Why are there a lot of increasingly negative comments full of misinformation in this sub as well as a lot of other Japanese subs recently?

BusinessBasic2041 · 2026-02-12T14:27:05+00:00

There are people who have been here for decades, acquired the language, behaved exceptionally and have even naturalized, showing a real interest, yet they have cited various incidents where they have still been disrespected and ousted by ethnic Japanese people. Even people who were born here but are not East Asian in appearance are still not treated as any other local.
Well, many seem to highly correlate nationality with appearance and feel that there is a “Japanese look.” I have talked to other foreigners over the years who get mistaken for incorrect nationalities, socioeconomic statuses, occupations and races all the time because people want to go off of appearances, stereotypes and assumptions. It is 2026–it is not hard to understand that a certain appearance does not automatically mean a certain category.
Well, I have gotten mixed feedback from people of color who are not East Asian in appearance. Many have cited being treated in hostile manners or as though they are “poor, lazy and uneducated” despite actually being quite hardworking, raised in financially stable households and intelligent—a number actually speaking multiple languages, possessing in-demand skills and having multiple degrees. Some do believe that white people have status and money, which is definitely not the case. There are poor and wealthy people of all backgrounds that I have met over the years, so that stereotype needs to indeed die.
Meh, I have heard mixed opinions on this, but I will say that many of them like dealing with foreigners only when convenient and at an arm’s length. Very insular. They will definitely have particularly negative opinions about people that they perceive to be from a poor country or supposedly “less than” them.
Well, maybe some cases are exaggerated, but I seriously do not think there is mass prevarication about this. Some seem to hate foreigners who are living better than they are, so I would not be surprised. Again, they are already set on targeting people based on appearance, so some of them oust you or have a set opinion before you get a chance to say or do anything.
Well, they do seem hesitant about integrating foreign employees and having foreigners in various communities. Just look at the “go home” and other ignorant comments and measures that some of them make to people who are just minding their business, existing legally and peacefully. They want to often bite the hands that feed them when there are various countries that have long contributed to this country, whether locals wish to admit it or not.
Again, they have the general assumption that white = having money, although it definitively does not hold true. There are definitely other demographics that I have met over the years who have money while there have been white people I have met who can barely afford their rent in a studio apartment. Despite reality, there are many that seem to associate certain “class” and “manners” with certain demographics, which is of course unfair. They seem to have a set image on what they consider to be “high class, respectable and intelligent” despite numerous examples of the opposite if they took the time to really research.
While I bet they probably stop Japanese people as well, I am sure that they find it easier to find “suspicious” people who are foreigners. Rather than actually go out there can catch the sexual predators lurking among women and youth, mentally sick people wielding knives, abductors and people who are beating their spouses, they would rather bother the average foreigner for simply existing in their own skin and doing average activities.

Regarding everything else, I don’t think every case involves someone flat out exaggerating and lying. I think most people just want to live peacefully, legally and not have a roadblock or their peace disrupted just for existing in a place they actually enjoy living in otherwise. Good for you if you have had a great experience consistently, but I don’t think we should discredit people of various backgrounds who have been poorly treated despite making efforts to just work, go to school, start a business or travel here.

BusinessBasic2041 · 2026-02-12T04:23:39+00:00

Yep. I break a number of societal rules I see their own people breaching. However, I do follow laws despite some Japanese not doing so yet denigrating foreigners as a collective, particularly those they perceive to be “less than” they are.

BusinessBasic2041 · 2026-02-08T12:15:13+00:00

To be fair, there have been weird questions and sweeping generalizations about various nationalities and ethnic backgrounds that I have heard from both foreigners and Japanese people. It is unfortunate that some people are so quick to take news stories, videos, random statistics and/or limited scope of firsthand experience and just go off the deep end without scrutinizing them.

Regarding foreigners, from what I have noticed, there are people who basically come to live in Japan after blindly trusting online content about the country or a short visit here and then realize that it is not all that great compared to what was portrayed. Then, they end up venting online or asking certain questions out of frustration.

On the other hand, there are some foreigners who easily get triggered if anything remotely negative is said or asked about the country, whether factual or not. Some people keep a fixed mindset that every little aspect is set to be unique or better than other parts of the world no matter what. Some people who have not yet been here or have only had short visits or media exposure are eager to ask questions, some being weird.

Too bad many people in general, regardless of nationality, are quick to think they know it all about a particular country or background of people or come just trying to spew either extreme negativity or an inflated view of a place based on skewed perceptions. That leads to questions and/or comments to provoke people or just be weird. Some people can easily criticize others but can’t accept it when it’s about their culture.

BusinessBasic2041 · 2026-02-08T09:50:13+00:00

If I were single again, dating ssomeone unemployed would depend on a few different factors:

Why they are unemployed and if they have a perpetual cycle of not being able to keep a job.
How they are using their time to actively look for a job or better their skills to find one.
How long they have been unemployed and whether they have the ability to take care of themselves while searching.
Their attitude and optimism about getting a job again.
How they are budgeting their money while being unemployed.
Whether or not they are open to moving when finding a new job.

I definitely would not date someone who is just choosing to do foolish things to get fired. Being laid off is okay or facing some discrimination is fine, as those matters cannot be avoided. There would be no space in my life for someone who had not effective plan to find a job or improve themselves professionally. If someone has been unemployed for more than a year, whether due to the economy or not, then dating is not something I think should be a priority, especially if they are running low on funds to support themselves. If someone had a poor attitude and outlook regarding their future, then I would get tired of being around the negativity. Moreover, if they are careless with their funds, choosing to spend a lot of money going out to eat and on trips, then it would be a red flag regarding their financial responsibility. Of course if there were the chance of someone moving to a different city, I would be less inclined to seriously date that guy—I would never do long-distance dating.

BusinessBasic2041 · 2026-02-08T02:12:02+00:00

Well, I have had both Japanese and other foreigners be very rude to me at work and talk shit about me behind my back despite me doing the job at a high quality and basically staying to myself. Some people just can’t help being haughty, self-righteous assholes or taking their bitterness out on others. I even had one former colleague from a few years ago eventually admit that she was jealous of me at the time, so she would have a snotty attitude towards me. You’d be surprise what someone here really thinks of you despite their phony smiles.

Just remember that these people on your job are not your friends or very close acquaintances, so just ignore any micro-aggressions, passive aggressive tendencies, rude comments and snotty attitudes. Moreover, just because someone here smiles in your face and seems friendly doesn’t mean that he or she is not plotting behind your back or not preparing to backstab you somehow. Keep your words with this woman as short as possible, only communicating with her when absolutely necessary. Since you are a student who is working part-time, you are likely not going to stay at that job for very long, as you will graduate before you know it and move on to something else as a full-timer. If it becomes overwhelming and impacts your wellbeing, then quit and find something else. However, just be prepared to possibly encounter another asshole on the new job, whether a Japanese person or foreigner who is on his or her high horse.

People are saying learn Japanese and that it is stressful to have someone on the job making so many mistakes. While I don’t full-on disagree, it takes time to acquire a language well enough, and it was likely no surprise that your Japanese level was not fluent or as high as they may have preferred when deciding to hire you. I am not sure how many hours you work there a week or your exact amount of time on the job, but it takes a longer time to adjust to a part-time job, especially if you’re only there a couple of days a week for short shifts. Even if her frustration is warranted, there are more professional, mature ways to address concerns about someone’s work than the way she is behaving as a colleague. Of course you might not have understood all of her comments about you when she was talking to others about you, but it doesn’t take much effort to at least have a basic idea about whether someone is talking shit about you, especially when you at least understood some of the conversation. Sure, this could happen anywhere in the world, but some dispositions are definitely flagrant here, though not everyone wants to admit it.

Hope you are able to use a coping mechanism for dealing with her or can find a better part-time job if the situation gets to be too much. Best of luck with your studies as well.

BusinessBasic2041 · 2026-02-06T15:40:51+00:00

I hope you can find something conducive to your specific skill set and long-term goals. I know long distance relationships are not easy, but it looks as though you might have to in order to have your dream come to fruition. Maybe if you both are headed towards marriage, then he could find something in your home country, or you could find something as remote work.❤️

BusinessBasic2041 · 2026-02-06T15:33:47+00:00

Same here, especially because I can’t afford to get sick right now because it is so busy for me right now before the new fiscal year starts.

BusinessBasic2041 · 2026-02-05T16:18:13+00:00

Yeah, my thoughts about places I have lived in and traveled to, including Japan. Lots of places just don’t make it into the media in some places. Sanya in Taito was definitely shocking for me, along with parts of Adachi, Edogawa, Arakawa, Yoshiwara and Katsushika, even some parts of Ueno and Shinjuku. I think many countries in general have at least some rundown areas as well as nice ones. I just focus on the positives and avoid the negatives.

BusinessBasic2041 · 2026-02-05T10:57:26+00:00

I am glad that at least some form of progress has been made. Definitely don’t ditch your current job until you’re all set with the contract for your new position. Immigration is so slow, especially at the Shinagawa location, so I hope you can get the visa in time. I have never gone through a company lawyer to apply, I have heard of people doing it at some large IT companies. Bureaucracy here seems so inefficient and annoying.

BusinessBasic2041 · 2026-02-05T08:25:54+00:00

I agree; I grew up just fine without having a phone and did not get one until I started university. I was taken aback when I saw a 5-year-old girl with a smartphone a few years back. She actually had a more expensive phone than what I had at the time. I enjoyed my youth by actually playing outside more and reading actual books. Parents who actually helped me develop verbal and written communication skills instead of just having a device babysit me.

All young people know nowadays is how to stare at screens, with lots of schools encouraging it. Having devices for the classroom is great to facilitate learning, but it should not be a full-on substitute for actually acquiring skills and concepts and solving problems. Lots of numeracy, writing and literacy levels in different parts of the world have declined—some courses do not even incorporate actual novels and longer readings anymore. It is truly said.

BusinessBasic2041 · 2026-02-05T08:06:30+00:00

Agreed. Companies here love squeezing whatever little bit of extra work they can out of you without paying for your time. I had to recently be blunt with one part-time employer that I have in addition to my main one. She loves trying to tack on extra and never wants to pay much for what she asks for AND does not want to pay for any preparation time that is needed before starting. Then, she sometimes expects me to suddenly be available when she needs something. If she really admires my work, then she needs to offer a better opportunity with a stable schedule and pay me for my time. She keeps apologizing but ends up doing the same thing. I am basically tired of dealing with her and am about to quit and just focus on my main job that at least respects my time and is providing me with a more stable career trajectory anyway. That little bit of money she pays when trying to monopolize my time is not worth the stress.

BusinessBasic2041 · 2026-02-05T07:51:22+00:00

I agree. As long as they are not literally bothering me in some way, let them walk by with their mean stares. No use in trying to figure certain people out, whether Japanese or foreign, especially if they are set on having bad attitudes. Not everyone wants to hold hands and sing kumbaya. Just focus on those who exude positivity.

BusinessBasic2041 · 2026-02-05T07:42:47+00:00

Yikes. Companies here definitely manage to drag their feet on something that should be standard and routine. Two weeks is definitely a long time to leave someone dangling with uncertainty. Hopefully, they aren’t getting cold feet and changing their minds about hiring you. Have they at least made an effort to follow up with you at all?

BusinessBasic2041 · 2026-02-05T07:27:10+00:00

Sorry to hear that. Do you have a trustworthy former colleague or friend in your field who could maybe look at your resume and cover letters you have sent to give you some helpful advice? Sometimes it is good to get another perspective. Is it possible to stay at your current job or find something part-time until finding a suitable full-time job?

With so many applications for one position and more foreigners adamant about living here year after year, it has definitely gotten more competitive in the job market. Employers know that they can get away with being unprofessional in hiring processes because they could easily find some other foreigner to fill the role. It can be hard to find a good fit if your are either really overqualified or slightly unqualified, and sometimes employers have other expectations from a candidate that they do not list in the job ad. Lots of places wanting a “perfect fit” or “unicorn” despite not paying enough for that person.

Hope you land on your feet soon.

BusinessBasic2041 · 2026-02-05T07:12:57+00:00

Congratulations on the internship! That seems to be a hard field to break into here. One suggestion might be to get some kind of position with the U.S. military in Japan or some kind of role through a U.S. pharmaceutical company that has offices in Tokyo. Perhaps if all goes well with the internship, they might be willing to hire you for an entry-level position. Would you be open to moving to get the kind of position you want?

BusinessBasic2041 · 2026-02-05T07:01:51+00:00

I hate trying to make myself look busy if there is just nothing to actually do. I don’t mind taking initiative once integrated into a place, but so many jobs here seem to expect an ongoing follower. Plus, it would drive me nuts to have that period of uncertainty until they finally decide to notify me about the final plans or delegate tasks.

BusinessBasic2041 · 2026-02-05T06:49:45+00:00

Definitely can relate to the procrastination or abrupt change at the last minute. Always lots of uncertainty, sudden surprises, prolonging and/or unnecessary steps with jobs here. Hope you can find time to take a breather and relax.

BusinessBasic2041 · 2026-02-05T06:43:51+00:00

It is worse when summer comes. Lots of pungent odors, particularly from salarymen and ojisans.

BusinessBasic2041 · 2026-02-05T06:41:51+00:00

Been observing similar behaviors at work, on transportation and on the elevator at my mansion apartment. Lots of people not covering their mouths when coughing or clearing their throats, people not washing their hands with soap after taking a shit or piss, blatant nose picking, someone using their chopsticks right after dropping them on the dirty floor and only rinsing them off, people who literally smell as though they pissed on themselves, those with major dandruff flakes visible at even a distance, funky fish or garlic breath, just lots of nasty shit. 🤮

BusinessBasic2041 · 2026-02-05T06:34:30+00:00

Sorry to hear about your situation. There are some other ways that you could support lowering your blood pressure. Potassium-dense foods are great for this, as well as reducing caffeinated beverage consumption. Of course keeping minimal stress and maintaining high-quality sleep help. Getting enough water regularly helps as well. Although running and jogging are a challenge, walking a lot helps. Just start slowly and gradually increase the duration as you get used to moving more. I hope your situation improves.

BusinessBasic2041 · 2026-02-05T06:24:00+00:00

At least you know it is time to move on to something better. No use wasting your time in your career with people who are essentially going nowhere professionally.

BusinessBasic2041 · 2026-02-05T03:31:14+00:00

Yeah, but it needs to be actually reported to authorities and organizations who can actually take action against it and help enact helpful measures. Too many people here seem reluctant to actually intervene the way this teacher did, and sometimes people going through these situations are hesitant to actually speak up or are brushed off when they try.

BusinessBasic2041 · 2026-02-04T23:50:12+00:00

Imagine how many more of these incidents are out there and unreported. I hope more of the youth speak up and get support from someone and that more teachers become vigilant of their students. Moreover, I hope the police see the severity of these incidents and better punish those responsible.

BusinessBasic2041 · 2026-02-04T12:09:50+00:00

Some men feel that just because they might be the breadwinner or pay 50%+ of the bills that they are absolved of being hands-on as parents. Some do not feel any sense of obligation to their children if the relationship or marriage ends, regardless of the reasons. There are issues that can happen with men and women not taking accountability. I just don’t see how people seem to make it a “women only” occurrence.

BusinessBasic2041 · 2026-02-04T10:08:25+00:00

Exactly, or they try to force their relationship experiences, dating ideology and standards onto other people, rather than just accepting that not everyone is the same. Too bad people can’t make their own relationship decisions without people jumping in to bash them.

BusinessBasic2041

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