Living While Black, In Japan | All Things Considered | NPR 

Japanese and English subtitles are now available.

日本人が嫌がるのは、ルールやマナーを守らない人で、肌の色は関係がないと思います。

日本人として「日本は安全で、アメリカより自分らしくすごせる」と言われて嬉しいけれど、1番良いのは彼らの祖国でそう思ってもらえることなんだよな…。

I visited Japan for 2 weeks in 2019 after living in the US for 16 years. My experience was so pleasant that I did "NOT" want to return to the US. The only thing that is holding me back from moving to Japan permanently is the language. The food is great, the air is clean, the people are respectful and the country overall is beautiful. As a black man, I did not feel threatened in any way. You may get stares when you go outside of Tokyo which is understandable. This is because many Japanese in rural Japan have never seen a person of color, so they will naturally stare out of curiosity rather than xenophobia.

日本でもたまに警察官の犯罪はあるけど基本警察って市民の味方でそこにいるだけで安心できるような人たちなはずなのに、その警察と話すのにこんなに怖い思いしなきゃいけない人がいるのは酷すぎる………

Many Japanese are scared of having interactions with foreigners because of the language barrier, not because they see them as a threat. The stares and the intention behind it are different, those are harmless stares.

I'm Japanese and I think why Japanese stares at you when you walk down the street in Tokyo, is that we are curious about different people. Why Japanese tend to avoid sitting next to you on the train, is that we are afraid to be asked something in English, because most of us don't have much confidence in speaking English. We don't change our behavior only because they have black or white skin. We also feel jealous when someone have foreign friends. We actually want to be friends and know more about you and your culture.

I first visited Japan in August 2015, upon arriving, I was greeted by the airport staff, shown where to exchange currency, and guided to the JR station. While standing there, looking visibly confused and overwhelmed, a young Japanese businessman approached ME, and used a translator to ask if I was okay or needed help. He was so polite, he not only showed me where to find my hotel, he actually walked me to the front door despite his stop passing. Every person I encountered during that trip was no different, they really are the friendliest, most organized, well mannered people on earth, I enjoyed it so much I visit every year and hope to move there within the next year. As an African American, I was completely taken by the hospitable nature of Japanese people, the world could learn a lot from them.

This was so powerful to see as I have been wanting to Visit Japan. Now I KNOW I WILL visit Japan with my family. Thanks for sharing...

I’m Japanese. When I went to America as studying abroad program, I sometimes feel hierarchy or something like discrimination (not so hard one, it’s like ignoring or not sociable for me) from some people. But then African American girl talked to me, which makes me delighted and happy. At that time I was unable to say enough thanks to her due to my poor English. I would like to appreciate it someday when I meet her again. (My Apologies for long sentences and my broken English)

These stories are exactly like mine. As a black man who lived in Japan for 2 years, I have never ever felt so free in my life. It is not that Japan is perfect, it is just that USA is completly blind when it comes to good race relations.

Thank you for sharing your stories- they each were very touching. Thank you NPR

From 1994 to 2007, I would spent quite a bit of time in Japan. I was treated with warmth and respect. I was treated like a celebrity wherever I went. The Japanese people that I encountered were very kind to me.

言葉も文化もマナーも違う日本を居心地良いと言ってくれる、そのことほど嬉しいことはありません

子供たちの通う小学校には黒人の英語の先生がいます。走るのがとっても速くて、運動会ではいつもヒーローです。子供たちはみんな先生が大好きですよ。いつも感謝しています。

As a Filipino in living in Japan, what I felt about Japanese is that, they are scared of different things. Because in schools they are teaching being fair and equal is important so when they saw something new or something different, it’s just they are scared of it. But I think that they are open-minded so if you explain things and show it to actions is that they listen to you and look at your attitude and they understand it. And also, i think the people in cities are so busy and stressed that they tend to think “mind your own business”. It’s like “i never minded what ever you are doing and I didn’t bothered you so don’t bother me and you don’t have to mind as well”.

Thank you NPR. Thank you. We need to focus on all controversies and differences. How dare we ever focus on stories showing people getting along

この人達が礼儀正しくしているからこそ、そんな対応をされるんだと思う。そうでない人たちは排除されるだろうよ。

My Grandson wants to live in Japan. I can't wait until we can make our first trip there. He's going to begin learning Japanese in a few weeks.

日本人の多くは、外国人だから恐れているのではなく、本当に自分の英語に自信がないから話しかけられても対応してあげられないのを恐れているのはまじでそうだとおもう

I would love to hear from their children, especially the little girls who go to school. Such an interesting documentary!

This is why America can't reach its full potential. It's sad when Americans can travel 6000 miles away from their country and feel more respected than when they are at home. If all Americans truly felt welcomed in this country, we would be an unstoppable force. Instead, America is imploding from the inside because we treat each other as enemies instead of countrymen.

It's just heartbreaking that you can't feel safe at home.

When I was a child, there was a black person in the same class at school, so I didn't have a sense of discrimination since I was a child. Skin color is an identity, but it's not a reason to discriminate.

what an insightful video! this was just wonderful.

日本人として素直に嬉しい。·······が､出来れば彼らにとって全てが心地のよい世界であって欲しいと願っています。心の中まで故郷が無く生きていくのは悲し過ぎる。

何人もコメントしているけど、日本人が黒人を見るのは外国人が珍しいから。白人だとしても同じように見るよ。 黒人の方が日本を居心地良いと言って来てくれるのは嬉しい🔥歓迎しています🔥

I agree with all these interviews. Japan is very safe. I’m only a visitor to Japan and I am happy for these people that feels safe in Japan. ❤❤❤ Just recently visited Japan and I felt like Japan is more open with foreigners but I only went to major cities. I’m not sure about the country side how they treat foreigners. Thank you for sharing this video.

Thank you for sharing the video and all the Interviews. Good work👌🏿

生まれた国なのになぜ怯えながら生きなきゃいけないのか。事件のことを考えるたびに悲しくなります。 他のお客さんと同じようにサービスを受けられると言っていたのが忘れられません。 世の中、どの人にも接客のただ少しの時間の間でも平等に接することのできない人がいるのが信じられません。 この動画でアメリカの差別問題について知らない事もあったので勉強になりました。

I'm a latino man living in Japan. Watching this video made me incredibly thankful to live in such a good place. I'm happy these wonderful people get to share their stories and may they prosper in this country!

It’s great to hear because it’s like whenever I’m around people who doesn’t look like me terrified of being around me just caused so much anxiety bro

This is so cool. I mean I spent my 3 years in NYC growing up and I always have my impression that African Americans people are cool, stylish and fashionable with their great music culture and all. And it’s so cool to see those cool people choose to live in Japan and love living in here.

Been in Japan before and I've got to say, the best thing about Japan is their culture/people

Excellent and thought-provoking. Home may be where the heart is but having peace of mind is even more important.

母国では想像出来ないくらい辛い想いをされてこられたんだと思います。 日本に来てくれてありがとうございます。

人種関係なく、ルールを守るか守れないか。調和出来るかどうかが大切なのが日本です。

I recently applied for the JET program and this video has put a lot of my reservations at ease! Being black in Asia has always been made to seem like we couldn’t succeed and or be happy I’m glad to see it’s a tangible dream and lifestyle!

In the U.S. It's definitely all about race and "teams" on all sides.

Having lived in Japan for three years in the 1980’s I can say that they are the most unfailingly courteous people I have ever met.

Can’t wait to travel there ! Im excited for my trip .

I've been here for nearly a year and I'm not gonna lie. This country has given me some serious peace of mind I haven't found elsewhere even with its cons. I'm learning Japanese because not only is it a healthy, beneficial challenge, but I really want the option of living somewhere else in my lifetime. I want to be safe. I want to live.

In my experience traveling in Japan, you get varying experiences by city. A city like Osaka, they embrace Black people and culture A LOT, it's actually a big part of their niche cultural scene. Tokyo is accepting, but not loved to the extent of Osaka.

I first learnt about Japan in business classes in JSS1. Since then Tokyo has not left my head. I hope to at least visit Japa one day.

Been in Japan for 21 years straight. Loving it. Married to a wonderful Okinawan woman. The people are nice to me. They have some bad ones but they don't like foreigners in general . Been all over asia. Korea, China and Singapore. I've been spit at in Hong Kong, that didn't end well for that person. Shunned in Korea but never turned away in Japan. That's just been my experience.

日本人として、このインタビューに出てた人たちが、日本で自分らしく生活できることを切に願います

I've been to Japan (Yokosuka, Yokohama, Tokyo). As a 6'3" black man, can confirm I felt more like and oddity than a threat. Very thoughtful and well done piece!

The worst "racism" you'll get in Japan is getting stared by a kid(based on my dad who has been living in Japan for 16 years now, and me who's half)

As a Japanese person who has lived in LA over 14 years, I totally understand how “feeling safe” is so impactful to the quality of life. It’s a basic needs for every living creatures, but yet, so hard to fulfill in the states. I personally had to pause my career and come back to Japan during the raise of Asian hate crimes… Yes, Japanese people are ignorant Yes, Japan has some issues Yes, some people are racist But Japan is so freaking safe. No guns, no harmful homeless people, no drug dealers on a street, no obvious discrimination against people, and no police is going to try to kill you. Of course, there are some irregular crimes like a former prime minister getting shot this year, but the chance to get shot is soooooooo low compare to the states. And if you’re a Japanese person reading this, you might think that’s normal and nothing special. Trust me, fearing for the death while you are just breathing, just having a normal life, just walking down the street are very very very stressful. And that’s the kind of fear a lot of African American people are forced to deal with in the states… I hope the US become as safe as Japan one day, and people can feel safe in their home…

The stories were merged so perfectly, and it felt honest. Incredible job

As a black man that used to live in Japan, I cannot agree more with everything espoused in this video. Living in Japan I felt like a huge weight was lifted off of my shoulders. And I felt truly free for the first time in my life. This was an amazing piece. I really appreciated it.

Living here for ten years. Of course i get the empty seats and it grates on me but sometimes people sit next to me. It depends on where you focus your energy. I have been here so long that when I see a foreigner I stare.

What an amazing mini-documentary. 🙏🏾

Regular Soul Food House customer here ! ! ! So glad she made it on this video. As a hispanic man myself, I found that I grew to love my true self here in Japan as well. These interviews really meant a lot to me. Thanks NPR

Amen! As a black person from living in Japan too, I agree. I really enjoy life living here. I feel less stressed here. My eyes have been opened too. I have come to realize America isn't number 1 like how we are taught in school.

I have to spend some time soon in Japan for business, and this is really good to know. The people on here, especially the men echo my thoughts about life in the US. I'm a big black guy, and I see the fear that people have in me. I hear the door locks slam shut when I'm walking pass people's car, when I'm heading to my car. When you enter places of business, you either get ignored when you need assistance, or you immediately get ALL the attention because they think you are going to steal. When I finally do go to Japan, I hope I get the same reception as those get in the video. It will be so relaxing.

Totally different experience than mine. More power to you.

I have to concur with the views of those presented in this excellent documentary. While in the US Navy in the 1990's, I resided in Japan for 3 years in a very small city called Misawa; about 80 kilometers south of the northernmost city Aomori on the main island of Honshu. As a young black man, it simply astounded me how relaxed I was in Japanese society and how much deference I received from Japanese people as compared to whites in the US. Being born and raised in Los Angeles, I had many interactions with Japanese, Korean, and Chinese store owners that were not always positive. However, I must say with conviction, and without contradiction, that living in Japan was the first time in my life that I actually felt like a true human being; where my intrinsic humanity was automatically and unequivocally acknowledged. Certainly, this is not to suggest that Japanese society is some kind of utopia, but it is worth stating that I experienced more racism on a day-to-day basis from white shipmates, officers, and superiors who wore the same uniform and yet, viewed and treated me as if I were a second-class citizen who had no business serving in the military and one with no rights that were worthy of their respect. The aforementioned contrast and contradiction weighed heavily upon me, so much so, that I contemplated staying in Japan for good after being discharged from the Navy. The wonderful stories and memories that I have of Japanese citizens coming to my aide to assist me when I was lost in Tokyo and various other cities or needed help finding the right subway train are too numerous to mention. However, there is one instance that I believe encapsulates all the others and, some 25 years hence, still brings tears to my eyes when I think about it. After having spent 3 days in Tokyo, I had to catch a Shinkansen train from Tokyo Station to Morioka. In those days, the Shinkansen went only as far north as Morioka and I had to catch the local train to get back to Misawa. At Tokyo station, I ended up getting confused and went to the wrong platform for my train. An elderly Japanese woman in her late 70's or early 80's sensed that I was disoriented and approached me. She looked at me intensely and said, "dozo," pointing to my train ticket. After looking at it, she kept it in her right hand and then with her left, she gently grabbed my right hand and said, "dozo" again. She began walking holding my hand and leading me away from the platform where she was waiting for her train to arrive. As soon as we had left the platform, her train arrived, but she kept leading me to another train platform that was on another level. After about 5 minutes, we finally arrived at the upper-level Shinkansen train platform which was the correct platform for me to catch the Shinkansen to Morioka. At the correct point she stopped, turned around looking directly at me, handed me back my ticket with both hands and said, "dozo." I bowed deeply and said, "domo arigato gozaimasu!" She smiled and then slowly walked away until she disappeared into the crowd. I reflected upon the fact that she intentionally missed her own train, so that she could personally take me to the correct platform in order for me to catch the correct Shinkansen to Morioka. I thought to myself, no one in Los Angeles would ever do what she just did since most people are just "too busy" to even say hello, let alone go out of their way to assist a complete stranger. After all these years, I have never forgotten her selfless act and I pray that when I make my final transition from this world that I have the opportunity to meet her again and truly express my eternal gratitude for the kindness she bestowed upon me.

I think this video records the most realistic answer to the question of whether or not Japanese people feel discriminated against by people from other countries. In Japan, whether black or white, non-Japanese people themselves are in the minority. Depending on the region, there may be Japanese who have never seen a black person in their lives. That is why the influence of TV and movies was so significant. Nevertheless, Japanese people tend to place more importance on social characteristics than race, origin, or language spoken. If we can act in a respectful manner that does not infringe on each other's freedom, it would be considerate and kind. It seems that humans feel fear or anger toward what they do not understand. It is very difficult to make people understand what they do not understand. That is why news reports try to simplify information and give simple answers. But if you don't know something, just ask someone to tell you. So when you come to Japan, you may get strange questions from time to time. But every Japanese person understands that just because we are different races, it does not mean we think or act differently. We do not want to know black people, we want to know you. Please know that we are not trying to insult you, just a little shy or ignorant, which may make your questions strange.

I've never experienced any issues living in Japan for over 20 plus years.

私は日本人ですが、小学生の頃に、一回だけ、クラスメイトに黒人への差別意識があると感じたことがありました。それは英語の授業の時のことです。リスニングの一環で、外国人の小学生が英語を話す動画を見ました。白人の時は誰も笑っていなかったのに、黒人の時は数人の馬鹿な男子が少し笑っていました。許されないことですが、日本人の子供は黒人を見慣れていないので、自分達とは異なる顔や肌に対する違和感に笑ってしまったんだと思います。その何日後に、道徳の授業で人種差別について学びました。実際に日本であった黒人差別を再現した映像を見て、絶対に人種差別をしてはいけないと学習しました。それ以来、差別をした馬鹿な男子も、英語の授業で黒人が出てきた時に笑うことはありませんでした。

I'm Japanese, and I lived in Deep South for years, but people were so warm. I wasn't shackled by being Asian, I wasn't expected of anything.

I was very surprised at how bad the environment surrounding blacks in the U.S. is. Japanese people sometimes stare at foreigners. This is because they are rare. Some people stay away from them because they are not confident in their English. But I want you to know that this is not discrimination. We Japanese have been learning about the history of foreign countries since we were children. We are ashamed of discriminatory acts because we know sad stories of America, such as the slavery issue. However, children may honestly point out that they look different, so please forgive them for that. Because they are still in the process of learning. Japanese people dislike foreigners only when they do not accept Japanese culture and rules and act selfishly. There is no discrimination based on race. Some Japanese are terrible. That is a problem that Japanese people should think about.

Professor Oussouby Sacko, from Mali, is the president of Kyoto Seika University, specializing in design, art and culture. He is an architectural researcher and expert in spatial anthropology. And he is the first African-born university president in Japan. He is very experienced, intelligent, fair, and admired by many.

I am Japanese. I love foreign people and various cultures. It is said that Japan is safe. Of course, this may be true compared to other countries, but it is impossible for all Japanese to be treated kindly. At the very least, there will be people who discriminate or are not kind. If I am asked for directions by a foreigner in English, or if I am in trouble, I always want to help them. It doesn't matter what color skin you have. The world is a big place. I love you all!

言語も文化も違う日本を心地よく思ってくれて嬉しい。ありがとう。これからも穏やかに暮らしてほしい。

日本のことをリラックスできると感じてくれたらうれしいです。どんな人種の人であっても。それは日本人にとっても居心地の良い国であるはずだから。

I think am in love with Japan as a country with all the comments I think they are lovely and kind People over there. I wish to visit Japan one day.

Thank you so much for sharing ❤❤❤

I’ve been to Japan twice, for work, and both times I’ve had a great experience. It’s the most relaxed I’ve ever felt in a major city. I’m on a journey to move there. America is no longer good for my mental health. Many of the people in the country are VERY selfish and misguided. It’s only going to get worse before it gets better. I no longer have the bandwidth to give anyone energy to country that doesn’t care about its people. I will never forget my departure from Tokyo. As we pushed back from the jetway to ground crew waived at us and bowed. Just the image of, what felt like, gratitude, and politeness in the gesture. I will never forget that moment. It summed up my overall experience there.

I can’t wait to move back home! They answered everything I would’ve said about Japan!

Thank you for video 👍

Wow. Beautiful clip. Thank you.

Can I say a thing though it is definitely out of the topic? A lady who put on the ribbon I like her fashion

Great to see all. 20 year plus Japan resident and I know many of you. Ashe.

昔、「日本のアニメのキャラクターは白人の特徴を持ってる！つまり日本人は白人に憧れを抱いてる！」っていう主張を見て、鼻で笑ったことがある。 人種に囚われているとこんな恐ろしく、愚かな主張をしてしまう。

Thank you for uploading the video with Japanese subtitles. I am Japanese and have never lived outside of Japan.I have been hurt by discrimination against women and prejudice in Japan. However, I have never experienced such badly treated like this video in Japan. There are many problems in every country, but we have to work hard to make Japan a better country. It is very embarrassing to ask them rude questions just because we are ignorant😢 Hope THE WORLD will be enveloped in kindness.

japans not perfect, but after visiting for two weeks, returning to Los Angeles was kind of stunning. the respect japanese people have for their surroundings and fellow citizens is pretty incredible. if america even had a tenth of this quality we would have a much better society.

Overall it’s really safe in Japan. People will mind their own business and even if they don’t agree to something, they will rarely confront you in aggressive way. I’ve been there twice and people are always nice and courteous, and if you’re lost, they will even walk you to make sure your get to your destination.

Hey, I recognized one of the interviewee!!! I worked with her for a bit. Cool interview.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! It is hard for me to express my feelings, but seeing how my eyes teared up more than a few times while watching this video, I'd like to know what percentage of Americans understand how the US is seen from abroad as expressed by the people interviewed in the above commentaries?!? I too still live in America and share their views completely!

We have so many rules and complicated language. But here in Japan the concept is very simple. Japanese culture is about the respect. Doesn’t matter the races or colors. If there is the respect for Japanese culture, it’s all good.

I relate to all these beautiful people's stories so much. I majored in Japanese in university and had the privilege to study abroad in Japan for a couple months. As a Black man raised entirely in the south of America (LA and GA), the experience of being in an environment where the color of my skin did not dictate how I was treated was such an amazing feeling. I unfortunately had to return to America after my study abroad program ended, but my heart never left Japan. I can't wait until I can go back to find the peace that I know I'll never get as a Black body existing in America.

I had the most pleasant experience in Japan. One of my experiences was while waiting to cross the street and admittedly being a little lost. It started to drizzle and a kind man ran into the store on the corner and purchased an umbrella for me. He politely bowed and handed me the umbrella. It was just such a sweet gesture from a stranger that I’ll never forget.

If I moved to Japan and was treated right, I'd probably never come back to the U.S. unless someone in my family or someone other than family I loved passed away.

Wow. Excellent interviews. Superb production. This is real news.

I am Japanese living in NY for more than ten years. I was looked at different when covid hit, and also stopped by police for not wearing the seatbelt but of course I had my seatbelt as always. They asked my id and also they left their finger print on the back of my car. Seeing/ Listening to friends and family's stories, or news, I see how things can go wrong easily here. And that makes me angry. Why people look our skin colors? I also have lived in North Dakota for a few years and All people welcomed me...oh except a few. And They treated me with respect and I felt being different was something to proud of. Then In the same time around when I visited Minneapolis, many people looked down on me and felt very uncomfortable. So...what should I say. Seeking different place as a home can be very rewarding to many people. I stopped seeking it as I became a mother of children. No longer depending to other people. I am the home to my family. I wonder when I feel New York is my home. They got so much things that needs to be done.

I wish everyone can be safe and relieved at everwhere on the earth.

im black and my close friend was from Hokaido. We connected bc we were two struggling students -not because of our skin color. If I could move this minute to Japan,Id go and never turn around. Thanks for this video!!!

一日本人として、彼らが安心して暮らしていることを誇りに思います。

When I was living in Europe, I had experienced lots of discrimination as an Asian. It’s made me scared, sad, and want to go back to home, but it also made me want to act polite to others regardless of their nationality. So I’m trying to think not to hate them but to appreciate them to change my mind. I hope all people can be safe and satisfied with their life no matter where we are.

One of the best things to happen to me as a child, was to move to West Germany as Military Brat. Made me appreciate the world around me more, and why the travel bug is still in me.

Lived in Japan for some years and honestly it was freeing. I felt like I was seen more as a foreigner than anything and that surprisingly didn’t feel as fretful.

日本人がじっと外国人を見てしまうのは、大抵はかっこいいなとか、素敵だなと思って凝視してしまうからなんです。それが不快に感じてしまうなら本当に申し訳ないんですが、でも本当に、そういった理由で見ちゃうんです。日本人には無い良さが詰まってるから…。

I'm black, and from California, USA. Been living in Hong Kong for about 6 years now. Hell no I ain't going back to live in America for pretty much most of the reasons stated in this video.

This video drastically changed my view upon America. I’ve thought that America is more tolerant to a variety. However, I found that some Americans feel fear against police officers. Now I believe that more people should know the current situation in America.

日本人は外国人をお客さんとして認識しているのである程度の問題に対して同胞よりも寛容です しかしそれに甘んじて無礼な態度を取り続けると一転して日本人は外国人を相容れない外敵として倦厭するようになると思います

The Japanese are fine as long as people respect, follow rules and don’t disturb

I’m black, if you’re Japanese I love you my ninja, I love your culture and everything about you, continue being great 🇯🇵

In Japan, they stand out just because they are not Asian. However, we are only looking at it because we are attracted to its novelty, and there is no notion of discrimination. Rather, We admire the “exotic atmosphere “ they have.