Body Shaming in Japan: The Female Expat Weigh-In Farrah Hasnain (Shizuoka)
Scrolling through my Facebook newsfeed, I came across an article from Vice about an expat woman of color experiencing blatant comments on her weight in China. I began to recollect my own memories from living there. I ught English in Zhuji and Guangzhou. It was through an exchange program during the spring and summer of my or year in university, before applying to the JET Programme. I lived with a host family, but I went out on my own ften. My host mother would grab the thick brown flesh on my arms and my stomach, commenting on how I needed em to be “healthy” and find someone. Complete strangers would make similar remarks. I had experienced similar d comments on my body back in the US, especially in the Pakistani community in DC. I used to internalize them e, feeling that I had to make myself smaller to be accepted. After returning from China, I started to embrace my more; my days in university were during the peak of the “body positivity” movement in the US and other Englishand even Japanese celebrities such as Naomi Watanabe would provide excellent body-positive representation in
l difference”, I started to view this as a cultural epidemic that should end. I was already aware that this kind of ecially women of Asian descent, was a global product of social stigma and fear, rather than a legitimate health
l with it classroom
irmations, share articles about body image, and more e examples that other ALTs have
ments
icult when you’re confronted with less open communication to reinforce declare “I” statements. If there is nverbal cues of assertion.
our body can be a strenuous irmative statements to yourself can help train your body.
4. Finding alternatives
Sometimes, we have to work harder to find sources that fulfill our bodies and minds. Hard time finding clothes? Check out the JET Ladies+ Clothing Exchange Group and other websites that can ship to Japan. Do you eat out of stress? Try another method to exert that energy, such as writing, running, or even meditation. Most elements of body positivity are based on our mental health and wellbeing, and it’s healthy to maintain a balance with your body and mind.
5. Positive role models
In the age of the internet, more and more people of all sizes are defying conventions of all kinds, including the “ideal” size. Representation is more accessible than ever! Many Instagrammers, Youtubers, and even Japanese celebrities like Naomi Watanabe can help reassure that you are beautiful in any size. Farrah is a 4th-year JET at a senior high school in Source: Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan. She enjoys traveling, https://bit.ly/2GFcV7N conducting research, and binge-watching Netflix shows. Photo: http://bit.ly/2GFAddO
63