I studied at Oita University as an exchange student. One thing that was very disappointing about my stay was that I visited many onsens only to be turned away. I couldn't even swim in the local pool. Why? Because I have tattoos. After getting a grant from Japan's government to study in Japan, I was still faced with discrimination. In addition, there were restaurants and clubs that my friends -- including Japanese -- and I could not get into because I am a foreigner. I thought Japan had agreed to become a nation that does not discriminate.
I live in Japan now and work at a junior high school, and I own my own school and house in Shizuoka, where I had to prove that I comprehended enough Japanese to get a loan. How is this fair? My wife, who is Japanese, and I went to a local pool only to be turned away. How is Japan going to become more international if the people, most of whom I have met are nice, are scared of what they don't understand?
I like it here and enjoy what I do enough to teach Japan's children, but apparently lack the qualifications to go swimming. Every chance I get I teach about how things are accepted differently around the world and not to judge a book by its cover. I hope to make a difference to some with my little contribution.
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