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You sure are a prolific writer!!

I imagine that citizens of Japan would be considered citizens.. but it is probably true that people with ancestors from other countries would always be considered gaijin.
Kids who are born here and live all their lives here but have one foreign parent are usually considered "halfu" or gaijin..

All foreigners in Japan have a finger print registered but the other government records you mention must be kept current by everyone who lives in Japan.

I am comfortable with all of it.
I really don't think it is that much different to other countries.
Some 3rd and 4th generation Americans still call themselves "African Americans" .. so what is the difference?

Anyhooooo, nice to have you here

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Yes, I get you.
It is regulation rather than just public perception that is different in Japan..

The Japanese government says that people whose family have been here 500 or 1,000, 2,000 or whatever years are Japanese and anyone else is not..

They only opened the doors again to foreigners 140 years ago, didn't they.. it is sort of like we are still on probation

I must say it doesn't bother me, though.
It is their country so I accept their rules.
It is still my favorite country to live in!

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