‘Random fights, rude strangers’, Indian man opens up about racism and food choices in Japan

An Indian-origin man living in Japan recently opened up about the racism he has faced, sparking a wider discussion about discrimination in different parts of the world. His revelations come shortly after an Indian-origin woman in the UK became a target of racial abuse while traveling from London to Manchester by train.

The man, identified as Nikhil Tripathi, shared his experiences in a viral video after being interviewed by a Japanese vlogger known as Riki With Japan Mates. During their conversation, he highlighted the cultural and social challenges that Indians encounter while living in Japan, particularly regarding food habits. Many Indians in Japan, he explained, avoid pork and beef, and some follow a strict vegetarian diet. With limited vegetarian options available, they often have to cook their own meals to sustain themselves. One of the few commonly available vegetarian dishes is kappa maki (cucumber rolls), which has become a go-to option for those dining out.

However, beyond the struggle with food, Tripathi also shed light on the racism he has encountered over the past two years. He recounted multiple incidents where strangers had picked fights with him for no reason, including a deliberate shoulder bump from a passerby. One of the most unsettling experiences took place on a train when a group of high school girls, who were laughing amongst themselves, suddenly directed hostility toward him. Though he had not engaged with them, one of the girls abruptly told him to “shut up.” Refusing to ignore the remark, he directly confronted them, questioning whether their behavior was racially motivated.

How did the netizens react?

His experiences have struck a chord with many, prompting discussions about the subtle and overt racism that foreigners often face in different parts of the world. Some users expressed sympathy, noting that such behavior exists everywhere. Others shared concerns about the challenges of being a vegetarian in Japan, questioning whether they could adapt to the limited food options. Some felt that Japan's racial bias made it an unwelcoming place and suggested that returning to India to contribute to its development might be a better choice. Others took a more balanced view, acknowledging that racism exists everywhere but so do good people, making every place a mix of positives and negatives.