moving to Japan

[cg]

Hello,

I'm a college student and I'll be going abroad to Japan but I have been hearing all these horror stories about the unfriendliness towards foreigners and how clothes run on the tiny side. Anyone have any comments on that? I'm an American but my I have a French/Hispanic background, which makes me stand out even here in the states because of my medium skin color and auburn hair. I'm a little worried of going to a place so different from everything I know and being treated in an unfriendly way. I'm also worried about what to bring to Japan. I initially thought of not bringing many clothes to Japan, instead buying them over there, but I'm 5'10 and I'm also worrying that I won't find anything to wear! If anyone has any comments, please reply, I need advice!

[trip_hop]

There is discrimination and unfriendliness, but probably not that much more than you would have in the US. There are a number of second and third generation Japanese of Brazilian descent here now, possibly of similar appearance to you, and they are almost invisible. My Asian- and African-American friends complain about the glass wall in American society. On an individual level, it depends more on who you are and how you behave than any nationalistic perception, though at the general level, other Asians and Africans are looked down at, North Americans and Europeans are looked up to, and the US attracts the usual love/hate extreme opinions. You could well encounter more hostility from other foreigners!

Clothes can be a problem, sleeve length is usually the biggest issue, while the local cut is not designed for big-a**ed Americans, and of course shoes are limited, but Landsend and similar suppliers are available here or through the mail; there are "big" sections in many departments too.

On the positive side, you are showing great social awareness and sensitivity, unlike many of your fellow travellers, so you should be OK. Remember not to keep thinking of sentences starting, "Back home....."

Adapt, tolerate, integrate, but don't sell your soul - and you'll be OK here.

Good luck

Trip Hop (Ms.)

[harvey]

If you are a college student going to study abroad, I think you'll find the 'discrimination' of a very different sort.

I was in Japan for a year as an exchange student, I'm African American. First of all, in Japan, especially among young college types, foreigners are considered to be 'cool'. Everyone will want to know you, and be your friend and what not just because of the color of your skin. I don't think you'll be seeing much unfriendliness, or direct negative discrimination from your classmates.

In adult society on the other hand, things are more along the lines of what TripHop said.