Do you like Japanese people calling you "Gaijin"?
"Gaijin" is a short form of "Gaikoku-Jin", which is translated as foreigner.
Here is the thing, when I introduced my American friend to my mom, my mother said to her " Oh, Gaijin-san, nice to meet you".
My friend immediately reacted to say, "no, I am not a Gaijin, I am an American". My mother was actually happy to see my American friend and did not have any intention to discriminate against her, but I thought that I should have told my mom not to use the word "Gaijin" for foreigners.
The Japanese word " Gaijin" is controversial. The use of this word is very sensitive, because it can sound offensive to some people. Moreover, the Kanji "gai " means outside. It has actually been banned in the publishing and media worlds.
I wonder whether or not, "Gaikoku-Jin" sounds offensive? "Gaikoku" means a foreign country. "Jin" means people.
Japanese people have a tendency to shorten long words like Poke-mon (pocket monster), Perso-com ( Personal computer) and Cos-Play ( Costume play). " Gaijin " is just a short form for " Gaikoku-Jin". It is not like the English term " Jap".
Then, what kind of people are called "Gaijin" by Japanese people? They are usually Caucasians or African-Americans. Japanese usually refer to Asian people by using their country name. For example, "Chugoku-jin" for Chinese, "Kankoku-jin" for Koreans, "Indo-jin" for Indians.
Let me say this again, "Gaijin" is just a short form of "Gaikoku-jin", which means foreigners. We have used this word without thinking seriously.
Some foreigners consider it an insult, I think it is because of the behaviors of Japanese people towards them, like staring at them or asking silly questions.
I guess Westerners are not happy being called "Gaijin", am I right?
Japanese people are slowly starting to understand this...
