The Dark Side of Japan (Black in Japan) | MFiles

In this episode of The Melanated Files (MFiles), we introduce Dr. Harriet Ocharo, a Kenyan PhD Info Science Researcher in Japan. Harriet has been living in Japan for five years and shares her story with us. Harriet moved to Japan from Kenya as a single mom with her son to attend a PhD program as a MEXT scholar. During that time she and her son experienced both the beauty and the dark side of Japan. Watch to hear her story.
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The Melanated Files or the MFiles is a Black Experience in Japan's series that highlights black people from diverse countries across the globe. It focuses on sharing the story of the individual; who they are; what they do; what they are passionate about; and what their experience has been so far, as a black person living in a foreign land.
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[@TheBlackExJp]

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[@commenterperson4481]

@Lionel Jackson Why?

[@jimmydinobluesage]

The Black Experience Japan A lot of us from different parts of Africa don’t treat each other that way we don’t come into this world that way I think is the mind and the conditioning of what is been going on for centuries to earn program that will take life we as African’s African-Americans melanin brown people got to teach these people show them because they are ignorant

[@user-ti4dl8tw7h]

I'm sorry to hear her son bullying in school and how it killed her motivation to learn Japanese, live in Japan in the future, etc :( But a mother got to do what she got to do... It's true there's pressure to "conform" in Japan may be a lot more other countries, but that IS one of the primary cultural aspects that makes "Japan" what it is, a highly efficient "cultural machine", (like trains & buses running on time, or like what people around the world was surprised how Japanese patiently standing in line without panic running amok during Tohoku earthquake, etc) The fact that her son was expected to act just like the others (Japanese) actually tells me they expected of him to act & be fully Japanese (maybe because he spoke fluent Japanese too). Whether he passes the "test" to become an "insider" (full-blown Japanese) rather than "outsider" (gaijin/foreigner). Usually Japanese won't expect so much from people they've already decided to be on the "outside" from the start. Their expectations always based on whether you are on the "inside" or "outside". Gaijins are let off easy but will never fully belong "inside" as long as considered "gaijin" (which literally means "outside people")

[@user-ti4dl8tw7h]

This kind of bullying issue I think reason my mom sent me to English speaking "international" school in Japan K-12. Although born & raised there I was Hafu (mixed) meaning I didn't look like other Japanese kids in public school. I remember this one time when I was grade school age (7-8?) I got loudly taunted by a group of Japanese public school boys. They called me "ainoko! ainoko!" which was a very derogatory word to refer to Hafu kids like me in those days, equivalent to calling black people n-word. But the primary bully in that group was himself a Hafu boy. I believe he did that to "feel" like he belonged or be accepted fully as one of them Japanese boys perhaps. Kids are brutal sometimes (-__-)

[@bobwilson7684]

"we need to control own narrative" ---- ooohhmmmm ---- blessings

[@SavvyKenya254]

Thank you for the kind and encouraging comments. I'll try to respond individually later. Just to clarify, my son was in Japan for 4.5 years. The first 4 years were great. He was in a Japanese kindergarten full of other foreign kids in Ishikawa while I studied my PhD. He had a lot of fun there. Trouble started this year when we moved to Tokyo in April and he joined an elementary school as a first grader. By the second term, I knew I had to get him out of there. I hope he'll get over the experience and retain the good memories from the kindergarten.

[@varnettiekohres5760]

Dear Hariette, i experienced this in Japan as well. My parents were in the Liberian Embassy and could not afford an International school education so i had to go to the local schoöl without much knowlege of Japanese. The bullying was so bad that I started playing truant from school to avoid the unpleasant situation. I was about 10 then. And as you rightly pointed out it is a group thing. I remember the one word "kitanai" which means dirty, this was used to refer to my skin by some of the bullies. The teachers, i guess accepted it as normal as it was quite subtle. I did not conform by the way i looked . My parents did intervene but it didnt help matters much as the situation was far too engrained. For example, if one of the kids on lunch duty would refuse to collect the fork which I had been holding the child who wanted to be nice would only look on but not act, only when the bully was not looking would she then help. Luckily, for me i was a bit older and found refuge in books and stories that inspired my imagination and took me awsy from the unfainess of it all. After two years My parents were assigned to another country and i moved on. I must say i remembered good friendships which i made out of school and which compensated for the isolation i felt in school. Reading also heped my self worth a lot in such a situation because my intuitive intelligence told me I knew alot even though i couldnt speak their language. Thank you for a very genuine, poignant and inspiring story . It has brought back long buried memories.

[@mosca3289]

Savvy Kenya thank you for telling your story. As a parent to be I’m really listening and learning from you 👍🏻.

[@admasnd]

I also want to say thank you for sharing your experience. You have opened my mind to questions that I didn’t even know I needed to ask myself and consider.

[@varnettiekohres5760]

Hello again! Just wanted to say that i am sure the beautiful memories and experiences he has had and will have, will outweigh those of the frst semester in first grade. It was not a personal choice i made but I like to believe my experiences in Japan contrributed to making me today a more tolerant and open minded person. I remember when I finally returned home to Liberia and there was a girl from the Philippines in my class , the others would tease her. I befriended her amd would defend her because i knew what it was like to be on the other side. And because of my experience in Japan to show backbone or character by standing up against unfairness was important to me. I work in the UN now and believe me the good memories have outweighed the bad.

[@SavvyKenya254]

@@varnettiekohres5760 sorry for went you went through but I am glad you were able to get out as well. I am sure my son too will get over his experience once he experiences love and acceptance in Kenya.

[@chigasaki06]

You find the most fascinating people to interview.

[@journeybeyondthesea]

ikr!!

[@truthhurts7045]

He truly does..

[@TheUltimateLady]

Agreed! He’s the unicorn finder.

[@xoxomacx2539]

True, I love his content. He is quietly empowering black people. Big up bro.

[@joylynne8]

I agree. These beautiful black people inspire me.

[@benben6306]

The positive is, at 6yrs old, Jeremy sounds like he has a strong sense of himself/confidence. Because they were trying to break him down to conform to their ways, and he knew himself well enough to not change himself for their liking

[@SavvyKenya254]

He is a happy and confident child. So glad they didn't break him.

[@robertlellis2573]

🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@SoffyLoves]

She's such an impressive woman. Congrats Doc.

[@vickboardman1298]

From one African to another. Thanks to the guest for being frank and honest. Honesty is needed on issues like these to stop others from unnecessary pain. Japan still has a LONG way to go in terms of fixing their society. I've been here 10 years and am contributing to destroying their stereotypes of others.

[@indriadrayton1132]

@Jay Rober I agree.

[@randybell2309]

@Jay Rober then please tell us. Do you also agree with how the stereotypes? Because just doing what you said awakens those stereotypes in peoples minds. Just being yourself brings hatred from others. So Why not try to bring about change just by being yourself. After all doing what you said is actually doing just that. contributing to breaking down stereotypes.

[@thesoulbrother8636]

@Jay Rober: I totally agree with you 💯 percent. Well said, my brother. Cheers🍺

[@SavvyKenya254]

Some people work to actively destroy stereotypes, and others do this simply by being their authentic selves even in such environments. We should all do what we can and also to encourage and improve each other.

[@pedrosaraiva1013]

"Japan still has a long way to go in terms of fixing their society"... coming from an african... The joke tell's itself

[@doucelait1]

I appreciate her honesty. She’s definitely a trail blazer. Sorry she had to go through that situation with her son. She’s definitely inspirational.

[@aaaab384]

She's not actually that honest.

[@TheBlackExJp]

?

[@aaaab384]

@@TheBlackExJp She was less than honest to me in the past. Not saying she's not honest in this interview, but as a person she's generally not.

[@styl3k1fry]

Damn, when talking about her son being bullied you could feel the pain her voice

[@user-ti4dl8tw7h]

😭😭😭

[@vyentro29]

Roi Heenok was

[@takayuki2964]

I feel so sorry for her son. Bullying can happen to anyone which is very dark side of Japan. Living in Tokyo can be very hard even for Japanese who are not raised there. I’m glad that her son is having great time in Kenya. I wish her a bright future!

[@SavvyKenya254]

Thank you!

[@mayavril1]

I'm so glad she was in touch with her kid. I wanted to cry - omg I could easily see a child harming themselves! She articulated herself so well in everything. She's a superwoman! Hope all her wishes and dreams come true!

[@user-ti4dl8tw7h]

I felt sad seeing her wiping her tears remembering about her son & his bullying problem. 😭 It's not fair she should be torn from her young son because of school bullying

[@bpavilion8994]

People really have to teach their children how to stand up to bullies though, this suicide and hurting one's self thing is not the answer.

[@lethabo713]

I wish there was an end of year special where you'd update us on the progress of some of the amazing people you interview.

[@freedomm]

Yes. Some sort of catch-up updates would be nice.

[@zacharyhall1441]

She is BEAUTIFUL..sooo gorgeous..smart and classy darkskin queen.

[@AbeJacoby]

...classy dark skin "woman".

[@nsudatta-roy8154]

She had amazing skin. Kenyan women are my favorite, followed by Senegalese.

[@farrahc7055]

@@AbeJacoby That's how black women are complimented. There's nothing wrong with it.30.11.19

[@Im-fq1mn]

agree✨✨✨ とても綺麗です🌹

[@AbeJacoby]

@IMHTP "dark-skiNNed"

[@ZoukLaDolce]

Waouh such an amazing woman! You can see how emotional she was talking about her son being bully...so sad! Great woman and mother! such an inspiration!!

[@vaslimp5161]

This has been one of the best interviews I've seen. Harriett kept it 100 about the bullying of her son in school. I'm glad she put the wellbeing of her son 1st. Kudos

[@SavvyKenya254]

Thank you! He is thriving in Kenya at the moment.

[@vaslimp5161]

@@SavvyKenya254 that's great. I don't understand why bullying is the norm in Asian countries. I know we have it here in the States, but it seems extreme there. So what I've seen on Asian dramas is possibly true. People pretty much get bullied all the time at their workplaces, schools, and homes by family members. That's sad.

[@xoxomacx2539]

I am in tears..... so hard to see your child go through that. Big up Dr Harriet. You are the boom.

[@lt7153]

Loved this one, Dr Ocharo touched on two issues that are close to my heart regarding women and black people in tech and the treatment of black people in homogeneous societies like those in Asia. And I am glad she spoke about the dark side of living in an homogeneous society like Japan for children as I think sometimes people make the move without really having any ideas to the extent of how this can impact the kids in a negative way. I hope everything works out well for her and her son.

[@SavvyKenya254]

Thank you. As adults it's easier for us to navigate such societies especially if we already have a strong sense of identity. For children, it is much harder.

[@user-ti4dl8tw7h]

@@SavvyKenya254 As someone who went thru being separated from my own young children for a time, I felt your pain when you talked about how you had to separate from your son to protect him 😭😭

[@daddams100]

A wonderful interview...I felt so sad for what her son had to endure and I'm proud of her removing him from that toxic environment. Thanks again for introducing this remarkable woman.

[@denisewalker7217]

Really enjoyed this video, Dr. Harriet Ocharo spoke from the heart! When she discussed the problems her son was having (at such a young age) it really hurt me. I hope she will be able to reunite very soon ( which I think she will) with her son. That is the most important thing a child needs is his parents (esp his mom) since she is a single parent. You could feel the sadness in her voice as she spoke of how he was treated. No parent should ever experience that! Wishing her well wherever she goes.

[@Inaesteeina]

She's an intelligent and beautiful young lady. She's heading for greatness.

[@favorites673]

The story about her son’s bullying is very sad. It is good for others to know this experience for children. But, she should finish learning Japanese, if she can before she leaves. The skill may be important in her future. Best wishes for her and her son.

[@emmanuelochieke1645]

Very true indeed!

[@indriadrayton1132]

I would teach her son how to say, "mind your business," in Japanese.

[@thespadestable]

She needs to learn Mandarin Chinese. She's from Kenya, and the Chinese are looking to expand as long and wide within the Continent of Africa as their money, military might, and technology will allow them.

[@SavvyKenya254]

@@indriadrayton1132 my son is fluent in Japanese. So in that regard, he perhaps feels their rejection and their discrimination even more acutely.

[@SavvyKenya254]

yes, I'll keep learning my 4th language (Japanese) because I enjoy it.

[@thesoulbrother8636]

That knowledge she has acquired in Japan is badly needed in Africa. I hope and pray that she eventually goes back and build up her own country. Cheers🍺

[@SavvyKenya254]

Yes, I do want to go back and build my country.

[@PrettyGurl12361]

The Soulbrother- most times they do. I am married to a Kenyan and I am Black America. Many Africans go overseas to make $$$$$ and/or get an education to take back home.

[@Not4Every1x]

That depends on whether or not her country is governed by dumb imperial puppets.

[@kingmaafa120]

Dr HENRIK CLARKE RIM 🙏💓

[@JoseRodriguez-ti2ii]

The dark side is also in Japanese adults as well.

[@lethabo713]

yes, it's a given. are you in Japan or have been in Japan? Did you see something about her story that most of us missed about the dark side as an adult? please share.

[@Mizuyah]

She was quite accurate when she said you are constantly reminded that you are different. Multicultural societies don’t experience this as much but as a foreigner in japan, you are constantly reminded whether it be on the news when the origin of a criminal is mentioned, when you’re asked for your residence card by the police for no reason and even when people ask you innocent questions like “where are you from?” and not so innocent questions like “how do you wash your hair”. No one wants to be othered and as a constant, it can take its toll on you.

[@SavvyKenya254]

@@lethabo713 as Mizuyah has said, most people will ask you how long you have been in Japan and when will you go back to your country. You can never just settle in.

[@user-ti4dl8tw7h]

@@Mizuyah Sad to say that some supposed multicultural society like USA I've personally suffered more and also seen more discrimination (especially against blacks, but also foreigners) than in Japan as mixed race (Hafu) in so-called mono-cultural Japanese society, I wonder why?

[@Mizuyah]

@@user-ti4dl8tw7h The States certainly has its problems. It's current situation has certainly amplified an already existent problem and I'm not taking away from your experience. I myself am not from the USA, but I am from a multi-cultural society and I hardly ever felt "othered" constantly while growing up there; My mixed race siblings and cousins don't feel othered to the extent you probably do. I feel it more in Japan.

[@Owlkisses88]

Thank you for this video. She is a very caring individual and her family had went through a lot. Hope all her dreams and her child dreams come true.

[@SavvyKenya254]

thank you!

[@EA-br1pz]

Congratulations Dr.Harriet and thank you for such a informative, honest and heartfelt interview.

[@praise874]

Harriet, you are an inspiration! Your journey exemplifies the power of strength, drive and determination! May the Lord's blessings and favor be with you and your son.

[@walterjackson-heron4776]

She will probably look the same at 50 lol But she will inspire so many women!!

[@commenterperson4481]

:) why?

[@DaLastMonster]

Lionel Jackson slow down, idk about all that.

[@indriadrayton1132]

@Lionel Jackson I get it!

[@jahbless4ever]

@@DaLastMonster Stop playing slow. It's well known fact. Black don't crack.

[@lilyghassemzadeh]

Hi Harriet, I hope you find this useful. My husband and I are from Iran, living in Japan for 11 years now. First we lived in Taito-ku, which is a very traditional area. My daughter started kindergarten there, but by he time she reached the second grade she was bullied so hard that I decided to take her out of school. She didn’t go to school for about 9 months, during which I taught her Persian and English alphabets. Then we found a primary school in Minato-ku, still ‘kokuritsu’, but with two parallel Japanese and English programs. We moved to Minato-ku only because of this school. Problems still occurred, but not as serious as before. I think part of her problem was also the language, and that she was still in the process of learning it thoroughly. Now she is in Junior High 3rd grade, and I guess she is quite popular, because she is extremely happy. I think the upbringing also has a role, that the child is treated with respect at home, and that she learns that only herself is enough, and the acceptance of others is not important. I am sure your son will also feel better as he gets more skilled in Japanese. He also has the privilege of having you as his mother, so I think he will grow stronger as the years pass by. Good luck!

[@doggydude4123]

I felt that bullying story. Stay strong Dr. Ocharo!

[@stephenaitcheson6626]

PhD. In IT??, Go Gurrl you know you're on some next level isssh. True Excellence!!!!!

[@SavvyKenya254]

thank you!

[@kahn289]

Thank you Doc for being so honest and vulnerable with all of us. What a transparent and insightful interview.

[@SavvyKenya254]

thank you.

[@NotTheoryTruth]

Yes, there's a very serious problem with bullying here

[@lethabo713]

I guess this is what they(Japanese) meant when they said "the nail that sticks out..."

[@tlotlo7971]

@@lethabo713 so sad huh

[@SavvyKenya254]

@@lethabo713 they mean it literally.

[@elac1256]

@@SavvyKenya254 First, congrats on your professional success, Dr. Ocharo. Second, I'm sorry for your son's experience. That said, I hope you were/are able to help him understand that it isn't really about him. From what I've learned about growing up there and picked up living elsewhere w/a heavy Japanese cultural influence that "conformity" push is, uh... "legendary." On a similar note, your son's experience at the international school was much better--which seems to be typical. Not to excuse the "bad" behavior, but your son, essentially, received "exceptional" treatment when in school with "exceptional" people and "average" treatment when surrounded by "average" people who are expected to continue through life doing "average" things, IMO. I hope your son (and others) will be able to understand the distinction and apply it accordingly no matter who he finds himself around.

[@bpavilion8994]

And the sad thing is that they don't feel that that's something that needs to be addressed, or taken seriously. You create the hierarchy. In no way, just because someone is smarter or better at something, or doesn't matter what they are. No one should treat another human being less than human.

[@e.crabtree4313]

Savvy Kenya, I take my hat off for you. It is not child-play to be a mother. You juggle education, employment, travel, and conference attendance while holding true to your duty as a mother. Japanese bullies are products of their parenting and the cruel culture of treating others as 'less than.' They want robots without individuality. Not many men I know can do what women do when it comes to parenting without a meltdown. Keep up the good work and congratulations!

[@SavvyKenya254]

Thank you! I am glad I have the support of my family and friends.

[@vickieminter6475]

I am so proud of you Dr Harriet!! Thank you for sharing your story the highlights and the struggles. Knowing that each of them as you said are just one part of your human journey. Sometimes our children help us to realize when it is time to move alone. I wish you God's blessings wherever he lands you. Because it's going to be wonderful... Full of challenges and excellence at the same time. Most importantly surrounded by your loving son and family.

[@cikunjuguna1948]

Im glad my fellow Kenyan sister decided to take the positive and return home Hongera sana mbarikiwa!!hope kijana ata kuwa strong and grow not to keep the negativity he experienced in Japan !!!so proud of her !!!

[@SavvyKenya254]

asante!

[@georgeotieno5880]

She is a truly ambassador to our country Kenya

[@TheUltimateLady]

She’s dope!!! Very proud of her.

[@mademoisellecm1]

What a powerful, intelligent and beautiful young lady this is. She is so smart, put together and driven. I see great things already happening for her and ahead of her. Be strong young lady and never lose Faith. You and your son have my best wishes!

[@SavvyKenya254]

wow, thank you for the encouraging words!

[@mademoisellecm1]

@@SavvyKenya254 I mean every one of them. It is so important to offer encouragement and support whenever we can. That way no one feels alone or hopeless.

[@maserlinechisvo4513]

I almost cried when I hear you explaining this horrible experience of your son. You're a very strong Lady

[@kennethstill3340]

I have lived and worked in Japan for over 10 years and, although there are a lot of great things that I can say about my experience while there I also, know how lonely and isolated it can be. Especially being a a black foreigner . But she is doing the right thing for herself and, her son . Japan has a lot of good qualities but, also you can’t just gloss over the bad ones . Wishing her nothing but the best for her and her sons bright future.

[@WordsHandsHeart]

As a single parent, it made me so happy to hear that you found a lecturer who was so supportive of you bringing your son to conferences. I wish you and your son all the best in future!

[@SavvyKenya254]

thank you! I was lucky that my thesis supervisor was understanding.

[@paulinjosepha2336]

I almost crying listen to her, and the pain in her voice when she talks about her son. She reminds me my Mom.

[@brendapaul5950]

What an intelligent and beautiful lady who recognizes the importance of protecting the self esteem of her black son. Congratulations in earning your doctorate, and taking excellent care of your son by taking him home to Kenya where he is with your parents who are taking the best care as grandparents. Blessings to you and wishing you well in your endeavors. From your Belizean sister and mother of a black son.

[@SavvyKenya254]

thank you Brenda!

[@louannescott5908]

Very educational and informative about the dark side of Japan and the educational system and there being no support for bullying. I send blessings to Harriet and her son. Encourage your son to continue speaking the Japanese language because it will work to his advantage as he gets older. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors. You will be a blessing to Gabon.

[@whitneysolier1102]

Wow! I loved this interview. So much important insight. Congratulations to Harriet on all her achievements. So sorry to hear if her son's experience. I wish her continued success. And most definitely that her son has the peace that he needs.

[@blackfox1977]

This woman's life could easily become a movie, her drive, determination and dealing with adversity of being a single mother in the tech space. Her emotional and heart felt story of her son being bullied. Felt her pain. Her theme Tune is Lil Mo Superwoman 🔥🔥🔥🔥✊🏾

[@SavvyKenya254]

thanks! I'm going to write my book which will then be turned into a movie, so watch this space :)

[@indieu6035]

Thank you Harriet for sharing you and your child's experience in Japan transparently and gracefully

[@anndwatson]

My heart goes out to Harriet and her son. Bullying can leave life-long scars. I hope Harriet and her son are able to fully recover from the negative experiences in time.

[@SavvyKenya254]

I hope so too.

[@user-ti4dl8tw7h]

@@SavvyKenya254 I pray your son is doing great now. He will grow stronger from that experience and also this will surely make him a more caring person empathetic/sympathetic to others plight because of his own experience. It's hard and painful but it also helps us grow as a better person because we have personal understanding & it helped me look at those "different" from myself going thru similar problems as if my own, and stand for their rights. I'm sure God has something great planned for your son's future!!

[@carolynnyamasege292]

You're bold Dr.Ocharo congratulations on your achievements and all the best in your next steps.

[@SavvyKenya254]

thank you Kemmy!

[@sheldonfelicien9915]

Congratulations empress keep your head up knowledge is the key

[@freedomm]

Congratulations Ranzo. This is hands down your best, most intelligent and informative interview in the series. Thank you, Harriet, for your brutal honesty, passion for tech and heartfelt expression of love for your son. A bad parent would've ignored it all and done nothing. Thank you for one of the few balanced perspectives of this interesting country and a side of its culture that's rarely discussed. I hope little Jeremy is a happier, flourishing kid, now.

[@KMyThe]

Congratulations Lady. You are a beautiful "wonder-mommy". Thank you both for light you bring to us. I wish you happiness for you and her child. Bless you !

[@stewartmediastudios]

This is awesome. You are so inspiring Ranzo. Thank you for bringing information to us. I am planning to move to Okinawa myself and this has been so informational to see all the different stories and being able to set my own expectations. Congrats to the young Queen!

[@nandikaa471]

Moving to Okinawa is like moving to another state in the USA. You won't have the culture shock as if you would move to Tokyo or inner Japan. Best of luck though bro.

[@stewartmediastudios]

James Keino Thank you and yes you’re right. I’m going back again in March. I loved it!!

[@msilas5577]

Dr Harriet you are a phenomenal person. Congratulations on your success so far, the world will be hearing from you. I wish your son speedy emotional healing, you did the right thing by removing him from that environment and planting him in love. Ranzo congrats on another insightful interview. Thank you.

[@SavvyKenya254]

Thank you. I can't wait to see what adventures the future holds.

[@Trakusenpai]

One of my favourite interviews. Respect to Harriet for sharing so much with us. She's amazing!

[@geraldskywlkr2556]

theyre making him hate himself... :((( what makes it even worse, he has no one looking out for him in school. teacher, nurse, friends, no one

[@SavvyKenya254]

It was sad that he had to go through that. He's happy in Kenya now learning that he is perfect as he is.

[@kingmaafa120]

No BLK FATHER EITHER

[@jokbok995]

Thing is Japan has a big bully problem You can only survive if you stand up to the bullies by fighting

[@bullzai018]

And Japan wonders why it's suicide rates are sooooo high 😑🤦🤦🤦

[@stronggent]

This has been one of the most thorough BEJ videos I have seen. Thanks to you both!

[@ReneeJ4Jesus]

Very strong and courageous woman. She loves her son and will do her best. Yes, very impressive and intelligent woman...focused. God be with her and her son. She told the truth.

[@bernardheathaway9146]

That was a great interview!

[@mr.ronaldlawrence1231]

Dr. Ocharo is so intelligent. Her responses are insightful to accurately describe her experience. I wish her and her Family the absolute best.

[@Neon-lens]

I know way back from Jkuat, I used to follow her blog... savvy Kenya. She inspired me to come to Japan and study. I also just graduated. Kudos Daktari

[@SavvyKenya254]

congratulations on your graduation!

[@elizabeththomas9485]

Congrats Dr. Ocharo on receiving your PhD and u are blessed to have a support of family back in Kenya at this serious time of your son life and wise decision to put him 1st and remove him from a situation that could have possibly left him scared in a negative way. I have no doubt u will return to your son in a matter of time that will be healthy for both of your relationship, I sense this from what u have stated in this video. I pray that the remainder of time their in Japan and the things u need to accomplish will be effective for u and that the time will be shorten but still effective.

[@SavvyKenya254]

Thank you!

[@TheRealHonestT]

Congratulations Dr. Harriet Ocharo!

[@rayneparker7421]

Wow. Great interview I’m so sorry to hear about your son. As a single mother of two small children I was really considering relocating there but after watching this I have a lot to think about.

[@bellaolum9515]

I am glad you brought your son back to Kenya, I could hear the pain in your voice and as a mum myself I say you did the best thing for your kid!

[@chriswamahiu8751]

hehe, madam na wewe si unakuanga kila mahali Walai.. You are very omnipresent it's amazing😁

[@rosea5372]

You are phenomenal lady... Proud of you and congratulations, sorry for your son's bad experience.

[@JD-zw5os]

Hello to both of you xx. I found this video to be such a light and really inspiring. I wish Dr Ocharo All the very best, she’s such a light ⚡️

[@missjuneplum1]

Wow, wow, wow! Harriet, is such an amazing, and incredible person. She's a great inspiration to her son and others. I'm convinced that her son, will be in incredible adult, of great standing and all because of her. Many blessings to her and her son 🙏🏾

[@keri434]

I loved this interview ,she is a really good mother. She's a beautiful Queen

[@vaxamaxav]

I can certainly relate to moving country as a single Mom and technological professional who has to travel for work. So inspiring to see her thrive and have such a positive, open, informative approach 👏🏽

[@sailorfan86]

CHEERS TO HER. CONGRATULATIONS AND WISH HER ALL THE BEST AND HER SON.

[@nutritionfordiabeticssenio8901]

Bullying is big here in the States. My son is 33 now. He won't speak to me we right now, we just talked about his experience.

[@trevorelcock]

Awesome interview. Very informative. Huge congratulations

[@hudsonnjiru7741]

Thanks for sharing your story. Sorry to hear about your son.

[@zodsinclair8500]

Man Ranzo, Great Content, Dr. Harriet Ocharo! Congrats on Being a pioneer & success! Pls intoduce her to the Melenated family you've been uniting in Japan! Especially the teachers, kindergarden & above and the guy who owns two schools in Japan. Maybe if her son comes bac she can send him to a WOKE school, but I'm glad he's Happy in Kenya!

[@SavvyKenya254]

I actually met Ranzo at one of the events he was hold for black people in Japan! I met many amazing people at that event and I look forward to the next one.

[@zodsinclair8500]

@@SavvyKenya254 I love the culture and Futuristic clean safe vibe of the place, wish I had the funds, job & patience to learn the language...well maybe someday! Nice to see the Global Diaspora supporting each other!

[@optimisticsoul2338]

What an informative, emotional🥺 roller coster of an interview!!! I hear Dr Harriet Ocharo honesty in all aspect of her experiences. Congratulations🥳 on your degree and job. Very sorry your precious little one did not get the same experience. To make it short, i think Dr Harriet will find her dream job in Rwanda. Development and technology is big there and woman are well respected and wanted in position you are after. The little one (will ) bloom there and so will you. Ranzo👏🏿💯. She is brilliant in her simplicity. Raw, honest, humble. All the best for the rest of your journee. Stay strong. Single motherhood is a hard road. Makes us all realise how family, support system is important. 🙂

[@SavvyKenya254]

I have actually lived in Rwanda before. I spent two months in Rwanda in 2011. I look forward to going back there again some day.

[@ronaldhonda2276]

The story about her son brought tears to my eyes. I was a kindergarten teacher in Japan for 16 years. I adored the kids but I never tolerate any of that shit from the kids.

[@maryannnelson1153]

Thank you, Dr. Ochoro. Congratulations and keep up the good work.

[@onejourney]

✍🏽 Beautiful story Dr. Harriet Ocharo, a Kenyan PhD...thank you for representing us well... 🎬 1 📽 🎞 🗣 🎙 🗺 🌎🌍🌏 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review "The Black Experience Japan" ❗️ Outstanding, thank you so much for sharing.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Love watching 🤔🧐 👁👁 👍🏿 👩🏾‍💻 Good documentary,✅✅✅✅✅ One Journey🗺🌎🌍🌏Let's Make It Count❗️

[@commenterperson4481]

Your comment seems like spam

[@onejourney]

NO SPAM...QUICK AND TO THE POINT... One Journey🗺🌎🌍🌏Let's Make It Count❗️@@commenterperson4481

[@commenterperson4481]

@@onejourney I see, I guess I'm just too -old- young to read the hieroglyphs :)

[@georgegaitara5417]

Amazing video astounding Harriet, articulate and shoots straight as it is ..thanks BEJ truly enlightened and grateful !!!

[@trzagor2769]

Conformism with bullying is so prevalent in Asia!! Those who failed to abide by the rule are severely punished!! That includes adults and work place, not only children!!!

[@SavvyKenya254]

it is so tough even for Japanese people who are bullied as adult in the workplaces!

[@TheKamakuraGardener]

Dr. Ocharo! I thank you for sharing your wonderful/painful experience! Yes, there are some dark sides to Japan and bullying is one that’s extremely dire. You’re a wonderful woman; this will help make both you and your son stronger! 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

[@SavvyKenya254]

Thank you too.

[@jamarr27]

Congratulations to her for her achievements

[@aggroteal6803]

I'm so sorry your son had to go through that....u are very inspiring. Thank you for sharing this.

[@deepchoco9]

Wow, amazing what she had to go through with her child being bully at such a young age. Her story is so inspiring and hopefully, it will help other parents who may be going through the same thing. She is an amazing woman and I wish her and her son the best.

[@SavvyKenya254]

Fortunately for me, I have a choice. I could choose to remove my son from that environment. If I had the time and resources, I would love to help other parents going through the same yet they have no choice but to continue sending their children to such schools.

[@trixingado]

I can feel her emotion. That is too harsh for a 6 year old. Thank God she sent him home. 💔

[@tally3985]

Thank you for answering all my questions on moving to Japan with a child. I know what to do now!

[@SavvyKenya254]

kindergarten will probably be fine, but for elementary school, you should consider international schools.

[@jacquelinelewis5728]

Congratulations on your successes in spite of your struggle. God's blessings.

[@orangecat999]

Another wonderful interview! Congratulations, Dr. Ocharo!

[@spectacularrichbeautybrilli]

She is Another beautiful inspiration. A Black, woman, foreigner, in the IT field is commendable. I wish her and her son the very best. Yes, bully behavior is a strange unresolved norm in Japan. Their aim is to control the mind of their victims, especially in a passive aggressive nature. Japan 🇯🇵 needs to “dispel this old Myth of bullying is just a harmful right of passage or an in evitable part of growing up, it’s not.” The parents, teachers, and students should WANT to break this tradition of harmful behavior by instituting an Anti-Bully school rule initiative that has unfavorable consequences for those who break it. Savvy Kenya 🇰🇪 this just the beginning of great things in your journey of success. There so much more to come.

[@SavvyKenya254]

thank you, much more to come for sure :)

[@MrRighteousfish]

She is smart and beautiful

[@myrilunalee9999]

Thank you Dr. for sharing your amazing story! You're amazing! Congratulation.

[@xyzidor1171]

This interview and both of you Are Awesome ! Thank You Again ! 😊

[@chinwenduchinwe586]

Congratulations! So sorry to hear your son passed through all he passed through. May G-d mend and heal his mind and heart. Blessings to you, your son and your family.

[@michellekalski8823]

As a mother, I felt her pain. She did the right thing by sending her son home.

[@commenterperson4481]

47:00 and onwards is interesting. Relationships are hard for everyone in Japan, I think. Ranzo, you should make a few short episodes on this; a series. A few foreigners have mentioned the transient nature of their relationships with other foreigners.

[@commenterperson4481]

Bullying sucks. One of humans most evil character traits --> bullying and subsequent amnesia from the act.

[@commenterperson4481]

@Moni Star :) But seriously, many people aren't able to defend themself (physically, mentally, unaware, etc). We really need a viable solution for it. It's a societal problem.

[@ruddiato]

I still don't understand bullying, it disgusts me as to how bullies find joy intimidating , making fun of ppl

[@commenterperson4481]

@@ruddiato Most people don't, I think. I think most people are capable of unintentional bullying. Self reflection can be a good way to mitigate/manage this. But, yes, people that derive joy, or show indifference while bullying are maniacal at best. The sad part is that some traits exhibited by bullies often overlap those exhibited by confident leaders...so _bullying_ is simply given a a more palatable name, and left to perpetuate through society, uninhibited.

[@indriadrayton1132]

@@commenterperson4481 Till these leaders get called out on it.

[@yizatala4185]

Wouaw 6 years old and has already experienced bullying ☹️ glad he's in a better environment now. You're a great mother!! Smart beautiful and courageous! Wish you and your son the best 💜💙

[@cedarmcdaniels1538]

What a bright and gorgeous woman. I am a retired teacher and in my opinion the situation at school is more complex than he bullying.

[@SavvyKenya254]

I agree the situation is more complex as it is a part of the fabric of Japanese collectivist culture. It won't be simple to resolve and that is why I took my son out of the system as soon as possible.

[@WhenMmetK]

congrats!!!!

[@bbw1255]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! You make us proud

[@Magr1946]

love these interviewa