Are African Americans welcomed in Japan?

Question

I'll be studying Japanese at a language school in Fukuoka, Japan for 2 months this summer and wondering how people would see me or approach me. A big reason why my mom wouldn't let me go at first was because she thinks Japanese people don't like black people. I've never heard a Japanese person say that but I also haven't heard one say that their okay with us neither. I'm also 16 years old so I'm a minor also (and a girl).

Do you think I'll have a hard time in Japan?

Answer 1

First of all, tell your Mom she's not too bright j/k (no, tell her)

Secondly, take a look at some of these vbogs of black (mostly Americans) people in Japan, there's a lot and they're very interesting. even the dumb ones. There's one guy who fancies himself a pickup artist and is very forward, but what's interesting is the way the Japanese girls respond to him. they don't go running away screaming or scared and they're certainly not rude to him. The most interesting ones, per the topic, are the young ladies who are vblogging about being attracted to Japanese guys and their experiences among the Japanese. Yeah, she might not like those. Anyway, then take a look at other vblogs of people living in Japan and you'll see that they're not that different. I really think that being black in Japan is a non-issue. If anything, it's just being a foreigner in general, and mostly the problem is with the foreigners themselves acclimating to the new environment.



http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=black+in+japan&oq=black+in+japan&gs_l=youtube-reduced.3..0l4.56110252.56112225.0.56113406.14.9.0.5.5.0.116.667.8j1.9.0...0.0...1ac.1.DnhTBmVS9F0



By the way, you'll have a wonderful time. And like what the other poster said about being an ambassador - you're what their impression of a American teenager is going to be. So if you're kind, respectful and open-minded and not judgemental, you'll do just fine - just as you would most anywhere else in the world.

Answer 2

Yes, African Americans are welcomed in Japan.



Japan is overall a welcoming country, but if you act like a jerk, then you won't be liked.



Unfortunately a lot of people don't actually consider that they are acting like a jerk because acting like a jerk is natural for them and often rewarded and supported where they come from. Most people can figure it out quickly though.



You just won't be treated like an average person if you make a big thing about your looks. That can be good and bad.



All in all, you're going to be treated well in Japan. Some people like to complain, but they're not thinking clearly. If you went to a different country where you stood out just as much, people would snicker, try to cheat you, etc. In Japan people generally mind their own business and are polite. If there's someone to criticize, it will be themselves. If you were Japanese and you found yourself not liking someone you'd look at yourself first. You would assume that you have a problem, not the other person.

Answer 3

You'll be a foreigner, no more and no less. If you are polite and courteous you will be treated very well. Your school will most likely do its best to welcome you with a party and so on.

Japanese people rarely deal with black people, so it's wrong to say they hate or dislike them. In fact there are some Japanese who may go far out of their way to help you if you need it. Fukuoka City has about 1.4 million people, and there are a fair number of foreigners there, so it's not some hick town as another suggested. There are plenty of ex-pat hangouts and has its own ex-pat magazine. In fact, you

should read through some of the issues up online to get a familiarity for the place before you arrive.

See:

http://issuu.com/fukuokanow



And for some good info on what to see and so there, see:



http://www.tinyurl.com/see-fukuoka



http://www.crossroadfukuoka.jp/en/

Answer 4

The Japanese don't really have the concept of racism embedded in their DNA code. White people, black people - it doesn't matter. You're just a foreigner, and you will be treated with the same respect you give to others. You will occasionally be stared at just because it is somewhat rare for them to see someone who is not Asian, so be prepared for that. They don't mean anything by it, even though it can be a little disconcerting. Generally, foreigners are very welcome in Japan and people (sometimes) love to test their English skills. Prepare to have fun!

Answer 5

You may have a hard time just for being a teenager away from home, going through culture shock, that sort of thing. Just remember that Japan is 98-99% Japanese. That means that they may know black skin and hair and celebrities from pop culture, but they may have never seen black people in person, up close. This could elicit a variety of responses from people. Most likely you will be stared at. Some will be too shy to speak to you. Some will want to practice their English on you as much as you tell them you want to practice Japanese with them. Some might even want to touch your skin and hair. (Even my Asian American friends in high school would stare at my arm hair because of being mixed I had tones they did not have.) You will be different so people will be curious. If you've never been to somewhere where you were the only person who looked like you, it can be quite a shock. I've had an old woman in Tokyo stare at me really hard until finally she managed 2 words in English. That was her thinking face. I didn't realize. I was so shocked I didn't even answer, even though I speak Japanese. My trips back as an adult have been so much better than my childhood rebel days.



I'm half-Japanese, female, used to live there. I moved there and left when I was younger than you. I'm not half-black but one of my classmates and neighbors was. We never spoke, strangely. But that's how kids are. He was a loner. It was an American Christian school full of military children and half-Japanese of all sorts. I imagine he was probably bullied at public Japanese school (I was too) and ended up having to go to the American school. We lived in one of the best places to be foreign because it was Okinawa, an island with a heavy American military presence. There was American tv, radio, and people all the time. Yet, people stared at me, threw rocks at me, called me names, picked fights. Children can be cruel. Children can also be wonderful. Some were very happy to talk to me, just in awe to hear me speak English, would take me to their English tutoring sessions, etc. Your experience may not be as bad as I had it at times and I do not want to discourage you. I think it will be a wonderful experience. Just realize that Japan is sheltered and act like an ambassador.



I have never been to Fukuoka and I don't know where in Fukuoka you will be but one of my good friends from Fukuoka went to a private school that did exchanges with America so I would like to think there are pockets of people who have more international experience, interest in English and Americans, and those people will be good ambassadors for Japan as well for your experience.

Answer 6

No problem if you will go to school with the specific purpose of learning Japanese. But you would't be able to avoid standing out in Japanese.

Answer 7

You would not have any problem as long as you visit Japan as a tourist. Japanese people welcome tourists from any region.



But if you want to move to Japan, you would not get a visa so easily.

Answer 8

African American Japanese

Answer 9

If you are a foreigner and living in Fukuoka you will be a relatively rare sight, the fact you have dark skin will make you a relative novelty. People in Kyushu tend to more hospitable and friendly than in the big cities and Kyushu has some nice countryside.



Japanese have nothing against black people they think all African Americans are into hip hop and rap and wear baseball caps and chains. Personally I think you and your mother have nothing to worry about.



PS Japanese reserve their racism and discrimination for Koreans and Chinese. You are a American so have nothing to worry about.



PS watched the video, the kid is what we call in my country a "hoon". Gives African Americans (and Americans in general) a bad name when travelling overseas.

Answer 10

watch this video and tell me what you think.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaMxy6FF4Lk