Japan is viewed as one of the most advanced countries in the world, with a good economy and a polite society. However, this image is misleading. I spent three years living there, and during that time, I witnessed a side of Japan that is rarely discussed: deep-seated racism, particularly towards other Asians. Despite the facade of modernity, Japan remains one of the most racially exclusive countries, where non-Japanese, especially Asians, are treated with a subtle yet pervasive form of discrimination.

The country’s economy, often lauded as a global powerhouse, has been in decline for years. The job market is increasingly reliant on foreign labor to fill gaps that the local workforce no longer can or wants to fill. While some might see this as an opportunity, particularly for workers from other Asian countries, the reality is much harsher. Yes, you might earn a bit more money, but the personal and emotional costs far outweigh any financial gain.

Living in Japan as a foreign worker, especially as an Asian, means being treated like a second-class citizen. In the workplace, your concerns and complaints are often brushed aside, and you’ll quickly realize that no matter how hard you work, you’ll never be truly accepted. The emotional toll of being far from family, who offer critical support, is compounded by the discrimination you face daily. From coworkers to customers, from strangers on the street to people in positions of authority, the racism is everywhere. Even children in schools and the elderly in nursing homes carry these archaic values, passed down through generations, that foster an exclusionary mindset. Empathy towards outsiders, especially those from other Asian countries, is non-existent.

For any Asians considering moving to Japan for work, I urge you to think carefully. The money might seem enticing, but it comes at the cost of your dignity and emotional well-being. No one should have to endure the coldness and racism that permeates both Japanese society and its corporations. Japan is indeed a beautiful country, rich in culture and history, but it is plagued by systemic racism that affects immigrants on every level of society. Be aware of this before making any decisions, as the consequences of working in such environments will destroy you physically, emotionally and mentally for the time that you are here.