An Observation As A Gaijin (Foreigner) in Japan
When landing in Japan, one of the first things you will probably notice is that Japan is… Japanese. According to data from the CIA world factbook (see citation), Japan is 98.5% Japanese, about 0.5% Chinese, 0.4% Korean, and the remainder “other”, although other consists of a considerable amount of Americans, Europeans, etc. Due to Japan’s homogeneity (Korea is also homogeneous) it is really easy to spot a foreigner. In part due to my homesickness, I have smiled every time I have seen a fellow gaijin whether we were sitting on the subway, walking down the street, or even just overhearing them speak English. In recent days, I noticed one key thing that never occurs in America. Here’s more on that.
To be clear, this is not a complaint. I am very appreciative for everyone I have met on this trip for speaking English when I needed it. I feel bad for not speaking enough Japanese but I am thankful nonetheless.
Throughout my short time in Japan, I’ve noticed that whenever I step into a restaurant, I am either provided with an 英語メニュー (English Menu) or am served by a waiter who speaks English. While I want to improve my Japanese as I explore Tokyo and study at TUJ, I am grateful for everyone who has helped me out in this way. What I find fascinating is this has been based entirely off of my appearance. As mentioned earlier, Japan is a homogeneous country and foreigners are a rare sight. Because of my appearance, I am often provided some form of service in English. In the United States, especially in California, if any restaurant staff ever provided a foreign language menu to someone who didn’t look like an American or started speaking a different language, people would start shouting racism! Why is this? I am not an expert on the matter, but I am a firm believer of America being a melting pot, where people from different backgrounds mix and mingle and “melt” into one. Essentially, anyone can become an American. In Japan, however, I have often heard from several Japanese students and teachers that gaijin will forever be gaijin. If you are a foreigner, you will never be viewed as a Japanese.
I guess I’m thinking about cultural sensitivity a little bit. In my view, all of those wait staff who have provided me with English menus or even spoke to me in English are just being considerate. To me, it’s not racism or even discrimination, it’s just consideration. Every Japanese person I have met has mentioned that they understand how difficult it is to learn a new language and that even they have trouble with reading Kanji (Chinese characters). I have been thinking a lot about two things as a result of these experiences. First, I regret not learning a second language when I was younger. In most parts of the world, such as France and Japan, kids start learning English (or another language) at about age 10. In the US, not so much. As one gets older, it becomes even more difficult to learn a second language. A 10-year-old’s brain is more neuroplastic than a 17-year-old’s brain. Second, I have been thinking about how these situations would be viewed in the States. Based off of what I have learned through some of my classes, as well as the diversity movement on most college campuses, I would assume that there would be cries of racism or discrimination. I believe this is due to the diversity of the United States as a nation. As mentioned earlier, we are a melting pot where different people come together and assimilate to become Americans.
At the end of the day, I am forever thankful for those Japanese people who have helped me by speaking English or by providing me with English menus. To those who spoke English, I am so thankful for your years of hard work and study so you could help me order a dessert cocktail. I’m sorry I have not done my part to return the favor.
Just because some strangers may help you by speaking English does NOT mean you shouldn’t learn at least some key phrases of the host culture. I have been trying my best to speak as much Japanese as I can. Whichever country you decide to visit one day, you should at least try to speak the language.
EDIT February 4, 2018: Updated the spelling of 英語メニュー.
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