In my previous installment, I bemoaned the lack of my people in Japan.

The next day, I saw a black guy on the train. Just like New York, Tokyo is a city of the world. While it is, understandably, much less diverse than large American cities, nearly every ethnicity and nationality does have a presence. Obviously, only an idiot would say “There are no black people in Tokyo.” 

Once I saw a black guy in Shinjuku that kinda looked like Andre 3000.

I spoke with him briefly and found out that he was an english teacher (what I aspire to be) who was also astounded at how many black stereotypes can find truth in Japanese culture (watermelon, grape drank, fried chicken).

Indeed, after this conversation, I began seeing other black guys throughout the city. This one time, I even had a conversation with a black guy in a suit that was buying the same gundam model as me. 

I highlight these two experiences because they involved conversations. This is not the norm. Usually, when two black guys run into each other in Japan, they do the same thing they do when they run into each other in America. I call it the nigga black guy nod. Here’s how it works.

Step 1: Make eye contact.

Eye contact is crucial. Without it, your nod may go unacknowledged.

Step 2: Nod.

Nodding anywhere between 25.7 to 30.2 degrees is what is generally considered adequate for black acknowledgement. Oh, you aint know a nigga had a protractor?

That’s it. Its really that simple. You don’t need to smile, you don’t need to say hi. Just nod or nod back and keep it moving. 

SOLIDARITY HAS BEEN ACHIEVED!

Now, from what I’ve noticed, this works with African Americans, Hatians, Jamaicans, niggas from England, France, and even this one black dude I met who was born and raised in South Korea. To African Americans specifically, the nod means “My nigga, I feel you, true, our ancestors mighta been on the same plantation yo, crazy shit right?”It does not, however, seem to work with anyone directly from the continent. It might be a behavior that is learned from being in the diaspora. 

I have also noticed that there is no such thing as American solidarity or even “Hey, I’m considered to be a foreigner here too!” solidarity in Japan. Observe:

Indeed, my white friends have confirmed what I have gathered by observation. White people stare down other white people like they’re france and england trying to make some new colonies: they don’t trust each other.

Thats not all:

The worst interaction happens when a black guy and a white guy cross paths. Even here, the average white male is afraid of me.

At least the Japanese like me.