Originally Posted by SSJup81 (Post 601198)

It's not uncommon, though. I'm black myself, and have had some family say things like, "Don't they hate black people over there?" or "Aren't they prejudiced against black people over there?" It's mostly older relatives though. I can see why they would question it. It's worse enough blacks are considered a minority in the US, but in places like Japan, we're minorities amongst minorities, so if anything, it's a fear issue. Despite what some might say, I would still like to go someday. I've had an interest in Japan way too much for far too long (like Asia in general as a traveling destination).

If my older cousin can live in Thailand, which I admire him for, I can live in or visit Japan. Race be damned! :p

Originally Posted by OsakaPapa (Post 601204)

Agreed! You'll definitely see black people in Tokyo, I can promise you that. In other places, not so much, but hey, you might be local celebrities XP Usually people will be really curious about you if you aren't Japanese, so it can actually be fun sometimes to be non-Japanese when you're in Japan, be it black, white, or anything in between :)

Btw, the link to the other thread about this is: http://www.japanforum.com/forum/japa...-im-black.html

Originally Posted by Keaton421 (Post 601509)

No, but it would be uncommon to see a black man swimming or smoking a non-menthol cigarette. I have never seen this. But, you should have no problem in Japan. It's not so much racism as "our country's been sheltered for so long, and we're still realizing people come in other colors".

Gaijinsmash is a funny blog written by Az-sensei, a black gentleman who taught with the JET program and is engaged (maybe they got married) to a Japanese lady

Originally Posted by FukaiBi (Post 601836)

You have never seen a black man swimming?!?! ok that was random LOL!! but 2 never have seen that I find pretty interesting. and the cigarette thing IDK about!:vsign:

Originally Posted by Keaton421 (Post 601840)

It's kind of a stereotype that black people don't swim. I thought it was a joke, but every time I go to the swimming hole or pool, if there's a black gentleman he'll just sit on the side :D I did see one try at the pool, and he just kind of... sank, slowly, with the straightest face, I can't explain it haha

Originally Posted by Keaton421 (Post 601840)

It's kind of a stereotype that black people don't swim. I thought it was a joke, but every time I go to the swimming hole or pool, if there's a black gentleman he'll just sit on the side :D I did see one try at the pool, and he just kind of... sank, slowly, with the straightest face, I can't explain it haha

Originally Posted by SSJup81 (Post 602035)

I understand what you mean by this. I know I don't swim because I don't want to mess up my hair. lol Maybe that's where the stereotype came from and seems it's more common not to see black women not swimming than black men.