Regarding Wayne Wilson's Nov. 6 letter, "Teacher can't swim in a pool (because of his tattoos)": I understand how Wilson is feeling about being discriminated against by Japanese people, for I lived in Japan as well and know the situation. But I must admit that I am surprised by how many readers of The Japan Times complain about this.
When Wilson moved to Japan, did he not know that the Japanese consider their "race" unique and that he would never be treated like a Japanese? He must have known that the Japanese are scared of tattoos because yakuza members have them. If he is so badly treated, why does he live there?
He enjoys all the advantages that a white male has in Japan. His wife is probably 10 times as pretty as the one he would have had at home. He lives in Japan exactly because he enjoys being different. He made this choice, so why complain now? He was lucky to have this choice, since many people seeking refugee status must cope with being treated badly.
Because of my experience, I do understand how people who are "different" feel in Japan. That's why I am strongly in favor of multicultural societies. I moved back to Europe instead of staying in Japan and complaining about society.
Wilson should be grateful for everything his host nation gives him. And if Japanese society is so terrible, he should go back to where he came from.
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