Do Japanese Discriminate against Foreigners ?

[@takashiifromjapan]

TOKYO GUIDEBOOK takashifromjapan.com/tokyocompleteguide

[@fredfonebone5108]

Of course there is discrimination in Japan. There is discrimination everywhere. Human beings instinctively fear “the other.” The real question needs to be, do we recognize our prejudices and adjust our behavior accordingly, or do we ignore them and let them take over?

[@thestonksmarket1897]

Agreed. Certainly there are higher percentages of discrimination in some countries influenced by culture, historical interaction with foreigners, etc but there's no country on Earth where most people are racist. A good thing to remember. It happens everywhere but it's not the majority.

[@alexcr3053]

Americans have no right be discriminatory since there are millions african and mexicans born there. Messed up country

[@fredfonebone5108]

Those “Africans and Mexicans” are Americans, too.

[@exrrrbrrr9312]

@@fredfonebone5108 We all know who the real Americans are, the native Americans and we all know what happened to them.

[@Naru22233]

True, it’s happened everywhere but some place you can just feel it while some place you got yell at/slap just because you’re different lol Most Japanese didn’t show the feeling that make them look bad..

[@masdazu]

the sri lankan guy: '' i only speak little japanese '' also him: speaks japanese fluently and understands the fast speech of Takashi

[@fearedjames]

It could be he has unconfident speaking skills but strong listening skills. He does have a very noticeable accent and speaks fairly slowly.

[@LONEWOLF-gw7jy]

He's a special individual I mean he knows Sinhala, English and Japanese. Who knows maybe even more thn tht.

[@morganqorishchi8181]

The people who say they're experts at Japanese usually know 10 words they got from anime. The people who say they only know a tiny bit are always fluent. I don't know why this is a thing, but it happens in lots of languages - a lot of people think they don't know it well when they actually do.

[@fearedjames]

@@morganqorishchi8181 Extreme example of the Dunning Krueger effect. Dumbass anime fans think knowing kawaii, oniichan, sugoi and arigatou means they know 99% the damn language, despite next to zero vocab, no reading skills and no understanding of the grammar. Its a full language and thus has a lot to learn. The more you know the more you know how much you don't know. Also, as I said before, he speaks very slowly and with quite a strong accent.

[@DrZytho]

@@morganqorishchi8181 Have u ever heard dunning-kruger effect ?

[@lorenzoditrall2158]

The girl with braids is actually a KZbinr too! she's has a really nice personality

[@michaelfritzell9352]

What's her KZbin channel? Charming girl

[@JayStudio7]

I’m pretty sure you meant dreads, just trying to be helpful-

[@kimchiva-3950]

@@JayStudio7 they're crochet braids

[@JayStudio7]

@@kimchiva-3950 Crochet twists or braids? Those look pretty locked to me.

[@lorenzoditrall2158]

@@michaelfritzell9352 "Enlightize in Japan"

[@Tidaist]

Hi Takashii, I first like to say thank you for making this kind of video for so many reasons it's both helpful for foreigners planning to visit Japan or who want to visit Japan in the future. I too have been my dream for a long time to visit and hopefully relocate to japan hopefully soon. I found your video interviews about both being Muslim in Japan and discrimination so helpful as a Muslim and American black, both are the top things that concern me more. Thank you for the wonderful video interviews you make to help people through their journey to Japan. I look forward to following your chancel has a guiding tool to help me with my own journey to coming to Japan and finally make my dream come true. Thank you again.

[@NTav540]

I am a Brazilian who lived in Japan for 7 years. There is discrimination, obviously, especially in the workplace. As there is great hospitality as well. I could tell a few events when discrimination was directed towards me, as I can tell innumerous times when incredible acts of kindness were done to me, countless times by unknown people. I have friends that I love and that loved me there. Some days, I miss Japan so much, I cry. It will forever be my land, too.

[@mannyw_]

Sounds like you had a really great experience there overall! If I may ask, why did you end up leaving?

[@NTav540]

@@mannyw_ My husband was a teacher at a University, we could've stayed but, we had family matters that called us back in the US. It wasn't overall a great experience, it was a great experience, period. Have friends for life back there.

[@killakame-3434]

@@NTav540 Its back of your mind always looks like. Come back here in Japan.. life challenges will come and go but there will always come a time when you can take a leap. Do that leap ...so you don't have that Regret

[@AngelloDelNorte]

Still way better being in Brazil though. Japan have homogeneous ideologies and laws and ppl should respect that. Don't make Japan like usa even way more unstable.

[@killakame-3434]

@@AngelloDelNorte Actually HERE in Japan we don't discriminate... its just we are a little afraid of foreigners and think of ourselves a little inferior in terms of language barrier and new encounters

[@caseyhsiao912]

Actually, I didn’t felt discriminant until I called the ambulance. I thanks for ambulance technician’s kind help, but they tried to contact hospital who could accept me. Because I’m a foreigner, I was rejected like 7 or 8 times. It takes 40 minutes to find a hospital which can accept foreign patient. But fortunately, we found a hospital to treat me, and thank god I am still alive🤣🤣

[@FSVR54]

that's kind of crazy lol, what if it was a serious emergency?

[@jakobmalki8972]

What about if it is seriously an emergency situation and you will die I they don't get you to a hospital as fast as possible?

[@a.thiago3842]

I'm from Brazil, and here at least, the law determine that a medic or anyone else related to public service just can't refuse to treat a pacient for example. I think in Japan things musn't be too different, but it's kind scary though!

[@agamersinsanity]

It doesn't have to be discrimination, but they probably don't have any staff that can speak English. Sometimes you should think from another angle as well. I don't know if you can speak Japanese.

[@caseyhsiao912]

@@agamersinsanity yeah, that’s true. But I can speak kinda fluent Japanese, and a friend who is a former medic interpreter is getting the ambulance with me. You know, the process is quite smooth until they know my nationality. Of course, I am a law abiding citizen here, and I have a valid visa and national health insurance.

[@howsthatchicken5490]

Another interesting video! What I like most about your channel is that you interview people with an open mind and listening ear, no matter their views and comments. You never try to argue against them or get defensive, even if it's not only positive opinions they're sharing. That's really refreshing. Keep up the good work!

[@alexcr3053]

Usa is just a another backward african country

[@ItachiUchiha-uh1gn]

あなたのビデオを愛してます!

[@jeffreysetapak]

Even Japanese prostitutes or call girls don't service foreigners even if you have money.

[@NOBODY-yc7mj]

@@jeffreysetapak why is that?

[@avocado5387]

Jesus loves all of you repent of your sins which is bad things belive that God raised Jesus from the dead and confess Jesus as lord and you will be saved!

[@DemMyHouser]

Currently in Japan as an Eikawa teacher, the answer to the question is yes. There is in fact discrimination mixed with cautiousness yet curiosity. It’s jarring to witness as an African American as it’s a different kind of look you’re given by strangers compared to what you’ll be used to in America. Constant stares whenever you go, the whispers you hear as they talk about the foreigner in front of them, actively sitting far from me on a train and yea I’ve been called a gorilla and “うんこ“ (poop) skin by my younger students a lot with the constant worry of parents of leaving their kid behind with a black “scary teacher” as it’s often at times brung towards my boss when we’re first trialing new incoming students to join the school. Now with all of that being said, I have to state that this type of issue is inevitable to occur in a country that’s barely exposed to foreigners besides at tourist locations and movies. When approaching this issue, I always remind myself why I’m there in the first place, that’s obviously to enjoy the culture, learn the language and enjoy the job but to also expose people positively to me so that when they meet another black foreigner like me, they have that prior experience and are less shocked/cautious. It requires some thick skin to stick through it but you’ll eventually adapt. Getting angry at them on the internet won’t work, you have to get your hands dirty and be that change you want to see in the culture. Every time I have a new student who’s very young, they always cry when they see me for the first time, but a few weeks/lessons later, I suddenly become their favorite teacher and the highlight of their early educational life. That right there shows that you can create that change in perception at an early age and even later, you just have to put in the work.

[@d173928]

yeah it's all about exposure and how they are raised, I used to live in back then a very white dominant city in Canada, Brockville, one time I was walking home from high school a kid and his mom just left their home, the kid saw me and pointed at me saying quite loudly "I don't like that boy", and the mom said "you don't even know that boy." I like how the mom immediately corrected him, imagine if he grew up never seeing me or other visual minorities he could grow up to be some racist ahole because he did not get the learning opportunity. When you hear negative racial remarks in Japan do they ever get corrected by people they are with?

[@manuelmanolo7099]

Wonderfull outlook!

[@faride9]

Wow! Very wholesome approach, in that sense you are being an amazing teacher for not only your kids :)

[@Thunder1i1y]

Good for you! I like the way you think, its very positive and open minded

[@TheDirtysouthfan]

I love how you keep an open mind! Especially with kids, kids are going to say and think stupid things, the whole point is to teach them and for them to learn. In my mind, as long as someone is willing to change then I can forgive them especially for just minor transgressions like random comments. I can't fault someone for being ignorant especially as I am probably ignorant on some things, but I can fault them for being unwilling to change or learn.

[@With_Me_JAPAN]

I think Takashi san is very good at opening interviewees’ hearts! Love the last question he asked to the American girl😊Interesting video that should be watched by Japanese people too! ✨

[@deanssie]

@Daenack Dranils bruh that’s so hypocritical. you just said a whole ethnic group is racist, that itself being racist.

[@_Devil]

Short answer: Yes. Theres discrimination everywhere. The only arguments that should be made are "To what degree is this discrimination going on and how has it negatively affected the society?"

[@Wasserkaktus]

Japanese are actually pretty xenophobic compared to the World average.

[@alessatanoedisastro487]

@@Wasserkaktus it is,I was live there like 3 months,it happen in kyoto,i take on bus it happen normally,take a seat,and got a woman sit next to me normally,after like 10 min suddenly my mom call me from my phone and since I'm not really good at japanese language,I use English and bahasa sometimes when I'm talking on my phone,and after that people around me start looking at me so weirdly and start make a distance to me,its crazy that same way with woman who just sit next to me start get away from me as soon as possible and start looking at me weird too,japanese people don't like a "difference" so once you do something that makes u being that,I swear they gonna treat u like 👽 or sum?

[@Hagar934]

@@alessatanoedisastro487 I believe it's bad manners to talk on the phone on public transport

[@Wasserkaktus]

@@alessatanoedisastro487 Sorry that happened to you.

[@jack-of-all-trades1234]

CNN would tell you that only straight white male Americans do things wrong. Everyone else is just about perfect.

[@kyakarot]

20 years in japan and I still feel the heaviness of the eye everyday. It will.never change because the parents don't teach children the right way..it's sad but true. It's 2022 and elementary students are still calling black teachers gorillas..

[@may-ky6jl]

When you are abroad, Children look at foreigner with curiosity. Especially babies. It's not natural behaviour to response to something different from normal sight. Obviously 3~6 months Babies do not have discrimination feeling towards you. Thing is how you react and how you feel come from your experiences. Nothing to do with others. It is your problem. When I was in bus, train in different countries and sitting opposite side of babies or children, their eyes are locked upon you. Their eyes are widen and intense stare. This is nature to observe unknown. When I stand up and start to walk, babies eyes follow upon you. I had experiences at any countries. US, England , EU countries and Asia.

[@may-ky6jl]

It is (natural behaviour ) sorry I put NOT by mistake

[@hez859]

@@may-ky6jl discrimination is learned at home lol what are you talking about. Nobody is talking about babies. I wasn't calling anyone derogatory names in elementary school. Because my parents taught me right from wrong

[@may-ky6jl]

@@hez859 Babies' reaction is natural and people reaction is not only come from discrimination. Any reasons , may come from unknown, curiosity etc. More over who receive those reaction from other, how feel is how you are brought up and your experiences. You might feel you had discrimination but it is only your mind creating it. Victim Awareness.

[@may-ky6jl]

I am Japanese and I had never been taught discriminatory behaviour at family or schools. I had never discriminate against other human. I had never arguments with brother nor sister , nor people around me in my life. It is quite normal in Japanese society but I have preferences in my life with own reasons. I presume you look different from the people around you. It is natural to look at you if something different and become curious and stare like children do. This is not discrimination, human natural reaction. But how react and feel come from your own experiences. People learn from own culture and own Society, not only from educational systems. If body reactions, movement, Language are not familiar, they recognize as foreigner. If you feel that Japanese do not accept you as J, it is your problem. Something lucking as Japanese but this is not your fault or bad. You are just a person who brought up in different culture who can contribute to Japan.

[@スノーハッピー]

I like the last guy!! I feel like a lot of US military personnel who get stationed in Japan don't really care about Japan or the language or the culture, but he cares and he's doing self-learning, which takes a lot of motivation. So a lot of respect to him.

[@ilta222]

there's actually quite a few military people that specifically join to visit other countries and get immersed in the culture and language! the only problem is that you don't get to choose where you go. my husband got really lucky though and got to go to japan, which he's now minoring in japanese in university, and hoping to work for an english-based company in japan.

[@umamifan]

@@ilta222 There are exceptions where you can pick your duty station instead of a dream sheet and praying for the best

[@Pinkkkkk]

He’s gay

[@francisvazquez13]

​@@PinkkkkkWTF 🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[@occamraiser]

They are there because Japan doesn't spend enough money on its own defence to defend itself. - But hey, let's criticise them for not being sufficiently sensitive of the feelings of the people they are defending.

[@diannapetersen9720]

Interesting to hear foreigners (specifically black and dark skinned people), I’m interested in going but I’m always nervous of blatant racism happening so I keep putting it off. But so far I’ve heard good things so that gives me hope! Thank you for interviewing people all the time in Japan its interesting!

[@takashiifromjapan]

I hope you can come soon !

[@diannapetersen9720]

@@takashiifromjapan I hope so too!

[@lucy9698]

You should still go, traveling is an amazing experience. I've been to both China and Japan and have experienced discrimination just because I'm white, but I still love going back because a few assholes can never outweigh everything else those amazing cultures have to offer. There will always be shitty people no matter who you are or where you go. Just live ypur life and don't stoop to their level.

[@misheo7741]

I am afraid too. Since I have dark skin. Maybe it's harder at Korea? Or it's same

[@KAIZENURAMESHI]

@@lucy9698 How did they discriminate you?

[@yyg4632]

I love how open you are to all kinds of people. makes it easy for people to be honest

[@kuroicoffee7991]

I'm foreigner and working in Japan for 2 years, and got huge discrimination despite I'm Asian. - Everytime they (Japanese) made a mistake, they point them all out to me and other foreigners who work in the same line, especially the trainees who can't speak Japanese because they can't defend themselves.

[@Gorrash]

that's fucked up

[@lazylion2253]

I'm also asian and working in Japan. I'm not sure if it is discrimination or just being stupid to tell the truth. I have worked with many vietnamese, birmanese, singaporean and so on, a lot of problems aside from discrimination (in my opinion of course) can also be related to f-up people who will use anything "wrong" about japanese culture to to bully someone else (japanese or not). For example I remember working for a ブラック企業 in food and beverage, that asked many employees (japanese and non japanese) to come at least 30min before work to help (non paid of course) but if you arrive 1min late they were taking out 15min of your wages. If you work until 10pm and have to sign at 10.14, they still consider you have clocked out at 10pm and told us "ah you know, it is japanese culture, we can't change it." Unfortunately these companies are taking advantage of all japanese/non japanese that are desperate for work.

[@noname-dk7ri]

I used to work at a Japanese company with foreign trainees, where foreigners were treated more politely than Japanese. (This may be said to be reverse-discriminatory, but it was not that serious.) Your work environment is bad. I hope you can go to a better and different place as soon as possible.

[@followengland_ballsonig2938]

and what exactly do you mean by “”””Asian”””? East Asian or Southeast Asian?

[@maegalroammis6020]

don't live in japan it's not worth it.

[@svetlanamianova1875]

I'm half Filipina and stayed in Tokyo for two months recently. I was definitely treated very differently than when I visited with my white husband in the past. I felt a lot of anger and annoyance directed towards me and many people spoke to me very condescendingly. To be honest it was incredibly disappointing and hurtful. I won't be reading the replies to this comment because I had a pretty terrible time and I don't need anyone to tell me how it was probably my fault or how I should perceive it. It was flat out racism, and I'm just sharing my honest experience. Thank you.

[@blowitoutyourcunt7675]

Puerto Rican lady here, nothing you said is incorrect. Racism is very real in Japan and it's very hurtful, I was very *glad* to leave as well!

[@sunkeeper8009]

Why would anyone even think it's your fault?

[@DGSnowolf]

@@sunkeeper8009 you're underestimating the stupidity of the human race. Anything that you can think "why would someone do x?" of, someone would probably do.

[@sunkeeper8009]

@@DGSnowolf fair enough

[@eniff2925]

why would you have been treated differently when you visited with your foreigner husband? I don't understand

[@psychogenesis6755]

This channel is underrated. More people need to watch Takashi's work. Thanks for giving us more insight!

[@Jenawilson66]

I came from a South East Asian country and lots of my friends, especially the one who are muslims or have darker skin colors told me they felt various discrimination towards them. It weren’t direct, but they felt like they were being devalued because of their nationalities. Personally, even though I’m a South East Asian, because I have a bit of Chinese blood people tend to mistake me for a Japanese. So I’ve never experienced any discriminations. Instead I’ve received many compliments about my Japanese and English skills, my braveness to study in Japan without a family, working hard at school and doing part time jobs etc numerous times. They are basic things for foreign students here and I go to the same school like my friends. But they don’t get complimented and some of the Japanese even talked about how they look secretly. I think discrimination really depends on the nationality of the person and how they look(whether it matches that country’s beauty standards or not).

[@-SP.]

This makes sense. In a lot of Asian countries, Japan included. Fair-skinned people receive better treatment than dark skin people

[@Lunarrin]

This is true. I’m South East Asian as well. While I never go to Japan, my muslim online friend from the same country as me and now lives in Japan also said similar things. This is only my opinion but I think foreigners receive good treatment while darker skin Asian don’t. Though, if I were there, if what you said was true, maybe I won’t receive the same treatment because I look very chinese because I have Chinese blood and I’m not mixed with any other blood at all (though I can’t speak chinese at all). I want to ask though, does that mean the Japanese you know can’t differentiate between Japanese and Chinese? Or they thought you are Japanese because of the mix?

[@-SP.]

@@Lunarrin There is an online test that shows pictures of Chinese, Japanese and Korean people. Most people from these countries can't tell the difference. Names and mannerisms are usually how people recognize foreigners not the way they look when they have similar characteristics

[@Grandmaster-Kush]

@@-SP. What about italians and mediterranians? They are basically tan europeans lmao

[@-SP.]

@@Grandmaster-Kush Most Italians I've met have been pretty fair-skinned. Most people would not consider them dark-skinned like they would for certain Indians and South East Asians

[@darlynsingleton8439]

Of course they do...not every, single Japanese person. But yes, they do. They smile and are generally polite, but that "face" is not necessarily indicative of warm feelings and acceptance. That's just part of their culture.

[@SuperRabbitHead]

may be they are scare to speak eng.

[@7svn.]

its not part of the culture lol, and this attitude is everywhere in the world not just japan

[@ko-Daegu]

@@7svn. typical weeb the whole world is missed up not my beloved japan

[@parkyamato9450]

@@SuperRabbitHead no? Some people just don't know it lol

[@SuperRabbitHead]

@@parkyamato9450 compare to chinese or korean . they really friendly to western. You will know that when you rent a house

[@PigRipperLAW]

This is really great. Please do more so your sample size grows. I’d love to see you uncover the types of discrimination that occur in Japan and especially what the motivations are for the discrimination.

[@Albescara]

I’m a brazilian that has been living in Japan since I was 7. My parents don’t have a good job so it’s not weird that we suddenly have to move away to find a job for the two. I once lived in the countryside of a state named Shizuoka, and that city particularly had a really small amount of foreigners. My school only had 20 students per grade, and I was in 3rd grade at that time. I was literally the only foreigner in the whole school. And uhhh yeah I suffered bullying. This group of like 6 boys or so would like pick on me during break, or throw rocks at me when during a small trip we had rlly often to the city’s surroundings. They would also mock my accent and tell me to go back to my country. My Japanese sucked at that time, so I wouldn’t be surprised if they had said even worse stuff without me being able to understand it. Not only that, rlly no one had my back lmao. The only person I considered a friend was cool but I remember clearly a time I was like feeling really unwell and went to the bathroom, puked there. She walked in and just looked at me, and like a GREAT friend she backed up and ran to tell everyone I was puking in the bathroom. I’m glad I only attended there for 9 months but ig that was enough for me to be traumatized, as my therapist says but lol anyway I think it rlly depends on the place bc now I live in a big city that has a lot of different cultures around, and my school life goes pretty well. Even got myself a boyfriend lol

[@hormigatomic1]

I'm sorry for what you had to go through

[@Songokulight2467]

Damn I'm Brazilian too? Do you speak Portuguese or didn't have the time to learn?

[@satz9532]

I am so proud of you omg ☹ I can relate to you so much and trust me I understand how you felt

[@JAPARICAN50-50]

I'm glad I'm not Brazilian

[@satz9532]

@@JAPARICAN50-50 wtf ? You think you did something 💀

[@RedSnowAngeI]

I really like that you’re asking these questions, I’ve always wondered what it would be like for foreigners and minorities living in Japan. I feel that living in the US has had an impact on me about how I feel as a minority, so I think it’s about changing our perspectives and not being so on guard constantly.

[@TheJpop617]

Agreed

[@nealang9520]

I think Americans are way more discriminant when it comes to race

[@sal166]

@@nealang9520 i think you watch the MSM too much.

[@nealang9520]

@@sal166 maybe😉😏

[@crimson4066]

Fellow American - discrimination is a huge problem here, but I'm glad societal issues as a whole have gotten more attention and recognition (especially since our last president showed the world how much of a sh*tshow America really is)

[@kendama99]

Nice video! Just a small point of grammar. We use the word “against” with “discriminate”, so you should say “Have you ever been discriminated against?” You can also say “Have you ever experienced discrimination in Japan?”

[@takashiifromjapan]

Thank you !!!!

[@kendama99]

@@takashiifromjapan No problem! In the interview with the guy from the States, you can hear him say "discriminated against".

[@kimmikimsan9065]

Can’t you just say have you ever been discriminated?

[@liamsomeone6333]

@@kimmikimsan9065 Not really, although it is said like that often, I'm pretty sure it's incorrect

[@kimmikimsan9065]

@@liamsomeone6333 ah ok.. like if i were going to talk about it in general i would say discrimination against a group of people. but asking have you been discriminated it didnt sound off to me. but im not a native speaker

[@drakke125Channel]

I'ma go share this from someone else: You hit every nail on the head. Lived in Japan for 10 years, was married to a Japanese person, and had two kids. It took at least 3 or 4 years for me to get over most of that stuff, but some of it I never got over completely. Like, For example, I thought I was pretty comfortable and had gotten over things until I tried to enroll my daughter in youchien. She was turned away because I am a foreigner. I struggled with severe depression and anxiety the entire time I lived there and after that situation I became suicidal, because I felt my kids were better off without a crappy gaijin mom who would always make things harder for them and embarrass them.. because I knew no matter how much I had learned in the past I was always going to encounter something new, make mistakes, and look like an idiot. Whether it’s a new school, a new PTA duty, some unspoken rule I never knew until 7 years into doing something, a naraigoto, a ceremony, a neighborhood association meeting, …anything. I hated myself and I truly felt sorry for my kids that they couldn’t have a normal mom like everyone else. My ex husband beat me down the entire time I was there and refused to help me with anything at all, he just kicked me to the wolves. In addition to all that though, bad things do happen to foreigners for standing out sometimes. My very first week in japan, I was accused of stealing from Uniqlo at Granduo mall in Kamata station in Tokyo. I looked at a few tshirts, put them back where they were, realized I had to leave because I was staying with my ex husbands grandparents and they wanted me home by a certain time, and left (in a bit of a hurry I guess). Two security guards grabbed me physically on the street outside of the mall and shouted at me, ripped my jacket off, dumped the contents of my bag all over the ground, and flat out accused me of stealing. When they saw I had nothing, they left without apology. Obviously everyone was staring at the ruckus. Not one person stopped to help me pick up all my things. I was bawling my eyes out. One of the only times my ex husband ever actually did help me, he contacted the mall manager, Uniqlo manager, and security manager, and he and I had to go meet with them. He threatened them with legal action and voice recorded everything. They admitted that it was in fact because I’m a foreigner. I got my first ever dogeza apology which was almost as humiliating to be involved with as the initial situation as well as 2man in JCB gift money. In addition to that I then had to meet with the two security guards who stopped me and the manager of security again at Tully’s coffee where they also apologized to me and gave me 2man JCB gift money. I just wanted the whole thing to end. The only thing I could say was that I just hope this doesn’t happen to another foreigner by you guys again in the future… Don’t even get me started on hospitals and doctors… I’ve got plenty of stories such as when I was locked in my labor room alone in pitch black over night while in labor with my eldest, terrified, isolated, and in excruciating pain (and that’s only the start of that horror story) or the time I got a root canal without Novocain by a dentist who refused to wear gloves and got mad at me because I couldn’t gaman through it. There are some things I truly loved about my life in Japan and I am proud of that era of my life but truly and honestly I can tell you some dark stories. Post by SAMTRON5000

[@ozroy1951]

Your story is so heartbreaking. I can’t imagine how you felt when your children had difficulties because of your situation. Hope you already have found peace in your mind by now.

[@jendoi]

thank you for sharing.. its an experience worth considering.. I wish you more healing.. Im curious when you mentioned dark stories.. If it makes you feel better, we would listen to your experiences, and feel them as if those were of our own.. I think it makes us stronger emotionally and gives us a better view of all things in general.. I believe it would benefit me as a practitioner of Stoicism. I find all experiences valid and need no scrutiny.

[@slothful2039]

No offense, but I am curious; would you mind sharing what race you are? These experiences sound horrid, and I have heard that certain races are treated worse than others in Japan.

[@wangxian4907]

@@slothful2039 the first line says "i gotta share this for someone" so its not this commenters story...they r just sharing it

[@mothmos]

Those drs and dentist should b sued for malpractice

[@harukikurawa5134]

Because of how entertaining your videos are, it feels like its too short even though its 9:00 min. long video.

[@nathalykim1263]

I like how polite you were with the guests, thanking them and understanding each of their situations plus, you have amazing English :)

[@Andres33AU]

An interesting point was made by the second person, on how some people might perceive that kind of "wow" behaviour as maybe condescending, but I don't see it that way. I've been to Japan twice, and I loved it there, and I didn't feel like I was discriminated against, but felt this strange guilt that most people I met knew English, but I didn't know much Japanese, because after all, I am visiting the country that speaks Japanese, lol. I remember counting coins in Japanese while paying for something at a Lawson, and the store clerk seemed quite happy and amused that I counted correctly, I found it wholesome, haha.

[@mikicoal]

The "wow" factor at first is nice, then it fast gets annoying, even though it isn't intended that way. Thing is though, the better you get at the language and social behaviour, the less people make those kind of comments. Foreigners stand out more by their behaviour than their skin colour.

[@rimun5235]

Going to somewhere as a tourist vs living are completely different things. When you live in a place you have to deal with the kind of discrimination that could actually affect your standard of living. You have to deal with bureaucracy that no tourist has to deal with.

[@Scopatone]

I'd be interested to know where you were that almost everyone you met speaks English because regardless of the fact that English is a required language, most Japanese do not know English well enough at all to get by in conversation. It's kind of the same as the US having students take Spanish in high school but then you basically forget all of it by the time you graduate

[@Andres33AU]

@@Scopatone Oh yeah, they were mostly around the main cities, like Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, and I should have specified that while some where people I met at a shrine for instance, most of the people I met who spoke a lot of English were working at shops etc. There was this lovely lady who had a little coffee shop in Kyoto, that was advertising coffee for like 100 yen, and I couldn't help but stop to grab one. And in a typical humble way (which I love by the way) she said "excuse my English, it's not that good" and proceeded to speak impeccable English, haha. I guess it's this attitude that made me feel a little guilty that I didn't learn at least a few more Japanese phrases, as I was visiting Japan after all. I ended up ordering food etc. in English 90% of the time, and what I would do differently next time is to at least remember the phrases a lot more for stuff like that.

[@gilsercrow3590]

@@mikicoal I don't see how that's possible when black is not a skin color of the native Japanese and black people don't even make up 1% of the population. If you're black in japan the chances of you being a foreigner are so high that it's hard not to assume you're a foreigner. You can change your behaviors but you can't change your skin color which is showing everyone 24/7 that you are a foreigner.

[@michaelpatterson8799]

Ive never lived in japan, only been there for holidays. On my first holiday i was alone. I got of the airport bus in Hiroshima. I was looking for my flat. A Japanese gentleman asked me if i was lost, he then stayed with me until i find my flat. Next morning i went to the underground, a young japanese guy came up to me to see if i needed any help. He bought my ticket for me and showed me the way to the train. A couple of days letter i asked a lady at a convenient store the way to a bus station, she went with me to the bus station. Ha sounds like im a blind old man. All i got to say,, there are issues in every country, but i found the japanese to be polite, helpful , wonderful people.

[@yuri_cobaia]

The thing about discrimination in Japan is that they don't care about you, until you're one of them. You're going to get DISCRIMINATED like a drug dealer in the Church if you end up having to marry someones daughter or having to work in some job that requires more intimate relationships. That's because they kind already discrimate each other (family, status and shit like that), but imagine with foreigners.... Unless you have high status of course. (not talking about every japanese, just like any other race, there are different people, but i do feel that they're more inclinated to act like that)

[@SkitSkat8008]

The Japanese can be very pompous people

[@atrixsauza2068]

You just explained what racism is.

[@youngyankee13]

Everything is racism this days. Woke mentality.

[@MezzoForte4]

@@youngyankee13 Because that's what it is? Would you rather still live in a fantasy reality where stuff like this isn't addressed and is ok to do? You can still be racist if you'd like, but people now are going to give you a hard time for it. Cry and cope harder, because racism is wrong.

[@Lilitha11]

Yeah I feel like if you are a tourist and you are doing tourist things, they are all super friendly or they wont give you a second glance. It is only living and working there that you are likely to run into more often.

[@BrunodeSouzaLino]

One interesting experiment that could be tried would be having a foreigner do these and also having a foreigner asking Japanese about it. While I do feel some people try to maybe voice their concerns, it felt like they pushed back against doing it because they were being asked about it by a Japanese.

[@bernardoheusi6146]

I agree.

[@-SP.]

There is also the fact that they are on camera, so it's harder for them to say anything too negative as they could get backlash

[@a_personperson9785]

Thats a video idea there

[@Kawaraban]

I personally noticed a lot of things one could deem discrimination, but after looking further it doesn't seem like the majority of that really is. What I gathered from talking to several natives is, that there are simply a lot of people who are scared of speaking English. And they think foreigners are outgoing and when they sit near them in a train for example, they have to speak english. So they try to avoid that situation. It also seems to be that for a lot of people this equals the documented phobia of speaking a foreign language. So not just a bit of feeling unwell, but an outright fear which prevents them from doing so. In general it is of course treating people differently based on their nationality. But the different way of thinking is important I'd say. It's often not a "A foreigner! I hate them!" but more a "A foreigner. I can't speak english and don't want to embarass myself!" There are of course negaitve experiences I noticed. But they are rare. Actually can only think of one where an extremely rude old couple said to themselves in Japanese "Why do foreigners always get together with ugly girls?" when they saw me with my girlfriend, probably thinking I can't understand them. Jesus. I didn't confront them. Doesn't lead to results anyways. But despite that I feel like I often receive some benefits. Especially in the city hall and so on. Feels like I am able to cut some corners there which Japanese can't cut. These experiences of course are just my own, which I noticed as a freelancer here. Obviously doesn't reflect everybodies experiences.

[@irrelevant1958]

Can i ask you a question? How is the freelance work their for foreigners??

[@Kawaraban]

@@irrelevant1958 Depends on what you are doing. The good thing is that you are not bound by country to do work, especially in these times of home office. Most of my money comes from abroad. But I am also lucky enough so that I don't need it for a visa. Despite that it really boils down to your personal marketing/brand and contacts, unless you want to slave away as an Uber freelancer or in one of the countless language schools. Depending on how you look (yes, sometimes it's even about that) there are some interesting opportunities though. I know somebody who gets paid extremely well as a priest (online exam is enough to be counted as one) for weddings. You need that Hollywood style priest look for that though. I also heard about people working as an exorcist. Yeah, couldn't believe it myself. But apparently they studied shintoism and so on, claimed they can see ghosts and well. Works out. So well. The opportunities exist. But building the foundation can be tough. Especially if you need income in Japan itself for a visa.

[@Kawaraban]

@@missplainjane3905 1) Yes. Even though in terms of equal rights there is still a lot to do. 2) Hard to say. It's a country which has good and bad things. But that's also how every country is. So maybe a 7/10 or 8/10? Basically the same how I would rate my home country. 3) They are people like everywhere else on the world. I don't think it's fitting to judge people by putting them in categories based on nations. You have people who are outgoing. You have people who are shy. Everybody is interested in something different. Especially with me being a foreigner myself I can mostly just make a subjective comment about how most (not all) people react towards foreigners. And that's a bit reserved. Which is to be expected though, seeing that foreigners are a minority in Japan and then there is this whole "english speaking" stuff I mentioned. 4) Not like the internet tells you it is. As an explanation: Online and in media Japan is very often described as this crazy and outragous country. But that's simply not the case. There are some rather weird things here ... but so are in every other country. Weirdly though people only seem to notice that stuff when it comes to Japan as it confirms the cliche of the country which developed over hundreds of years.

[@Kawaraban]

@@missplainjane3905 I get around. Know enough to deal with stuff in the city office and to do some smalltalk in bars. But I always feel like I am by far not as good as I want or should be.

[@Kawaraban]

@@missplainjane3905 Yes. Mainly. It seems like it's starting to turn around a bit, but I think there's still a long way to go.

[@alphabetamobile2517]

Hello Takashi, let me tell you one serious problem that is really effecting the life of foreigner families living in Japan. Usually families with kids face complaints from the neighbors most cases Japanese neighbors about the noise. Families do every possible means to not make any disturbance to the neighbors but still they can't control this 💯. After couple of complaints foreigners usually have to vacate the property and look for another. And you would aware how expensive and cumbersome is changing accomodation in Japan. Some kids badly effects due to restrictions from parents don't cry, don't jump, like that. Which off course kids nature. Sometimes parents too suffer mentally. I knew one family which arrived after a long wait due to border control measures due to coronavirus. But after arrival they had another problem of neighbors complaints. They vacate two properties in three months. Now mother is depressed so.much that she decided to go back to her country. Kids are totally coming from different backgrounds and cultures and someone can't simply Force them at once to become robot.

[@れおな21]

The Sri Lankan guy is so knowledgeable, I like listening to him

[@strictlytrainers]

Very interesting video, it made me reflect on my own experiences here in Japan. I would agree there isn't much outright discrimination (to me at least). I mean this in terms of being refused access or services etc to places that Japanese can go. Only in occasional bars or restaurants, where I have been told Japanese only. I have definitely been to places where I can see some Japanese people feel uncomfortable around me, but I figure that's their problem not mine. For example, I can see some parents recoil in horror when I take my kids to their football practice but I just rise above it and say konnichiwa lol and continue to enjoy watching my kids take part in the class. I feel no discrimination from any of the coaches, and many parents are very friendly too. I guess the only other outright discrimination I have received is occasionally being stopped in the street by police while minding my own business, but it always quickly de-escalates. This is not to say that it is all rosy though, on the flip side I do think an undercurrent of racism, xenophobia and fear of foreigners exists here, probably in similar proportions to other countries, I think it just tends to be more subtle because you rarely get outright racial slurs being shouted out in public. Like a lot of racism it probably stems from ignorance rather than maliciousness I guess. Anyway sorry for the waffle, I just thought I'd share my own personal experience.

[@lazylion2253]

I can totally relate to that. I think that many japanese "don't know" how to interact or how to react with foreigners. As you may know that Japanese at school, learn that there is only ONE solution, one pattern to go from A to B. Outside that if we provide them more possibilities they are freaking out, as we are shattering their values and conditioning. I remember some ordering some food in japanese in a restaurant and the waiter told me non stop "aaah no English sorry, no English." I repeated myself again in Japanese and the waiter was still panicking. My wife (japanese) told the exact same thing and the waiter took our order. Even my wife felt like WTF just happened?!

[@jamescanjuggle]

damn that still sounds bad, like to me at least living in ireland i couldnt imagine any of this happening and someone being ok with it. i even feel weird when theres not people from different countries around😅

[@aktchungrabanio6467]

@@lazylion2253 This is so interesting. Thank you for sharing!

[@xiaoka]

The million dollar question - what race are you? I think that has a big impact on the reaction…

[@aoeu256]

Have you had no trouble making deep Japanese friends?

[@gordonsteuart8620]

Yes. Been discriminated against openly in Japan a few times. But most of the time it has been subtle (e.g., weird stares, body language, people not wanting to sit or stand next to you, etc.). Honestly, I doesn't bother me, because I know my presence is bothering them and it is their problem, not mine. I actually kind of get a kick out of it.

[@muntadar1655]

Based

[@dilionbananto]

Its defiantly your problem since are an enemy to them. Hopefully you end up on the news.

[@gordonsteuart8620]

@@dilionbananto Is that the best you can do?....OMG!!! Your little response is weak as hell! 😂😂 You got to do a lot better than that to get a rise out of me, son!! Work on your game kid!! 🤣😂

[@duylai2224]

yeah bro, i hopped on a train, i see people standing during rush hour, and there is a seat between 2 colored person, maybe indian and african, i jumped right in the middle, night is cold, my feet is hurting after a shift, and those stuck up dummies can stand there suffering for all i care.

[@blowitoutyourcunt7675]

Even that attitude wears you down after long enough because sometimes you just want to go out and exist, be yourself without constantly being guard all the time. Trust I knew it was their damn problem but being surrounded by that day in, day out - made it really easy to decide to come home after a few years because of fuck that! Maybe it was worse for me because I was a woman, because I'm Afro Puerto Rican or because I have a hard time not truly expressing myself especially for so damn long.

[@Bloominsmoll]

Upon my visits to Japan, I have felt the pre-judgment (discrimination) of being a foreigner. In moments like ordering at restaurants, and being made to sit at the back and having items in shops held for me when everyone else could hold their own. Simply because I am foreign. But the moment I order or ask for something in Japanese- they always started to relax and were more open minded. Rather than discrimination being what we know it to be in the west, I feel it’s more of a distrust to people who they would think would not know the Japanese way?

[@giannilyanicks1718]

what if we speak it badly?

[@duskyer]

If you think about it, we have it worse in America, where if someone were to speak a foreign language, some random person not part of the conversation would yell at them to speak english.

[@PrestonWillis]

@@duskyer tons of people speak foreign languages here in America it’s a pretty normal thing.

[@miknes12345]

I am actually half-japanese, but do not look very Japanese. My general experience has been one of politeness in Japan in a kind of white privelige way. This has been exacerbated when I have been to Japan with my white wife and our children, who happen to have blond hair and blue eyes. If I have to say I have felt discrimination as a foreigner, on the few instances, it has been ones where I feel som Japanese feel they have the right to be deliberately impolite in the sense that as a foreigner 'I don't know the Japanese way', so it is ok to be rude. Like when I once asked for directions in perfect Japanese to a young girl, and she mockingly kept answering back (with a mouth full of food by the way), 'Wakkanai' (even though I am pretty sure she did) - or when I had problems once asking a railway worker, from which platform a particular train would leave (I heard her saying to herself after making no attempts to try to understand me, oh, is that what you are trying to say). Generally I feel though most Japanese have been very polite and pleasant, especially since I speak good Japanese. However, when I go to Japan with my family, at times I feel my we often are treated with almost too much deference, simply for being white. I really doubt that say a Sri Lankan or African family would be treated as nicely, but there seems to be a fascination with blond kids, so a lot of Japanese are really interested in them. This results in that they are given presents, people want to take their picture etc. That's just the way it is, but it is a kind of reverse racism one can say. I live in Europe and I am regularly mistaken for being either white or asian, so I know very well what racism is from personal experience.

[@gordonbgraham]

@@miknes12345 In my experience (30 years in Japan), I've noticed that racism is most definitely a two-way street in Japan with many foreigners pigeon-holing "the Japanese" as being this or that...a stereo-type. This is especially so when there are no Japanese around and foreigners feel they are free to speak badly of "the Japanese" and talk about "them" as though "they" were a monolith. As an aside, the young black girl in the Nike ad about racism in Japan is a friend of my son. She is one of the most popular girls in school and her life is nothing like that of the character in the ad (which begs the question is Nike's portrayal of the Japanese in that commercial racist. I'd say, based on experience , yes). Also, his best friend is Iranian. He went through public school with him from kindergarten. His parents enrolled him in a public school so that he could get a proper education, specifically hoping he could acquire the ability to read and write. He is also a very popular person. Certainly, there is racism everywhere, including Japan. The question is to what degree and what is the effect on those who are victimized. I think portraying "the Japanese" as racist can be detrimental for both Japanese people and foreigners.

[@a.thiago3842]

Look, Takashii, i found your channel 2 days ago i guess. I believe your channel works because you're genuine and makes real questions and not something too superficial, do you get it? It's very clear all the effort you do to speak english and to know the cultures that is out of your country. In my vision of course, i also think that the japanese in general don't like to know what's going on out of the boundaries. That's why people like you takes a step foward, cause you learned english, is always trying to know what people are thinking there. And i'm sure the japanese person don't like to interact with others and such.

[@Miguel-nj6en]

Takashi your growing to fast last month at 8,000 now 80,000 Don't let the fame get to you buddy keep it up

[@shawnam1023]

Would you ever consider making a video about living with chronic pain/physical disabilities in Japan in the future? Thank you so much!

[@l.s.d.5863]

It's very possible my situation was more of a fluke than the norm, that I just got unlucky with the people I ran into, because I've heard lots of positive things from other foreigners about how polite everyone is in Japan, but the month I spent there was.... well, I'm a heavily travelled person, and I found it to be by far the rudest country I've ever been to. I had an incident in a Sapporo suburb with two young guys following behind me in a grocery store, making fun of me in Japanese because they thought I couldn't understand. There were several occasions on which people actually got up and stood in the train or even moved to another train car, because I sat down next to them. At one point my boyfriend and I were trying to order at a take-out food window in Tokyo, and the girl inside was completely ignoring us, playing on her phone. At first we thought they were perhaps not open yet, but then a Japanese person walked up and she immediately took his order. The two worst will be burned in my brain forever. There was no room left on the train except the seats meant for elderly or disabled people, but there was no one else standing, and I'd hurt myself badly earlier that day and didn't feel I could stand anymore, so I sat down. This old woman on the other end of the train spent almost the entire half hour ride raving loudly to her husband in Japanese about the selfish, stupid, mannerless white girl sitting in the seat for elderly people. Saying all kinds of things about how I was raised, and how white people think they can do whatever they want, etc, etc. I thought about letting her bully me into getting up, but my leg hurt so badly, so I just sat there and took it, while everyone on the train stared at me uncomfortably, listening to her tirade. It was so humiliating. The other was when a store needed to see ID to check me out, and the woman at the cash register looked at my passport photo, started laughing, and then spent literal minutes holding up the line to call over every other store employee to look at my photo and laugh at it right in front of me and the whole line. I admit, it's a very unflattering picture. But I couldn't believe anyone could be so outrageously rude, especially on the job. And especially in a country that I'd been told over and over has the most polite, reserved people in the world. I'm a very shy and sensitive person. I'm still fascinated by Japanese art, architecture, history, language, and social customs, and I'd love to go back. But honestly... I'm a little afraid to.

[@WizardAmbrose]

Japan as a whole is quite inclusive. History itself has proven it during the whole thing with Japan blocking itself from the outside world. You can face discrimination there however there are those who will be kind and gentle.

[@Lurkartiist]

Aye to be fair , white people do think they can do whatever they want. It's kinda cool to see the roles reversed haha . They treated you like your race treats minorites here 😂😂😂 hell na

[@l.s.d.5863]

@@JaneShepardLive Thanks. I'm glad I went through it nonetheless. It gave me a taste of being on the receiving end of much more overt racism than I could have experienced in my own country. More of a personal understanding of other people's negative experiences.

[@l.s.d.5863]

@@WizardAmbrose Of course. There are kind and unkind people everywhere.

[@l.s.d.5863]

@@Lurkartiist Maybe you should spend some time thinking about your own racism.

[@blockmasterscott]

I've traveled a lot, and I've found discrimination in every country that I have been in, and I've also found GREAT people in every country I've been in. People are the same everywhere. Don't believe the media.

[@ManeScreen.]

Facts

[@biruly]

First guy from Sri Lanka must've cleared IELTS Exam with good numbers.

[@the_number_one]

Eye roll

[@ssachlescrutolf]

Most of Sri Lankans speak English fluently

[@ynachan19]

I was discriminated too because I'm half Japanese and half a foreigner. I did a 10hr part-time job in a restaurant, which was very tough. My work was to wash the heavy dishes for 9 hours. And some of my Japanese co-workers like avoiding dishwashing even though it is their work too. They also like to command a lot. I always greet them like good morning and otsukaresamadesu but some of them won't respond. TT^TT I didn't last. Only 2 months. This was my first job.

[@ozroy1951]

I feel sorry for what you experienced there. Hope the harsh treatment was not because you are a half foreigner but because they just didn’t like new workers. In some workplaces, people are so mean against new comers, especially when it affects their salaries. Also, all the stresses among workers easily go to the weakest. I sometimes experienced them and I’m a Japanese. Hope you will find a good working environment anyway!

[@ynachan19]

@@ozroy1951 I hope soo too.😔 Im planning to go back in Japan this August to find work again. It's kinda hard living here in the Philippines.😢 Thanks for your concern. 😔

[@badrapsample2212]

10 hrs is part-time? Goddamn...

[@matiasdelgado7011]

@@ynachan19 well, a nation of asiatic nazis who attacks LGBT people and even foreingers for being different dont sounds a great site for living. God bless you for being brave for going to living there.

[@greer8288]

Wtf is otsukare... And tt tt

[@maillardsbearcat]

I'm Filipino and would love to live in Japan for a couple years but I heard there is alot of discrimination against us there so I've been avoiding it..

[@riftsplitter2159]

Discrimination is everywhere, as long as you get used to the culture, know enough of the language to speak to some extent, and get used to their long list of rules you will be fine.

[@defalt2838]

Im not an expert about this If youre thinking starting a family there make sure that youre income is high

[@viderevero1338]

@@riftsplitter2159 Yes, descrimination is everywhere, but xenophobia is not.

[@plainjanex9970]

@@riftsplitter2159 discrimination is everywhere, obviously, but it’s evidently worse in some places. Not all countries have literal signs saying that certain people can’t enter buildings, like they do in Japan… despite its flaws it has good aspects of course

[@dinomaddog9584]

Why live in a country where they discriminate you? Making your life harder by his Makes no sense at all

[@ayyubfaiyaz3368]

Lot of countries I wanted to visit when I was a child are not safe to visit. As I grew older I've learned that my skin color is hated and feared in many countries to the extent that my life is always in danger. I loved everything until I read, heard and seen that much of what I loved didn't like my kind. Definitely changed the way I look and approach things.

[@MrShem123ist]

"Viruses don't discriminate and neither should we." - World Health Organization This video is a very good reminder for us all. 素晴らしい! Keep it up.

[@takashiifromjapan]

Thank you so much !!!

[@BDK86]

WHO is a joke. But besides that, yes be respectful to one another.

[@NemesisX94]

You'll say this all the way until immigrants take over your nation, then you'll realize you're wrong.

[@mgaming6745]

@@NemesisX94 Exactly

[@Nopeasaurus]

@@NemesisX94 Third world countries are absolute shit to live in, why shouldn't people have the right to leave their country for a better one?

[@kurotaka007]

I came upon your channel by searching for something else. I decided to watch and thoroughly enjoyed… I am now subscribed. Interestingly enough, I decided to retire here in Kamakura with my wife (Japanese). Now I struggle and begin to study Japanese. My plan is to do something that explains to Americans what life is like in Japan. There are many unwritten cultural rules that really define Japanese people. Some good, some bad. Love your Channel. I’ll need to binge and watch it all. BTW… I have worked for Japanese companies for over 40 years.

[@dhvanibunneh]

I appreciate the first person speaking about experiencing discrimination as a black or brown foreigner vs a white foreigner. The way these groups get to travel the world is very different at times.

[@spoons_only]

Thank you for asking these questions, especially to datker skinned foreigners. I love watching these types of interview video's like yourself and Ask Japanese and whenever Japanese are asked about foreigners, it feels like they only have positives to say about white foreigners but brown and black people are just never mentioned, it makes me feel left out as a Hispanic-American woman that we seem to be afterthoughts to these people, We have a lot to offer! please notice us! lol

[@coriolisky]

You know the reason why -- it's because of colorism and racism.

[@spoons_only]

@@coriolisky i never claimed to not know why, don't bring that into this thread, i just wanted to verbally show my appreciation for the topics Takashi uses for interviews because similar channels won't do it

[@coriolisky]

@@spoons_only It's not an accusation.

[@藤原釜足-d2q]

Es ist eine Frage des persönlichen Geschmacks.

[@coriolisky]

@chuddus incelvs lmao internet troll

[@uncledal9355]

Back in 2013 when I was in Osaka a taxi driver refused me. He said “no gajin”. I’ve been to Japan twice in my life and that was the only experience I faced. Didn’t think much of it because everyone else I met during my stay were great 🙂

[@TChalla007]

I lived in Kawasaki for 3 seasons, and it was harder to get a cab in Yokohama vs. Tokyo. The reason I believe is how some of the black navy guys were, acting up. Probably the same on Osaka. FYI, I'm black from Oakland California.

[@BPD1586]

Was TDY at Misawa AFB back in '15. Never experienced it from the locals only from a few other white service members.

[@TChalla007]

@@BPD1586 Doesn't surprise me.

[@styxzero1675]

Honestly I would laugh if someone said that to me, it is kinda funny xD

[@Freiheit1232]

Ask a Chinese person in Japan if they feel discriminated against... Had a Chinese friend live there and when people asked where he was from and he told them, they would just turn around and walk away.

[@aoeu256]

I had a kuuki ga yomenai experience with a salarywoman when I kept talking about how I was learning Chinese, and she exploded telling me Chinese are dirty, suuzuushii, etc..., and when I told them not all Chinese are bad in America thats not a decent(matomo) thing to say she blocked me but I could still hear her talking to her listeners who seemed shocked at her anger at first, but later on everyone was agreeing that I was a hen na gaikokujin for talking about China and standing up for Chinese people. It was very surreal, her demeanor changed quickly from genki face to genocidal back to genki face. She also recorded the interaction on twitcast, I can give you a link if you wanna see it.

[@GurilyaWalk]

Spend even just a week in Japan and you'd be dreaming to come back all the time. Tourists and travelers don't really experience any discrimination because the places and people they'd normally go to / meet are welcoming to such travelers. I would imagine it is only when you live, study or work there for a while that you'd experience discrimination but this is true to any country.

[@dexorne9753]

Just some more than others.

[@meghwati8373]

Not always true. Sometimes I guess but not always. Discrimination is everywhere in the world tbh.

[@forrest_ation]

I was there for a week and experienced people smelling me, staring and not sitting next to me on trains. One small girl wouldn’t sit next to me because I was black, and I was pissed the mum didn’t say anything about how wrong that was to her in the moment. I loved being in Japan but I don’t think I could live there or will visit again very soon

[@GurilyaWalk]

@@forrest_ation I am sorry that you experienced that and felt that way. I am brown and have been to Japan 4 times already and will be coming back again this December for winter activities. I have experienced that on the train too, locals most of the time avoid sitting next to me and my family but I never took it that it's because we are brown. I just think of it that maybe they are just like that to foreigners in general. On a very crowded train though, people don't have a choice lol

[@blowitoutyourcunt7675]

Lol, wrong! It really depends on your complexion and hair color that darker you is the more discrimination you're going to face upfront and consistently. *Afro Puerto Rican Lady who found much discrimination and racism in Japan, as well as my sister! Thank goodness she's come home so I can stop experiencing that utter vileness pointed at me for weeks on end!

[@marpatenio6443]

There’s no such place that exist without discrimination 😩😭😩

[@MLBlue30]

Sadly, you might be right.

[@krila3978]

In any populated area you are right. Every human has biases and may subconciously discriminate against one person more than another. Sometimes it's not even an active choice people make. There can be no place without discrimination because everyone is different, in different ways.

[@sasahasa4300]

yes its about mindset towards other appearing .if you are white then no racism in anywhere . except this racism everywhere ,in oyher countries white treated nicely m

[@marpatenio6443]

@@sasahasa4300 for whitey they call it reverse racism 😅😅😅

[@egidijusvalenta9639]

@@sasahasa4300 oh cmon that just sounds stupid.

[@Kal-El207]

That first guy was so cool. I want friends like that. So motivating and chill. I really would love a close tight knit group of friends like that guy.

[@Rhole]

Your channel is so interesting. It is these simple questions and candid responses that are good to watch and learn from.

[@witchyprincess2645]

Even in this middle of war time in Ukraine other countries faces discrimination based on colour and origin tho they asked for peace on tik tok or other social media yet kicking and beating people of Asian and African looks

[@CanopusLux]

The first guy lol " Speaks little Japanese" Starts speaking, me: Eh okay xD

[@terrorsanity]

Yo, Takashi-san, your English is really inspiring! I am amazed that you learned it just like this, that's crazy. You must be so attached to worldwide content in English as I am right now. こんばんはございます from Russia, I live in city right above Japan it's called Yakutsk, so I am proud that I got absolutely same time zone as you guys down there! Keep working on your accent! You are gonna sound so fluent in few years! This videos already give me such pleasure watching and listening to decent dialogues! Peace.

[@fm0363]

I don't want to be rude but nobody says こんばんはございます that is not correct. Just konbanwa is enough and polite already. Have a nice evening

[@wallace6228]

i knew one Yakutsk lady who works at guangzhou china

[@TheLastGame666]

Maturing is realizing that japan isn't this "perfect" wonderland of a country with no flaws and it actually has alot of deep problems that many people don't bother talking about unfortunately. While descrimination is everywhere, japan and many asian countries has alot of deeply rooted descrimination that you really won't see until you try to live there, the problem is that many asians don't see any problem with it and thinks it's completly normal, for example there is alot of places in japan that are "Japanese only" so if you're not japanese you're not allowed to enter even though there is no reason for you not to. I hate when people try to defend this type of stuff by saying shit like "IT'S THEIR CULTURE" because there is no excuse when it comes to racism or xenophobia, whether it's a part of a culture or not will not make it okay all of the sudden. so much of today's colture has been changing throughout history to be better and exclude the terrible traditions or practices and that's how it should go, Imagine if cultures nowadays are the same as they used to be, this world will be in a complete mess (more than it already is anyways).

[@suryandanakagawa2276]

We are not perfect and immortal humans, so no need any discrimination among human beings. Respect each other and live in peace no matter what you are and what your religion are.

[@MyBelch]

Hanashi ga yasui.

[@aer7775]

I stayed in Japan for a few months and when I mean to tell u I was treated awfully it was horrible there was a few nice people but it was mostly the middle aged folks that where mean but they soften up when they learned I knew Japanese

[@themagesticonion9122]

Where are you from?

[@r.sulochana1532]

I am living in Japan for 23 years and my two kids are already in jounier high school (japanese school) , I expected some discrimination for my kids (because they are dark skin )in school , but never . They love their friends , teachers and neigbors more than my own country people . (I am from Sri Lanka)

[@oskarjung6738]

When did Sulochana become a srilankan name.

[@thidassankaja8039]

@@oskarjung6738 It's really common in Sri Lanka than you think

[@Spooky130]

Takashii, your awesome. I like how you don't judge anyone you interview. The questions you have for the people are interesting and I like to learn more about all the cultures you talk to and about!!

[@Rico401Prov]

I have a story to share. When I was in the military and stationed out in Japan back in 2013-2015, I loved just traveling around Tokyo just to see the place. One day, I was walking alone somewhere in Roppongi and about 5 Japanese cops came out of nowhere and stopped me. Mind you, I’m half black so looking at me, you can’t really tell where I’m from. They asked me where am I from and what I am doing. I was just exploring but felt like I was being profiled against and told them I’m in the military. They still wanted to see my ID to prove I’m American and in the military. I felt violated and offended honestly.

[@subiebrz2361]

Yeah happened to mexican lady too in another video ( i think on asian boss yt channel )

[@Light0486]

Sounds like something that would happen here in the US lol

[@a6893_]

@@Light0486 nah in US they will arrest you and then ask questions. And sometimes physically harass.

[@Light0486]

@@a6893_ You have a point

[@blank1316]

@@a6893_ dont forget opps I accidentally pulled the trigger

[@russellm2555]

It never ceases to amaze me: we all love ourselves more than other people, but care more about their opinions than our own. -Marcus Aurelius

[@ArnoKnuths]

I live in Japan for only two months now. But when it comes to locals not sitting next to me in the bus - yes, they usualy dont. But we also noticed that japanese people often do not sit next to each other either. Mb it is also about personal space? But everytime I go somewhere by bus and there is enough space that I wont make anyone uncomfortable by sitting - I sit) and after that try my best to leave enough space for other people:D In fact, here in Kyoto I still havent faced any agressive discrimination. Hope wont face it ever. Actualy people are usualy very friendly and supportive.

[@ArnoKnuths]

Oh, I've forgot about one annoying 'discrimination' - the banking system. Most of the banks either refuse to open an account for you if you are a foreigner/live in Japan for less then half of a year or they limit things you can do with your account very much. I find it very inconvenient and it just doesnt make any sense. I just want to give you my money and be able to use them with ease. But this is what we have - we have to deal with it.

[@torque_original]

Nice insight into your society. Greetings from Romania, Europe. Keep up the good work :)

[@dabasil]

Thanks for asking question properly without making them foreigners uncomfortable! You are kinder than most interviewers who mostly like to pull people's nerves

[@SivaramVelauthapillai]

Yeah, Takashii is a very good interviewer. Good job.

[@JCRXV]

So I love Japan to the fullest and it's the one place on earth that I'm looking forward to moving back to in the next few years but like many others who were foreigners as I was as well as being someone of color I do have to be honest that while I do appreciate the courteousness and kindness throughout the country , I too also had my fair share of discrimination especially because of my ethnic background . Just to give an example : I once took a Japanese woman out on a date to a Filipino restaurant because I myself am Filipino,Chinese,Spanish . She really enjoyed the food and the service since it was a mix of both Filipino and Japanese however after we left she went on to tell me "it's a good thing you're not like them " . She then went on to add that it was a good thing I wasn't Filipino even though I had disclosed that I'm Mixed Filipino and said that generally my people were poor and that we mooch off of Japan economy and the US especially . This particular event didn't just happen once either but I also had another experience where I was in an izakaya/bar with a mix of american and Japanese yet at a certain point around 12am the host had me barred from the place but my friends who were African Americans and Caucasian alike were still allowed to stay , the kicker was that I was the least intoxicated and was just being friendly but my friends were sloshed and rowdy . One of my exes said that being tanned in Japan is frowned upon because it's a sign of your social economic status which indicates that I was poor and not appealing to look at whereas being pale is considered to be pure and wealthy which is generally a social stigma with Asia in general but to a higher degree in eastern Asia primarily . All in all those shortcomings didn't fray me from enjoying the country and loving it to the fullest . Just wanted to give my insight is all .

[@purr_player]

Ooh. Is that so? Cause other Filipinos put Japan at a pedestal to the point that some even think that Japan is the least racist country in the world.

[@aktchungrabanio6467]

Thank you for your honesty!

[@JCRXV]

@@purr_player No dude not even . Japanese people are from being racist considering that skin color differs from race . There are tan Japanese people who get hated on for the work they do like Construction or Commercial Fisherman . I'm asian as much as they are . You obviously didn't read the comment about social stigmas in Asia and how skintone plays a larger role in your standing in that country . Koreans and Chinese people can be racist/discriminate because of their hate of the west and anyone who's affiliated as such.

[@greer8288]

I would curse them out in Japanese and give them the finger

[@alikazmi546]

Some of them very cruel ,they show practically example of 2nd world war.

[@turbowtime9611]

Anywhere that you are a minority in any way, you will experience discrimination. Even if you are white, in a all white town, if it's a football town and you are a nerd, then the nerd will experience discrimination.

[@MamushiVenom]

Like the content of the interviews. Touches many important topics that, at least from someone that lives in America but grew up in Japan, most people outside of Japan are just kind of used to. Not strictly talking just about just this video but the other videos as well. Keep up the good work!

[@15817444696]

I am a Sociology major and I love what u doing here. For the great thing u are doing and for the effect you made, please have my respect. When I see people like you are caring and interviewing the world in all the places on the Earth, my heart feels warm😃🙏 please keep it going.

[@LuizAlleman]

I like your open mindedness to speak to other cultures and make the effort to learn English.

[@Jordan-inJapan]

I really could relate to something the second interviewee said - the woman who had been here 7 years…that she initially had some experience of people not sitting next to her, etc, but that it didn’t seem to be an issue anymore. Like, when you’re new in Japan, you have this exotic ‘foreign energy’ field around you, that can be a force of attraction or repulsion depending on the situation. But then when you get used to being here, and feel comfortable with the culture, that foreign vibe gets replaced by a Japanese one and people don’t really react much either way. Absolutely the case for me. After 20 years in this country, feeling negative (or positive!) discrimination is a distant and kind of nostalgic memory.

[@yabuki2502]

🤨🤨🤨🤨

[@alizanster]

In the age of Covid-19, I’m fine with people not sitting next to me, lol

[@Jordan-inJapan]

@@alizanster sad…but true.

[@aoeu256]

Haha after having many Japanese people say yukkk your too Japaenes I was trying to find ways to be more American...

[@zoe9632]

I enjoy your uploads... thank you. What seems to be a theme is lack of friendships amoung the Japanese & foreigners. Even half Japanese, born & raised have said they have more mixed & international born friends. Why?!

[@Enlightize]

Hey Takashi! It was great seeing you that day! Thanks for including me in the video🥸 Nice work!

[@xereta1123]

I think this happens more in schools, because you basically live with these people longer than with your family or anyone else, and teenagers and children are more hostile due age (this happens in any place), when you're an adult and you meet a lot of different people for a short time, unlike others countries, you don't hear them talking about you on the streets, establishments or public transport, because in japan people are quieter and more contained due to culture and education, and if you are a customer the employees are even more polite. Japan is different from other countries cause people don't attack you openly, what happens is more like an exclusion, people avoid you as if you are something strange, unpredictable and possibly dangerous. The problem that a foreigner can really suffer is the same that many japanese also suffer: being different, due to the culture of collectivism discussed a long time ago, so the question is not being a foreigner, but this can become a bonus if you are discriminated by another thing. For example, if you have a tattoo, someone may think you are a delinquent, then they look at your face and realize that you are a foreigner and say that you are a delinquent because you are a foreigner. In general, the problem is traditionalism and older people who don't like change, but since there is a culture of respect for others among the Japanese themselves, respecting a foreigner is easier than in other countries where no one respects anyone and everyone is extremely individualistic.

[@lil-g4879]

I lived in Japan for 5 years (Tokyo - Koganei shi). I experienced racism quite often, from estate agents telling me there aren’t any properties available for me, restaurants telling me they are closed while letting Japanese people in behind me, a couple of salarymen spitting on the floor at my feet, and one drunken salaryman that pushed me from behind in the street, then threatened to get me deported when I slapped him. But overall, I realised that Japanese people are like people the world over, some are racist, most aren’t. To this day I love the place and wish I still lived there. The good outweigh the noisy minority of bad people in Japan.

[@rigariga]

I'm sorry, but as for the property, there are cases where foreign students return to their home country without following the contract, and real estate agents can't collect money, so foreigners have to stricten the conditions of the property. I've heard that. Did you ask why? I think there is a reason why everything is not discrimination but the inconvenience peculiar to foreigners. I don't like office workers either... You lived close to Koganei! I feel special when I think that I might have used the same facility.

[@matthew90276]

@@rigariga Exactly as Real Estate agents are just a third party to the house/appartment owners and collect on their behalf. If you've had problems with foreigners not paying up most likely won't touch you unless you're a permanent resident who can prove their income.

[@ginger942]

"I realised that Japanese people are like people the world over ...", you're wrong man. In many coutries is extremely rare to discriminate like that!

[@jemuellgo7147]

Love your videos. Although Japanese people are very polite, I guess it can't be helped that people will see you as an outsider and being a foreigner means having different culture that might be annoying or weird to Japanese people.

[@Ruriko.Y]

yes, they do. my friend is a taiwanese american studying/working in japan, so she's basically she looks japanese. she speaks japanese so well that people thought she's japanese. but when they knew that she's not, they started to treat her like a foreigner. there was also one time, she lost her wallet and went to the kouban to make a report. the police there just wasn't really helping. the problem here is not the language, because she speaks & writes perfect japanese. but they don't want to deal with the paperworks. another friend of mine, was working at a konbini. when her manager needed to say something to her, he always asks another japanese staff to convey the message to my friend. it's not like my friend doesn't know japanese. but he just don't want to talk to her face to face.

[@johnkim2193]

I've been to Japan 3 times. Tokyo, Osaka and Okinawa. All them were great, most of people were nice and gentle. Said that, I think I got a few uncomfortable experiences in Osaka, and it was like 8 years ago. I'm a Korean and was able to speak Japanese and English a little bit, adequate for travel. #1. experienced much longer waiting time for our table while the others got food much quicker in a fried food restaurant. All servers were nice and active somehow I felt slowness and coldness only for our table. #2. In Kyoto, a group of Korean and Chinese tourists drank water from something like stone spring water on the way to the temple, there were several bowls with a sign in Japanese at there. Later, one of my Japanese friends told me the sign means "Do not drink water". I wonder why some Japanese around there didn't tell use, I think they could keep us from drinking the water. #3. A couple of women staffs became pretty rude after hearing my poor Japanese on the line waiting for a ship in Universal Studio. Then they smiled brightly again to the other customers made me feeling weird. #4. I asked a man for a direction in the subway, he let me know the wrong way and left. I thought something isn't right, so googled the direction and figured the way by myself. I was confused if it was intentional or mistake. Other than these^, it was pretty fun time in Osaka. I made so many good memories there too.

[@fearedjames]

I wonder if the water thing said something like 水を飲まないでください and the Chinese tourists just saw 水 and 飲(which is still pretty close to the simplified han version) and went "Ah yes, a drink"

[@MMarshallEllwood96]

Your English is phenomenal- an English person

[@princekeoki4603]

In korea there are usually springs that you can drink from near the temples and they give like plastic bowls you can use to drink from so that's probably why

[@slee2695]

Japan as a culture looks down on the rest of Asia...hence why World War 2 happened

[@jarradfordham7059]

As someone who works in a kitchen, it would be hard to say if it's Japanese people being discriminative or just kitchen culture when it comes to getting asked to do more work than your colleagues, since that is a very usual thing to happen in a kitchen that if you show that you can/are willing to/etc do more than other people are able too, other chefs will 100% lump their work on you 😅

[@mylifeinvietnam-learnvietn5044]

What a nice video As a Vietnamese, I'm so sad that many Vietnamese people in Japan did something wrong and some Japanese have bad impression about us. But that's just a small number of Vietnamese in Japan and I hope you won't hate or have bad impression about us anymore

[@wrektlevel1491]

Thank you! I appreciate your videos and highlighting foreigner's experiences!

[@TehReasoning]

The answer is Yes, also they have a really decent problem of bullying in school. If your foreigner especially but overall depends on which area.

[@luisamel2475]

very interesting interviews and with a bit of humour too ... thank you. a pity, that you did not interview Japanese people what they feel about discrimination, or may be young people looking like foreigners but that are children of multinational parents born and raised in Japan ... just as an idea for part II 🙂 To learn about Japan, about Japanese culture and expecially Japanese peoples way of living is so amazing ... Thank you for your videos.

[@nathanalgren5247]

Do Japanese 'treat foreigners differently' at first? Yes, because you're not Japanese so there's the initial uncertainty around communication, etc. But do Japanese overtly 'discriminate' against foreigners? No. I hear way more stories of Japanese people treating each other poorly.

[@WannaDropAgain88]

dude rock solid work! eyes on the ground in japan this is awesome you have my sub!

[@gravityclarity]

There is racism everywhere. Though I haven't visited Japan yet, I think they're not as racist as other places. Japanese people are known for being very polite and hospitable. There will always be some prejudiced people no matter where you go, but I think it shouldn't stop people from visiting Japan. I studied Japanese in high school and in college. I want to go one day!

[@lianedegville3093]

I'm white Australian. Lived in Japan for 7+ years. Suffered from racism daily at the uni I attended from both Japanese students in my classes and lecturers (one refused to teach a gaijin until I went to the Dean's office and complained in person). Shopkeepers were mainly nice. But I met some lovely normal people with good social skills through the local kuyakusho's Fujinkaikan (Women's Institute) classes in origami, keigo for Japanese, tea ceremony and ikebana. Some of my SouthEast Asian friends at uni reported being spat on in the streets.

[@aoeu256]

Dude give the southeast Asian a hidden camera.　　Why did you live so long in Japan if you had so much discrimination? Do you have any discrimination stories? Me I've never been to Japan, but I've gone to many Japanese social websites like skype channel, discord, twitcast, nico nico live, and I swear the Japanese make up excuses to get rid of you, maybe I broke a hidden Japanese social rule?

[@lianedegville3093]

As I wrote, I was at university. I wasn't going to let the racist bullies prevent me from getting my postgrad degree. Also, the genuine friendliness of other people I met allowed me to mostly ignore the uni bullies. You can't just run away from life's adversities.

[@ridinwithjake]

Saying to a non-Japanese person “oh you can use chopsticks” is not discrimination. It’s praise. Saying “you can’t sit here” to a non-Japanese person - that’s discrimination.

[@kurrupoppo6937]

My ex from Japan i found out was quite racist towards Filipinos, Malaysians and Indonesians. Which later I found is quite common in Japan. She would say they are very ugly because of their facial structures, almost ape like.

[@101life9]

Discrimination is a form of ignorance and rejections, full of superiority, bitterness and fears. Sad to say they're happening every where and in some degree in our own ourselves. Have we stopped and reflect upon ourselves? Stop the rejections and feelings of being rejected?

[@Utriedit215]

Just because somebody discriminate against somebody else doesn’t mean that they’re ignorant sometimes people just don’t like people it doesn’t mean that they don’t know any better they just don’t care

[@tamialeslie7187]

Discrimination against a whole group of individuals just for their color or sex is ignorant, not wanting to around people in general and being a invert is fine and completely different

[@thinukawijerathne]

Great to see a Sri lankan. I'm also a Sri Lankan!

[@clash5j]

During my first 3 years, I personally never experienced discrimination in my time in Japan. On the other hand, the Japanese never let me forget I was an outsider while I was there. Even Japanese that I considered friends would subtly always remind me that I would never be 100% accepted. However, in my 4th year there, a friend who happens to be black visited me in Japan and to my surprise when we attempted to enter a restaurant that I often frequented, the employees and owner (who knew me quite well) began shouting - "No foreigners!" I was blown away as I had never experienced a restaurant refuse service based on race. It obviously wasn't me that they objected to as I was a regular customer, so it had to be my black friend. I had heard of such things, of course, but never been up close and personal with that kind of behavior. My friend took it in stride. I was probably more upset than him. I do want to say that we ate out many times during his visit and that was the only time something like that occurred.

[@ary5829]

oh my goodness, that's actually horrible

[@davidmcleod5133]

There’s a pizza place in Nakano where I’ve had similar experiences. I’m a white dude but if there’s this one lady working there then suddenly they’re full (half the tables are empty), or they’re closing (six hours before the posted time). Lately she’s just taken to yelling, “Dame, dame!!!” so that’s something, at least.

[@RaginCanadian-gx2zl]

Just wanna say thanks takashi. As someone who is just starting to prep to try and learn japanese and maybe move over later in life your videos are fun but also really are informative for me. Keep it up!, maybe if things go they way i want itll be me chatting with you some day.

[@antony2206]

Discrimination is everywhere, people need to realize this more...

[@antony2206]

@@MrThebeast115 i never said it needs to be tolerated tho.

[@isuckatgaming7225]

"Do Japanese discriminate against foreigners ?" Does fire burn ? Is the sky blue? I just save you 9min of your life, you are very welcome.

[@farhanshawkat558]

Xd.

[@humanizedkun6488]

the question that no need to explain that everyone already know ahhaha

[@gordusmaximus4990]

Reading some comments, i read alot of excuses about the Japanese society being racist. Yes, not everyone is racist bla bla but its indeed a racist country. Yes, alot of countries have issues with racism, including western countries, but they are miles ahead of Japan in this subject. You dont have laws Japan doesnt have civil rights legislation which penalizes racial discrimination. You can actually see apartements going: "Japanese only". Imagine in Germany, Portugal, UK, Greece or even USA go "nationals only". Even if you are born in Japan, with a immigran background, most of them, will never recognize as fully Japanese. Race does matter, you can say ethnicity also matters in Europe for example, but its one of the biggest debates and controversies of today, yet EU countries are full of foreign people (including asians), while Japan, barely has immigrants compared to the population. Immigration, is a touchy subject, specially if you want to keep your culture, and Japan does have a beautiful culture and country. But it clearly has its issues. I am watching a Japanese reality show Terrace House. Its amazing, how when a Half Japanese person comes in the show (and born in Japan, with Japanese mother), they go "oh you are half" and always say "gaijin" and never fully see him as Japanese. Even if they are not trying to be rude, in the "west" this would be racism. But people in the west complain like there are better places or less racist.

[@landhausidyll3185]

It is a fact and actually well known that most east asians discriminate and look down upon dark skinned people or any people who come from 3rd world countries. They see them as inferiors. I asked even some of them directly (taiwanese, south korean, japanese, chinese people) and most of them told me the truth (that they don't like dark skinned people). I even experienced it myself. My husband is german, I'm southeast asian-german and we go to japan every year for 3 months. My husband's japanese friends, rarely interact with me, eventhough I can speak english and japanese (german & spanish too). They ask my husband instead of asking me directly eventhough I am sitting right beside my him. My husband would then say, "you can ask her" and then they will act like, they didn't hear him or just say nothing and change the topic (as if I am contagious and I don't exist). Mind you, I know and have been seeing these friends of my husband for 17 years. At first I am very offended, now I just don't really care (I just do my own thing, I am tired of making an effort, only to be met with nothing). I love Japan as a whole but the people, not much. These honne and tatemae face can be terrible.