How accepting are the Japanese with dark-skinned tourists?

Show all answers

Hi,

I'm actually Japanese and I used to work for a very respectful Japanese inn in Japan.

All I can say is that if you respect Japanese culture, you will be fine. Many Japanese people don't like foreigners who do things in their way when they are in Japan. I worked for a very respectaful Japanese inn once and the owner and staffs didn't like these two white guests from America when I worked there because they didn't know how to sit properly and how to ask things properly. But we always had this guest who was very dark and not Japanese and we really liked him because he was very polite and very Japanese. I couldn't tell if he was a Latino or Eastern European. But he was very dark but he acted like he was Japanese and he loved to talk to our manager in Japanese and have green tea. He was indeed not Japanese but he was our special guest even though he was not rich or anything. But he was very special guest who really loved to come to our inn and take a hot spring bath and drink green tea :)

It is the best if you can speak Japanese. But I don't think it's easier to learn a foreign language so quickly. I know that because I want to go to Italy next fall and I don't think I can be fluent in Italy by then, you know. But you can at least learn what you should not do when you travel to different countries to respect their culture and custom if you want to have a pleasant trip.

Anyways, before you travel to Japan, read very carefully about Japanese manners and etiquett online.

disgruntled_penguin

I know that black people are actually quite popular in Japan, for some reason.

No idea about Latinos, though.

sellatieeat

Contrary to your thinking, the japanese are very nice to tourist. If you have questions they'll try to help you as much as possible even though they don't speak your language. So just have fun and enjoy!

Mele Kai

Don't sweat it. The Japanese as a whole are respectful, quiet and keep to themselves. Don't be alarmed about personal space, like a crammed full elevator. That's how they are. Don't touch the fruit or go against the grain. Get some info on local customs, if you are at a good hotel the Concierge can help you with tips. There are so many different colours there trust me they just go about their daily lives as usual. Now if you go to a karaoke bar and drink too much, well, who knows what any of us will say after a few beers. (loved it they have machines like coke ones that you can buy beer!!) Liquor is $$ as is meat. They have McDonald's where you can point to your choice. Change money at the airport if u can. Aloha.

where did you get the expression the japanese are xenophobic? the japanese are most polite people on earth, bar none. So they won't show it even if they despise you. if you have proper documents with you, you will be well-treated.

tripppah

its not about your race, its about what you take over there. as long as you dont take unpoliteness there you will be welcomed.

Silvara

i have no idea. not all people are like that, but who knows? if you think you are going to be viewed different then you are going to be viewed different. all i know is that you must play nice and confident. who cares what people think about you?

MICHAEL O

I would assume that like any other country that you would be welcome with open arms. That's the good side. On the other hand, just like many countries in this world we all have some preconceived notions about someone once we see them. It is when we have a conversation and continue to talk that we find out what that person is about and the way that they think. I am quite sure that you and your family will be welcome...oh, by the way, if you ever come to Brooklyn, New York, I would welcome you. Good Luck.

onsen b

I think so, It is very difficulut problem by Japanease calture.
Long ago (after WWW2), Japanease people undergo coerced
to learing that
"Foreign equal American army or other"

Any Japanease people can't gaven fit in to foregin.

Of course, some Japanease people good showing around
WW. But native people can't gaven that chance.

Your feel experience is different to another age of Japanease
people.

My town people are often sawig and talking foregin of WW,
they came from S.E.Aisa Africa India Iran or other.

Is it problem ambiance of Japanease people ?

Lady

Don't worry about it. The Japanese are very welcoming of tourists, it's when you want to stay there that they start to not like foreigners. If you are just going on a vacation, you will be fine no matter what color your skin is. If someone wants to live there, it doesn't matter what color their skin is, they will have a hard time being accepted into the Japanese community, if they ever are.
Also, most Japanese people don't have light skin.

flying charlie

I think you'll be fine, as one answerer said previously, it's what you take in with you that counts, regular tourists count as many, the people you come into contact with ie tourism workers will be polite and welcoming, even if people don't like foreigners this won't register in their outward behaviour. Just concentrate on the activities you have chosen on your tourist package and be respectful and reserved, as one would be anywhere.

No Name

I think it will be alright, but you might get stared at a bit, but don't worry. they don't mean it in a rude way, they will be looking because they think you look pretty and stuff lol. Even I get stared at sometimes when I go there to visit and I'm half Japanese and half New Zealand. It depends on where you go. If you go to a highly populated area, your chances of getting stared at etc are low. Japanese people are highly respective people. They're the most respective people I've met.

Adam

A foreigner in Japan is always a foreigner despite the color of your skin. They'll be kind to you. Don't worry about any kind of discrimination.

cheercate93

Ok... While in Japan you will be stared at, but thats normal if your not japanese... THey will only stare when they think you don't notice... The Japanese people are very kind and keep to themselves normally... Americans model here as well, so they don't really hate americans... Have fun and don't be too loud since that draws even more attention!

luddite

Japanese xenophobic? Where did you get that from? What a narrow minded attitude you have, as well as misinformed.
The Japanese are very shy of foreigners, but very welcoming.
They don't judge people by their skin colour, you are either Japanese (an insider, like my husband) or not (outsider, like me). Simple as that.

Kuli

Everyone will definitely accept you. A lot of people might stare at you, especially outside the cities, but it's only because they're interested in you and where you're from. As far as being xenophobic, they like cultural and traditional activities, but not too much is really at the foreigners expense when it comes to that.

dreamer

Hello!
Please do not worry about us Japanese.We are not xenophobic.We do not have culture judging other people by their skin colour.I hope you understand.

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: