"Don't Come To Tokyo ..." (Black in Japan) | MFiles
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 ธ.ค. 2018
- In this episode of The Melanated Files (MFiles) we introduce Jason Gatewood, an American University Teacher and Journalist living in Japan. Listen as Jason shares his experience living in Japan for almost eighteen years as well as offload a wealth of knowledge on how to learn Japanese. Watch to hear his story.
You can find Jason on Instagram and Twitter here: @starrwulfe
SUBSCRIBE to our channel: goo.gl/BToqWv
The Melanated Files or the MFiles is a Black Experience in Japan's series that highlights black people living in Japan. It focuses on sharing the story of the individual; who they are; what they do; what they are passionate about; and what their experience has been so far, as a black person living in Japan.
Melanated is a word that is regularly used in the black community. It means “full of melanin.” Files is in reference to the collection of stories of black people in Japan that will be shared in this series.
If you would like to be featured or know a black person living in Japan, who would like to be featured, please send us a message on our Facebook page: / theblackexjp Or tweet us @theblackexjp
Visit our website: www.blackexjp.com
Also remember to subscribe for weekly videos on the black experience in Japan.
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Japanese Subtitles done by: Chika Little
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Thank you for watching!
#blackinjapan #mfiles #jasongatewood
This guy is 1,000% correct. Traveling outside of your country and interacting with foreigners and experiencing other cultures will definitely change you for the better.
Joey Aloha 100% agree
This is very true. I went to Japan for the first time last year and it changed me both on a mental as well as spiritual level. I realized I had some unconscious bias in how I viewed other cultures along the way, despite my appreciation for said cultures. I probably wouldn't have ever noticed had I not stepped outside America. The world seems so small if you stay in one place for too long so stepping into Japan was like a cosmic eureka moment for me.
Especially Americans (I'm American) need to travel and extensively learn about other cultures. Mainly because America has been the focus and center of attention for a long time after WW2 and so Americans have America vs the world type of mentality and many Americans are very ignorant of other cultures. You can see this behavior manifest in American tourists where they act all entitled even if they're not in their own countries; kinda like the Chinese are behaving these days with the rise of their economy.
True but I don't like your math, nothing over 100%, ROR!
Too bad America doesn't see that
Having visited Japan a few years ago, I totally agree with you about the camaraderie. I was walking in Shinjuku looking for a coffee shop, then all of a sudden I hear across the street." Sista....Sista! I turned and looked around to see a handsome African gentleman wave at me and happily shouted.."hello sista..."I see you." Have a great day! I waved back at him, smiled and wished him a blessed one. Before I knew what happened, I turned the corner, leaned against a building and just cried. I never felt so loved from so far away from home by a complete stranger who looked just like me saying.......I SEE YOU!
I felt that *IN MY SOUL*
@@marksteel8416 thank you for validating why you don't count. Now go troll away! Thanks for stopping by😉
@@Kirungi_Birungi Thank you for that. I swear I still tear up everytime I tell that story. Be blessed...
I really felt this
I too felt that in my soul. I literally teared up while reading this. It was specifically the "i see you" .wow
日本が素晴らしいというより、この人が素晴らしい人なんだと思う
百里ある＾＾
@@kaypathy ？
@@kanade21726 can u translate the comment please
@@rehanjamil5362 "I feel, it's not that Japan is a wonderful place, this man is a wonderful person."
@@user-zd1gz8mr9m 理 ＾＾
I have a lot of friends who say they like living in japan because they say something like "in japan I am not black, I'm just not japanese" 🤣
Well its a serious matter not a joke. Its deeply saddening for us to not be equal in a country that we were in before white people even came here. So when we say that we really do mean it. And the fact that we as black people HAVE to leave places like the U.S to go elsewhere to actually have a full life. Its near impossible to have one as a black person in the states unless you were already wealthy or are part of a rare 1% that comes up with a futuristic business idea. Plus even with all that money, there are still places you cant go and people you cant access simply because they dont like black people.
@@zacwoods Hey, I don't know any places black people can't go because they are black, Can you please tell me where exactly?
Fifty50 x I personally live in NYC and there is an area by my house where a family owns rows of apartment buildings and have NEVER rented to a single black family. I personally have tried to inquire about an apartment and didnt even get a call back at all and I offered to pay half down cash. Never rented to a black person in my lifetime OR my parents life either and we’ve been here collectively over 40 years. Its not an open “black people arent allowed” anymore these folks aint dumb. Its covert racism. In fact the neighborhood IS MAJORITY BLACK AND HISPANIC yet those specific few blocks have 0 black people and have never had any in its entire lifetime since those buildings were built there. And this is New York we’re talking. Lets not get started down south in the Mississippi/Alabama areas. You can google all sorts of those where certain neighborhoods if minorities try to move in they either get rejected outright or get harassed until they move out.
Even for me, my dad is Japanese... I am not japanese for them hahahahaha.
I have British friends that are black that have said the same thing. They never felt like they were black till they visited the US.
this man just made me watch a 28 minute video of just his experiences...no wonder he's a teacher.
Failedpuberty6x In a good way?
White people with their lack of sympathy, yet they blew Japanese away by bombs. What did black people do to these people to deserve such disgusting and repugnant racism? Nuts.
Thinking about it you are 💯 % right
@@arsenioseslpodcast3143 why do people always generalize all white people. At this point idk why everyone is so divided. I'm black and I've never had problems with a white person :l
I thought he said he was a journalist.
His grandad planted a seed in him to learn a foreign language. That’s so awesome.
very wise grandad
BritishJamaican777 ikr
I miss him and grandma every day of my existence. I truly understand what it means to plant a seed in the younger generation now. It would not have even thought about making it this far without them both for real for real
I thought his grandfather also planted a seed in his grandma
When I first went to Japan in 1995, I was treated with friendship and respect. Wherever I went people thought I was Mike Tyson or Bo Jackson. There were a couple of bars that I frequented and the owners treated me like a celebrity. I didn't have any problems with racism in Japan. I encountered more racism in Hawaii because the tourist were racist but the locals were respectful. Japan is a cool country. Japan appreciates African American jazz and hip hop culture.
I'm not Black but I've been here for 40 years . Your comments and observations are spot on.
40 years?! Wow that’s almost half of your life.
@@colin-kun3611 Actually about 59.7% of my life to the present. Thanks.
@@normdancy nice, i plan on going there in future
Woww! How’s finding love over there? Easier than American?
What is a good job to look into to move there?
Damn, I'm really jealous of people who can just, organise their thoughts on the fly and speak so calmly and eloquently and put across their points so well.
It's edited though
@@Exhorderx No amount of editing would make me sound that coherent.
Justin Doan Lol yeah the majority of people can do this
It will come with age :)
You have to work on it. Keep thinking about what it is you want to portray; especially when you come across a situation where you couldn't explain everything you wanted to say. Have a friend/sibling/parent/teacher help you with that. With a 2nd person, comes a different perspective. And you can practice trying to tell them what you're trying to say, and they can definitely help you with that, whether they know what you're trying to say or not.
As a teacher, journalist, and someone who's traveled a lot, Jason trained himself to be able to properly portray his thoughts a good extent.
Came for clickbait, stay for this awesome human being
"When you go back to your home town, you're a changed person" That's the truth and will open your eyes to new possibilities and not be so stuck in your own ways. I love it when people recognized that.
I like listening to well-educated people like this man.
You just like the fact that he is black. 😄
@@0707565 Despite being black, he's a well-educated man indeed!
@@0707565 here we go...
I agree, this man definitely is the type of person to have an intellectual conversion about problems instead of just screaming about it into the echo chamber. I respect it and would love to have a conversation with him.
@Guot Shol hear hear (from 2022)
Love this guy. He's the kind of guy you'd like to be friends with.
I was thinking that too...good guy to have a beer with.
This is seriously THE MOST positive comments thread I have EVER seen on a TH-cam video...Thank You So Much King!
Love Always I know right for real
They probably delete all the bad ones. Most channels do that
I am glad to hear that Japanese people have treated him good with respect.
@MASON CROSS Really? They are just afraid of foreign people, especially black people because they will never see a black person unless in Tokyo area. I had never "talked" with a black person until 23 years old, but this was only because I went to the UK. Now looking back how ignorant I was towards black people, because I didn't know they wear wigs and extension; I thought they were all natural hair. I also didn't know that they get suntanned. lol What was I thinking? That was the level of understanding of the people for me because there were nobody to be familiarize with. It is possible to end a life without "meeting" (not seeing) a black person in Japan even in Tokyo area. But this is not racism, this is ignorance isn't it? Anyway, if black people feel they are discriminated in Japan, it must be so. But many many people want to be friends with black people honestly.
@@msjapan112 Thats really interesting.
@NauticTL why are white people always trying to convince black people that everyone hates us lol
@@TIENxSHINHAN I swear most Japanese don't have any negative feelings towards black people😂 (I'm Japanese)
@Siberian Husky "you'll forever be a foreigner in their eyes"
And... their eyes would be correct. That doesn't make them racist, that just makes them aware of reality. If I move from another country to Japan, then by definition, I am a foreigner.
17:40 When he say "I am not going to marry just for the purpose of living indefinitely in Japan". You gained respect bro here. Simply, Don't marry out of convenience
Anyone else accidentally watch the whole video?
I love this
This, haha ^
Yep, same here. I couldn’t stop watching
Me
Couldn't stop watching. Very informative
He made me even more determined to get my passport travel and expand my life experiences outside of the US
Yes you will have a whole new outlook on life. There is wonderful cultures & life outside of these borders. I started with cruises & added flights to my destinations. Next month going back to Colombia.
Yeap, I traveled to Colombia... you don’t need a “big house” to be happy.... just an American thing
Japan is awesome! Trust me.
I have been to Japan for just a 2 week vacation and it was the best trip/experience I've ever had. Incredible country.
Do itttt
I'm coming to Japan in 2021!!!!!
We're waiting!
@@user-hu9xv9iy2n 😂😁👍
@@InkSync23 hell yeah
Cool!
Same in March or April, COVID ruined my 2020 trip
I’m a Chinese guy who was born in China and raised in Singapore. About 3 years ago when I was visiting Japan I came across a Mexican-American dude at a bar in Golden Gai. He said it was the first time that he has traveled outside of North America (in fact he’s only been to these two countries, not even the east coast of the US) and he was blown away by the fact that a Chinese dude can speak fluent English and knows so much about the US. I talked to him about football, politics, and before he left he said “I think you are very understanding. You not only understand what’s going on around you, but you also understand other people’s opinions, and that’s really awesome.” To this day, that was the best comment I’ve ever received in my life. I didn’t even know his name, and I’d have a little chuckle over how he would return to the US and tell his friends that a Chinese dude in a tiny bar in Tokyo just blew his mind.
That's amazing bro!
Really cool! Strange question but was he there rebuilding a vintage car or motorcycle?
I'm African American (mixed), but one of my best friends is Japanese. She told me that the literal translation of the kanji for rice is "88 days". Its the amount of time it takes that one grain of rice to grow. So the Japanese are always reminded of the effort it takes to grow a grain of rice. That is why it's so rude to leave grains of rice on your plate. Because of the effort it takes to grow each and every grain.
this I daresay respect towards rice is applicable to most Asians of different countries.
@@cynthiaclarke6874 china dont give a sht lol
im an individual and my n1qga who is japanese told me godzilla is real and likes to fuck shit up once in a while
how does 米 translate into 88 days ?
@@eddfasd you know kanji are pictograms right? They don't have a single meaning 88 days is just one of those meanings.
The TH-cam algorithm was on point today. Great video.
That's what I thought, the title mislead the algorithm into thinking it was sending me junk. It was the misleading title. It worked. Thanks.
I searched this!
この人の言ってることは、日本人が外国移住したりする時にも役立つ事ばかり
I never intended to watch the entire video in one sitting and ended up doing so because of how amazing a story teller he is. Very intelligent, open minded and insightful man.
Him sharing his experience has definitely grown me as a person and strengthens my drive to travel to Japan and other countries, as well as immerse myself in them properly.
@Brenda Lee No he's surprised at how good of a story teller he is. Can't you read?
Brenda Lee ur such a dumbass
@omni I agree! He had a very interesting story and seemed to be a very affable and intelligent man. If he had a podcast I would def tune in lol
not gonna lie the walls being thin and hearing he sleeps in like a track suit just answered alot of questions i had from watching anime
Yeah 😂
Imagine that japanese famale moans and their children listening to it
@@guilhermetonon7267 definitely a porn thing, not a real life thing. Too weird.
@@guilhermetonon7267 Lmfao
@@guilhermetonon7267 bruh
The title is really misleading. The video was fascinating though, wise words mate.
I agree assumed that he was facing racism.
@@arsenioseslpodcast3143 Wtf are you on about
@@naa5972 what did Arsenio Buck say? I assume he was triggered be ause a white man made a comment...lol
I'm sure he meant dont go to japan because you will not want to leave.
I’m Japanese and I love his comments about Japan which are spot on. I was very surprised that there was a grandma touched his hair without telling anything or that kind of behaviour though. It barely happens in Japan. Also, I totally agree with him on going to country side to feel more local atmosphere rather than just going to Tokyo or any other big cities. Thank you for an amazing video! Very impressive!
in my experience japanese people always grab your hair without asking if its curly etc
@@user-sw5hy6ox6l That is so not true.
plus its very expensive wuznt going to move there anyways
@@Aki-lp8ul how you gonna say its not true when you're Japanese? You don't have any experience as a black person in japan, so how can you tell someone about their experience????? That's very arrogant behavior.
@@Ray-pp5qb R did not mention if Japanese people touch the curly hair of particularly black people. I have friends from overseas including black people and they didn’t acknowledge this phenomenon. I’m just against generalisation of racism. Does it make sense?
Man, I'm Brazilian and I'm so inspired right now after watching this video, because going to Japan is my biggest dream! And I'll keep doing my best to make it become true! Thanks for this advices!
Thin wall are because lots of earthquake here. You'll have a better chance of survival than concrete walls.
Thanks for sharing.
If we don't freeze to death first? Let the rubble kill me!!!LOL
🤣
ikumajp...Makes sense!
(U.S.) California Building Code makes sure that even our plaster walls won’t fall under extreme circumstances (They’ll crack, but they’re structurally sound). I hate California codes and laws Lol, but there’s solutions other than giving in to having thin walls.
I Like this gentleman. He is positive honest and enthusiastic. Very Informative.
Marian Foreman yep .... Jason is a cool dude!!
"I hate being lumped in with other foreigners." I live in Korea and feel that so strongly.
While in the USA... lol
@@tigerjonn I have lived in Korea for a long time. Just because I don't update my youtube address doesnt mean its not true.
나는 한국에서 5 년간 살고 있어요. 비록 외국인이지만 언어와 문화를 배웠어요.
So don't judge someone based on a "youtube" account.
@dodygchlclhxoyxkg e59d9ydoyxcoyE thank you so much but you don't need to apologize. Overall, the experience here has been amazing and I am lucky enough to have a nice community. My struggles were because I'm American and Japanese. If it wasn't one reason, it was the other. Haha.
내생각엔 한국에서 사는 것이 미국보다 더 좋아요. (I hope that makes sense) ㅋㅋㅋㅋ
@@1234fakerstreet I have no idea what you are talking about..... I never even seen your account....
I was simply responding to your comment about you hate foreigners being lumped together....
While
In the USA....
Asians are all considered as such.
Mexicans are all like this and that.
Blacks are a certain way.
Whites are like this and that.
This lumping of people together is a natural process that will happen wherever you are.
This is completely natural. It's so natural that Asians grow up with the idea in the USA that you represent your race Whenever you step out.....
So you better act fucking correct or people will see you and think...that's how asians are.....
Asians understand and accept this as reality.
So I have no fucking clue what you are going on about....
@@tigerjonn
1) I apologize for the misunderstanding on your post but it's easy to see how misconstrue it with 4 words followed by a lol.
2) I better act fucking correct? That sounds like a threat. Yes it's true groups are clumped together. Xenophobia is one of the many flavors of racism. Now, if you prefaced what appeared to be a coherent remark like just now, instead of the original one, I would have been able to clearly respond. That, is on me.
However, I will take Korea's xenophobia over the way America treated me racially everyday. I've never been attacked or threatened here; only minor inconveniences such as having to find another cab or not being allowed to sit on the train. That's tee ball in comparison.
I want to hang out with this dude. Reminds me of my type of friends here in the states.
didn’t expect you here! love your tutorials man
@@khoaprod Hahaha...Looking at other alternatives other than the US :)
Anytime you’re ready, come on through!
Stg we all got a homie like this lol. My homie living in Thailand(after Japan) now mind u we grew up on the south side of Chicago lmao! Dudes like this are the original "Papa was a rollin stone" type brothers. They be worldwide asf🤣😂
This guy has wisdom. And not just about Japan, about life. I'd definitely would hang out with him.
I am a 55 year old white American male. I clicked on this video simply because it was about Japan. I am intrigued by Japan culture.
From the first few moments my eyes were glued to the screen. This man is very articulate and insightful.
I am inspired by him and his words. This man was born to teach. Simply outstanding!
bitch u aint getting no pussy stay at home in your retirement plan bitch
TEMP BOSS Wow, so edgy. What are you, 10?
Jim honestly, you sound racist. Why are you bringing up him being articulate like black people cant be articulate in general? I notice white people say things like this to throw microagressions at blacks.
@@adhddhdh3572 you saw what you wanted to see.
@@adhddhdh3572 You are completely wrong dude....
''your mind is always working, there is no chance to be lazy here " that's brilliant! I loved that
Thanks for sharing your experience in Japan. I'm Japanese and I want to apologize to you about what Japanese granma did for you. Sometimes Japanese granmas are just interested in the foreigner. And thank you for trying to be positive for them😊 They are really lovely peoples✨
This guy's really clever, it's amazing how well he expresses himself
The quote by Mark Twain that he is referring to (17:57) is “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.”
Thanks for sharing!
A bit long. I'll stick to the paraphrase.... :)
U know.ive traveled almost the usa.been to many states here.been to canada,mexico,hawaii.n honestly i cant say people from other countries n cultures that i encountered helped dissuade me from not liking a certain culture.alot of the time in america u come across very rascist n violent n ignorant people.it was like that in almost all the places ive been to.even when i visited south korea.i personally think koreans r very superficial n they r rascist as hell.i really dont like korean people because of my experience there.so im just saying that travelling for me didnt make me think broader about this world but the opposite.this world is full of unappealing people n cultures.i live in miami.theres so much latin america influence here.ive grown to dislike most cubans n other south americans.maybe its do to over exposure of latino culture.
Just an Observation Love it!
Hilarious considering the things mark twian himself has written...
This is what real journalism is! Very informative, thanks for posting this.
I love how he says he has more freedom there even though America prides themselves in being the land of the free 🙃🙃
@Vandole No they just worked out into the legal system. I definitely want to move
@Vandole yes America so horrible it will never get out of its ways and fix things only making it worse what I don't like about America being a black American is how they make other countries look bad when you actually speak to people from those places and those people are more welcoming and happy I want to move out and see something new
oh "land of the free" is bullshit and everyone knows it. you're taught "land of the free" and you believe it until you're like 9.
faded existence yea America’s so bad millions of people want to come here.
Vandole lol, ah yes the friendly Nazis, 😂😂😂😂😂😂
Absolutely great insights. My first visit to Japan was strictly contained in Tokyo; although it was still a tremendous experience it was very insular and over-reliant on my western comfort zone and traditions. Decided on my next trip to venture outside the metropolitan areas, especially when deciding to hike up Mount Fuji. This venture completely opened my experience to Japanese culture, relying more on my rudimentary Japanese language skills, and being more immersed with the people and environment.
Was the title just for clicks? It got me to watch but I'm really glad it wasn't a negative video about being black in Japan.
"Be willing to show what you can give to Japan while you are coming over here to experience Japan and you will have a better experience."
Great advice!
The Japanese in the Caribbean don’t give anything but the blacks treat them well.
About the hair: I am a blond German. 12 years ago I came to Korea for the first time and an old lady at a market stand touched my hair and said how pretty it was. Then she went on to produce a pair scissors from her apron and indicated that she want to keep the end of a lock. I was so flabbergasted that I actually let her do it.
Old lady - if you see this - what did you do with the hair?
Rika Allodola maybe she ate it?
Curse you using black magic of course
Wiped her ass with it
OPJuiceBox ADGHCGSHZXBUC😭😭😂
@@OPJuiceBox i see what you did there
This was one of the best interviews on TH-cam I have seen. Thank you!
This interview was excellent... and this comment section is one of the most positive I have ever seen.
Constructive criticism is often labeled negative, yes or yes.
Need A Random Name did I say there was zero arguing... just very positive..
Wonderful segment! It's no surprise Jason is a teacher and journalist. I could listen to him talk all day long!
I agree. You can tell he is a good listener and observer.
don't come to tokyoなんてタイトルだから 「えっ…？？？😰」 と思って恐る恐る開いたら高評価も多くて日本めっちゃ嫌われてる…？？ってドキドキしながら動画観てたけど全然ディスられてなくて、なんだこれ？と思ったら
日本に来たいと思ってる外国人に、日本語学ぶなら東京じゃなくて地方にしなっていう動画だったんだね……😂😂
びっくりしたー！し、不便なことがたくさんありながらもずっと日本にいてくれることが嬉しい😊
@@data_storytelling9167 you need c3po
Because the title of this video is “don’t come to Tokyo” and there is many likes, she thought Japan Is hated by foreigners a lot. But then she watched the video and understood its contexts.
日本は､やな国ではないよ！平等を尊重する国だよ！😊
@@user-fu1cs5qs4y ありがと
私も私も！
めっちゃびっくりした！
急におすすめに出てきたと思って見てみたんだけど最初らへんに東京には行かない方が良いって言ってるところがあったからドキッとしながら見てたけど最後まで見たらよかったぁーって思った！
I did not expect to get such amazing life advice from this video, but this man has truly changed my life's priorities/trajectory. I never realized the true importance of travel until this video. thank you for giving me the insight I needed to thrive and to grow and to become a better version of myself
I can listen to this dude all day! Such good story teller!
Ok
Why did 2.2k people downvote this?? Some folks gotta be really miserable... This brotha is very engaging. "you need to leave your comfort zone to go see the world"
You know how people are always hating brotha. Its Amerikkka in 2019 man!!!. Everyday norm and that's the SAD part!! Bless up Brotha💪🏾💪🏾
spittfyre365, maybe they were expecting to see why they shouldn't go to Tokyo, instead they found the opposite. They might not have stayed to the 20:08 mark to understand the title of the video.
spittfyre365 They didn't realize the title was click bait, and downvoted it.
Cause he's bs. America is not racist. America calls out people on their shit and nobody wants to own up to it.
This is what whites want you to see! You a a fool.
Jason has so much wisdom! Great information and I love his advice about traveling. My husband and I are Latinos and we have experienced racism in the US specially in our church. We love traveling and have gone to many places around the world. We have connected with great people who allowed us and welcome us into their cultures and it is life changing. We hope to show our daughter the world and learn to appreciate other cultures.
This was a great video, very interesting hearing Mr. Gatewood's story and his perspective. Thank you.
I'm not black, but found my experiences in Japan to be similar to his. Not the easiest place to live, but a good and very interesting place. He gives good advice in this video which applies to all. I'll toss in a couple more. #1, Always think of yourself as being at work any time you leave home. A lot of people come from the US and think "when I'm at work, I'm at work, but after work leave me alone!" In Japan you still represent your school/company even after work and as a foreigner more people WILL pay attention to you, talk/gossip about you, etc. You can still have fun, go drinking, and so on, but don't say or do anything in public that you wouldn't want everyone you know to know about. #2, Always think of yourself as a tourist. If you think "this s where I live," you won't go and do everything you'd like to do. How often do you go to the "tourist" spots in your home town? Places like parks, museums, historic buildings, etc.? Most people almost never go to them because they think they'll go there "some day." If you want to get the most out of your time in Japan, think of yourself as a tourist and go see and do everything you are interested in NOW! Don't wait, you may never have the chance again.
erad67 thanx for the advice on living happily in japan
erad67 well that applies to the western countries as well I have been in Uk for more than ten years and i still believe I’m a foreigner and am made to feel like a foreigner. On the other hand I like it that way you are what you are and where you are from is where you are from. I don’t believe the western propaganda bullshit of a multicultural society. If you come to London it is full of areas where people from the same countries cluster together. And it serves a purpose as well makes people feel less home sick and protection in group. And before you say that isn’t the case, just come to a place like London and see. Not saying it is a bad thing it is what it is.
TOTALLY agree with making sure you make sure you live there always as if you are a tourist because i lived there and saw a lot but since i didn't really think this way i missed out on seeing so much more.
@@radioclash84 multi-CULT-uralism. I think that word if used right is very powerful and it depends on the scale. in my opinion the ideal would be around 90-95% the local group then the last 10-5% makes up a mix of all types of different people all around the world. also true multiculturalism is what you have on a global scale of different countries with different cultures not the countries of the planet shrunk down on a national scale.
@@radioclash84 I've been to London a few times and enjoyed it.
I'm glad there are brothas like him inspiring others to change their views on life ✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿
Loved listening to Jason's experience. Inspirational!
Everyone you interview is so cool. They seem so relaxed to be in asia
I love that he was positioned so you could see the street life going on in Tokyo. I was listening to him and watching the people too. Great video.
That was kinda the idea! Glad you enjoyed the street life too!
Me too
Soul style the name of the shop that looks to be sell black orientated clothes😊
They could have scooted off the sidewalk a little more, but that's just my own decency speaking.
Same great to see people just doing their own thing and not paying mind.
This guy makes me wanna buy him a beer.
Ian Summers good for you but does he want to have a beer with you
Marky Johnson Why so negative fella? I was just paying someone a compliment. Jesus.
Ian Summers negative? Why would you say negative when I was asking a question?
Ian Summers you would have to be a negative person or have a negative connotation to yourself to feel that question is negative
Marky Johnson
If you don’t see how it comes off as contentious and unnecessarily challenging, idk what to tell you. I’m not having a long debate about it, on the heels of a comment that was a compliment. This is how comment sections go sideways. The last word is yours if you want it. I hope you have a good day man.
"Leave your comfort zone and travel" That's the best advice I have ever gotten I head when I was a kid. My life in Japan has been eye opening. I feel as if a veil has been lifted from my eyes about my self and my home country (The States). Great video! Thank you!
I want to take my 8 year old to China, Japan and Spain, at the moment she is learning Spanish, Mandarin Chinese and Japanese. These are the three main ones among many others. I want to open her mind to the world and all the different cultures, in the hopes that one day she may partake in it's beauty.
My 13 year speaks English, Spanish, Mandarin, French, & Italian 😅
I never intended to watch the whole video. But this guy is such a master orator, intelligent with excellent articulation that I was engaged throughout this whole half hour long video.
Yeah same here! Just wanted to know WHY not go to tokyo but then i just enjoyed the whole video. :)
Me too....couldn't stop watching. He is so interesting and a real nice guy. I wanna be his student!
Ditto! Me too!
You’re correct! Especially being from the south! Lol our southern drawl can be thick.
Bruh he speaks like any average English speaker. How low are your standards?
Maaaan..... This video was the most informative I’ve seen in a very long time. That algorithm is banging today...
James Evans was my daddy
i came here just out of curiosity to see the life of a black man in japan, at some point i just started to like how he describes his life there, the way the he tells his stories is just mesmerizing
I like this man's interview, he's so in detail
I thought you're going to tell us the negatives. But you're very positive. It's calming & inspirational.
it's funny cause he spoke about them but he ultimately said it's a new thing, differences etc just reminds you some things are not so bad just have to learn, adapt and get use to things.
Travel broadens the mind. Loved your vid, wishing you all the best for the future.
He's so intelligent and full of wisdom, what a cool dude.
SO INTELLIGENT....? ……...WHAT WERE YOU EXPECTING....?
Glen Oneill i think he means that he’s so well spoken
@@x20fotab23 thank you sir one love.
@@x20fotab23HE MEANS FOR A BLACK PERSON HE IS WELL SPOKEN....IF HE WAS WHITE HIS INTELLIGENCE IS ALREADY ASSUMED.
Glen Oneill 🤦🏽♂️it’s not the deep kid. Chill out
White「I’m white!」
Black「I’m black!」
Japanese「You guys are foreign. That’s it.」
When he talked about how he moved here and his experience I remembered why I started learning Japanese to begin with. I feel really inspired to keep going!!
Because you're a weeb
I hope your learning is still going well. I am also feeling inspired.
Good Job, Bro. I'm Black and I've lived in the Dominican Republic for almost 12 years. Like you, I can NOW I can do everything in Spanish; read, write and of course, speak. I got married and have children who are bi-lingual. I 've been back to the States and nothing is the same. Really, if I didn't have family there I would not go back. This was a life-changing move for me. I can go anywhere in the Spanish speaking world and survive.
Hey I plan on moving to DR and getting a citizenship. Any ideas for good jobs out there? And any insite on the process? I've been there plenty of times to visit my girlfriend and her family
good
Something actually positive and informative on youtube. Vids like this are becoming a rare gem. Good stuff bro
What a gem of an interview. His ability to insightfully talk for 30 minutes (probably with minimal preparation) is truly incredible.
In Japan, migrants from other countries are considered to be "foreigners" regardless of their skin color. The concept of "foreigner" is equivalent to the concept of "Japanese". However, it is quite difficult to break this barrier of distinction. No matter how many years foreigners live in Japan, they would be still considered being within the framework of "foreigners".
私は日本人としてあなたの意見に同意します。日本では外国人だからという理由で差別を受けることは少ないと思いますが、それは比較的安全だという最低限の環境だというだけです。日本人だけで構成されているコミュニティに入っていくことは特に難しい。言葉の壁が特に障害になるでしょう。私も積極的に話しかける性格ではないですが、排他的に振る舞うのは日本人の苦手なところです。
Because.... they are foreigners? The very concept of "foreigner" is a person who has moved into another country they weren't born in.
I'm Asian. Born and raised in America. I like watching this channel to learn about Japan and the experiences of non Japanese natives that are in Japan.
No offense but in my native dialect, your name literally translates as the Queen's Vagina ( if that makes sense).
Taylor Ning lol that’s pretty cool
@@boohoomoron7629 what language is this
I’m an African American but is it bad that I read your comment in a stereotypical Chinese voice?
Idk why this is in my suggested videos but it was really interesting to watch. As a black man, I love seeing well spoken, articulate, intelligent black people like Jason. Mainstream media is constantly portraying us negatively...so people begin to believe that's all we are. People often forget that we're all individuals before we're whatever our melanin level says we are. People like Jason help dispel negative stereotypes of us all being ghetto and ignorant. Happy New Year!
I recently went to Atlanta for work and it was the first time I had that much exposure to middle and upper class African Americans. I'm from the midwest and it's rare to see that in my mostly white state. I wish everyone could experience this - I think it would help our society in so many ways.
@@kfaberdnt Yeah I have quite a bit of family living in Atlanta. It's definitely refreshing when I visit. I live in central Florida.
The media, which unfortunately likes to seek and cater to the lowest common denominator, also stereotype the intelligent, open-minded, and articulate as being "not real" or out of touch. In media, you're either one cartoonish extreme or another (the Jeffersons; the Banks family on "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air"). That is definitely not the case. There is far more respect and sense of community among the more articulate and accomplished than among those perpetuating the destructive negative aspects.
90% of the blacks i know speak this way. In fact, i only hear ghetto talk or slang from stereotypical roles on tv or hip hop...
thats so sad
むしろそれだけのキャリアと18年間も日本とアメリカを行き来しているのなら、それは羨望の興味の対象とし見られたり話しかけられる事は多いでしょう。
日本人は基本未だに島国の民なので、外国出身者に凄く興味があるし友達になりたいと思っている人も多いです。
シャイで「友達になりたい。」って言えないだけなんだと思う。
@@user-zz7qk8mn7g 別に特別友達にはなりたいわけじゃないけどな。
@@user-zp1oi7kp2w 捻くれてんなー
ねむい
だるい
I'm French, I'm 30 and I lived abroad for more than 5 years in 4 different countries. Now I am addicted and the fifth is coming soon. I can 100% relate to everything that man said about the "traveling will change you in a better way" part. I can't stop wondering what would I be today without all of my long term trips around the world and the answer is simple, I can see it everytime I get back to my hometown and hang out with my "homies"... I'd be the same guy I was before I left my country for the first time. The most important thing I've learned from traveling is that meeting new people is what makes us evolve and we evolve much faster when meeting people having a different culture than ours.
I had zero intentions on watching this whole video, I just wanted to see why I didn't want to come to Japan as a black man and I was sucked in by a charismatic, smooth intellect and 28 minutes later i'm still watching. How lucky is the company you work for???? I'd say very. I now feel empowered to go out and learn a new language, always wanted to but now I am motivated to make it happen.
Thanks for this video and I pray you have continued success.
me too and im not black or japanese
Wtf it’s like you literally type outs exactly to the T what I was thinking God Bless you.
Same here
Yea he killed this interview. Great comment too!
I identify as black too my nigga
I've honestly never experienced somebody that can speak as well for so long without stuttering and explain so clearly what he's trying to express. I could listen to him talk all day. TED TALK get on it!
if you listen carefully... his stuttering is saying "you know" and repeating the last word he just said.
You need to be around new people lol this is how normal people speak.
Ur a bitch for yur comment bitcg
Damn, who are you conversing with...3rd graders? I agree he is intelligent and can express himself fairly well, but to say you've never experienced talking to someone with this level of verbal output is very extreme. I talk to/ listen to people like this and even more articulate everyday, as a matter of fact, I ONLY listen/conversate with someone who can get their thoughts across fairly well. "Who you've been datin', you need to raise the bar a little" -Martin Lawrence, Black Knight.
@@buttarain27 Very true.
Such an intriguing and inspiring interview. Thank you!
i listened from beginning to end...he knows how to tell his story well
I didnt intend to watch the whole video. He was so intriguing I had to finish. Great advice!!!
Came for a few minutes, ended up watching the entire video. Very well done.
🙏🏿 Thanks for watching, we appreciate it!
Same
Same, I'm white, but still felt strange in Tokyo. Would love to move there... It's really something special.
Damn! Happened to me too! 😜
His explanation of the freedom he feels living in Japan and being judged as a foreigner as opposed to actually being an american and yet constantly being treated as if you don't belong, was powerful. I am so happy to have found this channel. It's nice to live vicariously through the beautiful Black people who are experiencing true freedom that doesn't exist in the USA.
I was born outside the US.. but i experienced the freedom that i wanted in the US that i couldnt get in my home country.. My brother worked in japan 10 years ago and he didnt like it because it feels restrictive. I guess the meaning of freedom and how people experience freedom varies from person to person.. as to how... i have no idea.
i love this narrative the last few years that america isnt free, and its usually pushed by americans that have never stepped foot outside of america. Its fkn ridiculous. America is easily the most free country on earth, the diff races blend in america better than anywhere regardless of whatever problems there are in the vast country. And oppprtunity is higher in America than anywhere, and most ppl that have spent any time in America and other places will tell you the same if they are honest. Those of you that think America isnt free, then go live in some other countries for a while and get back to me in a decade or 2
I wonder how Black Japanese people feel their experience compares. I've heard more than once that Black Americans (and presumably other Black foreigners) are treated better in Europe than European Black people who were raised in France for example. As the interviewee said, Japan is like 90% ethnically Japanese, so being ethnically different means you stand out a LOT growing up. On the one hand I imagine some would be made to feel like they don't belong, but then Japan may be the only home they know.
Living in South Africa, I'm a educated engineer with a big house and nice car. I live in a high income area and I'm treated farely amongst whites and blacks living in that specific area. I've never been discriminated upon for being black but I've traveled to Europe and America where I've been questioned a few times. When leaving the airport in Denmark the security checking my passport and visa didn't believe that I was coming there for business. He probably thought I was trying to smuggle myself in.
日本人としても非常に勉強になる話でした！外国から来られる人たちの覚悟と勇気、そして学びに対する姿勢と精神に乾杯！日本人ももっと世界を知るべきですね！
You can tell he's a lecturer. Very nice to listen to and seems a really humble person.He reminds me of Questlove.
Thanks for watching, we appreciate it!
'Eat every last rice grain' Note taken lol.
Yeah holy shit something like that would have gone way over my head. Not something I'd ever consider.
Im in greedy...I'd have zero problems on that note lol
yeah ! becase they kinda stick together hehe !
@@mymyohmygod I love sticky rice XD
Exactly!
"specks of rice" It's because of the heritage of millennia of privation and occasional starvation. To leave rice behind is the height of arrogance, to waste something others are dying for.
Great speaker. I didnt skip during any part of this video. 👏🏾👏🏾 well done!!
Cool video ,felt like I was talking to this guy over a cup of coffee
Thanks for watching, we appreciate it!
Exactly how I felt while watching
I was sipping coffee while watching!! My family lived in Japan, and we have regretted leaving ever since. One day we will all go back.
You ain't lying, like content like this honestly. Very honest and open yet not so negative
Dude, your intellect and laid-back style are extremely compelling, making it very easy to listen to you. Thanks for the great content.
That's the best advice ever. Now I'm definitely going to Japan. I've always loved the culture and I love Japanese cars so gotta get out there 🙏🏿🇯🇵
Wonderful insights. I loved hearing this experience!
This guy sharing his story is really cool, humble, and well educated with tons of cultural experience outside of US, it's amazing to hear that there is life outside of the US.
wow im surprised you stated that he sounded educated ! most of the people i know sound like him. weird that people think blacks don't speak proper english.
Been living here for 2 years, and I went from not knowing any japanese to working at a japanese company. And I gotta say, this man speaking truth right there.
Especially the sense of community. I'm hispanic, and everytime another hispanic spots me they wave me over like "YOooooooooo whats goooood!"
Warms my heart.
Lan Ster that's funny as hell. Say, what about the earthquakes?
2 years damn tell me your secret
@@itsampofcourse 😂
@@itsampofcourse I went through like one or two when I was still living in Dominican Republic. They annoying, but they aint so bad.
@@mangakadosmil1143 I already speak two languages natively. The phonetics of spanish and japanese are hella similar, so it was easy to get through that part, but one thing that I found out that no one really teaches, you, or not even has done I dont think but. Figure out how to be yourself through another culture. Once I did that, it became easier to make friends, live here, learn the language, and even interview properly for jobs. I'm still me, I make jokes, and I stand out, but i do it while still not getting it lost in translation. I guess it comes with being a Hispanic america whos rooted in their own culture already.
Another big thing to do is: Go out and challenge yourself. The more confused you are about a situation before hand due to the language barrier, the more willing you should be to do it. Stress, anxiety, and obligation to get in there really helped me remember those moments as not only moments, but also big situations for me to memorize and really practice japanese in a practical setting.
I'd make a video about it, but I mean, I dunno if anyone would be interested haha
I've never heard anyone refer to ramen as the equivalent of American BBQ. I love that. That is such an apt example.
Wow. This is my 2nd video from this page .. I'm so inspired. Even though I'm not that interested in going to Japan, I do find that watching these videos is inspiring as an African American in the US to get out of my everyday and pursue more .... Thank you!!!
👊🏾
Been in Japan for 11 years now. His mark twain advice is the exact thing I tell my friends back home and others all the time. And I think its especially beneficial to Americans who never get out of their bubble. I was one of them. Traveling to many different countries has helped me grow into a better person and gave me a much better perspective about people.
This is a great testimony about the value of going abroad. Especially to get out of your comfort zone. You can tell this guy is just telling his experience, he's not trying to sell you on anything, it's just his truth, his experience. Great job!
When I was much younger I learned Russian, the basics in the Army but I didn't use it and it has slipped away. This guy is inspiring me to pick it up again and get proficient and go to Russia. Thank you!
Go for it! And thanks for watching!
Naah..Go somewhere els other dan russia.
Do you want to visit Russia or to live in Russia? The second option is not a good idea
The first sentence spoken in this video said "don't come to Tokyo"
@@sarahweis7360 I won't know till I visit. Like they say, nothing ventured, nothing ventured.
This is the video that drew me to your channel and I've been here ever since