Our wannabe Japanese folks, the 'Chi'panese

This is something I still fail to understand, how a person of full Chinese descent, introducing themselves with a Japanese name or even worse, claiming they have ancestors that were Japanese. I just don't know what to think of these people. I cannot stand their hypocrisy and their pathetic attempts to become Japanese. Are you so ashamed of your own culture? What makes the Japanese more superior than your own? I cannot help shaking my head in disgust. It would almost be funny if it weren't so completely pathetic.

There is a a difference between those who are just really obsessed with the culture, and those who think being Japanese automatically makes you cool and elevates your social status. I'm sure you have met or encountered these people, male and female alike. All these Takumi, Takeshi, Yuki, Yuko, Yumi crap.

Introducing themselves as 'Nihonjin' is one thing, there are the poses they do when they take photographs too. The classic 'kawai' looks we all have seen. It's as if there was a text book or bible they read. These are just to name a few...

The peace signs to the eye.

Pouty lips.

The Maneki-Neko (Fortune Cat) look.

The 'blowfish'.

"Helloo! If you're chinese, then be one! Aren't you proud of your own heritage?!"

I get asked if I'm of Japanese ancestry occasionally but I always reply I am of chinese descendant, PROUDLY.

Anyway, there were many encounters with these kind of people but this was the first one that came to mind...

I was having supper at the McDonald's in Bandar Utama one night.

Friend : Introduce you to a friend of mine who is on his way. He's coming with his girlfriend. His name is Yuji.
Me : Yuji? Hmm, okay. Is he Japanese?
Friend : Apparently he has some blood, but I don't know. *hint of doubt*
Me : Hmm...

So, after a while, Yuji (actually Eugene) arrives and introduces himself and when it came to my turn...

Me : Hello. So you're part Japanese huh?
Yuji : Yeap.
Me : Sugoi! Nihonjin desuka? Hajimemashite, dozo yoroshiku ne.
Yuji : *stares blankly at me* (0_0)'
Me : *waits for him to respond*
Yuji : Err, but I don't speak any Japanese.. *walks away with an embarrassed look*

Now, Hajimemashite basically means "How do you do?" and dozo yoroshiku means "Nice to meet you".

I later found out from another friend that he has no Japanese ancestry at all and that his name was actually Eugene.

Fast Forward...

Recently, I was introduced to a person while clubbing who goes by Yuki. I was already intoxicated with alcohol, and being my mischievous, cheeky and sarcastic self, I proceeded to ask her the same question I asked Euji,

Me : Ahh! Nihonjin desuka? Hajimemashite, dozo yoroshiku ne.
Yuki : Err, I'm not Japanese. I don't speak it.
Me : Oh?! But you have a Japanese name no? Yuki isn't it?
Yuki : Err, hehehe...
Me : *Walks away...*

Weeks later, David brought her along again for one of our clubbing nights...

Yuki : Eh, you forgotten me already arr. We've met before..
Me : No, no. Yes, we've met several times. David's friend right? *struggles painfully to recall but completely no clue who she was!*
Yuki : *gives me the 'not amused' look*
Me : Yes, yes. I've met you with your friend the other time. What's her name? *hoping that will give me some hint that might jolt my memory*
Yuki : I've got so many friends. Which one? *pouty lips*
Me : Hang on. *scurries away to David*

Me : Eh David. What's her name again? *points to Yuki*
David : Yuki. Why?
Me : Was she the one who you brought over the other day with another friend to visit Zinc?
David : No, no. Those two were from Hong Kong/China. Yuki is local.
Me : Whoops. *red face*

Yuki walks by...
Yuki : You don't really remember me leh. I can remember you clearly as you were the idiot one who spoke to me in Japanese right?
Me : *embarrassed* You're right.
Yuki : Hajimemashite. *muted by the music in the club*
Me : I'm sorry?
Yuki : Nevermind.
Me : Oh *slaps forehead*, Hajimemashite, dozo yoroshiku ne.
Yuki : Doitashimashite.
Me : *puzzled look* Err, okay. *walks off*

We all know Hajimemashite dozo yoroshiku means "How do you do. Nice to meet you."
Doitashimashite means "you're welcome", which is why I was completely puzzled when she responded to "nice to meet you" with a "you're welcome". A 'What the Fuck?!' moment. *laughs*

Ah well... bear with my rants. I'm feeling pissy today. Must be that time of the month. *laughs*