When feeling at home in Japan is tested

As someone who's lived in Japan for years now, I've always believed that cultural exchanges (e.g. sharing food, wearing something from your home country, or explaining a tradition) help build understanding and connection. I've noticed it to be especially so here in Minamiuonuma, where we have a large international university with students who hail from over 40 countries. I've been able to mingle with people from all corners of the world, and I've loved learning more about places that I've never had the chance to visit.

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In part, it's probably why I was really disheartened to read a recent news article about Jigyan Kumar Thapa, Nepalese man based in Kanagawa who was told on a train not to "bring in foreign culture." The remark was directed at his topi, a formal hat from Nepal that he's worn for decades.

Thapa has lived in Japan for 25 years. He speaks the language, works to promote multicultural understanding, and even teaches newcomers how to adapt to Japanese customs. However, pretty understandably, this single encounter (and the harsh online reaction that followed) left him shaken up.

I think his story will probably strike a nerve among many of us expats and long-term residents, especially with the knowledge that Japan relies heavily on foreign workers across industries, but acceptance hasn't always kept pace with reality. Even for those of us who love living here, moments like this can make you second guess how welcome we really are.