Over the past few months, a series of controversies has emerged involving so-called “influencers” from Japan visiting India. Their behaviour—often careless, sometimes offensive—has triggered criticism within Japan and backlash within India. Observing these reactions from both sides, I find myself in a perspective rarely voiced: that of a Japanese person who has lived in India for more than two decades.
One widely discussed example involved a Japanese YouTuber who made remarks aboard an Air India flight that were widely interpreted as racist. An article covering the incident drew hundreds of reader comments.
‘Packed with Indians’_ Japanese YouTuber Ikechan stirs row with 'racist' comment aboard Air India flight - The Times of India
What struck me was not outrage alone, but introspection. Many Indian readers wrote variations of: “It is true that we lack civic sense in certain contexts. Before reacting angrily to criticism, we should also reflect on our own conduct as global citizens.” Such comments revealed a self-critical maturity that is often overlooked in online discourse.
In another incident last Christmas, Japanese tourists visiting the ghats of Varanasi—a deeply sacred Hindu site—engaged in behaviour so inappropriate that I will not detail it here.
Japanese tourists wearing Santa caps, swimwear made to apologise on Christmas at Varanasi ghat_ 'This is our Holy river' _ Today News
When locals surrounded them and demanded an apology, several Indian media outlets chose to focus less on the tourists’ actions and more on what they framed as the intimidation of “foreign guests.” The narrative shifted quickly: from questioning unacceptable conduct to condemning local reactions. This inversion deserves careful reconsideration. Respect for guests should never require silence in the face of cultural violation.
Back in Japan, perceptions of India are shaped not only by news but also by casual remarks that reveal deeper attitudes. When Japan Airlines introduced a so-called “zero-night package” to coincide with increased Narita–Delhi flights, social media responses were telling: “The longer you stay in India, the more mentally draining it becomes,” or simply, “Zero nights is enough.” Such comments may be dismissed as jokes, but repetition turns them into assumptions.
I am often told—usually without malice—“You deserve respect for staying in a country like that for so many years.” It is offered as praise, yet it rests on the premise that living in India is a form of endurance, even a form of punishment. I cannot accept that framing.
Yes, I have met expatriates who count the days until they can leave India, or move anywhere but here. I understand that personal circumstances vary, and I do not question individual choices. But I do question the collective habit of reducing an entire country to something to be endured, mocked, or monetised.
In my more than 20 years in India, I have experienced pain, frustration, failure, and disappointment—no less than I would have anywhere else. Living in Pune, I do sometimes miss the vivid seasonal changes of Japan. That absence is real.
But just like life in Japan, my days here have also been full of small joys, quiet pleasures, and memorable encounters. I have received so much kindness and respect that I have truly wondered, “Why me?”
I have learned to notice the small changes in the air that mark the seasons, to squint against the dry heat of midsummer, and to enjoy both the gentle and heavy sides of the monsoon rain. I am proud to have gained these feelings, because I learned them here.
I do not claim to have the courage or the right to speak for Japan. For some people, India is just a source of viral content or extra money. For others, it is a place to avoid or ignore. For me, India is not a spectacle or a hardship.
India is where an important part of my life has taken place. It is a country where unique people live their everyday lives with dignity.
That understanding does not change, no matter how loud the outside noise gets.
