[lefty-lie-spy]

I've never felt racism here and I've been in Tokyo for 8 years now. The "racism" here, if there every really was any, boils down to someone being shy about being around non-native Japanese speakers or they are just a punk or an ignorant punk or a crotchety old man or woman. I've never had a problem with anything resembling American racism here and would rather live here than America. This is the most well-mannered place I've ever been, and I've been all over, and am always grateful when I get to come home. I can go to death metal concerts, punk concerts, walk through the "bad" parts of town at night, and never have a problem with the local population. My friends are mostly Japanese. The only time I have any trouble with racism is from the illegal Caribbean and North African street hustlers. I'm proud to have the opportunity to be a gaijin and love every day of it.

[Khurkris]

I am not doubting either of your posted comments gents. As far as the black on white experience - trust me on this I understand.
The "gaijin" Japanese racism I was referring to was/is the 'institutionalized' version that exists in most Asian countries. Reality is, there is racism against those who are not Japanese, Chinese, Taiwanese, Korean, Vietnamese, etc. that is an ingrained part of the civil, legal and cultural make-up.
There are many things that a non-native cannot do, on a legal/business basis, that a native can do. This is especially true in the business and banking areas. But, as always, there are ways of dealing with this.
Best to both of you in your endeavors.