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-   -   Do you get annoyed when you see gaijins? (https://www.japanforum.com/forum/general-discussion/35990-do-you-get-annoyed-when-you-see-gaijins.html)

Sitron 02-05-2011 12:44 PM

Do you get annoyed when you see gaijins?
 
When you're in Japan or on Japanese websites (message boards, mixi etc) do you get annoyed when you see/meet gaijins (foreigners)? I hate seeing gaijins to be honest. I'm currently on a Japanese dating website and nothing annoys me more than seeing a gaijin female there. Especially if it's a white woman dressed up in cosplay or a kimono (dating sites are not for cosplaying or pretending you're Japanese!).

I know it's selfish but I want to experience Japan, not a washed out Japanese culture with a bunch of gaijins pretending they're Japanese....

dogsbody70 02-05-2011 01:08 PM

for goodness sake are you a separatist or something. You ask some crazy questions

Sitron 02-05-2011 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dogsbody70 (Post 849758)
for goodness sake are you a separatist or something. You ask some crazy questions

Come on man. A lot of people are like that when they're on vacation. It's a well known fact here in Norway that if you stumble upon other Norwegians on vacation they'll pretend they don't see you or that they're not Norwegian.

If I am in Japan or on a Japanese dating site I really don't want to see some hideous pig from Europe in kimono or cosplaying. Even without the cosplay and kimono it's hard for me to accept I'm not the only exotic male meat on the market.

mousee09 02-05-2011 02:17 PM

dude not every foreigner here is a hideous pig! i should aint one, i dont understand why you would be annoyed. do you own japan and feel like you are only gaijin that should be here? come on man.

RealJames 02-05-2011 02:25 PM

I don't hang out with other foreigners in Japan unless they speak Japanese all the time and incredibly fluently. It's my way of keeping myself focused on learning Japanese and also not living in my own bubble of western culture.

When I see douchey gaijins in Japan it irritates me, because I hate the thought that anyone here might associate me with them. It's bad enough that when I was looking for a girlfriend every chick I dated assumed I was some extent of a slut/playboy because I'm white.

steel 02-05-2011 02:31 PM

This must have been made with the OP in mind ...

:onismile: Those Pesky Foreigners!





RealJames 02-05-2011 02:51 PM

LOL!
I love it!

that basically sums up the average foreigner in Japan, nice

the site you got that from linked me to gaijin tonic, which is pretty awesome too lol
thanks ;)

Danb159 02-05-2011 03:18 PM

Does mean that people trying to learn about the Japanese culture, and language will be looked down upon by the people who already know it :/??

RealJames 02-05-2011 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danb159 (Post 849778)
Does mean that people trying to learn about the Japanese culture, and language will be looked down upon by the people who already know it :/??

nearly every time yes, especially when that first person has these dreamlike notions of Japan and the second person also did, but got reality-slapped lol

When I first got here I remember a lot of burned out gaijin saying shit like "hey kid, Japan isn't all it's made out to be, don't go dreaming big" or something along those lines, and then me thinking "who said I expected anything more out of Japan than I did from any other place on earth?" but then I realized that there's a sickening of wide-eyed idiot gaijin who think that Japan is their motherland/mecca/paradise/nirvana/pick-your-drug and those are the ones that make the veterans bitter heh

evanny 02-05-2011 03:26 PM

OP is simply a loser. he is unable to get the attention he wants among his people and so he goes on sites mentioned or travels there. and so he gets pissed off when there is another gaijin.
it's like a kid with a new toy - everyone goes to him to ask for it until 2nd kid gets one too and now attention paid is split.

i say. go.f.ur.self attention whore :cool:

Danb159 02-05-2011 03:32 PM

Surely everyone has to learn somewhere, I have no expectations of japan at all, as I have never been, so can not judge what it or its people are like.. However its like people are already looking down at me for wanting to learn
You yourself learnt at some point?

RealJames 02-05-2011 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danb159 (Post 849784)
Surely everyone has to learn somewhere, I have no expectations of japan at all, as I have never been, so can not judge what it or its people are like.. However its like people are already looking down at me for wanting to learn
You yourself learnt at some point?

I came to Japan expecting it to be same shit different pile basically. I was honestly pleasantly surprised, because Japan actually is a little better than many other places imo, but still just a little.

All I'm saying is that if you portray yourself as a japan-fan then there are way more than enough sick-of-japan or i-miss-home or sick-of-japan-fans kind of gaijin around here to make you become one of the gaijin-haters lol.

The foreigners in Japan are definitely a lot more critical and opinionated about each other than outsiders seem to realize.

Danb159 02-05-2011 03:47 PM

In a way I suppose I can understand where you're coming from, as you don't want to be associated as the same type of person?
I kind of see both sides of the story really, but as i said I have never experienced japan, so have to learn from the people who have :)

JamboP26 02-05-2011 06:07 PM

I see your point, Sitron, but you could prehaps narrow it down. The truth is, gaijin are part of Japan now, & if your seeking 'pure Japan', I suggest venturing to small, little-known areas. As for your Japanese dating site example, I imagine it can be annoying, but then you can ignore the ones that aren't Japanese

RickOShay 02-05-2011 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sitron (Post 849755)
When you're in Japan or on Japanese websites (message boards, mixi etc) do you get annoyed when you see/meet gaijins (foreigners)? I hate seeing gaijins to be honest. I'm currently on a Japanese dating website and nothing annoys me more than seeing a gaijin female there. Especially if it's a white woman dressed up in cosplay or a kimono (dating sites are not for cosplaying or pretending you're Japanese!).

I know it's selfish but I want to experience Japan, not a washed out Japanese culture with a bunch of gaijins pretending they're Japanese....

I get annoyed when I come across a sitron douche bag on the internet, who somehow thinks he can talk like an asshole about women, yet lacks so much game, that he is pathetic enough to cry about it constantly to everyone on Japan forum, and somehow expects advice on how to get his loser ass laid.

JamboP26 02-05-2011 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickOShay (Post 849813)
I get annoyed when I come across a sitron douche bag on the internet, who somehow thinks he can talk like an asshole about women, yet lacks so much game, that he is pathetic enough to cry about it constantly to everyone on Japan forum, and somehow expects advice on how to get his loser ass laid.

I was thinking along similar lines, but trying to trump his arguement seemed the better option at the time

RealJames 02-06-2011 01:27 AM

Yeah Sitron really takes the fun out of a lot of this ...

spoonybard 02-06-2011 01:42 AM

NON-JAPANESE(remember, we are ALL foreigners when not in our native country)people with this attitude put me off from wanting to associate with them, but I am assuming you already knew that because you're either trolling, or see what a bad idea it was to post something like this here since you haven't responded. :rolleyes:

Granted, if you're at a Japanese dating site and you're not Japanese, wtf are you doing there, but as someone else mentioned, you can just ignore it rather than throw a tantrum because you disagree with it. If a Japanese person were to see this post, they would find you and all other non-Japanese people unappealing, because they can't understand why "we" hate each other so much even though we don't know each other(and therefore, have no reason to resent each other's presence). There are instances where ignorance is bliss. :vsign:

samurai007 02-06-2011 01:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sitron (Post 849755)
When you're in Japan or on Japanese websites (message boards, mixi etc) do you get annoyed when you see/meet gaijins (foreigners)? I hate seeing gaijins to be honest. I'm currently on a Japanese dating website and nothing annoys me more than seeing a gaijin female there. Especially if it's a white woman dressed up in cosplay or a kimono (dating sites are not for cosplaying or pretending you're Japanese!).

I know it's selfish but I want to experience Japan, not a washed out Japanese culture with a bunch of gaijins pretending they're Japanese....

You said you're Norwegian? Then, if you go to Japan or a Japanese dating site, doesn't that make you a gaijin that shouldn't be there yourself, by your own way of thinking? Or do you not count, it's just other white people who shouldn't be there?

Sitron 02-06-2011 01:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spoonybard (Post 849840)
NON-JAPANESE(remember, we are ALL foreigners when not in our native country)people with this attitude put me off from wanting to associate with them, but I am assuming you already knew that because you're either trolling, or see what a bad idea it was to post something like this here since you haven't responded. :rolleyes:

Granted, if you're at a Japanese dating site and you're not Japanese, wtf are you doing there, but as someone else mentioned, you can just ignore it rather than throw a tantrum because you disagree with it. If a Japanese person were to see this post, they would find you and all other non-Japanese people unappealing, because they can't understand why "we" hate each other so much even though we don't know each other(and therefore, have no reason to resent each other's presence). There are instances where ignorance is bliss. :vsign:


I am going to Tokyo this summer, and instead of being miserable and lonely I want to spend time with a Japanese woman that know how to treat and respect a man. I also don't try to look Japanese in anyway.

spoonybard 02-06-2011 02:01 AM

What I meant was the non-Japanese posting information on themselves at those sites. However, those women are probably doing the exact same thing you are.

Sitron 02-06-2011 02:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spoonybard (Post 849855)
What I meant was the non-Japanese posting information on themselves at those sites. However, those women are probably doing the exact same thing you are.

Yes, I know. And I said in my opening post that it was selfish to think like that. But I can't help but be annoyed when 20% of all those women are whites from the US, Germany and France...

I know they probably feel the same, because they're there to find that perfect Japanese guy they can eat ramen with, read yaoi manga with, and cosplay with.

StonerPenguin 02-06-2011 02:04 AM

It's beyond me why you think you deserve the love of any woman, let alone your top pick... :rolleyes:

RickOShay 02-06-2011 02:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sitron (Post 849854)
I am going to Tokyo this summer, and instead of being miserable and lonely I want to spend time with a Japanese woman that know how to treat and respect a man. I also don't try to look Japanese in anyway.

LOL. Ironic because you don't know the first thing about how to treat and respect a woman. Do you really think you will have any success?

konbini 02-06-2011 04:41 AM

Then go to Japan if that is the experience you want.

WingsToDiscovery 02-06-2011 04:59 AM

I share what I guess is a similar attitude as most of the other foreigners living in Japan. I don't really mind other foreigners in Japan (hey, I'm one myself), but when they do fuck up or break the rules or act like idiots and disrespect the culture, then I do have a problem because the Japanese will associate that kind of behavior with the rest of us.

MMM 02-06-2011 06:27 AM

Since when did people get this idea that Japan can be your own personal secret Wonderland where you are the only foreigner any Japanese people will see or meet or ever talk to? This isn't pre-Meiji era anymore. There are thousands and thousands of foreigners living in Japan... especially in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya and other major metropolises. It's 2011... what in the world do you expect?

I am not going to apologize when I say I find this attitude incredibly immature and short-sighted.

I enjoy meeting other non-Japanese in Japan because oftentimes we are like two random ships in the dark with very different stories and lives... in other words people I would never have the chance to meet back at home, even if it is just one time over a drink after dinner.

mousee09 02-06-2011 06:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MMM (Post 849874)
Since when did people get this idea that Japan can be your own personal secret Wonderland where you are the only foreigner any Japanese people will see or meet or ever talk to? This isn't pre-Meiji era anymore. There are thousands and thousands of foreigners living in Japan... especially in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya and other major metropolises. It's 2011... what in the world do you expect?

This sum up my point, well said.

WingsToDiscovery 02-06-2011 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MMM (Post 849874)
Since when did people get this idea that Japan can be your own personal secret Wonderland where you are the only foreigner any Japanese people will see or meet or ever talk to?


It's been like this for a long time now. It's one of the exact reasons why a lot of kids want to come over here besides anime. They think they'll be fawned over all the time by Japanese school girls and they'll live out some kind of Last Samurai lifestyle because they're gaijin, so they think they're super unique.

MMM 02-06-2011 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WingsToDiscovery (Post 849877)
It's been like this for a long time now. It's one of the exact reasons why a lot of kids want to come over here besides anime. They think they'll be fawned over all the time by Japanese school girls and they'll live out some kind of Last Samurai lifestyle because they're gaijin, so they think they're super unique.

Those kids need to realize that the 70s and 80s were over a long time ago, and that just having blue eyes or blond hair is not enough to get mobs of Japanese girls to fawn all over you.

Especially in the big cities, more intelligent, interesting, handsome, and compelling boys have been there before you.

RealJames 02-06-2011 08:59 AM

That's true for sure, and I agree, but there are still parts of it that remain.
It certainly IS a lot easier for the average white dude to get laid in Japan than it is back at home.

evanny 02-06-2011 09:06 AM

realJames. i know the feeling - being embarrassed by fellow man.
for example, now when i travel i make up my home countries. i don't tell them from where i am. and it is because if i did (next to Russia) then they assume - oh he is a russian. the thing is russians (not all) are one of the most unpleasant tourists - they often are aholes and now i am getting thrown with them in a bag.
so i lie and you can see how people attitude changes... :cool:

JamboP26 02-06-2011 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sitron (Post 849854)
I am going to Tokyo this summer, and instead of being miserable and lonely I want to spend time with a Japanese woman that know how to treat and respect a man. I also don't try to look Japanese in anyway.

Maybe you'll learn some respect :rolleyes:

Quote:

Originally Posted by WingsToDiscovery (Post 849870)
I share what I guess is a similar attitude as most of the other foreigners living in Japan. I don't really mind other foreigners in Japan (hey, I'm one myself), but when they do fuck up or break the rules or act like idiots and disrespect the culture, then I do have a problem because the Japanese will associate that kind of behavior with the rest of us.

An excellent point well made. I'll +1 this point

mousee09 02-06-2011 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WingsToDiscovery (Post 849870)
I share what I guess is a similar attitude as most of the other foreigners living in Japan. I don't really mind other foreigners in Japan (hey, I'm one myself), but when they do fuck up or break the rules or act like idiots and disrespect the culture, then I do have a problem because the Japanese will associate that kind of behavior with the rest of us.

yeah i agree with this point too, but somehow i wish they would not put us all in the same category all the time. Were not all white,were not all just American or just European, I just can't imagine why they would think we would all act the same.

DeTrooper 02-06-2011 03:37 PM

I think the persons which hate other foreigners should just stop to be arrogant.

If they are breking the rules or are asshole like, they have just no manner.
And to dislike such foreigners is Ok for me.

Watching down on other`s is wrong even if you are more skilled.

If think all of you know the phrase "life long learning"

I didn`t visit Japan yet, but want to do i in the future.

As a American, you should be aware, that your whole civilisation is based on foreigners.

About Europe, each european country has a unique culture.

each person on this world is unique, has a unique thinking and living style.

We only got different Basics for our way.
Thats the culture of our countries and nations.

I`m from Germany and I´m proud that I`m.
I`m not Blond, have no blue eyes.
I respect other cultures and persons, still I hate some guyes from other nations which count as germans, which don`t feel for themselve as germans.
And which do hate germans... So why they are here? Probably for work or the social stability.

@ Sitron, if you go on dating sites your are trying to force a relationship with a japanese women, before you even their.

Why not try first to get your ass up in Japan, learning about the culture and meeting a japanese girl their.

As a foreigner hating other foreigners is like being a american Neo Nazi...
Hating bad mannered other persons has nothing to do with being a foreigner.
being proud of your skill means not to look down on others.

Each of us should know the word freedom...

And why the hell you all saying all the time that stuff about white guys???
Are the Japanese not white too...:eek:

The discussion itself is interesting... but i think you flame each other too much.

Seeking advice is one thing, but you could still choose if you take the advice or not.

I think it is a bit sad... reading each time complete Threads and see the discussion turning in circles.

If someone looks down on women, you could say it once, if you think it is not correct.

It is for the womens to decide, if they want to be his girlfriend or not.

So keep cool guys don`t flame each other and think what you could yourself do to make that world a better place.:vsign:

Could you pls stop that posting the sentences from other oersons with only the words that you agree, it makes it harder to follow a discussion.

I learned in a few discussions, that each person should know all the opinions which will be discussed to make the own mind up.

So if something is said once, each person got the chance, to read it and built up an opinion.

as long as that Thread is not a poll it is not necesarry... but i think it would make the things easier.

Sorry for the excursion...
Back to Topic

JohnBraden 02-06-2011 04:42 PM

I told myself I wouldn't do this, but based on the number of replies, I thought there might be some substance to this thread. So here's my two pesetas worth....

On my most recent trip to Japan, I found myself in front of the golden pagoda of Kinkaku-ji, photographing it from across the pond like everyone else does, both tourist and native alike.

I noticed couples taking individual photos of their significant other and then exchanging the camera with their partner for their turn. They would then walk away and continue their tour of the place. I thought to myself it was a sad thing they didn't have one of both of them in front of the pagoda.

I heard a younger Spanish couple in their late 20s doing the same thing. When one is Spanish-born and has been away from Spain for as long as I have, the accent is unmistakable and it sticks out like a sore thumb. I decided to approach them and kindly ask them if they wanted a photo of both of them shot with their camera, of course. They were happy to hear another Spaniard speak and were glad and thankful I offered, so they posed and I took some to their satisfaction.

What I hadn't realized was that this hadn't gone unnoticed and all of a sudden, couples started approaching me with their cameras held out so they can get a photo themselves. I could tell by their language they were Chinese, Thai, Korean, Italian, from everywhere. They posed and I shot. We exchanged pleasantries and smiles and they thanked me for the next half hour or so. I was delighted to offer.

I caught up later on with the Spanish couple I first met and they filled me in on their trip, how they were there to see the Formula One race in Suzuka but the flight from Ibiza to Madrid was delayed so they missed their Emirates flight to Dubai and had to get a later flight and they missed the race altogether. (I was thinking I'm fortunate to have a non-stop flight to Tokyo available twice a day) We also talked about the exchange rate and how many Spaniards I saw in Tokyo and wondered if the rate was favorable for Europeans, etc. It was small talk, but I could tell they were glad to be able to speak to someone in their native tongue. It was pleasant for me as well.

On a sidenote, I was walking along Inokashira Park in Mitaka on Sports Day, a national holiday, when I ran into the same problem: fathers taking photos of their families without they themselves being in them. I offered to take photos of the whole families and they were so happy I was thrilled to help out. It felt really good to do.

I guess what I'm trying to get at is; gaijin will always be gaijin. You can be born in Japan, live there all your life and you'll still be a gaijin. There's no hiding it, so there's no point in trying. If you're carrying a camera and have a back-pack, chances are you are a tourist. But tourist or not, you're still a gaijin. Well, this eigojin doesn't mind running into others. Do I act surprised and go out of my way to acknowledge them? Of course not. Am I offended they're occupying the same real estate as I am? Why should I be? After all, we are there to have a good time and enjoy the culture and sights. I don't go asking them for directions because they probably don't know much themselves and I don't need to ask anyone but locals for directions-that's where Koban come in handy. (A few phrases in Japanese and you can get by)

The only difference I may have with local gaijin is in the dress code. I may dress a bit more comfortably than is expected there, but that's for personal comfort. And no, I don't wear any t-shirts with vivid colors and slogans. I wear khaki or jean shorts and polo shirts. Even when it was still warm and in the 80s, I didn't see any locals wearing anything short. Yeah, I stick out like a sore thumb, but I don't care. As long as I don't disrespect anyone with the way I dress, I know I'm going to be labeled a tourist. I am polite and try to follow all the customs of which I am aware. I speak to locals in as much Japanese as I can and thank them for their help. (when I do ask for directions)

When I do run into other gaijin, I definitely don't go out of my way to avoid them, but I don't make it obvious I'm aware they are there either. They are just another part of the landscape and you deal with it. When you do run into more than normal, in obvious touristy places, sometimes they talk to you and ask you where you're from. It would be rude not to answer, so I do and exchange small talk for a bit and move on....

I'm in my mid to late forties and all that little nonsense about running into others like you in a foreign land is somewhat insignificant to me. I'm not a loud, obnoxious foreigner who paints a bad picture of their homeland to others, so I really don't give it much thought....

Well, two pesetas turned into two hundred. I apologize for the long speech....

Aniki 02-06-2011 11:43 PM

Makes me wonder who is more stupid? OP, who has a brain with a size of a flea's turd or every one here who give him advices thinking that he listens to them.

JohnBraden 02-06-2011 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aniki (Post 849957)
Makes me wonder who is more stupid? OP, who has a brain with a size of a flea's turd or every one here who give him advices thinking that he listens to them.

Was that really necessary? We all know who the OP is and his antics. Sometimes the discussion does have some merit....

Aniki 02-07-2011 12:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnBraden (Post 849958)
Was that really necessary?

Yes. In fact I encourage others to give their "honest" opinions about the OP instead of answering his oh so very fascinating questions that turn all hopes for curing mental retardation into scientists wet dream.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnBraden (Post 849958)
We all know who the OP is and his antics.

And yet you keep on playing his charades.

Ryzorian 02-07-2011 06:43 AM

More than Likely the Op's anger is innward more than outward. The idea of other "foreigner's" infuriate's him, because it's a remider of who he really is, a Foreigner.

Personally, I would like to visit Japan, simply cause it seem like a interesting place to visist. Course so does Scottland and China. However, I'm happy being American and certainly don't plan to move anywhere else.


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