Being Black in Japan vs Black in America

Black in Japan vs Black in America

In this episode of The Melanated Files (MFiles) we introduce Michael Herrington, a Teacher, Musician and Freelancer living in Japan. Michael shared his experience living in Japan for six years and relayed a very unfortunate and unpleasant experience he had while attending a university in Tokyo. Michael was deported from Japan, but the story has a happy ending. Watch to hear his story.

You can find Michael on Instagram here: @onetwenty360
You can also follow Michael on Facebook by searching: Michael OneTwenty Herrington.

Also remember to subscribe for weekly videos on the black experience in Japan.

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Thank you for watching!
#blackinjapan #mfiles #onetwenty

[TheBlackExJp]

Click the link *directly* above the title of this short video to watch the full interview on this channel.

[lisav.thompsondds]

It should be noted that once other cultures and ethnicities come to America they often take on American style discrimination.

[big_mon]

There is an old Japanese proverb that says "The nail that sticks out, gets hammered in." Although this is used to describe how structured Japanese society is, it could also apply to those of us that are foreigners living in. We stick out but there's no hammering us in because of the fact that Japan is a homogeneous country so we we will always stick out.

[oi-nfuz]

From my experience in east asia, a lot will have deep hatred but will never make it clear to you because of their culture. Americans often prefer the quiet racism to the upfront kind you get in the U.S. In Japan you are far more likely to be turned down from a job or renting an apartment for being foreign, but less likely to be cursed at or attacked.

[leomarcy]

As a Japanese living in US. Many people not know about Asian.

[wadenobisemartuccianimatio]

The bro is right! Even if there is some ups and downs in Japan, Japan is way better than USA 🇯🇵🇯🇵

[thalia_]

Brother, I'm happy to hear that you've found where you want to be. Blessings to you. I, too, am African-American and grew up in the south - Atlanta, Georgia. Was born in Staten Island, NY, however, moved to Georgia at 15 years old, finished H.S., college, got married (to a 4th generation Southetn - Georgia man), and started our family here in Atlanta.

I'm 43 years old, married for 19 years, and have a beautiful 15 year old daughter. Like my husband, our daughter is chocolate. They're brown skin is beautiful ❤. My daughter has received compliments on her beauty from the time she was a baby to this very day, from a number of races. However, she also receives ugly and disgusting comments about her beautiful skin from her peers: white, asians, hispanics, and black folks (colorism is a real thing, but want to stay on topic).

I don't mean to go on and on - just wanted to provide some context. I do not believe there is a place on this planet, where a black person can walk into a space without automatic stares. Nor do I believe there is a place on this planet, where a black person can fully be themselves without fear of making other non-black people "unsafe or uncomfortable" because of racism. How unfair is it to continuously and consistently be prejudged in any manner because of the melanin in your skin? How unfair is it to have to walk a certain way your entire life to accommodate the ignorance of others?

Wish you the best brother! True peace to you. Thank you for sharing❤.

[Afro.G.]

Completely agree. Every Southeast Asian country I've been to. There are times when it feels like I'm 7ft tall because I'm standing out and people are openly staring and such. But they're often curious, smiling, ask where I'm from, say hi. They might say something dumb. Haha I've had a lot of people just randomly start listing black celebrities that they like and asking if I've ever met them 😂. But nah. So far in my travels the U.S. is the most hostile country toward American black people.

[DisHappah]

Funny thing is many Americans inc;using black Americans are also ignorant about Japan culture.

[Lee__]

Then why is there a Japanese only spaces. Specifically not allowing foreigners and black people in. You don't see that in America do you? They literally won't allow non-Japanese people or at least people who don't "look Japanese" into certain clubs and restaurants

[kr]

So sorry about that!! I don’t know what happened either, but Happy New Year!!!🎆

[SuperFriday]

I was treated great in Japan. They are so friendly, but I minded my business for the most part.

[RevCIB]

When you realize that everyone has been judging you by the content of your character this entire time

[kendallmartin]

I think the Japanese see the truth and respond to it.

[anhvo]

My country Vietnam discriminate every one is becoming the new culture

[Stang]

In my belief I believe a lot of black Americans will retire away from America 🇺🇸…… personally I see why a lot of my friends that are foreign come here to work then once enough money is made they relocate back to there original home country for retirement

[ajedi]

What is the Georgia/ Japan connection?

[torontoyes]

Word, i do understand that their indifference comes from a different place than fear or ill intent.

[JohnDoe-fmmd]

Sounds like he faces the more discrimination in Japan but it doesn’t bother him as much

[Strux]

yes it does come from a bad place. Read Japanese history.