japanese culture (foreigner perspective)

as the other thread talks about Japan from a citizen's perspective which would obviously be nationalistic in nature. I will talk about Japan from an ex-international student/cultural exchange student perspective. I spent considerable time in Tokyo, Ibaraki prefecture and also in Osaka University.

1. Hostility towards foreigners is present and rampant - they want you to enjoy Japan as a tourist because tourism means $$ but their policies prohibit anyone to actually find a job and settle down in Japan. If you are an immigrant, options in Europe and North America absolutely clear. Wonder why people had a difficulty getting visas for playing in Masters Tokyo?

2. Racism : whenever this topic is brought up, people usually bash USA and other western countries but the racism in Asian countries especially in Japan and South Korea is unbelievably bad aswell. In Japan, there has been an increase in the number of hafu or mixed- race Japanese people , but they are heavily discriminated against and the whole concept of a pure blood is there. In comparison, I would say countries like Germany have done a great job of improving even if they had a similar fascist history. Yes, "Kyedae" who cannot stop talking about Japan, is actually an hafu.

3. Expensive AF : It seems like in Tokyo there is no concept of a maximum retail price on any daily use consumable products.. you will find atrocious prices for simple things. Living in Tokyo is not possible, the rooms or apartments are smaller than prison cells.

4. The Majime image: Working hard is certainly a good virtue but Japanese people take it to another level . For example , sleeping on trains is considered a sign of a diligent hard working Japanese person. This usually means extremely toxic workplaces. Also there is a hierarchy everywhere - you are not supposed to question your seniors (senpai) if they are wrong. Most people cannot leave their workplaces until their seniors have done so.

There are nice things but they have already been noted in the other thread. I didnt really mean to bash Japan as I did enjoy my stay there.. but given the perspective of Japan from outside, I feel alot of people dont appreciate their own countries and falsely fantasize a few. I just wanted to note that no country is perfect.

You are right, there is definitely a culture that discriminates against half people. I also experienced it in my childhood.
I would like to talk to you and if you don't mind, let me know on Twitter.

i think its due to the fact that jp and kr have been single-race countries for a really long time, hence the racism. Although sometimes its quite blatant and awful to see and needs to change.

True. I want to add that you can still enjoy the nice parts of a culture while being aware of the uglier side. For me, I recently started getting more into Japanese culture and it just gives me a "feel good" vibe. Like, the food, music, design/architecture, vtubing culture (though idol culture has it's flaws yes, I like seeing people do what they like without being ashamed) are all things that make me happier for some reason. In short, enjoy what you can about a culture, but don't be ignorant :D

That's why i love korea 🇮🇳♥️🇰🇷

Ara Ara

everything is great from afar :smart;

these were some great points. thanks for sharing.

My dad worked in Japan as a consultant for Accenture. Although the accenture office wasnt as bad the other offices that he visited for meetings were really bad. Everyone looked dead and meetings were held as late as 12 in the night some times. A man from India which is already known for its overworked corporate culture being apalled by Japans work culture kind of gives you the jist.

The only way to get better working conditions is by enduring and gaining experience. There is a sense of a superiority complext to elder workers even if they are in the same position.