Among the many surprising things you find in this country, one of them is definitely the amount of gaijin (foreigners) trying to become Japanese. In Spain you don't see foreigners dressed up in matador clothes trying to become one of us; you might see the occasional preteen age boy rocking a Spanish mullet, but that's just an unfortunate fashion trend, and let's face it, it's the parents fault, you should never let your kid have a mullet! Especially when they accompany it by piercing their ears or lips... but, back on subject! It's amazing the number of gaijin that walk around the streets of Japan dressed in a kimono or that submerge themselves so far into manga that they actually dress and walk like an anime character. No matter how hard you try you'll never be Japanese. At the same time, wh
o would want to be? Japanese are over-worked, under-slept and under-paid people, their teen years seem to last twice as long as any other person's and they sleep on the floor! (Given that it might be good for your back, but beds are much more comfortable than futons). Still, there's something about being accepted by Japanese people... When you get here you're different, you're an outsider. It's fun, you're the center of attention, but still, you feel observed and distanced, even though the Japanese are incredibly friendly and (In the picture you can see girls sleeping at the cafeteria, Japanese people sleep wherever they can, bus, train, standing in line....)
o would want to be? Japanese are over-worked, under-slept and under-paid people, their teen years seem to last twice as long as any other person's and they sleep on the floor! (Given that it might be good for your back, but beds are much more comfortable than futons). Still, there's something about being accepted by Japanese people... When you get here you're different, you're an outsider. It's fun, you're the center of attention, but still, you feel observed and distanced, even though the Japanese are incredibly friendly and (In the picture you can see girls sleeping at the cafeteria, Japanese people sleep wherever they can, bus, train, standing in line....)I had the experience last semester to know what it was like to go from being an outsider to becoming part of a Japanese group. I joined a martial arts club, Shorinji Kempo. I did all I could to be accepted, since I was the only gaijin. I listened atentfully, I kept out of people's way and tried to keep up with their pace. But I was still viewed as an outsider an
d I could feel it. It took 2 months of cleaning up after the club meeting was over, following senpais around, bringing water and snacks for the club and learning how to say certain things in Japanese 'till I started fitting in. One day it suddenly happened, I got to practice and people were treating me differently, for some reason now I was accepted in the group, the jokes started, whenever I didn't keep up with the group the guys would push me to continue by punching my arm, I was invited to go out with them... and it all felt great. To be an actual part of a Japanese group is a whole new experience and a completely different feeling from being around the ones I meet anywhere else.
d I could feel it. It took 2 months of cleaning up after the club meeting was over, following senpais around, bringing water and snacks for the club and learning how to say certain things in Japanese 'till I started fitting in. One day it suddenly happened, I got to practice and people were treating me differently, for some reason now I was accepted in the group, the jokes started, whenever I didn't keep up with the group the guys would push me to continue by punching my arm, I was invited to go out with them... and it all felt great. To be an actual part of a Japanese group is a whole new experience and a completely different feeling from being around the ones I meet anywhere else. I understand the gaijin's craving for being accepted, but I also understand that no matter how hard anyone tries you can't become Japanese. For Japanese people anyone who hasn't been born and lived in Japan can't be Japanese. Sometimes, even actual Japanese people that go abroad to live or study are viewed differently when they get back. Why the hard effort to become Japanese? You're never going to accomplish it and you're just going to be frustrated. It seems as if the ex-pat life is much more rewarding: You are not expected to do any of the intricate things Japanese are expected to do and if you make your own place within a Japanese group you can enjoy an amazing friendship and feeling of belonging. So please, take off that kimono, don't wear those ridiculously short pants that only Japanese can pull off, lose the makeup if you're a guy and don't try to convince people to call you a Japanese name...
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