Is there a way to balance a love of Japanese culture without becoming known as a wannabe?

Question

I have had a HUGE interest in Japanese culture throughout my high school years, and I have taken the language for 4 years, been there twice (once on a homestay where I went to school), and I have started to primarily listen to J-Rock, love the art/architecture, and the list goes on and on. (Oddly, I really don't read much manga and watch much anime, though that seems to be what everybody thinks when they hear about a kid that loves Japan). I try to study Japanese daily so I may become fluent someday.

I have enough appreciation and determination to learn about every facet of their society and adhere to it to the best of my ability. I know I will always be thought of as a gaijin while I am over there, but I almost like being the minority, for I am able to be part American and Japanese.

However, I am concerned, if I choose to pursue Japanese in college and in life, will I always be thought of as just a "wannabe?" I am a Caucasian kid with a little Italian heritage from the midwest...

Answer 1

First I really want to stress this:There will always be those people that will judge you no matter what you do. You should live life the way you want to. Your friends will support you or they are not really your friends. Life is too short not to pursue the things you love.

If you want to blend in though you should study other things too. You should not be a one dimensional person. This really applies to anyone that has a strong interest in something. Sometimes things can make you too obsessed. You should be able to converse about many topics with people.

Also if you really want to avoid being thought of as a wannabe try not to dress in any Japanese traditional clothes because then you really will stand out for sure.

I say more power to you and I wish you the best of luck in the future.

Answer 2

You should follow what you are passionate about, and dont worry about the rest. At times you might even feel an inner-conflict between Japanese things and American, especially if you live here in Japan. But isnt that a chance for growth, and richness in life? The world needs more people like you who can appreciate other cultures, and bridge a gap between them. Finding your balance may be a lifelong journey for you.

Just dont go back to your American friends and say "Japan this, Japan that" all day long, because then they will think youre a loser wannabe.

Answer 3

When you come to Japan you will see that Japanese people are simply going to put you in a single category, non-Japanese.

You are welcome to study Japanese language and culture to improve your understanding and enjoyment of Japan but it will not change their view of you in any dramatic way.

Most Japanese people are not aware that there are groups of westerners that are fanatical about anime, manga etc. Those types of foriegners are not seen as any different from those with no interest in Japan or those with an interest like yours.

Understand please. You are not Japanese. That is all that is relevant or important in Japan. Speak the language wonderfully, bow at the appropriate time and say the appropriate polite things at appropriate times and you will just be a foreigner that behaves strangely. Not Japanese.

There won't be anyone thinking or saying that you are a wannabe because in the end, you are not very important. You are a passing curiosity. Japanese people already know everything they want to know about you - you aren't Japanese.

On the street:

Three young men walk up to you.

Hello! My name is Nakagawa, Yuuto. Nice to meet you!

Chorus of laughter. Hahaha..

They run away laughing.

You walk back to your room alone wondering why you thought people would care one way or another about you.

I suggest you stay in the US and appreciate Japan from there.

In a country where sameness is compulsory, you will always be different.

Answer 4

just keep on rocking in the free world.

Answer 5

At first, you should throw away any kind of prejudice and make your head flexible.

Then, going your own way straight.

Hope happy future !

Answer 6

I say don't give a flying f*ck what someone thinks of you. I can't for the life of me understand why Japan has this weird hang-up by both Japanese and non-Japanese (especially non-Japanese) about wannabees. Do Francophiles get this kind of treatment?

Maybe because Japan is not my first rodeo and I came over here before the big anime/naruto and harajuku style boom, I just don't get it.

Do what makes you happy and to h**l with the gripey critics who've got nothing better to do than complain about what other people do.

However I have to admit hardcore anime fans with their yatai voices bug me - both japanese and non-japanese. I just don't like most current anime.

Also don't get too obsessed. There's a fine line between liking something and having an unhealthy fixation. Try to stay down to earth.

In the meantime, check out some of my vids on Japanese culture both traditional and modern:

http://www.youtube.com/user/RoninDave

Answer 7

Well alot of people are like that, so it's not something unique.

For me personally, don't try to say stuff in Japanese until you at least have about 2 years +. It's a little annoying when people act like they know the Japanese language when all they say is "Genki Desu Ka?", "Konnichiwa", "Arigato Gozaimasu!!", or "Aishiteru~^^" but it's all just an opinion. Do you get the picture? Learn stuff that's impressive, and more than basic.

Another thing I think you shouldn't do is say you know Japanese music, when all you really do know is the songs you heard from animes (esp. Bleah, Death Note, etc.)....that's just plain wannabe and annoying. Try to discover bands that are actually popular in JAPAN! Not stuff that's popular to us Americans....If you wanna know you could email me. or look on oricon.co.jp

I suggest you meet some people from Japan (the term is called FOBs) or people studying abroad. But, I wouldn't say Japanese-Americans, because they have a more American feel and vibe. For me it's not hard to find Japanese people because I live in Hawaii.

That's basically it.