Would a foreign half-Japanese be allowed in a "no foreigners" place?

Question

If a half-Japanese person, born and raised in the States, with rudimentary Japanese and an English first and last name, who resembles her Western parent, wanted to go to an onsen that refused service to foreigners, would she be able to go in alone?

Technically she would be a foreigner on every count but DNA. But she already knows the custom of scrubbing down first, soaking in the hot springs later, so hygiene is not a problem. Still, would the onsen attendants let her in? Especially if she didn't know to explain to them that she knows how to bathe?

Answer 1

No foreigners means exactly what it says. If you were not born and raised in the country you are a foreigner. If she spoke the language fluently she might be able to fool the attendants into thinking she had been born there. She also might be able to get in if her Eastern parent went with her to explain that she had been instructed as to the customs but he/she is technically a foreigner now too if they married an American and are living here & raising a family.

Answer 2

I don't know onsen that refuse foreigners now.

In 1997, a public bath Yunohana in a port town Otaru Hokkiado refused foreigners because they dislike the Russian mariners. (They had made excuse, they wrote signs "Japanese only" instead of write "We refuse ones who are bad manners".).

Some persons, Mr. David Aridoh and others had filed a suit against them. Of course, Yunohana had been defeated. After this case such signs had been disappeared at onsen. Even before this case, a few onsen refused foreigners generally, I think.

I think you have no problem at all.

But it is also true some Japanese are xenophobia. They live in not only rural area but also live in medium-sized town, like Shizuoka or Kurashiki. I’m regretful it.

Answer 3

Interesting.



Much of what bluemoon is saying is rubbish. If non-English speaking Japanese tourists in the US were barred from visiting various attractions, hotels or restaurants FOR ANY REASON it would be wrong (and all Americans would see it that way). In Japan, Japanese people easily rationalize using a different set of rules towards foreigners.



Many Japanese people are not able to see things from another's point of view and have no interest in doing so. They have feelings for their comfort and convenience but little concern for non-Japanese. This has been historically true.



I am a guest in Japan and am reasonably happy. If at any time I become unhappy I can simply leave. Japan will not change to accommodate me or any other foreigner.



Having said that, I would recommend that you/she not make an issue about it. It is not likely to be an issue for her. If it is, so be it. She will have the option of going somewhere else. She can do that with a smile or a frown on her face - her choice. There is no appeal process.



As Dan says, "There are many nice onsens in Japan where they don't discriminate, why not enjoy one of those?"



I should also say that if there is a posted rule it will not be possible for someone to explain their way around it. Japan simply does not work that way. Rules are not suggestions for behavior in Japan. Rules are rules.

Answer 4

First of all, you can't bring any US standard or rule as is to different other country such as Japan, Vietnam, China, Iraq, Cuba etc.



We are always stranger once you step out from mother country and have respect their standard if you wish to be respected by them. USA is just a country of the world and the citizen doesn't be allowed to do what they like to do outside of the country.



Talking about blood based discrimination in Japan, you have to consider well their background and culture because Japan has not been Melting Pot like USA where immigrants have invaded natives.



It like "no foreigners" sign means their instinct for fear to stranger historically. They don't care what skin color do you have. If you speak Japanese fluently and show them no intention of malice and/or disadvantage, you are welcomed anywhere anytime even at Onsen or something else ever.



DNA thing mixed to this kind of discrimination is totally silly view point Western people often tend to self mislead.



If stranger can understand Japanese and their culture with respect, he must follow their local standard so that he'll be accepted, that's all.



If he can't speak Japanese, he'd better not come close to any place "no foreigners" for avoiding any possible unpleasant result each others. It is a general etiquette for traveling abroad.



We can't force our own standard onto different people because it is almost kind of insulting for them.



If he really wants to bathe at Onsen, make his own Onsen so that he will be able to do anything he like in USA.

Answer 5

Asian countries are pretty strict on those things. No foreigners means no foreigners. Doesn't matter if you have a bit of japanese blood in you, you are still not japanese. A lot of people reading this question might be thinking its discrimination and is illegal, well we're not talking about the U.S are we. We're talking about Japan and in Japan there are many places besides Onsens that do not and will not allow foreigners. Think of it like how in the U.S was 1% black blood meant you were black. In Japan 1% japanese blood still doesn't make you japanese.

There are plenty of other Onsens that allow Non-Japanese, I would say look for those places that cater to or seek tourist and foreigners.

And to the person above me that wrote "NEVER" you are wrong, there are PLENTY of places that will NOT under ANY circumstance accept foreigners

Answer 6

If she holds Japanese citizenship then they legally can't refuse her but probably will anyway. It's really up to the business and sometimes exceptions can be made but don't count on it.



No Foreigners usually means, "we've had a bad experience with one group of people so we're saying that all foreigners can't enter". Some places will allow you to enter with a Japanese escort and some will only deny you if you're of the group they didn't like.

Answer 7

I'll be blunt. The Japanese people can be EXTREMELY racist. If the onsen doesn't allow any foreigners, there isn't a big chance that she will be allowed in, even if she does understand the customs. I would just look for another onsen where foreigners are welcome.

Answer 8

There are many nice onsens in Japan where they don't discriminate, why not enjoy one of those?

Answer 9

I have spent the last five years living in Japan, have been to many onsens all around the country and have NEVER seen a place that refuses service based solely on your being foreign.



Some Japanese are xenophobic, especially in rural Japan, but you will NEVER be refused anything because you are foreign, you will probably find their reaction is the complete opposite!



I would have thought your Japanese parent would have told you this, and would probably be quite offended that you have such a negative view of his/her country!!

Answer 10

There are hot springs in the US. I'm sure you can find one labeled a "onsen". Racism is illegal in the US.

Answer 11

Those places will not care about DNA results, just an appearance. If they do not approve of her appearance, then she will be labled as a "foreigner."



Its sad, but true.

Answer 12

Isn't it illegal to discriminate against foreigners like that? to just not serve foreigners, that is racist isnt it?

Answer 13

What are no foreighners places?

Answer 14

ummm..what kind of no foreiners place...





the border?

Answer 15

no your not allowed........ i think