I think ive realized what I need. Ive realized ive been taking the culture shock badly here. Hence my previous rants and stuff. Living in the inaka in Tochigi as a South Asian man is frustrating. And I guess I let it get to my head a little bit and its driving me utterly insane. I think my problem was that I was expecting a bit more from Japanese people and to not experience all this. I didnt mentally prepare for japan enough and didnt do enough research. I expected that since were in Asia that Japanese people would be a little bit more knowledgeable about other Asian countries but at least in Tochigi nobody knows anything about South or South East Asia. I constantly have to deal with people commenting on a skintone, which isnt even that dark (Im a medium caramel color). People barely even see my face yet they comment things like ”Kokujin” and ”Iro….blablabla” which is so stupid because im obviously south asian(Its 2022 dont people know about Sri Lankans). They just see my hand and comment. Not to mention people assuming im gonna steal their things . Yet that happens less often . Almost every week I have to put up with these things. I know I should just keep my head down but its hard. Ive been keeping as positive as I can.
That being said I know its not their fault and I know world knowledge is one of Japanese peoples weakest points because of their isolation, so ive been trying to be empathetic. Its just gotten to a point where I cant control my frustration. I know it sounds like I hate it here but I actually dont. Its just I do.notice that im going through a lot of mental stress and anxiety. Yes I admit my last posts did overexaggerate things which were based on the anger I was feeling at that moment.
With this said. My point is to not complain but to get some advice because ive been thinking that I atleast need a little break from Tochigi. Im definitely experiencing cabin fever and these days peoples stupidity even if its a small minor display of ignorance pisses me off to very extreme levels. I do hear that Tochigi is notorious for being like this and that I should get out asap at least for a little vacation. I remember going to Kanagawa and it was literally one of the most refreshing experiences ever and I absolutely adore that prefecture. Does anyone know any place thats a good and foreigner friendly city to visit for a day trip especially as a person of color or South Asian just to feel refreshed? I do believe not all of Japan is like this and over all I get treated well and love it here. But definitely need to take a mental health vacay somewhere. I was thinking Yokohama since I love Kanagawa ? and its cheap from Tochigi.
Also whats up with Tochigi? And who else has had weird experiences here?
4 comments
I think what you need is enter button to split paragraph.
Basically anywhere with tourists? Take a trip to Hakone and stop thinking too much!
>I do hear that Tochigi is notorious for being like this and that I should get out asap at least for a little vacation.
Sorry for the double reply, but I think you are in Utsunomiya? I lived there many years and call bullshit. There are certainly conservative / closed-off people there, but Tochigi is not notorious for racism. This really seems like an extension of your not understanding / working in Japanese issue. If that is the case, find a nice international hotel than can accomodate you in English. Maybe do a Hato-bus tour in English in Tokyo.
Edit:
> but at least in Tochigi nobody knows anything about South or South East Asia.
How much do you know about Korea or Russia? People are generally not that familiar with their neighbors.
Here we go again..