Foreigners in Japan: Greasy Gaijin

Gaijin and Gaikokujin in Japan have a complicated reputation. I would like to discuss the Western, Anglo-Saxon male as a foreigner in Japan. Here are some groups I have noticed. If I missed any, please add them in the comments.

Frat Boy

• most likely here via JET or eikaiwa chain
• recent university graduates
• little practical work experience
• high sense of entitlement
• complain a lot
• live in gaijin bubble
• in Japan very short term

Escaper & New Experience Seeker

• I’ve met ex-nurses, teachers, civil servants, real estate agents and so on, who came to Japan to experience a new world
• make the most of their time in Japan
• have work experience
• usually reliable
• some ran away from something back home and took refuge in Japan; they can be mysterious, quiet ones who rarely socialize or quite the opposite
• usually here short term, as their goal was a break, not permanent refuge

Anime & Manga Geek

• study Japanese to access more anime/manga
• usually speak rambo-like Japanese from watching too much ninja and/or samurai anime
• if they come to Japan, they must refine their anime talk
• the introverts I’ve met seem to have better language ability
• as long as they have a high speed internet connection, they don’t have to be in Japan, but may stay for other reasons

Traditional Culture Obsesser

• visit temples & shrines for prayer
• engage in Shinto & Buddhist practices
• read, learn, and talk about bushido, samurai, ninja and the feudal era on a regular basis
• want to have a Japanese wedding ceremony
• practice seiza
• drink matcha the proper way

Mr. Charisma & Pervo

• socially awkward
• little experience with women in home country
• have little pride, therefore will persist to any level to be with Japanese women, even if this behavior would be considered ultimate douche-behavior in home country
• gaijin women can see his true identity; they are his kryptonite
• see Japanese women as their nightly conquest
• most likely here for life
• more here

Language Geek

• often in Japan as exchange students or
• eikaiwa or ALTs who study hard in their spare time
• try hard to make Japanese friends and language exchange partners
• generally content with Japan

Japanophile

• love everything and are interested in all things Japanese
• often have a distorted view of Japan
• only exposure to Japan is usually via English language resources
• listen to J-Pop
• usually only here as a tourist

The Last Samurai

• would vote against all immigration policies if they could vote
• believe Japan is and should be monocultural
• anything Japanese is better
• the Japanese way is the right way
• avoid other gaijin; feel threatened around gaijin; believe gaijin are dangerous
• “whaling is our culture, we don’t tell you to not eat hamburgers”
• want to naturalize as Japanese, but it’s ironically against their beliefs

Hater

• bitter
• critical or negative about anything Japanese
• everything in Japan is wrong because it’s different from their home country
• live in a bubble with like-minded people
• learn very little of the Japanese language if any
• don’t respect local customs
• feel trapped in Japan but won’t return to home country

Here for Work Only

• common among US military, factory workers, and those with a special trade
• often try to live the same way they would back in home country
• learn survival Japanese at most
• not interested in Japan; don’t pay attention to Japanese media or culture
• living in the bubble, but not bitter
• send money back to home country

Wife & Half Kids

• fit into this category plus at least one other
• in Japan his kids will be viewed as half (refers to someone who is half Japanese)
  • half is viewed as stylish and cool for adults, but half children are sometimes the target of bullying
• some integrate really well and become what I consider “Japanese”
• some are terribly bitter and live in a bubble