Since arriving in Japan a little over two weeks ago my impressions have been mixed. The only thing I really have to compare with this semester in Japan is the week I spent in Tokyo last fall. And although there are some similarities there are mostly major differences. The biggest of which I have noticed was the way the people treated me. In Tokyo I was simply another six foot two inch white tourist; and interesting sight or fun opportunity with which to practice one's English. In Hirakata-shi and Osaka however my welcome has been much different. Although I do get the occasional "hello" and I get answered politely when I bid someone good morning or good evening, I have also come across many more people who are less accepting. Where Tokyo was a fun touristy experience with very little downside, Hirakata-shi has offered quite a few challenges. The most notable of which is several restaurants that refuse to serve gaijin when there are Japanese clientele inside. They are happy to take our money late at night after the locals have eaten and left, but at regular dinner hours the restaurants will turn us away saying "full up" even if its visibly empty. This was very frustrating at first by still understandable. There have been many positive experiences with many locals in Hirakata-shi however, with students at the University who are eager to meet anyone and make friends and locals who are entertained by our different appearances and want to take pictures with us or even take us out with them. I made friends with several Kansai Gaidai students who took me to their favorite local Karoke spot. A gesture that made up for the disappointment and embarrassment I had felt at being discriminated against at some local restaurents. In the end my experiences in Japan have been mixed between good and bad, but with the help of my friends Tsuyoshi, Soma, and Koki it has been an overall good experience.
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| This picture above is the corner one on the Restaurants I tried to get into in Osaka |
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| Koki and Tsuyoshi giving me a cultural lesson on Karoke |
