Gaijin makes a fake book cover that he uses on trains...

Classic....

http://www.cnngo.com/tokyo/life/you-lookin-me-fake-book-soothes-race-relations-985868

 

I saw this on Facebook. I can think of tons that could be used in America by minorities.

 

That is hysterical!!

XD

 

I kind of like the positive tongue-in-cheek approach to this issue.

I wonder how many were taking out their phones and desperately trying to find the book on the web the moment they saw it on the train.

Certainly invites to reflect on a previously unconscious habit.

 

I've never seen anyone stare at me, with the exception of giggling schoolgirls who normally say Hello, on the train everyone seems to be trying to sleep or locked onto their phone...

 

It wouldn't really bother me (although I've never been to Japan to experience the whole gaijin issue), I think acting all insecure about it and using a fake book to cover my face up would probably make me feel even more akward.

 

I'd love to have an envelope like that, but maybe I'd prefer the Mandarin version of it and change the meaning to something like "NO, I can't read Mandarin, this is just supposed to confuse you". Here in Vancouver are so many Chinese immigrants, I think about 50% of the regular bus passengers would get the joke.

 

I love it .

 

Am I being thick? I don't get it?

 

Read the article, and you will... I didn't get it at first either (since I can't understand Japanese...). The title of the book says "Why do Japanese people stare at foreigners?".

In response to ave, you mean? In Canada?

 

There's seemingly been a resurgence of this. I can count 4-5 instances just last month, two of which were a result of my height. Previous time before that was years. One was at a matsuri and as you'd guess, there were booze involved. To this day, it's the only time I've eavesdropped on people talking about me. Nothing juicy though - just my nationality (either French or Australian ??) and whether I spoke Japanese. Didn't feel like going through my whole life story so I just continued on.

You're more likely to find people staring here at just about anything... blame the monotonous train lifestyle, but it's just more socially acceptable. Instances go up the further you get from the city. Even I will admit though, going to my in-laws in Shikoku (miles away) yields less results than when I lived in Shizuoka in the mid-90s.

 

Lol, and only gaijins do not hide what they are reading in trains. So it works double the good.

 

Atleast Japanese people in general try to hide the fact that they're staring at you. Chinese people on the other hand really can't be bothered and will blatantly follow you all the way up to turning their heads when you pass them on the street. Or Chinese girls who without so much as saying a word just stand 3 meters in front of me when I'm sitting down somewhere and start snapping pictures with their cellphone. Or when a friend of me takes a photo and a tourist sight and before you know it 3 other Chinese people also have their cameras and are obviously taking pictures.

First day I landed here my best experience was this old lady on the street who stopped walking when I got to about 10 meters in front from her and stared me down until I was well beyond her before continuing her way.

Then again Chinese people really have a fascination with white people, what other country can you go to a club and get free bottles of whisky and mixers just because you're white? It's ridiculous.

 

That happens in Japan as well though. I am part of a handful of Japanese family trip albums: Whenever I asked someone to take a picture of me in front of a temple or something, they wanted a picture of themselves with me next to them as well (I'm caucasian).

Let's say I like girls rather than whisky or maybe a tradeoff of 50% each, would that be possible as well? :033:

 

Yeah China is definately more "Oh there is a white person", especially if you are not in the major cities. I definately had surreal moments being in small towns and villages.

 

The thing is they ask to take your picture in Japan, in China they don't.

 

I'm forever being stared at on the Metro, but by this point I just try and ignore it. Although it does annoy me that if there is a seat free next to me, some people won't sit there just because I'm white. I won't bite you, honest.

I guess the looks are fair enough though, anybody non-Japanese sticks out like a sore thumb. To start with I found it difficult - being white British and the minority was a shock.

 

Never noticed this during my trips to Japan. But this book cover is hilarious!

 

I'm not that tall but I get cred for my junk. Would I be starred at in Japan?

(just being funny;p )