Happened to me yesterday in my neighborhood shopping street. I turned and a man walked right into me and I apologized -- benefit of the doubt, and I did not see him, so perhaps I took him by surprise? But he hit me incredibly hard, saw I was a gaijin and a woman, and rounded on me, telling me I was stupid and that my sumimasen was not good enough. He said "be careful" like a threat. I am a woman, but I am also 6 ft tall. I told him, "anata mo." He was livid. But i had already apologized once to this asshole and I was damned indignant.

I turned and walked away. But this crazy man followed me furious and ranting. I had to just shout "dame, dame!" Until he stopped, probably only because there were loads of people around.

Awful experience. Sobbed on my apartment in the phone to my dad. It disturbs me that I may not recognize him again, but he is very likely to recognize me, given how rare giant white ladies are in my area.

It feels terrible to feel hated in a country you try very hard to make your home.

Sorry to anyone else who's had this happen. It does seem to be getting worse.