u/periwinke

Excuse grammar mistakes as I’m tired right now writing this post. Just wanted to hear other people’s experiences in 2025-2026.

I was really excited to visit Japan this year, as I had a great time in 2017 (did not visit Tokyo), but now I’ve become anxious after reading that anti-tourist sentiment is now high + learning what butsukari otoko is + Japanese people judging gaijin, especially those who are bigger and take up more space in crowded metros, small restaurants, and such. I’ve heard everything is more compact in Tokyo.

I have gained considerable weight since 2017 (BMI 12 to BMI way more I’m not comfortable saying) and am afraid I will be subjected to harsher standards than I would be if I was any other ethnicity, because I am also East Asian (and I’m assuming won’t get a “foreigner pass” like, oh she has a bigger bone structure or is taller but it’s okay because she’s European). I have heard that older generations in Japan will scowl at larger tourists or shake their heads or even swat their legs (NOT SURE HOW TRUE THIS IS PLEASE DON’T HATE ME) and wanted to hear other people’s experiences.
Should I try to lose weight before visiting