what will japanese think of me?

Question

I am in my early teens and i am going to japan for a month over the summer on an exchange program. I'm kinda scared of what everyone will think of me. Will people dislike me because i'm american, or because i can't speak japanese? I also heard that because i have blond hair and blue eyes, i will be very noticable. Will people always be looking at me?

when i say "the japanese" i'm talking about japanese people in general.

thx

Answer 1

just say conichuwa alot and bow your head. learn kung fu if you can and try their food if you dont like it just say so but at least try to be apart of their customs and dont disrespect them. From what ive heard japanese people are very respectful.

Answer 2

I'm sure they'll like you. Just be very polite and respectful to the older Japanese, know all the etiquette. Stereotypically Americans are known as loud and arrogant, so prove them wrong as this wont sit well with them.

I suppose just be respectful of their culture. But you sound like a nice person so I probably didn't need to say that.

The younger Japanese tend to think the English and Americans are cool, i saw that on a travel show. You might get people wanting to touch your hair as blond hair as it isn't often seen there. I think there are quite a large amount of Westerners over there so it should be fine.

I hope to go to Japan one day.

Answer 3

The Japanese people would not look at you because that's considered to be rude to look at someone because it's interesting or different or whatever.
Some might not like you that much or be suspicious of you because a lot of foreigners in Japan are getting out of hand. Talking very loudly and making noise is very rude in any part of Japan(especially in public). A lot of the Japanese people are some times frightened by those kinds of behavior and sees it as being barbaric. If you go to Japan, you will notice how quiet it is. This is why I don't really live in Japan. It's so quiet it kills me and it's kind of scary.
In Japan it's the opposite. Loud noises are annoying and scary to them.

Answer 4

Get used to feeling large, you'll probably be at least a head higher than most over there. My mother has blond hair and people would come right up and touch it without asking, Just remember, alot of the people there will not be as "worldly" as we are due to our continual bombardment of media. Don't worry about being from the USA travelling just about anywhere. Most people are good to strangers no matter what because their income derives from tourism. So relax and have a great trip!

Answer 5

No need to worry or fear anything. Take a deep breath and breathe easy knowing that the Japanese people themselves are some of the most loving and friendliest people in the world. I am sure you will make many lasting friendships during your brief stay. To Americans the Japanese levels of politeness just aren't easily understood. Be as polite as you can, learn how to bow and understand the customs of bowing. When in Rome do as the Romans do is good advice, and don't worry your head too much. Depending on how deep into the inaka you are going you may get different reactions from the people. We are gaijins and yes we are very different than they are but nobody minds us actually there are more people who really like us than there are people who say that gaijin are different. You may be showered with gifts and be approached because the Japanese like to test out their eigo skills on you. But trust me I lived there for 6 years of my life and was only ever treated as a king, I feel that I still owe to how good I was treated. My best advice is study how to bow and the customs and reasons for doing so. Being polite is the best way to ensure that you will be accepted even as a foreigner or the gaijin. I could put a lot more but it just seems like you are a little antsy about going but really no need to worry. Although the country of Japan doesn't offer much in terms of killer museums or ancient buildings(like london or paris although they have some awesome castles with moats and stuff) the people are so kind and gracious and courteous and service oriented you are sure to be surprised at the type of service you get in Japan. Did you know that when you go get gas for your car at some Argent Gas Station or some shell station they even ask you if they may empty your ash tray and trash and they are eager to throw it away while you are getting gas pumped in for you. no need to do anything other than hand them your plastic (credit card) ok now Im rambling but again The trick is to blend in with them and the best way to make sure you are accepted in with them is to study their customs and be as polite as you can learn honorifics verb constructions if you want some more insight that may help go check out my lenses at http://squidoo.com/ghettogrammar116/
or check out any of my lenses there and while you are at it buy yourself a good dictionary if you haven't already got one. Dictionary is the single most important thing in deciphering what in the world they may be talking about. Good luck and I know you are going to love it!

Answer 6

Well, if you call them Japanese, not even THE Japanese, then they will probably laugh and go "Silly american, she blonde"
Or some sort.

I am going to Japan too!

Anyhow, as long as you don't commit any horrid sin, they will blame everything you do wrong on the fact that you're a tourist!


=^.^=

Answer 7

Don't worry people always look at people(I'm black and many races beside my own always look at me). If you go to japan, you'll probably be treated extra special because your a foreingnor or it will be the same way any person treats a person they meet, good or bad.

Answer 8

They will stare at you because they don't see blond hair and colored eyes every day. They will even want to touch your hair but in my experience they are nice and ask to many questions. They will talk to each other and you will have no idea what they are talking about. You will be OK its a great experience enjoy it.

Answer 9

don't worry they won't hate you!

japanese people are really nice, they'll more than likey want to know about americans!

=]

you'll be fine!

i have japanese friends and they like me =)

Answer 10

Just be well-groomed, well-dressed and be respectful and kind. Beyond all of this, any problems that may arise would be with individuals over there, not you.