What no one tells foreigners living in Japan
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- čas přidán 19. 01. 2019
- I’ve DEFINITELY gone through a phase where I feel like everyone is staring at me and talking about me but I feel so much lighter knowing what I know now. Hopefully this might help some people who are also a minority in their situation. OF COURSE this doesn’t apply to some people and OF COURSE some people might actually be talking about you but for the most part, this is what I’ve found.
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We had a day at the university that I went to in Japan where everyone dressed up in Yukatas. I remember overhearing a small group of guys snickering at me and saying kimoi(gross) and I felt kinda of bad about it even though all of my other Japanese friends were very supportive. But later that day when I was walking home this slightly older Japanese man stopped me in the street and posed with two thumbs up while smiling and saying ‘very good’ in broken English. It made me feel so much better. Ahaha.
Every country have good and bad people. Dont let the negative get the best of you.
ignore the haters.. WEAR WHAT YOU WANT!!!
@@gideonroos1188 damn, that sounds like a great experience, I cant believe people would go so out of their way to help others... it really is a cultural thing over there.
Sorry about your loss, hope everything works out for you
Now this made me feel better thank you haha
@@gideonroos1188 That is such a cool story. I wish I had known about bringing little things like that with us. We didn't have anyone THAT helpful, but generally people were nice and forgiving. Interesting on the gift giving which is very important in Japan. If you get a gift you have to give a gift back. My friend was out there for about 3 years teaching English just after she got married. They had their baby while they were there and she got tons of baby presents and the girls at her school had a little baby shower for her. So as thank you presents she thought she would just tie dye some little handkerchief for everyone. Super simple, wouldn't take too much time and wouldn't be expensive because they were on a budget and there were so many thank you gifts for her to make. Well she gave the tie dye handkerchiefs to everyone, but it totally backfired because the gift was too special because they were handmade. SO then they felt obligated to give her MORE presents and she had to figure out another thank you present to give give everyone back. LOL She said their little Japanese apartment was just filled with baby stuff.
I'm a black 18 yr old in japan with dreads, One day I had an elderly lady on the train touch my hair an in a cute curious way say "wooly wooly" And the next day I had an elderly man say "I have found a negro!" in English an ask for me to take gangster rap pictures XD I think the elderly generation are funny people in the way they are curious an not trying to be mean (for the most part)
They fact he asked you to do gangster pictures means he already stereotyped you. Which is beyond ignorant and rude. Let me guess, you actually went along with it and did gangster rap poses for him
@@mynegaims No I was running late for a meet up so I told him I couldn't. But its still a funny story none the less
@@MegaBajojo sighs... it may be a story but I don't particularly find it funny. Unless you actually do what he was asking? But even so it was wrong of him to just automatically assume that just because he see that you are black. Just politely decline him or any other in the future and tell him you don't do that and that not all black Americans do that contrary to how it may seems. Though I doubt you would. You're free to go about it however you want man. I myself would try to educate all the ignorants who come up to me asking ignorant things
@@mynegaims I find it hella funny, cause negro means black in spanish! And even use to describe black people from africa. Because he is old makes is also okay, cause at that time they always use those kind of words. The only time that words really offend someone is people who easy triggered just like you I guess.
Okay, I don't get it? Are you trolling or are you just going around calling people negro?
I went to the countryside dressed in yukata with my japanese friend. We got followed by japanese kids laughing and I started feeling bad about myself. My japanese friend asked the kids about the way and they answered in japanese that they would help us because I look like rapunzel. It made me so happy and it is one of my most precious moments from Japan ever 💕
Japanese people are teached discilipine when they are still in kinder garten, no wonder Japanese people grew into like this, I want to go to Japanese someday, ugh..
Kemm Miarvil why? Haha
@Kemm Miarvil I think they were curious since maybe it's their first time seeing a foreigner using Yukata.
@Kemm Miarvil I mean , despite the fact that the Kids said "You look like Rapunzel." Means that they are interested to see Foreigner using Yukata.
@Kemm Miarvil bro get some therapy
I was shopping at the supermarket the other day. A woman walked past me, mumbling. It seemed that she was talking about me.
I politely asked, "Excuse me, what did you say? I didn't hear." She replied, "I was saying that I wish my husband was like you and he would help me with the shopping." :D
It's easy to assume people are saying bad things, but it's not always the case. :)
awwwww lol, thanks for sharing
If people don't like you in japan, they won't ever tell you to your face. Don't expect anyone to be honest when caught in the middle of something - just not how things are done here.
@@jerkchickenblog yes, gaijins are so naiive xd
@@jerkchickenblog it is not up to the japanese people to adapt to foreigners in japan, the foreigners must adapt to them as it should be everywhere else....to other filipinos living in some other countries, pls take that in mind
@@jerkchickenblog so what's the problem if haters don't have courage to say to your face that they hate you? Who cares about the evil feelings of those coward and paltry people?
Most strangers care a lot less about you than you think they do.
100% narcissism
most people just keep their mouth shut instead of making a big deal out of it. Must be nice trying to feel you're being discriminated in this world.
They really don't care. But when you get anxiety you think people are out to get you, lol.
Most people you know don't care, let alone strangers lol
Outside of the cities, it happens... Some Japanese are really racist...
Only had two experiences when someone complained at me because I am a foreigner in 11 years.
The first time, the surrounding people in the train stood up and replied to the guy before I could.
The second time, a woman from a shop said in Japanese that I was a “useless” customer. I told her that I heard was she said and that foreigners do understand Japanese and left the shop. I was more embarrassed for her and how stupid she was than feeling angry about what she had said!
Once In Sadoga-shima, I had a funny experience. A old lady ran out of her shop when I start asking for something in Japanese. She came back with her neighbor. She told her friend “look there’s a foreigner and he speaks Japanese”. Someone could have misinterpreted and become angry. I found it very cute and had a good laugh with the 2 old ladies.
Thanks for the video!
Your writing style is slightly hard to follow lol.
Jack Koo I added some comments. Hope it helps!
@@asveron hmm I didn't notice
Can you elaborate and provide some context about the first time? I dont think it makes any sense.
@Emperor Vulpecula Japan is Wakanda confirmed!
Hey Hannah. One thing my grandmother said to me regarding this: "what other people think of you is none of your damn business." It helps me when I get on a negative streak like that.
Nice Advice 👍
Wise granny.
people are obvious in japan though. they aren't shy about showing you that they are looking or talking.
Yup and I also don't care what other ppl think about me. As long as I am happy 🤷🏼♂️
Not when it affects your career and income
Japanese here.
It's sad that in this day and age, many Japanese still refer to foreigners as "gaijin," instead of the more polite "gaikokujin."
Gaijin=someone from outside
Gaikokujin=someone from a different country
I was finally able to visit Japan this year (and I went twice!), and I was surprised that I did not hear anyone use "gaikokujin". I decided to believe it was because of habit. :)
I thought it was because it was easier to say?
@@helenemaja0912 Perhaps they don't even consider that it may sound derogatory.
@@RedBrigade82 Some may add "-san" after "gaijin," as in "gaijin-san," which makes it sound softer, but still... (As many of you may know, "-san" is added to a person's name, in the same way as Mr. or Ms. So, Mr. Smith would be Smith-san. )
Does it really matter? I don't really mind at all, what matters is HOW it's said
I really enjoyed this video. I've been living in Tokyo for three years now, and I sometimes feel the same way (although I naturally attract attention because I'm nearly two meters tall). The longer I live here and study the language, the more I realize that most people are talking about food or complaining about daily life- not complaining about the big foreigner taking up too much space on the train. And thanks for the tip about the shop in Kamata. I love upcycling!
100%. Most Japanese people just don't care about foreigners at all. Especially younger Japanese people. They're just complaining about daily-life things, like we all do.
@Ken narville If I meet you in Japan, I will avoid you!lol
You always adhere to say something bad about Japan.
What do you want to do??
Ken narville You write hate comments toward japanese over and over and over and over...but you said that you have never been in japan on other channel right?
@Binick DelonSo i said many times that if you want to know about japan then come to japan?
@Binick Delon Any cultures is not simple thing but i wrote what i personally think about japan right? I don't know why you want to
come japan so much.
I lived in Tokyo for 6 years a while ago, and I can't say I've ever had a really negative experience. The only thing is the occasional comment about foreigners, but even those aren't really negative, more just showing that they're not used to having foreigners around. One example was when my family was visiting me in Japan, we were in some small town in Shikoku and they were having some kind of town festival (this was 11 years ago so I forget the specifics). The four of us were the only foreigners there (that I could see, anyway). However, I overheard someone saying (in Japanese) "man, there's a lot of foreigners." It didn't sound negative, just surprised, and I guess 4 foreigners counted as a lot for that town. 😂
Love your Cyan content!
should have replied back "man i know right"
Yeah I feel like a lot of the rural and smaller towns just arent used to seeing foreigners
How would you feel if someone in america said the same? Stop defending the japanese.
@@muchacamara It shouldn't matter in Japan or America unless they came up to you and actually did say something racist and rude. The person who originally made this comment stated that the Japanese person who said that was not being rude, just surprised. in Japan, they are not used to foreigners unlike America.
That Logan Paul cough drop was smooth 😂
So good 😂
We love that
Hahahaha American youtuber stereotype reinforced.
Stay away from Japan. Radioactive contamination problem is still ongoing problem in Japan. Almost 18,000 Japanese people died with cancer or leukemia caused by radioactive contamination from Fukushima. Stop eating radioactive contaminated food and water. Otherwise, you're going to get cancer, leukemia or infertility. Japan WAS good country but it's severely contaminated by radiation since Fukushima earthquake happened in 2011. Additionally Japanese government is trying to hide the truth about radioactive contamination. However, People have the right to know the truth and what's going on really in Japan.
@@michaelporter1578 this makes sense and i understand what you’re trying to say, but 18000 out of 126.3 million people living within japan. That’s less than a 0.01 chance of it becoming a risk. And i’m sure the Japanese government are doing their best to try and fix this problem. It would only start to become a higher risk depending on how close, or how deep you go into the ‘exclusion zones’. It is perfectly fine to live in Japan, or Tokyo even. There was a similar case in Ukraine, which i’m sure you’ve heard of (called Chernobyl) and people are still very much able to travel to and from Ukraine and live safely. To say not to go to Japan altogether is going a bit far, and i understand if you yourself are paranoid about the idea, but you definitely cannot speak on behalf of the rest of those wanting to go visit Japan.
This actually accurately describes how I feel at the gym sometimes. I used to not go because I didn't want to feel judged. I still feel that way sometimes, but I find it easier once I really dive into my workout.
Use headphones with loud music and your life will change. All of a sudden the outside world will no longer exist and it will be much easier to get over your insecurities
I guess I've never experienced this because I had a personal trainer in the start to not look completely lost. Nowadays, I have no insecurity at all since I'm lifting more than most and have to dedicate all of my focus on that for a few second each time.
Actually this is a great analogy. Couldn't have said it better lol
This story is very true, but We Japanese sometimes stare at you guys, non-Japanese people only because we still aren’t used to be with you or don’t speak English much. I bet most people in Tokyo even don’t care a lot cuz non-Japanese aren’t rare anymore in Tokyo. This is just one thought of a Japanese. Please Enjoy everything in Japan!
@Ken narville if anything he admitted something which is good, there's nothing disgusting
it is not just about japan..it is all over asiaaaaaaa
south east.north south .middle east..etc!!
I go to a school in a navy base in japan which have kids from all around the world turkey china philippines and serbia and that small region in yokosuka we dont care it's common to see people staring at you but dont get anxiety becase there are a lot ....
Japanese stare at very beautiful Japanese girl. That is not racism. Starrig is another category.
I was stared at my whole vacation to japan, I was even pointed at. Very horrible behavior.
Fun story:
I used to have a really high rate of "random" cop-stops in my previous car but was almost never gaijin-carded. Just license checks, but they always made snide comments on the car and did proper walk around checks. Yes it was a bit modded and had slight bumper damage from drifting, but cops don't usually stop modded/drift cars that often unless they are blatantly violating a law. As the car got more modded and even more damaged, however, the cops stopped me less... which is the opposite of what I'd have expected... As it turns out, one of Gunma's most wanted murderers, Hiroshi Kogure, drove a car just like mine and in the police images it looked damn near identical. As I drifted it, damaged it and repaired it with more aftermarket parts however, it looked less like the one he drove and so they probably didn't see reason to stop me.
Haha, cool story
What a coincidence!!😯
DarcNoodles bro, that’s honestly a cool story. Good thing you weren’t injured in the case they thought you were the guy.
Japan takes driving very serious. Hell just saying you didn't see someone. Then have an accident. You're tagged as not worthy to be driving. As you should be paying attention or else the accident would not have happen...
The gangster probably copied your plates.
Joining the comment fray: The problem I see in my circles is that there is the idealized version of Japan, a sort of Ghibli world so to speak. There are tons of videos of Japanese artisans, everyone performing amazing art, tea ceremonies, Shinto temples, beautiful vistas etc. Japanese culture in general is so different from the west that it is so easy to become infatuated by the whole bento box of everything Japanese and soon you imagine yourself going to Japan and being met by smiling asian faces, so happy for you to join them. Newsflash, there are people in Japan who will like you, who will be disgusted with you, who may have a bad day and treat you poorly, etc etc. I believe interacting with Japanese people in your own area will give you a good idea of that in spite of the amazing culture, they are human, just like us and you have to be willing to deal with it and love the experience for what it, both good and bad. A perfect example of this was when I was first learning Japanese. I would speak to one older lady at a Japanese market and there was genuine interest and acceptance. Going to another Sushi place a younger Japanese woman just smirked and didn't respond to my thanking her in Japanese. Going to another place and talking to a man working a food stall and being outright ignored/and seeing them sort of irritated with no smile. I love it all. They're real people just like the stinky people in your own neighborhood.
there might be bad apples around but i assure you, they are the exception and they are very few, my sister lost her new i phone 10 a year back in the train and wrote if off as gone.. but when she told their japanese host about it he said they will look it up at the station, true enough, the phone was given back by a passenger who found it the day before when she lost it....now in the philippines ....well i do not think that you will get the opportunity to accidentally lose it, most probably someone will take it from you
I don't understand why Japanese people are loved all over the world. They refuse to show uis who they really are, they impose us formalities, they lie all the time, they criticize foreigners, but they suddenly mind it when theyt're criticized. They pretend to be good people but refuse to acknowledge their cultural issues and improve themselves. If they all show the same attitude, how can you tell if they are good people or not? These people have serious hypocrisy issues. They don't deserve a good reputation. why many love them if they're all overly mysterious and force themselves to act like robots if we're not their buddies?
don't annoy with me "nyeeeeeeh, ppl r like that evrywhere in da world" please
Personal opinion: Japan is a nice country to visit and have a trip, however, not to live
Even if this comment didn't get thousands likes, I resonate with this the most and agree wholeheartedly.
From someone who actually lived in Tokyo before she left just before covid hits ❤.
@@curiouscat428 Can you explain why? I've been debating moving to Japan from the US. I'm Asian American, and the Asian racism thats currently happening in US, I would say it's better to be in Japan.
if you don't know what to do and see, japan is not worth it. plus there's tons of rules like in the army and you can't interact with the people if you don't speak perfectly their tongue
personally for me it's the opposite maybe i'm used to japan because i grew up there and i can't think of living in another place than tokyo.
maybe it because i live trains but still it's harder if you're not used to the work environment
@@Advanced_Arch_Way so sorry to hear that
or....maybe she actually was mumbling "these damn Gaijin are everywhere" ...
Thankfully at least you understand the truth. She was clearly lying.
@@the_number_one , exactly what I was thinking. Many people, especially the Japanese, will do anything to avoid open confrontation in a situation like that.
Maybe, but it's just as possible that it really was a misunderstanding. There are jerks in every country, but if you go around assuming everyone who tells you that you misheard and there was no racism intended, is lying; you will just make your life miserable.
@@jasmidnurmi9857 I have to disagree on your point. I have worked with psychologists and the police department in lie detection. Everything the woman said is typical of a casual liar. Subconsciously she had left footprints of deception all over her statement. I have great friends in Japan who I cherish and speak with everyday. Just not the ones who support a clan based thinking wherein you defend your own kind at the expense of us without condition.
@@the_number_one =TATEMAE
I think this is an important video to make. It is easy to become self centred and lonely in a foreign land and start to feel the walls closing in. It's all about the perspective and understanding of cultural nuances, especially when you have a foreign skin in a foreign land. Creeps unfortunately exist everywhere, but it shouldn't taint your view of everyone else. Thanks Hannah.
Exactly! I think it’s something that foreigners all over the world go through so it just depends how you deal with it.
this is a good conversation. what I've realised in general is that it really matters how you see yourself. you say "shouldn't taint your view of everyone else". but it is rather you not feeling able to be yourself or defend yourself in a tough situation. you see people based on their relation TO you. if you feel inferior(like a rabbit in a pack of dogs) you're going to expect a dominance which you can't negotiate.
so rather, I'd advice you to have a plan in case you get harassed. you have to grow 6 sizes when people come up to you like that. So know what to say to explain your boundaries. you need a firm stance that says they're in trouble when they cross it. look into their eyes and mean it. And then if they get physical you push them away harshly(both hand forward). do they come back at you again you look for people to help. And if not run for the hills.
@@TheLineCutter I get what you're saying and I understand that in theory that seems like a great course of action. I totally thought the same thing you said, after the 3rd/4th incident but until you're in the fight or flight situation (and every situation is different), you never know how you're going to react when the 5th incident rolls around. If you decide to fight back and physically defend yourself, you can't control how they will react to it (it was badly, in my experience). So while I respect and love that you've got words of advice to give, I can say from experience that it depends on the situation, person and context so much so that legitimately helpful advice is hard to give.
@@CurrentlyHannah true. each persons reality is too complex for anyone to give fitting advice on. so all advice is, is half truths. but with regards to looking over your shoulder, and thinking people are out to get you. it helps to not feel deeply insecure :).
I get what you say, it's not like you can prepare for horrific traumatic experiences. nor is what I said laying responsibility at the feet of the victim. but what you said about: "people are looking at you because you are looking at them" is true. And you invite wrong attention this way.
I like the videos though. Only recently been thinking about learning Japanese because I discovered their culture through architecture. And I'm in love, so :)
Much support from a Dutch guy.
@@TheLineCutter Ah yeah I see what you mean. You're probably right in saying that, in some way, in some incidences, I felt inferior and helpless in my everyday life so I possibly attracted some wrong attention this way. I think it's true that most of the time you get back what you put out so we can only do our best to put our best foot forward. Thanks for your well thought out reply :)
I lived and worked in Tokyo for nearly two years. Really enjoyed my time there. At work, nearly half my staff were Japanese so I can say I had a pretty good idea what they thought of us Americans. I never had a bad experience. Once they get to know you, you are accepted as just one of the group working hard at getting things done. The key is respect. It doesn't come free; you must earn it. That's no different than anywhere else. It helps to learn the culture and get into it as much as possible. Over time you will understand more and fit in better. Don't walk away at the end of the business day. Go out with them and get to know what they do when they are not working. Get to know their families. You will find that they include you in things they are doing. If you act as an outsider, they will treat you as an outsider. Then you really are a Gaijin.
Hi, I wanna ask for a advice, I'm planning to live in japan in a few years but i don't have a college degree, I'm not smart in education but i just want a normal job that is paid enough so i can live, Can you try to recommend me jobs that is not needed for a college degree?
easy to say when you speak perfectly the language. it doesn't mean they truelly accept you as a friend
What work did you do in there?
@@giannilyanicks1718 Its easy to think that way if you're insecure. The sooner you shed that mentality the sooner people will actually accept you as a friend.
@@lil7725 it depends of the places.
I was going through something very similar to you, and this video really made my feel better, thank you Hannah! I am Japanese and have lived in Europe since my childhood but I still often find myself worrying that people are talking about me or that people see me differently because I am Asian and look "different"..Your message really spoke to me and made me realise I have a choice to keep living in my fear or to overcome my insecurities. I don't think I can change myself overnight but you've given me courage to move on from my negative experiences and stop making assumptions. THANK YOU ♥️♥️♥️
another way of getting over this. “The world isnt about me”
Jendl Irlandez
Like she already said, some people really dislike foreigners, something not so uncommon in Japan.
What do you mean by saying “the world isn’t about me ?”
@@eddiegreen7317 it isn't that hard, usually there are two types of gaijin, the ones who make a research about the culture before traveling and those who don't. Once they get there, the latest expect to be treated in a special way just because. Japanese people tend to be polite but that doesn't mean you are important to them, furthermore some of them (not all, some) will invite you shopping or parties just as an accessory "look i'm a gaijin's friend" so yeah you get the idea... Don't bother to much simply because the culture is diferent. If they haven't changed significantly for 2000 years with wars and technology in between, don't expect that you can. Just enjoy the time there because as any other country there are good people and bad people, simple as that
Dude, she literally said she was jumpy and suspicious because of the sexual harrassment and sexual assault she's experienced there. That's called TRAUMA and FEAR. And it's normal. I know it's hard for males to put themselves in women's shoes, but for fuck's sake can you at least try not to be so fucking dense.
@@GLamoRousCooKie white knight.
Thanks for the shoutout Hannah! I used to live in Kamata ^^
Of course :) Love your videos!
I think I've got a cold from stress. Yesterday was a day of a lot of frustration on my recent visit to Tokyo. I wear sunglasses and keep looking forward but people on bicycles by haneda Airport River giving some sort of death stares as they go past. Other areas are less like that such as osaka. Both men and women. I feel very judged when in Tokyo, the strictness made me dance to some October fest last night, just waving my hands to the music also got stares. If I was in Hong Kong I wouldn't get like this. Doesn't feel natural when I come to Tokyo
Hopefully you can find a positive way through
the proof that most aren't good people in this country
So tired of the Victim mentality by some of the foreigners in Japan. Im a Black Male here in Japan for over 9 years and it doesn't matter what Japanese people think about me. Its a beautiful Country with high standards. Im okay if some Japanese people don't like me. Not here to be liked.
Negative attitudes happen everywhere. In the UK they retreat into obscure jokes using context which you as a foreigner aren't going to understand and they use that to be rude about you without you quite understanding it but they mean you to feel it. In general I think the best thing to do is to be very polite and friendly because if you're wrong then you don't hurt the feelings of a decent person and if they are being mean it tends to annoy them that your confidence is undiminished.
I have been living in the Uk for one year and hafl-ish. In London i never experienced this, thankfully, (except when working at Harrods,by my super racist coworkers), I experienced it more going up north in Scotland. Which is a shame because I really liked that place
Yeah, I experienced that in the UK, but when you don't let it get to you they seem to ease up. I was really enjoying the experience of being there too much to let it.
@@globalgabby_plorytomoon498 Yeah, I'm not American but I know of someone who is, and they were upset at the amount people make fun of America here. I think the difference is that (most) people aren't trying to insult American people, they just find the USA strange as a country. Here's a convo I remember:
"Haha, American gun laws are so stupid. Do you know you they have guns in some supermarkets over there?"
"No way, really? It makes sense though, didn't they try to allow creationism to be taught in schools?"
"Oh yeah, but nearly half of their population believes the world is a few thousands of years old, so figures."
"Seriously? I thought our school system was terrible!"
"Haha, same! At least we have free healthcare though."
"Oh God, yeah. You know apparently there's people in America that carry cards saying that they don't want an ambulance to be called for them if they have a fit or something, because they can't handle the expenses."
"Bloody hell, that's just sad."
So whilst it might seem like people are being mean, they're just genuinely confused as to how America runs as a country. It's actually super different from the UK, and people tend to not think very highly of its healthcare/education systems. But the people, on the other hand, have a reputation for being quite open and friendly, as far as I know.
obviously we should be polite as a rule ; and those who go out of their way to be mean and rude with someone are assholes ; tbh i dont mind it myself cause they make it easy for me to judge them if they are worth my time or not ... in the uk though if you start having a nice talk with a brit he will speak his mind tell you what he likes for real speak about his life and what not wich is nice ; makes it easy to have friends and trust that person cause thruthfullness is what makes you trust someone isnt it? on the other hand , japanese are polite all the time even during confrontations to avoid it ; how can you have a meaningfull thruthfull relationship or talk or even trust someone that is covers their real emotions and thaughts so much that its like speaking to a robot ; japanese overall give me the feel that they are phony ; fake ; and that makes it hard to trust them
@@steorbord is that a real conversation LOL? Hmm I think they also need some better education lmao
Thanks so much for your openness about this Hannah. Seriously, it’s great to hear your views on it! We’ve used your advice while here and it helps out things into perspective. From my experience here, nothing negative but we’ve been here for 3 days and leave soon lol
This is literally the video i have been looking for since months!!thankyou for making this video hannah!!it helped out a lot!!
This was a beautiful video. I'm so glad you shared because I've been considering traveling to Japan at some point, but have self-conscious fear about looking out of place, being accidentally disrespectful without realizing it, or somehow disrupting the way things should be/being in a place I don't belong. But, realistically, most people anywhere you travel don't care what you do or don't do as long as you're not intentionally disrespectful, and try your best not to be a problem. Stepping into another culture, you're won't be perfect, and yeah some people won't appreciate your presence. All we can do is our best to give a positive image as "outsiders/foreigners" and ignore those with a snarky attitude-remembering, instead, all the people who graciously welcome and embrace us. They make travel and living in New places worth it. ❤️
I occasionally have a whole row on the train to myself when it's not busy. I have to remind myself that it's not because they're xenophobic. It's just some of them are really timid and shy and feel more comfortable around Japanese strangers than foreigners.
I still love it here. I have not been treated wrongly at all. Everyone has been polite and accommodating.
#japanisbest
you should get that cough checked out
@Beck W Honestly, I saw some heavily covered Japanese people whilst in Tokyo, some as far as having throat tattoos. The culture is obviously evolving. For the most part i don't think you'll have a major issue. But there are places that may ask you to wear a long sleeve shirt. I find it's best to always respect the places you go to and their rules wherever you travel.
@Beck W You'd be surprised how much they think its cool rather than they think badly of you. Just remember what i said. There is a growing trend now with tattoos in Tokyo. It's not uncommon as you'd think.
I was in Shanghai for two weeks before i went to Japan. As a black person i can honestly say that was the most uncomfortable situation i have ever been in. Every time i left the hostel i stayed at. It was like 100 eyes on me and i could see them. They were not shy about staring at me either.
It seems like you are not going to be given much of a choice since you'll be there for a while. I think you should go to the "wolfman barber shop" you'll see almost if not all the barbers have tattoos and you can discuss with them their dealings with being Japanese and having tattoos. Maybe that will ease you out.
Ken narville You write so many comments like that but you said that you have never been in japan right? Creepy.
I am an exchange student in the "countryside" japan. So there are really not many foreigners here and especially in the beginning I use to get all anxious because people would stare. But as you said, they do not stare with a negative intent, most are just curious.
Exactly! It’s like when you see someone with bright blue hair. You’ll probably inadvertently get your eyes drawn to them but only because it’s different.
yep! I get that it might be a bit weird at first but it's not such a big deal
do you enjoy it? I'm thinking about going there for a semester as well but some videos make me anxious
@@petrag8 i am loving it! if you want we can connect on some other social media, if you have some more concrete worries you can ask
@@myownstory1416 thank you that's so kind of you! I'm a white female and i don't speak japanese but i want to learn. so I'm more worried about these things, like i know japan is a pretty safe country but white girls saying things like they got followed and such are not good to hear. and the language barrier is a thing but I'm less worried about that because the uni i would like to is an international uni and i'd start learning the language before i go
I think this is the best take on this sort of video that I've seen yet. Well done, and I found your video highly relatable.
Thank you so much for this video! I think I am moving into the “little things are frustrating” phase and will be making a positive transfer out of that after listening to your reflections. Thank you for taking the time to share this 🙂
As someone who's visited Japan several times and would LOVE the opportunity to live there, I really appreciate you posting this video. Thank you!
It is an interesting experience and thank you for making yourself vulnerable to share it with us. I have not lived in Japan but have visited 4 times now with another coming in May. I have felt those stares probably more from the elder generation in Japan. They can appear to be a prickly bunch but you soon realise that they are so culturally bound to courtesy and not shaming themselves or their family that you are the last thing on their mind. The young just stare at me blatantly as I have a big ginger beard and am a big guy. I am a photographer so that works to my benefit. But I just make sure that I represent my best self to them. I am in their country after all. I make my mum proud with my best manners, my biggest smiles and my humblest intentions. I don't speak much Japanese other than the politeness required. I always admire and respect your using the Japanese language more and more in your videos and equally admire your ability to learn the language. Keep being you. Sending you my best from Melbourne, Aus.
then u didnt go to china once
Nice man^^
There's a thing where people like say the guy waiting on you at the supermarket checkout, will speak very tersely; clipped sort of. This does not mean what it means in the US - it means you are being treated with special regard, "we are all in this together and I feel a kinship with you; we both know the manners and we are both on the same sheet of music" sort of thing.
So glad I stumbled on your videos while doing research for my trip. This is so much more than a travel channel, love your outlook :)
First-time viewer, just wanted to say I liked the honest and open approach you took this video. Keep up the good work!
I moved here in July and I’m very far over the “honeymoon” phase. These past few months I’ve been deep in the pit of “why is everyone looking at me.” This video was super helpful for me and I really appreciate the positivity! Would love a video on how to thrive as an expat!
Beck W I think you’ll be fine! People might stare at it and most employers will require it to be covered. There may be some restrictions about going to pools, hot springs, and some gyms... but daily life with a tattoo isn’t bad! I have loads of friends living here with tattoos and the only trouble they had were the ones I already mentioned! I think it’s totally safe to leave it!
After living about 30 years of my life, I noticed that people will judge you for almost anything you do. Whether if you’re running a million dollar company or just a hobo on the street, they still seem to find something. For the bike incident, I don’t think it’s racism. But when a foreigner in Japan is asking for direction and they look at you like you are from another planet, you should ask yourself “am I from another planet”.
Japan is not just another planet. It is another _galaxy_ =)
Well your probably from another side of the planet lol
@@Raff766 For real
Lmao, I love this comment
Also, I felt I need to expand on the last part I said, so I will. The part when I said asking for direction, I don't think the communication problem is just in Japan. It can happen anywhere. Usually, the language barrier isn't the problem but more about the person's will to communicate. Because you can show the locals your phone or a physical map for that matter, but sometimes people shut down and say no from the beginning from my experience. Just my two cents.
Hannah, thank you for making a video on this because I've had very similar experiences and thoughts in regards to being a foreigner in Japan. I try to talk a bit about it on my channel too. But when you mentioned the part where you became paranoid when men are walking close to you or when you catch someone looking at you and you become automatically suspicious I've experienced that moment too! It's hard to rationalize it but like you mentioned it's not a healthy mindset to be in. So I've just tried to be mindful that people are more likely to be preoccupied with their own life. And they don't always care about what lil 'ole me is doing. So when I think that, I automatically feel a bit more relieved. I hope that helps. And great insightful video :) - Mary
You're so in touch with your feelings, and your emotional journey with your japan journey... you're my hero
Thanks so much for sharing, this definitely applies to any city. I've been in Chicago for 8 years and have gotten really bitter from a lot of bad experiences tinted by racism. This really helps me get some perspective instead of being in my own head. Thank you!
I've been living in Tokyo a year now and I definetly see people staring at me very often but I don't really think too much about it, I noticed in rural areas of Japan the locals stare less than in the bigger cities. In terms of racism...I've only had maybe 5 experiences that were anti-foreigner feeling but four of which might have just been having a bad day actually. It's nothing compared to the racism I experienced being in America, despite being white and because I'm confusing looking, I had so many bad experiences with white Americans calling me names and acting like I was another race to them. Japan so far is very special in that way at least of not usually publicly being so rude. Thanks for the vlog, would be nice to meet up sometime.
America is 20% made of forgieners so, I dont really believe it unless you provoked them in some way.
Dear Hannah...
Thank you very much for your observation of the Japanese.. As a Japanese, I am feeling that you felt the way you felt about the Japanese simply because you are kind person. A person that we, the Japanese, are trying to become someday...
And I’m sorry for the harassment by stupid Japanese....>_
親切な日本人は沢山いますが、ほとんどの場合、虐められていますね。とても残念です。コメント、ありがとう。それ以外、日本は素晴らしい国です。
BuckheadVolvoS4 pardon, may I ask you a question?
Osaria Wolfsberg Sure, whatever...
Osaria Wolfsberg .... Didn't you want to ask me a question..?
BuckheadVolvoS4 woah so you’re Japanese?
I visited Japan for my brother's wedding and absolutely loved it! I would have loved to spend more time there like you have. I'm sure I could have picked up on more of these cultural nuances that you spoke about. Thank you for sharing! 💕🍰Maria
Wow this video really spoke to me, I’ve visited Japan several times I’m moving there this March and I currently teach japanese people English. A lot of the topics you mentioned I’ve either experienced or talked about with my students. I really appreciate you making this video. So thank you
You’re very welcome! I’m glad that I have people I can relate to all over the internet haha
japanese doesn't want to learn english
This was a really good video, I suppose we would like to believe that there is a place out there that is just right for us, especially if, like me, we have travelled a lot and are still searching, and Japan does tick many boxes (I'm still in the phase: Japan is great!) but as you say, nowhere is perfect so you can choose to be disappointed that your chosen place was not perfect and you can leave, or accept that overall it's a great place but there will be difficulties, as with everywhere else. I look forward to more videos and to coming to Japan as much as I can (we visit but I'd love to live there!).
Thank you for showing us your experiences in Japan. It was interesting and insightful. Thanks for uploading
It's quite enlightening, thanks for sharing Hannah. I hope you share more videos in the future!
My experience, is that Japanese often do not tell you exactly what they're thinking. they tend to keep the criticism to themselves and if there's something you've done that bothers them, they'll hold on to it and sandbag. It's frustrating, because it doesn't confront the problem, and issues are not resolved. but generally my experiences were good, and I think there are many positive aspects to Japan. Like every place, there are many pros and cons.
HONNE AND TATEMAE!!!!!
Yeah... its cultural
You are obviously projecting. That said, how do you know for certain what others are saying or thinking to themselves and what they choose to say to your face? For you to assume that you are the final arbiter -- let alone judge capable of figuring out what someone is thinking in their head -- is the ultimate form of paranoid schizophrenic delusions. I suggest you get some professional help before you start accusing others of your own behaviors and thought patterns.
I'm Japanese. I don't think it's the case of they do not tell you exactly what they're thinking or not telling Honne and pretend Tatemae. Do you assume they hate you or they want you to get out of Japan ? I don't think that's the case. In no-immigrant-nation like Japan, It's just unusual to see foreign person in their neigborhood.
I've often heard about someone's complaint regarding me many days or years later from a third party.
What an insightful lesson that I think everyone should learn - it's not just about Japan, is about everyone everywhere. Thank you for sharing :)
This was such a great video and really put things into perspective. When I visit Japan I'm going to try to keep this in mind and not let any negative experiences cloud my judgment and attach a negative view to the entire country. I've always loved Japan from afar and was always afraid that if I visit there and have a negative experience then it will put a bad taste in my mouth and make me hate being there. But bad experiences will happen wherever you are in the world, that's just life. So I shouldn't let it affect me too deeply and let it ruin all the good things I love about Japan. Thanks for making this video!
You are the first channel I've ever subscribed to after watching only one single video. *WELL DONE* on this video. I've been to Japan many times but the reason I subscribed has nothing to do with Japan, but that you hit the nail on the head basically describing what anxiety is.
Not narcissism at all. I’ve been in Japan a few years as well and I can relate to how you feel. It’s the fact we are in a different culture in Japan to begin with, so there can be moments of finding your way. There are times when you may hear some negative things, as you may know, but it’s rare. The big picture is that happens all over the world, traveling can teach you that. In general, I feel that Japan is nice overall. It’s a good place to be. Anyhow, cool intro and thanks for sharing your honesty.
Generally my 2 years in Japan has been really great. Sometimes if someone bumps into me at the station and I'm having a bad day I try to remind myself that it's just people being in a rush and not necessarily someone purposely doing it because I'm foreign. I did have an experience recently though where I was on a crowded bus and I was standing close to the door because I had a pretty large bag and wanted to get out of the way. I had headphones on so wasn't paying attention to the announcements, especially because I was the last stop, and then some guy was getting off the bus and yelled at me in English to move away from the door because the bus driver asked. He was pretty nasty about it so I cried right then and there and for most of the day afterward. I've been more observant on the bus recently and plenty of Japanese people stand there too even though signs say to not do it. I guess that guy was just in a crap mood and wanted to take it out on someone!
Wow I've never seen this channel but added this video to my favorites. Thanks for sharing these incredible insights you got while living abroad:
1. Don't assume people are talking negative about you.
2. You can choose to live in fear or choose to keep going forward.
Thank you as I prepare to move there you gave me strong insight. Thank you love for doing so! Truly this was beautiful learning lesson.
Totally relate to this experience being in South Korea for 10 months. First few months was a honeymoon and excitement, but the following months the culture shock hit hard! What's weird is that I feel much more adapted now and honestly enjoy life here. I'm so sorry to hear about your harassment, I feel like a lot of that is swept under the rug in East Asian countries.
I’ve never been to Japan yet, but from what you are saying I feel like people who think the country is horrible are those who are insecure and too closed up thinking “everyone is out to get them”
Thank you for the video! Its great hearing others' perspective about their time in Japan.
A lot of really excellent points in your video and a lot of things I've come to understand myself after living here for almost 3 years. Thank you!
People have their own ideas of what is a pro and a con. I personally like that people wait at crossings in Japan.
People who are very comfortable with a "me" centred society could struggle in Japan. Also people who don't have patience; things generally happen at a much slower pace in general. As an example, It took me about a week to get a mobile phone, and I had to sit in the phone shop for about 4 hours in total - this kind of process takes 10 minutes in the UK. Driving anywhere takes twice as long than as compared to the UK, because of the slower road speeds, and the number of traffic lights. Whilst I don't really mind these things (I actually love the driving experience in Japan), some people may find them infuriating. I've been here a year so far, and have not once considered going back.
My favorite "talk" video you have ever made. As a black woman, I enjoy seeing, hearing, and learning culture from all over the world. This video shows me that its not a racial issue in Japan, but cultural. I am an absolute fan girl of YOU beautifuI! I love how open minded you are, and willing to travel alone. RESPECT AND ADMIRATION. I hope someday as a black woman, I can do the same. I recommend your channel to ALL my black friends as well. They dont usually watch though 😞😣😭
Black or not, no one's stopping you but yourself. Just get out there and go for it!
Until the blacks and Muslims complain everything and demanding to change their culture in favor to them... And don't play victims card..
@blobbyplop87 I'm Japanese and never have thought in that way. How about your country. Is there nobody who is racist?
Hannah, you have such a great attitude. I went to Japan a year ago to visit my son, and used your videos to get me started on useful phrases. Now I plan to return and and all your other videos are making so much sense to me. As a white female myself, I found it a really really valuable experience to actually be a minority....relatively unfamiliar with customs and language. So proud of my son for living there, learning the language and customs, making friends, working etc. You are living my parallel life!
as an 19 year old Mexican-Asian, I'm going to study in Japan in a few months. this is the only video I have watched of yours and its strangley comforting to hear. growing up, people had always told me that I should be only fully Mexican or fully Asian because of the stigma I grew up with. Hopefully in Japan, I get more of a "I'm at home" type of feeling but I know that won't be the case because of the stigma of how half people should look. I met this Japanese lady (she's an elder) and she has helped me so much as to what I should do and what I shouldn't do when I move. She told me that I shouldn't be worried if people are talking about me since the majority of the time, its not gonna be about me.
I've had 4 trips to Japan, I've never heard or seen any Japanese Citizen being rude to visitors, I have had Japanese people ask my friend (Japanese with Aussie Citizenship) about me, and when she tells them I'm an Australian Judo Player, staying in the Kodokan to improve my studies, they suddenly become even more polite.............Japan and the Japanese People are an absolute delight :)
I had some bad experiences, in a way you mentioned, with Japanese (men) though I’m Japanese, as well as American, Australian, British, Singaporean (people), etc., as I have experiences of living abroad and working for foreign companies. I believe racism & sexism exists nowhere but in some individuals.
*yaaaawn
Thank you for posting this. I’ve been living in Japan for a few months now and I’m at the post-honeymoon phase. I certainly agree with how you described this experience, and it is comforting knowing it can get better. I do feel the frustration you mention and I really want to come out of it the positive attitude you described.
this was so informative, you're so well spoken!
It's funny. I've done the staring experiment several times and almost every time someone does a complete 180. Idk how they notice, but they notice. It's weird.
A very valid point that can be extended across the board when it comes to people, we're all foreigners, we're all new to each other and we're all friends that are waiting to meet each other regardless of our backgrounds. It's worth remembering that it's the MINORITY of bad people that ruin this for everyone else. I've always wanted to experience Japan from a lifetime of admiring their culture and I look forward to when that day comes!
Thanks for your video. I was able to relate to your talk and it’s beeen so helpful! I’m so glad I watched this.
Very valuable message behind this video! ❤️Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your experiences with us. Greetings from Germany🙋🏼♂️
I stopped making eye contact with anyone in Japan.
For real
Ken narville sorry which country are you from？i see you everywhere
Sounds like Seattle lol
Well done Hannah. Keep up that positivity! Being a huge fan of Japanese culture I actually felt a bit deterred from traveling to Japan by fear of what it would be like to experience the country as a 'Gaijin'. You've definitely opened my eyes to what a great experience it could be- with the right mindset. Arigatou gozaimasu.
I'm currently living in Japan and is struggling with the transition of feeling like an outsider. This video really helped lift up my spirits! :)
Hello?? I am also experiencing the same..Am in Hokkaido University and what of you?
Thank you for your honesty and coming forward. For sharing a valuable experience.
It's weird Japanese folks are kinda closed off, when in reality world really loves them. It is the primal way of keeping their own culture, and I can respect that. Much love from Croatia! Wish our relationships grow.
Yeah, letting outsiders in too much may hurt their culture, so I understand if they wouldn't want to truly take us in. All good though; we should live within and appreciate our own cultures rather than try to fit in elsewhere.
that's why i dislike japanese but still appreciate their country in itself
"Sexual harassment and sexual assault" wow, that would definitely make me question the value of spending time in Japan.
There are assholes everywhere unfortunately, not just in Japan
Most peak hour train rides end in a grope or two.
@@limosine if someone gropes u would it be rude to punch them in the face or something in that manner?
@@allyma3 Not rude...but they might feign innocence and charge you with assault. 🙄
I wish I had seen this last year. I was living in Seoul and feeling so out of place and lonely despite having so many friends. It's so hard to not be looking over your shoulder like you said or being over sensitive about speaking with people (in Korean and English).
This life lesson you hit on in this video, is something really important for everyone in the world regardless of where you live to learn, I highly recommend you all listen to what Hannah is saying, it will change your life for the better, and happy you have also learned this Hannah.
I'm sorry you've had some bad experiences especially with older men (i feel like there's always a story about that sort of thing from female youtubers living in japan which makes me kinda sad :/ )
But i'm glad you're taking this outlook on life and keeping a positive view on life in a foreign country. It can be really hard! But your videos always show the amazing sides of Japan which I love and appreciate
Yeah it’s definitely an unfortunately disappointing aspect of Japan that many people have had to go through. I know quite a few women myself personally. It definitely puts things into perspective and I think it’s helped me to become a better person for it :)
My philosophy for this is "Dont worry about things out of my control." In this situation you really wont be able to change anything so the best option is to force yourself to not worry.
stoic
Great Video Hannah! Thank you for Sharing!
Thank you Hannah, I was feeling kinda down, sad and lonely here, now I know better 🤓
I clicked on this and expected someone talking about their horrible experiences in Japan etc (way too many of those out there), but I was pleasantly surprised! Thanks for being so logical. @.@ I have lived here for 8 years all together now, and naturally I have had bad experiences (white female) but I have also had many good ones. I did have (still do, on bad days lol) some paranoid periods and you believe that everyone hates you on the train and all... but when it comes down to it - even with the bigger bad experiences - there are horrible people everywhere. Letting one or two or even five people ruin your entire experience in one country would leave you... having no place to live, so... ^^;
Again, thanks for being so positive. :)
Right! It seems like most people take to CZcams to 'explain' what a horrible country Japan is and how all the people are racist...which is not true in the slightest. It was really refreshing to see a fair, objective viewpoint on an issue like this...an issue that doesn't make the foreigner look like the 'victim'.
Ken narville But you said that you have never been in japan other channel right?
@Kemm Miarvil
I think atleast they keep it for themselves right. atleast in my own OPINION. most (not all) people in the world is racist. Ccause it's human nature bro. We can't help but think like that subconsciously or unconsciously but we really didn't mean it seriously.
@Lakin Dagnan You changed name again? lol
@Lakin Dagnan I'm not creepy campared to you.
Hannah, I liked this video. It was an interesting story. I am also an expat living in Brazil so I totally got what you were saying. Especially about the chocolate! As it turns out, Brazilian chocolate is better than American, but man! I miss me some KFC! I thought you had left Japan (or was that just the Disney gig)? Take care and keep posting (even if it is just rambling)!
Good on you Hannah! Great story. I always feel like the way that you handle a situation is how it generally works out. Having a positive outlook on life helps to make life more positive for everyone around you. Keep enjoying life in Japan. I am hoping to move back there soon. I just love almost everything about Japan and I think that I might enjoy living there more than anywhere else that I have lived or would have the chance to live other than Italy, which is a close second.
Man you have nothing to worry about you are actually very pretty and you have a good sense of humour annndddd you seem very kind. Keep your head up 😊😊
What if she was talking about you but politely said she was talking about something else because you addressed her 🤷♀️
Since both scenarios are possible, why not choose to believe the positive one? If you go through life always looking for the bad, that's all you're ever going to see.
PQSusan SD 説教! 👏🏼🙌🏼
@@susangarland6869 You mean if I go through life staring at the stars, I'm never going to walk into an open manhole? :)
I just agreed to another similar comment. That is, of course, very possible.
S Missions You mean never leaving your home because bad things happen and you’d rather not take any chances 🤷🏽♂️
Yeah, I've had experiences like that. The funniest one was when I was with my friends and I walked past this couple and they started whispering, and I was like "Did I do something wrong?" and then I heard her asking her boyfriend where she could get a pocky backpack like mine XD And after that I noticed a lot of girls would notice my backpack 🎒
Such a nice video Hannah!
Hey thanks so much for your video, I moved to Chiba 6 months ago and it great to hear that someone else has gone through the similar experiences. Thanks so much
I think just about everyone goes through this in Japan.
Being foreign naturally has people look at you, I even did it to other foreigners too since they stand out (unless after 2015 you are in Kyoto/Heart of Tokyo, in that case there are just about as many foreigners as locals so they don't stand out).
But then you start noticing things and wondering if it is about you (like you and the bicycle thing)
Go on a train, older local gentleman changes carriage at the next stop. Hmm, is that because people think westerners are noisy and he doesn't want to put up with any form of disturbances?
To be fair most of the time I hear someone talking on the phone its not English or Japanese. Even had someone doing a voice conversation laughing her head off for like 30 minutes on the train. Above her head was a "Please don't talk on the phone" sign. I really really wanted to take a picture.
I hear a lot of comments about English while I'm nearby as well (studying, or can't speak, or difficulties of pronunciation etc) which I wonder if is just because students are studying it or if it is triggered by seeing a western person etc.
Also people being surprised that a foreigner appeared.
But It's all so small and meaningless. I've seen other CZcamsrs talk like they have been broken and are constantly under scrutiny / attack by the locals.
Actually sometimes its just that their understanding of the Japanese language was wrong and took a harmless comment as a derogatory attack...
Yeah the locals commented there is a foreigner, but usually nothing condescending. And if it is, it's not actually about YOU, it's a generalization that you do not have to apply to yourself.
Now I get locals complain about (insert country here) foreigner behavior just the same as locals in Australia complain about the same (insert country here) foreigner behavior. So actually it's pretty much the same.
"Oh people from that country are well known to be loud obnoxious"
"Oh people from that country are well known to be disrespectful"
"Oh people from that country are well known to cut in line"
Actually I see the same logical mistakes being made in Japan as other countries.
At the end of the day I just came to realize that humans around the world are more alike than one might think.
Just that the culture they know changes their core actions a little bit. Have a discussion and you will find that their thought patterns are generally the same.
And that is the beauty of being here, you can learn new ways to do things.
Japanese people say I look like if I could be half japanese, combined with the fact that I learned japanese and miracelously can speak it with nearly zero accent according to many japanese people, they say I could pass of as half or quarter japanese lol.
So thats why in the airplane the stuff always greets my in japanese while others get greeted in english lol.
Hi Hanna,
I was only as tourist in Japan, but already the first day walking trough Tokyo I had also the same feeling that everybody is looking at me and I was thinking myself why are they all looking at me? Am I different? Than I looked around me and obviously, Yes I am different. My tourist stay was great, Japan is really an other world, I liked to get a little bit in their culture and trying to understand it. I had some more very interesting opportunities for long talks and discussions with japanese people . I felt very safe and japanese people were very helpful.
Thank you for this video! I moved to Japan at the beginning of the month. This is my second time as my first was as an exchange student. I had classmates with me and therefore didn't worry so much the first time. This time around I am going it solo, but yeah I had been feeling this way. Nice to know it's not just me that has this issue. :)
Thank you for this. I've been living in Korea for two years now and I've found myself in a rut. I've noticed that I've started to become a bit bitter towards the country that I had once fallen in love with. I really need to take a stand and make a mental change like you said. It really is how we choose to feel. Thank you for the inspiration.
I'm not worry about people in Japan. Just one thing is to enjoy. People are just the same as we are. Just different cultural
One experience I had: I got told off in the gym by a staff member I had never seen. I had been going there for 2 months by this point. In a simplified nutshell.. I wasn't exercising in the correct way and place that she liked, but I was doing a physiotheraphy rehab program. It was a more bare bones tiny gym mostly for older people it seemed., just machines mostly. I felt picked on, I tried to object after being told off, and explained I'd being doing this for months with no problem. My objection caught her by surprise and she felt all embarrassed and quickly left.. but 5mins later she came back and told me "next time no" . It bummed me out for 1-2 days, and added to my doubts about Japan, I was really down - was this racism, was this rules above common sense, was my presence and non machine based exercise upsetting others? Eventually I just adhered to her way to the determent of the physiotherapy I had been advised to do. I felt better, she left me alone from then on, but it felt stupid.. I just had to bury it, accept, and move on. Next time I'll find a more modern thinking gym.
But this "the way things are done" generally was something I noticed in many different forms, rules come before consideration for others and logic. Just have to not let it get to you I suppose.
First, thank you for your illuminating and honest videos! I watch a lot of videos of foreigners living in Japan because my son has lived there for ten years and has no plans on moving back home, and having visited him there, I can understand why. Regarding this video, and especially your comments on being conscious of people staring at you, I know in Japan that practice is a no no. But since you are a very attractive young woman, if you feel men, young or old, are staring at you, you're probably right and they probably are. Guys like to look at pretty girls. That's the way it's been for ... ever, not that that makes it right. But kudos to you for coming to a healthy and mature perspective on this. You have survived the 'culture shock' that torpedoes so many expats. So may you continue having an enriching experience living there, and producing your informative videos!
I had a good time in Japan in 2016 when I visited for 2 weeks. I’m now working towards moving there in January 2020. Currently stocking up on things I need to know, and this was pretty helpful, thank you!