Why single out FamilyMart, just because you happened to buy it there?

If you go to Eichi Shuppan’s homepage, you’ll see affiliate links to all of the following on-line book stores:

Amazon.co.jp
e-Hon (Tohan Corporation)
Kinokuniya
JBooks (affiliated with the Bunkyodo bookstore chain)
Seven and Y Corp (7-11, Itoyokado)
Honya Town (owned by Nippan, one of the big book distributors)
Boople (Nippan IPS, related to above)
Book Service (A Yamato Transport (Kuronekoyamato) company)
Rakuten

I think it is totally unfair to single out Family Mart given that it appears many major book stores are likely to be selling the same title.

Of course, whether or not that is appropriate is another issue. Of course it is rather vulgar, and the language used in the page shown is disgusting. The description of the content posted elsewhere is likewise sickening.

Fukumimi:

I’ve added the list of online retailers, which I encourage people to avoid.

Why am I singling out Family Mart? Including such a book in the online inventory of a site that sells thousands upon thousands of books is bad, but it’s not nearly as shocking as a mainstream convenience store including it among the very limited stock of magazines offered on their shelves.

What exactly do we mean by “international boycott of FamilyMart-affiliated convenience stores”?
ファミリーマート関連コンビニの国際的ボイコットとはいかなることか？

* FamilyMart has 12,000 stores worldwide, in countries including South Korea, China, Canada, and the United States. We ask that you not shop at any of these stores.
ファミリーマートは、韓国、中国、カナダ、アメリカなど世界中に１万２千の店舗があります。これらの店舗で商品を買わないようにお願いしたい。
* Please write letters or e-mails to FamilyMart corporation, letting them know your displeasure with their decision to sell racist literature. [See the list below]
ファミリーマートの会社に手紙やe-mail を出し、露骨な差別表現を含む雑誌の店舗販売を許していることに対して不快感を示す。
* Spread the word about this to everyone you know. The foreign community in Japan is very small, so we will need every person we can get. If you have friends in one of the other countries FamilyMart operates, let them know about the boycott. If you have a website or blog, please write about this and spread the news [feel free to use the above image to show your support to the boycott]. If anyone has contacts in the media, please let them know about this!
知り合いにこのことを話す。日本での外国人のコミニティーは存外小さいものですから、できるだけ多くの人に知ってもらう必要があります。ファミマが営業している国の友人がいたら、このボイコットについて教えてあげてください。もし、自分のサイトやブログを持っていたら、このことについて投稿し、このニュースを広げて頂きたい。（上記写真は自由に使ってください）もし、ﾒﾃﾞｨｱに接触するつてがあれば、このことをﾒﾃﾞｨｱにも広めて頂きたい。
* We also support any other peaceful and legal method of getting the word out about this issue.
平和的かつ合法的手段なら他の方法も歓迎です。

What do we want from Family Mart?
ファミマにしてもらいたいこと

* FamilyMart must issue an official apology and remove all copies of the magazine from its stores.
ファミマは公式にこの件について謝罪し、店舗から当該雑誌を撤去すること。
* FamilyMart must stop selling publications from the company responsibile for the magazine in question. [Unless the publisher issues an apology and halts sales of the book.]
ファミマは当該雑誌の出版の責めを負う出版社からの出版物の店舗販売をやめること。
* FamilyMart must make assurances that it will not sell similar racist literature in the future.
ファミマは同様の差別的な出版物の販売を今後しないことを約束すること

* Charitible donations by FamilyMart Co. to organizations that promote international understanding would also be desirable.
国際関係の理解を深める組織にファミマが寄付をするようになればそれもまた望ましい。

Send A COPY TO JESSE JACKSON !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Send A Copy to Al Sharpton !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Do you think freedom of speech shouldn’t really be free? Oh, and if you are gaijin, why didn’t you steal the magazine :p

http://www.rainbowpush.org/about/revjackson.html

http://www.rainbowpush.org/about/revjackson.html

Send it to Jesse Jackson and let him call Toyota and Sony

Alexanderpink:

I have no objection to the existence of the book as a form of free expression. However, when a mainstream convenience store decides to sell it as a part of its limited section of magazines, I have a problem with that store. I don’t object to their right to sell it, but I think that people that disagree with their policy regarding this book should also be able to practice their freedom of expression by telling others not to shop at FamilyMart.

Freedom of speech is so important.
My opinon is that the idiot have right to say whatever he wants to say, but people also have right to say against him.
I think staging the boycot is the right way to let people know “Here we are against it.”

(By the way James, what are ripobitan D　and Karei pan for ? the determination to fight to death?…..kidding(^_-))

Ponta:

You’ve caught me. I was in a rush this morning and didn’t eat breakfast, so I thought I’d kill 2 birds with one stone by checking a Family Mart on my way to work for the magazine and buying breakfast. After eating my Curry Pan and drinking up some vitamins and Coffee, I gained the energy to start this boycott.

Oh, and I’ll be editing your Japanese translation into the post shortly. I owe you one, once again!

That is disgusting on so many levels.

Besides being a publication with racist content against foreigners, the offensive language is quite n overkill.

Sad indeed.

lets illuminate those in the shadows.
http://www.eichi.co.jp/inquiry/
ive done my part…

This magazine is just STUPID. If there is ANY legitimate message in there, it is totally lost with the racial slur(s) in it.

I SUPPORT Japan Probe 100% on this. “FAMILY” Mart is no place for this kind of material. I don’t want to see the book banned. I just want it out of ‘FAMILY’ Mart!

James mate, whatever I can do I will. I’ll write that letter today but if there is more I can do, please let me know.

They can sell it but we can vote with our money.
Don’t go to Family Mart.

What a sad country.

I might add……
After all, Family Mart and other bookstores might not be in the postion to check every details of every magazine they sell, but I think it is a good way to make shops sensitive to this issue.

This type of shit happens in the States all the time. The US was built by foreigners and continues to do so. Why not boycott places like WalMart and Republican owned businesses and corporations that have a history of this same kind of racism. Whatevas..Strangely enough I want one.

I’m racist, and I support racism and Family Mart. Stop this BS as an excuse for their interests.

I dropped a tip regarding the boycott at LAist.com. Family Mart-owned Famima!! was celebrated as Best Asian-inspired fast food trend in Los Angeles. Famima!! is growing quickly here (locations apparently doubled from 6 to 12 since July).

Haha. I haven’t had the pleasure of reading this fine piece of journalism, but I think it’s safe to say…

WHO GIVES A SHIT.

This mag exists because:
1. Japanese dudes are sick of seeing dorky/sleezy hakujin and black guys dating the hotest Nihonjin chicks (SUCKS, I know, but this is how I feel when I watch paparazzi video clips of Paris Hilton, so suck it up, kids).

2. Well, I’ve already mentioned Japanese condom size on this site before…

And does this mag mention the chugoku and kankokus? Cause they be the ones stealin’.

rokusanni, what are you talking about? the history of one group does not excuse the present actions of another

# Korean pride Says:
February 3rd, 2007 at 12:34 am

Yeah, you see..this is proof that Japanese are so racist and scum of the earth. You would never get this treatment in Korea. That should shut up all you white boys who love the fake Japanese culture who think they are not Asian. At least we Koreans know who we are and that is why you white boys probably take offense at Koreans because we dont let you into our circles. Stupid japanese showing off but now they realize it doesn’t pay to be so open to all races.

Sounds like someone is a liitle jealous that theyre culture doesnt get as much love as those on the other side of the Sea of Japan. Scum of the earth? wow thats a bold statement, Korean are probably the most racist among all the races in Asia. Try openining up to other cultures like the Japanese have, maybe youll get some love.

RokuSanNi wrote:

“Why not boycott places like WalMart and Republican owned businesses and corporations that have a history of this same kind of racism. “

There is a HUGE anti-Walmart movement in the US that encourages consumers to boycott the stores. http://walmartwatch.com was responsible for leaking a damaging internal memo about driving out older workers to keep down health care costs. And why all the rambling on about Walmart and Korea? I thought this blog was called Japanprobe.

Ponta, you took the words out of my mouth about freedom of speech. Consumers also have freedom to shop or not to shop wherever they wish. Participation in boycotts is voluntary not forced.

James

I went to family mart and bought the book today . I tried to take a photo of it on the shelf but the owner didn’t let me do it !
Anyway the book is a pure piece of racism ! This is the last time i step in on family mart .
If u need a translation of the boycott in portuguese i will be happy to do it !

Photosushi,

I’d love a Portuguese translation! Brazilians are a big group in Japan, and the magazine is definitely not nice to them….

[...]What do the Japanese do? Nothing. Zilch. Zero. That this kind of thing is tolerated in a so-called “developed” country is enough to make anyone nauseous.[...]

Meant to send this yesterday…

They sell the magazine at Family Mart in Yokohama. Video here.

The level of hostility and ignorance in some of these comments is fascinating. There are either some bored people out there who enjoy attempting to bait others via blog comments or some who are truly uninformed about interactions between foreigners and Japanese as well as the nature of free speech.

I support the boycott and am glad Japan Probe brought it to my attention.

kyklops
“What do the Japanese do? Nothing. Zilch. Zero. That this kind of thing is tolerated in a so-called “developed” country is enough to make anyone nauseous.”

I am a native Japanese. So Zilich and Zero might not be exact.

Did Americans stand up against racism say, against Japanese Americans before Japanese Americans speak out loud against it?

Let’s not add another stereo typing.

kyklops
….though I understand your frustration….

I can’t wait until the next issue!

Everythings coming up roses!!!!!!

Gaijin…get a grip! So what? You over-sensitive sods just can’t seem to live without having some ’cause’ to add meaning to your pathetic lives! Grow up and get over it!! Just ignore it! Japanese are a lot smarter than you give them credit for and many obviously know that the mag is full of shit! Please, we don’t need any more Debito’s fucking things up here. To use a very popular phrase by gaijin in their own countries—if you don’t like it, get out! *sheesh!*

Those are the SAME publishers who created a firestorm in Korea for publishing anti-Korean manga. Apparently, all the way through in the manga, they portray Japanese people with distinct Western features and the Koreans with distinct Asian features. How hypocritical.

kyklops
“What do the Japanese do? Nothing. Zilch. Zero. That this kind of thing is tolerated in a so-called “developed” country is enough to make anyone nauseous.”

I am a native Japanese. So Zilich and Zero might not be exact.

Did Americans stand up against racism say, against Japanese Americans before Japanese Americans speak out loud against it?

Let’s not add another stereo typing.

Typical—”Well this kind of problem exists everywhere so what’s the big deal?” kind of stuff. Just because racism exists elsewhere doesn’t make what happens in Japan any LESS WRONG. And just to remind you, Ponta—we’re not talking about the U.S. We’re talking about the Japan. Please don’t try to stifle discussion on this issue by employing this old and tired tactic of trying to change the subject. Stay on topic—we’re talking about racism in Japan. Also, I think your use of the word “stereotype” is not being used properly.

Prove me wrong.

Agent 47
Thanks.

“Typical—”Well this kind of problem exists everywhere so what’s the big deal?” kind of stuff. Just because racism exists elsewhere doesn’t make what happens in Japan any LESS WRONGW

Before I prove you wrong, who said Just because racism exists elsewhere it make what happens in Japan any LESS WRONG?
What is your thesis? If you are saying that I made the statement to the effect, you are simply wrong.

I am the one who translated the above from into English, I am the one who complained to Family Mart in Japanese.

stereotype
A conventional, formula, and oversimplified conception, opinion, or image

His statement that Japanese did nothing is oversimplifying.

kyklops wrote on his blog,
“I should also point out that I’m a member of a somewhat privileged group of foreigners–I’m an educated white guy from a “developed” country.”

Make no mistake he is not privileged foreigner nor all Japanese think that way. That is also oversimplifying.

Why do some people here seem to be bothered that Japan Probe, Debito, or any other online or offline outlet are boycotting what clearly seems to be a racial issue?

If you don’t care, then… don’t. Stay under that little rock you live in, where everything in the world is alright.

On another topic: Anyone knows what has been the reaction of the japanese with the book? Do they care? Or find it hularious? Indifferent? Have they even bought said book?

Gabriel
“On another topic: Anyone knows what has been the reaction of the japanese with the book? Do they care? Or find it hularious? Indifferent? Have they even bought said book?”

My first impression is that this is just another idiot magazine like other idiot magazines that exist in Japan.
And as I said on another comment. I thought since most Japanese would ignore this kind of trash (I might be wrong), there would not be a big problem. but on the second thought, I thought it might be a big chance to draw Japanese attention to this issue since I have an impression that, as Japan Probe sometimes pointed out, Japanese are not as yet sensitive enough to the racial issue. Not that they hold racism but that they are not as experienced about this issue as say, American people.
And I thought this book was also devastating for Japanese; for , it might mean losing the actual and potential lovers of Japan.
So , I thought the boycotting was the right way to draw attention from Japanese and it would make them/us realise that racism is a serious issue you can not pass by.

But against the accusation that Japanese do zero etc, I have a objection.
First I think it is a brutal fact that it is often the case the people that initiate and promote the movement against racism first and foremost are victims of racism. (That is why Japan probe and people concerned have an important role to play.)
Second, as a regular Japanese reader of Japan probe, I think I have done my part.
Third, to gain support from Japanese in general, I don’t think it is the best way to lump Japanese (or for that matter, Japanese conservative in case of the article on The Guardian )all together and blame them. (though I understand kyklop had no malice intention.)

That is an opinion from one native Japanese. Thanks

BTW Katz, who confessed to be racist on the comment section, is not Japanese.

.

.

Ponta wrote:

“Japanese are not as yet sensitive enough to the racial issue. Not that they hold racism but that they are not as experienced about this issue as say, American people.”

Japan is much more homogeneous than the United States and never had institutionalized racism like slavery; however, regarding people of other nationalities as inferior is racist. The creators of the comic clearly hold foreigners in little regard, and one wonders about the audience for this comic.

continued (hit the comment button too soon)

“But against the accusation that Japanese do zero etc, I have a objection.
First I think it is a brutal fact that it is often the case the people that initiate and promote the movement against racism first and foremost are victims of racism. (That is why Japan probe and people concerned have an important role to play.)”

Yes, indeed. I have never lived in Japan, but I am confident that most Japanese people are open-minded and tolerant enough not to buy such trash and to see why it is offensive.

The only japanese who would buy this type of garbage are the ones who are already set in their racist ways. People like me and many other japanese don’t feel this way. What I find most troubling is the fact that racism in this country is not given the same attention it is in other “developed” nations. I will use the US and UK as examples. Recently, in the US, some celebrities have been held accountable by the media and the public for their racist tyrades (Mel Gibson’s movie Apocalypto bombed at the box office and many say his career is ruined) also in the UK, the show Big Brother garnered much backlash because of it’s contestants’ conduct. Some of the celebrity contestants lost many lucrative contracts with corporations because they were percieved as racists on the show (didn’t see the show so I can’t call them or their actions racist in fairness).
The difference is that once racism comes to light publicly in these countries, the public and media go to great lengths to stress the fact that these views are wrong and are not tolerated. Japan is very behind when it comes to this issue and as a japanese I don’t think we can continue to use the excuse that Japan is a homogenous society anymore. It makes us look like an ignorant people and that is not how I would like my country or countrymen/women to be percieved.

I have told many of my co-workers and friends of this publication and will continue to inform more japanese people of this nonsense book.

Thank you Mayumi for your comments. Please do continue to inform other Japanese about this, although Im afraid I think you have an uphill battle. I have to say that in my 8 years at an eikaiwa Ive found that I only have to scratch the surface of most people (my rough figure is 80%) I meet as “students”, even those Ive liked and who had been nice, to find a solid layer of latent racism.
Believe me, I KNOW there ARE people such as yourself, who are NOT racist. Unfortunately however I find most people are just so convinced of the uchi-soto regarding Japanese and foreigners, that they cannot conceive of any non-Japanese as being “like them”.
One of the reasons people come to eikaiwas is the “freak show” aspect. 40 minutes of “safe” contact with “one of THEM”.
Also Im afraid I have to say that I feel its been getting worse in the time that Ive been here, NOT better.

Has anyone seen any mention of this in the Japanese-language news?

What a disturbing story! the editors would be jailed right away. And also no company would dare to sell such racist stuff. It’s just ubelievable!

Edit: “In Germany the editors would be jailed right away.”

Has anyone thought of putting together a video about this to post on YouTube? Then make sure everyone you know watches it so it becomes one of the most viewed video’s, in Japanese and other languages. This should get the issue more attention. I don’t live in Japan currently, otherwise I’d try it myself.

“Publisher-in-Chief: Joey H. Washington”

Doesn’t sound very Japanese. The publisher must have an odd sense of humour.

Good luck with the boycott. Not sure they will miss a few gaijin going to Sunkus, but if the word gets out more generally, that would be good.
By the way, kind of ironic having a link to “Aki Hoshino’s Breasts (Video)” above this post…

This particular page photo shows no “crime by foreigners”. It’s just a racist and ignant (beyond ignorant) prejudice of someone who never had been interested in anything beyond one’s small town. We should investigate and expose who is responsible for this particular page and let them hear what the rest of the world feel about their malicious ignorance.

This heartwarming tale is something that a lot more people need to hear. I’m sure that publications like this ARE produced in England by certain right-wing groups. The difference is that they wouldn’t be sold in a nationwide chain of convenience stores. Frankly, I’m absolutely mortified that this has not caused any kind of official investigation into the actions of this particular publishing house. What a shame.

I complained to Amazon. The UK office responded:

“”"”"Thank you for writing to Amazon.co.uk with your concerns about one of
the titles we list in our catalogue.

This is an issue we take very seriously and we wanted to share with
you our goals with respect to our catalogue.

Our goal is to support freedom of expression and to provide customers
with the broadest selection possible so they can find, discover and
buy any title they might be seeking. That selection includes some
titles, which most people, including employees of Amazon.co.uk, may
find distasteful or otherwise objectionable.

Amazon.co.uk believes it is censorship not to offer for sale certain
titles with repugnant or distasteful content, and we would be rightly
criticised if we did so. As a result, we will continue to make
controversial works available in the UK and everywhere else, except
where they are prohibited by law.

Furthermore, because we strongly believe that the appropriate
response
to distasteful or repugnant speech is not censorship, but more
speech,
we will continue to allow readers, authors, and publishers to express
their views freely about the books and other products we offer on our
website. It is important to note that we do not endorse any opinions
expressed by individual authors, musical artists, or filmmakers.

“”"”"”"

The Japan office responded as follows:

“”"”"”Thank you for writing to Amazon.co.jp with your comment.

We want everyone who visits Amazon.co.jp to have a safe, enjoyable
experience and I am truly sorry that this experience has made you
to have a negative impression about Amazon.co.jp.

We have quite a few selection sold at our store because we think
any publications should be able to be freely published and
customer should be able to select what they may like to read.
Therefore as long as they are not against the Japanese law, we may
not reconsider our decision. Your understanding would be much
appreciated.

As you mentioned, the publication has a offensive and unpleasant
title and the contents should be following the title as well. I’m
really sorry that you feel very uncomfortble about this issue.

We already passed your message on to the appropriate department in
our company for consideration. Our department will confirm the
item and cut it from our site if it is needed.

Again, your understanding would be much appreciated.
“”"”"”"”"

Just thought I’d let people know where Amazon stands on this issue.

Clair, Chiba.

Try clicking this link[my name] to see some of the other stuff Eichi publishes…

I am going to start with the crap old defense of Rap music.

The thing is, for Americans and Europeans, you have a choice to listen to songs about one nigger killing another. Corporate brands and Advertising wont use such lyrics, but in Japan its abundant.

When my mother visited Japan, we went to the Adidas shop in Harajuku, I was pretty shocked at the songs being played over the intercom. the choice of listening was taken away from us. Its not like when I buy a 50cent cd then I am condoning the use of nigger only between black people and all the rhetoric.
I can’t then blame Japanese for using the word nigger when it is prevalent in the media they are subjected to. Boycott America for exporting that media.
Japanese generaly a frightened of black people. Maybe its the image that is exported, but also Japanese can’t tell the difference from a Black person working as a scout bothering them (and me to an extent) in Kabukicho and a business man over here on holidays.
Saying all that I was accosted by a British guy in Kabukicho (Donki is near my house and actually I walk up the golden gai) and I told him that all he is doing is reinforcing a bad stereotype and even extending its reach, he gave up quickly asking me to go to his club), I have no issue personally with people working in the sex industry, I wish more people would [Razz] but how many times do I have to refuse?

In the end some stereotypes are inescapable, try getting me to stop eating potatoes.

langslave ＆Wigger
Thank your for your insight.
But please do not be so pessimistic.

I believe Japanese people in general do not approve of the content of the magazines. The problem with Japanese as I see them is that they won’t approve it but they don’t care if this kind of magazine is put on the shelf at the shops as popular and ordinary as Family Mart. That shows Japan has not developed enough sensitivity to racism as much as,say, American people
In case of music wigger heard in harajuku, I don’t think Japanese people hear the words. I for one have a hard time understanding lyric in English. Most of us feel the rhythm of rap music is is cool.

As for racism, there are Japanese racist for sure, but my impression is that in case of Japan, people are very curious about other culture, at the same time they are afraid of other culture because they just don’t know enough about it.

There is soil in Japan for accepting other culture;Japan has accepted Chinese culture and American culture, and there are many Japanese fans of African-Americans culture, thanks to Jazz, and Gospel songs etc, most of people don’t know why Jewish people are discriminated, and I still do not understand it. I guess interracial marriage are increasing. There are a lot of aspect I think we can have hopes.

As the population of new comer increases, I think there will be more conflicts between people,and in a way, that might be inevitable, Japan is not experienced enough. There is accumulated knowledge about discriminations against Eta and Koreans etc, the problem about them still continues, and there will be new other problems. People will learn from it. Probably we need systematic education at school about racism as the variety of races come in this society. I believe the first step is let people know there is a problem. In this sense I opted for the project James is promoting.

As for the Uchi Soto (inside and outside) distinction, yes there is a such distinction. But I think that is relative concept. It is not so strict. It can be stretched or in my opinion, it should be stretched I am a member of my family and hence inside of my family as against other family/Soto. I grew up in Tokyo, I am insider of Tokyo as well as other people in Tokyo, as against, say, Osaka. i as well as people in Osaka are insider against Soto, say, USA. But USA is insider of Japanese as against, say, North Korea.

I don’t know what it takes for people with a different background to feel
they are accepted as being like us, Japanese
(I sometime feel I am just an outsider in this society though I am a native Japanese.)

But I don’t think you have to be accepted in a way people think you are exactly like us. You are yourself , I am myself.
As a Japanese, I don’t have a strong tie with other Japanese people (probably I am a nerd), but I have loving ties with a few people who accept me as I am. That is good enough for me.

Yes, we need a society where we don’t regard people of other races as Soto-mono just because you have another racial ancestor/. As long as we share the core value like democracy, and the rule of law, there should be a way that you are accepted wherever you are from. I want Japanese society to be like that. I have a hope.And believe me there are always Japanese who will side with you.

I got a response from Family Mart in Japan.
……………………………………………………………………………………

Basic translation from Japanese:

Apology to (my name)

2007 Feb 5th

Thanks you for using our shops and for viewing our homepage.
We have received your opinion about gaijin ura file. The publisher just informed us of temporary title and we sold them without confirming its
content. We started selling it from January 31st, and later we have found that there are parts that are inappropriate expressions in the magazine and so we informed all the shops to immediately remove the magazine. We have had a precious opinion, and we’ll be paying attention to the customer’s opinions.

Lastly, we hope you’ll enjoy Family Mart just as ever.

Family Mart co. customer service
Kato

If you’d like to spread a word…check the links at:
http://www.lib.duke.edu/ias/eac/jpnnsp.htm

I’d also suggest to mention it at:
http://www.japantoday.com/

Add Sunkus to the list of combinis as well. Saw it in a few bookstores in my area but dont know the name of the stores. Even if one store stopes carrying this, you got thousands to go.

Ponta, soto/uchi is very strong everywhere in Japanese society. Also considering that there is over 450 years of active but not uninterupted contact between Japan and the rest of the world, the “not experienced enough” concept is not believable. Prejudice against all things not Japanese comes from the top of the power structure. Unfortunately people here believe Japan is an isolated nation because thats what they are taught.

Chris_B
Thanks.

I looked at the possibility of change, you saw persistent tendency of , say, Uch-soto distinction.
As for the history, there will be complicated discussion about it. (Maybe we need clearer concept “not experienced” to discuss further and detailed comparative study of histories)
But some experts do characterise Japan as relatively isolated until Matthew Calbraith Perry arrived in Japan in 1854 as Korea was called hermit country until Japan opened the port in the same way Peril did to Japan.
Some people on this blog points out, for instance, “Japan is much more homogeneous than the United States and never had institutionalized racism like slavery”(Sonagi, American person).
And I think in the final analysis, the point is what country do you/I want japan to be like.
I have a hope, it seems you are not. I wonder what is the point of complaining of Family Mart if there is no hope for a change?

LePen!! Vite!!

Ponta,

I have hope but it keeps getting kicked in the ass by things like this mook.

Nice idea for the boycott…but nobody is gonna call or fax them! This is the 21st century. Leave the e-mail of the person in charge of public relations of all the stores AND the publisher, and we’ll inundate him of e-mails from all over the world. How’s that sound? Here are a few e-mails you can use:
pub@family.co.jp
info@family.co.jp
info@amazon.co.jp
book-dept@amazon.co.jp
hr@7andy.co.jp
member@e-hon.ne.jp
support@e-hon.ne.jp
user@e-hon.ne.jp
support@jbook.co.jp
webmaster@kinokuniya.com
info@boople.com
pub@boople.com
info@bookservice.co.jp
info@honya-town.co.jp

Once their servers got crammed with e-mails, maybe something will happen. Just a little piece of advice: unpoliteness will only lower yourself to their level and confirm the idea of us being barbarians vs. them being educated. They won’t read them anyway…

snap. there goes my chances at a Japanese girlfriend.

in all seriousness at least other citizens of japan are uncomfortable with it and hopefully this is an isolated case.

Where is Japan heading?
The year 2007 is starting off in an interesting direction…

I) Establishing the Ministry of Defense…
II) The Ministry of Education plans to ‘…strengthen the nationalistic feeling and education in Japanese schools…’
III) The Ministry of Health statement: ‘Japanese women are just breeding machines.’

…and soon after… there is “GAIJIN HANZAI FILE”…

Yeah, as I’ve mentioned on another post about it, I agree with Ponta that most people will probably recognize the trashiness of this magazine, and in fact tomojiro mentioned that there have been posts by Japanese bloggers about it (though I can’t see the posts) that mention the reaction at Japan Probe, and people on Mixi criticizing Family Mart for stocking it. This “Eichi Shuppan” seems to be a pretty small publisher, I haven’t heard of them before this news…

私は日本人ですが、主張が理解できません。

なぜなら何故出版社に対してではなく、販売店の一つであるファミリーマートに対して不買運動を行うでしょうか?

この本はAmazon.co.jpでも買うことができます。
link
何故Amazonには抗議せずにファミリーマートなのか理解できません。

まずは出版社である英知出版に対して抗議するべきです。

> We here at Japan Probe are not going to let a mainstream convenience store like Family Mart get away with selling such offensive material.

Man, why did you have to say that? I would support this all the way, but why couldn’t you say “racist” and not “offensive”? There are many, many things which are offensive but which can and should be published. I can never, ever support opposing something based on the fact that it’s “offensive”.

More than that, equating “racist” with “offensive” does a great disservice to the sturggle against racism. Racism is a far worse problem than just people being offensive. If you treat racism that way, what’s to stop someone making racist statements from just saying, “Don’t be so stuck up! Can’t you take a little joke?”

Anonymous:

I said in the sentence before hand that the book was racist. I’m merely stated the fact that the racist book is offensive and I don’t want it to be sold at FamilyMart. I think it should be clear to those who aren’t incredibly anal about semantics, that the primary reason we have called this boycott is because the book is racist.

Just order a few copies pay-on-delivery 宅配便 for our buddies here:
http://7andy.yahoo.co.jp/books/detail?accd=07179548

英知出版
刺激 阪
〒150-0001 東京都渋谷区神宮前5-38-4
TEL：03-6419-2750

http://www.eichi.co.jp/bookstore

Whilst I agree with the sentiments of wanting to see a book like this taken off sale, I wonder if the the promoters of the boycott have actually approached Family Mart to explain their case. Boycotts are often effective, but they have to be organised properly, not just knee jerk reactions. If Family Mart takes a stand on wanting to continue selling such material then a boycott campaign may be worth calling, but if the arguments have not been had and the company has had no chance to listen to reasoned argument then what good is the boycott? To win it also needs to be eduactional and has to win the public round through careful explanation. Then again, I wonder how much the promoters of this campaign are more interested in promoting themselves as self-appointed guardians of the gaijin community.

according to http://www.japantoday.com/jp/quote/2077 the issue has been picked up by Reuters.

I bought my copy of the mook on the 6th at a FamilyMart (and have the dated receipt to prove it). According to emails sent by the company on the 5th, all stores were instructed to remove ALL copies “immediately.” Well, I just returned from a nearby FamilyMart. As of 10:30am on Feb. 7th they were STILL SELLING THE OFFENSIVE MOOK!!

Well this magazine doesn’t surprise me. We could blame family mart for selling it I guess but what is more worrying is the fact there is enough demand for this magazine to be able to sell enough copies to make it possible for a large retailer like Family Mart able to have it among the very few titles they are able to offer.

I’ve lived in Japan for four years now and I think the country is heading for some real trouble. I can sense an increase in racist and superior attitudes. It works hand in hand with the increase in fundamentalist nationalism that is currently occurring I guess.

I’m tired of being treated like some kind of sub-human day in, day out. It’s terrible for one’s soul. I can no longer handle being a total outsider. Ponta (thanks very much for your efforts on this BTW Ponta) mentioned that Japanese people are also outsiders in many situations and that it is all relative. True. However as a gaijin here I am ALWAYS an outsider in EVERY situation. That is a big difference.

GaiJoe gave the following redneck like advice: “if you don’t like it, get out! ” Well, that’s exactly what I’m going to do. My contract is up at the end of March and I am looking forward to leaving. Four years is too long to stay in a country where I don’t feel welcome.

It’s not all bad though. I’ve learnt a lot from my time here. Even the unpleasant situation of being an outsider and targeted by racism has it’s benefits. As a white 30 year old Australian male, I am very much of the majority in my home country. Living as a minority has really allowed me to empathise with immigrants in Australia. This has motivated me to do as much as possible to help fight against racism and bigotry in Australia and assist minorities when I return.

I’m outta here!

Mark
Could you send a complaint to Family Mart?
ttps://www.family.co.jp/cgi-bin/inquiry/inquiry.cgi
お名前★ Your name
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正式店名が分からない場合は店舗検索サービスをご利用いただくか 最寄り駅、所在地などをご記入ください。
ご意見★ ご意見、ご要望を全角1000文字以内でご記入下さい。your opinion

★required

……………………………………………………………………………………….
For instance
貴社が人種差別的雑誌を販売していることに抗議します。
報道によると、貴社は雑誌「驚愕の外人犯罪裏ファイル」の全店舗からの全面撤収を通達されました。しかしながら、私は、　２　　月　６　　　日の時点で、（the place where you bought it)で当該雑誌を購入しました。レシートも所持しております。
また、　２　月　７日の時点でも当該雑誌が販売されているのを目撃しております。

通達の不徹底に憤りを感じるとともに、速やかに、説明責任をはたされるこを望みます。
何故撤収が遅れているのか？
今後どのような対策をとるつもりなのか？
(my poor translation)
I protest your corporation selling the racist magazine.
According to the media report, you instructed to remove all the copies immediately as of Feb 5th. Yet, as of Feb, 6, at ○○○、I could bought the magazine in question. I have a receipt of it. As of Feb 7th, I witnessed the magazine being sold at the Family Mart nearby.

I regret you didn’t not instruct shops thoroughly, and I’ll ask you to achieve accountability to us.
Why were some copies not removed?
What is your company’s plan to deal with similar issues.?
……………………………………………………………………………………..

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By the way I noticed the site asked to refrain from posting the response from the company without permission.

I didn’t get the permission, so James, could you delete the part I copied and pasted from the response in Japanese. and could you put ” Ponta got the response to the effect that……or something like that in your post?

Mark:

Could you send an image of the receipt to me a japanprobe@gmail.com ?

Mark
I sent a complaint again to Family Mart, citing your comment.
And I received the respond.
They said they instructed again on Feb 7th, receiving the information that some copies were still available , to remove the copies, to make sure the shops should follow the instruction more thoroughly

Did you send the complaint? Did you receive the response?
If you have any problem in Japanese, let me know (via James).

I’m sure there will be plenty of dumb J-trash who’ll love reading this magazine.

After all, non-Japanese only do bad things in Japan, none of us pay tax, work hard, and abide by the laws of the land.

If you listened to some segments of the Japanese media, none of us actually do anything of any benefit at all to Japan.

hahaha, how can you get angry about a stupid comic magazine.

hell, most japanese are racist to the core.

I bet Family Mart is happy that some foreigners don’t come around anymore, if you boycot them.

It’s better to laugh at the comic book and buy some green tea instead making such a noise.

I support this magazine on principle of freedom of speech. As an American, of course I find the content deeply objectionable. But in the spirit of ‘Borat’ I believe it should remain on the shelves as long as possible. I believe that %95+ of Japanese have modern views regarding racism. If it’s in the mainstream bookstores and conbinis, then millions of regular Japanese citizens can see that racism and xenophobia still exist in their country, and therefore awareness of the issues will be raised, possibly enough for some official action/sanctions to be given. At some point, the locals will realize that the joke is on them, just like Borat is a joke on Americans.

One possible idea to combat this is a sort of gyaku-shuppan. We could find similar photographs, and just change the captions to be anti-Japanese. For example something like a japanese guy kissing a foreign girl (or groping a Russian hostess more likely), with a caption like ‘Oi! You little turtle, get your filthy paws off that innocent virgin! If you could at least speak a little engrish after 12 years of studies, maybe we would let you talk to our women.’ The pictures could be supplemented with statistics about how Japanese are victims of crimes overseas, which of course must be their own fault because they are so stupid and childish. Remember the j-kid who was shot in the US on halloween? We could write an article about how stupid he was for acting like a moron, and how by logical extension he really represents ALL japanese people. Then finally on the last page we’d write a disclaimer that this is not representative of the opinions of the majority of people outside of japan (and foreigners in japan), but was written in response to the xenophobic and racist publications like the ‘gaijin hanzai fairu’. Or a manga-style story of GI’s abusing japanese during the occupation, because it is our right as the stronger race. I believe this sort of thing would be enlightening. What do you think?

Furthermore, I don’t think a gaijin boycott of the offending conbinis will be effective because there are simply not enough gaijin to make an economic impact to any given store. Now, if several hundred foreigners showed up outside a random offending store, moblog style, picketing the place, yelling loudly (as we gaijin are apt to do), calling the media in advance, now that would cause enough embarrassment at the HQ to do something about it. I do believe that would be infinitely more effective than a boycott, and would be interested in hearing the feedback on this idea.

Also on sale at Amazon Japan.

http://www.amazon.co.jp/驚愕の外人犯罪裏ファイル―外人犯罪白書2007/dp/4754256182

I support this magazine on principle of freedom of speech.

I support the boycott for the same reason.

On the evening of the 8th I checked my local FamilyMart again (one that still had 2 copies for sale on the 7th). The issues were no longer there.

Some form of action is better than nothing but boycot a store?! I doubt figures are plunging…be vocal about is best? That will be picked by the the Japanese media only if pushed from outside, and they will focus on the removal, theatrical, of few copies…few riples and the “wa”will be restored.
Few years back much noise was made about a city registering a “seal”as a citizen; foreigners in costumes gattered to claim same treatment…no japanese remembers their protest anymore…
Well, to the point,
I am afraid only foreigners are buying this mook and I got my copy this Thursday, February 8th, from Daily Yamazaki store in Ebisu area, close to Shibuya, Tokyo.
Pic of the receipt is here
http://www.tgp1122.com/uploader/pupload/view/18
direct view
http://www.tgp1122.com/uploader/public/pview/17/PICT0002.JPG

3 copies were on sale, top row of the magazine rack. In my broken Japanese I asked the lady at the counter “Kekkoo utemesaka? and she replied “amari…”.
Good to hear it is not a major hit.
But what I found most disturbing is the reaction Japanese people in their late 20s and 30s had when I showed it to them, nobody was surprised, they considered it something absolutely normal, showed surprise at my indignation…
Felt (and feeling so often) exactly as langslave wrote on Feb.4…

Thanks

Stupid Gaijin are afraid that their real faces – criminals – have been revealed.

Let’s be careful about “Gaijin”, which are always causing problems in Japan.

Perhaps someone could start up a J-trash file magazine outlining the stupid things that J-trash do.

Hello,

I got the following response from Circle K \ Sunkus

Dear Jeremy,
ATFM-Films

Concerning the magazine known as “驚愕の外人犯罪裏ファイル” published by Eichi Publishing Co., Ltd., we have already removed all copies from all the Circle K Sunkus stores as of February 6th, because inappropriate expressions were found in the magazine.

We are always making best efforts not to handle the magazines and books which could possibly offend public order and morals, and we are strongly sure that in case that similar event should happen, we’ll take an appropriate response such as immediate removal of the products, etc.

We appreciate your understanding.

Best regards,

Public, Investor Relations & Secretary Office Circle K Sunkus Co., Ltd.

==============================================
Public, Investor Relations & Secretary Office Circle K Sunkus Co., Ltd.

Harumi Center Bldg., 5-24 Harumi 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-8538, Japan E-mail:ir@circleksunkus.jp http://www.circleksunkus.jp/english/index.html
==================================================

Jeremy
GJ

Has anyone actually seen any Japanese buy this book?

It appears that only angry gaijin are buying it and posting the experience.

1. married to native Nihonjin 2. living in Nihon 3. please note the publishers name!!! PLEASE this is Black racism backed BY a Black person most likely!!!!!!!!!!!! get to the source people! This is not just the “japanese” … there is more to this issue than just whos selling this piece of trash! and while we are at it, how about encouraging PORNO bans too? Sometimes the outright hypocrisy here just makes ya upset … and ive stopped buying at outrageously priced, unfriendly “konbini” stores … fed up with the racist looks and unhelpfulness at 99% of them. Thx to Japan Probe for posting on this!!!

p.s. left out how I long ago stopped going to Circle K due to “gangsta” types shoving me around and the such .. finally got fed up and yelled at them in JP and english and whipped out the phone and dialed for the cops. They ran. The police couldnt do much, but were rather mad at the situation. The store worker found it funny till the police gave her a hard time for being “stupid” (pretty sure he said ばかな at her) And other countries love to call the USA “rude” ? and whats w/ all this RAP crud! Im sorry, but emulating “gangstas” is NOT good for anyone in ANY country! okay gonna hush … taking up comment space.

JPlife:

The publisher’s name has already been revealed as a likely fake.

Now this stupid mag is selling for 20,000 JPY on http://www.amazon.co.jp!

Look:

詳細サーチ | ジャンル | ベストセラー | 新刊・予約コーナー | ハリー・ポッター | 雑誌 | バーゲンコーナー | Amazon.co.jp で売ろう！

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大型本: 125ページ
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ASIN: 4754256182
おすすめ度： カスタマーレビュー数：2 (カスタマーレビューを書く)
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11 人中、8人の方が、｢このレビューが参考になった｣と投票しています。

日本人の恥, 2007/2/5
レビュアー： oscar – レビューをすべて見る
この本は海外の有力新聞で紹介され、日本人がいかに人種差別を容認しているかという証拠物件のように扱われています。ハッキリ言って日本人の恥です。戦前のナチスドイツで似たような内容の本がユダヤ人について出版されていたと指摘されています。実際、日本の犯罪のほとんどは日本人が行っているわけだし、世界的に見ても日本は外国人による犯罪が極端に少ない国であるわけだから、こういう本が出版される正当性はありません。しかも、外国人の犯罪を問題視するのなら、どうして日本人女性をナンパする外人まで同列に扱っているのでしょう？ナンパは犯罪ですか？単にダメな奴らのヒガミじゃないんですか？

このレビューは参考になりましたか？ (このレビューについて報告する)

38 人中、28人の方が、｢このレビューが参考になった｣と投票しています。

人種差別本, 2007/2/5
レビュアー： delta – レビューをすべて見る
差別用語を頻繁に用い、内容が低レベル。著者には日本人として多大な劣等意識があると思われる。無知な日本人には外国人に対する偏見を植えつけてしまう。

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I’ve been an observer of asian blogs for some time now but this type of content and some of the answers rings a bell inside me. As some, such as kyklops have noted, many Japanese are indifferent to racist treatment in general. Some will point out that Japan does not have as much experience or whatever in the area, but the fact remains that Japan has probably had the most contact with Western ideas, and yet still shows to have among the poorest rights for foreigners in Asia in practice. I added “in practice”, because on paper, they do preach a good sermon of equality, and many will advocate this but generally does not come to pass, though I’d like to point out that Japanese citizens usually keep their comments to themselves.

If you’ve ever been to, for one, a Chinatown in Japan, and compare the workers there to any other Chinatown in the WORLD, you will notice immedietely that they (Chinese in Japan) are a lot more edgy. Considering how friendly Japanese are and tales of how minorities are treated better these days, you’d consider this strange but when I asked the clerks if that is so, a different story is told, especially with the press rolling out how Chinese gangs are the root of many crimes. When a thug runs in smashes items and runs away, people might look for a second but just turn away, not even bothering calling the police in most cases. This type of behavior gets actually worse for other foreigners such as South American workers.

Am I suggesting the populace approves? No, just that this general type of uncaring is a stark contrast to simply “not being experienced”. This is also a big contrast to the posts I see by citizens on this board and on old Japanese blogs; it seems like care is only given on this sort of topic when Westerners are given knowledge about this. In that regard, I thank sites like Japan Probe, perhaps when I have time to go to Japan in a few years things will have changed more. Apologies if my English was not strong, and I do not mean to troll or anything, just relay my past frusterating experience.

Personally I think this is a funny little chat or fight what ever you call it. I really do not know why this is such a big deal its not our country not our problem. We as Americans have a problem with sticking our noses were the they shouldn’t be. We get involved with problems that do not affect us. I do agree this does not seem to be right and it would not be allowed in America, but this is not in America. Tough it out who cares what a couple jelous japanese men think. As you already heard most of the people of Japan are smart enough not to beilve it that we are not some devil race as the magazine makes us out to be. For those few jelous Japanese men are upset with Gaijins as they call us stealing their women. I don’t know how we are stealing them enless were going in glocks loaded pointed to their heads “Im stealing your women.” I mean sersouly there is like sixty five million Japanese women there and maybe a few million gaijins. And consider you might be alittle racist in not likeing the few million innterracial relationships. Me saying this will not change anything as I know this forum is bassically pointless but a good way to vent off you ideas and rage for some. The people who beleive in this Magazine already have their minds made up about us Gaijins so making a “Oh I am so pissed of chat about it.” Will do nothing. I am sorry there is Racism left in the world it is still in the USA but maybe not as clear as this japanese magazine makes it out to be in Japan.

What are you guys so fussy about it?
The Issue is not about family mart but racism by which you were intrigued.

Boycott? There you go again.

let me ask this. this somethin new in your country
or is this wrong because it was published?
Go get any history books on the racism in your country
and try comparison with this “Famima” thing.

Better contain yourself otherwise.