Tokyo, Japan: my experience as a Black woman 

“Japanese people see you as a foreigner before a black person.” As a Japanese, I can confirm that this is true. I think Japanese people don’t sit next to foreigners on trains or buses because either they feel nervous sitting next to them, or they assume that the foreigners would not like it. They probably become unusually sensitive because they are not used to living with foreigners at all.

My solo visit to Japan was lovely last year. I never felt so safe. They were actually very helpful during my vacation. I even had someone approach me because I looked lost and she assisted me. There was one train ride where a gentleman sitting next to me just stared at me. I just felt he was curious and probably never seen a black woman so close before. I also ended up making a Japanese friend from Kyoto during this time. Overall, I had a pleasant experience. They are peaceful and mind their business. I do one day want to reside in Japan.

I'd love to see the braiding experience in Japan if your braider is comfortable with that. I've been so curious!

4:42 This is one of the realest Black experiences. I will literally not go in my bag in stores [here in The States] for that simple reason. The amount of energy we was having to micro-adjust when we are moving through the world is exhausting. Japan is the most relax I’ve felt while roaming through a city/country. There a MANY times I’ve walked the streets of Tokyo late at night [night walking in Tokyo is one of the most peaceful thing you can do]. My husband and I are looking to leave the US [indefinitely] and Japan is high on the list of places to go. Every time Ive visited and left I feel like I’m leaving a piece of myself behind. I ❤ Japan

After researching moving abroad, I came across your Mexico videos and immediately loved your authenticity BUT THESE JAPAN VIDEOS are a wholllle different vibe. You definitely seem at home and what you are documenting is SOOO important! Keep staying true to your happiness. You’ve inspired me to really go after my passion of travel! ❤Thank you!!

I haven’t been to Japan before (dying to go though) but I’m a black American who’s lived in Singapore and traveled throughout Southeast Asia and North Africa and experienced the exact same thing feeling like a foreigner before being perceived as a black person. When I realized this I literally started weeping because I’d never experienced that before. It’s truly liberating and humanizing.

Everything I have seen and heard about Japan has been that the culture revolves around respect. There’s a curiosity with foreigners but a base level of respect we don’t see in other places. I’m happy theres a place that you feel black people can finally get the chance to breathe. I really wish that peace for everyone ❤️

You are pursuing your happiness, and I'm so glad I get to witness the journey. As a fellow black woman, it's great to hear that there are places where we can walk around with relative ease and go about our lives. I've been witnessing your experience since your days working for Lily (I hope I spelled that right, lol). Keep walking in the direction of your joy. 🗾❤️

In my short and limited experience in Japan, LOTS of people were staring but they were sooo QUICK about it! I was so impressed hhahaha. Like they would stare and then as soon as my eyes started to shift to their vicinity they would look away. I started to speed up how quickly I looked and I started to catch everyone hahaha. It didn't bother me and it never felt malacious though. I was very happy with people looking away when I caught their eyes versus doubling down on the staring. Now I personally didn't enjoy seeing so many Japanese people with dreads but hey.... Overall, definitely not a bad place for Black people at all!

im a back man and spent a month in tokyo last year, it was simply the best ive ever felt. will be returning in november, really a special city

I was stationed in Okinawa in 2012. I had no idea what I was about to experience when I was getting on the 14 and a half hour flight. When I landed and was all checked in in my command, I got to explore the island. I got to meet all the locals. I felt at home even more than in the states. Ever since I left in 2014 it's been calling back to me. I'll be back in September.

Enjoying watching your amazing journey! I really love your vibe! I briefly studied Japanese in college and ran away after a semester. Your videos have encouraged me to brush up on what I remember, which has been fun! I'm unfortunately unable to travel or hardly leave my home right now. I need double hip replacement and I'm also joyfully caretaking my non-ambulatory 94yr old Mom. Because my mobility is currently limited, I'm seeking out journeys like yours to do once I've recovered from surgery. I look forward to seeing more and I'm so glad I found you. You're truly inspiring me to think about my next chapter after this one. Thank you!🥰

You should document your braiding experience

あなたは　きれいな人です(σ*´∀｀)

My father was stationed (US Air Force) in Japan in the 1950s. We are from Boston, so he was not used to the racism and segregation that he experienced when he was stationed in the southern American states. When he was in Japan, he loved it! He felt very comfortable and did not feel racism like in the US. I'm loving your videos and really appreciate your sharing your experience.

❤Yes, we are at peace in Japan. I feel my daughter is safer there. People think my daughter is Hafu because she is so fluent. No it is not your color. BTW... I am darker than you, my kid is about your coloring. Everyone gets close to us on buses and trains. If you have a tattoo or your upper arms are expose, those are tabou. Do not wear scent.

Absolutely love these walk and talks, so refreshing to see videos like this.

Please document your hair braiding experience if you can. Us Black girls need it☺️🤎

I’m really glad to hear your experience w/r/t “catcalling”. As a male, I hate it and my daughters hate it too and to find peace from that is a blessing. Continued peace to you in that regard.🙏🏾

I've visited Japan twice so far. Once was back in 2004 on a study abroad and the 2nd time was in 2019 for my honeymoon. Japan is my favorite country to visit, I plan to keep going back and exploring as much of the country as I can. I have a cousin that has lived there over 20yrs and has married a local lady and settled down there. I feel similarly about your experiences as a black woman in Japan. I didn't experience racism (that I'm aware of) and people saw me as a foreigner 1st not a black person 1st and treated me well. Now, things are different if you're there short term (the longest I was there was 2 months) vs actually living there long term. The longer you're there, the more likely you'll encounter some racism b/c it's not like it doesn't exist. And I've heard from other black folks that live there of some racist experiences. And of course, mixed Japanese people that live there have stories about not being accepted as Japanese, even though they were born and raised there like any other Japanese person. Those are real issues and are not invalid just b/c I (and many others) haven't personally had a racist experience there. 2 things can be true at the same time. And Japan is not a utopia. However, for me, it's the ability to truly relax and just exist as myself without worrying about my skin color is one of the reasons I love my time in Japan. Sure, you might run into a racist person but it's just not an everyday experience and you don't need the constant vigilance to keep yourself safe there. I don't have to be worried about guns or crime and I can walk alone as a woman at night and not be afraid. I don't have to worry about how the police will treat me. It's an amazing thing to experience! So freeing! In Japan, I honestly feel free, safe, and seen as a person not a color. It's sad I have to leave my country to feel that. And all of the people I met there were kind, helpful, and sweet. I studied the language and that definitely helped to open more doors and meet people that maybe would have been too shy to speak to me. I found that if you're respectful and interested in Japanese culture and you try to speak Japanese (even if you don't know much) it goes a long way and you'll find lots of people treating you extremely well.

I agree! I loved the 2 years I lived in Japan. They mind their own business and so polite. 😊

Im 3rd generation Japanese American. 68 and moved to Hawaii from Cali when i was 40. Best thing I ever did. Took me a long time to truly find peace and now my heart is open and im being fulfilled in my trusting journey to return to One. Your journey resonates so strongly with me. I appreciate your sharing as its the topic of the day to find the truth and become it. Step by step your journey is mankind’s. Thank you for sharing your heart with us. Family of One Love.

I clicked on the video because it was recommended but your positivity and honesty led me to stay! Instantly subscribed.

Tbh I think you need to spend more time in Japan before making a black woman in Japan experience video. There's many levels of experience in Japan and tbh you're in the honey moon period. It's fun, it's enlighten and bliss, but it doesn't last forever.

I wouldn't label you as a "crybaby", there's nothing negative about letting emotions flow instead of storing them somewhere in your body ❤ the fact that you do it in front of us is actually a privilege. Thank you for the gift of vulnerability: by having the courage to do so, you empower others to do the same. ❤❤

Was it from the channel "Black Experience Japan"? I like the people he interviews!

Love you so much babes. It's so beautiful to see you continue to align with yourself spiritually, culturally, etc and to inspire us along the way. Keep it up!

as a person who’s living here all my life, at least i really don’t care about the color. yes it’s “different“ but nothing is “wrong”. therefore, no need for an unnecessary action. i live my life, you live your life. that’s it. honestly, japanese people are lot more judgmental towards their own people lol

Your videos bring me so much joy, Misako. They inspire me to seriously consider living abroad. Japan has always been a dream destination for me, and your experiences make it feel even more attainable. I can't wait to see more of your content. Thank you so much for sharing your journey and insights!

From the interviews I've watched with Japanese people, I get the feeling that as long as you integrate into their society, they don't have a problem with foreigners. One guy said that he felt embarrassed because when he sees a white person, he doesn't know where they're from. I laughed so loud at that comment because I'm white and I haven't got a clue either 😂😂 Thank you so much for your insightful videos 🫶

I really admire what you are doing with this channel and venturing off to another land by yourself. I was stationed in Misawa, Japan in the 90s and I truly loved it there! That was my favorite duty station. I visited Tokyo and met people from all over the world. I even saw Janet Jackson perform there! 😃 Keep doing what you are doing and inspiring others. I wish the best for you!

How were you able to move there? I am a retiree who, among other things, does not like the political unrest in this country in the last few years. I don't like the violence and am afraid just to go into a store for fear that something will happen. Mostly, I do not want to live under the rule of someone whose name I won't mention, but you may know! So I have heard of renting a place there, or even buying a moderately priced house or an akaya (spelling?) . I would be leaving family behind, but I think about my own well-being and if things should return back to "normal", then I would consider voting back but to visit only--nto to love back forever.

I think that Japanese are very respectful ❤❤❤

Japanese people are very careful and aware the US corruption & violence culture, we can't understand the consequences of being a Colony of the USA after Hiroshima, they are polite by nature but their culture belongs to Asia not Europe. Specially now with the collapse of the Dollar and many foreigners trying to live in Japan.

As for falling asleep on the train, I heard that the rhythm of the train tracks (the dun-dun sound) resembles a mother's heartbeat when a child is inside the womb, causing passengers to unintentionally relax. Not sure if this is true but on long train trips I do find myself nodding off.

From one anemia girly to any others who may be reading this, when I was preggo I was severely anemic. My midwife was like I don’t even know how you’re functioning with iron levels this low. She recommended adding some chlorophyll drops to my water, taking a supplement called hemaplex, and vitamin c. When I tell you that I started feeling LIKE A BRAND NEW WOMAN within like 4 days?!!! I mean that from the bottom of my heart lol! In like 2 weeks my iron levels were great! Idk about the long term efficacy of using those products by highly recommend researching them for anyone looking to improve their iron in a more natural way!

Respect is huge in Japanese society. It’s expected. Cannot truly understand Japan without a healthy understanding of respect. In America it seems one must earn respect first and with discrimination many are without that means of earning it from the getgo. Two opposing ways of life but only one that allows others the space to be. I think you understand that fear pervades all societies today along with racism. Pains me to see any of my people acting on their fears of the unknown. But they do. I believe your fears are an impetus to save yourself and i see you are. Step by step. Live your life. Talk again

Thanks. Another good video about your experiences in Japan. I have two comments/questions: 1. You said Blackman are not treated by Japanese police the same way they are in the USA. What is your statement based on. 2. You mentioned dating in Japan; were you referring to dating Japanese, dating foreigners of any country, dating people from the USA, or all of the above? Keep the good videos coming. 👍🏾👏🏾👍🏾👏🏾

Just found ur stuff. I like it. A real inspiration for me as I desire to live in Japan!

Wow, may God be with you 🎉, so sorry for the ignorant people in our world.

What we each experience is so important. At the same time there is a lot of writing on the history of black people in Japan that might be interesting to look into. It's kind of an obscure place to begin but I would recommend the short story 'Shiiku' by Kenzaburo Oe.

I just discovered you. I'm really enjoying your content 😊😊😊. Maybe people just want to give you space when your on the train. Tokyoites are used to AA people. As you know there is a marine base in Tokyo. Lots of tall muscular AA men! Love 💕 military guys

Yeeeeees keep going. I wish I could take this journey of moving to Japan but it is super isolating a place and I will not be able to survive alone there.

Ya! More Misako! I come home for lunch everyday, and got to watch your video while snuggling my chihuahua. Saludos desde Oregon! Also, you look so beautiful!

Hey Misako, I’m happy I just discovered your channel and thanks for sharing your experience. I solo traveled around Asia for 7 months last year and Japan was hands down one of my favorite countries. As a black gay man I was worried about the type of judgment and uncomfortable experiences that I would have faced. But the Japanese culture and people are some of the kindest and most respectful individuals I came across. I know everyone’s experience is different, but I’m happy to see how amazing this new chapter is going for you. Sending lots of love and positive vibes and I’m excited to see where your journey takes you ❤️

ミサコさんは、日本人とのハーフなんですか？

I lived in Japan for 2 years and I did not experienced anything negative. They are always so kind and willing to help. Also my hairdresser was a Japanese women she was amazing.

I just love your videos!!

Aww don't cry we love u !

You're so inspiring!

The good thing about Japan is everybody minds there own business (people don’t stare at you) … But I’m a foreigner and in Japan a foreigner is a foreigner …But I love Japan I love Tokyo… Some bars & restaurants didn’t let me in but ehh I took it as a compliment …I can t trip I look like a Filipino Juggernaut lol… I wouldn’t let myself in either… I didn’t mind thoe I went there and partied hard and ate the best food ever… VIVA LA TOKYO 💪🏽🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵

Thanks for sharing your experiences there. Japan is one of the countries that is on my shortlist for visiting as a black woman looking to exit America ASAP

in your last video you mentioned that your grandmother is Japanese. Is it just your grandmother who is? Would you say that affects how you view being black in Japan?

I'm loving your videos! I'm a woman who's currently living across the way in South Korea, and I feel similar parallels regarding feeling safe and secure. You hit the nail on the head about the catcalling! I love that I can just BE and no one bothers me or harasses me. I used to live in NYC for a couple of years and it was exhausting being a woman and having to deal with inappropriate men. Unfortunately, being a black woman, it's disheartening to say that this catcalling came mostly from other black men. I visited Japan back in 2011; I was in Fukuoka, and I felt the same level of safety and unbotheredness there too. Leaving the U.S. has been the best act of self-care and self-love. And from your other video about life in Tokyo, in Korea as well, you'll see kids of all ages out late at night leaving their academies. I saw a 6 yr old girl out at 10pm a couple of weeks ago on her scooter. She was safe and unbothered. Children here are safe and have a greater level of independence that I feel many kids and adolescents in the U.S. aren't able to have in the U.S. because of the climate of violence which is getting worse. The way my parents and grandparents could go out and play and not be worried about so much is definitely disappearing in the U.S., which is sad. I feel this causes parents to shelter their kids more which I don't feel is helping their children have and develop a sense of independence like I see here in Korea. My dream is to raise children here in Asia so that I don't have to worry about their safety. Keep doing what you're doing and we all are rooting for you!

Hi. I really enjoy your vlogs. There is another RU-vidr named Sundai Love, who also lives in Japan ,she is also from California and she happens to be a Black Women. I hope you are able to connect with her. She has lived there for many years and she is a cool vibe.

You are so sweet thank you for sharing. Stay blessed. And I hope you document getting your hair braided.

I’m leaving in Japan for 2yrs. Yeah it’s not like in the USA. But Yes they do have some people who stare when they see foreigners. Specially if you leave in the residential area the older people always they stare at you. Which house you live in and what you are doing how you throw your trash because it’s a big deal in Japan to sort out your trash. So you always have to be careful how you throw trash. All the trash is disposed in colored plastic bags. Also when you Rent a house or apartment. most of them say no foreigners. It’s really difficult to find apartments or houses to rent in Japan. Of course the racism is not like the USA. But you see it in the polite way. Overall the Japanese people are very nice and polite always willing to help the younger generation.

Recently discovered the channel, and I'm loving your videos ❤️‍🔥 Visiting Japan has been a dream of mine since I was a kid, and the opportunity just fell into my lap last summer. It was a solo trip (my first trip abroad) that I'll remember forever. One thing I was most surprised about were the lack of stares 😂 I was sure I'd stick out like a sore thumb. I'm a Black American with multiple ear piercings and a nose ring, and despite that, everyone I interacted with were kind and welcoming. I even got to practice my Japanese 😭 I will say, the part about being in a store with a bag, and having to reach into your bag is definitely a sentiment I felt. Often times here in the States, it's a definitely a thought in my mind to keep my hands out of my bag unless I really need something and to make it's clearly visible that I'm not putting anything into my bag. It crossed my mind once or twice while in Japan, but then I noticed I was being treated like a normal customer 🥲 I look forward to my next visit!

Totally agree with everything you said in this video........

thank you for sharing I'm actually an outsaider. I don't really know both situation in US and Japan. I don't have a reall expiriense. but I watch bunch of video from people here and there. Maybe some people really experienced racism but maybe some of situations was like projecting or thay were triggered by somth. because of their previous experience. so, in those caces it was more about their trauma than about real situation around I think. so I think taking care of yourself is the best that everyone can do for themselves and others as well. to heal yourself to treat yourself as a value part of Creation. and be in the place where you found the connection with this meaning is a fortune. I hope it does make sense.

You are so encouraging and you show me honesty really relieves anxiety ❤

I love your channel so much, from the content to how relaxing your voice is. I hope your braiding experience goes well!

Hi Misako, how are you? Thank you for sharing your experiences. I am learning more about Japan from different eyes. It is uplifting to hear a positive perspective on how you are treated better in Japan. Nihonjin by nature are peaceful people.

the wanting to reach for your phone in a shop to translate resonated with me, especially as a man. i'm currently back visiting japan for a few months as i'm writing this, as someone who doesn't have any japanese blood at all so to speak, you point about it feeling like home hit home for me.

You are so sweet thank you for sharing. Stay blessed.

Enjoy your transparency, just honest conversation, thank you for sharing.

awwww you are the sweetest gal. I feel the same as you and that is why I need to stick around. You honestly have set me on my journey of self love and knowing I am worth something. Thank you

I have never gone but we want to go for our honeymoon. Heard it is very safe and clean the language is the biggest barrier.

You're brave and amazing! Hang in there!🎉

WHY AM I CRYING?!?? LOVE YOU.

I’ve been to Japan 2 times, saw 17 cities, towns in Honshu and Kyushu. Leaving for a 3rd trip next week. Something must be wrong with me, because I’ve never once experienced the “don’t sit next to the foreigner” situation I heard some people mention. Keep up the great work. Keep growing.

i love you endlessly and forever my girl

Sending a Feather to you ❤

I went to Japan last month and LOVED it. I also resonate with feeling foreign before feeling Black in most places outside the U.S. I didn't notice people not wanting to sit with me on the metro. In fact, I didn't want them to and they still did lol. We have a lot in common, Black, an introvert from Pittsburgh, hasn't lived in the U.S. in 20 years. Japan was amazing to me.

I was in Japan in 2016. I have several friends who have lived and worked in Japan for several years. 1 worked as a software engineer in tech for quite some time. I would say his and my experience was quite similar. I never once was stopped and questioned if I belong, not by police, not by coworkers and not by locals. Here in the states its at least a monthly occurrence. In Kyoto late at night, I once was stopped by a bouncer at a bar who said no foreigners allowed. However once he heard our Japanese he let us in. Just being able to exist without question was really nice

By the way, the story you shared about the girls in your last post, saying they didn't like 'black people' and you were awake and heard them continuing about it, and you lay there not wanting to move to pretend you were asleep really broke my heart. Ok, whew, I'll not go further on that. Hugs!!

Your point is well taken. I think digital nomads (especially from the West) should always acknowledge the economic and diplomatic privileges that enable them to move abroad, though, even when/if we face racial discrimination.

Why do people think that you must be a racist because you don’t want to interact with them. Lord knows that there are many of my own people I would not want to be on the same train with, much less the same seat. I think most people are comfortable with like minded people most of the time. If I think you might have the potential to be loud or obnoxious I’m probably not going to be excited about being close to you. Someday we will understand that the word racism was used way too much.

I know I'm generalizing here, but you're not the typical gregarious, loud and confrontational that is common within black communities (that you are escaping from?). Your soft-spoken demeanor, introspection and introvertion are more aligned with Japanese and Asian values which is why you find yourself blending in and enjoying these environments despite looking different. Other black women and men with similar values and mindset would feel the same like you. But you guys are in the minority of your "community". If more and more black people regardless of their core values move to here, I think it will become harder for someone like you to live in Asia. Keep doing what you do and i wish you all the best!

❤