How Are Non-Japanese Japanese Viewed in Japan?

Question

Okay, if the title is confusing, what I mean is: There are Japanese people who live in the United States and Brazil (and other places). Many of them have never been to Japan. If they go, how are they viewed?

(I am Japanese-American, but I want to know about both Americans and Brazilians, because many Japanese live in Brazil)

Answer 1

I don't think JAs and JBs are not viewed exactly as foreigners just by the looks because well let's face it we all "look Japanese" to the people living in Japan. (I'm JA)

As a concept though, I don't think Japanese really have a very strong opinion about Nikkeis living over seas.
They know they exist but is there animosity toward them being non-pure Japanese? no.

Some however are envious because culturally they think we are the same as them. Especially if we speak Japanese and can act Japanese, they will regard you as "on of them".
But it's obvious we all have differences in our background and that difference does tend to get in th eway of communication at times. There are times they will think of you as strange and some may feel hostile toward you for not understanding them.
For example, as an American I am out spoken (more than most Japanese at least...) and I tend to do what I want and not what I think I "should" be doing as many Japanese tend to do (especially in school).

The differences will come out between the 2 cultures but as a whole, pure Japanese will treat you as their own. They will treat you as a foreigner (Which is not a bad treatment at all) if you can't speak the language though.

Answer 2

The Japanese people view anyone who does not live in Japan (including people of Japanese ancestery who live abroad) as gaigin, which just means foreigner. Before you get worked up about the word, it's not an insult unless used in a deragatory manner (if you hear gaigin no baka, you know that you are being called a silly or stupid foreigner).

Generally, the Japanese break all foreigners down into a heirarchy, with caucasian Americans and Westerners at the top of the list in regards to favor. Other races including other Asian groups are a bit further down and a few might even be viewed with a bit of suspicion.

You will, as a whole, find the Japanese people exceedingly polite no matter what group you are with and if you show good manners, act pleasently and even speak some Japanese, they will look upon you very favorably. I spent three weeks in Japan including areas where I was the only Westerner in town, and I was never treated with anything other than exceptional kindness and generocity.

Answer 3

1) all the manga/anime that I watched are all my favorite and I only list a few: Kimi ni Todoke D. Grayman Saiunkoku Monogatari Phantom-Requiem for the phantom Trinity Blood Vampire Knight Kuroshitsuji 2) Great. I intend to go to Japan one day. Japan people are famous with polite. Now I even prepared for it by learning Japanese language. 3) Yup. Because I love and super love to watch anime, I have this kind of determination to go to Japan. Mainly because the influence of anime, makes me realize that Japan is not bad for a stay. 4) No. I didn't visit Japan before. But I will, someday when I grew older and earn enough money. 5) No. It depends. 6) Gone crazy. Try to look at it and see whether there is an anime that I had been watched before. 7) can you be friend?

Answer 4

Many Japanese are very hospitable but you will find some people who are uncomfortable being around foreigners, or 'gaijins', ( literally, 'outside person'.) I don't know if is the mentality of all island countries, but there is much more importance laid on homogeneity that you are probably used to coming from the states. There are those who will refer to you as a 'half' and this is not a flattering expression over there.

Brazilian-Japanese are much more laid back than there home-grown cousins, no doubt reflecting the more extrovert and multicultural character of their adopted country.

Answer 5

I think foreigners in Japan will be foreigners. It helps to know Japanese and a bit about the culture. Those foreigners who are knowledgable then those who are ignorant.

Answer 6

just cuz u dont live in japan people wont even know cuz ur japanese (u look japanese)
if ur talking about viewed by other people there....

Answer 7

They are generally disliked I believe.