This extremely well written Economist Article says a lot about being a foreigner, primarily from the west. And while there are some valid disagreements in the comments, it still manages to capture many of the thoughts and realities of the foreigner community living in Japan. But with the slant he used, he’s definitely writing with ancestral westerners in mind. There’s another group of western foreigners who only partially match his characterizations: second generation foreigners, or, children of foreigners who later become foreigners themselves.

Though I was born and raised in America, my parents emigrated from Nigeria. Growing up with both cultures meant learning different approaches to life and discerning different ways of thinking. It often felt True Lies-ish; I was living a double life and doing my best to converge worlds without conflict.

This is the duality I brought with me to the land of the rising sun. With Nigeria as my heritage and America as my home, moving to Japan has allowed me to delve deep into a third culture. The country is 100% new, but the foreign, multi-national lifestyle isn't. Other second generation foreigners here give off the same vibe. Our travels started during childhood as the occasional alien on both sides of our communities and homes.

The article’s overall theme—that “it is becoming both easier and more difficult to experience the thrill of being an outsider”—harbors truths for all foreigners. But for the increasing number of 2^nd generationers, it’s not the first time to take on this role. Though we welcome new experiences abroad, the experience of being an outsider is anything but new.