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You'll be wise to use the term Japanese in place of Japs. Even most Japanese people who don't know English well, know that it is a derogatory term.
There is a lot of animosity between various Asian countries. The Chinese cannot forget the rape of Nanking at the hands of the Japanese Imperial Army. After you are there longer, you will certainly see that many Koreans and Japanese have no love lost for each other either.
You wrote that the "Japanese have no animosity towards anyone as far as I know", so I guess you haven't encountered bars or other places that ban foreigners. I'll have to find my photos of "No Americans" signs from Japan. You'll get a kick out of them.
Overall, Japanese people are well-educated and polite. Following WWII, they have become one of the more peace oriented countries in the world (although they are still in the top 10 in military spending).
Over-generalizing or stereotyping about any country or culture does not take into account that large numbers of people are trying to end the sometimes generations old animosities and stereotypes. Not all people think alike anywhere in the world.
Anyway, have fun and absorb as much as you can. I'm glad to hear you are studying to speak Japanese. That will enrich your experience and hasten your learning about Japanese culture.
Gambate!
ADG Webmaster
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