What I've Learnt About Being Black in Japan After 6 Years of Living in Tokyo

After interviewing hundreds of people in Japan and across Asia, I've started to form an opinion about being black and living in Japan. This video is about what I've learnt about being black in Japan after six years of living in Japan.

An unexhaustive list of some interviews to check out:

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Thank you for watching!
#blackinjapan #lifeinjapan #tokyo

[TheCasheba]

Excellent advice. I lived in Korea over 50 years ago and I was the first Black woman that most people had ever seen, especially in the countryside. I had lots of stares and children following me around every day, but I had a positive mindset and confidence in myself, and in time this did not bother me. I lived there for over 2 years and was accepted as a human being. I was a Peace Corps Volunteer. Please Black people do not be afraid to travel and explore the world. Our ancestors did, and that is why you will find Black people on all the continents.!!

[AB-cjfl]

"The Black experience is not monolithic." Well said!

[OurFantasyLife]

When I worked for Apple, we had a saying, kind of a "first principle" really - "assume positive intent". Assume the other person is acting in good faith until it's absolutely proven otherwise. That attitude has opened so many doors for me here. Just by using that principle, I got invited from what was supposed to be a 2 month, temporary teaching position into a full time, log term position - the vice-principal herself contacted the Board of Education to fight for me over a JET hire. Stay positive, stay optimistic, always assume positive intent. You'll go far in Japan.

[jaylove]

I was in the military stationed in Japan from 1992-95 this was at the height of real Hip Hop culture. During that era Hip Hop was big in Japan. Young Japanese men and women would tan themselves dress in baggy clothes and were Afros, dreadlocks, braids, and twists. I enjoyed my time in Japan and only racist experience that I recall was from old Japanese men. They resented seeing black men with attractive Japanese women. I don’t know if the dating situation has changed. However, back in those days Japanese women loved the brothers.

[antoinem.al-aziz]

I've lived in Japan for nearly five years and really enjoy my time here. There are a few things to consider, though. First, you have to plan for taxes and social security contributions from day one. Second, speaking the language is difficult, but most people are accepting of your efforts to learn it. Third, while there are a few people who may dislike you, most are friendly and respectful. It's important to make friends, and there are many people here who speak English. I have friends from France, America, Japan, and Brazil. Finally, life here is slower than in America, so don't feel like everything is against you. While my family is often stared at, I let it roll off my shoulders and judge people based on our interactions. I have my daily struggles (language!), but the people here love my kids, and they're in a very supportive environment in Osaka. Peace and love to all who've read this!

[jameel]

Great video every point you spoke on was needed & informative thanks for uploading this greatly appreciated 👍🏾

[choosewisely]

GREAT ADVICE.

Your response and mindset is everything!

[candyDander]

That's a great message. My sister told me something similar years ago (you can't control what they do, but you can control how you react). It's definitely something I struggle with, but I see this same idea come up every so often. I guess it's a reminder of what I need to be doing. Going through something right now, so it helped to see this. Great advice for life in general.

[gordonbgraham]

Brilliant channel. Keep up the great work. Cheers!

[annmarielyons]

Thanks for this VIDEO it was quite interesting.
I'm going to apply parts of the things that you have mentioned in my life from today onward.
Thanks again.

[MitchelAlexanderr]

Thanks Razo, this will help me a lot.

[IVdagreat]

Great learning experience brother. Mindset is the way of the world and shapes our experiences. Thanks

[daifuruta]

Thank you for making this video, what you have said can be applied in anywhere in the world and it was right timing for me to watch it since I am planning on moving back to Japan with my partner who has no idea about Japan except Anime. I will share your video with her. She has shown interest in moving to Japan with me and starting living together.

[celadonx]

Great message and good advice for anyone planning on moving to Japan. I lived there for 5 years, but I am so glad to be back home in the states.

[マライカのスクラップブック]

This is so valuable and I really appreciate your channel as a whole, I’m finally moving to Japan soon, I’ve been watching your interviews for years, my takeaway has always been that our experiences are individual & different but it’s the mindset that sets us apart. Thank you Ranzo!! 🥰

[thaidenslounge]

Great video! Well spoken and well thought out. Much appreciated, sir!

[JW-wfpv]

Excellent points. Thanks for sharing 🖤

[uxbymia]

Well said Ranzo! Wherever you land on this earth your mindset will always define your experience. Beautiful advice, especially the one about entering a room and setting your tone . You are blessed!

[sal]

You said it all man, not just in the case of living in Japan. Having a positive mindset and tackling everything is such a powerful way of living life. Many people often say that if I have this, or if I live here I would be happier, and I don’t think that’s the case, it’s all about how you define your life and how you react to things. For it I hope you find further success in your life, and happy damn day.

[yvesderival]

Hi Ranzo.Thanks a lot for your analysis of Japan. this is one of the best videos you ever made. I like the way that you put things in perspective.Great job bro.