By: J Gordon
July 8, 2020
Black Lives Matter, Osaka. My experience of the march and movement in Japan.
On Sunday June 7, 2020 Osaka city held a Black Lives Matter peaceful march. The event, organized through a facebook group anticipated around 200 attendees. Remarkably, an incredible 2000 people marched for BLM that day.
The march went smoothly and peacefully. The police and the city worked with us to support our cause. The vibe was indescribable. I looked around and saw many other black folk like me. I felt a unique sense of mutual understanding. In Japan the black community is pretty incredible. There is this sense of support we share, this sense of 'I appreciate you, I see you - keep going.' I also took notice of the number of foreigners who attended the march. Black, brown, yellow, white... we all stood together that day.
Now, being a foreigner in Japan comes with its own set of difficulties. Recently, some white people in Japan have been comparing these difficulties to that of the Black Experience. Unfortunately this comparison, even if it attempts empathy, proves misguided and problematic. The Japanese Times recently published an article regarding being "othered," in Japan. Albeit an issue, Elin Mccready explains that this differs from:
"the oppression, danger and systematic institutional racism Black people are subjected to around the world" - Elin Mccready
Mccready does note that being "othered," in Japan may provide white people some kind of insight as, 'for the first time they are seen primarily as members of a social category, rather than unique individuals.' I think, perhaps this explains why such a diverse group of foreigners came together in support of the BLM movement in Osaka, Japan.
Japan, though a modern country, often seems to remove itself from the politics of the west. Particularly, being reluctant to recognize their own reality of racism. It's been interesting to discuss and share my experiences of racism in Japan. Here, issues of race can be challenging to navigate. In a young city like Osaka, black culture is often appropriated via music, fashion, hairstyles and art. I've been considering lately whether Japan's appropriation of black culture is considerably less problematic than in predominately white countries. Arguably, historical context suggests that it is less problematic. However, this does not exempt Japan from it's own problems of racism. And although in the past Japan has been less likely to engage with social justice politics - I am optimistic. Witnessing the Black Lives Matter movement in Japan as well as the activism being demonstrated by young people in Japan suggests to me, the beginning of change. Notably, through recent public discussions surrounding social injustices that exist here in Japan via publications like, The Japan Times and Japan Today.
Throughout my travels, I have come to realize that racism is somewhat inescapable - it stretches over many borders. However, it gives me hope to see people across the world beginning to take on the responsibility of racism. Thus, committing to anti-racism. This kind of activism is powerful. A friend recently reminded me not to underestimate it. More than ever, I am putting an emphasis on the importance of activism in my life. I am choosing to do so through sharing my experiences, knowledge and opinions, in hopes of initiating a productive discussion.
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