@4BlackLotus You can stay, but eventually you have to find a new job to sponsor your visa, and if you stay, you might not get the free flight home that your JET employer should provide for you. As for ease of finding a new teaching job, the main snag there is that your JET contract ends in July, but many schools want to hire you in March or April at the beginning of the Japanese school year, so it can be tough to find a new job immediately after JET.
@meanbluedevil167 yes - go to the main JET website- link on my main channel page on the left - and you'll see a list of about 40 countries around the world that participate in JET.
Just watched the whole JET Vlog series, thanks so much for this, Jason! You're really getting me both ready and exciting for my adventure this summer. Did you have any idea how many people you would reach when you starting this series?
@Styster Thanks for the nice comment. No, I really had no idea. I started in 2008 when I had less than 1000 subscribers, and now I regularly hear from people who said they watched my vids before making it into JET, etc. It's really nice that the vids have been so well received and helpful for so many.
i went to nagasaki, i'm english, and i got in a taxi and i was asked if i was american quite abruptly, i said no, and the guy relaxed straight away. I don't know what he would have said if i had been american, i went to the war memorial and prayed, left flowers ect, an older man came and bowed to me. It's odd, you'll get a lot of stares also especially if you are white and tall. I'm probably the palest aryan you will meet hahaha i'm also 6'2 so i got a lot of stares but you learn to enjoy it hah
I just wanted to say thanks for posting this series. I just stumbled across it today. I've been considering going into JET for about 3 years now, and this is a good way for me to share with my family some more fisthand info about the whole process! I really enjoy listening/watching. :) Thanks!
Well what else would the Japanese use to describe peoples foreignness within Japan? Without some means of declaring who is not Japanese, the Japanese nation lacks self-determination, and hence only weakly exists if at all. And the Japanese nation existing is GOOD. Hence not only can the word gaijin not be considered offensive by anyone of with decent values, the word is in fact, good.
Gaijin literally means Foreigner (or foreign person). The word shouldn't offend anyone, but the way it is used/said might. Like, if someone called you a dirty gaijin. Or said Gaijin in a hateful/mean tone, then yeah, be offended. But if someone gaijin in a normal tone, don't get to excited by it. The people that do are the kind of people that are looking for racism, or just for a reason to complain.
I think the reason gaijin is offensive is simply because in some places anyone who looks like a "gaijin" can and *have* been excluded from certain places. Bath houses, for instance, have been known to discriminate against foreigners and so have certain restaurants. Sadly, the Japanese can be a bit racist, but similarly there is quite a bit of racism to Americans, Canadians, the British, etc. Japan simply hasn't taken the civil rights step towards equalism yet. It is pending as far as I know.
@Erivah Eh, I think it's one of the things that makes Japan unique and interesting. Most of Japan isn't racist, and for the few bits (people restaurants, stores, etc..) that are, they are usually not worth visiting. It's usually the small, poor run down places that are restricted to Japanese only.
@apocaRUFF I'm going to have to disagree with that. While the racist attitude is disappearing amongst the young it's still around, especially for the older japanese. Westerners marrying in to a japanese family is a prime example. Sadly there is still quite a bit of racism in Japan.
@Erivah I agree the Japanese are a bit racist, even among themselves. There are basically two types of Japanese people: Light skinned and dark skinned. Light skinned Japanese look down on dark skinned Japanese. Also, women with dark black hair are seen as more 'Japanese' than people with lighter brown hair. Brown-haired people are seen as impure. However the elephant in the room is Japanese misogyny. Ever notice how Japanese women are seldom allowed to have a career? Women are 2nd class there.
I think the whole thing with being called a gaijin is offensive simply because you're being labled as an outsider (you are not part of the club). In america wouldn't it be rude if we called anyone not of european decent an "outsider" or "foreigner"? Why not just call me by my name? or if you don't know just say あなた、君、lol even お前 sounds better than 外人! ...or call me アメリカ人. but really I think japanese should stick to calling us by our actual name.
@FranksAJATT well - I think any Japanese person you actually met would use your name when addressing you - but as a collective noun, they use gaijin to refer to anyone not Japanese. I don't think I was ever directly called gaijin, except by very small children surprised to see a large, white guy at their local gocery store, etc., and even then they were usually not addressing me, but instead saying to their sibling something like "gaijin da!"
haha i see i see. 無礼ながき共めｗｗ！yeah i think i just misunderstood and assumed that the reason people were complaining so much about it was because they were directly being called a gaijin.
As long as gaijin isn't being used in a snide context I'm alright with it. But sometimes I read blogs where Japanese people are using gaijin as if it's a bad word and that's what makes me feel uneasy. I mean, they're speaking in perfect English, but gaijin remains gaijin as if it's meant to be insulting.
Lol! "It's like Nigger!" lmao! She's silly, and what you said. "Koku" means "Country" "Gai" means "Outside" or "Foreign" and "Jin" is obviously person. So being called Gaikokujin...isn't at all "racist" it means "Person from another country"..which is exactly what the heck we are -_-....
Thanks for all these vlogs! I took time watching most of them today on my day off. I stumbled on them researching a bit about the JET Program. I'm actually living in Japan right now as a student until the summer, then I'll be heading back to finish up college in the 10/11 school year. After that I think I really want to join the program and come back to Japan. I'm curious though, you've been pretty comprehensive but I never heard you talk about the application and interview process... any tips?
Oh wait... I suppose I could have just scrolled up a bit and noticed the videos you posted later after this one about that very question... bit of a facepalm there... derp...
But yeah, thanks again for these videos. Oh, and it's nice to hear your story of going over there at the age of 35. I'm 32 right now, and was pretty worried about the whole "being too old for JET" thing.
Thanks, oh... and I should say... watching your videos (and videos by some other folks on YouTube) I think it's finally inspired me towards purchasing a cheap yet quality portable video camera. I'd really love to start posting some videos to my account again that don't look like crap. This digital camera I have over here doesn't really cut it.
yeah - it's turned out to be a really fun hobby for me. The Casio Exilim I use isn't that expensive and the video mode is pretty good for a basic point-and-shoot
How is your Japanese? I've been studying for a couple years now, but I still can't catch what people are saying when they speak normal speed. How is your listening comprehension? Thanks for all your vids! I'll be graduating in spring of 2011, but I'll be getting a jump on things thanks to your other vlogs. Take care!
Only today have I watched this video. Thanks, it's great!
The feeling of strangeness doesn't necessarilly mean hate or rejection. If the stranger can disarm the awkwardness, the guy will come around to at least accept his/her difference. Having an "ugly" body, I've been in these situations constantly.
go to my main channel page and click on the link to their official homepage in the left sidebar, and check out my #1 video in this playlist - Becoming an ALT - for more info.
I forgot to say ty for your quick reply on my profile me being random left a video comment rather then using a profile comment but i enjoy your vlogs so keep making them even if your still in america
WHat would you say would be best for a game plan? SHould i go to school for four years and then come? Or is two years enough? Or is it worth trying to get a job without education (cause id rather not come over and not find a job in three months ya know?) Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks!!
I see, thank you for your speedy response. If its possible, could you just give me an idea of which specific courses I should/could take to improve my skill or chances of hire? Again, any help would be appreciated, thank you for being a positive inspiration to us!
get some volunteer experience working with kids or tutoring experience, and take a year of Japanese if possible - it will certainly help a lot when you get to Japan.
im curious of any advice u have for somone without a degree making his way to japan.. 23 year old working guy.. i wanted to find an online school for getting a bachelors in japanese or something but im unable to find any.. im currently studying japanese on my own with the rosetta stone software as well as pinsleurs mp3 lessons
you can come to Japan without a degree, but you'll have to look for work on your 3-month tourist visa and your job options will be very limited. Your best bet it to wait until you have the degree, and then come.
any idea what type of limited job options i would have.. also can you apply for another visa to extend your time if you do actually get a job? .. im a mere house painter by trade so i dont have much work experience.. at this time i dont see a degree being possible any time soon
I am a young black woman that studied abroad in Japan and I am interested in teaching there. I stood out a lot but it really did not bother me. I actually found it humorous. One time I was walking around and a young couple pointed at me in awe. I kindly waved and walked away. I have had a young girl gently touch my braided hair and call it pretty. Japan is a wonderful place and I know like any other country it has some problems but I have never encountered anything in Japan that has offended me.
well, I was about 15min away by car from a fairly large city-ish area (Izumo) and about an hour away from the prefecture capital (Matsue). So not so isolated, but still the inaka.
Just out of curiosity, as far you can recall from your experience with JET, what were the number Asian JETs (Chinese, Korean, Hong Kong, Taiwanese etc.) you had seen compared to the number of caucasian JETS?
A Chinese friend of mine (from Canada) once told me that the JET program can be racist. He kind of said JET tend to seek more of Caucasian applicants to teach English et al.. But I don't know if this is true or not, what's your feeling on this?
I think that's crap to be honest. I think JET takes the best out of the people that apply. I'm sure - given that Asian-Americans only make up about 2% of the American population, that more "white" Americans apply to JET and more get chosen. But on my plane to Japan in 2004, flying from the LA consulate, Asian-Americans outnumbered all other JETs in my group of about 200 newbies.
I've met JETs from so many diff backgrounds while on the program - Shimane was very diverse.
I'm a Japanese person. And I've lived here in the US for a little over 20 years now. I was overly sensitive to the term "Jap" when I first arrived here. Because I had been made aware in schools it was an extremely hateful word against us when I was growing up in Tokyo. I still have a tough time with the word whenever it's uttered, but the harshness and acerbity of the term has somewhat disappered over the years. Maybe because I've heard it so many times I've become a little numb (cont'd)>>>
>>> to its negative connotation. If the word "Brit" is socially acceptable to refer to a British person, you'd think the word "Jap" might be as well. And many Americans DO indeed use the term "affectionately" and/or "in good fun."
But the one word I'm still having a strong aversion to is "Oriental." The word in and of itself is not derogatory by any means. It's simply an archaic term describing a person who's Asian. There WAS a time we were publicly called Orientals and nobody was (cont'd)>>>
>>> bothered or aggravated. But now the use of the term has drastically changed. To be honest, I can't point my finger at something specific and say that's exactly the reason I don't like hearing the word "Oriental." It's something I grew to dislike over time. Maybe it's just the sound of it. Maybe it's even deeper. I have no idea when it became socially taboo to speak the word in the presence of an Asian person in America. Any other Asians on here who wants to throw in their two cents???
Actually "Oriental" is not a bad word. It just refers to someone from the orient (another word for eastern asia). I have never heard it used rudely. The word "Jap" used to be a bad word (I at least think it is rude), but now it is not so bad. You actually have it ok because Hispanics (mainly Mexicans) are called way worse words! I'm a fourth Hispanic and I've been called a..... wetback, fence-jumper, illegal immigrant, beaner, greezer, oiler, the one who escaped, ect.
yeah - I agree Oriental is a bit archaic - like older people who say Negro or Colored instead of African-American or simply Black.
In California, the word you hear is Asian.
My biggest gripe is when I was dating a Korean-American woman years ago and people would always ask - "What is she?" and if I said "American" (since she was born here to immigrant parents just like me) then they'd get all mad and say "No, where is she FROM?" And I'd usually say "San Diego" just to make them mad. ;)
I read that japan has the highest life expectency but they have a very healthy lifestyle which is good!
look at all the bad stuff that we eat in america, all the fast food and stuff. I try to avoid unhealthy stuff like a habit so I shouldn't have any problems in the food department.
Hey sorry to bug you with ANOTHER question. (heh) but I was wondering a bit about having pets and being in the jet program. (not really, taking my pet but maybe getting one when I get there?)
I had an ALT friend who had a cat for her two years here - but she didn't take it back to America with her. It just depends on your apt/house and if they allow pets.
I do think "gaijin" is a word bit offensive to some people, so I don't use it. But I want to make clear that it doesn't mean "outsider". I've never use this word for that meaning (I would use "yosomono" or "bugaisha" instead). Ever heard this word from Japanese people to another Japanese person because he's an outsider to them? Just because it is written "out" and "person" in kanji, that doesn't mean it represent its meaning. Gaijin is nothing more than an impolite way of saying "foreigner".
I have been watching these volgs of yours for the past week or so once i found out about and became interested in JET. Thank you so much for making them. They have been incredibly informative to me. Enjoy your fifth year! Thanks!
Oh my goodness! What beautiful greenery! I will be leaving my fiance behind in NC. Going to be a bit of a challenge, but he is working on his masters so needs focus and suggested me to chase my dream. Might be a little hard at first, but we can and will adjust. I love hot that won't be a problem. I've lived without my family since my 2 year in college. No worries there. we have to get "gaijin cards"! It will be okay. I am getting a bit more anxious as august nears, but I think I can be okay ^_^
To me gaijin are (and I dont think you're in this group Jason) the ignorant foreigners who walk around Japan talking into their camera, completely oblivious to other people with a backpack, and fannypack. Them and people who think it is "cool" to be called gaijin are gaijins to me. As for racism, I think it is more of an insensitivity and apparent xenophobia due to their once isolated culture. This is a generalization, but there is a lot of it. And in the media they use "Black face' a lot.
2. I was very homesick after only 3 months of stay, but now I totally miss Japan.
3. Gaijin means Outsider and at times it can be hateful and exclusionary. As, a white westerner I dont think it means a lot, because they are seen as more adventurous, BUT it is politically incorrect, gaikokujin which means foreign country person is the more professional usage. I didn't mind, though I want to be a foreign national one day and accepted by the Japanese people.
I am an aspiring JET, I hope to apply this year as I think I missed the cut off. I am a young black woman, and I am excited and intruiged about living and teaching in Japan. Thank you for you vid it was very informative.
Japan really is a great country. I am excited to see where my life takes me in the next 2 years! I don't think gaijin is bad either... it is just simply a foreigner... but oh well. I wonder if I will hear this word when I visit this August? haha
they just started having Kraft cheddar cheese slices at my local grocery store - and sliced "white" cheese is available all over - so grilled cheese sandwiches are easy. :)
wow these comments are pretty harsh, I'm black and I hate the N word but I don't see how the G word( respecting those who hate it) offends on a similar level. The G word from what I'm seeing means foreign person which does seperate people in Japan yes but it does it on the same level as saying I'm black because I am and your white because you are or spanish, latino, latina etc. IDK maybe because I live in Killa qnz NY I see there is a lot more probs then getting mad someone tells me hey ur black
its pretty silly to get upset over being called a 'Gaijin'..it just means Foreigner, plain & simple..no hatred or racism in it at all..as far as other racism goes, caucasians seem to be fine and are kinda respected in a way..for blacks i dont think they get treated badly, but just stared at a little bit..i think racism might exist abit towards Chinese tho, becuz Japan & China are never on the same page..i know this for a fact becuz my japanese friends usually say bad things about Chinese, but ye
I live some 15mins from where you live (9mons now) and I'm black. There were only 2 black ppl I knew here until the new arrivals but there really is no racist vibe here. (but the stares are annoying at times)
I hear gaikoku no hito more and being black I hear kokujin sometimes. And the ocassional eigo no hito, not really gaijin.
But for some it is annoying because it represents them living and having families here for yrs and still being just "a foreigner".
Hey! I just found your videos. As a high school student who is considering the JET Program as my plan for after college, I'm grateful for these videos. I don't mind using a bicycle and I certainly don't mind the heat - its the cold of these New England winters I'm growing sick of.
White is still generally perceived to be better than black. I'm not saying all Japanese people are like that - but that is the reality. I am someone who is third-generation zainichi Korean living in the states. I can account for a lot of stories of discrimination that my family and their friends face, even today. So, "ninjerhunter," please consider what I've mentioned in this comment before you begin to associate the term "gaijin" to the n-word.
However, I am not saying Japan can't be racist. Japan has an imperialist history and continue to display racial ignorance and show prejudice toward minorities in Japan, such as the zainichi Koreans, Okinawans, Buraku and the Ainu. Also, the treatment of a black foreigner in Japan is entirely different than one a white foreigner receives.
I think it is a misguided opinion and a little self-righteous if Caucasians find this offensive, because, as you mentioned, there is no hateful connotation to it, but most importantly there is no way you can compare being called "gaijin" to the amount of institutional and personal forms of actual racism people of color face on a daily basis in the United States.
Jason, I think your explanation of whether or not you have had to deal with racism in Japan was pretty correct. Japanese people, especially in the rural areas, do not see a lot of foreigners, especially ones of European descent who truly stick out, so it's simply a matter of observation because as you said, "white males" are an anomaly in the countryside. If you go to Tokyo, you will hear much less of that phrase, because there are a ton of "gaijin" there.
It is understandable that you try to avoid conflict by "allowing" people to call you a "gaijin". However, this actually makes it harder for all gaijin because it perpetuates the stereotype that none of us have the balls to stand up to these racist fuckers.
See what Japan does to you? They are basically calling you a nigger and you have trained yourself to be OK with that. Scary mindset. If you ever go to prison someday, make sure you have a lot of lube available.
Well, I'm not sure if you watched all the way to the end of the video, but I explain that it's really not the same thing as being called a racial epithet. But you're more than welcome to confront anyone using the term. Do you have a good alternative to suggest?
I'm in the process of finalizing my application and getting copies of this and that official document. Thanks for the vids. My brother and I are both English grads and hoping to be accepted in this program.
I like what you said about the word "gaijin" I guess the Japanese language doesn't have another word to describe us or Japanese people just to lazy to call us by our nationality. Also I think Japanese people are so overtly nationalistic which comes off as a little racist from time to time... Also because of the media foreign males will probably encounter a word known as playboy. I see this as racism we are all judged as playboy until proven otherwise. It's so annoying...
yeah - watch TokyoCooney's latest vlog, a repost of an older vlog about Police and Firefighters, and then he talks about racial profiling in Japan, etc. Very interesting.
I really like the vids and have my heart set on becoming a JET when I finish my undergrad next fall. I don't think I saw any videos about this, and you might not remember because it was so long ago that you applied, but could you maybe recount your experience with the application and interview process?
I completely agree with you there, nothing wrong with the word gaijin and I use it when I am talking in Japanese in reference to myself and others. very interesting vlog.
I suppose very sensitive people will be offended by the word, but in the end, it's just a word. From my experience in my week at Takamatsu on deployment, the Japanese that lived there were very reserved. We encountered a few westerners from Canada and one from Tennesee, but I don't know what program they were in. Long story short, for the vast majority of Japanese, if they don't like you, they won't talk to you, much less even look at you. They are hardly the confrontational type.
Whenever a kid called me "Gaijin!", assuming I couldn't speak Japanese, I looked at him with a mad grin and said (in an attempt at TV Yakuza accent):
"Gaijin ja nee zo! Doitsu-jin da ze!" and most of them looked like thunderstruck and walked away quickly and silently, several times laughed at by their friends who'd decided not to provoke the gaijin kinnikuman. :-)
Racism was a topic for friends living in Tokyo, being stared at, being offensively ignored upon an inquiry, people on the train needlessly changing seats... but it seems to be limited to mostly Tokyo. Friends in Kasai have never experienced that, and neither have I on the countryside, where people were rather curious about Gaijin.
"Gaijin" IS a less polite term, because it's a short form, for "Gaikokujin". It's not "hateful" or anything, but less polite than average. Japanese ARE subtle.
Since I'm a Jap. Culture Studies major I was well prepared for Jap. culture. BUT upon returning home I experienced what we call "re-entry shock", since nobody (usually) prepares you for an outsiders' view on your own culture.
No fastfood? I would thank fate on my knees for that "privation". But I always kinda considered Yakiniku and Ramen "Jap. fastfood". And I can eat just that every day without getting tired of it! :-) I did eat out half of the time... 650 Yen for a big bowl ain't much.
I agree with you, being called a gaijin doesn't sound bad at all. Whenever I think of being called a gaijin I would just think of foreigner and I don't understand why some people see it as bad. Oh well, maybe they were teased a lot as kids and have some traumatic experiences or something?
I don't mind the word "Gaijin", people who get offended by it should get off their high horse and realize it isn't out of hate that the Japanese people use that word. Like yesterday when I was getting my license I was talking to one of the office ladies there and she was taslking about how good my japanese is and other stuff. Anywayz, she was like "あなんたはちょっとふといいだよな〜"(hey, you're a little fat, aren't cha?). I smiled and was like "fuck yeah!" :D
I'll just be finished with JET in July of 2009. One more year to go... :)
Yeah - the concept of personal space and what's an appropriate comment to make about another person's appearance is really different here. I get comments about my cola drinking and my weight all the time, but I know it's said more out of concern for my health than for any insulting reason.
This would be a very interesting topic to see some vlogs about...hopefully you will be willing to share your trials and tribulations with finding a job in Japan! Anyways keep up the good work with the videos they are quiet informative!
I kind of think the difference between "gaijin" and "gaikokujin" is the same as "a black person" or an "African American". It is more polite to say the latter, but nobody seems to be offended by the word "black".
Being called "gaijin" doesn't bother me at all. Like you, I don't see any true negative connotation in it. I spent many years living in Korea where I was a "waygogin"....same thing! I am from outside. Some may be offended, for me....it's ok!
Look forward to seeing your new vids about life in Japan.
Just wanted to say that you did a great job at covering the various things that JETs will encounter, as well as visitors to Japan. I have been called gaijin during my visits to Japan, but like you have never thought of it as a hateful term. Although sometimes seeing business establishments saying "no foreigners" is a bit off putting, but usually they are the kinds of establishments that are targeted at a particular crowd of people.
am really looking forward your vlog on applying for the JET programme. PLease mention some info on people from the UK applying for JET only if you have any lol.
well - done with this series of advice vids for new JETs. But I'm already working on editing a piece about the English camp I went to back in June and another about my week last week at all the sports competitions, so more to come. Thanks for watching!
Great work on the series. I look forward to the "JET application" series coming up soon.
About being called "gaijin", so many people have expressed their discontentment with this label that I don't know what to think. From an empathetic point of view, however, I can see how lonely, often insecure newcomers feel offended by being called an outsider. I myself would probably feel uncomfortable with this label at first, but will come to ignore it over time.
I would agree, but I think a simple understanding of the in/out group dynamic would clear it up entirely.
You can't look at it as a racial slur of any sort, because their culture doesn't define it as one. It's calling the kettle what it is...a kettle. You're a fork in the spoon tray, as it were.
I really enjoyed this series Jason, and I'm very happy to hear that you will be continuing your vlogs. Thanks for taking the time out of your schedule to put all of these together.
In regards to school life/teaching, one thing I have been awfully curious about is how you (or other JETS you know) deal with your problem students? As that old saying goes, "kids will be kids". Do you find it difficult to keep problem students engaged especially considering the language gap? Thanks again :D
I think that would be a good topic for a future vlog. It is difficult at times to deal with problem students, since I can't just "talk" to them with my limited Japanese, but overall I'm lucky and my country kids are pretty wonderful. But I have a few tricks that work well, so I'll make a vlog about this. :)
Great send off. for the JETs coming to japan, you are doing a bang up job, Jason. Thank you for sharing your life basically.
I gotta admit, I have been watching other JETs here on YT, and most of them are upset at their apt, or life there in General, which can unnerve most future JETs. You on the other hand are a reassuring voice of reason. A fan always.
Well - I have my problems with living here and the job, but I am overall very positive about JET and the experience we have. And I had no intention of adding to anxiety that newbies have - they can discover the negatives on their own in their own time - and it varies so much.
While I don't think JET is for everyone, I do highly recommend the program to those up for an adventure and a challenge.
The most informative and practical series on Youtube!
BTW, You're right. We Japanese use the word "GAIJIN" as "a foreigner," no more and no less.
I don't know who first said it's a offensive word, but if that person got offended and felt being separated from natives, I'd respect that perspective. But, it's basically same as that I'm called "Asian" in the US.
I'm a "white guy" in Hong Kong, and here they have a word (2 words, actually) for "white" forigeners - that is "gwai low" - which means "gost fellow" ...hummm, that's got kind of more of a punch to it than "gaijin" does. However, people use it so much that I'm used to it as well, and I've noticed that they don't ascribe any hate to it. There is a better word - "outside country person" - and many of my friends self-corect and use this word instead. I guess "gwai low" is just a "standard" word. :)
Thanks for all your work and effort... I'm sure many owe you a lot for getting well prepared mentally. Again - THANKS!!! Star Star Star Star Star for wholeheartedly helping all those you may never meet, and some you meet in the future! :D
Good job sir. This has been a pretty informative & entertaining series. Wish I'd had something like this when I first came. The new JETs are lucky to have your vids.
Bravo on another great video!! :) I absolutely agree that they do not mean any harm with the word gaijin, not every country is hostile towards foreigners, I should know, I live in a country where there are lots and lots of foreigners, and we get along kinda fine, actually.
I love the effect on your glasses, with the squares and all. Very cool.
The really funny thing about these blogs is that I am pretty sure a bunch of people want to be Shimane JETs just because they have seen it in these blogs and a real vetern would be there to help them. Really though, ask the newbies how many of them watched you on Youtube before coming.
The first month you were there was it, "Argh! I don't feel like cooking! Insta-ramen hoo!"?
Just wanted to thank you for your dedication in making the vlogs. I have found them to be extremely informative and a great help in deciding that the JET Programme is something that i would like to do. Can't wait to see your next series so don't keep us waiting too long ;)
How do they keep EVERYTHING so clean in Japan? I never see anyone cleaning in these videos.
Warhammer820 2 months ago
after your done with JET can you still stay in japan and would you have a better chance getting a teaching job
4BlackLotus 8 months ago
@4BlackLotus You can stay, but eventually you have to find a new job to sponsor your visa, and if you stay, you might not get the free flight home that your JET employer should provide for you. As for ease of finding a new teaching job, the main snag there is that your JET contract ends in July, but many schools want to hire you in March or April at the beginning of the Japanese school year, so it can be tough to find a new job immediately after JET.
myargonauts 8 months ago
hey i wanted to know if someone from a non english speaking country(like me for example) can apply for the jet programme even?
meanbluedevil167 8 months ago
@meanbluedevil167 yes - go to the main JET website- link on my main channel page on the left - and you'll see a list of about 40 countries around the world that participate in JET.
myargonauts 8 months ago
Just watched the whole JET Vlog series, thanks so much for this, Jason! You're really getting me both ready and exciting for my adventure this summer. Did you have any idea how many people you would reach when you starting this series?
Styster 8 months ago
@Styster Thanks for the nice comment. No, I really had no idea. I started in 2008 when I had less than 1000 subscribers, and now I regularly hear from people who said they watched my vids before making it into JET, etc. It's really nice that the vids have been so well received and helpful for so many.
myargonauts 8 months ago
i went to nagasaki, i'm english, and i got in a taxi and i was asked if i was american quite abruptly, i said no, and the guy relaxed straight away. I don't know what he would have said if i had been american, i went to the war memorial and prayed, left flowers ect, an older man came and bowed to me. It's odd, you'll get a lot of stares also especially if you are white and tall. I'm probably the palest aryan you will meet hahaha i'm also 6'2 so i got a lot of stares but you learn to enjoy it hah
TheTomWIlliams 8 months ago
I just stumbled upon your VLOGS and am thoroughly enjoying them. They are both interesting, thought provoking, and well done. Thanks!
PatJ61 10 months ago 3
@PatJ61 great - thanks for watching
myargonauts 10 months ago
I just wanted to say thanks for posting this series. I just stumbled across it today. I've been considering going into JET for about 3 years now, and this is a good way for me to share with my family some more fisthand info about the whole process! I really enjoy listening/watching. :) Thanks!
firechan 10 months ago
@firechan cool - glad the vids have been helpful
myargonauts 10 months ago
Well what else would the Japanese use to describe peoples foreignness within Japan? Without some means of declaring who is not Japanese, the Japanese nation lacks self-determination, and hence only weakly exists if at all. And the Japanese nation existing is GOOD. Hence not only can the word gaijin not be considered offensive by anyone of with decent values, the word is in fact, good.
tothemax01 11 months ago
hey good sir. love the videos bro. keep it up. fyi if you didnt know youtube videos can now be 15 min long! hope all is well
drrealist44 1 year ago
As soon as you said "No starbucks" I died a little inside ;3;
I'd trade McDonalds and the bowling alley for a Starbucks ;3;
I am so addicted ;3;
ActionKanon 1 year ago
@ActionKanon according to my friends still in Shimane, there is still no Starbucks in the whole ken. :(
myargonauts 11 months ago
Gaijin is only offensive if you want to be offended. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people that want to be offended.
ActorJoeLewis 1 year ago
Gaijin literally means Foreigner (or foreign person). The word shouldn't offend anyone, but the way it is used/said might. Like, if someone called you a dirty gaijin. Or said Gaijin in a hateful/mean tone, then yeah, be offended. But if someone gaijin in a normal tone, don't get to excited by it. The people that do are the kind of people that are looking for racism, or just for a reason to complain.
They're usually anime freaks as well.
apocaRUFF 1 year ago
dude this is the first time i started watching your videos- appreciate sharing your experiences. thanks!
B4IRUTUARU16 1 year ago
@B4IRUTUARU16 welcome aboard - lots to see - thanks for watching
myargonauts 1 year ago
I think the reason gaijin is offensive is simply because in some places anyone who looks like a "gaijin" can and *have* been excluded from certain places. Bath houses, for instance, have been known to discriminate against foreigners and so have certain restaurants. Sadly, the Japanese can be a bit racist, but similarly there is quite a bit of racism to Americans, Canadians, the British, etc. Japan simply hasn't taken the civil rights step towards equalism yet. It is pending as far as I know.
Erivah 1 year ago
@Erivah Eh, I think it's one of the things that makes Japan unique and interesting. Most of Japan isn't racist, and for the few bits (people restaurants, stores, etc..) that are, they are usually not worth visiting. It's usually the small, poor run down places that are restricted to Japanese only.
apocaRUFF 1 year ago
@apocaRUFF I'm going to have to disagree with that. While the racist attitude is disappearing amongst the young it's still around, especially for the older japanese. Westerners marrying in to a japanese family is a prime example. Sadly there is still quite a bit of racism in Japan.
Erivah 1 year ago
@Erivah I agree the Japanese are a bit racist, even among themselves. There are basically two types of Japanese people: Light skinned and dark skinned. Light skinned Japanese look down on dark skinned Japanese. Also, women with dark black hair are seen as more 'Japanese' than people with lighter brown hair. Brown-haired people are seen as impure. However the elephant in the room is Japanese misogyny. Ever notice how Japanese women are seldom allowed to have a career? Women are 2nd class there.
truckguy60 1 year ago
I think the whole thing with being called a gaijin is offensive simply because you're being labled as an outsider (you are not part of the club). In america wouldn't it be rude if we called anyone not of european decent an "outsider" or "foreigner"? Why not just call me by my name? or if you don't know just say あなた、君、lol even お前 sounds better than 外人! ...or call me アメリカ人. but really I think japanese should stick to calling us by our actual name.
FranksAJATT 1 year ago
@FranksAJATT well - I think any Japanese person you actually met would use your name when addressing you - but as a collective noun, they use gaijin to refer to anyone not Japanese. I don't think I was ever directly called gaijin, except by very small children surprised to see a large, white guy at their local gocery store, etc., and even then they were usually not addressing me, but instead saying to their sibling something like "gaijin da!"
myargonauts 1 year ago
@myargonauts
haha i see i see. 無礼ながき共めｗｗ！yeah i think i just misunderstood and assumed that the reason people were complaining so much about it was because they were directly being called a gaijin.
FranksAJATT 1 year ago
@FranksAJATT i think their just not use to it :) itl change dw
B4IRUTUARU16 1 year ago
If I lived in japan I would eat sushi every single day. ffffff
And riding a bike to work sounds awesome.
oceangust 1 year ago
all asian people are racist
DawnOfTherion 1 year ago
As long as gaijin isn't being used in a snide context I'm alright with it. But sometimes I read blogs where Japanese people are using gaijin as if it's a bad word and that's what makes me feel uneasy. I mean, they're speaking in perfect English, but gaijin remains gaijin as if it's meant to be insulting.
narusasu 1 year ago
Lol! "It's like Nigger!" lmao! She's silly, and what you said. "Koku" means "Country" "Gai" means "Outside" or "Foreign" and "Jin" is obviously person. So being called Gaikokujin...isn't at all "racist" it means "Person from another country"..which is exactly what the heck we are -_-....
MrOmniblast 1 year ago 6
Thanks for all these vlogs! I took time watching most of them today on my day off. I stumbled on them researching a bit about the JET Program. I'm actually living in Japan right now as a student until the summer, then I'll be heading back to finish up college in the 10/11 school year. After that I think I really want to join the program and come back to Japan. I'm curious though, you've been pretty comprehensive but I never heard you talk about the application and interview process... any tips?
Duckhugger 2 years ago
Oh wait... I suppose I could have just scrolled up a bit and noticed the videos you posted later after this one about that very question... bit of a facepalm there... derp...
But yeah, thanks again for these videos. Oh, and it's nice to hear your story of going over there at the age of 35. I'm 32 right now, and was pretty worried about the whole "being too old for JET" thing.
Duckhugger 2 years ago
no worries - good luck with school and JET in the future.
myargonauts 2 years ago
Thanks, oh... and I should say... watching your videos (and videos by some other folks on YouTube) I think it's finally inspired me towards purchasing a cheap yet quality portable video camera. I'd really love to start posting some videos to my account again that don't look like crap. This digital camera I have over here doesn't really cut it.
Duckhugger 2 years ago
yeah - it's turned out to be a really fun hobby for me. The Casio Exilim I use isn't that expensive and the video mode is pretty good for a basic point-and-shoot
myargonauts 2 years ago
How is your Japanese? I've been studying for a couple years now, but I still can't catch what people are saying when they speak normal speed. How is your listening comprehension? Thanks for all your vids! I'll be graduating in spring of 2011, but I'll be getting a jump on things thanks to your other vlogs. Take care!
TurboGuy16 2 years ago
Since I've been back in the States, I haven't studied like I should, so I'll have to start studying again for my return to Japan later this year.
myargonauts 2 years ago
Only today have I watched this video. Thanks, it's great!
The feeling of strangeness doesn't necessarilly mean hate or rejection. If the stranger can disarm the awkwardness, the guy will come around to at least accept his/her difference. Having an "ugly" body, I've been in these situations constantly.
7elmig 2 years ago
what is the jet program???
fanofjapanandmusic 2 years ago
go to my main channel page and click on the link to their official homepage in the left sidebar, and check out my #1 video in this playlist - Becoming an ALT - for more info.
myargonauts 2 years ago
I forgot to say ty for your quick reply on my profile me being random left a video comment rather then using a profile comment but i enjoy your vlogs so keep making them even if your still in america
1000narutokun 2 years ago
WHat would you say would be best for a game plan? SHould i go to school for four years and then come? Or is two years enough? Or is it worth trying to get a job without education (cause id rather not come over and not find a job in three months ya know?) Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks!!
CorpusChristi83 2 years ago
to have any chance at a good job, you need a 4-year degree for a Japanese work visa. So stay in school and get your BA/BS and then go to Japan.
myargonauts 2 years ago
I see, thank you for your speedy response. If its possible, could you just give me an idea of which specific courses I should/could take to improve my skill or chances of hire? Again, any help would be appreciated, thank you for being a positive inspiration to us!
CorpusChristi83 2 years ago
get some volunteer experience working with kids or tutoring experience, and take a year of Japanese if possible - it will certainly help a lot when you get to Japan.
myargonauts 2 years ago
im curious of any advice u have for somone without a degree making his way to japan.. 23 year old working guy.. i wanted to find an online school for getting a bachelors in japanese or something but im unable to find any.. im currently studying japanese on my own with the rosetta stone software as well as pinsleurs mp3 lessons
Demurgatroid 2 years ago
you can come to Japan without a degree, but you'll have to look for work on your 3-month tourist visa and your job options will be very limited. Your best bet it to wait until you have the degree, and then come.
myargonauts 2 years ago
any idea what type of limited job options i would have.. also can you apply for another visa to extend your time if you do actually get a job? .. im a mere house painter by trade so i dont have much work experience.. at this time i dont see a degree being possible any time soon
Demurgatroid 2 years ago
check out sites like daijob(dot)com and jobsinjapan(cot)com for some other options.
You can renew your tourist visa, but I think you have to leave the country for at least one day (say - go to Korea) and then come back
myargonauts 2 years ago
I am a young black woman that studied abroad in Japan and I am interested in teaching there. I stood out a lot but it really did not bother me. I actually found it humorous. One time I was walking around and a young couple pointed at me in awe. I kindly waved and walked away. I have had a young girl gently touch my braided hair and call it pretty. Japan is a wonderful place and I know like any other country it has some problems but I have never encountered anything in Japan that has offended me.
PopnPlayerJazine 2 years ago
very cool - good luck moving to Japan. :)
myargonauts 2 years ago
Whoa, you really live in inaka. If I do JET, I wouldn't mind living in the countryside, but I think I'd need some sort of connection to a metropolis.
geezwoman 2 years ago
well, I was about 15min away by car from a fairly large city-ish area (Izumo) and about an hour away from the prefecture capital (Matsue). So not so isolated, but still the inaka.
myargonauts 2 years ago
Just out of curiosity, as far you can recall from your experience with JET, what were the number Asian JETs (Chinese, Korean, Hong Kong, Taiwanese etc.) you had seen compared to the number of caucasian JETS?
A Chinese friend of mine (from Canada) once told me that the JET program can be racist. He kind of said JET tend to seek more of Caucasian applicants to teach English et al.. But I don't know if this is true or not, what's your feeling on this?
CharlesXavier 2 years ago
I think that's crap to be honest. I think JET takes the best out of the people that apply. I'm sure - given that Asian-Americans only make up about 2% of the American population, that more "white" Americans apply to JET and more get chosen. But on my plane to Japan in 2004, flying from the LA consulate, Asian-Americans outnumbered all other JETs in my group of about 200 newbies.
I've met JETs from so many diff backgrounds while on the program - Shimane was very diverse.
myargonauts 2 years ago
I'm a Japanese person. And I've lived here in the US for a little over 20 years now. I was overly sensitive to the term "Jap" when I first arrived here. Because I had been made aware in schools it was an extremely hateful word against us when I was growing up in Tokyo. I still have a tough time with the word whenever it's uttered, but the harshness and acerbity of the term has somewhat disappered over the years. Maybe because I've heard it so many times I've become a little numb (cont'd)>>>
TiramisuHappy 2 years ago
>>> to its negative connotation. If the word "Brit" is socially acceptable to refer to a British person, you'd think the word "Jap" might be as well. And many Americans DO indeed use the term "affectionately" and/or "in good fun."
But the one word I'm still having a strong aversion to is "Oriental." The word in and of itself is not derogatory by any means. It's simply an archaic term describing a person who's Asian. There WAS a time we were publicly called Orientals and nobody was (cont'd)>>>
TiramisuHappy 2 years ago
>>> bothered or aggravated. But now the use of the term has drastically changed. To be honest, I can't point my finger at something specific and say that's exactly the reason I don't like hearing the word "Oriental." It's something I grew to dislike over time. Maybe it's just the sound of it. Maybe it's even deeper. I have no idea when it became socially taboo to speak the word in the presence of an Asian person in America. Any other Asians on here who wants to throw in their two cents???
TiramisuHappy 2 years ago
Actually "Oriental" is not a bad word. It just refers to someone from the orient (another word for eastern asia). I have never heard it used rudely. The word "Jap" used to be a bad word (I at least think it is rude), but now it is not so bad. You actually have it ok because Hispanics (mainly Mexicans) are called way worse words! I'm a fourth Hispanic and I've been called a..... wetback, fence-jumper, illegal immigrant, beaner, greezer, oiler, the one who escaped, ect.
SurvivingOklahoma 2 years ago
yeah - I agree Oriental is a bit archaic - like older people who say Negro or Colored instead of African-American or simply Black.
In California, the word you hear is Asian.
My biggest gripe is when I was dating a Korean-American woman years ago and people would always ask - "What is she?" and if I said "American" (since she was born here to immigrant parents just like me) then they'd get all mad and say "No, where is she FROM?" And I'd usually say "San Diego" just to make them mad. ;)
myargonauts 2 years ago
Racism is easier to find in the bigger cities, or places that have lots of foreigners. I see "no foreigners allowed" signs all the time.
goodmanj 2 years ago
I read that japan has the highest life expectency but they have a very healthy lifestyle which is good!
look at all the bad stuff that we eat in america, all the fast food and stuff. I try to avoid unhealthy stuff like a habit so I shouldn't have any problems in the food department.
BlanFan2O 2 years ago
Fast food isn't necessary unhealthy.
lordmetroid 2 years ago
yeah, it not always is.
BlanFan2O 2 years ago
Hey sorry to bug you with ANOTHER question. (heh) but I was wondering a bit about having pets and being in the jet program. (not really, taking my pet but maybe getting one when I get there?)
Maeikatk 2 years ago
I had an ALT friend who had a cat for her two years here - but she didn't take it back to America with her. It just depends on your apt/house and if they allow pets.
myargonauts 2 years ago
I do think "gaijin" is a word bit offensive to some people, so I don't use it. But I want to make clear that it doesn't mean "outsider". I've never use this word for that meaning (I would use "yosomono" or "bugaisha" instead). Ever heard this word from Japanese people to another Japanese person because he's an outsider to them? Just because it is written "out" and "person" in kanji, that doesn't mean it represent its meaning. Gaijin is nothing more than an impolite way of saying "foreigner".
Fourthworth 2 years ago
I have been watching these volgs of yours for the past week or so once i found out about and became interested in JET. Thank you so much for making them. They have been incredibly informative to me. Enjoy your fifth year! Thanks!
schoons27 2 years ago
very cool! Thanks for watching!
myargonauts 2 years ago
Oh my goodness! What beautiful greenery! I will be leaving my fiance behind in NC. Going to be a bit of a challenge, but he is working on his masters so needs focus and suggested me to chase my dream. Might be a little hard at first, but we can and will adjust. I love hot that won't be a problem. I've lived without my family since my 2 year in college. No worries there. we have to get "gaijin cards"! It will be okay. I am getting a bit more anxious as august nears, but I think I can be okay ^_^
mostawesomestjes 2 years ago
To me gaijin are (and I dont think you're in this group Jason) the ignorant foreigners who walk around Japan talking into their camera, completely oblivious to other people with a backpack, and fannypack. Them and people who think it is "cool" to be called gaijin are gaijins to me. As for racism, I think it is more of an insensitivity and apparent xenophobia due to their once isolated culture. This is a generalization, but there is a lot of it. And in the media they use "Black face' a lot.
SpinningBirdKick1 2 years ago
1. Beautiful scenery
2. I was very homesick after only 3 months of stay, but now I totally miss Japan.
3. Gaijin means Outsider and at times it can be hateful and exclusionary. As, a white westerner I dont think it means a lot, because they are seen as more adventurous, BUT it is politically incorrect, gaikokujin which means foreign country person is the more professional usage. I didn't mind, though I want to be a foreign national one day and accepted by the Japanese people.
SpinningBirdKick1 2 years ago
I am an aspiring JET, I hope to apply this year as I think I missed the cut off. I am a young black woman, and I am excited and intruiged about living and teaching in Japan. Thank you for you vid it was very informative.
DarkPrincess702 2 years ago
Japan really is a great country. I am excited to see where my life takes me in the next 2 years! I don't think gaijin is bad either... it is just simply a foreigner... but oh well. I wonder if I will hear this word when I visit this August? haha
Tdprice07 2 years ago
What is a JET??
RebelOnetimeRIH 2 years ago
Japan English Teaching......you basically teach english in Japan for about a year on a contract.
DarkPrincess702 2 years ago
....the lack of cheese frightens me....i would miss my grilled chesse dearly.
SpyderR0de0 2 years ago
they just started having Kraft cheddar cheese slices at my local grocery store - and sliced "white" cheese is available all over - so grilled cheese sandwiches are easy. :)
myargonauts 2 years ago
ah ok thanks for the reply
SpyderR0de0 2 years ago
how much did you make per year working in this program o:
freeinjapan 2 years ago
JETs make 3,600,000yen per year.
myargonauts 2 years ago
is that 36 000 $ or 3.6 000$ ?
SilverGunZoO 2 years ago
with the current exchange rate it's about $36,000 American.
myargonauts 2 years ago
Thank you sir.
I enjoy your videos, it brings me closer to Japan, so thank you.
I wish you well !
SilverGunZoO 2 years ago
I like the word Gaijin. Makes me feel special! hehe
AutomHatter 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
lol i think when we bombed them they got the right to decide whats offensive :P
cheshiretransform 2 years ago
wow these comments are pretty harsh, I'm black and I hate the N word but I don't see how the G word( respecting those who hate it) offends on a similar level. The G word from what I'm seeing means foreign person which does seperate people in Japan yes but it does it on the same level as saying I'm black because I am and your white because you are or spanish, latino, latina etc. IDK maybe because I live in Killa qnz NY I see there is a lot more probs then getting mad someone tells me hey ur black
BunnunManWonder 2 years ago
I completely agree with you, gaijin is just foriegner. nothing more nothing less :D
Jmadiso1 3 years ago 3
its pretty silly to get upset over being called a 'Gaijin'..it just means Foreigner, plain & simple..no hatred or racism in it at all..as far as other racism goes, caucasians seem to be fine and are kinda respected in a way..for blacks i dont think they get treated badly, but just stared at a little bit..i think racism might exist abit towards Chinese tho, becuz Japan & China are never on the same page..i know this for a fact becuz my japanese friends usually say bad things about Chinese, but ye
xTheBrandoShowx 3 years ago 2
Greetings!
I live some 15mins from where you live (9mons now) and I'm black. There were only 2 black ppl I knew here until the new arrivals but there really is no racist vibe here. (but the stares are annoying at times)
I hear gaikoku no hito more and being black I hear kokujin sometimes. And the ocassional eigo no hito, not really gaijin.
But for some it is annoying because it represents them living and having families here for yrs and still being just "a foreigner".
AnonaNicole 3 years ago
These are good videos. I like the rural style compared to like Tokyo Cooney.
patio87 3 years ago
Well, Kevin and I both have lots to offer IMO about life in two very diff places in Japan. Welcome aboard. :)
myargonauts 3 years ago
Hey! I just found your videos. As a high school student who is considering the JET Program as my plan for after college, I'm grateful for these videos. I don't mind using a bicycle and I certainly don't mind the heat - its the cold of these New England winters I'm growing sick of.
lunasspecto 3 years ago
youkoso! Welcome!
myargonauts 3 years ago
Me too. Im glad I found this while I was in High school. Now I plan to take japanese while in college ^_^
SlowStabs 2 years ago 2
White is still generally perceived to be better than black. I'm not saying all Japanese people are like that - but that is the reality. I am someone who is third-generation zainichi Korean living in the states. I can account for a lot of stories of discrimination that my family and their friends face, even today. So, "ninjerhunter," please consider what I've mentioned in this comment before you begin to associate the term "gaijin" to the n-word.
FuryoMusume 3 years ago
However, I am not saying Japan can't be racist. Japan has an imperialist history and continue to display racial ignorance and show prejudice toward minorities in Japan, such as the zainichi Koreans, Okinawans, Buraku and the Ainu. Also, the treatment of a black foreigner in Japan is entirely different than one a white foreigner receives.
FuryoMusume 3 years ago
I think it is a misguided opinion and a little self-righteous if Caucasians find this offensive, because, as you mentioned, there is no hateful connotation to it, but most importantly there is no way you can compare being called "gaijin" to the amount of institutional and personal forms of actual racism people of color face on a daily basis in the United States.
FuryoMusume 3 years ago 5
Jason, I think your explanation of whether or not you have had to deal with racism in Japan was pretty correct. Japanese people, especially in the rural areas, do not see a lot of foreigners, especially ones of European descent who truly stick out, so it's simply a matter of observation because as you said, "white males" are an anomaly in the countryside. If you go to Tokyo, you will hear much less of that phrase, because there are a ton of "gaijin" there.
FuryoMusume 3 years ago
thanks for the comments
myargonauts 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Thank you for the videos. This has really discouraged me from becoming a JET.. The racism, psychotic Japanese girls, etc. Thank you so very much >.>
JadedGrey 3 years ago
errr... glad I could help... :P
myargonauts 3 years ago
if this has discouraged you then maybe you weren't meant for JET in the first place. There will always be obstacles, you just have to get over them.
elginbabe 3 years ago
Maybe you weren't meant for the JET program.. Yeah, it's some prestigious-ass program.. lol
JadedGrey 3 years ago
LOL
keg2two 3 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
It is understandable that you try to avoid conflict by "allowing" people to call you a "gaijin". However, this actually makes it harder for all gaijin because it perpetuates the stereotype that none of us have the balls to stand up to these racist fuckers.
See what Japan does to you? They are basically calling you a nigger and you have trained yourself to be OK with that. Scary mindset. If you ever go to prison someday, make sure you have a lot of lube available.
ninjerhunter 3 years ago
Well, I'm not sure if you watched all the way to the end of the video, but I explain that it's really not the same thing as being called a racial epithet. But you're more than welcome to confront anyone using the term. Do you have a good alternative to suggest?
myargonauts 3 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Nukes?
ninjerhunter 3 years ago
The term Gaijin is not racist, it is a term to call foreign people.
tkvan11 3 years ago 4
外人の振りする日本人はうぜ～！！！
ninjerhunter 3 years ago
I'm in the process of finalizing my application and getting copies of this and that official document. Thanks for the vids. My brother and I are both English grads and hoping to be accepted in this program.
Torch3r 3 years ago
Thanks for watching and good luck with your applications!
myargonauts 3 years ago
I like what you said about the word "gaijin" I guess the Japanese language doesn't have another word to describe us or Japanese people just to lazy to call us by our nationality. Also I think Japanese people are so overtly nationalistic which comes off as a little racist from time to time... Also because of the media foreign males will probably encounter a word known as playboy. I see this as racism we are all judged as playboy until proven otherwise. It's so annoying...
clarkekent87 3 years ago
yeah - watch TokyoCooney's latest vlog, a repost of an older vlog about Police and Firefighters, and then he talks about racial profiling in Japan, etc. Very interesting.
myargonauts 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
中途半端な英語だ！笑
外人のふりをする日本人嫌い！自分の立場を分かったほうがいい！ボケ！
Jason: I swear that half of the people who post are Japanese posing as gaijin.
ninjerhunter 3 years ago
lol crap, I just read the description never mind!!!!
AzureEyesD 3 years ago
Jason,
I really like the vids and have my heart set on becoming a JET when I finish my undergrad next fall. I don't think I saw any videos about this, and you might not remember because it was so long ago that you applied, but could you maybe recount your experience with the application and interview process?
AzureEyesD 3 years ago
these jet vlogs are cool even though im not planning to go in that program this info is great love the vids keep it up
yozka 3 years ago
great! thanks for watching!
myargonauts 3 years ago
So you finished college at the age of thirty-five? That's a bit unusual... too bad more people above the typical college age don't apply themselves.
Youindia 3 years ago
yep - I went for two years from age 18-20, then took a long break and went again from age 32-34. It's never too late to get that degree! :D
myargonauts 3 years ago
I completely agree with you there, nothing wrong with the word gaijin and I use it when I am talking in Japanese in reference to myself and others. very interesting vlog.
Nozokimidayo 3 years ago
yeah - I'm so used to it and I don't have a problem with it.
Thanks for the comment.
myargonauts 3 years ago
You're welcome. Keep up the good work.
Nozokimidayo 3 years ago
what's up my Gaijin! mad Gaijins be chilin in da hood.
peaceandloveletsblow 3 years ago
I just had a strange, vivid vision of me riding a yellow Vespa all crazy-like to get to school so I could teach.
Would I get in trouble?
(Yes, very random and unrelated question. Your videos make me thing, obviously. ;D)
1011375 3 years ago
yes you would get in trouble and have to eat only natto for an entire day... LOL
myargonauts 3 years ago
I suppose very sensitive people will be offended by the word, but in the end, it's just a word. From my experience in my week at Takamatsu on deployment, the Japanese that lived there were very reserved. We encountered a few westerners from Canada and one from Tennesee, but I don't know what program they were in. Long story short, for the vast majority of Japanese, if they don't like you, they won't talk to you, much less even look at you. They are hardly the confrontational type.
Rictof 3 years ago
このは面白いでした。I wouldn't mind being called gaijin. You are, what you are, a foreigner...its not like its a secret.
winDragon79 3 years ago
did you move or are you still in the same place cause it deosnt look the same....
skydemon1583 3 years ago
are you stalking me?? LOL
I've lived in the same apt all 4 years so far. :D
myargonauts 3 years ago
Last comment (promise!):
Whenever a kid called me "Gaijin!", assuming I couldn't speak Japanese, I looked at him with a mad grin and said (in an attempt at TV Yakuza accent):
"Gaijin ja nee zo! Doitsu-jin da ze!" and most of them looked like thunderstruck and walked away quickly and silently, several times laughed at by their friends who'd decided not to provoke the gaijin kinnikuman. :-)
42317 3 years ago
Racism was a topic for friends living in Tokyo, being stared at, being offensively ignored upon an inquiry, people on the train needlessly changing seats... but it seems to be limited to mostly Tokyo. Friends in Kasai have never experienced that, and neither have I on the countryside, where people were rather curious about Gaijin.
"Gaijin" IS a less polite term, because it's a short form, for "Gaikokujin". It's not "hateful" or anything, but less polite than average. Japanese ARE subtle.
42317 3 years ago
Since I'm a Jap. Culture Studies major I was well prepared for Jap. culture. BUT upon returning home I experienced what we call "re-entry shock", since nobody (usually) prepares you for an outsiders' view on your own culture.
No fastfood? I would thank fate on my knees for that "privation". But I always kinda considered Yakiniku and Ramen "Jap. fastfood". And I can eat just that every day without getting tired of it! :-) I did eat out half of the time... 650 Yen for a big bowl ain't much.
42317 3 years ago
How long does it take to bike to work?
samuelmorrison 3 years ago
to bike to my nearest JH takes about 7 or 8 minutes. To bike to the one farther away would take about 20 minutes.
myargonauts 3 years ago
Are there any African Americans in your program and how do you think they would be accepted there?
babytreese 3 years ago
Yes - I will send you a PM with some good links to blogs by AA JETs.
But I've met more black JETs from other countries, like England, Jamaica, and South Africa.
I think they get along fine here - anyone not Japanese is interesting, strange, and foreign.
myargonauts 3 years ago
I agree with you, being called a gaijin doesn't sound bad at all. Whenever I think of being called a gaijin I would just think of foreigner and I don't understand why some people see it as bad. Oh well, maybe they were teased a lot as kids and have some traumatic experiences or something?
foranyonewhocares 3 years ago
Are you leaving Jaspan or just jet_?
I don't mind the word "Gaijin", people who get offended by it should get off their high horse and realize it isn't out of hate that the Japanese people use that word. Like yesterday when I was getting my license I was talking to one of the office ladies there and she was taslking about how good my japanese is and other stuff. Anywayz, she was like "あなんたはちょっとふといいだよな〜"(hey, you're a little fat, aren't cha?). I smiled and was like "fuck yeah!" :D
TkyoSam 3 years ago
I'll just be finished with JET in July of 2009. One more year to go... :)
Yeah - the concept of personal space and what's an appropriate comment to make about another person's appearance is really different here. I get comments about my cola drinking and my weight all the time, but I know it's said more out of concern for my health than for any insulting reason.
myargonauts 3 years ago
So do you wann find another job after Jet so you can stay in the country or have you not thought that far ahead yet]?
TkyoSam 3 years ago
I would like to find another job and stay in Japan for a few more years. I'll go into serious job hunt mode this fall and winter.
myargonauts 3 years ago
This would be a very interesting topic to see some vlogs about...hopefully you will be willing to share your trials and tribulations with finding a job in Japan! Anyways keep up the good work with the videos they are quiet informative!
thegr8brian 3 years ago
Fell off the internet for a while there and missed a bunch of these. Glad to know you'll be making a new series for applicants. Thank for the videos!
emergencyincas 3 years ago
I kind of think the difference between "gaijin" and "gaikokujin" is the same as "a black person" or an "African American". It is more polite to say the latter, but nobody seems to be offended by the word "black".
Popkornage 3 years ago
Being called "gaijin" doesn't bother me at all. Like you, I don't see any true negative connotation in it. I spent many years living in Korea where I was a "waygogin"....same thing! I am from outside. Some may be offended, for me....it's ok!
Look forward to seeing your new vids about life in Japan.
Kev
BusanKevin 3 years ago
love the vids <3!
justawolfbite 3 years ago
Just wanted to say that you did a great job at covering the various things that JETs will encounter, as well as visitors to Japan. I have been called gaijin during my visits to Japan, but like you have never thought of it as a hateful term. Although sometimes seeing business establishments saying "no foreigners" is a bit off putting, but usually they are the kinds of establishments that are targeted at a particular crowd of people.
Smashingblue 3 years ago
am really looking forward your vlog on applying for the JET programme. PLease mention some info on people from the UK applying for JET only if you have any lol.
momosissoko91 3 years ago
So you're done? Well you had a good time, right?
JapanIsDoomed 3 years ago
well - done with this series of advice vids for new JETs. But I'm already working on editing a piece about the English camp I went to back in June and another about my week last week at all the sports competitions, so more to come. Thanks for watching!
myargonauts 3 years ago
Great work on the series. I look forward to the "JET application" series coming up soon.
About being called "gaijin", so many people have expressed their discontentment with this label that I don't know what to think. From an empathetic point of view, however, I can see how lonely, often insecure newcomers feel offended by being called an outsider. I myself would probably feel uncomfortable with this label at first, but will come to ignore it over time.
lleverfreell 3 years ago
I would agree, but I think a simple understanding of the in/out group dynamic would clear it up entirely.
You can't look at it as a racial slur of any sort, because their culture doesn't define it as one. It's calling the kettle what it is...a kettle. You're a fork in the spoon tray, as it were.
mairsil 3 years ago
I enjoy your Vlogs, thank you for sharing your journey with us. I am looking forward to seeing your series about applying for JET.
akualt 3 years ago
I really enjoyed this series Jason, and I'm very happy to hear that you will be continuing your vlogs. Thanks for taking the time out of your schedule to put all of these together.
In regards to school life/teaching, one thing I have been awfully curious about is how you (or other JETS you know) deal with your problem students? As that old saying goes, "kids will be kids". Do you find it difficult to keep problem students engaged especially considering the language gap? Thanks again :D
DoctorEngrish 3 years ago
I think that would be a good topic for a future vlog. It is difficult at times to deal with problem students, since I can't just "talk" to them with my limited Japanese, but overall I'm lucky and my country kids are pretty wonderful. But I have a few tricks that work well, so I'll make a vlog about this. :)
myargonauts 3 years ago
Great send off. for the JETs coming to japan, you are doing a bang up job, Jason. Thank you for sharing your life basically.
I gotta admit, I have been watching other JETs here on YT, and most of them are upset at their apt, or life there in General, which can unnerve most future JETs. You on the other hand are a reassuring voice of reason. A fan always.
Graehaus 3 years ago
Well - I have my problems with living here and the job, but I am overall very positive about JET and the experience we have. And I had no intention of adding to anxiety that newbies have - they can discover the negatives on their own in their own time - and it varies so much.
While I don't think JET is for everyone, I do highly recommend the program to those up for an adventure and a challenge.
Thanks for watching!
myargonauts 3 years ago
The most informative and practical series on Youtube!
BTW, You're right. We Japanese use the word "GAIJIN" as "a foreigner," no more and no less.
I don't know who first said it's a offensive word, but if that person got offended and felt being separated from natives, I'd respect that perspective. But, it's basically same as that I'm called "Asian" in the US.
takanorius 3 years ago
お疲れ様でした！
Thanks for the videos! I'm excited for the application vids!
JamieDanger 3 years ago
I'm a "white guy" in Hong Kong, and here they have a word (2 words, actually) for "white" forigeners - that is "gwai low" - which means "gost fellow" ...hummm, that's got kind of more of a punch to it than "gaijin" does. However, people use it so much that I'm used to it as well, and I've noticed that they don't ascribe any hate to it. There is a better word - "outside country person" - and many of my friends self-corect and use this word instead. I guess "gwai low" is just a "standard" word. :)
grooveonchan 3 years ago
yeah - I self-refer to myself as a "gaijin" all the time now - it's just quicker to say than gaikokujin. :)
myargonauts 3 years ago
Thanks for all your work and effort... I'm sure many owe you a lot for getting well prepared mentally. Again - THANKS!!! Star Star Star Star Star for wholeheartedly helping all those you may never meet, and some you meet in the future! :D
grooveonchan 3 years ago
BTW, one can tell that you've been in Japan a while, when you refer to rice fields as 'nature'... hahaha!
kansaiPJ 3 years ago
LOL I thought the same thing!
nyannyan123456 3 years ago
well I was refering to the mountains and trees as well... LOL
Thanks for the nice comments PJ
myargonauts 3 years ago
Good job sir. This has been a pretty informative & entertaining series. Wish I'd had something like this when I first came. The new JETs are lucky to have your vids.
Five stars Jason.
kansaiPJ 3 years ago
Bravo on another great video!! :) I absolutely agree that they do not mean any harm with the word gaijin, not every country is hostile towards foreigners, I should know, I live in a country where there are lots and lots of foreigners, and we get along kinda fine, actually.
Once again, great vid!
tanolisjp 3 years ago
I love the effect on your glasses, with the squares and all. Very cool.
The really funny thing about these blogs is that I am pretty sure a bunch of people want to be Shimane JETs just because they have seen it in these blogs and a real vetern would be there to help them. Really though, ask the newbies how many of them watched you on Youtube before coming.
The first month you were there was it, "Argh! I don't feel like cooking! Insta-ramen hoo!"?
I am still waiting for the Travel Channel Show
myriah96 3 years ago
Hi Jason,
Just wanted to thank you for your dedication in making the vlogs. I have found them to be extremely informative and a great help in deciding that the JET Programme is something that i would like to do. Can't wait to see your next series so don't keep us waiting too long ;)
Have fun meeting the new JETs in your area.
gos1985 3 years ago 3
Thank you so much. I can't express how amazingly helpful and reassuring you've been.
attrition2113 3 years ago