Are Japanese people friendly to Americans?

Question

Do they like to talk to foreigners, if they are able to? Is it appropriate to talk to people? We are visiting Japan and I'd like to understand the culture.

WindAtMyBack · Accepted Answer

I work with a lot of Japanese people. They seem to love Americans and the US. Most I've known are only in the US a few years to work for a Japanese company. Most don't want to go back to Japan.

BUT, from what I hear, the Japanese people in Japan are very private and barely acknowledge other people's existence. Even with neighbors, I've been told they give a slight nod of their head to acknowledge the other person, and never say anything. I think if Americans started talking to random people in Japan like they do here, it would be seen as very awkward, uncomfortable, and maybe even rude.

I don't suggest going to Japan and being a "loud American". Their culture is the opposite of that. And don't chit-chat with employees, like servers at restaurants.

RingOfFire · Accepted Answer

I don't know how they feel about Americans today, but when I was a kid in college I had a Japanese roommate and he loved Americans and America. He could hardly speak any English but he was a lot of fun and a really great guy.

His culture seemed so foreign to me, but I liked him a lot.

I remember that he had a Japanese English dictionary. One day I picked it up and every single word in the entire dictionary had a notation next to it that he wrote. I couldn't believe it. Hard worker.

And Japanese food is awesome. I used to eat at a Japanese restaurant for lunch often when I worked in the city and their miso soups are some of the best food I've ever had.

whistlingwh0res · Accepted Answer

I heard that a lot of Japanese young people speak English very well

NaultD · Answer

Isn't that the whole point of Hello Kitty? The only Axis of Evil country to surrender, and there is a lot of right-wing malicious compliance today. Turn to Hello Kitty; we can't do anything wrong as a country and refuse to apologize to China and South Korea for crimes against humanity because we were the only country to surrender under two atomic bombs. Not to say Japan isn't our strongest ally, even globally. But to call them xenophobic and having a population crisis for not having enough immigration to sustain a birthrate to have a future is also fair to say.

SotiCoto · Answer

Nobody likes tourists.
Japanese people who visit other countries are fine to talk to because those are the ones who travel in order to do so. But don't just go up and chat with random Japanese people IN Japan. They've been conditioned by centuries of cultural isolation, and anyone not from Japan will inevitably be treated like an outsider there. They will almost certainly be polite, but generally speaking politeness is how the Japanese convey that they really want you to take the hint and fuck off.

Snakeyes7 · Answer

I'm sure the average Japanese person is. As a whole, I think they used to be really interested in American culture just as much as some people admire Japanese culture, if their portrayal of Americans being ridiculously buff meant anything.

Ever since the rise of the social justice warriors in the 2010s, I wouldn't be surprised if they now see western culture in general as unsophisticated and chaotic.

NathanDavis · Answer

general rule...

let them live, they're living their lives

the vast majority of the locals are not props for tourists... they don't like to feel that way either... so, perhaps... focus on the ones that are actually intrigued by you, that might happen as well lol

Chazmatazz269 · Answer

There are a few youtubers with excellent content about westerners visiting and living in Japan. I highly recommend. They have some customs you want to know in advance so that you don’t offend anyone. Thereby reducing the number of locals you CAN socialize with.

Jerre · Answer

I spent 2+ years in Northern Japan and found them to be very friendly.

Miristheiss · Answer

I had a relative just get back from Japan and they said the people were very friendly and helpful.

summiter · Answer

Everyone I have met from Japan has been extremely friendly

Alex-Snow · Answer

I have never been to Japan but those that I have met in the USA have been kind, soft spoken and nice to chat with.

Anonymous · Answer

They are very reserved, so they don't like loud, outgoing, in-your-face Americans. Politeness is very important in their culture.

jahaims · Answer

Japanese are rude to foreigners

CrabCakes11 · Answer

It depends on whether your white or not

DrPepper12 · Answer

Yes and no. Individuals CAN be.

Anonymous · Answer

Asian people are rude

Are Japanese people friendly to Americans?

Most Helpful Opinions

What Girls & Guys Said

What do you think about Japanese people?

Are Japanese people friendly to Americans?

Most Helpful Opinions

What Girls & Guys Said

What do you think about Japanese people?

We're glad to see you liked this post.