Hispanics in Japan

[Ace]

Hey there. Decided to ask this question that has always kind of itched on my mind since I was young...

How common are hispanic people in Japan? It seems the broad stereotype, and I can't blame them, that American's are all white. If you aren't White, you're from somewhere else. Maybe South America. Exceptions could be to Black men as they definitely carry a very American vibe internationally (I'm in the military. I see it all the time. ^^).

I've noticed this same perception in Germany, and I know it's stereotypical and most individuals don't think this way, but watching TV, Anime, movies, one would figure that would be the common concept.

As a foreigner, I wonder if being Hispanic is considered normal like it is in America, or exotic, or just "meh" as far as social impression goes. It's obvious we're not very well represented in Japanese art and entertainment, so it's not like my hopes are too high. However I wonder if being hispanic may be difficult in Japan.

I know I may sound paranoid, but it's not easy to ask these questions, let alone answer them. As a Puerto Rican, not many people back home really share the affinity for Japan like I do. Unless we're talking about Dragon Ball Z or something. o-O

I'm looking to possibly being assigned to Camp Zama in a year, and I don't want to be a barracks rat and never leave post. I want to experience Japan, take the opportunity that I'll have to learn the language and maybe look for employment in country when my Army life is over.

Thanks for the answers in advance.

---Ace

 

[nice gaijin]

well, depending on how "hispanic" you look, you might be received in a variety of ways. Of course, it always depends on the people, but realize that many people from South America in Japan are dekasegi (migrant workers) like Japanese Brazilians or Peruvians, which might color the treatment you receive. How you dress and act will also probably affect this. I have a Mexican friend that is fair skinned, a bit stocky, with short, spiky hair, fluent in Japanese, and he has complained that taxi drivers have refused him on racial terms. The way he described the events and recounted what the drivers said to him certainly made it seem like he was being discriminated against. That's certainly not to say that you will be treated the same, but it's one person's experience.

 

[Ace]

Discrimination still a big thing in Japan I see... sigh.

Well, I'm from Puerto Rico, so not South American, I am brown skinned, but no facial hair. Very boyish looks. I'm 24 but I look 16. Probably won't help either...

...guess I'm just going to have to suck it up. Though I was hoping the reaction would be more neutral than hostile.....

 

[nice gaijin]

don't take my word for it; your mileage will vary. Reactions to you will be neutral far more often than hostile.

 

[Ace]

Well that's a relief. Thanks for the reply. You really are a Nice Gaijin.

 

[pipokun]

I'm 24 but I look 16.

I'd love to buy you beer if you meet someone calls you are 16 in Japan.

Sergio Ariel Escudero, who has been naturalised here recently, is 19 years old. Do you look younger than him?
http://www.urawa-reds.co.jp/Team/Players/s_a_escudero.html