Refused a bank account on a spousal visa

Much to my horror, I was refused a bank account today on the basis that my residence status is "Spouse or Child of a Japanese national". Allegedly, I would have been able to open one if I had a work visa. I wonder though.

The words "it isn't because you are a foreigner", in Japanese, were used when they were breaking the news to me. But somehow, I felt like they were trying to soften a truth that still landed heavily on me.

The bank clerk I dealt with was very nice and I felt she was both embarrassed by and frustrated with the banks policies. She did give me an idea of a work around, but I won't be using it. I will place my money in another bank.

I managed to keep my cool, but inside I was stung in a way I didn't expect. I am in Japan 25 years - it is rare for me to feel like an outsider, but moments like this remind me that I'm still seen as one.