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Aala un alien au Japon – Aala an Alien in Japan
Foreigner in Japan, many people dream of doing it. But becoming a foreigner in Japan and be considered as an Alien, nobody wants to do so.
Why I say the word Alien in this article, this should be the question? It is very simple. It all began onMay 5, 2011, when I boarded atLos AngelesInternationalAirport towardsNaritaAirport inTokyo. So far everything is going well.
When I arrived at Tokyo airport, I picked up my luggage and went directly to the customs to check my passport and Working Holiday Visa. So far everything is still going well.
Valid passport, visa approved and stamped. Then a document is provided to me to be completed. This is where it all begins: my adventure in Japan. I’m just a regular traveller who does not know anything in Japan, its culture, History and other facts that make this country fascinates so many people. Ok, Ok, I knew two or three little things but nothing more (basically I knew what I learned in my History class at junior High School and High School, so my knowledge is limited to the 2nd World War).
II glance at the document, end there is a misunderstanding that can be read on my face. Not that I do not understand English (Ispent over a year and a half between Australia, New Zealand, Canada and USA) but a word to me really surprised me as it should not be where it is. This word was: ALIEN.
Why on my registration card were the word Alien? What are they talking about? Is Steven Spielberg will shoot a new movie here?
Well not, it is indeed me being talked about, least of all foreigners inJapan. We are listed as Alien. This can be offensive at first sight.
After a little research on my own on why and how, I understood why a foreigner in Japanwas regarded as an Alien. Indeed, here in Japan, Gaijin and Gakoikujin are the words for foreigners. But when it comes to translate this words into English, the closest translation is “come from outside”, except for the Japanese, it is easier to use the word Alien for a foreigner in Japan, in which you can find the closest meaning for Gaijin or Gaikokujin.
When the Japanese use the word Alien, it is not to offend us, but just to simplify the understanding of words Gaijin and Gaikokujin. I know some people may be surprised at the base (which was my case actually), but in the end, this word does not matter, because it does not change what one is: traveller, foreigner, immigrant …
Finally, I take it with smile and philosophy, it is rather amusing situation after all.
