cause someone. Therefore, it's important not to expect great things from everyone. Some individuals may not respect you or treat you well. However, at the end of the day, it's important to remember, 'who are they? you know them? ' There are people who truly love and care about you. Focus on them and not on some nonsense person.
@@voyage-fd7xy "Did you honestly read everything? Just because there's not such a thing in Turkey, that doesn't mean it's uncommon in the world. Step out of your bubble.
And I'm not saying that 'It's cool' or something like that; I'm just saying that it happens.
This happens in a lot of countries; throughout history, people have done this to each other (Or did you forget the wars in the world?! because some humans have dumb prejudices.) Or did you forget the fight between the USA and Russia, or China? People prejudge themselves; the world is not one big rainbow. There's racism and prejudice even among the same species.
And if you understand my comment, I'm not saying that it's okay. I'm just saying, focus on yourself and don't care so much about what others think of YOU because ONLY YOU know about YOU."
@@voyage-fd7xy You just ignored the other points. I'll use Brazil as an example. Some people hate others because of their social class, some because of their skin color, and even some because of the location they were born in, such as the countryside. There's no way you can think that prejudice exists only in Japan; you need to travel, wtfk
@@voyage-fd7xy
Oh, you want a comparison using a developed country? What about the USA, the world's largest, deceeconomy and one of the most influential countries, known for its high level of technology advancement in many areas? However, it's notable that the USA also faces issues like xenophobia, racism, and segregation. Are you aware of these issues in the USA? What about countries like South Korea, Russia, China, or many European countries that also have instances of xenophobia? (Or are you suggesting they are not prominent in global research?)
And what research are you referring to when you say Japan is at the top ONE ( LEADER) for xenophobia?
And look, I'm not saying that is something ok, or doesn't exist in Japan in terrible level, I'm just here to say, we can't change others before change ourselves, developing self love, and caring just about matters, you truly think will change a japanese mind like this? Saying " xenophobics" even if some of them are, I don't think is the best approach. We don't change people attacking them, but showing WHY what they are doing is WRONG. Because if you attack people will react at same level.
Just like I'm the video, some see this as attack and try to deny the problem, just because only see the attack and not the arguments. Because doesn't exist when you only attack without showing any solution.
To be honest after hearing all of their opinions now i really excited to visited Japan it's kinda exciting 😂and i really meant it and once i fully grown up i will surely visit Japan one day and try to experience would i going to get same bad experience as them or my story will be something different 😎🤭
I've (white Australian) been in Japan for a bit over 2 months so far and haven't experienced anything I would remotely deem racist towards me. People have been really friendly and I've been really glad to have made some great friends.
I feel like I've only ever had the opposite experience of some people in the video when using my fairly mediocre Japanese to communicate, where I often get a reply in full pace Japanese back in return and have to ask if they mind repeating themselves.
This said, I have been staying in an area with a lot of snow based tourism so people here are probably fairly used to seeing foreigners around.
I'm going to be really sad to leave next month.
Mind blown bro totally mind blown
Treatment towards white foreigners is much better than towards non whites
Let's just say being white is generally more acceptable which brings up loads of questions as to why that is so. Sad really.
easy to say when you spêak the language fluently.
@@maegalroammis6020 Don't move to countries that you can't speak the language of fluently.
I've studied in Japan for a year now, another few years still coming. During this time I've noticed several of these things happening, but since same things often also happened back in Finland too due to me being autistic, it's not that bad.
It feels much better to be treated as an outsider when in a foreign land, as opposed to being treated as an outsider in the land you were born in.
I think the main issue might be that foreigners don't act the way Japanese expect people should act or behave. Foreigners might act and behave how they were brought up in their country and so Landlords and Japanese people, after awhile, might frown on foreigners' different mannners and conduct. If foreigners become fully immersed in the Japanese ways and culture, then they might recognize the Japanese might start looking at them differently while in Japan. In other words, if they can assimilate totally into the Japanese culture which the Japanese people are used to seeing and behaving while among themselves, then foreigners might be regarded differently by the Japanese. Only my thoughts.
When in Japan, you are kind of obligated not to offend people's ideas of how you should behave. Most foreigners are happy to oblige, but it doesn't work the other way around. When exactly the same expectations are placed on Japanese people when abroad, the reaction is almost always, "But we are Japanese!"
Japanese love traveling to other countries as tourist and possibly living in those countries, and are well accepted. But Japanese may not like foreigners like ex-pats and tourist living in and or visiting the country........
Racism is everywhere, we just express it differently.
I live in Japan and usually i try to stay away from foreigners... Why? You dont want to be near people who doesnt follow common sense rules, they usually dont notice it so for them is about racism, like talking loud, playing music loud, etc.
My personal experience is that Japanese and Chinese both are quite prejudiced against Blacks. It's based on the uncivilized behavior of the Blacks in the US. And the feeling is, face it, more than justified.
Can't speak for other races/ethnicities, but I'm white and I've been to every corner of Japan, including rural areas, and I've never had anything other than the usual 'Gaijin stare'. People expecting Japan to act like multicultural America or Canada are silly. There's a tradeoff that occurs between racial awareness and cultural density. If Japan becomes multicultural enough that Japanese people are very 'racially aware/open' then it will inevitably lose it's cultural density. Going to Japan and wanting 'diversity' is like going to Mexico and wanting snow.
Part of my family and friends are in Japan. They act differently from seeing white skins to dark. Because you’re white so you don’t Feel it.
Lmao as a mexican you're right, we do have a little tiny bit of snow in some places 😂 but yeah, I get you
We do have snow in Mexico tho...
Western Countries are more racist than Japan. The list is not accurate. Japanese are not as judgmental as Westerners generally speaking. Racism isn't just about how you treat different people it's also about how willing you are to accept them in all aspects of life. The West is a different culture from Japan. Some foreigners get that but again not all do or if they do then they at least don't respect it. Most feel entitled & just want to have their cake & eat it too & Japanese are now under pressure to try to judge races by a Western Standard & that's just wrong if you ask me. If anything that would make racism in Japan worse not better. Japan benefits from not being a Western Country with the same culture & values. This is the problem with the virtue signalling in the West which simply does not exist in Japan though.
Really? When you think Japan will have a black person as president or an Indian as prime minister? How about the year never.
@@tejave0ojnc Yeah but the way ethnicities generally look & their values in Western countries is for the most part homogenized. But it is not homogenized in a way that would benefit most Japanese though. Most Japanese would be judged by a western standard, such as their height/ stature or their physical appearance. Race has nothing to do with that unlike in the west where the only difference is skin color for the most part, but almost all westerners look the exact same so if they would just me for many of these petty reasons? I wouldn't be surprised if they wouldn't judge Japanese for the exact same ones as well!
I've never even thought rentals. Never had a problem. I went to a rental agency to procure an apartment for my brother in Nagoya for a year. He ended up staying 3. Without a doubt, the rental guy was in shock but I spoke Japanese and was very polite. He got the apartment. On the other side of the coin, a Japanese friend told me her father ran an agency in Okazaki and said they would never rent to a foreigner. Do I hear a challenge?
Sounds good, keep it up Nippon.
First of all, I’d like to thank you Nobita for this amazing interview video. For sure this will make people think deeper about race considering different perspectives and your work really helps both Japanese and foreigners who have some bond with Japan. I am Brazilian and I’ve been in Japan 4 times. As a black person who speaks Japanese, I always felt safe and welcomed wherever I were. Except one time in a restaurant in Okinawa (2019) I was denied to have a seat that was free. The man who was dealing with me had a angry expression and didn’t give me any explanation why he denied me a seat. Japan has a culture of treating costumers as Gods, and that restaurant wasn’t doing that. So, I considered that place as below Japanese standards service, expressed my gratitude and left there. I went to another restaurant nearby and had an amazing meal, service, the whole package. After I came back to Brazil a friend of mine who has Japanese citizenship told me that maybe the man who denied me a seat assumed I was American from Okinawa Military Base and that trigged him to his bad behavior. Even if this was the case, I don’t think it justifies it. Anyways staying in Japan for short time can be fine, as tourist can be amazing but I’m not sure about living in Japan for years. Looking forward to visit Japan again.
I used to live for 10 years in Japan.
I experienced a few racism cases but most of it is only misconceptions or clichés.
Worst think I encountered was when I needed to open a bank account and, while the staff was pretty nice to me, the security guys literally laughed at me because I was struggling with Japanese back then. I just looked straight at him and asked if he could speak English or French fluently. I didn‘t get a reply.
Another time was when I was looking for a new place to stay. The real estate guy explained me that the owner specified they didn’t want foreigners for various reasons I can understand. Not a big deal, I found something else the same day.
And these are actually the ‘‘worst‘‘ thing. The rest isn’t even worth mentioning.
Japan is definitely xenophobic but not necessarily generally racist. Discrimination against white foreigners is mainly on the perception that we are loud and opinionated and promiscuous. E.g. You don't want loud, demanding renters. -> Foreigners are loud and don't shy away from giving their opinion. -> No renting to foreigners. But generally, I think white foreigners are more or less considered "good" foreigners and if we learn the language, we won't be bothered. We will never be able to really assimilate into society, though. The way we look is too much a reminder that we are not 100% ethnically Japanese.
I can imagine BIPOC have a much more difficult time, though. I don't think Japanese are aware of what is OK or not OK to say/do in regards to BIPOC. I have definitely come across people trying to touch hair or comparing someone's skin to food stuff. 😖
(19:33) Does this extend to love hotels. On Chris Broad's channel, he and Connor kept going to various love hotels. They did not appear to experience any discrimination. Is this normally the case or was their experience an exception?
Great video. When I traveled to Japan, I didn’t feel any racism - just curiosity. I do think a lot of the Japanese residents are annoyed with tourists though.
I'm not even Japanese and I'm annoyed with tourists. They're so rude and don't follow any of the rules. Closed borders during covid was GREAAAAAAT!!!
Any country residents would be annoyed with tourists who feel entitled to force their morals or way of life on the locals or didn't follow the local way of living.
@@leosunaquamoon Now I wonder if all foreigners like that.
It's kinda ironic because the Japanese need tourists so much to raise their economy.
@@leosunaquamoon Even as a forienger living in japan, I too dislike tourists. There a few people who know how to respect the culture and laws. However, the majority of tourists are loud, rude, and carefree. They continue to reinforce the bad foreinger image that Japanese associate.
1.Japan looks down on other asian countries especially south east Asian workers employed in Japan but look up to western English teachers and treat them differently. I've seen this a lot of times. 2.they would clutched on to their bags and visibly guard it when they hear someone speaking in another language and of course a non westerner aka asian.
Their reason always: they do not know how to deal with foreigners. They do. They just deal with foreigners differently based on their origin, country and race. I am not saying all Japanese but I have seen a lot.
And that's why I, as an Indonesian, do not want to be classified as an Asian anymore. I prefer to be called a maritimer or an oceanian instead of "Asian".
they probably look at someone who is caucasian because sometimes it's unusual for them to see someone different from them. I am Asian American & lived in a small town in Germany close to Hannover. Every time I walked to go shopping, people looked at me & stare. They have never seen an Asian person in their town.
Exactly
I'm a Mexican-American. I've been to Japan 3 times. The first two times, I was pretty ignorant where racism is concerned. The last time I wen in 2023, it was a leisure trip with my wife who is Brazilian but looks Anglo. We had great experiences with the locals. They went out of their way to help us, total strangers who did not speak much English. I spoke a little Japanese. Did that make a difference? I don't know.
Lovely