Sista In Tokyo

UPCOMING POST SERIES: "Where in Tokyo Can I Have My Hair Done?"

To my wonderful readers, thank you for your e-mails!  They are always great. 

Since I have more free time (yes, the change of scheduling is working out just lovely!) I am now able to spend a bit of time each day to reply to your mail.  And you know, based on the number of e-mails that I have in my inbox related to hair (20 out of 45), I think it's about time that I focus on Black Hair Care in Tokyo.

So, I've decided to do a little leg work and actually research, snoop around, travel to, and find out just what options are available to black women in Japan for hair care and styling.   My first topic, "Who Braids Sista in Tokyo's Hair... and ummmmm, how much does she charge?"

:) Looking forward to it.

Braids in Tokyo

Fashion in Japan: Introducing Baby Shoop

Last fall, I had a friend visit me here in Tokyo for during the Obon holiday.   During her visit, I asked her what stood out the most since it was her first visit to Tokyo.  She mentioned a few things such as the 'escalator rule' (stand on the side, walk on the right) and the amount of women all dressed up and wearing high heels-- "it's crazy," she said shaking her head.  She also mentioned the advertising in Japan and asked, "Why don't they have any black women in their ads?  I only see white or Japanese girls."  It was a rhetorical question, so I didn't answer.

Later, I thought about her question and I posed the following one, "Does a Japanese woman go to Senegal and ask, 'Why aren't there any Japanese women in the advertisements here?'".  The answer, nah. 

The Comments are Out of Control

Over the last two weeks, the comment section has become extremely irritating. Last week was the first time I had to delete or edit someone's comment.  This is ridiculous.

I don't want my site associated with any racist search listings.  So, I ask that if you feel the need to let others know how racist someone or some group of people are-- please begin your own blog and write as much as you like.  Do NOT use Sista in Tokyo for such matters.

Link Love from Sista in Tokyo

I (Heart) bloggers. I say that because when I think of all of the people I've met and corresponded with through Sista in Tokyo, I become excited all over again.  It only takes one comment, one e-mail, or one link to your blog or post, to make it all worth while.

Anyway, I wanted to take this opportunity to send a little link love to a few people:

BT BROTHERS BLOGS:
Eclectic Afrocentricity
Tommy in Japan
Afro Eric

BLOGGING FOREIGNERS:
SushiCam
Tokyo Girl Down Under
Delta Diva
Me Gaijin

SISTAS OF THE WORLD:
Black Girls Like Us
The Supa Dupa Fly Seoul Sista

Check 'em out!

Bye-Bye Blog! Sista in Tokyo Podcast Coming Soon!

Some time ago, it was suggested by one of my readers that I consider producing a Sista in Tokyo podcast.  My initial reaction was to completely blow off the suggestion.  However, after deciding to remain in Japan, things have changed!

Come October, the first Sista in Tokyo podcast will be launched and the Sista in Tokyo blog will cease.  Archived blog content will still be available to readers, however the major components of Sista in Tokyo will consist of a monthly podcast and show notes, along with a monthly newsletter. 

In addition, Sista in Tokyo content will focus less on my personal life and experiences and more on events, issues, and information pertaining to life in Japan from a black perspective.

I am excited to begin the next chapter of SIT and I hope you will come along for the fabulous ride!

--Sista in Tokyo

If you have show ideas or would like to contribute to Sista in Tokyo podcasts or the newsletter I would love to hear from you. Please e-mail me!

SiT News: Japan Black Studies Association Annual Conference in Kyoto!

This weekend, June 24 & 25th, the Japan Black Studies Association will host its 52nd Annual Conference in Kyoto.  The conference will feature presentations from a selection of African-American and Black Studies scholars.  Conference topics range from Asian and African-American relations to class and gender as it relates to race. 

According to an e-mail forwarded to me courtesy of An Aussie in Japan (thanks!) the Japan Black Studies Association (JBSA) was established in 1954.  I attempted to search the internet and learn more about the organization, but my efforts were unsuccessful. 

If you are familiar with this organization I would like to hear from you!  Check out the schedule below:

6 Personal Finance Tips for Living in Japan

This week I have been missing due to my wireless internet going a little crazy (did I mention that it was free-- courtesy of an unknowing neighbor).  While in wireless withdrawal, I thought of a topic that I seldom comment or post on and decided to post a little helpful info about it.

Money.  An international topic wouldn't you say?  Money is especially important when even thinking about traveling to Japan, let alone living here! 

Japan is expensive-- shall I repeat that?  Maybe I should make it bold as well.  Japan is an extremely expensive country to live in-- and Tokyo?   Whenever I think about my eventual relocation to Tokyo, the first thing that comes to mind is money.  Whew!  I must have a lot of money to move my things, rent an apartment, and even get around the city.

SiT News: Black Tokyo Launches New PodCast!

Great news-- Black Tokyo recenlty launched its official podcast yesterday!  Listen to the introductory cast and look forward to bi-weekly productions from the host Zurui, the webmaster and moderator of BlackTokyo.com. 

To listen, an iPod is not required.  Simply download the podcast by clicking on the link and a Quicktime screen will appear (it's only audio so please don't expect a picture)--Oh yeah, yours truly will be interviewed soon!

Listen and don't forget to subscribe!

For More Information, please visit the Official Black Tokyo Podcast Website

(Click Here to Listen)

SiT News: It's Official I'm Headed to Tokyo!

It's official you guys! After giving it some thought (it's ALL I've thought of for days now), weighing my options, and looking at the big picture, I have come to the conclusion that I should remain in Japan. 

I have chosen this option for a number of reason, the most popular reasons are: Returning to DC this summer will place me in competition with entirely too many other college graduates vying for the same entry-level jobs;  I would like to pursue a new career in a field that interests me and gain experience working in a professional environment in Japan; remaining in Japan will provide me with more opportunities to travel and to further develop my Japanese language skills.  Further, I would like to do a little freelance writing and independent research on a few additional topics of interest.  And finally, I've always dreamed of being a career woman in a foreign country for a few years-- here's my chance!

I have a lot to do!  But I am at peace about my decision and I can feel great things are about to happen!  Wish me luck and please continue to keep me in your prayers! 

--SistainTokyo

Sista in Tokyo News: The Shoe That Made Asian-Americans Upset

Now here's something you don't see everyday- racist caricatures of Asian being promoted by the shoe company Adidas.  Pictured is the 'Adidas Yellow Series Y1 Huf.'  I'll allow you the freedom to draw your own conclusions about the image.

My thoughts...  It's ALL coming out these days huh?  First we have the crazy Japanese blackface 'soul' group Gosperats coming on the scene trying to 'feel their blackness' by wearing black makeup to the point of minstrel-show reminiscence (post forthcoming), just last week I posted about the earthquake preparedness images, and now I have learned of Adidas acting crazy!  (CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE)

Stop the insanity!  (You guys remember the bald woman on television who would scream that about women losing weight?-- Ha!)  Seriously though!  I am so tired of these images.  And unlike some others, I don't turn a blind eye to offensive images of other groups.  If it's WRONG it's WRONG.

I recently shared this article with a few Japanese friends and a few were offended.  Others were indifferent, telling me that the image wasn't specific to Japanese, they seemed to feel it was more Chinese.  Interesting...  (That's an entirely different discussion)  Even more interesting is the Japanese friends who found it difficult to see what I found so offensive about Gosperats now understand my viewpoint. 

Does anyone remember the Japanese cartoon character featured in bugs bunny cartoons a long time ago?  I still remember those cartoons.  Now that was CRAZY!

More Articles on the Matter:

"Adidas Sneakers Roils Asian-Americans"

"Adidas Shoe Falls Flat Over Racism Allegations"