Why Japanese people hate foreigners so much...

senseiman · 27 Dec 2004

As an easily-identifiable foreigner who has lived in Japan for a little over 5 years I can say that In my entire time in Japan I don't think I've ever heard anyone say or even hint that they disliked me because I'm a foreigner. Even older, conservative Japanese who dislike the effect western customs are having on their society don't hate foreigners and have been among the most accomodating people I have ever met.

Of course, I'm speaking as a western foreigner. Chinese and Koreans get treated to more hostility in general. There is some systemic discrimination, plus they get villified in the press because of the crime commited by Chinese gangs (which is relatively small compared to the amount of crime commited by Japanese gangs). This doesn't mean that Japanese people hate foreigners though. The most popular singers, TV stars and movie stars in Japan right now are all Korean.

myjp · 28 Dec 2004

Chipi said:
Hmm.Just a couple thoughts:
When I went to Japan last summer, ...I would have understood if I was treated with ignorance, contemn etc.

But I was amazed, and I still am. I have never ever been treated so well, during the whole summer ... Even total strangers came to help me so many times, always smiling,and trying to help even in situations when we didnt share a language. (my Japanese is quite poor)
...
But even now, when Ive been back to my own country for over 1 month, I get surprise presents from Japan...the rest of the world has _so much_ to learn from them.

My love goes to Japan <3

Guten Abend.
MY totally agrees in all statements and precisely all snippet words from Chipi's
here..even the fact of lived all these and more this last summer- a tremendous, harry is a boy, simply tremendous
Japan is a sharp mirror- you r-or may allowed to be the watcher.
All my main current respect goes to their minds and strength of..
regarding our shaking earth.
mata ne

jkami · 5 Jan 2005

maybe it is not my place to say this since i just joined this forum...but the question/statement that the topic starter is so ridiculous that it is clearly trolling. of course yes japan has a unique history that includes the mostly closed period of 'sakoku' which perhaps manifests itself in extremely deep subconscious ways for some. But this was always about the fear of the unknown...and not hatred. what a silly thing to say "why do ALL"...when talking about any subject. if anyone invests some time in japan and tries to make a group of japanese friends and tries to "when in rome do as the romans do" (sorry such a cliche but still apt) then one will find oneself liked by several or even many. and that you can take to the bank!

jkami · 5 Jan 2005

and regarding treatment of koreans...yes it is true that there is discrimination. but to give a personal example of how things are changing in japan's city cosmopolitan culture..i have several korean heritage but japan born/raised friends here...they are all part of the larger group of friends that i hang out with...and it is a mix of japanese/japanese and korean/japanese and everyone gets along without any barriers what so ever. i have known then for 8 years hung out too many times to count and everyone is like family...with several helping each other out in business.

but anyway, about koreans in japan...there are two groups. first group is regularly assimilated and the other by choice not nearly so. the latter group until recently still viewed the crazy north korean leader kim jong-il as a giant among men and sung his praises in the special korean schools (north korean emphasis with pictures of "our dear leader" in the front of each classroom). thank god, this reverence is changing as more of these korean japanese have realized that he is a total kook. but until recently this wasn't the case. what i mean to say is that yes, there is/was racism but also to say that a segment of korean japanese didn't want to assimilate that much.

Minstrual Bunt · 17 Jan 2005

I don't think it's hatred so much as resentment. Japanese people are told everyday of their lives that they are gods, and that other people are not. It's then very difficult to cope when they don't win everything in the international arena. Enjoy the change on a Japanese face when you go from subservient guest to equal. You'll see the resentment (looks like hate) come bleeding out. Best way to enjoy Japan is not to challenge the birthright superiority of the locals.

darkrikku66 · 18 Jan 2005

Japanese people dont ''Hate'' foreigners. Were did you here that? I think it all depends on the people you meet. People shouldnt classify all japanese people as hating foreigners becuase thats just being close-minded. Everyone has there reason for not liking someone but i really doubt its becuase their a foreigner.

Pachipro · 20 Jan 2005

What a weird statement. Seems like he was trying to start some trouble since he hasn't been man (or woman) enough to post his reasons in this forum yet. Hey, did you ever think that maybe they hate YOU, and YOU ONLY, because of the way you act?

I have a relationship with Japan that spans over 30 years. 16 of those years living, working, and going to school there. I still visit at least once a year, sometimes more, and in all my years I have never felt like you do. Maybe it's because I took the time to learn their language and customs instead of imposing mine on them.

Sure, I knew "gaijin" who lived there 2 or 3 years to make a quick buck teaching English and 99% of them never even tried to learn the language. All they did was "***** and moan" about how "bad" the country was and how their customs sucked. They never even tried to understand the culture. They thought that, because they were American, everybody had to bow down to them. Seems like you may be one of those.

I also knew people from the bases who were stationed 3 years or more and maybe once or twice a year they dared to venture off base. And even those times, they had to go in a group with other Americans. They never learned the customs or culture, but are proud to tell all the folks back home that they "lived" in Japan and how Japan is so backwards and weird.

So before you make an idiotic statement like that how about backing it up with some facts? Or aren't you man enough?

RockLee · 20 Jan 2005

Pachipro said:
I have a relationship with Japan that spans over 30 years. 16 of those years living, working, and going to school there. I still visit at least once a year, sometimes more, and in all my years I have never felt like you do. Maybe it's because I took the time to learn their language and customs instead of imposing mine on them.

Sure, I knew "gaijin" who lived there 2 or 3 years to make a quick buck teaching English and 99% of them never even tried to learn the language. All they did was "***** and moan" about how "bad" the country was and how their customs sucked. They never even tried to understand the culture. They thought that, because they were American, everybody had to bow down to them. Seems like you may be one of those.

I also knew people from the bases who were stationed 3 years or more and maybe once or twice a year they dared to venture off base. And even those times, they had to go in a group with other Americans. They never learned the customs or culture, but are proud to tell all the folks back home that they "lived" in Japan and how Japan is so backwards and weird.

So before you make an idiotic statement like that how about backing it up with some facts? Or aren't you man enough?

it's so true !!! It's also that most (I don't say EVERYONE, cause this forum proves it) americans think everyone will adapt to them,that's why they don't even bother to study other languages...by the age of 15 in europe children know at least 2 other languages other then their native tongue!!(not every european country).And the ppl saying "yeah I lived in Japan, bla bla...it's not good etc." well, stop moaning and learn the language !! don't expect them to start talking english because u are a foreigner !! /rant

lem2000 · 23 Jan 2005

I have not lived in Japan for any extended time, but I have been there on extended trips 30+ times, and I do agree that there is a difference between a tourist and somebody living there. But in my experiences, I very rarely had anyone be rude to me, and I do not think it is a "Japanese" thing. I have been to many countries in Europe, and some people are not warm to foreigners. Mostly becuase tourists can be rude, disrespectful of local customs and sites, and they tend to think everyone should speak "their" language! I have always made an attempts to speak the local language whereever I go, to observe what the locals do (and act accordingly), and to always be respectful and polite. I have been in places where I saw other tourists, and was ashamed to be associated with them.

Just my opinion,

-lance

think_too_mut · 23 Jan 2005

Sophisticated said:
I am just wondering why Japanese hate foreigners?

I don't think they do.

Average people, like anywhere in the world, don't like if they can not communicate about the problems (like leaking water or something) to their neighbours.

Take Spanish people , no English spoken, in the US.

Other than that, I haven't seen any signs of xenofobia although some are warning me about it.

After a year and the half in Tokyo I can say, yes, it's not Singapore and foreigner-friendliness, but far from any hatred.

I am not an expat, just a local hire, no protection.

Of course, just my opinion and my experience.

Alek · 29 Jan 2005

Japanese people DO NOT hate foreigners.
I think Japanese people are the most patient people in the world.
Don't you understand how much the foreigners people travelling Japan are different from the Japanese one? For them it is very difficult to understand west culture, and for us it is almost impossible to understand their culture at all, if we don't learn from them everyday something more.
Too many people think that they've already studied enough about Japan. There is always something to know, and not just about Manga and J-girls. There is a beautiful country and why don't we learn WHY and HOW japanese people are like that? My target is to learn from each Japanese person I know, what does it mean to be a Japanese in Japan in 2005. and PLEASE learn from Japanese to know something very well before talking about it. (expecially for USguys).

Banny · 1 Feb 2005

I hope that the welcoming that I'll recieve when I get to Japan ( Feb 14th ) wont be that of hate or any other form of descrimination. My girlfriend is Japanese and although I met hear out of Japan I've never had an ill feeling of not one Japanese citizen.

yuriandre · 23 Feb 2005

with all these threads you are posting, it is most likely that this will be a perfect reason to discourage a foreigner to visit japan any longer hehehe. scarry....

Doc · 23 Feb 2005

Minstrual Bunt said:
I don't think it's hatred so much as resentment. Japanese people are told everyday of their lives that they are gods, and that other people are not. It's then very difficult to cope when they don't win everything in the international arena. Enjoy the change on a Japanese face when you go from subservient guest to equal. You'll see the resentment (looks like hate) come bleeding out. Best way to enjoy Japan is not to challenge the birthright superiority of the locals.

That's funny that you should say something like that, because I know quite a few Americans who act the same way. Why don't we just say that everybody acts like that and get it over with? Not everybody in Japan, America, or any other country has the same feelings of resentment. Some people yes, but that doesn't account for the moral majority of the population. With your ending statement on not challenging those who are of birthright superiority, I should say the same about challenging Americans. Then you wonder why everybody thinks that whatever paticular country's people dislike foreigners.

Doc

lexico · 23 Feb 2005

Minstrual Bunt said:
I don't think it's hatred so much as resentment.

My understanding of resentment is the ill feeling of being victimised. A victim can be the inferior party in terms of power being exploited, or the suprior party being chllenged on the established order.

Minstrual Bunt said:
Enjoy the change on a Japanese face when you go from subservient guest to equal. You'll see the resentment (looks like hate) come bleeding out. Best way to enjoy Japan is not to challenge the birthright superiority of the locals.

This is interesting. I am immediately reminded of the territorial instincts (is it really natural or learned ??) of certain animal species. We humans just have it inscribed into stone or written law. We are the literate kings in the animal kingdom, defending our stinking territories we piss and pewk on!!

Mycernius · 23 Feb 2005

What? Says who? Odd question to start a thread. :? :? The only people who hate foreigners are xenophobic morons. The only time you can hate another foreigner is if it is your historic right. French and the English have hated each other for about 1000 years, we're used to it and we like it that way. Now lets go off and buy a house in France.

Mycernius · 23 Feb 2005

lexico said:
We are the literate kings in the animal kingdom, defending our stinking territories we piss and pewk on!!

Do you mean Puke?
"Come over here pinch our language, can't use it proper, moan, whinge (must use the words bloody foreigners) rants on for about another hour, ad infinitum......."

Doc · 23 Feb 2005

He could have meant Pocky instead of Puke.

Doc

Mycernius · 23 Feb 2005

Ah, I see you got assassin right

Doc · 24 Feb 2005

Mycernius said:
Ah, I see you got assassin right

Well it's not that I don't know how to spell it, it's just that I don't know how to spell it.

Doc

Xkavar · 1 Mar 2005

Mmm. The Japanese people I have met have initially been very friendly and courteous to me when they introduce themselves, in part because they look at me (I'm Hawaiian with Chinese, but my brown almond eyes and small facial features makes me passable for Japanese) as a fellow citizen.

It's only when they get to know me after a while that they become rude, spiteful and hateful, throwing empty soda cans at me and farting in my general direction. I tend to bring that out in people.

lexico · 1 Mar 2005

Mycernius said:
What? Says who? Odd question to start a thread. :? :? The only people who hate foreigners are xenophobic morons. The only time you can hate another foreigner is if it is your historic right. French and the English have hated each other for about 1000 years, we're used to it and we like it that way. Now lets go off and buy a house in France.

Why did I miss this, "Your Historic Right?" This is very precarious thinking here, Mycernius. Very Dangerous.
Does that mean, if something were, then it's okay that it is, and that it could be, should be, or ought to be forever?
Birth right is also scary. I don't think somebody's birth has anything to do with punching other people.
I understand what's been going on between you two of Germanic descent, but that's more like sibling rivalry, which is generally a family matter I'll leave it two you two since you sound like you enjoy bickering. Must be a family trait. No more comments.

In this case, of the Japanese, the blood relationship of the Japanese is lacking a general concensus. The historical line of reasoning has been exploited unto death, and brought about so much loss of lives, blood, and sweat.

To be more specific, some historical-archeological record-evidence says people went over there from here, but their records say they came over here from way over there. It way too confusing and damaging already to use the historical argument. We could argue all day, and punch each other's nose, but we still wouldn't come any closer to a conclusion.

@Mycernius & Doc:

My, my, that is net-lang. Haven't you heard? It's supposed to be pewk, pewk, pewk, always on the net! It by-passes the decency filter and sounds cewte on top of it. Cewte as in British cewte.

lexico · 1 Mar 2005

Xkavar said:
It's only when they get to know me after a while that they become rude, spiteful and hateful, throwing empty soda cans at me and farting in my general direction. I tend to bring that out in people.

I thought this was a Japan bashing thread, but you sound like you like them. And it sounds like they like you.

Doc · 1 Mar 2005

lexico said:
I thought this was a Japan bashing thread, but you sound like you like them. And it sounds like they like you.

Well like your sig says, everybody should make love not war.

Doc

Leroy_Brown · 1 Mar 2005

Chipi said:
Hmm.Just a couple thoughts:
When I went to Japan last summer, to work in a Japanese company, I actually expected to be treated as a "second class citizen" or something-also because of so many topics Ive read from JREF. I had accustomed to the thought that I would be in the lowest grade there.I mean of course. Im a foreigner, just a student,and a girl who is sticking her nose into a Japanese company.I would have understood if I was treated with ignorance, contemn etc.

But I was amazed, and I still am. I have never ever been treated so well, during the whole summer (both in my work and also on my freetime), than in Japan. No one has ever been so friendly and warm to me, and so interested and curious about me and my country. Even total strangers came to help me so many times, always smiling,and trying to help even in situations when we didnt share a language. (my Japanese is quite poor)
Of course there are some exceptions, but I think in those cases its mainly about beeing shy, and a little scared of something new.
But even now, when Ive been back to my own country for over 1 month, I get surprise presents from Japan..
So, I simply can't understand this topic, not at all- even if it was posted with sarcasm. I can only praise Japanese people, the rest of the world has _so much_ to learn from them.

My love goes to Japan <3

This gets the award for "Post of the Year" !

Thank you Chipi! We need more posts like this to counter all the negative stereotype posts that go around here.

I thought this forum was for people who are interested in Japan. I could never understand why so many members here (including those with admin status) make negative comments about Japan that are simply biased generalizations. Might as well start an "I Hate Japan and Here's Why" Forum.

New members should not be discouraged by all the negative stuff here and continue to learn about Japan, its people, language, and culture.

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