In the years I lived in Japan (Feb 1973 - Aug 1988), I spent 4 years on base and 12 off base. I resided on or near the base for the first 12 years.

In the 16 years I actually lived in Japan, I was asked for my gaijin card about 4 times. Once I didn't have it on my person and that made alot of trouble and hassle and I had to go to court. Interesting story.

I was stopped on my bicycle about three times in the three years I had it.

I was turned down for an apartment by about three fudosans before I found one that would rent to foreigners. Near the base this was understandable as servicemen usually trashed apartments and played loud music and made alot of noise. This disturbed the "wa" of the Japanese people.

I was never refused entry to a business establishment although there were signs on some bars around the base that refused entry to foreigners. Away from base I was never refused entry even when I was alone.

I was allowed to buy my first stereo on credit at a major department store with only my gaijin card while I was a student. I paid in three monthly installments.

I bought my first new car on credit from Toyota with no money in the bank and a new business. Paid it off in three years.

I never had a credit card back then ('70's & '80's) as I usually paid cash or bought things on installment from the stores. This was never a problem. If I needed something on installments, I just showed my gaijin card and that was all that was needed. I was never refused. I was single at the time!

Recently when I bought something in a major store like Yodobashi Camera, I was asked if I wanted a credit card from their store to receive discounts and points! Since I was only visiting, of course I refused.

Staying in minshuku's or ryokans was never a problem. Even in out of the way places where tourists don't go. I was never turned down even when I went alone. I guess when you pay in advance it doesn't matter.

In all my years there, and every year since, up to my most recent visit last month, I have not experienced any outward discrimination from the Japanese.
In fact I have never been asked for my gaijin card since I moved away from the base or in any of the yearly visits there these past 17 years.

Quote Originally Posted by Maciamo
Japanese females are free to reply to the sexual discrimination question. Not being a woman, and not working full-time in a Japanese company, the only feedback I can give regards what I heard from female Japanese friends.
I can speak for my wife on this one. She will NOT return to Japan until she is ready to retire in a few years because of the discrimination (age & sex) towards women there (she is 43). Although she is an executive here for a Japanese company (hired as a local) and is expert in her field and is paid extremely well, she knows that she will not even be considered for employment by a major Japanese company in Japan in her field. Even for the one she works for now! She claims that the only jobs available to her will be part-time jobs doing menial tasks. Although she does say that she may be able to find employment with an American company or the rare Japanese company that doesn't discriminate.

In the 17 years we have lived here in the states, my wife has never received any discrimination or prejudice from other Americans, even here in the South. She has been accepted as just "another American citizen." For that she is impressed.

I have never been refused entry to an onsen, public bath, or nightclub in my 32 years experience with Japan.

I hope this helps with your research.