BT OpEd

p10508391

Commentary 1: Racism and the eMobile Advertisement

Commentary 2: What Barack Obama means to me

Commentary 3: Anti-foreigner discrimination is a right for Japanese?

Commentary 4: The Japan Times interviews Black Tokyo

Commentary 5: Clam Magazine Interview (Paris, France)

  • brittofied

    To Whom it May Concern,
    My name is Michael Paul Britto, and I am a Visual Artist in the United States interested in doing some art research that will culminate into project based on race in Japan. I am particularly interested in the depiction of African Americans in the media. I’ve seen examples of the “Earthquake Manual”, The Little Black Sambo” book, and various other negative depictions of black folk. I would like to visit Japan and research some of these things first hand, and interview natives and foreigners alike. Since I’ve never been to Japan, so I’m trying to make contacts with folk that might be able to help me out when I get there.
    My email is brittofied@gmail.com. Thank you in advance for your time, and I look forward to any response.
    Best,
    Michael Paul Britto
    http://www.brittofied.com

  • gullyjuice187

    Hello Black Tokyo

    I’m extremely interested in visiting and maybe eventually living in Japan. So far the money is low and more funding is needed. Can you give me tips on how to make my dream come true to visit Japan?

  • Brad

    gullyjuice187,
    Well one obvious suggestion I can make is to save and keep an eye out for cheep air fair. Airline tickets is generally what puts a huge dent in your budget. In addition, purchasing a rail pass here in the US can save you money in the long run. And will give you the flexibility of moving around the Island. Also broadening your social circle will help you make friends with people from Japan. One approach is to check to see if your city has a Japanese cultural center that offers either free or low cost language exchange classes. This is a good way to not only meet people from Japan, but sharpen your Japanese language skills as well. This may pave the way for you to visit friends when you finally travel to Japan, and in turn they can visit you on their trip to the US. Remember locals know the cool places to go that are not only fun but cheap. Japan can be expensive, but if you plan your trip write you can get the most bang for your buck. The exchange rate can be unpredictable, but keep an eye on it and try to plan your trip when when the dollar vs. yen is in your favor. But please avoid the tourist traps!
    I have been fortunate to meet some very cool people that have let me stay with them when I go to Japan, and they come and crash at my place when visiting the US. I sincerely hope you get the opportunity to go to Japan because personally speaking it changed my life forever and I am strongly considering moving there.

  • berry

    Dear Eric,

    My name is Ahmed. I am from Nigeria. I go to school at Tokyo International School and I am in grade 8. I am doing an end-of-term project on being black in Tokyo. Could you answer these questions please or if you have time would you be able to come to Tokyo International School so that I could talk to you face to face?

    It would be great if I could interview a colored person and get down his answers and opinions. Here are some of my questions for you:-

    I know from your website that you have lived here a long time. Are you a fluent speaker of Japanese?

    Do you think that the experience of a black person in Tokyo differs from that of any other group of foreigners?

    How is life in Tokyo compared to the USA?

    What are your favourite things about living in Japan?

    Have you ever experienced any form of racism in Tokyo? Could you give me some examples?

    Have you had difficulties getting work in Japan?

    Do you think being black in Tokyo is easier than being black elsewhere in Japan?

    Do you plan to stay in Japan?

    Thank you very much for your help. I look forward to hearing from you,

    Ahmed Ajileye

  • Chill

    Hey everyone,
    I am an east coast native (Philly) and have been living in Japan since about 1984. I love the culture, the food and the hospitality. As a “Brother” living abroad, I feel truly blessed to be here. I just wanted to take a moment to recognize this forum as an excellent source to stay in touch with the Japanese nation from a black perspective. Although this is Black Tokyo, there is something here for everyone. Excellent work BT!!
    Chill

  • msinformed4

    Hello all,

    I am a black female who has recently moved to Japan, for work purposes. I know a little about the culture, but wanted your take on black women in Japan. What should I be aware of? How are black women treated? I have only been here for 3 weeks, and have a lot to learn.
    Thanks