First Post at Four Months In

Its already February 4th 2015, that means I have been living in Japan for over 4 months now. Although I don't have any super interesting stories to tell about my adventures in Japan, I do feel I can at least shed some light on what it is like to live in and work in japan. but first..

My name is Tim, I was raised as a typical suburban american for the most part. I grew up in the Coachella Valley area in the USA, you know that place where they now have that super "cool" and huge music festival. The area has quite a large immigrant population, which is in fact great for many different reasons. I only bring it up as it influences the way I see and perceive myself and immigration in Japan. As it may be important to your perspective while reading this I will say, I am Caucasian, I am 26 years old and I am about 6ft tall.

Some how there is a rumor going around that all Japanese people hate foreigners and that you will be ostracized for being one. From my perspective and my experiences, I want to say that rumor is what it is, just a rumor. I have been treated with respect and kindness by those around me the whole time I have been here although that does not mean that every one loves you and wants to be your friend. Sounds kind of normal right? If I had to put it a certain way I would probably say its like this. You are more noticeable as a Caucasian in Japan and more so in the smaller towns. There are generally not a lot of Caucasians living in japan, especially in small towns. I happen to live in a small town, so I stick out a lot when I am going about my business around town. Some people will look or stare but its not really in a rude way, its more of a curiosity or surprise. Being more noticeable doesn't really have all that much to do with being liked or detested. Will you ever bump into someone who doesn't like based on your skin color? Sure, I think that is really likely and for anywhere you go in the world. I have had one mildly bad experience, I can choose to dwell on it or not. I could question how many people feel this way that just decide to not act out on it, I can really never know but the truth is there are far more people who have been friendly and welcoming.