Is "Foreigner" an Offensive Word?

I have heard various opinions about using the word "foreigner". Some people think that it is offensive and therefore, not used at all, while others think that it is harmless, only when used simply as a definition. Thus, I try not to use that word myself because I do not inadvertently want to offend anyone.

However, the other day, I had seen the term foreigner-friendly within an online article written by a Japanese real estate agency that caused me to think about it some more. The agency had written--“We can show you foreigner-friendly apartments in Japan”—in simple recognition that renting a room in Japan is somewhat difficult for them due to the paperwork requirements. In my view, the use of the term “foreigner-friendly” here doesn’t possess any negative connotations, yet, I'm left wondering whether the use of this adjective is offensive to native English speakers?*

I hope that someone can tell me about it.

Hi, Yuko. A great job and an interesting post! The original was easily understood, but slightly awkward and “wordy.” Thus, the changes I made were more to style, to allow your text to sound more natural to my native ears, to clarify your points, and for ease of reading. I hope that his helps you. J.

*Be consistent in your punctuation as sometimes you put a period ending within the quotation mark, but other times, not. While there is nothing wrong with using contractions, and this venue is not as formal as an academic setting, for the sake of those who are learning English and who may see your posts, try to limit the use of them to one per paragraph.

As to the use of the word, I agree with and share your sentiments. I often travel in Asia and can “fit in” due to my appearance. It is only my failure to reply intelligently after someone speaks to me, that gives me away! Then, inevitably, around that hotel and neighborhood, I hear “gaijin,” “meiguoren,” or “farang” as I pass by.

I do not feel offended though since they are merely stating a fact, and as far as I can tell, they mean no offense. This seems to be the consensus here among my fellow employees at work as well. That anyone should one react negatively to the term tends to show more about the person reacting than any ill-will on the part of the speaker, which is another way of saying that those with the greatest sensitivity often bring their own baggage into the equation. 

Is "Foreigner" an Offensive Word?