What is the overall acceptance and friendliness towards foreigners in Japan? What daily challenges does the 'Gaijin' identity bring?

Okay, buddy, talking about Japan's attitude towards foreigners and what it means to be a "gaijin" is a topic we could discuss for days on end. I'll try to break it down in plain language so you get a clear picture.

How welcoming and friendly is Japan towards foreigners overall?

This is hard to sum up in one sentence because it's quite paradoxical, full of contradictions. We can look at it on two levels: "Surface-level friendliness" and "Deep-seated distance".

1. Surface-level Friendliness: ★★★★★ (Five Stars)

If you're a tourist or newly arrived in Japan, you'll experience world-class politeness and friendliness.

Meticulous Service: Whether it's a convenience store clerk, restaurant server, or hotel front desk, they're so polite it might make you feel a bit awkward. That "customer is god" service mentality is ingrained.
Helpful Passersby: Ask for directions on the street, and nine times out of ten, you'll get extremely helpful assistance. They might pull out their phone to check a map for you, or even walk you to your destination to make sure you don't get lost.
Widespread Politeness and Safety: Society is very orderly. People speak quietly, and no one makes a loud commotion in public. If you lose something, there's a good chance you'll get it back. This environment feels very comfortable and safe.

From this perspective, Japan's friendliness towards foreigners is undeniable. They take pride in this hospitality (おもてなし, Omotenashi).

2. Deep-seated Distance: ★★★☆☆ (It's Complicated)

When you start living here long-term and try to truly "integrate," you'll gradually feel an invisible wall, a sense of "distance."

The "Uchi" (内) and "Soto" (外) Culture: This is key to understanding Japanese society. Japanese people clearly distinguish between "insiders" (family, old classmates, close colleagues) and "outsiders." As a foreigner, no matter how good your Japanese is or how long you've lived here, you'll essentially always be "Soto" (an outsider).
"The Eternal Guest": They will treat you, the "guest," very well – politely and considerately. But precisely because you are a "guest," it's hard to truly enter their "Uchi" circle. Often, you might be invited to superficial gatherings, but intimate, close-knit activities? You might be left out.
Politeness as Distance: Over time, you realize that extreme politeness itself is a way of maintaining distance. It's a soft barrier that keeps you at arm's length.

So, to summarize: Japanese society "accepts" foreigners – they welcome you to spend money, work, and contribute. But this acceptance doesn't equal "integration." They are "friendly" towards you, but this friendliness leans more towards a formulaic politeness rather than genuine, heartfelt closeness.

What daily challenges come with the 'Gaijin' identity?

The word "Gaijin" itself is a bit loaded. Older generations or uninformed people might use it casually, but many Japanese now prefer the more polite "Gaikokujin" (外国人). Regardless of the term, the challenges of being an "outsider" are real.

1. "Hard Barriers" in Daily Life

These are the frustrating "hurdles" you face when dealing with official matters or necessities.

Difficulty Renting: This is the biggest of the "three major mountains" for foreigners. Many landlords refuse to rent to foreigners for various reasons: fear of language barriers, unfamiliarity with Japan's strict garbage sorting rules, worry you'll leave the country early, or simply because it's "troublesome." You often need a "guarantor" or a more expensive "guarantor company," and your options are much more limited than for Japanese people.
Difficulty Getting Credit Cards/Loans: The banking system is very conservative. As a foreigner without an established "credit history," credit card applications are often rejected for vague reasons. Want a loan for a house or car? That's even harder, unless you have permanent residency or work for a very stable large company.
The "Glass Ceiling" in Job Hunting: While many companies need international talent, all else being equal, many traditional Japanese firms still prioritize hiring Japanese candidates. They feel Japanese employees are "easier to manage" and better at understanding the company's "air" (空気, Kuuki – the unspoken atmosphere/rules).

2. "Soft Rejections" in Social Interactions

These are the everyday moments that make you feel "different," and they can be draining over time.

"Your Japanese is so good!" (日本語お上手ですね！): This phrase is the bane of every Japanese-learning foreigner. It feels great at first. But when you've lived here five or ten years and speak Japanese fluently, and people still "compliment" you this way, you realize the subtext: "For a foreigner, your Japanese is impressive." It constantly reminds you: you're not one of us.
Being Treated as a "Walking English Conversation Corner": Especially in smaller towns, many people see a foreign face and assume you speak English and want to practice with them. Sometimes you just want a quiet coffee, but someone inevitably wants an "international exchange."
Ubiquitous "Differential Treatment": This isn't always malicious. For example, in a restaurant, a server might automatically give you an English menu (even if you order perfectly in Japanese); in traditional settings, people might "excuse" minor mistakes because you're foreign. This sounds nice, but it also means you're never held to the same standards as an "insider."
Curious Stares: In big cities like Tokyo or Osaka it's better, but in smaller places, being stared at on the street is common. Kids might point and say "Ah! Gaijin!", adults will give you curious looks. Mostly it's pure curiosity, not malice, but being treated like a "rare animal" every day isn't pleasant.

Advice for You

Adjust Your Expectations: Don't cling to the idea of "I must become one of them." Treat most Japanese people as friendly neighbors and colleagues, not people you absolutely must become best friends with.
Learn Japanese Well: Language is the key. The better your Japanese, the more doors open, and daily obstacles decrease exponentially.
Build Your Own Community: Connect with other foreigners in Japan; you share common experiences and frustrations and can support each other. Also, actively seek out open-minded Japanese friends who genuinely want to connect. They might not be everywhere, but they exist.

Overall, living in Japan as a "gaijin" is like playing the game on "Hard Mode." The scenery is beautiful, the NPCs (people) are polite, but the main quest (integrating into society) is difficult, with many hidden barriers.

If you can appreciate this "beauty with distance," focusing on experiencing Japan's unique culture, food, and safe environment, it can be a fantastic place to live. But if you deeply crave a sense of belonging and deep social integration, you need to be prepared for a long, challenging journey.