Will I be treated differently in Japan?
 

So I'm going to college next year, and planning on studying International Relations, with a possible minor in the Japanese Language/East Asian Area Studies. Basically going to a college where studying abroad is something that almost every undergrad does, much less an international relations major, and I'm really excited and interested in visiting/living in Japan.

I'm actually considering visiting through a foreign exchange program over the summer, to get a first-hand taste of the country, and I have a burning question that I've been dying to stamp out for a while now.

I know racial discrimination exists basically everywhere you go in the world, but I've read that it can be pretty bad in Japan, especially against Zainichi Koreans.

I'm 1/2 Caucasian and 1/2 Korean, and was wondering if my ethnic identity would grant me discriminatory treatment in public places while in Japan. My last name is Italian, "Giaramito", if that makes any difference, and the only real way someone would be able to tell if my half is Korean would be to know my ethnic background, since I look kind of neutral as a halfie, or if they have an overly heightened sense of racial intuition. The numerous times I've visited Hawaii, random Japanese tourists would come up to me asking me questions in Japanese, expecting me to be able to answer, so I guess that would be my proof to the previous statement. However, the same stands for the Koreans I've run into as well.

Do you recommend I just either A) Not mention my ethnic heritage; B) Lie to my host family if they ask (which they probably will) and say that I'm half Japanese, (and hope they can't tell); or C) Not worry about it at all, because most Japanese aren't bigoted these days, and the things I read were grossly over-generalized.

I'm hoping for C.
I think I'm worrying way too much about this.

I say C.
You`re not Zainichi Korean, and never will be. You`re likely not even a Korean national (If you have dual citizenship, I apologize.)
And in reality, true discrimination against those who are is quite small. It`s still more than it should be, of course, but I`d say that it`s far far less than the stories would have you believe. Those who complain are always much more vocal than those who do not. Those who hate Koreans are 5000 times more vocal than those who do not, just as those who have experienced real discrimination are 5000 times more vocal than those who have not. Both sides seem to be a very vocal minority.
There will likely always be some difference in your treatment because you simply are not Japanese - but whether you interpret this as racism, discrimination, fascination, ignorance, etc is up to you.

Assuming that one of MSTRKRFT's parents is a South Korean, it's impossible to have dual citizenship. South Korea is extremely "infamous" for not accepting dual citizenship.

I did not know this. Thanks for the info. Japan is also one of the "infamous" countries not allowing dual citizenship.

They will just assume that you are from where ever it is you are coming from, ie if you fly over from the US, then you're american, UK british, etc, etc.. they will think of this first, and you will be categorized as such, and then as a second thought they might be curious about your heritage.

in which case follow C.

and while you may have korean blood you would still be first and foremost american or british or whatever, so dont worry about it, tell the truth and enjoy your trip.

I personally know people who have both Korean and US citizenship, so there are obviously exceptions.

They're mostly doing this in secret.

Hi. I think C should be the best you should do. First of all, just respect what you are. You are 50% Italian and 50% Korean, so what? Nothing wrong and nothing can be worried. Just be yourself. Enjoy the coming life sincerely in Japan, you will find actually Japanese people are quite friendly.

I am a Chinese, I went to Japan 3 years ago. The people and the cities impressed me so much. I think there is no problem to you. Don't worry.

Good luck!!! ;)

help me!
 

Okay. I am American. I am native American,Italian , Mexican, and French. I am palnning on staying over there for a while and I am wondering if I will have problems being accepted over there. Help.......:confused:

The Mexican part may cause some problems.

No, seriously, what's with all of these questions? Racial mix, hair color, etc.

Why should you have to hide your nationality or dye your hair to please someone? Just be yourself!

You are American. None of the other stuff will make any difference.

You will be discrminated against by some, loved by other's.

Be strong, stay happy, keep positive and have a laugh.

If you are worried, come to Australia instead. We have plenty of Japanese and Korean here.

The nice thing about Japan is if they discriminate it is about you being a foreigner not so much about skin color or nationality. That's the culture, accept it or don't go. No one can make you feel bad about yourself except you if you let them.

I honestly wouldn't worry about it.

Everyone in tokyo looks so cool, i'm afraid they will treat me differently because i'm dorky and old ....lol.

one day when you get to my age, you'll realize that it doesn't matter what other people think, it's what you think, that matters. just have confidence in yourself, and everyone else will respect you, abroad and back home.

I believe Japan is turning into a real open community nowadays, as you see that there are even many black skinned people there from former US military bases, and all find their turn into society.

I don't think you need to lie even about your origin, you are what you are someone has to be it (kingdom of heaven :D).

Btw: love your name, love mstrkrft, he/they (dunno for sure) did a super remix of FACT's los angeles.

My thoughts: You've already created a social divide in your head so aslong as you think there might be any problems, your own superstition will make them for you...

Doesn't that contradict itself? :P You're afraid they'll treat you differently but you also don't care what they think? Which one is it? ;)

I do agree with you though and everyone else; it doesn't matter where you're from, some people will discriminate and some won't, but that's the way in any country. It's just a matter of having the confidence to accept yourself and not bother what anyone else says. Generally people treat you how you treat them, so you'll probably get treated well over there.

how do you say "sarcasm" in japanese? lol

Then go to Akihabara.

It's very easy to find people who are kind and will accept you in Japan. If you don't look Japanese, you will get some stares, but it's relatively harmless. If you are staying with a host family, they don't care. They are mostly pretty stoked to have you come live with them!
Going to Japan is a really great experience, so don't get weighed down by fear of discrimination!! Keep your head held high and be proud of who you are!

Unless someone is going into the deep country, "stares" is something that foreigners really don't get anymore in Japan.

That's what I thought, but I when I went this summer I got quite a few odd looks on the trains...

It may not have been because you are a foreigner. It could have been because of any number of reasons. Generally anyone over the age of 6 doesn't find the need to stare at foreigners.

Possibly, but I had many friends who went at the same time I did have this problem.
Also, I understand that a few people staring on trains does not reflect an entire culture (I fear someone will jump in with that remark soon >>), and that it had absolutely no effect on my time in Japan. It was simply interesting.
Japan itself was a lovely experience, and I plan on spending a year there in college.

Sometimes people stare out of curiosity, so just smile back at them. The smile will probably be returned and the staring stopped. If its the rare instance where the stare includes disapproval, you would accomplish the same thing. They would probably ignore you after you acknowledge them politely.

That may be more because you seem approachable than because you look like a fellow countryman. I am as Anglo as they come, but on my last trip to Mexico City I was frequently asked to assist total strangers as if I was a native, even by Hispanic women. I had one New Yorker come up and try speaking to me in Spanish! Once I answered her in English and gave her the directions she needed, I asked why she came up and asked me in Spanish from her pocket dictionary. She said it was because I looked quite comfortable in my surroundings (not like a tourist) and friendly. So even though Asian tourist in Hawaii may have picked up on a subtle visual clue to your heritage, its even more likely that they thought the same about you as the lady did about me...... a native and friendly.

What would happen if I picked up some dirt and threw it in their face. Then, whilst waiting for a reply, I started throwing rubbish from a nearby trash can at them??? What would happen? I've always wanted to try this.

You would be acting like an antisocial dolt, which is frowned upon in all parts of the world.

I was in Japan in 2008. I got stares. Sometimes I looked at the person and smiled. Mostly they turned away when I did this. Some smiled back and a couple came over and talked to me. I was making a confused look at a train station and a guy who was like 6 feet 4 inches was staring at me. When I looked back at him he came over and asked me in English if I needed any help. Japan was awesome!

So I'd get frowned at? That's all?

Yes. Asians like staring contests. It's a polite way of saying hello, I think.

yhow?
 

how will it cause problems?

I have never been treated to so many smiles upon making eye contact.

I found Tokyo very warm and friendly.

I talk about this as a tourist and not a resident which is another thing entirely.

Thanks, guys! You've all been really insightful. So eye contact is the way to go? I'll have to try that...