Job Discussion Forums

[Marika]

I would like to know if many of you have had some of the same experiences I have had with foreigners. Now I've meet some amazing foreigners here. Very friendly and good people. But I've also meet those people who think they're just to good and when I walk by and smile they just give you the icey stare and couldn't give to hoots about even saying hello. Its like they're disgusted you would even talk to them. Why is that? Could someone please answer this for me.
You'd think being in a Country where it can be really tough to communicate and things are so different you would try to be nice and get along. Do some people think they're better?
This whole thing confuses me and I'd like someone to give me some insight on this whole phenomenon.
Cheers!

[Sweetsee]

They want to be the only one and you would get the same thing from those folks in their home countries. If it's any consolation, I go out of my way to be friendly to folks.

BTW, today was "say Hi to a stranger day". I saw what looked like a foreigner on a bicycle as I was leaving work and gave a big greeting. Not absolutely sure he was a foreigner, though.

Oh yeah, in Japan speaking to a stranger is considered aggresive behavior. So, those folks you mentioned have or are trying to go native.

I like this topic but you won't get many posts I'm afraid.


Enjoy yourself, Marika.

[Glenski]

This is a topic that gets done to death about every 6 months.

Some of us prefer our own solitude. It's not a holier than thou attitude. Some of us are wrapped up in a self-imposed ecstasy of living a life like a Japanese (if that's possible) and cringe when faced with reverting back to the ways of the homeland. Others simply would rather not acknowledge a random smirk from a passerby without at least having some measure of introduction first. Still others are simply afraid of some of the losers that have found their way here. Another answer is this: if you smile at strangers back home, what kind of response do you get? In some cities, you get a lot worse than an icy stare.

Yeah, it may be difficult to communicate over here for some, but you can't really lump everyone in that category. Some have learned the Japanese language and adapted, so they don't feel the isolation and loneliness that others do.

In addition, what's to say that the person (non-Japanese looking) you expect to communicate with speaks your language in the first place? There are plenty of Brazilians and Peruvians here that outnumber the Americans, for example.

Some might say that if you really want to try getting along, you should make an attempt to communicate with the locals, not with other foreigners. Say, for instance, good morning to grandma taking her morning stroll, or to the market vendors as they open their stalls. People you see every day. Eventually, you get noticed, so why not make a stab at learning the language and shucking that isolation and difficulty to communicate? Teachers tell their students to take advantage of every opportunity to speak English, but few heed their own advice when it comes to learning Japanese in a land surrounding them with that very language.

[Marika]

I do stop and say hello to the locals here. I actually love immersing myself in the Japanese culture. I've meet many amazing locals. The Japanese teachers at my school are fantastic people. I have learned a bit of Japanese and plan on learning alot more. I am in Japan.
Back home yes I do get friendly smiles in return.
When I spoke of the foreigners I do know and realize they all come from different backgrounds and have had conversations with them here. Charades is a good way to make things work with any one who does not speak english.
I'm sorry to those people who hate where they come from so much that they would rather glare at those who remind them of home.
I adore culture and plan on learning as much about the Japanese as I can. All I was trying to say is I don't know why people have to be so rude.

[canuck]

Some people are busy or have enough friends. If you want to spark up a conversation with a foreigner, just go to the bar. If you're stuck in the country side and feel you really need to express some happiness towards a foreigner and they don't do anything in return, tough beans. No reason to get snooty about it.

[crazyteacher]

Marika said

"Back home yes I do get friendly smiles in return."


I`m just wondering

Where is "back home"?

Sounds like a nice place.

[doggar]

Marika.. I'm asian- american. Do you think I say hello to every asian person I see at home in the states just because we're asian?

[Marika]

Ohhhh...LOL...can't we all just get along.

Cheers

[Nismo]

My stance on the issue is the following:

I went to Japan for a year to learn Japanese. That is why I shyed away from foreigners. I would not, though, act rude to them. If our eyes met I would nod my head and give a smile, but I wouldn't try to strike up a conversation unless I was in the proper atmosphere, like a bar. It's a natural ability, being able to tell when someone wants to interact with you.

What irked me the most, though, were the foreigners who would constantly complain about everything. I mean EVERYTHING, as if they expected Japan should be an extension of their home country. If it wasn't their way, it was the wrong way.

[Marika]

I don't know if your assuming things about what I wrote but will wite something anyways. Sorry if you were'nt.
I don't remember saying that I wish people catered to my needs. I really like Japan and as I mentioned before have meet some amazing locals and befriended some great Japanese friends. I as well know some great foreigners. Just was curious because I've enevr experienced it before why some foreigners have to be so darn right rude.
Yes I'm sure this happens elsewhere although up to this date as thus far Iv'e not experienced it anywhere but here.
I pick up more and more Japanese each day and love when the locals get so excited when I try to speak to them. I may say the wrong thing like good afternoon when its night time but they like the effort. Just like myself when I come across someone who speaks Ukrainian any effort is a good one.
It's hard writting these posts because since your not face to face people automatically just take things how they want which is totally understandably . It's very easy for thing to get confused and taken in the wrong context.
Cheers

[crazyteacher]

I was wearing a brown shirt yesterday so I decided to say "Hi" to everyone I saw who was wearing a brown shirt.

Why do people react so badly when I do that? Why cant they be a little more friendly?

Whats THIER problem?

[The Great Wall of Whiner]

[Marika]

" The great wall of whiner". Have a fantastic day!!!! We are all intitled to our own opinion .
Cheers!

[Nagoyaguy]

I used to call it "Get Out OF MY JAPAN" Syndrome. For some foreigners, they want the illusion that they are the only foreign face in Japan. IT is good for their egos. To see another foreigner is to burst that bubble.

Plus, a lot of foreigners like to delude themselves. THey think that, because they have been her for so long, they can blend into the scenery and blend into the crowd just like anyone else. By greeting people like this, you are reminding them of the harsh reality that they are NOT blending in, and that they DO look different. Again, a big blow to the ego.

Plus, some people are just naturally arseholes.

It depends on the situation and the attitude you get. When I lived in Kyoto, I would see some gaijin literally cross the street to get away from me, so that we wouldnt pass each other on the sidewalk. Others would see me, then deliberately turn away or turn their backs and totally avoid any eye contact.

Either they are wrapped waaaaay too tight, or I look like Quasimodo.


Hey wait, dont answer that!!!

[Nismo]

I wasn't referring to you when I mentioned the people who whine about everything in Japan. I was referring to a bloke who lived in my apartment complex last year, a Canadian guy who had been in Japan for 3 years. He had nothing but complaints. It was an entirely different subject, but still fell under the "What's Up With Foreigners?" topic, so I thought it fitting to add it here.

But yes, my opinion still remains - Don't take it personally if they don't respond to your greetings. They are in Japan to experience the Japanese culture, not the foreign culture in Japan.

If it were me, I would respond to your hello, but I wouldn't seek further conversation. But not every foreigner in Japan is like me. Most probably aren't. Just keep that in mind. And don't be so quick to take the defensive. Just learn to shrug things off.