Is there a lot of racism in Japan?

Question

I'm black and I heard from someone who went there that there was and that the people were hypocritical. I still want to go but I was just wondering if I went whether I could get poisoned or shot or treated badly or something like that. Also do they have issues with Christianity? If you were to pray for your food in a restauarant, would you get kicked out? If you were to go to a church there, would government officials kill you? Just wondering. Thanks

Answer 1

♡Well, first of all, people are 'hypocritical' anyplace you go! And there is racism everywhere you go. I wouldn't worry about that so much, you can get that just staying in your own country.～ ☆Is there 'A LOT' of racism in Japan? I'd have to so no. I couldn't live here if so.
☆If people 'look at you' in Japan, it's because they're curious that's all! Curious or they think you're cute, lovely, different... They're not trying to be rude, really.
*In the city I live, there are quite a few 'black' people and they don't seem to have any problems whatsoever, just as happy as can be. (Same with all the other 'foreigners', including me!)(*^o^*)
*I doubt you'd get poisoned or shot here, and you wouldn't get treated badly unless you did something to provoke it, I would say. (Why would you think so?!)
*There are some 'Christians' in Japan, so I don't think Japanese people have issues with Christianity.
*You wouldn't get kicked out of a restaurant if you prayed (said grace) for your food, unless of course you somehow became disruptive to others. Then they might ask you to leave. Most Japanese say 'Itadakimasu' (in appreciation/thanks for their food) before a meal and some put their hands together, as in prayer, when they say it. So the Japanese have their own customs too.
*I have lived here almost 9 years now (married to a Japanese man) and gone to church on Sundays and I am still alive! Where would you get such ideas? Please take a look at these pages on Japanese customs and traditions, it may give you a better idea about Japan. I hope this helps you! Please feel free about coming to Japan. Just be yourself and enjoy!♡

Answer 2

You've got quite a few good answers already! Enough that you probably realise you'd get more racism directed at you in the States than you would in Japan! (Even if you LIVE in the States..!)

As has been said before, you find hypocrites everywhere! I don't know what happened that made your friend call Japan a nation of hypocrites, but there's probably a logical explanation involving cultural misunderstandings!

Just avoid the rush hour trains ...!

The only way you're likely to get poisoned is if you eat badly prepared fugu - but that's easy to avoid!

Very few people in Japan have guns, and although the cops HAVE them, they never USE them, so unless you're unfortunate enough to get caught in the middle of a yakuza war you're unlikely to be shot! Again, it's more likely to happen in America.

No-one will be shocked, annoyed, or outraged if you pray in a restaurant - but don't kneel to do it, and don't take a long time! Also, be prepared to be STARED at! You'll be like a freak-show exhibit if you pray too obviously...! But they won't kick you out!

AND, perhaps most importantly - you asked;
"If you were to go to a church there, would government officials kill you?"
Surely it's obvious? If there ARE churches, and they have enough income to afford a priest or whatever, they MUST have 'clients' (so to speak.) Therefore, people must GO to the church! And they wouldn't DO that if they'd be executed on government orders!!!!! It's centuries since that last happened, so don't worry about it...!
; )

(Oh, and if you're wondering why I keep using the US as an example, it's partly because so many people who use this site ARE American - so there's a high likelihood that YOU are too, and partly because America is pretty famous for people being shot. It's nothing personal!!!)

Answer 3

Where did you hear that they have issues with Christianity.. been there and they have lots of religions and issues,,, if you pray in the restaurant, they just look and get curious as long as you don't pray long and kneel.. government officials wont kill you because you went to church, that is not their job to kill someone just because of their religions, they respect ppl with religions unless you don't belong to a cult or do not commit crimes.
being a black is Ok, there are many black ppl around there but no one is gonna hurt you or treated you badly just keep out yourself in trouble.. well, have fun traveling and learning about the people and culture..

Answer 4

It is not about racism.
Racism exists everywhere, even in US.

You can go to church. no worries. There also many Christians in church.
If you pray for your food in a restaurant for long time, eg 1 min or 2 min, may ppl stare you around.
But don't worry. It is just their curiosity.

One thing you need to remember. Each country has each custom and culture.
Japan is homogeneous nation, not like melting pot, US.
You American thinks you are the standard and always right. But it is NOT.
'When in Rome, do as the Romans".
Even for Japanese, when Japanese visit China, we can not be Chinese. We have to follow Chinese rules.

Recently I noticed something. Some visitors and foreigners live in Japan are seen they want to be Japanese.　not many though.
Some of them seem they doesn't care to give their individual characteristics up, and wanna be a part of Japanese local communities, like other local Japanese does.
They want to be called "You are Japanese.". But ppl call them "You are like Japanese." These are different for the foreigner.

If you respect the culture and the custom in Japan, you won't meet any trouble.
Don't try to fully understand what Japan and Japanese are. It is impossible.

I give you one interesting "hypocritical" example.
You Americans say, "I call you." "Call me later". But it doesn't mean you really call them soon or call exactely.
You will hear "Please come to my house." in Japan, however, it doesn't mean they want you to visit their house. just greetings.
But I don't know why, I am hearing that many foreigner want to visit soon..interesting gaps.

Answer 5

As with any country there is racism, but they are not cruel. The Japanese are quite reserved. If you ask for help they will try to help but they will not approach you to ask if you need help.
They have christians, mormon, catholics and other religions in Japan. You will see the mormons in pairs on their bikes.
In my opinion, you would be treated the same as a caucasian in Japan.
As far as the government officials, they could care less about you.
Nothing bad will happen to you.

Answer 6

They are just afraid of black people. They seldom meet and talk to blacks. So they don't know how blacks think and what they are thinking. Then they ignore blacks to avoid getting into trouble.

Yeah, it's kind of racism since we are all human being, almost the same only except for skin color. But once you are friends with some Japanese, you'll find he/she is not a racist but just shy.

Answer 7

The Japanse will not do anyting to you. They do not have any laws or customs againist Christianity. They are not a Christian country, but basicly decent people.

But, they are very racist, they will not hurt you or kill you. They will ignore you and try not to interact with you. You will not find much acceptance in Japan. They will be basicaly polite, but not inclusive.

Answer 8

There may be racist people wherever you go in the world. No one is going to physically do anything to you. I don't know where you got your ideas about Christianity in Japan, but a lot of Japanese are Christian. Your ignorance and misconceptions are amazing.

Answer 9

There are enough people who are Brazilian living in Japan! You know Alessandro Santos, the footballer? They love him.

Answer 10

Japan is racist. However, they are passive racist. You will get many stares from people but no one will actually do anything to you. The gov't is also passive.