Being black in Japan

[Compaqmac321]

hello everyone
hey
hows it goin


anyways, you cant tell by looking at my avatar, but i am in fact african american (mixed with native american but you would only see a black person if i didnt tell u lol)
i have a question to ask all those that are living in Japan
can anybody tell me how black ppl are perceived in Japan, all those who live in america know the history around black in the states, and yes throughout my 21 years of living from the time i was 6 to even know ive had my fair share of racism towards myself. i know there is racism throughout the world, im not worried about the rest of the world though, i would just like to know if even in japan is there a bit of prejudice towards african americans, or is it just the fact i am american...
anyways, this might sound like a stupid question, i know theres racism every but i just want to know what its like since i dont live there at all.
let me know, and BE REAL about it!

[Tsuwabuki]

One of my coworkers is black and has not experienced any racism where we live. I have heard stories that caucasians are treated better than those of african descent, but being caucasian myself, if I witnessed any such difference in treatment, it did not register. A somewhat unavoidable consequence of growing up as part of the dominant hegemony.

[Compaqmac321]

Originally Posted by Tsuwabuki

One of my coworkers is black and has not experienced any racism where we live. I have heard stories that caucasians are treated better than those of african descent, but being caucasian myself, if I witnessed any such difference in treatment, it did not register. A somewhat unavoidable consequence of growing up as part of the dominant hegemony.

heehhh...ok, thanks for your answer, whenever i tell my mom about it, she always says that japanese ppl dont like black ppl, and i always say BASED OF OF WHAT! lol my moms ignorant though and i usually dont pay much attention to what she says i just laughed, my dads a military man and he's been to asia and he said that he has no bad experience's at all. but that was korea. haha so thats why i want to hear from ppl like you, im just a curious man

[Herzeleid]

I think that japanese girls would love u. U know what i mean?

[Tarto]

I've met a few black guys/girls in Japan and none of them was complaining about racism issues. That said, I am not saying that racism does not exist in Japan. You might get very unlucky and end up in a racist environment, but this is not the norm and it could happen in just any other country.

Japan does not have the same history as you guys have in America, and all foreigners are more or less considered the same here (this is a very approximate statement but it would require pages to fully explain).

I don't think you will have any problem in everyday life, as long as you make the effort to learn the customs and adapt to the Japanese lifestyle.

If you're interested in asking the question to another black guy who lived in Japan, I suggest you contact my friend Jonathan through his blog at Jonathan's Japan Journal • ジョナサンの日本日記.

PS: When it comes to women, yes, foreign men are quite popular here and black men are no exception

[alanX]

Originally Posted by Herzeleid

I think that japanese girls would love u. U know what i mean?

[StangGuy]

There is a perception amongst some Japanese that all black people are violent. This comes from the gang culture deptictions in American media that make it over to Japan. However, I'm not sure how widespread this is and imagine it is limited to the same people that think foreigners are the cause of all crime in Japan.

You might also encounter black face or sambo type statuetes. Obviously, Japan doesn't have the history with these types of things that America does so most Japanese see no problem with it.

[AnthraxAttack]

The "black people are criminals" image do exist over there. YouTube - black Japan

But if you are not one of them little hip hop yo's that are loud and rude, you'll be just another gaijin

[MMM]

Originally Posted by AnthraxAttack

The "black people are criminals" image do exist over there. YouTube - black Japan

But if you are not one of them little hip hop yo's that are loud and rude, you'll be just another gaijin

Please explain how that link from a Japanese comedy show extends the "black people are criminals" image.

[AnthraxAttack]

Originally Posted by MMM

Please explain how that link from a Japanese comedy show extends the "black people are criminals" image.

A bunch of japanese men acting and dressing like black girls, trying to steal a TV and then pulling out a gun and shooting a guy...