I went to the onsen with Erin and Allison bright and early today. Onsens typically dont allow people to enter with tattoos because tattoos are often associated with the yakuza (gang). Erin has a few tattoos, nothing big and nothing that looks like it would be associated with the gangs. An old lady who was working at the onsen came over to use while we were showering and started talking to us in Japanese. She basically said tattoos arent allowed and that she'd have to leave or put on some clothes. Of course, we didnt understand her very well but the lady was convinced I was Japanese! I kept saying I dont speak Japanese and that I dont understand but she kept staring and talking directly to me as if I was lying to her. After a good 5 minutes, she left and we went about our business in the hot springs. While we were showering and getting ready to leave, she came over again and started talking to me only. She was spoke to me as if Allison and Erin werent there. I still told her I didnt understand and that I dont speak any Japanese. She didnt really care and jsut kept talking away. After two minutes of her nonsense, she came close to me and whispered something in my ear. Unfortunately, I dont have a clue what she said. I just thought that was super rude since I kept insisting I didnt understand. In the end, she still thought I was lying to her. Thats the first time its happened to me where someone thought I was lying! Its just frustrating and I didnt know what to do or say.
Most foreigners here have the opposite experience. Many ignorant Japanese people refuse or wont sit next to them on the train, or just stare at them becuase they look different. Up until now, I hadnt experienced that kind of discrimination. Sure, I've had people stop me to ask for directions or talk directly to me at restaurants (when I'm with other foreigners) but never anyone persisting that I do speak Japanese... I mean, wouldnt I know if I spoke Japanese?? Sheesh...
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