I am going to Japan to work, in the two years as a manga creator. and I wanted to know how is life in Japan for black people? people tell me that it is not good for anyone who is not asian. So could someone please help me out here?
2006-08-06 15:25:47 · 11 answers · asked by Nice Aries Girl 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Studying Abroad
My understanding is that the Japanese think Black people are like they see on TV. So be prepared for stereotypes. Although you live in America so.....par for the course and all that.
And Black women (particularly american) are seen as exotic and sexually open of course, so don't be surprised if you get quite a few overtures.
"Dark skin so sexy" all that jazz. But you'll get that idea anywhere in the world I suppose.
They are an extremely gratious and hospitable people in my experience and will treat you kindly if you learn a little and try not to make any faux pas.
2006-08-06 17:40:08 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
It is a fantastic country.
Stay away from Roppongi if you are in Tokyo.
Learn some Japanese and you will be a star. Do lots of research before you go, the culture is very different and it is easy to make mistakes and appear insensitive or bad mannered.
Life is different for any foreigner in Japan, it is a country that kept itself isolated from the rest of the world for a long, long time. Remember, it is their country and their culture and I am sure that after your two years there you will love the country and it`s people for what it is and what they are.
And as a huge plus...the food is superb !
I am white and the first time I went I was the only white person I saw. I was treated with great respect, but small children will either be scared of you or will laugh and point at you, they really do not see many foreigners outside of the biggest cities.
It is kinda fun....
Please try to see the mountains and visit as many temples as you can. Honestly, it is a really nice thing to do as the country has an old fashioned and quite spiritual charm.
You will have a job blending in I am sure...but after a while, you will.
They are very quiet people in public and are easily embarrassed, it reminds me very much of England in the 50`s (yes I am old) it is a lovely country.
Lucky you, I am quite jealous now.
2006-08-06 15:50:41 · answer #2 · answered by Robert Abuse 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Japan has a more ethnocentric culture. Just make sure you learn your Japanese well... other than that, it may take some time to fit in.
If you watched the FIFA World Cup this year, then you will notice that there is one black player in the Japan team - Alex!
2006-08-06 18:24:08 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm black (from Senegal) living in Kobe city as a construction/food worker. Firstly, I must say that Japan is one of the most comfortable countries for blacks in the world (of course excluding central Africa and some south American countries) and will be one of the most loving countries for you *if you can speak Japanese.* But if you speak English in Japan, you'll be treated as just a "guest". Secondly, you should consider some regional diversities of the country. I heard - In Kyoto city, even Japanese people are treated as "guests" if they are not from the city. I also strongly recommend you Taiwan. Plus, if you want to visit to Asia, you as a black person shouldn't go to Thailand/Korea. (No offence, but my experiences say it...) Please forgive my poor English, it's not my mother language. See ya.
2016-03-27 01:40:05 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I went to Yokohama and they were racist against ALL races other than Japanese. So just play it cool dont get into trouble but stand up for yourself. Unfortunately if there was a racist scale in place in Japan, blacks would be at the lower end of favorability since blondes are seen by them as a whole as a socially favorable symbol.
2006-08-06 15:47:43 · answer #5 · answered by James S 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋
From what relatives have told me,the Japanese are quite polite when it comes to foreigners.Supposedly the south is calmer than the north but then again that's just a generalization.
Anyways,good luck with the manga creating!
2006-08-08 04:15:00 · answer #6 · answered by Lycrester 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Just got back. They are a polite and respectful people who have few examples of other cultures. You will be treated almost as a celebrity and will enjoy it I guarantee. There are very few black people evident there but that creates an aura of mystique for you. Have fun.
2006-08-13 12:07:12 · answer #7 · answered by BlackDonnelly 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Haha. I wouldn't know, but there IS a Black man who works in Japan as a school teacher. :)
His blog of sorts (may contain offensive material):
http://www.gaijinsmash.net
2006-08-06 15:41:46 · answer #8 · answered by sekimeko 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My only info is that there aren't that many black people--or at least I didn't see many in the month that I was there, traveling through Tokyo, Kobe and points in between.
2006-08-06 15:29:41 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They treat other asians badly, so your in the same boat.
2006-08-10 10:44:19 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋