Just a Question in General

[Alia]

I have read on several other sites that foreigners in Japan are called "Gaijin".

I was wondering for those of you who have been to/lived in Japan, how is it that Gaijin are treated in general?

This question came up after reading that most of the younger generation of Japanese were only interested in being friends with a Gaijin so they could learn English and that some foreigners were frowned upon, which I can understand ....behavior and all.

And when going out to clubs or anything to do with nightlife, is it mandatory for you to go to a club that is is Gaijin friendly or are you accepted anywhere?

Thanks in advance for any comments!

 

[The7thSamurai]

"Gaijin" means "outside person", i.e. foreigner. I'd say it has a deeper meaning that "foreigner" though because 99% of the population in Japan is Japanese compared to western countries where there are millions.

Gaijin get treated pretty normally in Japan, a few stares though but generally people leave you alone. I found that Chinese and Korean gaijin have a worse reputation that westerners though, but it's not like they get lynched or anything, just blamed for stuff like crime increasing.

Some Japanese people will only want to be friends with you just so they can practice their English, however many do not have that agenda.

There are a few places that won't accept you because you're a foreigner. A couple of times we went to go to pubs in Tokyo and got told "no, no, Japanese only", but 95% of places will happily accept you. The reason why some places might be hostile is usually because of language and cultural issues.

 

[Mike Cash]

Just a small semantic distinction, if I may:

There is a difference between being called "gaijin" and being referred to as "gaijin". I find no offense in the latter.

 

[budd]

mean yelled gaijin? agree

 

[Mike Cash]

No, I don't mean being yelled at. I mean being addressed as such, as though it were my name or title.