I'm autistic (and ADHD, both diagnosed here) and have been living here for 11yr now. I haven't had any negative experiences but then again I'm also a high masking so I blend in very well. I've told my boss that I'm autistic and have ADHD and wasn't treated any differently. In fact they asked if there was anything they could do/provide to help me.
Where I struggle is the overstimulation of sounds, lights, smells, and the overwhelming amount of people. Being on a crowded train (especially yamanote) is an absolute nightmare for me. I highly recommend headphones and music to cut a lot of the sound.
It isn't thought of at all. In my opinion, the average Japanese person in Japan has little concept of neurodivergency. If you were Japanese they'd label you KY. As a foreigner you'll just be thought of as the goofy foreigner.
It actually refers to what you’re doing. Do you need to know every word being used in a Japan thread?
You seriously cannot google “label as ky Japan meaning”?
If you are a foreigner, you'll get a pass and even if you are acting "weird", people will give you a pass for being a foreigner. For examples, influencers like Devin Halball who make weird sounds in public can get away with it.
Japan is a rule oriented place so autistic Japanese people can find it hard because "different" behaviors are frowned upon. Elon gets mocked for his behavior (which I do not agree with) even in the west but if he were Japanese, he would be driven to become a hikikomori in Japan due to the backlash.
This is the subset of Japanese people who withdraw from society and live in their bedroom, rarely venturing out. The hikikomori lifestyle relies on patient parents with whom they live, they'll give them food etc without having to leave the bedroom - those without that luxury simply need to conform to society.
In Tokyo, it's pretty well tolerated in my experience, which includes some years of taking autistic and other unusual children on outings using trains and the like.
As a tourist, you’ll be interacting mostly with people who work in the tourism and hospitality industry, who are trained to maintain a professional tatemae.
There maybe a few people who think negatively about what they see and hear, but they will (try) not outwardly express it.
Of all my other friends and colleagues who are neurodivergent, none of them had an overtly negative experience with travelling in Japan
American here—
I took my autistic 12 year-old on a whirlwind trip of Kansai this summer. Despite the hear, they really loved it.
My partner’s sibling is also autistic and dreams of moving and living there. I think for tourists, it can be a fine place to travel.
Make sure everyone feels safe. Bullying of any kind isn't allowed, and degrading comments about things like race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, gender or identity will not be tolerated.
I'm autistic (and ADHD, both diagnosed here) and have been living here for 11yr now. I haven't had any negative experiences but then again I'm also a high masking so I blend in very well. I've told my boss that I'm autistic and have ADHD and wasn't treated any differently. In fact they asked if there was anything they could do/provide to help me.
Where I struggle is the overstimulation of sounds, lights, smells, and the overwhelming amount of people. Being on a crowded train (especially yamanote) is an absolute nightmare for me. I highly recommend headphones and music to cut a lot of the sound.
It isn't thought of at all. In my opinion, the average Japanese person in Japan has little concept of neurodivergency. If you were Japanese they'd label you KY. As a foreigner you'll just be thought of as the goofy foreigner.
What do you mean by "labeled as KY"?
KY is not the lubricant in this instance, but an abbreviation of kūki yomenai, which effectively means "can't read the room".
It actually refers to what you’re doing. Do you need to know every word being used in a Japan thread? You seriously cannot google “label as ky Japan meaning”?
You must be fun to talk to.
I feel like that on Reddit sometimes.
If you are a foreigner, you'll get a pass and even if you are acting "weird", people will give you a pass for being a foreigner. For examples, influencers like Devin Halball who make weird sounds in public can get away with it.
Japan is a rule oriented place so autistic Japanese people can find it hard because "different" behaviors are frowned upon. Elon gets mocked for his behavior (which I do not agree with) even in the west but if he were Japanese, he would be driven to become a hikikomori in Japan due to the backlash.
What does hikikomori mean?
This is the subset of Japanese people who withdraw from society and live in their bedroom, rarely venturing out. The hikikomori lifestyle relies on patient parents with whom they live, they'll give them food etc without having to leave the bedroom - those without that luxury simply need to conform to society.
It means people who can’t use google and bother people, showing some sense of entitlement.
日本人ですが、日本社会はそういった方にも優しく感じます。 公共交通機関でもたまに見かけたりしますが、周りの人もすぐに理解して寛容にしていると思います。 安心して日本旅行を楽しんで下さい。 日本はたくさん見る所、美味しい食べ物、たくさん体験できる所があります。 素敵な思い出作りに来て下さい。
In Tokyo, it's pretty well tolerated in my experience, which includes some years of taking autistic and other unusual children on outings using trains and the like.
Children is one thing. Adults are another.
As a tourist, you’ll be interacting mostly with people who work in the tourism and hospitality industry, who are trained to maintain a professional tatemae.
There maybe a few people who think negatively about what they see and hear, but they will (try) not outwardly express it.
Of all my other friends and colleagues who are neurodivergent, none of them had an overtly negative experience with travelling in Japan
Living in Japan, however, is a different story.
That’s not how the word Tatemae works. What you’re referring to is basic manners. Do you not see that outside Japan?
American here— I took my autistic 12 year-old on a whirlwind trip of Kansai this summer. Despite the hear, they really loved it. My partner’s sibling is also autistic and dreams of moving and living there. I think for tourists, it can be a fine place to travel.
Don't go alone.
https://preview.redd.it/7iehxjy8jfcg1.jpeg?width=1219&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=62635a0c5af1127a8dae897b97bfa801424a1de1
Getting one of this would help
[removed]
Make sure everyone feels safe. Bullying of any kind isn't allowed, and degrading comments about things like race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, gender or identity will not be tolerated.
いじめ及び差別的なコメントはBANの対象に値します。
I’ve always Wondered how Asperger’s is Taken in