gaijin 外人

Literally ‘outside person,’ Japan’s catch-all term for foreigners that somehow sounds both casual and slightly offensive at the same time.

Foreigners make up a whopping 2.7% of Japan’s population. That’s about 3.4 million non-Japanese in a sea of 123 million locals. Your chances of seeing another foreigner in rural areas: about the same as seeing Godzilla (he frequents Tokyo though, just like the gaijin!)

Common gaijin activities:

• Teaching English
• Visiting tourist attractions
• Standing out in crowds
• Being photographed by elderly Japanese

The nihongo jōzu phenomenon

You’ll hear the phrase 日本語上手 Nihongo jōzu! (Your Japanese is so good!) after accomplishing linguistic feats like saying konnichiwa or ordering a beer.

What it means when you’re a beginner: ‘Wow, you tried!’

What it means when you’re fluent: ‘Wow, you tried!’

Most foreigners go through distinct phases with this compliment: initial flattery → growing suspicion → eventual annoyance → and finally acceptance that it’s just Japan’s way of being polite.

Whether you’re a beginner or fluent, the praise remains curiously consistent.