As a third generation British Pakistani woman I’ve only ever experienced racism, micro aggression and racial profiling in Japan. To be honest, I’ve been pretty sheltered my whole life and have never had to experience it in the UK. Now that I live in Japan, they only see the colour of my skin. It’s not just Japanese people but Filipinos and non English speaking white people.
Japanese people are shocked to find out I’m from the UK or they question my ability to speak English. I’ve even had people say “I can’t hear your British accent” well then you need to get your ears checked because British people know instantly.
Also, Filipino coworkers looked down on me and assumed I was Indian. When I mention I’m born in the UK they continue to bring up “oh but you’re actually Indian right” erm wrong. Filipino client at work asked me if I’m Indian before even asking my name and said they only want to deal with the white coworker.
I’m sure this is just a universal POC experience but it’s really hard for me. I’m struggling to find reasons to stay here.
ETA: the comment section has validated my sentiment that racism is thriving in Japan.
ETA: another tidbit: whilst looking for an apartment my real estate agent (a women) informed me that the landlord only allows white foreigners because brown people’s food smells offensive to Japanese. She quickly informed the landlord that I’m not “that type of brown person”… 😒
At that moment I realised that there’s also mini races in the race for the ultimate Gaijin awards
by loadedspaghetti