I am traveling to Japan in September?

Question

How are african american (women) treated in japan. Like responese from people who are japanese and who are african american that have lived or traveled in japan.

Answer 1

Just to add some more information, you may notice that Japanese people are very shy around you or maybe even avoid you, but it is not racial! This happens to white people and other races, as well. All foreigners tend to experience this (especially in small towns). It is simply because Japan is mostly Japanese, so anyone who is not Japanese (including Chinese, Korean, etc.) will stick out, and most foreigners don't speak Japanese, so Japanese people become nervous that they will have to use English (and many are not confident in their English).

Also, because very few African-Americans live in Japan, a lot of Japanese only know about African-American "culture" from rap/hip-hop music and American movies. If you notice that people expect you to know or like rap, it is important for you to realize that they are not being racist. They simply notice the stereotypes from OUR depictions of African-Americans in America, and they do not have any experience with African-Americans to make them realize that the rap/hip-hop culture is not an accurate depiction the only way African-Americans behave. I think African-American men are more commonly expected to fit the rap/hip-hop stereotype in Japan, though.

Most African-Americans really enjoy having the opportunity to show the Japanese that the movies and music scene are not how African-Americans really are. I think if you go there with an open mind and are patient with them, you can teach them a lot! And, of course, they will be patient with you and you will learn a lot from them!

Good luck!

Answer 2

I have been living in Japan for over 15 years, and over the years I have had the pleasure of meeting several African-American women coming to Japan on the JET program. There are two points of view you can take. One, the fact that you are African-American, and Two, the fact that you are a woman. On the first point, you will not be treated any differently than any other race unless your public/private demeanor warrants it. Foreigners are basically treated the same, with a cool respect. The more you learn the language and customs, the more you will be accepted deeper into their circles. But just being a foreigner means you will never be accepted as a Japanese, no matter what you do. In my experience, that is a good thing.

On point two, women are generally more subservient to men, but here, being foreigner will help you, because you will be treated with a little more respect that would a native Japanese woman.

The big thing is language. There are those who will resent you for coming to Japan without knowing the language even a little, but generally you will be admired for taking the challenge.

Good luck!

Answer 3

There has been an extensive discussion about that on this forum:
http://www.japan-guide.com/forum/quereadisplay.html?0+7131