RACIST JAPAN... KOREA IS SECOND WORST IN ASIA
The American Thinker Writes on Japanese Immigrant Issues

"Immigrants Riot in Japan" by Thomas Lifson at The American Thinker.

Japan has very regrettable history of political violence involving ultra-nationalist forces. The American Thinker hopes and trusts that cooler heads will prevail in Japan. However, it is notable that in the current instance it was not the ?fascists? who resorted to force. The author, having resided in Japan, is well-aware of what it means to be a foreign guest, and urges punctilious respect for the local laws and sensibilities on the part of those who enjoy the hospitality of the Japanese.

I agree with Lifson's call for immigrants to be cautious and respectful. It is also understandable the frustrations many immigrants encounter in Japan and the racism is not only from the "facists" but I believe a majority of the society there. A strong racist, nationalist, and xenophobic culture prevail in Japan, but as with much of the society it is never outwardly shown. Immigrants are seen as second class citizens, and non-Japanese within Asia are looked down upon by some. From its national history to isolationist culture to America entertainment stereotypes (power of America's cultural imperialism), there are various reasons for Japan being as such but no real movement for greater awareness and change.

Korea is very similar. After living here for the past four years, I've come to realize Korea is a close second to Japan within Asia (my own scientific measures:). For example, even in the younger generation there is still much ignorance and a "so what" attitude here. Last year, a popular Korean singing group did a music video in "blackface." Four women with their faces painted pitch-black sang throughout their music video. Some Korean Americans in the music industry and a handful of Korean singers spoke out against the "blackface" and the singing group. No student protests on this issue. The pop group and their manager's initial attitude was "so what?", and they only apologized once their actions hit the foreign press and foreign companies, such as Universal Music, put some pressure on. It was amazing to me that these entertainers were so ignorant and insensitive even though a huge base of the Korean music industry is influenced by African American culture... so many hip hop and rap groups, so many wannabes.

I really don't know how and when change will begin in Korea or Japan. Ignorance and complacency are a difficult duo to combat.