[inuzuki8605]

Yeah, I'm glad you didn't agree... I don't think it's something to get all bent out of shape about, personally. But couldn't the "kuko" also be translated as "country"?

I have to admit that I have NEVER heard a Japanese person call themselves "gaijin" unless they were joking around, which does happen. But never seriously. Is it a bad thing though? If a Japanese person comes to America with a less than picture perfect accent, they will also not be looked at as American. (There is always that urge to ask, "Where are you from?")

BTW, I don't think this subject too off topic because it's what's be expected with a foreigner is to date/marry into Japanese society.