Japan and the people in general

[TheTourist]

So throughout time, I have heard quite a lot about Japan and its people. The huge majority of it from Chinese and Korean people that I know. They say that Japanese people are bad and even to the extent "I hope N.Korea bombs Japan." They also also told me all kinds of other things about how bad Japanese people were and are.
So is Japan as bad as other Asians say?
They also say that Japan hates all outsiders. So I was wondering is Japan a nice and friendly place to visit?

 

[osias]

Some ppl think Japan's great, others think it's not.
You have to note that there is a kind of institutional racism against the Japanese in China and Korea. In school, they teach their kids that Japan is their enemy, and their governments are consciously manipulating their nationalism to pump up hatred towards Japan.


http://uqmgp.hp.infoseek.co.jp/
http://aog.2y.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=1558
http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/opinion/200603/kt2006032219480654060.htm

Nationalism and Racism in Korea
By Xavier Le Fou
If you could have one wish what would it be? ``A nuclear bomb on Japan.ﾂ｡ﾂｯﾂ｡ﾂｯ The other students nod in gleeful approbation.
Next time the lesson will be on China."I hate China. And Japan."
Please turn to page...[some students are snickering in the back]...what's wrong guys? They point to their book. ``Looks like a monkey.ﾂ｡ﾂｯﾂ｡ﾂｯ It is a picture of a wrinkled African.
Comments such as these are all too common in my classes. Anywhere in America or Canada these comments would be quickly construed as blatant and flagrant racism. Now, while I personally have never felt antagonism or racist sentiments (I am a Caucasian American) and have been treated with nothing but respect, I never cease to be amazed at the sheer quantity of invective against Japan. Certainly Korea, along with China, has plenty of reason to be upset with Japan, but that doesn't merit callous hatred.

 

[MeAndroo]

Indeed, opinions vary on Japan. The Japanese people would likely treat you very well were you to visit, offering help if you look lost at a train station and things of that sort. They welcome tourism and I seriously doubt you'd have any problems, provided you behave in a civilized manner.

As osias noted, the political and emotional animosity between Japan and some of her Asian neighbors is well documented. I wouldn't let that stop me from visiting, though, and would tend to think any claim that these issues would hamper your visit to be highly dubious.

 

[TheTourist]

Some ppl think Japan's great, others think it's not.
You have to note that there is a kind of institutional racism against the Japanese in China and Korea. In school, they teach their kids that Japan is their enemy, and their governments are consciously manipulating their nationalism to pump up hatred towards Japan.
http://uqmgp.hp.infoseek.co.jp/
http://aog.2y.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=1558
http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/opinion/200603/kt2006032219480654060.htm

Wow, seeing those pictures and writings, I see what you mean.

 

[TheTourist]

As osias noted, the political and emotional animosity between Japan and some of her Asian neighbors is well documented. I wouldn't let that stop me from visiting, though, and would tend to think any claim that these issues would hamper your visit to be highly dubious.

Well part of the experience of tourism is meeting and seeing the people there. If a country hates outsiders and treats them like crap, than it kind of ruins it.

 

[MeAndroo]

Well part of the experience of tourism is meeting and seeing the people there. If a country hates outsiders and treats them like crap, than it kind of ruins it.

Unless you're a Korean or Chinese nationalist shouting about how Japan sucks, I doubt you'll get treated like crap any more than any other country. There are always jerks, but for the most part (and I mean like 90%), you'll be treated very well. To get respect, you have to give respect. I doubt you had any plans to go in and start raising a ruckus...right?

 

[Grandpa Frank]

Can't think of a better place to visit!

I think in the 2 years I lived there, I had just one run in with a young & dumb Yakuza who was drunk and upset to see a Japanese girl with a foreigner. Other than that, everyone treated me like family. It was one the the few times in my life that I lived somewhere where I felt totally safe day & night. Go and have the time of your life!

Frank

 

[TheTourist]

I doubt you had any plans to go in and start raising a ruckus...right?

Nah, I'm not a troublemaker. I've traveled all over Europe and the U.S. / Canada and never have caused any problems.

 

[Sarawasti]

Good insight....

This is my first visit to this forum, and so glad I joined since I'm planning on visiting and this thread has given me great tips...!

 

[Mike Cash]

This is my first visit to this forum, and so glad I joined since I'm planning on visiting and this thread has given me great tips...!

What great tips did you get from this thread? (....which has been dead and forgotten for over three years)

Welcome to JREF, by the way.

 

[Sarawasti]

Obviously I saw it was old. .... Four u for me it was new though .... And I don't have to day what I found intersting ..... Jaja this is just like pulso jejeje