Will I get problems if I choose to study in Japan for one year, since Im light brown?

[Esteban]

I wonder if I can walk in the streets without being looked at or anything. First I was very optimistic about going to Japan, but that optimism has been fading away slowly, as I heard people who says that they don't like Africans.
Is this true?

[MMM]

I would say no, that is not true. There may be a lot of ignorance about Africa, but I would say that the majority of people do not have any ill feelings towards Africans.

[Nyororin]

In my experience, as strange as it sounds - Japan is very friendly toward Africans but not quite as friendly toward African Americans. At least when it comes to business, etc. There is a thriving African community in this area, and the group has done a lot of outreach sort of things - so Africans are known for being very friendly people... At least around here. I can`t speak for anywhere else.

I`d say most of this hinges on your behavior though, really. As is true for anyone visiting Japan, if you don`t act like an idiot and draw attention to yourself you probably won`t get more than an occasional glance. Don`t worry too much about things, and try to enjoy your time.

[Jaydelart]

In depends on how you look at it.
Are you familiar with the "glass half empty", "glass half full" expression?
Japanese people are human beings; they have different personalities and different thoughts.

I haven't been to Japan in a while, nor am I African, but this issue can be solved with common sense.
Let's be real: There will always be someone who will disagree and/or dislike you; it's human nature.
However, which group deserves your attention most? The group that thinks negatively of you or the group that thinks positively of you?

In fact, there's an African celebrity over there known as ボービ, and he's pretty dark.
Though, I don't know much about him, he seemed fairly well accepted.

Here is part of an episode of a show where various celebrities participate in different games. [Note the game where they have to walk through a crowded mall without being recognized]

Click here


Also, take a look (this isn't Bob): [This is a popular game where you must endure various forms of torture while trying to remain silent]

[samurai007]

Any foreigner who doesn't look Japanese is going to be stared at, pointed at by little kids, asked questions, etc. That's just life in Japan for a foreigner. Don't take it personally, be friendly, and try to have a sense of humor about it... think of it as if you are a movie star or celebrity.

[Sinestra]

Originally Posted by Esteban

I wonder if I can walk in the streets without being looked at or anything. First I was very optimistic about going to Japan, but that optimism has been fading away slowly, as I heard people who says that they don't like Africans.
Is this true?

Nyororin and MMM hit the nail right on the coffin. The Japanese are people just like you and I. You may be subject to the occasional glance but just take it passing the are not trying to be rude just remember where you are and act accordingly. I am African American and i never had any problems on any of my trips to Japan except for the ocassional stare and sometimes people would ask me if im African or American but as soon as i speak they know. Even as an African American i never had any problems but i also did act a fool when i was there and followed the rules and didnt try to stand out.

Nyororin i didnt know that about African Americans could you expand on your comment a little im curious.

[Nyororin]

Originally Posted by Sinestra

Nyororin i didnt know that about African Americans could you expand on your comment a little im curious.

I can`t say that I`ve ever personally seen anything negative happen toward someone African American, but I have seen a lot of positive reactions toward Africans - where there was no particular reaction toward African Americans. I think that to an extent the US media stereotype has bled into Japan.

Also I have to say I think it has to do with the differing reasons for being in the country. Most Americans in are in Japan to teach English - regardless of race - and a (large?) chunk of the English teaching community has a tendency to "act out", so you end up getting the combination of US discrimination bleeding over on top of a group that isn`t exactly known for being great people.

Africans, on the other hand, are almost always in Japan to study or for business. Students have a tendency to behave well lest they be chucked out of a school they worked hard to get into, and people on business... well, do their business. There isn`t as much room for a negative image to pop up.

Of course, I can only speak for this specific area - I have no clue how things are in Tokyo or elsewhere.

[Esteban]

Oh, ok. Thanks guys, I appreciate it. Now I feel a lot better. I don't mind people staring at me if they don't mean anything bad.

[VampireGirl1314]

Also, take a look (this isn't Bob): [This is a popular game where you must endure various forms of torture while trying to remain silent]
[/quote]

isnt that a bunch of japanese people in a libarary?
if it is ive seen it, a long time ago.

[Thuglife]

Originally Posted by Esteban

I wonder if I can walk in the streets without being looked at or anything. First I was very optimistic about going to Japan, but that optimism has been fading away slowly, as I heard people who says that they don't like Africans.
Is this true?

I am an American in the countryside and get looked at ALL the time...f__K em'

Anything non-Japanese make some Japanese uncomfortable....as in any culture.