Comments on: The Gaijin 12-Step Program http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/the-gaijin-12-step-program You don't learn a language, you get used to it. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 04:27:01 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Mets http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/the-gaijin-12-step-program#comment-181317 Mets Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:52:40 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/?p=295#comment-181317 About gaijin... It's not a horrible word, but to avoid controversy, you might as well just use gaikokujin. It's not so hard to say an extra two syllables... About gaijin… It’s not a horrible word, but to avoid controversy, you might as well just use gaikokujin. It’s not so hard to say an extra two syllables…

Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: Target Language Friends | Learning Russian http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/the-gaijin-12-step-program#comment-119780 Target Language Friends | Learning Russian Tue, 26 Jul 2011 13:30:59 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/?p=295#comment-119780 [...] This is a very old AJATT article, in which Khatzumoto essentially tells everyone to drop their pretensions and how to make the most out of living in Japan. The comments, however, are almost all about just how racist is the word ‘gaijin’ anyway, and how difficult/easy it is to make Japanese friends. Now, I don’t know about the Japanese, but I spent a year in Moscow, so I know about the Russians. For the most part, they have a welcoming and friendly, if not unpredictable, society (at least the young ones in the nice parts of town). So why was it so hard to talk to Russian people in Russian? [...] [...] This is a very old AJATT article, in which Khatzumoto essentially tells everyone to drop their pretensions and how to make the most out of living in Japan. The comments, however, are almost all about just how racist is the word ‘gaijin’ anyway, and how difficult/easy it is to make Japanese friends. Now, I don’t know about the Japanese, but I spent a year in Moscow, so I know about the Russians. For the most part, they have a welcoming and friendly, if not unpredictable, society (at least the young ones in the nice parts of town). So why was it so hard to talk to Russian people in Russian? [...]

Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: ダンちゃん http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/the-gaijin-12-step-program#comment-95589 ダンちゃん Sat, 30 Apr 2011 09:14:29 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/?p=295#comment-95589 Two and a half years two late reply ftw, woot! So yeah. Ditto. I've been here for a month so far, got to know a whole heck of Japanese people, and not a single one has attempted to use me for English practice. The only time I hear English spoken is when I'm around foreigners, or if a foreigner enters our group who has a poor grasp of Japanese. Two and a half years two late reply ftw, woot!

So yeah. Ditto. I’ve been here for a month so far, got to know a whole heck of Japanese people, and not a single one has attempted to use me for English practice. The only time I hear English spoken is when I’m around foreigners, or if a foreigner enters our group who has a poor grasp of Japanese.

Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: Lucas http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/the-gaijin-12-step-program#comment-75579 Lucas Thu, 03 Feb 2011 13:50:19 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/?p=295#comment-75579 He wrote Mr.Moto 元 from 勝元 He wrote Mr.Moto
元 from 勝元

Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: serge http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/the-gaijin-12-step-program#comment-75390 serge Wed, 02 Feb 2011 15:15:50 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/?p=295#comment-75390 Hey, I just started learning the Chinese characters, was it Mr. Dollar or Mr. Yuan you wanted to write? Just seemed strange, that's all Hey, I just started learning the Chinese characters, was it Mr. Dollar or Mr. Yuan you wanted to write? Just seemed strange, that’s all

Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: Ｅａｓｔｗｏｏｄ http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/the-gaijin-12-step-program#comment-75196 Ｅａｓｔｗｏｏｄ Tue, 01 Feb 2011 12:40:08 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/?p=295#comment-75196 Also, greetings from my snow fortress in 青森県! (^-^)/ Also, greetings from my snow fortress in 青森県! (^-^)/

Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: Ｅａｓｔｗｏｏｄ http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/the-gaijin-12-step-program#comment-75195 Ｅａｓｔｗｏｏｄ Tue, 01 Feb 2011 12:36:57 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/?p=295#comment-75195 Ｈｏｗｄｙ　Ｍｒ．元, Just wanted to drop a post and say and explain my thanks! I jumped onto your method right after this past Christmas. I found a pretty good pace, but recently, I binged. 100 new items a day /is not/ the correct pace for me, atm, anyway. It was a great high for the day that it lasted, but the next day, and the day after that, and the day after that, and now a week later, I'm paying for not staying on top of my reviews. So, as usual, I came back to your site to see if you had posted the secret magical formula to instant Japanese (a stable USB port in the back of the head /would/ be nice). And lo and behold! I rediscovered it. Just do it. #2 in this post really hit me. I feel like I've read most of your posts, but I keep finding more gold mines. Just restating it is sometimes all that I need to get back on the horse. So, thanks for being prolific and for keeping the site up. Here's to hoping more people will read before they start to ask about that which you've already made available to them. Ｈｏｗｄｙ　Ｍｒ．元,

Just wanted to drop a post and say and explain my thanks! I jumped onto your method right after this past Christmas. I found a pretty good pace, but recently, I binged. 100 new items a day /is not/ the correct pace for me, atm, anyway. It was a great high for the day that it lasted, but the next day, and the day after that, and the day after that, and now a week later, I’m paying for not staying on top of my reviews. So, as usual, I came back to your site to see if you had posted the secret magical formula to instant Japanese (a stable USB port in the back of the head /would/ be nice). And lo and behold! I rediscovered it. Just do it. #2 in this post really hit me. I feel like I’ve read most of your posts, but I keep finding more gold mines. Just restating it is sometimes all that I need to get back on the horse.

So, thanks for being prolific and for keeping the site up. Here’s to hoping more people will read before they start to ask about that which you’ve already made available to them.

Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: Jon http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/the-gaijin-12-step-program#comment-49567 Jon Fri, 23 Jul 2010 07:19:13 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/?p=295#comment-49567 Hey Khatz, Cool article as ususal. I totally know where your coming from! Although, I do reckon that you don't give Tokyoites enough credit though. I mean there is nothing cooler than being able to relax on the train with your fellow sardines, enjoying the aircon, and just be in your own little world, which is pretty much where people from Tokyo are most of the time in my experience. Also, they are pretty cool about things that I imagine that townies might be less inclined to let slide (you can pretty much be whatever you want to be here with no sterotyping, OMG what is she/he wearing!, etc., which is nifty too!). Finally, don't forget the old one JET/ALT to one town situation that some gaijin get themselves into - I think sometimes being the star of the show can be pretty detrimental yo! (I'm talking about being the unofficial town idol with a similar lack of privacy and often just as many photos - with the whole expectation that you will be just like your fellow Japanese educator co-workers - moderately respectful closet alcholics [just kidding alchy thing]). Well, laterz, Jon. Hey Khatz,

Cool article as ususal. I totally know where your coming from! Although, I do reckon that you don’t give Tokyoites enough credit though. I mean there is nothing cooler than being able to relax on the train with your fellow sardines, enjoying the aircon, and just be in your own little world, which is pretty much where people from Tokyo are most of the time in my experience. Also, they are pretty cool about things that I imagine that townies might be less inclined to let slide (you can pretty much be whatever you want to be here with no sterotyping, OMG what is she/he wearing!, etc., which is nifty too!). Finally, don’t forget the old one JET/ALT to one town situation that some gaijin get themselves into – I think sometimes being the star of the show can be pretty detrimental yo! (I’m talking about being the unofficial town idol with a similar lack of privacy and often just as many photos – with the whole expectation that you will be just like your fellow Japanese educator co-workers – moderately respectful closet alcholics [just kidding alchy thing]).

Well, laterz,

Jon.

Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: Politeness ruining your L2LE [L2 Language Environment]? « A Place in Your Life http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/the-gaijin-12-step-program#comment-45729 Politeness ruining your L2LE [L2 Language Environment]? « A Place in Your Life Fri, 18 Jun 2010 04:11:43 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/?p=295#comment-45729 [...] okay I can’t avoid it. I have to make one more digression by quoting Khatz: “Stay away from foreigners. No, poor word choice. Just, avoid clumping with foreigners…Still poor word choice. OK, here: go [...] [...] okay I can’t avoid it. I have to make one more digression by quoting Khatz: “Stay away from foreigners. No, poor word choice. Just, avoid clumping with foreigners…Still poor word choice. OK, here: go [...]

Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: Locohama http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/the-gaijin-12-step-program#comment-44520 Locohama Wed, 02 Jun 2010 03:48:00 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/?p=295#comment-44520 Well said! And your writing style is very entertaining. I really have a low tolerance for complainers. Not because I think there is nothing to complain about here. If you live here you know that is not the case. I just think that if people channeled the energy it takes to complain into something more productive like, as you mentioned, learning the language, then they'd have less to complain about. I used to complain quite a bit (as anyone who reads my blog can attest to) but I try/tried my best to make my complainng at least entertaining...and at best well thought out and thoroughly valid. I think that's key. It's also key to be entertaining when you're tearing complainers a new one. You run the risk of sounding like an obtuse jerk with a kanji dictionary shoved up his arse. Your style avoids that designation, though. Well done! Loco Well said! And your writing style is very entertaining.
I really have a low tolerance for complainers. Not because I think there is nothing to complain about here. If you live here you know that is not the case. I just think that if people channeled the energy it takes to complain into something more productive like, as you mentioned, learning the language, then they’d have less to complain about. I used to complain quite a bit (as anyone who reads my blog can attest to) but I try/tried my best to make my complainng at least entertaining…and at best well thought out and thoroughly valid. I think that’s key. It’s also key to be entertaining when you’re tearing complainers a new one. You run the risk of sounding like an obtuse jerk with a kanji dictionary shoved up his arse. Your style avoids that designation, though. Well done!
Loco

Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: fosho http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/the-gaijin-12-step-program#comment-43521 fosho Thu, 20 May 2010 09:30:38 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/?p=295#comment-43521 Dam you funny! Seriously, very entertaining post and straight up correct. Dam you funny! Seriously, very entertaining post and straight up correct.

Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: Fadlan http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/the-gaijin-12-step-program#comment-30637 Fadlan Fri, 01 Jan 2010 10:58:05 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/?p=295#comment-30637 Haha wow Gr8 article... I'm1/4 Japanese and have studying the language for about 9mounths, however 2munths ago I've scraped all my text books and Im learning like 1000000x faster thnx man! Haha wow Gr8 article… I’m1/4 Japanese and have studying the language for about 9mounths, however 2munths ago I’ve scraped all my text books and Im learning like 1000000x faster thnx man!

Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: Wisam http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/the-gaijin-12-step-program#comment-29748 Wisam Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:42:55 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/?p=295#comment-29748 I think you mean google "外人" in google images, right, right? ;-) I think you mean google “外人” in google images, right, right? ;-)

Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: Faustian Slip http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/the-gaijin-12-step-program#comment-27608 Faustian Slip Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:49:27 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/?p=295#comment-27608 Interesting post. I agreed with some of it, but to hop on the gaijin train, I'm going to side with those who say that while it's not the N-word, it's not as innocent as you're making it out to be, either. Personally, while I was living in Japan, whether I got offended by the use of the word "gaijin" depended a lot on context. I'm not stupid- I can tell whether someone's using it because that's just what they've always called foreigners, and they don't realize that it can be offensive and whether they're using "gaijin" as a substitute for "asshole." For instance, while in Japan, I studied kendo. This was a club made up entirely of Japanese. I went for rank testing, and it was also an all-Japanese gig. During the testing, one of the judges, an older guy who had made a couple of cracks to/about me being a foreigner before we really got going, called for me by going, "Oi, gaijin!" Now, I was just going to let it go (despite the fact that my name was in big katakana right on my belt, which he could see), but before I had a chance to say or do anything, my coach jumped in and corrected the guy on the spot, saying, "Don't call her 'gaijin.' Her name is 'Faustian Slip.'" That wasn't the first time I heard one Japanese correct another for using "gaijin," and it wasn't the last, but it sealed my opinion that there are definitely some negative connotations to the word, and people trying to pretend that it has <i>no</i> undertones of racism are (no offense) fooling themselves. Now, does that mean I went around flying into a rage every time I heard that word used? Of course not- like I said, it's about context. But I never used it around my students (at the request of one of the Japanese teachers of English- again, why ask people to avoid using it if there's nothing wrong with the word?) or used it myself in interactions with Japanese people, because I do think it promotes a xenophobic attitude towards foreigners, and I'd prefer it to fall out of use on its own. To me, the word "gaijin" is somewhat analogous the Hebrew/Yiddish "goy." Is the word <i>inherently</i> racist, by definition? No, but it can certainly be racist by connotation, and its frequent association with negative situations and characteristics isn't exactly accidental. You see this far more in ultra-Orthodox/Hasidic circles, fortunately, but the fact that the word's definition isn't discriminatory doesn't mean that the word hasn't gradually adopted a negative connotation. Do I go on a verbal rampage any time I hear someone throwing around the word "goy" (which, being that I don't live in a Yiddish-speaking community and attend a progressive synagogue, isn't often)? No, but I won't use it myself, and my friends know that I don't care for it and so don't use it around me. There are other, better and more accurate ways to refer to non-Jewish people when the need arises, just as there are better and more accurate ways to refer to non-Japanese. Oh, and I have little use for Tokyo, but Osaka is made of win. Interesting post. I agreed with some of it, but to hop on the gaijin train, I’m going to side with those who say that while it’s not the N-word, it’s not as innocent as you’re making it out to be, either. Personally, while I was living in Japan, whether I got offended by the use of the word “gaijin” depended a lot on context. I’m not stupid- I can tell whether someone’s using it because that’s just what they’ve always called foreigners, and they don’t realize that it can be offensive and whether they’re using “gaijin” as a substitute for “*******.”

For instance, while in Japan, I studied kendo. This was a club made up entirely of Japanese. I went for rank testing, and it was also an all-Japanese gig. During the testing, one of the judges, an older guy who had made a couple of cracks to/about me being a foreigner before we really got going, called for me by going, “Oi, gaijin!” Now, I was just going to let it go (despite the fact that my name was in big katakana right on my belt, which he could see), but before I had a chance to say or do anything, my coach jumped in and corrected the guy on the spot, saying, “Don’t call her ‘gaijin.’ Her name is ‘Faustian Slip.’” That wasn’t the first time I heard one Japanese correct another for using “gaijin,” and it wasn’t the last, but it sealed my opinion that there are definitely some negative connotations to the word, and people trying to pretend that it has no undertones of racism are (no offense) fooling themselves. Now, does that mean I went around flying into a rage every time I heard that word used? Of course not- like I said, it’s about context. But I never used it around my students (at the request of one of the Japanese teachers of English- again, why ask people to avoid using it if there’s nothing wrong with the word?) or used it myself in interactions with Japanese people, because I do think it promotes a xenophobic attitude towards foreigners, and I’d prefer it to fall out of use on its own.

To me, the word “gaijin” is somewhat analogous the Hebrew/Yiddish “goy.” Is the word inherently racist, by definition? No, but it can certainly be racist by connotation, and its frequent association with negative situations and characteristics isn’t exactly accidental. You see this far more in ultra-Orthodox/Hasidic circles, fortunately, but the fact that the word’s definition isn’t discriminatory doesn’t mean that the word hasn’t gradually adopted a negative connotation. Do I go on a verbal rampage any time I hear someone throwing around the word “goy” (which, being that I don’t live in a Yiddish-speaking community and attend a progressive synagogue, isn’t often)? No, but I won’t use it myself, and my friends know that I don’t care for it and so don’t use it around me. There are other, better and more accurate ways to refer to non-Jewish people when the need arises, just as there are better and more accurate ways to refer to non-Japanese.

Oh, and I have little use for Tokyo, but Osaka is made of win.

Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: Daniel http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/the-gaijin-12-step-program#comment-24626 Daniel Thu, 10 Sep 2009 01:27:58 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/?p=295#comment-24626 I'm gonna have to disagree with the last point on Tokyo being dirty/smelly and a bad place to live. I have personally lived in Tokyo for 9 years and I think you just have to know where to look to find the goodies. I suppose it also depends on personal preference. I’m gonna have to disagree with the last point on Tokyo being dirty/smelly and a bad place to live. I have personally lived in Tokyo for 9 years and I think you just have to know where to look to find the goodies.

I suppose it also depends on personal preference.

Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: dkoleary http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/the-gaijin-12-step-program#comment-24625 dkoleary Thu, 10 Sep 2009 01:25:27 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/?p=295#comment-24625 I'm gonna have to disagree with the last point on Tokyo being dirty/smelly and a bad place to live. I have personally lived in Tokyo for 9 years and I think you just have to know where to look to find the goodies. I suppose it also depends on personal preference. I’m gonna have to disagree with the last point on Tokyo being dirty/smelly and a bad place to live. I have personally lived in Tokyo for 9 years and I think you just have to know where to look to find the goodies. I suppose it also depends on personal preference.

Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: Verdant http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/the-gaijin-12-step-program#comment-22709 Verdant Wed, 22 Jul 2009 07:46:39 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/?p=295#comment-22709 You really hit the nail on the head with this post. I dropped Japanese years ago because of personal baggage. I recently decided to pick it back up with a fresh perspective. I'm starting slowly, since I'm learning another language at the moment (Afrikaans). Your site has reminded me of all the GOOD things that got me interested in Japanese in the first place. You really hit the nail on the head with this post. I dropped Japanese years ago because of personal baggage. I recently decided to pick it back up with a fresh perspective. I’m starting slowly, since I’m learning another language at the moment (Afrikaans). Your site has reminded me of all the GOOD things that got me interested in Japanese in the first place.

Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: austria-jin http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/the-gaijin-12-step-program#comment-18240 austria-jin Sat, 11 Apr 2009 17:33:47 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/?p=295#comment-18240 thank you... just... thank you... i was just watching the two videos from you and that friend of yours, went on youtube, and watched some of the related videos, where they show signs with stuff like "no foreigners allowed" "japanese only" it scared the sh** out of me... then i went back here and found this blog-entry you always tend to cheer me up, khatzumoto... i usually don't like fanboyism, but you, sir... are one of my internet-super heroes <3 thank you… just… thank you…
i was just watching the two videos from you and that friend of yours,
went on youtube, and watched some of the related videos, where they show signs with stuff like “no foreigners allowed” “japanese only”
it scared the sh** out of me…
then i went back here and found this blog-entry
you always tend to cheer me up, khatzumoto…
i usually don’t like fanboyism, but you, sir… are one of my internet-super heroes <3

Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: Eric http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/the-gaijin-12-step-program#comment-13925 Eric Sat, 06 Dec 2008 14:04:22 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/?p=295#comment-13925 Awesome list! I especially identified with the 外人 part as it drives me up the wall when foreigners act like Japanese people are flinging racial slurs at them on a daily basis. But overall it is in the nature of expat communities to complain, it's not just japan. Nevertheless after moving to the far East I've found that if you know the language (rule #2) and interact with the Japanese public at large as opposed to going to popular expat hangouts like Roppongi, the kinds of foreigners you run into are very different then what you come across on online message boards. Awesome list!

I especially identified with the 外人 part as it drives me up the wall when foreigners act like Japanese people are flinging racial slurs at them on a daily basis. But overall it is in the nature of expat communities to complain, it’s not just japan.

Nevertheless after moving to the far East I’ve found that if you know the language (rule #2) and interact with the Japanese public at large as opposed to going to popular expat hangouts like Roppongi, the kinds of foreigners you run into are very different then what you come across on online message boards.

Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: Diana http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/the-gaijin-12-step-program#comment-12168 Diana Fri, 24 Oct 2008 14:53:54 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/?p=295#comment-12168 I loved u mentioning about Japanese Americans. I am 4th generation Japanese American and YES I have been asked in America where did I learn English. sighs. And I disagree with Pook... I think the correct terminology IS concentration camp. It was a concentration of Japanese Americans. I'm not saying it was a Nazi death camp--and those were concentration camps too. Those camps were a concentration of Jews, except that was more for genocidal purposes. While the ones in America weren't genocidal...many people also unnecessarily died in the American concentration camps because of the lack of health care, etc. :( I also disagree with Roderik. Of course I identify as Japanese American, and/or Asian American! Not everyone in America has the exact same experience, thus you need to make distinctions to know what is being talked about. I am in Japan right now, exploring my roots. My family speaks ZERO Japanese, and I was surprised to learn recently that my grandparents spoke it very well, even though while they were alive, I never ever heard them speak a word of it, except if you count saying "sushi" or some other food names. They after all were born here, and went through the the scary racism during WWII which made them not want to speak Japanese for fear of more racism than there already was. Anyways, I am experiencing what it's like to be an actual foreigner here in Japan. When people thought I was a foreigner in America I was pretty annoyed, but now when people realize I am a foreigner here, and comment how good I am at chopsticks, it's nice because I actually AM a foreigner this time!!!! Good times. :) Anyways, just stumbled over your site, and I hope to learn Japanese during the year (or maybe more) I plan to stay here. Thanks!!! I loved u mentioning about Japanese Americans. I am 4th generation Japanese American and YES I have been asked in America where did I learn English. sighs. And I disagree with Pook… I think the correct terminology IS concentration camp. It was a concentration of Japanese Americans. I’m not saying it was a Nazi death camp–and those were concentration camps too. Those camps were a concentration of Jews, except that was more for genocidal purposes. While the ones in America weren’t genocidal…many people also unnecessarily died in the American concentration camps because of the lack of health care, etc. :(

I also disagree with Roderik. Of course I identify as Japanese American, and/or Asian American! Not everyone in America has the exact same experience, thus you need to make distinctions to know what is being talked about.

I am in Japan right now, exploring my roots. My family speaks ZERO Japanese, and I was surprised to learn recently that my grandparents spoke it very well, even though while they were alive, I never ever heard them speak a word of it, except if you count saying “sushi” or some other food names. They after all were born here, and went through the the scary racism during WWII which made them not want to speak Japanese for fear of more racism than there already was. Anyways, I am experiencing what it’s like to be an actual foreigner here in Japan. When people thought I was a foreigner in America I was pretty annoyed, but now when people realize I am a foreigner here, and comment how good I am at chopsticks, it’s nice because I actually AM a foreigner this time!!!! Good times. :)

Anyways, just stumbled over your site, and I hope to learn Japanese during the year (or maybe more) I plan to stay here. Thanks!!!

Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]>