Are there many black people in Japan?

I did not see very many black people in Japan when we traveled there. I imagine like other minorities (all other ethnicities, other than Japanese, actually), people may look at you a bit more for being naturally different in appearance. Japan is such a homogeneous country that anyone not Japanese stands out in a crowd. I think that the atmosphere is friendly. And, any attempts at speaking Japanese will be considered very respectful and they will enjoy working with your phrasing to communicate with you. Have a great trip and give them a smile and a slight bow if they look at you longer than you are comfortable with. The food is really really good -- try everything!

There are black people in Japan. I'll say within a one week time frame you'll see maybe 5 (well if you're in a city).

But maybe 95% of the FEW blacks that you see are going to be African. This being in a bigger city like Tokyo. It's not too common to fall upon a western black (which is really interesting). Go past the cities and I just assume there are less. (well maybe more in areas that have US military bases).

You'll be treated fine. You may get guys who are interested in reggae or hip-hop to randomly say something to you (that happened to me on the train. it was aaaaawkwaaard).

Keep in mind American racism is different from Japanese "racism". Theirs is a sort of unknown assumptions type thing as opposed to American flat out being ignorant and rude attitude. And with that I'm pretty sure whatever (and probably never except for that one blue moon afternoon) gets dished out on you will be something we consider petty.

You'll have a great time. I survived. I'm going back for round two. =D

I'm African-American, female, and have been living in Japan for three years. To answer your question, no there aren't many black people in Japan. As for the treatment of blacks here, the staring can be overwhelming at first-- especially if you're in a city outside of Tokyo. Most residents of Tokyo are accustomed to seeing foreigners.

You will be asked often, "Where are you from?" and when they hear America it's usually a very positive response. Overall, I came here as a student and enjoyed the culture, country, and environment so much that I stayed and decided to develop a career.

As for the negative aspects of Japan, once you've lived in Japan for longer than a year, you begin to see the restrictions of being a 'foreigner' not simply a black person in Japan. So, yes, I would agree with some posters in regards to racist attitudes toward non-Japanese.

Finally, the hospitality and customer service is outstanding-- makes you dread returning back to the US and it's tip-for-outstanding-service system.

hope it helps

Sista in Tokyo

http://sistaintokyo.blogs.com/

I went to Japan last year for a month. There are few whites, and fewer blacks and hispanics. Everyone is nice there, they do stare some in the subways. But its mostly from the older people. You will be fine, alot of people will say they dont know english, but they know some, enough to help when i needed directions or questions. Be polite, learn "excuse me, good morning, good afternoon, and thank you." If all else fails ask other foreign travelers. In the subways touch the english translation. Have fun!!!! I will go to Beijing, China in August for the Olympics myself with my 10 year old son. Not Japan, I know but I know we will be oddballs fo-sure! Whatever i am so there!!!!!

No there aren't many black people in Japan. I know this since I have lived in Japan for 10 years. You rarely see a transfer student from United States or Europe who is black. Japanese people are not racists and even if they have animosity towards you, they will rarely show it outright. They are what you would call passive aggressive.

Added: Japan has one of the smallest population of blacks and no, to correct some people who have stated that Japanese people consider people of the darker skin tone less, I wish to say that thats incorrect. Take people of Osaka precinct for example, they are some of the darkest Asians and they have harbored the past nobilities.

Added: No.. Watermelon does not cost 300 dollars. Nor does a hot dog. Watermelon/melon are about 10-15 dollars each. Don't worry about the food prices, one premium sushi plate is 30 dollars. You are probably with friends or companies with a preset schedule; the food price is comparable to that of here if you multiply everything by 2x-3x. (One of the outrageous things I would like to point out is one 12 ounce coke is 2.5 dollars.)

You'd be treated as just as stranger as well as white in Japan(not talking about inside of military base but outside of there).

Except midnight of crowded places like Roppongi or Shinjyuku black people are quite few there even in Tokyo.

Black community words and speakings are nothing to do with Japanese English so that you might be nervous and irritated. Calm down and keep cool. Most of them're never gonna insult or offensive to you.

Just relax and understand that most of Japanese are indifference towards strangers. It doesn't matter skin and hair color. They are not racist but just don't want to get involved with strangers.

Some sensitive and self overconfident people are shouting that Japanese are discriminating people though it is wrong. Some of course may be yes but not of all. It happens everywhere.

1 They're treated like all the other foreign women. 2 I don't know, but there are some black guys in Tokyo. 3 There are no such things like black schools. You can work as an english teacher.

Yes there are black people in Japan but most of them aren't black American which is what you're probably used to. You will see blacks from France, UK, Australia, Brazil, and for some reason there is a lot of people from Nigeria.

As far as how blacks are treated.. well, you will be treated like any other foreigner. The only problem is that those Nigerians I mentioned do some illegal things which helps build up a dislike for blacks. Overall don't worry, you'll be fine.

Oh and word of advice, learn some key words and phrases before you go.

And watch this video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNAJWA2gVHE

2% of Japan was registered as African (was not classified as African American as you may know.)

I am African American and I was in Japan for 1 year, non millitary. Its a different way of life than you might already know. Japan does not look at you differently as in the states, since the background of our race was not existant.

I have been to 15 countries and Japan treated me the most equal. I can count on two hands how many Africans, let alone African Americans I met, but it did not matter.

Trust me on this one, it is a wonderful place to visit, and you will be exposed to culture that you have never seen. The Japanese want to show this culture on a daily basis and it does not matter about your color. Your color is of no importance there.

Dont worry about studying Japanese. Believe it or not, it is an easy thing to learn, although reading it is more challangeing. The locals will help you anytime you ask. I was never ignored nor looked at in a funny way.

If you want to experience how hospitality and acceptance should be, this is the place to visit.

When you arrive you should expect a shock. A good shock. You will be greeted as soon as you leave the plane with, "what to do and not to do" in Japan. All is common sense. If you dont follow the rules, you will be asked to leave. Or end up in a dirt cell.

Respect there culture and be polite, you will have no problems. Freedom came as a big price in Japan, not like the US. Hard work, acceptance and religon are the base for the Japanese.

Some think Japan hates the US, for various reasons including WWII, but they actually asked quite often about this event. Its knowledge they were seeking, and this is one of the backbones of the Japanese culture.

This is a great place to visit as an African American, and you will not regret it. The only thing you might regret is coming back the US and then understanding how simple minded we are when it comes to others color.

As for food, I would suggest you take it easy on the raw fish, for our immune system is not tolerable to this kind of dish. I dont know how long you are staying, but trust me, getting sick in Japan is different than the US. Avoid anything that is raw, including meat. Dog is sold like hotdogs on the corner in a city. Stay away. Dive into the new dishes you have never tried before, but stay far away from the raw products. There is no FDA to take care of your food there.

Good luck, and have fun

Yes, as business associates, of course, of American and British companies. But the larger number are active-duty soldiers or retired veterans, who married or are wooing Japanese nationals. I spent several months there during the South Korean vs. North Korean war, and was told by Japanese nationals and Americans alike, how older Japanese considered fraternization with US soldiers outrageous, and disowned their daughters. White and black American soldiers learned much about a single race society.