A Nepalese Man’s Experience of Discrimination in Japan
Jigyan Kumar Thapa, a Nepalese man who has lived in Kanagawa Prefecture for 25 years, recently shared an experience that left him feeling shocked and scared. While riding a train, a stranger told him, “This is Japan, so don’t bring in foreign culture — conform to Japan.” The comment was directed at Thapa’s traditional Nepali hat, known as a topi. This was the first time someone had spoken to him in such a manner, despite his long stay in the country.
Thapa felt deeply unsettled by the encounter. He quickly got off the train, unsure of how to respond. That night, he took to social media to share his story. He wrote, “I’ve started to feel people staring when I walk around wearing a Nepali hat, as if to say (in a negative way) ‘Oh, he’s a foreigner.’ In my 25 years living in Japan, I’ve never felt this kind of fear before.”
His post gained massive attention, with over 16 million views and more than 3,000 replies. Many responses were negative, with some blaming foreigners for issues in Japan. As a result, Thapa became afraid to wear his topi in public. Other Nepalis in Japan also expressed concern, questioning whether they might face similar treatment if they wore their traditional clothing.
A Journey of Integration and Contribution
Thapa originally came to Japan in 2000 as a student, inspired by a Japanese volunteer he met as a child in Nepal. Over the years, he worked hard to learn the language and integrate into Japanese society. He helped Japanese people understand Nepali culture and participated in community events, gradually building a sense of belonging.
Despite his efforts, Thapa now feels that the broader Japanese society still sees many foreigners as temporary labor rather than integral members of the community. With over 3.7 million foreign residents in Japan, many work in essential roles such as nursing care, construction, and retail. However, Thapa believes that these individuals are often overlooked and not fully recognized for their contributions.
Advocating for Understanding and Respect
Thapa continues to work towards fostering better understanding between foreigners and Japanese people. He teaches Nepalis in Japan about local customs and manners, and he even wrote a book in Nepali about life in Japan. His message is clear: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,” encouraging others to persevere and not give up.
After sharing his initial experience, Thapa posted again on X, expressing his deep love for Japan. He emphasized that he owes his success to the generosity of the country and clarified that he does not want to criticize Japan. Instead, he hopes for mutual respect and understanding. “I just hope foreigners will follow the rules too, and I want both Japanese and foreigners to live with peace of mind as members of Japanese society.”
Despite receiving negative comments, including “Why don’t you go back to your own country?” Thapa also received messages of support, such as “Please don’t lose heart. Stay strong.”
A Call for Unity and Acceptance
Thapa’s goal is for everyone to see foreigners as fellow members of society who contribute to its growth and stability. He believes that open dialogue and mutual understanding are essential for creating a harmonious community. He also urges leaders to explain the importance of foreigners and to promote peaceful coexistence.
Through his experiences and efforts, Thapa continues to advocate for a more inclusive and respectful society, where cultural differences are celebrated rather than feared.
