Quote:
Originally Posted by MSTRKRFT
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.
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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!!!
