Black Teen in Japan!?

Question

Okay so for an foreign exchange program I'm going to Japan next year when I'm 16 I'm getting a little worried about how i will be perceived i was wondering is there anyway i should like dress

I never do make-up but should i?

Also how are kids there, will i get laughed at or stared

Are the boys way more shy?

Should i be prepared for being ignored

Does anyone have stories about being AFrican-American in Japan????

Pic of ME:http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l160/straberrygirl04/Valentineday.jpg

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l160/straberrygirl04/jiof.jpg

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l160/straberrygirl04/Photo-0123.jpg

Answer 1

I think you're very pretty. As for moving to Japan, it's not like America where people from all over the world live there. Sure, people will be surprised, but you'll be fine. I'm sure no one will dislike you. You won't be ignored, haha. Actually they are very helpful to foreigners!

I do know someone African American on Youtube, that lives in Yokohama. He speaks and reads a little bit.

As for staring, yes. But don't take anything personally. I'm sure they don't mean harm.

I suggest you learn some Japanese before you go there. Just some basic, important ones such as:

"Eigo o hanashimasu ka."

Do you speak English?

"Watashi no namae wa (insert your name) desu."

My name is ___. [You can omit 'watashi no.' It'll sound more natural.]

If you'd like more help, please email me.

Or, a very good Japanese helper thing is About.com

Search "Japanese Language."

Because of that my Japanese has increased. [:

Answer 2

Hi , you're so cute!

Most Japanese are very friendly, and you needn't worry about being African American - I think US is much more racist nation than Japan, shh...

But you have to hear Japanese all day, you may have a headache,lol

As if you are "a mini-celebrity", you might be in the spotlight  for the first few weeks in Japan.  It depends on what region or area you go to school.  The rural Japanese are not used to seeing　foreigners, lol.  It must be kinda annoying, but  you should use it to your advantage to make friends.

About make-up, you don't need to put makeup on, it's prohibited by school regulations in general.

You'll  come to Japan as an exchange student !! I envy you - wish I had had such a great chance for studying English in US when I was teen!

Have fun!

Answer 3

Yes, you will probably get lots of stares but only because a majority of the people there look pretty much the same (same skin tone, same hair color, same eyes, etc...)

I would not worry about it. There are many African/African-American people living in Japan. The Japanese will be more interested in the fact that you are American rather than you skin tone.

Boys are the same as they are here, it's just harder to figure them out if you don't speak Japanese and they don't speak English.

Answer 4

You have nice face and skin. I don't think you'll have any problems.

Answer 5

You R Cute and Shouldn't worry You look bi racial.Tell em Beyonce is your cousin Nah kidding lol

Answer 6

There are african american teens in Japanese schools. Don't worry you will find some friends and I heard the boys are a bit more open over there. You should wear very light make up such as eyeliner and mascarra and some lipgloss. As for the way you should dress don't they have dresscodes over there? They should be giving you the rules of they're dresscode if anything wear what you usually wear and be yourself.  Be prepared to have an awesome yr as a foreign exchanged student. YOU ARE LUCKY btw. I wish I can go to japan that has always been my dream. (i envy you) ^.^ good luck.

Answer 7

You look like a nice girl. I don't think you will have any problems. A few people may stare, but only because you're different. I don't think anyone will laugh at you. Little kids might follow you around. LOL.

Dress as nice as you can, but don't over do it. The clothes you wore in the photos should be fine.

  Most Japanese kids are nice. Boys might be shy because you're non-Japanese.

  I don't think you have anything to worry about though. If you respect them, they will give it in return.

  Have fun !

Answer 8

You willl be fine. Like any school,some kids will want to talk to you, some will be shy, some will stare, and some will ignore you. Don't worry about being black. If you were fat, i'd say start sweating. you know not because you would be out of shape, but you would need to worry...I digress. Most Japanese people are good people and will treat you with the respect a guest deserves.