Question:
Would a young, middle class, black American busisness man be welcomed in Japan?
2014-11-14 14:58:20 UTC
Hey, I am a black American man and I am doing to go to japan for 2 weeks. In the first week I will do business, and in the other week I will tour Japan and do other activities, and perhaps meet some Japanese women. I've heard that Japanese are somewhat racist and xenophobic. Is this true? Would I be welcomed? Thoughts?
Thanks in advance.
Eight answers:
Madame M
2014-11-15 05:02:22 UTC
Are you welcomed in your home country? Most of these things depend on personality, really.



Xenophobic, not racist -- I think that's a good summary.



Also, I wouldn't go looking to meet Japanese women on your first trip over. Sure, if one falls in your lap, make the most of your opportunities in a gentleman-like manner. But get to know the culture and the lay of the land a little better before you go girl-hunting. Second trip will be time enough for "internationalization activities on a deeply personal level."
Vinegar Taster
2014-11-15 08:09:37 UTC
Meeting a woman outside of work / social circles is very hard.

You'll only be there a week , so what's the point ?

If you go to a low end gaijin bar in places like Shinjuku , there's often air-headed young women who would like a quicky with a black American. But don't expect much.
friendofchip
2014-11-15 05:46:09 UTC
Seriously, going to Japan to find some exotic Japanese women? Why even ask if they're racist, you've got a credit card, and they'll love you.

To ask if you'll be welcomed when all you want is some easy sex with some asian beauties- seriously, man, get some respect.
hsfdiuhu
2014-11-15 05:27:34 UTC
I don't think there are much racism towards black people in Japan. At least from my experience I've never seen Japanese being racist towards black people. There are not so many people from many countries here so people will stare at you. But that doesn't mean they're being racist. Once I was with latin girl and people were always staring at us. I think white people also experience most of the things you will experience which is being stared at, or sometimes being away when talking to Japanese in English, which is because most of Japanese cannot speak English and don't know what to do when they're talked to in English. Just don't get personal and it will be fine.
2014-11-15 02:36:14 UTC
depends on what city you will be going to. Tokyo, Kyoto and many of the large cities have lots of foreigners so you will not stand out that much. Seeing a black person is more rare so you may get a few stares. Many Japanese have an odd view on blacks because of movies and TV. Try not to read too much into anything they will not dislike you. I would avoid the meeting women thing unless you are aiming for being respectful and not looking to hook up. Japanese people are getting annoyed with Westerners who come to Japan looking for easy women. I would urge respect when it comes to meeting women or you may have some pissed off Japanese guys wanting to have a chat with you. There are Japanese women who want to hook up with a foreign guy but again I would avoid them as you may end up visiting the doctor soon after you return to your home country. I hope you enjoy your time in Japan.
RealAnswers
2014-11-15 07:21:47 UTC
You don't mention if you speak Japanese or not. Any case don't expect women to be falling out of trees especially for someone whos only there for a week or so.
Spiral
2014-11-14 15:05:49 UTC
They are a bit xenophobic, but they're not racist. You'll be treatest as an outsider or tourist but that doesn't mean you're bound to fail. FWIW, check the link below for something very entertaining and classic. It also has just under a decade worth of commentary about, well, a black American living in Japan (and eventually joining the salaryman world). Might be worthwhile for some context-building.
thecheapest902
2014-11-15 03:12:31 UTC
If you come to Japan for business, they would try to be hospitable no matter they like you or not because it's their business, too.


This content was originally posted on Y! Answers, a Q&A website that shut down in 2021.
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