People have always had the habit of defining nations and creating stereotypes about things. Some think the Japanese are polite, humble, and kind, while others find them prejudiced, shy, and antisocial.
However, reality is much more complex and varied. Japan is a country with a rich diversity of personalities and behaviors, and the Japanese cannot be defined by a single label. In this article, we will explore 11 different types of Japanese people you may encounter, from the more extroverted and social to the more reserved and introspective. Each with their unique characteristics that help paint a more complete and realistic picture of the Japanese people.
Table of Contents
The Helpful Japanese – Helpful Hito
In English known as “Helpful Hito” where the word hito (人) means person. This type of helpful Japanese person tries to do their best to assist foreigners, especially tourists. They will appear, eager to help you in any way and ensure that your impressions of Japan are positive.
If you have lived in Japan for a long time, you must have noticed that being distracted in public can attract the attention of a Japanese person who is willing to help. They ask if you are lost or need to find an address.
The Helpful Hito is basically the best friend of a tourist, as they can help and guide you at the train station, bus stop, or simply help you understand a restaurant or hotel menu.
The King of Time
Foreigners often believe that the Japanese work themselves to death. The truth is that lazy, idle, and foolish Japanese people can be found everywhere like weeds. Some live with sleepiness, messy or dyed hair, speak differently, and wander the streets aimlessly doing nothing.
Some work in businesses that do not require much effort. Others do not work or earn a lot of money without doing anything. They live traveling around Japan and the world; just walk any day in the middle of the week and you will find tons of people who should be working but are enjoying themselves in parks and tourist spots.
Besides these, there are students who skip classes and wander the streets, while others even sleep in the classroom. Still, others live idly out of fear of society and are called hikikomori.
The Gaijin Hunter
Many know about gaijin hunters; they can be divided into several categories. Some appear super generous and attentive, but they have an interest in something. It can be difficult to detect a gaijin hunter since Japanese people are naturally attentive and generous.
Many gaijin hunters are women looking for foreign men to showcase as trophies in public. Some are interested in marriage to find a partner or leave the country. The fact is that you become special just for being a foreigner, making it really hard to differentiate interest from true love.
There is nothing wrong with wanting to marry a foreigner; I think many readers of our site are interested in marrying a beautiful Japanese woman and also getting a spouse visa for Japan. For some, foreign hunters are not a danger; the hunter ends up becoming the prey.
The big problem with foreign hunters is that they likely do not genuinely care about your culture, likes, dislikes, and personality. Their interest can disappear suddenly if love or friendship is not cultivated. Those who have lived in Japan for a long time can quickly identify a foreign hunter with their spider senses.
The Pervert
By nature, the Japanese avoid slang with sexual connotations or sexual topics like in Brazil. But just walk a little in stores to see thousands of bizarre things like posters of perverted cartoons, erotic product stores, and another ton of things that show the true human nature.
Some go overboard when it comes to anime characters, buying related products like dolls and pillows. Others go too far and steal panties and follow schoolgirls on the street to take pictures or see through some opening. Women are not spared; some spread their legs on the train.
There are also the famous older men known as ero oyaji (perverted old man) who engage in stalking. They tend to be scruffy and try to approach girls on the street with different proposals and ideas. Some do not achieve much success and resort to arranged dates, hostesses, or something bigger.
Shy and Antisocial
This is quite common; most Japanese people have a bit of shyness. For this reason, a large part of the Japanese population is single, relating through mobile apps. Some struggle to say simple words to express feelings or gratitude to an innocent girl.
Others seem like normal people but avoid human contact for fear of doing something wrong or not knowing how to help. This is why many Japanese people move away from foreigners on the train; sometimes they fear that we might say something and they won’t understand.
Shyness causes many Japanese people to become antisocial, which makes it difficult for many to fit into society and school. Some even suffer bullying and commit suicide.
The Suicide Robot
Some Japanese people do not have their own opinions; they live obeying orders and working overtime to earn money and never enjoy it. Some work so much that they end up committing suicide, which is why we call them suicide robots.
Some are robots not because they work in factories but simply because they follow orders in school, the office, and even at home. They do not know how to contradict or simply end up overexerting themselves on a task that is unnecessary. Some work so hard to pass the entrance exam that they end up failing and self-destructing.
The majority of robot-like Japanese people have a normal, calm, and pale appearance. An ordinary person who spends the day working, eating instant ramen, and doing some hobby. They are fearful and cannot face adversities, impose rules, or create something original.
The International Ninja
Many Japanese people are super discreet and do not talk about their personal lives. They work with you, talk to you, become your friends, but you end up knowing absolutely nothing about their lives. Although they do not talk much about themselves, they are as normal as miso soup in Japan.
Until one day, they finally reveal some curious and interesting information that you really have no idea why they never mentioned it before. Sometimes the Japanese person knows how to speak fluent English or Portuguese, but you only find out after a long time when the opportunity finally arises.
These Ninjas may end up hiding their knowledge for various reasons. Japanese people do not like to draw attention or show off; unless you ask, you will never know what they are truly capable of until the right moment arrives. Many unknown secrets circulate among the Japanese.
The Aspiring Westerner
We love it when Japanese people are interested in foreign countries and cultures, especially when it is our country and culture. Learning a second language, traveling, and expanding their cultural horizons are amazing things for any human being on the planet; we cannot discourage them. However, some go overboard and try to become Westerners.
Some go too far and become a pain, thinking that Japan is terrible and eager to travel abroad. They frequent bars with foreign themes (and sometimes become Gaijin Hunters) and often talk about how rigid and inflexible Japanese society is. They will refuse to speak to you in Japanese or talk about Japan. They only want to talk about where you came from.
Some really do not fit into the culture of the country they were born in, but there are many attitudes that can be annoying. You yourself must hate a guy who keeps praising Japan and thinking it is perfect, and with all the hatred in his heart, lives criticizing Brazil. These aspiring people from other countries can become really annoying.
The English Vampire
It doesn’t matter if you speak Portuguese or even Japanese; there will always be some English vampire appearing to suck your blood. These people love to approach foreigners with the sole purpose of practicing their English. Some may feel disappointed if you do not know how to speak English.
Others think it is the obligation of Western foreigners to know English. Even if you are speaking Japanese, they will insist on speaking in English. The English Vampire tends to be a subset of the Aspiring Westerner. They have no idea that not everyone aims to have a conversation in English.
Fortunately, you do not need to talk much; most of them like to talk endlessly about their personal lives, age, hobbies, and experiences abroad; just stay quiet and listen. Whether you know English or not, prepare to encounter these people on the street or in stores.
The Foreigner Reminder
It is inevitable, but unfortunately, sooner or later, some Japanese person will remind you that you are a foreigner. Some people insist on responding to you in English or tend to gossip and exclude you from Japanese conversations. Some will offer you a fork and knife at a restaurant, imagining that you do not know how to use chopsticks.
Many times, Japanese people remind you that you are a foreigner in the greatest innocence. They believe they are making it easier for the foreigner by providing alternative options to what Japanese people do. If you say you are Brazilian, sooner or later, they will drop the words: Neymar, Football, Samba, Rio de Janeiro, and if you joke, they might even mention capybaras.
The Prejudiced
These tend to be a big reminder of foreigners. Most of them are traditional factory older men who do not like to see their country being invaded by foreigners. Some may insult you, gossip badly about you to friends, or exclude you and show no respect. They ask stupid questions like why are you here? Why don’t you go back to your country?
Many Brazilians end up having terrible experiences because of this type of Japanese person, who, although few, end up being the most noticeable. The best thing to do is to keep your distance from this type of person and ignore everything they say. Be careful not to catch their disease and start being prejudiced against the Japanese.
I hope you enjoyed this article; have you ever encountered these Japanese people? We appreciate your comments and shares.
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