Good Job! Perceptions of Americans by the Japanese

Forming stereotypes about others is part of being human, and sometimes it’s a fun subject to explore. Since Westerners make up only a tiny fraction of Japan’s population, the only chance most Japanese have to meet a real gaijin is in English glass, where an energetic ESL teacher bounces around the room as he teaches grammar and vocabulary words. Americans are always thought of as being tall even if we’re of average height, and we’ve always got “tall, proud noses” even if we don’t, and all Western women are considered blonde even if they’re brunette or redhead. Certain English phrases gaijin use become famous among the Japanese, like “unbelievable!” and “oh my God!” and “good job!” (My students used to giggle with delight every time I dropped my pencil and said, “oops!” which is apparently a very American phrase to say.) Perhaps the most unique image of America to the Japanese is Texas, and there’s nothing quite like visiting a Texas-style steakhouse in Japan, with its exaggerated interior design and cowgirl waitresses. A couple weeks ago I went to Tokyo, and at the “parking area” (the rest stop inside the freeway system) there was a hilarious “American” burger shop called Good Job Burger, with an American (?) giving you the thumbs-up gesture as he tempts you with an extra-large Juicy Salsa Burger.

Good Job Burger, a parody of an American hamburger joint.