I guess my first question is, what's it like being gaijin-san? I've heard there's a subtle but powerful racism there because it's such an ethnically homogenous country.
Also, what are the American foods you miss most?
It's hard to answer the classic "gaijin" question. I think it really depends on your race and skin color. As a white American male, I tend to get treated well, but at an arm's distance when it comes to more serious matters such as dating, stuff with the police, and business.
People are courteous and polite most of the time, but they will definitely make assumptions about you, sometimes to your face. Stuff like 'oh, hey, I didn't know you could use chopsticks so well' or 'Wow, you can speak Japanese? Amazing!' It's odd, because they sound like backhanded compliments, but it's more an honest effort to put out a polite demeanor for the sake of social etiquette/order.
The thing that bugs me the most is if i use Japanese and people reply to me in very broken English. That's not cool.
I miss BBQ pork sandwiches the most. Actually, any good sandwiches.
Do you struggle with the ambiguity of Japanese culture and language? I've heard the story of the Japanese boss telling an American worker that his desk didn't seem very tidy, meaning for him to clean his desk. The American thought it was just an observation, and the next day was confused when his boss was angry about it.
I do sometimes, but I'm a lot better at recognizing the 'true intent' behind statements than I was a few years ago. Japanese people are very indirect, and the story you told me happens quite often in this country.
A lot of understanding Japanese culture is reading between the lines, so to speak. What isn't being said sometimes is more important that what is said.
It's strange, but fun. You sure do learn how to read body language and the atmosphere of a room after a while in Japan.
