What Makes a "Good" Foreigner in Japan?
The Main Idea in a Nutshell
- This podcast explores the tricky question of what it means to be a "good foreigner" in Japan, arguing it's less about following a perfect rulebook and more about being a thoughtful, adaptable, and reasonable person.
The Key Takeaways
- Right vs. Wrong Isn't Always Clear: Some actions, like physically knocking someone over ("salaryman bowling"), are obviously wrong. But in everyday life, figuring out the "right" way to act in a different culture can be complicated and isn't always black and white.
- Beware of the "Gaijin Police": The speakers warn about foreigners who judge or "police" other foreigners for not acting "Japanese enough." These people often have a rigid, and sometimes wrong, idea of what Japanese culture is really like.
- Japanese People Aren't All Alike: The idea that all Japanese people follow a strict, silent code of conduct is a stereotype. Just like anywhere else, people in Japan have different personalities, and they don't always follow the "rules" themselves.
- The Best Approach is to Be a Good Person: Instead of trying to be a perfect copy of a "Japanese person" (which can seem weird), it's better to be observant, be yourself, and be a decent human being. It's about adapting respectfully, not erasing your own identity.
- Fun Facts & Key Numbers: Fact: One guidebook mentioned in the podcast suggests a list of things foreigners should "never" do in Japan, including never making a joke or using sarcasm, which the speakers think is ridiculous advice.
Important Quotes, Explained
Quote: "> Simply put, when a salaryman approaches them on the sidewalks and doesn't look up or attempt to move out of the way, they use their big American shoulders to knock the salaryman down."
- What it Means: The host is describing a cruel "game" he heard about called "salaryman bowling," where some American students would intentionally bump into Japanese office workers (called salarymen) on the street.
- Why it Matters: This is used as an extreme example of obviously bad behavior. It's a starting point to discuss more complicated situations where what's right and wrong isn't so clear-cut, and where cultural differences come into play.
Quote: "> I often see these these these gaijin, um, when someone doesn't sit down next to them on the train, right? ...you can see them kind of like punching the air, like, yes! I'm an oppressed minority. Get in!"
- What it Means: The speaker is making a joke about "gaijin fragility," where some foreigners in Japan get overly dramatic about small things, like an empty seat next to them on the train, and treat it as a major case of discrimination.
- Why it Matters: This highlights how some foreigners can misinterpret situations or create personal drama. It shows that understanding a new culture is complex, and it’s easy to jump to the wrong conclusions.
The Main Arguments (The 'Why')
- First, the author argues that while some actions are clearly wrong everywhere (like violence), many social rules are blurry. He uses the example of how to handle someone not wearing a mask to show that there isn't one "correct" Japanese way to deal with things.
- Next, they point out that foreigners often have a fantasy-like idea of Japan, either as a perfect society or a racist one. This leads them to judge other foreigners who don't fit their narrow view.
- They also provide evidence that Japanese people themselves don't always follow the so-called "rules." They get angry, they can be rude, and they are individuals, not robots. Therefore, holding foreigners to a perfect, samurai-like standard is unrealistic.
- Finally, they suggest that being a "good" foreigner means finding a balance. You should learn and respect local customs, but also keep your own identity and common sense. It's better to be a decent, adaptable person than to try to be "more Japanese than the Japanese."
Questions to Make You Think
- Q: What is a "gaijin"?
- A: The text explains that "gaijin" is a Japanese word for a foreigner or an outsider.
- Q: So, are there official rules for how foreigners should act in Japan?
- A: The text says there are no official rules, but there are many unwritten social customs. However, the speakers argue that many popular "rules" (like "never joke") are just stereotypes and that trying to follow them perfectly can actually make you seem strange.
- Q: Do the speakers think it's okay for foreigners to be rude in Japan?
- A: No, not at all. They make a clear distinction between being a jerk (like the "salaryman bowling" example) and simply not following every single cultural custom perfectly. Their main point is to be a decent, self-aware person, not to ignore all rules of politeness.
Why This Matters & What's Next
- Why You Should Care: This discussion isn't just about Japan. It's a great lesson in how to be a good guest in any new place or culture. It teaches you to look past stereotypes, be open-minded, and understand that people everywhere are just people, with all their own complexities.
- Learn More: Check out the movie Lost in Translation. It's a famous film about Americans in Tokyo and does a great job of showing the funny, awkward, and sometimes lonely feeling of being a foreigner in a place where you don't fully understand the rules.