Is it true that tourists ( esp those form asian countries) that cant speak japanese are ignored by the locals?

Answer 1

depends,

all people are different

there can be a bad cherry in any bush, however sweet it seems

Anyway, the reason you might be ignored is because u can't really communicate with the locals.....

Answer 2

I'm not sure in what scenario you have in mind when Japanese locals would ignore you. Locals in most countries totally ignore strangers unless they physically look different or the strangers speak to them. I lived in Japan for a year, and I have blonde hair and blue eyes. People mostly ignored me (except for children and a few creepy stalkers). Before I knew much Japanese, any time I spoke to people in English, they genuinely tried to help with whatever limited English skills they had. I lived in the countryside, but I had similar experiences in the city. The Americans I knew with Asian ethnicity seemed to have similar experiences; I don't know why it would be any different for them. It is really easy to tell Japanese people from other Asians purely from the style of dress, I think. If you are from another Asian country, they will know you are a foreigner, and will probably treat you with the same hospitality, if you approach them in a disarming manner.

Answer 3

I'm assuming you are talking about locals in Japan??? I am Asian and not Japanese but had a great time in Japan. I visited, Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, and on another trip Okinawa (although most locals in Okinawa speak some English because of the big military base). Once I was on the subway and was confused on which train to take to Nara; this nice lady didn't point us in the right direction; she actually walked my friend and I to the right terminal (this was a loooooong walk). No japanese whatsoever except; arigrato...

Answer 4

Don't go to Japan if you don't speak Japanese, if you do stay around Tokyo because inside Japan there is no english and everything is a huge struggle. The Japanese are so polite that they get upset (at themselves not you) if they can't make you understand something. Whereas in China they just speak louder or talk to you like you're retarded. But as for the Japanese they are wonderful but they have odd ways, they do not look at you or each other. They rarely talk to strangers, things we take for granted - holding an elevator for someone, are cultural no-no's in Japan.It's such a strange place you must go.

Answer 5

As long as you approach a japanese person with respect
for their culture. I've had Japanese people go out of their
way to help me, many different times. I've never had a
japanese person ignore me. I do believe that the language
barrier might make it seem like the japanese are ignoring
you. As far as the poster that had an experience with a
policeman. There are bad apples in every country.

Answer 6

I would have to say, Yes and No. Also, it depends on what you mean by "ignored".

I am of asian decent and when I first came to Japan and couldn't speak Japanese, I came down to Kagoshima, and when I walked through the arcades and the city, no one paid any attention to me. I assume that they just didn't notice I wasn't Japanese. But I took a trip to Kumamoto, and boy, people were staring at me like I was from Mars, or something. So, if you mean "paid no attetion to..." I would answer, "yes". But if by "ignored", you mean "snubbed" I would have to say, "no". The Japanese people where ever I go have always been kind and polite. Even when I wasn't able to speak Japanese. In fact, I feel that Japanese even go out of there way, in general, to help tourists if need be. I have never had any negative experience as a Non-Japanese speaking foreigner in Japan.

Answer 7

I spent two weeks in Japan and I never felt I was being ignored by locals. I was also staying in a rather small town. But I am white so I don't know how other non-Japanese speaking Asians are treated.

Answer 8

Absolutely not. Japan is one of the most tourist friendly countries to visit. If you don't speak Japanese, they're usually more willing to help. Just as long as you respect their culture just like anywhere else. And the food is GREAT. So go have fun if you're planning on visiting.

Answer 9

At first they may figure you're Japanese and try to speak in Japanese with you. Then you could be ignored or not. As a tourist, you'd be treated with hospitality usually.

If you lived there it would depend on your status. If you have a profession, then you'd be treated as any other foreigner. If you do blue collar work, you'd be treated as a subordinate.

Answer 10

My wife is Korean, but many Japanese assume she is from Japan when we are there. I think "ignored" may be too strong, but many Japanese do not go out of their way to help any foreigner. This may be part of the culture.

A few years ago, I was in Tokyo with a friend who speaks fluent Japanese. We were lost, and he asked for directions from a policemen, who replied in poor English: "I don't speak English." To which, my friend replied: "I asked you in Japanese." The policeman, somewhat shaken, replied: "I didn't think Americans were intelligent enough to speak Japanese."