" I saw beautiful anime like Ghibli
or 'Your Name' and I fell in love with Japan, but the reality was different ."
These are the words of a 20-year-old from Europe studying in Japan ,
reflecting his disappointment after having idealized the country through
anime. This sentiment is not unique and reflects a reality that many
international students face upon arriving in Japan.
According to a survey by the Japan Student Services
Organization, the majority of international students come from China,
followed by Nepal and Vietnam . However, the students interacted with
on this occasion came from a variety of less common countries, such as East
Timor, Albania, Myanmar, Somaliland and Iran. This diversity reflects a
cultural mosaic that is not common to find even in countries like Belgium.
The European student who came to Japan fascinated by
anime comments: " Of course, there are many kind Japanese
people ," but he adds, " there are also
people who are always irritated and spread their negativity around them ."
He goes on to describe his experience with a critical view of Japanese society.
« Japan has everything one can imagine,
just like in anime. But unlike the anime, love is lacking in real society. My
home country is not as convenient as Japan, but the communication between people
is full of love. Have the Japanese forgotten the love they showed in anime? ».
Another student, from Asia, shares a similar
sentiment: " I have been living here for several years and I
feel like I have never fully integrated into Japanese society, and I don't
think I will in the future ." These testimonies highlight the
difficulties that many foreign students face in Japan. Although they
come attracted by the idealized image of the country through anime and other
media, everyday reality presents unexpected challenges.
Although Japan is known for its hospitality and
technological advances, these students point out that true social integration
remains a significant challenge. The language barrier, cultural
differences, and lack of an emotional support network can make the experience
more complicated than expected.
- " It
is true that there may be little philanthropy towards others ."
- « Even
the Japanese, when they are abroad as tourists, are friendly, but living
there is another story .»
- « In
a high-context culture like Japan, it is difficult for foreigners to
adapt, and there are also many Japanese who cannot adapt .»
- « It
is an accurate observation because it is true. They should know that the
world of anime is just the world of anime .
- « It
is common in human society to try to portray in works of fiction what does
not exist in reality. Whether magic or superpowers, the communication
portrayed is a fantasy .
- « The
insidious nature of the Japanese has always been commented on. "Do
not underestimate Japan's insular society ."
- « Even
the 'good security' that Japan boasts to the world, when you look at it
coldly, seems to be limited to Western men... If you consider female
students who have suffered sexual harassment or Asian students who have suffered
workplace harassment, something that does not they experienced in their
countries .
Source: HachimaKikou
