Japanese Meet Black Person For The First Time

[@SHUNchanjp]

Use Code “SHUN“ for $5 off your first #Sakuraco box through my link: partner.sakura.co/shunchan-2203 or your first #TokyoTreat box through my link: partner.tokyotreat.com/shunchan_2203 ! Order by March 31st to receive this month's box!

[@CinnamonGrrlErin1]

I might have to switch to this, the last couple of Bokksu I got were a little underwhelming

[@helloagain6243]

@Mark Armstrong doubt it

[@yenpham-jb4wo]

Hey man can you ask him if they go black why they don’t come back

[@yenpham-jb4wo]

Also can you ask him since he is half, is he black down there ? Or is he black up too and Japanese down there

[@longlostcoder6322]

Are there software engineer jobs in Japan for foreigners? And how would I find them?

[@saureld2448]

Loved that y’all mentioned the difference between Africans and African Americans !! There is a difference! Their mindset, their up-brining, just general experiences. Black people are not all the same everywhere. There are many different cultures and ethnicities with black people.

[@Justcetriyaart]

Yep, same with us blacks from the islands, language, food, and manners are very different. For example pressure to do academically, ect

[@stimpsonjcat26]

Same with all other ethnicities. It is funny because as a white American I have noticed that the majority of white people seem to think that caucasian people in other countries are culturally similar to American culture which is not true.

[@keepinitkawaii]

@@stimpsonjcat26 i didn't know anyone thought that. I moved to Germany and people here dont identify with their skin color. Its more about nationality and where one was born

[@Anointed_Kay]

Yeah especially in terms of cultural appropriation. I'm from South Africa and we're racially diverse. And when other races do activities or wear clothes which are traditionally African, it's a huge source of pride for us even when not done correctly as long as it's not intentionally offensive which I have not really seen 🤔

[@Onyxaxe]

@@Anointed_Kay I am really happy to hear that, because I swear folks in the USA are kinda assholes about it. I like the idea of just sharing, but they cannot stop trying to take everything for themselves here. I would be happy to just leave the USA and see folks happily sharing cultures without it being appropriation or a new business idea.

[@jesseogn]

I'm excited to take Shun chan to my African barber. Stay tuned!

[@jhsrt985]

Hey my dude plz make videos, thru you I can see how things would be for me since there's a lot in common between us. Keep doing your thing son💪 ganbatte 💪🤴 I realize this is somewhat selfish but I was going to live there but my life got turned upside down and It's always on my mind

[@nigelcarruthers335]

This is awesome!

[@specialk9999]

Hi Jesse. What international school did you go to? I also went to an international school in Tokyo.

[@ItsMeAnn628]

Thank you SO much for doing this interview! You were so open and honest with nothing but kindness and joy in your heart! Conversations like this are greatly needed to continue to educate people around the world!!! 😁💜

[@ElisaTPark]

Yes!! He would look super cute with a fade! 💕

[@RexCapulet]

Great video Shun! I am an African American who is interested in Japan and Japanese pop culture. I went to Tokyo in 2019 and had a great time. Jesse is right in the culture differences between African and African Americans. Also his background and the way he was raised is so unique. On the topic of hair, I always tell my Japanese friends, imagine if a white person or a black person came up to you and started to touch or comment on your hair. It’s universally weird thing to do! Lol. Our style of braids are so for fashion but also a way to organize and protect our hair, like a person with long hair putting it up in a bun or pony tail.

[@VikingTeddy]

I dream of one day going, it's on my bucket list. But I'm poor, so it's not going to happen anytime soon. Isn't it a pretty expensive country? Did you have any funny/odd experiences with curious people?

[@arthurbarneys7249]

David, I’d just like you to know I’m white and I can confirm if anyone ever just came up to me and touched my hair I’d think they were completely loopy. I’d even even think there was something wrong with them if they asked first. Hair touching is definitely weird.

[@RexCapulet]

@@VikingTeddy To be quite honest, the most expensive parts of the trip were the flight and the hotel. Other than that, food drink and souvenirs were pretty cheap (the US dollar was stronger than Yen) I saved 4k for my trip and ended up spending just over 2k for the whole thing. My Japanese is very minimal. Just enough to be polite (hello, thank you, excuse me) but most of people I interacted with knew enough english to communicate and even if they only knew the basics everyone was friendly. I hear the horror stories of (black) foreigners being stopped and questioned by police, and people wanting to touch their hair, but these things did not happen to me THIS TIME, so I left with only positive experiences.

[@RexCapulet]

@@arthurbarneys7249 Lol, Thank you! I think it’s fully acceptable to learn “Please stop, that’s rude.” in Japanese and have it in your pocket should this happen. Alot of people excuse this as ignorance or just curiosity, but in my opinion it’s 2022 and the world is alot more diverse than what we give it credit for.

[@AnAdorableWombat]

AA culture is bottom of the barrel. Hell, I'm AA and even I know this lmao

[@Type1DomoGuy]

Regardless of color or race, Jesse seem to be a cool dude with a great personality.

[@jermaineevans6910]

If you show love to black people and appreciate our culture, we tend to be cool. If Shun wants to go to a black barbershop, that is cool. You're not going to get cancelled. 😂 you are supporting a black business, and you can get a fresh haircut. I'm glad this channel is having an open discussion and staying positive.

[@chillnndc]

I agree. U down with us..we done with u.

[@helloagain6243]

You're speaking for a whole mass of people as if you know them all personally simply because your skintone is similar. To suggest that people of a skintone automatically think this and that is... Racism.

[@jermaineevans6910]

@@helloagain6243 Hello, random faceless person on the internet. If you read the responses from black people here, they share my sentiment. Also, your definition of racism is off. There. You got your attention you crave.

[@helloagain6243]

@@jermaineevans6910 But they're not "black" neither, they're simply as lost as you are, that's why they agree with you.... No my definition of racism is on the button actually. I know you want to undetermine the dictionary definition of it so you can practice racism without a problem, but it's getting old quick and you segregationists will just be 2030s memes lol. And I assure you, I have a face. I've had it my whole life too would you believe?

[@helloagain6243]

Now go ahead and keep on abiding by a colour label given to you by 16th century slave traders. You're so powerful 💪

[@AlexisBii]

I’m black - also note wearing braids is what’s called a protective style, meaning it makes hair care much easier and convenient for us. But braids in america are controversial because employers see them as “unprofessional” so it’s not uncommon for black people to face discrimination or even get fired for wearing them. But we still like braids for style + convenience 👍🏾

[@stimpsonjcat26]

I have never noticed discrimination for having braids? Discrimination against black people yes, but not braided hair specifically. Dreads on the other hand regardless of ethnicity I have seen discrimination against.

[@Taramushi]

@@stimpsonjcat26 it depends on the place and time. There's an entire generation of women in my family going bald because they had to chemically treat their hair straight so they could remain employed. But my generation all tend to have "big hair" because we were allowed to grow it naturally.

[@jhsrt985]

@@stimpsonjcat26 you get it for braid too people just don't wear braids as much, back when everybody has braids they were treated exactly like dreads are now, for 2 years we couldn't wear braids to school or you'd get sent home, ask anybody who's 30 who use to wear braids or ask Allen Iverson lol he had issues w the NBA about braids, it was a problem at jobs and everything

[@AlexisBii]

@@stimpsonjcat26 Keep in mind that just because you haven’t seen it yourself doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen!

[@dr.migueltorrezedd8651]

There are some Japanese, Filipinos and Indian people who dread and braid their hair. I am surprised that other Asians have not noticed this in Japan plus there are Asian countries who have wavy and curly hair with darker skin. I guess certain people don't learn about what's on their own continent. These two guys look young, so I am a bit shocked at some of the questions in this day and age unless they've lived in the country part of Japan most of their lives (not being exposed to different people). Japan even has a military base, etc. I was in Japan some years ago around 2014, and I ran into African businessmen who lived in Tokyo. I guess some people don't get out much and interact with others of different nationalities.

[@7ylerD]

I wish people would approach me and say “hey, you look good”.

[@SHUNchanjp]

ikr😗

[@AceofHearth]

Hey, you look good.

[@jesseogn]

hey, you look good!

[@Lilliathi]

Happened to me once.. it was a homeless lady.

[@nothatgxrl]

You should take him up on that offer and make a video of it. It'd be interesting to see how a Black barber shop operates in Japan. See if he gets Japanese costumers, why Black people prefer to go there compared to a Japanese hairdresser and so on. Most "Black in Japan" videos are just heavily edited street interviews 🙃 so getting to see it more of how the community *actually* is like would be cool. Also, *you* get the chance to experience something new! 🙌🏻

[@smittywerbenjagermanjensen3216]

I'd just like to say Shun, your accent has gotten so incredibly good! You should be proud that you don't need subtitles anymore. I know how hard it is to control your accent in a second language, so props to you.

[@PolePosition08]

Jesse seems like a cool dude. Could you do a video of you going with him to the African barber and visit the African community?

[@ItsMeAnn628]

Yes! I would love to hear from more people from the African community there in Tokyo! I want to know their stories… what happened that made them want to move to Japan, was there a big culture shock, what languages do they speak, was it hard to learn Japanese??? So interesting!

[@helloagain6243]

@@ItsMeAnn628 almost like you're fetishing them.

[@MarkyD.Ingram]

Dude, I think it's the coolest thing to just effortlessly switch between languages. I know it's not all that impressive, but it's so cool to see someone just switch mid sentence into another language. Humans are neat.

[@wannabe41]

This was great! When Jesse said that Indiana is for white people, I hollered! I’m from Chicago, Illinois and That is #Facts! Perhaps one reason people in Japan stare at Jesse is because he’s so cute. Thank you Shunchan for being so respectful and willing to learn about other cultures. And as a Black person, I totally approve of you going to an African barber.

[@blackrosenuk]

He said, "FULL of white people," NOT, "FOR white people." IL, IN, and OH are def full of white people, but they are not FOR white people... That's Iowa, Vermont, and Alaska.

[@wannabe41]

@@blackrosenuk Lol!

[@wannabe41]

But I think Indiana is still for white people. Ijs

[@nakeayrelivers2885]

Yea we don’t go to Indiana

[@unjaded2]

born and raised in Chicago. no need to ever go back . maybe for Blues fest in grant Park

[@C_M_R]

As a Black person (African-American) I was worried about being treated poorly when I visited Japan because of my race -- but I had a really great experience. I did get some stares, but no one was outwardly rude to me. I had long hair at the time and luckily no one asked to touch it. LOL

[@SHUNchanjp]

i'm glad you enjoyed it here!😁

[@ItsMeAnn628]

A bet that Japanese old lady would’ve lol 😁💜

[@helloagain6243]

So you didn't hook up with anyone? BEYTA

[@milesmorales1789]

@@SHUNchanjp Bro you are really special 😁✊🏽🇭🇹 i never seen somebody like you

[@dm2129]

@@SHUNchanjp I watched your video and you are a good KZbinr but on this video I didn't care for the title Jessie is half Japanese and half black so the title should have been what's its like growing up in Japan as a biracial person vs been biracial in the usa I mean to say he's a full black person isn't fair to his Japanese ancestors. I am coming to Japan soon and I'm still a little worried with myself been black and the language barrier to communicate with Japanese people what should I do so I can engage but also enjoy myself????thank you 😉🥰

[@DjYankee19]

As a black man who has had affection towards japanese culture for some time now ( tho I've never been to Japan) I appreciate how Shun is still respectful with his curiosity and conversation.

[@jasminearthur2844]

Love to see healthy conversations on the black experience in Japan. A very wholesome video to watch! Great content! 😊

[@aring.6307]

Oh wait! Also: Braids, Twists, Hairstyles. I can speak on this because I cycle through them all! We usually learn these types of styles from our Mothers, Aunts, Or female cousins usually? But the main reason, is because it is a protective style as people have said. Afros (despite what many people may think), Are Usually Very meticulous to maintain. It takes a lot of knowledge, hair products, and time to style it every morning, and protect it every night. And you usually have to refresh it every 3-4 days through a 30 minute to 2 hour washing process. For Braids, and twists, Yes it takes a long time to put in? But after the initial installation, you don't have to worry much about your hair for up to like, A Half a Month for Twists, and a Full Month, or Two Months for braids. Locs can last literally, the rest of your natural born life, with a weekly cleanse, a Monthly retwisting, and an occasional trim (because they grow super long and super heavy if you don't lol, but some opt not to). You can wash them, and give them touch-ups yes, and style them as a form of self-expression and cultural pride! It also can look really cool! So it protects your hair from damage, takes less products to maintain, less time to get ready in the morning, and it looks really cool. Afros and Locs are Also a big, Huge deal in our community, not only because the Afro style gives you confidence and feels so free, but the cultural history of Afros and Locs, like Resistance in the face or adversity in the past, and our style of Afros and Locs are something unique to us physically and culturally as African Americans in the states that unites us even more? (And it also shows you have the money, time, and products to maintain it, as you can imagine Afros and Locs are some of the pricier styles 🤭💕) As for Male Hairstyles, I dont know much outside of my Brother and Father, but it's similar, just it takes MUCH less time for the shaved hairstyles, and you can wash your hair without as many products needed. (And the products are less expensive) But its the same amount of time for Afros, Twists, Braids or Locs maintenance. which is why it also sucks when people touch your hair because it is so delicate and time consuming, and also very weird, because of racist history of like, treating African Americans as animals? but i digress. Anyways, I hope this clarifies things even more!

[@ItsMeAnn628]

I’m ignorant on this subject. Can you please explain what your hair needs protection from??? Thank you!

[@aring.6307]

@@ItsMeAnn628 ofc! African hair textures predominantly 3-4 type, is a more...I would not say brittle, but delicate hair texture than types 1-2. It is more prone to split, frizz, and break from anything such as brushing with a regular hair brush without spraying it with water, to brushing up against linen frabrics, to weather, to even finger manipulation (another reason why we don't want ppl to touch it if they dont know what they're doing). The protective styles we use, such as braids, twists, or locs, bind the hair together to make it stronger (like how one would twist materials together to make a sturdy rope), or seal it in a protective outer casing (like with wigs or braids.) It enables our hair to grow and do stuff without splitting, or rubbing against things that will damage it. However bc our natural protective hairstyles are meant for this "unique" hairstyle (unique outside of Africa I mean). What many ppl dont understand (or believe) is that Afro hair is different down to the Cuticle shape and that's where the problems tend to start. (Type 1-2 hair types are round, so think spaghetti. Type 3-4 are more flat, think A Ribbon that someone wraps gifts with. How it curls, and bunches.) Therefore the techniques to get a similar look, would be different for non-black people (usually) and ineffective. Type 1-2 hair in braids are more sturdy like the hair version of box spaghetti. It's strong, but because it's not malleable like the curlier afro-type, it will snap rather then bend. So braids will either slide off in a day, or the hair will snap off at the root (like with many bantu knot debacles). For locs, Afro textured hair already curls in that direction (like a ribbon or a rope) so all we have to do is either not manipulate it with a comb for a little while, or guide it gently with gel to make it loc. For the other hair types, in order for it to get a similar look to Locs, one has to break the hair strand and basically Matt it into a clump like tube shape. While this may look similar, it is Very Very bad for the hair, it damages the hair, and is more susceptible to things like mold if it is washed consistently, unlike Locs or twists in which this happens rarely if at all, if it is taken care of properly. And as you can imagine, if one asks for the techniques to manage matted locs vs an African american how they manage their locs, you can see how the harmful hygiene misconception can impact us bc our techniques are different. So for the "breaking hair off", "snapping the hairstrands off at the roots", "moldy matted twists" thing, when African Americans say non-black ppl can't wear our hairstyles, it's not an exclusive Night club thing, it's like...well, it's a warning ig? for ur best interest But I digress. In conclusion, protective hairstyles are centuries old methods to protect a specific hairtype from split ends, tangles, fairy knots, breakage, frizz and other forms of damage.

[@BookVybez]

Great video and conversation! I grew up in Thailand (I’m black American) and experienced a lot of what Jesse experienced. The longer I lived there and respected the culture, they got used to me and knew me and my family! And Shun you will not get canceled lol ! Also know that many Black Americans LOVE Japanese culture🙋🏽‍♀️!

[@orchidbae]

Awesome video Shun! I’m from South Africa myself and plan to visit Japan as soon as possible and conversations like this really make me smile as they bridge the gap between different races and build positive relations! You and Jesse are dope!🔥

[@caiman5134]

Lol...take me too...I'm from RSA🇿🇦

[@masoumehjafari9678]

Don't waste your money you will regret it

[@jamesacklin8889]

I’m excited for part 2. I’m born African American and yes there’s a difference between Africans culture wise. Even some tension sometimes. But the history is deep and complex.

[@stimpsonjcat26]

I'm curious, would you consider a African American that wears African style clothes cultural appropriation?

[@idkwuzgoinon]

@@stimpsonjcat26 personally I wouldn’t (half aa here)

[@chickenmonger123]

@@stimpsonjcat26 You know it’s interesting. As an American with white skin it really isn’t that far for Americans like me to understand the general differences. I have some German immigrant heritage. Some Italian blood. And not insignificant amounts. As far As I can tell my dads side has mostly German immigrant heritage. And my mother had half Italian Immigrant. But my relationship with both of those countries is distant, mostly it determines eyes and hair color. And body hair a bit. Getting back and chest hair is shocking. Anyway my point is that neither Germans nor Italians consider me at all connected. And they still wouldn’t even if I grew up as an Italian New Yorker. Where the common heritage is noticeable. And while they are interested in where they came from, those of Italian American descent have way more in common with the greater American culture than true Italians. Who are also actually diverse within their own country in noticeable ways. The drift is greater than you’d expect. Those of long African American descent have been here longer than me and mine even. So of course those directly from African Countries would have a hard time connecting right away with Americans who’ve got certain inherited African traits. However I have noticed that the children of African Immigrants adapt quick. Picking up whatever they are in. And that’s what’s important I think. For all America’s divisions blasted out across the media, we generally have overarching ways that make it so it’s ok to be American. We want you to be American. To make of that Citizenship what you might. Generally speaking. And that’s definitely part of the schema of the last 100 years here. It’s strange for us to be so disregarded as having any stake in our former countries. As if we’ve no right to the title. If we thought more about it, we wouldn’t claim closeness with other countries occupants. Because we’ve nothing to speak of. Our association is with their ancestors, and their lands. And if we aren’t associated with them, well damn them, we can reverence the heritage without their help. Though we’d by and large rather their help, it’s not necessary. And for them, I suppose we don’t have much in common. Our great grandfathers were brothers and cousins.

[@chillnndc]

@@stimpsonjcat26 Nope, cause we are AFRICAN Americans

[@unknowndeoxys00]

@@chillnndc Chillax dude, every American not of Native ancestry has ties to a motherland they probably can't relate to, because they were born and raised here. We should be empowering each other to research the countr(ies) their ancestors originated from.

[@strykerbobby3873]

I’ve lived in America my whole life and thanks to your channel and many other channels it has pushed me to take the step to move to Japan. I am moving to Fukuoka in October wish me luck. Love your vids bro!

[@hitojo]

This was nice to watch, it’d be nice to meet Jesse! Being Japanese and African-American myself, I very much wanted to hear his experience in both the US and Japan. The hair-touching topic was very relatable, I hope to see him in more of your videos Shun! 投稿してくれてありがとう！👍🏾

[@ninekay9]

You ask hard questions that most people are afraid to ask. These types of conversations need to happen more every where in the world! Keep rockin!

[@Anointed_Kay]

Wow I can't believe you two know each other. I love Jesse's videos demonstrating Japanese culture and food. ❤ It's nice to get to know him outside of his content

[@charburst]

It was hilarious seeing Shun think that he was going to be cancelled at the end 😂

[@A.Mortem]

I disagree honestly. People shouldn't be scared to get there lives ruined just because they go to a black barber who specializes in black hair. the fact that he was scared to do it at all for that reason just shows this shot hasn't gotten way out of control

[@Onyxaxe]

@@A.Mortem Wrong, he was rightfully concerned about appropriating by wearing braids. Cancel culture is the result of too many people just not caring. When people learn that there is accountability for their actions, and act on it, it will be less severe. I was really happy to hear Shun being cautious. He is aware of his own internalized beauty standards and such, and is just trying to do the right thing, even if he is more concerned about being cancelled. Sometimes that's what it takes to get people to do the right thing, laws, cancelling etc etc. Especially since his friend is Nigerian and doesn't know a lot about braids. Just cause he says it's okay, doesn't mean it is. I really hope people won't cancel him for that though. If his friend took him and they're just having fun experiencing cultural differences, it should be overlooked. Again though, he is Japanese and he is self aware. Blackface trends and appropriation are still things in Japan one should be weary of.

[@A.Mortem]

@@Onyxaxe except they literally never said thats the kind of haircut he would get. Dude literally just said come get a haircut at a black barber. Theres also nothing wrong with a person who isn't black wearing braids. I swear you guys care way too much about this shit. As long as someone isn't actively being inflammatory and disrespectful nobody should care

[@energeticstunts993]

@@Onyxaxe I believe whole heartedly that culture is something that's meant to be shared. I am of South Asian descent and I always get kinda mad when a white person tries cancelling another white person for wearing a sari (traditional Indian dress). Saris are beautiful and if you go to India or Pakistan or Nepal and ask the locals if it's okay for white people to dress in saris. You're gonna have a hard ass time finding someone who says it's not okay. Point is: there is no such thing as cultural appropriation. You cannot steal a culture because a culture does not take a physical form but an emotional one and just like sharing someone's sadness doesn't make you steal that sadness, wearing braids doesn't make you steal braids

[@Justcetriyaart]

You might want to check out the channel black experience in Japan oh, and get more in-depth with this or even collab in the future? I think it'd be interesting or fun

[@jiggygalore]

Hello! I love your channel and love Japan and its culture. Just wanted to extend my knowledge and insight as a black woman from America. It's really different for all black people across the world when it comes to cultural appropriation. The BIG reason it's such a BIG deal in America is because of the history on how America really almost tried to erase our history as black people altogether. I totally understand for Jesse being a black Japanese person raised in Japan, he wouldn't entirely connect to that impact but is well aware of it so I thank both of you for bringing it up. It's just understanding the history and background it means for us as African Americans. This is why some black people do not like when other groups try to appropriate because it can be sentimental where its not getting the proper respect it deserves. This is just my 2 sense. Thanks for reading.

[@KirkKiyosadaTome]

Thanks, both of you! I really liked the conversation about cultural appropriation (and tbh, I'm still way on Shunchan's former side, but that's just my opinion). As a ethnically 100% Japanese person who was born and lives in Los Angeles, I'm curious if Jesse has gotten over the look of absolute shock when you speak to a Japanese person in Japanese (especially in response to them speaking English to you). I've long ago written it off, and even laugh a bit to myself about it. I make it a bit of a game, watching their face as they slowly realize that I am Japanese. My dad is from Okinawa, so I don't look very typically Japanese in the first place, and I have a Western fashion sense, so it's obvious at a glance that I'm not a native Japanese person. シュンちゃん、ジェッシイちゃん、凄く楽しいな動画を作ってありがとうな～！

[@MeltdownWitch]

Would love to see a video of you two having a day in Tokyo. The view of current modern day would be great, and also the looks and actions of others as they see you two. How interactions go. Show us the spots you two love the most!

[@chanmarr8118]

This was awesome! So many great questions and answers.

[@joeseeking3572]

Fun video. 3 things stood out that relate. 1 - I've had Nigerian, Kenyan and Somali African friends in the US. People from each group have frequently said they don't relate to (in the words of one) "your American blacks" - it's not the culture they identify with and they always stress the African identity rather than a Black identity. Not a huge sample, but there it is. 2- "touch my hair" years ago I traveled extensively in Vietnam as a blond, blue-eyed guy. The further I was from a city (this was pre-2000) the more exotic I became. To the kids, I was "Joe" (as in G.I. I guess) and there was no asking about touching hair, arms, legs, etc. - they just reached out and did. A lot. Old folk assumed (I was in my 20's!) I'd been in the war - battle scarred people in the South would come up and mummer things I could not understand and point out missing limbs. When we went North, official things got downright hostile (can't stay in this hotel, eat here, etc.) Tens years later this was largely gone and I was able to travel Hanoi and beyond alone without a problem. 3 - people working on your hair. In grad school shared a house in neighborhood white people really had not moved to yet. Roommate decided to try a local barber for haircut. He had straight white person hair and it was kind of fashionable - 90's hip or something. He want to a black barbershop where not only did the customer base regard him as a total curiosity (he was) but the guy doing his hair had no idea how to cut it, and butchered it so badly that he went and pretty much had it shaved a day or two later to start over - was not salvageable. Vice-versa applies - my step-mom is black, wears her hair straight and there is an entire 'hair room' in the house where mysterious preparations take hours to produce the desired effect on 'hair days'.

[@boppiemitchell220]

Awesome video! I am half African-American and half Filipino. It was super interesting getting to know about Jesse's experience and the experience of Africans in Japan and U.S. As someone who grew up Black and Asian (Blasian), it highlights the fact that so many people's experience is different. Thank you Shun for being respectful, inquisitive, and willing to ask questions of understanding!

[@cdubbart]

As a black person I will never accuse anyone of cultural appropriation for getting a shape up & a fade lol. Everyone deserves to get a sharp shape up from a good black barber at least once in their life 😆

[@MischeifMakerz]

Awesome video. I think this is a new topic that hasn’t really been assessed well before. Thanks Shun and Jesse. You guys are awesome. Edit: definitely bring Jesse back on the channel more, if possible!

[@aring.6307]

Hey Shunchan! Great discussion! but adding on to what Jesse said how being African is usually different from being African American, culturally? Allow me to go a bit more in depth (and I hope it isn't confusing, since I have a little trouble explaining things! 🙏🏽) Usually when we speak on African Americans, we have existed as a sort of insular community/society within the states for over 400 years? So a lot of things can change in that time period, even if our first 'Ancestor who set foot on American soil' were originally from regions like Ghana, Nigeria, etc. During those 400+ years, we blended cultures with different African tribes, even Indigenous people from America, as well as white people somewhat. So our foods are different, humor, how family members are meant to interact with each other, (Oftentimes not all the time but Often...for African Americans, the house is matriarchal lead more than Patriarchal so there are a lot of cultural differences in terms of expectatioms for women? If i may say sometimes? 😅), our mannerisms, the way we dress, we even have different Dialects depending on which state you are from. Our closest related exchange was other Black people from the Caribbean, so there was definitely some shared cultural aspects from there. I have also heard stories of children of African immigrants and Carribean kids really struggling bc of their cultural foods, and the way they dress etc. from school, and if Jesse has experienced that, I wanted to apologize on behalf of us as a whole and inform that with an increase in Cultural exchange between African Americans, Carribeans, African Europeans, and Africans themselves, we are getting better, we are now embracing and celebrating our differences and exchanging more, and we find we all do share even more similarities 💕 If any other Africans or African Americans would like to add their input based on their experiences, please feel free to do so. I would luv to learn!

[@Herunikoshima]

I like how open minded Shun is, recently subscribed and I'm learning a whole lot about Japan and Japanese culture other than Anime. Great video bro... All the way from South Africa🇿🇦

[@FAMCHAMP]

As an African American I can honestly say there's plenty of non black people I see go to black barbers when they want a fresh cut and doesn't have it be seen as appropriating so you're fine. To give you more context on the whole appropriation history In the States we had an ugly history since the slave days here where our names, heritage, rights, families were stripped from. But through the turmoil the slaves tried preserving what they could Our hairstyles being one of them. So over the course of time, there were things in our culture that was frowned upon like our hairstyle of braids was seen as unprofessional in alot of settings or that it was seen as "too ghetto" or not a beauty standard in general and that our hair was seen as just nappy. So seeing a white person do the same thing and it being a "bold new look" and not frowned upon as it was before caused an uproar. Or black artists back in the day having their sound and style copied without proper recognition for their work all made it feel like in some ways our culture wasn't appropriate unless they did it making alot of black people feel that we were still being seen as second class citizens. It has been an ongoing thing since before I was born but although not perfect, there has been some good improvement over the course of time.

[@broughttoyoubynmblake]

I am a black British woman, of Caribbean decent who likes Japanese culture, we are a diverse bunch. Jesse is a dream.. 👌🏾

[@Annahita7523]

I think that making videos like this with guests like Jesse is very important. Asking him questions won’t get you canceled if it’s coming from a place of pure innocence and wanting to understand someone else who is different. I have black friends and ask them questions about their hair and stuff like that too. I want to learn and understand, not judge. Don’t be afraid to ask, because that’s the only way you will learn.

[@japanesedude27]

I showed my mom one of jesse's vids once and she said "どう 見て も 日本人 じゃん こいつ" while laughing, meaning "no matter how you look at it this guy is japanese" idk funny little anecdote

[@kiddsupreme]

1:27 I see SHUNchan getting slick with those AD reads. Very nice! 😏

[@Chococat_Ariana]

Jesse: Do you want to speak in Japanese? Shun: I would love to speak in Japanese but I don't want to put subtitles. Also Shun: - speaks in Japanese and puts on subtitles anyway - 😅😅 For viewer's convenience, this is around 2:25 mark

[@carriepadgett2743]

I like this video, I love how open and honest and free you can be with each other. I wish more people could be that way. I'm glad you are meeting new friends in the new house and making connections and experimenting with new types of videos :)

[@WhileIminJAPAN]

I'm actually surprised that more people don't try to touch my hair, or stare more. I really don't feel like an outsider here, except for my language. But I live near yokosuka. I wish I spoke the language to know what more people thought.

[@ntrg3248]

Honestly unlike most people who are half race, he actually looks a lot like both of his Nationalities, which is pretty uncommon, since most would look more like one than the other, or even look like neither! But if this guy said he wasn't hafu I might have actually believed him

[@matthewjay660]

Shun-kun, I used to be an American high school French teacher for 11 years and one of my kids asked me, "Are there African-Americans in France?" (He was really asking if France has black French citizens and I KNEW that's what he was asking. But, I sensed a "teaching moment.")I answered, "Yes, black Americans visit France." Silence. [Blink blink] Silence. [Blink blink blink] Then, I spoke up again, "Do you mean, "Does France have black French citizens?" "Yes, they do. 'African-American' only applies to 'Africans' and 'Americans' descended from slaves living in the U.S. or those that CHOOSE to self-identify that way today."

[@mc-not_escher]

Thank you for being such a good teacher! It’s people like you that are making the best impression on our youth and inspiring them to think deeply about the core values of our relationship with our fellow humans on a global scale. Much respect to you and your kind, as few as there seem to be these days.

[@Bea-Beez]

Hey Shunchan, I'm loving your videos. Just ant FYI black people love when others are open to learning and experiencing our culture, so don't be afraid to try becaise we as humans learn from trying. Black people are as human as other races are. ALL HUMAN!!!! Love your personality hope Tokyo traets you well.

[@bascal133]

His face is very interesting because you can SEE the Japanese and the Nigerian so clearly in his features.

[@Taaron_It_Up]

This was quite interesting as a black guy moving to Japan in a few months, thanks for the video!

[@tns-rox]

Great video, Shun-kun. Jesse seems like a great friend to have and I wish you both the best. 👍

[@zennaluna]

I LOVE this video! Thank you Shun and Shun's really cool friend! I'm American and mixed, half black half white, so it was very interesting hearing the perspective of a mixed person from a different culture 🥰

[@basicallydeadbooks000]

Loved the video Shun! I am half too! Black (American) and Filipino. When I go to the Philippines, I get stares and everyone assumes I am a foreigner as well. Same as when I visit most Asian countries. I have a similar life to Jesse of growing up Asian but ‘looking foreign’ and not really fitting into either lol

[@soju81]

“I thought America was a complete white country.” Yes, this is very common. I had to teach my students about this because they’d refer to white people as Americans, believing POC are foreigners.

[@Yuunarichu]

I find it sad, because in WW2 Japanese-Americans got detained in interment camps. Japanese seem to put the US on a pedestal, but imagine if they had immigrated during that time only to be detained. :/ All because they wanted a better life. Just goes to show that Asia doesn't really know that their own people are living there and facing discrimination.

[@ItsMeAnn628]

@@Yuunarichu NOT justifying the internment camps but I can understand WHY the US detained Japanese people since their homeland bombed Pearl Harbor killing over 2,400 people dragging the US into war. Spies were rampant from Germany and Japan. I think they felt it was easier to identify the Asians and keep them all together to minimize spying and sabotage. Much harder to find the German spies. There were many celebrities and politicians that were basically canceled for being suspected of being Communist sympathizers in the 1930’s and 1940’s. ✌️ Oh and the US stopped receiving immigrants from Japan during this time. So, your scenario is highly unlikely. ☺️

[@ItsMeAnn628]

Where do you teach, in Japan?

[@Yuunarichu]

@@ItsMeAnn628 Mmm I'm just saying it's kinda sad they don't know Japanese people like them are in the US as well. That's it. And I'm also sad that they might not even know this (we weren't even taught this either, I figured this out by a kid's book)

[@ItsMeAnn628]

@@Yuunarichu Oh. Well, I hoped you learned something from my comment… much better than a Children’s book I hope lol 😁💜

[@r.t.4251]

you both make such a wholesome duo :D i hope to see more of you both

[@Alyssa-mt9bb]

I'm not black, but I do live in the states and grew up with mixed black/hispanic cousins. Braids aren't solely used for fashion, while they do look cool it really was initially a protective style. The kinkier your hair is the more fragile and prone to breakage it is, and braids protect you from that. I just wanted to share why some people in the community do get offended over braids, because to them it is necessary to keep it healthy. Also, there are ways to wash your hair with braidss/dreads as well 🙃some people think its unhygienic but another advantage of having curlier/kinkier hair is it does not get as greasy as straight hair does and you do not and should not wash it every day anyways, as it will be worse off for your hair health.

[@ALTHiR]

What a great video! It's actually Week against racism here in Finland and this fits perfectly in that topic!

[@brandi5126]

Yay! Jesse 💕 I really like the questions asked. This was very interesting and Jesse sharing his experience was very insightful. He has such a nice personality.

[@thefray123]

Shun going to an African style barber shop needs to happen!!! That would be a great video 🔥

[@jedmask9484]

Wonderful convo SHUNchan with Jesse. I love your genuine, honest and kind interest to learn about black African peoples. Quite a good "intro" you two did here. May you, Jesse and everyone here in the comments be blessed indeed...

[@dl5641]

1:27 I'm not gonna lie, I actually laughed at how good that transition was and I was only half expecting it before the audio fade XD

[@fabiookonolanguages]

That video it was so important!👏🏾

[@conradbaker]

i love the way you said "juicy questions". great episode.

[@beetricesithole4093]

@SHUNchan I love your videos very informative and eye opening. I'm South African based in 🇯🇵.

[@ronhilton9614]

Fascinating. Shun, you asked the best questions of your intelligent and personable friend. You've broadened your horizons and ours. I had to laugh when Jesse said "Indiana" and you seemed to think he was making that up. Great video!

[@blackrosenuk]

I absolutely loved this interview/convo, and I appreciate the honesty.

[@IzabelaKarolina]

Great video! I’m Polish living in UK, and there is a difference between me and my British colleagues. So I would assume that it is even way more between Africans and African Americans. Sending lots of love to Shun and Jesse!

[@SallieAndrea]

By the way we have many braided/twisted and locked hairstyles and some are specific to different cultures. In the past in africa people could be identified by tribe due to their hairstyles, they represent culture, fashion and also are just protective to help the hair grow. But also because our hair takes a lot of care it helps keep it done for a while so you don’t have to do much. Also you can wash your hair with braids in

[@nakeayrelivers2885]

One place I have wanted to visit since I was a kid… beautiful beautiful country with a LOT of historical stuff to learn

[@WhileIminJAPAN]

I don't people really get cultural appropriation unless you've been through the racism that's prominent in America Black Americans love when people absorb the culture, UNLESS you don't like the black people who create the culture Go get the fresh fade from a black barber. And if you want to meet a black American, I'd love to chill and do a show Collab

[@stimpsonjcat26]

I still don't get it. At least other than exploiting another culture than your own. Saying someone with braids or dreads is cultural appropriation is just silly IMO. I will also say that over use of the term can also do more harm than good.

[@WhileIminJAPAN]

@@stimpsonjcat26 then you do get it. The exploration is a major issue. White people had no need for corn rows. The tortured black people over their hair, and kept them from jobs, but when bo Derek got corn rows they sold it as a new trend and made money off it, not acknowledging black people That's appropriation... Also see the Kardashians

[@jhsrt985]

Yea I didn't realize at first but it's an American thing bc we get stolen from and that's the difference, I forgot in Jamaica they will happily dread up a white person's hair, I literally forgot

[@aring.6307]

All of this^ It's also not just hurt feelings either. Black kids were barred from going to school, Black people were barred from getting jobs, and you get a lot of hateful ignorant things said about your hygiene just because of it, and I've also heard in Catholic schools they'd be called Devil hairstyles, some kids even got their hair cut choppily and stuff poured on it by literal TEACHERS. But then white or non-black people do the hairstyles and get praised for it, make money off of it (The Kardashians) or turn around and say racist things about black people while wearing the hairstyles (insert K-pop group here) The CROWN Act passed literally Like- last week. So Hopefully we'll see some changes in terms of not being discriminated against for schools or jobs but it's a long road ahead in terms of basic Human Respect that many minorities in American do not get. (See Indigenous Appropriation and Asian American Appropriation as well)

[@chillnndc]

I think that would be a collab I like 2 see.

[@304Hibachi]

Im hafu Japanese, Native American and Irish but i grew up around black people in the south so i talk "black" accent so i can relate lol. My daughter is hafu black from her moms side and has similar hair to him. Man you have something special with this channel Shun san! I love this content bro! Otsukaresamadeshita!!

[@superditdit48]

Glad you are back- I really missed your videos. This one is great!

[@suliwa670]

Jesse is half Japanese and half Nigerian. Shun-chan is half Japanese and half Japanese...

[@vickersfanxoxoxo]

There were stares when I visited. Mostly by kids on the subway but the vast majority of Japanese folks were very kind and helpful. I loved it there 😊

[@dunlapcap]

I’m African American and I always wondered what Japanese people thought on this topic! Thanks for this. Also I would love to see your experience at a black barber, I don’t think it’s appropriation at all, you’re just going to get a hair cut.

[@helloagain6243]

Then what would make you "love" to see it? What does it matter?

[@JavinCraig]

That was a really cool video. You two are beautiful and we appreciate this kind of content.

[@christopheredwards788]

Great video. I always wanted to learn about the Japanese culture. Just subscribed!

[@JRedMage]

You need to film going to a black barber. That would be amazing to watch!

[@Wild1920]

First time on this channel . I love it . Genuine curiosity is a wonderful thing .

[@mazvitaaa]

Glad he mentioned that there's a difference between Africans and African Americas. Many differences. Just like they're many differences between Asians all across Asia. That being said, in Africa he wouldn't be considered black. He's considered as mixed race. And depending on where you're from there are words to describe and differenciate between races and ethnicities. In the South where I'm from, it's plainly black, white, indian, colored (and not in the same way as it's been used in the US, colored simply means mixed race people usually between and white, but basically between someone of African descent and someone of non-African descent). In America though any person who's mixed race and particularly mixed with one black parent even if the other isn't is automatically considered black. So I think being African-American and being black aren't necessarily the same thing. Many African Americans are black, but not all are completely of African descent. There's been a lot of mixing over the years and anyone who wasn't "pure white" so to say was classed as black in America, thus making part of the African American group. So I think that that's quite important to note. As an African, when I look at mixed race kids I don't consider them to be black (see earlier explanation). They do have black, and white or Asian hertage all in one, and that's okay. I think it's only fair to highlight it from a different point of view.

[@cinnamunbun]

I saw you on Jesse's Instagram a few weeks ago and I wondered if you guys would ever make a video together. I'm so glad you did!

[@3864267]

I am an African American woman who lovessss Japanese culture. This was so fun to watch

[@YingDragon75]

This was a very educational and interesting video!! I like how you both communicated the differences between culture and race. Also you both are Kawaii!! One day I want to visit Japan I absolutely love the culture and history of it.

[@josecruz8803]

Really cool episode! Was actually wondering about some of these things myself.

[@antivire]

You should make a sequel where you take Jesse to a Japanese barber, and Jesse takes you to an African barber lol

[@FoyLo]

Great conversation! Very candid but honest.

[@midnight_melancholy]

Great video SHUNchan! I'll be ordering some snacks with your code soon!

[@hajarahamidnassr-deen7420]

Braids is a part of African culture that originated in west Africa and we wear it to protect our hair since we have a very exotic type hair and yes some black people do wear it to protect their hair but make it look fashionable at the same time. Great video!

[@MrJayda0025]

Good job! Everyone is unique so sharing our experiences with different people helps others to understand cultures different from our own. Keep up the good work! I'd like to see more interviews from other people on opposite sides of the spectrum.

[@plutoembassy1178]

KZbin you two should start your own podcast and speak on the diverse cultures in Japan and the effects on it

[@toso2890]

Jesse is a really cool person, I'm glad you met him and had this conversation, I'm African born in Europe and it's also different here, compared to being African American/ African living in the states

[@turkushh]

Another insightful video, love your videos😁

[@kuyaChrischan]

This is a cool video! Jesse seems like a cool individual and his experiences resonate with a lot of people judging from the comments. There's a documentary Life Where I'm From created called "Being Japanese" and it highlights people who all have ties to Japan one way or another but society doesn't consider them Japanese. I think it's worth a watch!

[@Pretty_Mess]

Most minorities in America have negative views against cultural appropriation because their customs, fashions, music etc are seen as weird, unnatural, or even negative until white people adopt them which is usually for profit not appreciation. Example black people having dreadlocks or braids are considered ghetto but white people wearing them are cool high fashion. It’s really just about having respect for others, so no you going to a black barber shop isn’t appropriation. ♥️

[@KuroShiiiiro]

at my college, there's plenty of people studying abroad and alot are from Nigeria & Africa in general. not only are they different in their own ways, their culture is way diff than mine & my Af. American peers. its super cool seeing the difference

[@w.w.sakbeh571]

Thanks to both of you. Unfortunately, it's not just that Japanese people make assumptions about him being from a country other than Japan; it's that many (perhaps most?) Japanese people make assumptions about him (and people like him) being different in the negative sense of that word. Japan will probably need at least another generation before being more authentically open minded to multi-culturalism, hierarchical fluidity, and alternative lifestyles. Vloggers such as SHUNchan, among others, go some distance in that goal.

[@imswezi9499]

Why does it matter for a country to be multiculturalism. There’s already Europe and the US for that

[@w.w.sakbeh571]

@@imswezi9499 Cause it's not about countries. It's about people and lives and the planet.

[@KojiStowe]

I enjoyed the video. Being mixed(Japanese & Black American) and now living in Japan as an adult I can relate.

[@samuelm.e8778]

Such an inspiring video! You should encounter with a Japanese-Hispanic person! There’s plenty of those out there like me! (Ecuadorian 🇪🇨-Japanese 🇯🇵)

[@KyStoffers]

Shun you should absolutely go to the black barber with Jesse. Not just for the content but also bc they are probably so good with hair. Try it out!

[@CrazySquirrelProductions]

That was interesting. Thanks Shun and Jesse! I kind of laughed when you said you thought the US was all white. I'm jealous of both your hair! Thanks again guys!

[@IKuraiKuraiI]

Its cool to see mix people being better excepted these days in more places.When i was growing up being mixed was sometimes hard because your among two differences and people seemed uncertained lol.