10 Japanese Secret Customs & Unspoken Rules that most foreigners don't know about.

[@andyleighton6969]

“An introverted #Finn looks at his shoes when talking to you; an extroverted Finn looks at your shoes”. I love the way they picked the Finns, a notoriously reserved nation as control for their "look me in the eye" comparison.

[@si_vis_amari_ama]

I had the same thought; spot-on!

[@karenneill9109]

I was thinking the same! I’m considered introverted in Canada, extroverted in Finland!

[@StephenGangi]

The Finns have my all-time favorite romantic phrase -- "I hate you less than all the others" 😁

[@thany3]

Man, that seems like my kind of country 😎 The language will be quite a challenge though 😬

[@ModMINI]

Japan is the most introverted country on the planet. In public places at least.

[@1953lili]

I was in Japan with my students in 1999. I stayed with two English language teachers. Next to Kobayashi sensei’s home there was a Shinto temple. Old people were on their knees picking fallen leaves off of the moss in the garden. Apparently this happens after each rainy season. The high school students as well as my students pitch in at school to clean the school classrooms, halls and toilets everyday; no such thing as janitors! The same thing happened around the Atom Bomb Memorial Site in Peace Park, Hiroshima. Elderly women were picking leaves off of the rubble that surrounded the site. Let’s not forget the Japanese attendants to the World Cup who cleaned up trash in the stadium seats and the team locker room. So impressive!

[@roseofsharon7551]

Worked for a firm in Tokyo for a couple of years. Everyone cleaned the office before starting work. Kids do the same at school. Humility and kindness go along way to garner respect, esp in Japan.

[@brendajoycewhite5747]

. is impressive that a whole country is like that. I am 1 of Jehovah's witnesses, we have 1 conventions lasting 3 days each for each areas going on in 200 and something countries, like USA, several in each state. Then a 1 day assembly each year. We volunteer to clean the day before, then their is volunteers cleaning threw out the day, the people also keep things cleaned up as they attend. Then everyone cleans the building and outside is done on these occasions to. Many companies have complimented about the cleaning and welcome us back again.

[@practicalpen1990]

In Mexico it used to be customary to leave some morsels or a last bite on your own plate to signal you were full, if you ate everything your host would assume you're starving and serve you seconds. And I say "used to be" because that's what my Mom taught me as good manners as a kid, but I haven't seen it used anywhere nowadays. My Canadian Dad taught me to stay through the credits as a sign of respect for moviemakers. Interesting cultural comparisons!

[@AslanKyoya1776]

This is actually how it is in most East Asian cultures too

[@devadii24]

Italians think if you leave any food it was not good 😂

[@BMALB2023]

Had an experience with an elderly Greek momma, cooked an excellent meal. Moussaka, pastichio, grape leaves stuffed with lamb. 14-year-old son ate every single bite on his plate, expressing appreciation to the dear lady. She nodded, didn't understand English well, but returned from the kitchen with an exact duplicate plate for him. My son's eyes got big, he just groaned to me, "What do I do now Mom?" Boy, do I wish we had that exquisite plate again.

[@crazylittleangel]

In the UK, I was raised that leaving food is rude, as you either don't appreciate being provided with food or you think the food tastes awful. But my grandparents were from the war generation so they experienced food rationing - I think they just taught my parents not to waste valuable food and, as my family were working class (aka nearly poor), the same message was passed down to my generation 🤷‍♀️

[@jangtheconqueror]

I'm not sure if all Koreans do this, but my parents told me the same thing. I have a hard time doing that though, because I was also taught as an American to eat everything because there are starving people in the world and it's bad to waste food

[@parttimesaint3165]

In older Norse tradition, we cheered heartily with our cups/mugs/bowls to splash some of the contents into each other's drink. It was a sign of trust and confidence that no one would be poisoned. When I heard about keeping your glass lower in Japanese customs, I figured it would be a sign that the lower glass symbolize trust that they won't be poisoned by the higher glass if it would spill over somehow. I really like hearing about your customs and unspoken rules.

[@barbarakamiyama6643]

Very nice explanations. I enjoyed watching you until the end. Please make more videos. A funny story: a recent arrival to Japan in summer loved getting the “Oshibori ” at restaurants. He rented a car and drove up to a gas station to fill up. The attendant gave him a wet towel. He thought it was “Oshibori ” and used it to wipe his face. The attendant was horrified and in broken English told him, “No! No! for car!” And showed him how to wipe his steering wheel, etc. The foreigner told me about his experience afterwards. We had a good laugh!

[@alienonion4636]

Signaling the end of a party... I love it. I've always hated guessing when is a good time to thank the host and leave... leaving too early is rude,,, leaving at the very end is rude. Party invites often only have vague begin and end times. I visited Japan a few times and absolutely loved it. I was very young and was awed by Tokyo. Even such a huge busy city people were easy to meet and gladly took the time to tell us the best places to go, the fun places to go and where not to go. There were small groups of people close to our ages that made our visit the best.... going from place to place for food, drink and entertainment we all went together and often there were other foreigners that were amongst us so not only did we have the opportunity to converse with people our ages from all over Japan but some from all over the world. It was wonderful to see many of the same people through out the night as small groups split into smaller groups which added more members and on and on it went. One night we counted 15 groups that contained at least 2 of the group we started with. I would go again if I could.

[@donnaboshaw4553]

I work for Yamaha in the US and have worked with gentleman from Japan as a liaison when they come to our plant. Of course there is a language barrier but we get through it. This most recent time they were here, I couldn't talk because of laryngitis so another person took my spot. They did however make sure to track me down to give me gifts that they brought from Japan. Wonderful, wonderful people. Thank you for another great video.

[@SamuraiMatcha]

Glad to hear that：）Arigatougozaimasu!

[@Cool-Aid5564]

I'm a white American and I clean public bathrooms... I'm hoping I'm not the only one. I love nice clean places.

[@christy032866]

I​@Cool-Aid5564 I Am too!!

[@Cool-Aid5564]

@@christy032866 and you do too?

[@xo2quilt]

@@Cool-Aid5564 I always seem to be cleaning the sink and counter of water!

[@Samouraimoh]

Great video. I lived for nine years in Japan (Sendai and Tokyo) and Japanese people do not blame foreigners when they do not follow the formal behaviours. They understand. However, if you live longer in Japan, you have to make efforts and learn about the rule and follow them. You will find that Japanese people will be more open to you and they will enjoy your company.

[@ModMINI]

I lived in Japan for over 15 and visit yearly. Some simple info: There are lots of rules. Everyone follows the rules. There are too many rules to know them all. Even Japanese don't know all the rules. If there aren't any rules for something, there should be. In that case, rules will be made up as a form of group entertainment. Even made-up rules become 'mandatory' over time. If rules aren't followed, staring can happen, or a verbal warning could be given. If this is frequent, the rules will be posted. There are rules written on everything in Japan. (Toilet for example, will always have a sign saying 紙屑以外は流さないで下さい or something, for example)

[@WarAuthority]

Unless you're a Chinese foreigner lol

[@nicolelaura5330]

Our public bathrooms are primarily disgusting where I live! I wish people would, at the very least, clean up after themselves!

[@zamis21]

I always wipe down the seats before i sit!!

[@thouston53]

You can be the first to start that in your area.

[@nicolelaura5330]

@@thouston53 I pick up things off the floor, and now my son does it too….I just need to do more🤔

[@carolmelancon]

My mother told me years ago that when she was growing up, through the '40s and '50s, most everyone seemed to follow the habit of leaving a public restroom as clean (if not cleaner) than you found it. She said anyone would be embarrassed to have someone enter after them and see a mess. I think there is hardly any shame left in the US and we are poorer for it.

[@Agapy8888]

@@carolmelancon Used toilet paper to dry the sink before leaving. A habit formed when flying. Leave it clean

[@babeena_gt_3645]

I love when i find actual Japanese people explaining japanese culture. I grew tired of watching europeans and aficqns trying to explain it just because they visited for a month or 2 . Im supposed to be going to japan soon on vacation and im so happy i found this video. Thank you 🙏😔

[@krayaex]

As for credits at the end of movies: my friend who studied cinematography mentioned that during classes when they were watching something, she would always stick until the end out of respect for people involved during the making of the movie. That is why I do the same - some people get their 5 sec only then, during the credit roll.

[@practicalpen1990]

My Dad taught me to do the same. He's not a cinematographer, but very appreciative of the arts in general.

[@j.m.7056]

Yes, please part two! Will you please address gift giving?

[@ladysparkymartin]

Me too. I was a film student and I insisted on staying through the credits as a sign of respect. My parents will never forget that!

[@SamuraiMatcha]

That's might be the big reason why people watch it until the end:) Thank you for telling me!

[@catinabox3048]

I don't understand that. It's not like you're going to remember their name or anything so I don't see how it's more respectful.

[@LCD_scream_0217]

I'm American and already do, or would naturally be fine with doing all of these things. Others think I'm weird or too considerate, but it makes me happy to know there's a whole country that's so much like me. Now I really want to visit!!!

[@catlifechannel3886]

I hope you do get to visit. It’s a beautiful country and Japanese are lovely people.

[@LarryLMelton]

I lived in Japan for 2 ½ years, 1958-1961. I loved the country, the people, and the customs. Because of the Japanese people’s natural proclivity for politeness, I usually had no problem interacting with Japanese people. I knew and understood their customs and adopted their level of respect. I was even invited to participate in a Judo tournament at the Kodokan Judo Institute, which was considered an honor for a foreign-born person. Yet, for all of my presumed “fitting” in with Japanese culture, I was and still am a Gaijin. Due to my interpersonal skills, I was given a certain level of respect, but as a Gaijin, there was definitely a limit to my acceptance. Most Japanese people (not all) would never intentionally disrespect me, but my acceptance into Japanese culture was limited. There is a series on Max that illustrates this perfectly: “Tokyo Vice.” A Gaijin who speaks fluent Japanese and knows the proper customs and levels of respect is accepted as a reporter for the largest newspaper in the country. He is accomplished in all things Japanese, yet he is still a Gaijin and is referred to by certain high people as such. Larry from Texas

[@MetsterAnn]

There are KZbinrs who were born and raised in Japan, went to Japanese schools and say they have Japanese hearts, but who have American/European parents. Those people are considered Gaigen, despite knowing nothing but Japan. Japanese place much more emphasis on looks and race than most Americans. Even if they lived with all the rules and grew up in the culture and speak Japanese as a first language, blonde hair means you are a foreigner.

[@steveg2479]

Larry, why do you think this is much different anywhere? Exile is one of the world’s oldest punishments for a reason. For the most part people stay within their own social group, marry within that group,live in an area with similar people. Some people are accepting, others not so much.

[@LarryLMelton]

@@steveg2479 Steve, I've traveled and experienced many different cultures, and you are correct; many similar cultures tend to be Clannish. Take Jewish people, for example, or even Germans. I could tell you stories about some of my kinfolk. Maybe the Jews could give them a run for their money, but it would be close. 😃😃 The Japanese have taken this to a new level. @MetsterAnn apparently agrees with my point. I don't know if you ever spent much time in Japan, but this is not something you get from a short visit; it is gathered from months or years of experience. And please don't think I am attacking the Japanese people, as I love them, their culture, and their country. Larry from Texas

[@litebrite8993]

In fact there are bi-racial Japanese young adults that I have seen on youtube who have one Japanese parent and one foreign parent, they will have been born, lived and grown up in Japan, be Japanese in EVERY WAY and they are still not fully accepted by most Japanese. They are seen as Gaijin despite knowing nothing else but Japan and holding the dna. I don't think you are being racist or mean in pointing this out about Japanese culture, it's merely an observation and something I'd even call a fact. It's hard for people who have never been anywhere or experienced any other culture other than their own to even conceive of how totally different and unexpected some people and cultures can be. Sometimes it is downright shocking what you discover. So ignore people like good ole Steveg2479 who hasn't been anywhere except their own backyard. The rest of us get ya, and having had my own experiences in these asian countries I can confirm your observations. Personally, I think the fact that Japan being an island has a lot to do with how their personal and social psychology has been affected, living life with the same types of people and customs for thousands of years. Being an island there is just naturally less regular traffic to this place especially before mainstream boating and modern cruise lines. We have to consider that on a global scale we've only been 'interacting' with each other on a much more regular and consistent basis for only a couple hundred years, nvm the last 50 years that has virtually erased borders with internet and social media. This is a new way of life and living that is still quite young on our planet, compare that to thousands of years of a single way of life. It kinds of makes sense to me that it's going to take some time for those old and outdated beliefs/prejudices/survival instincts to phase out and change into something new regardless of what country or culture we are talking about. Anyways, great comment! It really got me thinking :)

[@LarryLMelton]

@@litebrite8993 I appreciate your understanding. Apparently, you have ventured beyond the limits of the city you live in. Due to the military, I spent much of my life living with other cultures in different parts of the world. I have a huge appreciation for the Japanese. Despite their collective faults, they hold a place in my heart. I should also point out that not all Japanese live in the past. As you so aptly pointed out, as the new generations come to life, ideas change. As far as being racist ... I have a Spanish wife, a nephew who is African American, a cousin who is Chinese, and I am a 1 /16 American Indian. Despite the fact that I am from the South, I do have friends who are Yankees. 🤣🤣🤣 Arigatou gozai mashi ta, Larry from Texas

[@michelleelle4622]

5:19 I had a wonderful Japanese friend that explained eye contact to me. As a female, she she said if she was to make direct eye contact with a male, she may be looked upon as “flirting”. She also said it was a sign of respect. She was married to a US Military man and that’s how I was fortunate enough to meet her. Extremely kind and considerate person. ❤

[@anyascelticcreations]

@@michelleelle4622 As an American woman I've wondered too if I come across as flirting because I tend to make eye content with people. I think I do as a way of giving a little moment of worthiness to those who might not be treated very well by others. I just mean it as a tiny act of kindness. But I think it is sometimes seen as an invitation instead. I kind of wish we were taught that kind of thing here.

[@DizzyBusy]

​@@anyascelticcreationsAs an Indonesian woman, I always make eye contact with people, because it's polite to acknowledge them. If men think it means you're flirting with them, that's their problem and you shouldn't worry about brushing them off.

[@anyascelticcreations]

@@DizzyBusy Yeah I suppose. I've been told many times over the years that I'm putting myself in danger by continuing to make eye contact with strangers. I just can't bring myself to not. Without having cultural rules about it not making eye contact or smiling just feels so unkind to me. I guess the cultural norm in the area really makes a difference. While the cultural norm in much of the US is to make eye contact with anyone, I think that in many neighborhoods in the US I've lived the cultural norm is to not.

[@sameaston9587]

When I went to Paris, I was advised not to smile, because French boys consider smiling as flirting.

[@jimistarbuck5059]

Very good. Thank you. I’m an old man now but I’ve always appreciated the respect Japanese people showed to others especially towards the elderly people.

[@LaundryFaerie]

I love the concepts of Yotoku and Intoku. Setting aside the belief about gaining brownie points in an unseen world, these acts tend to improve public life, so they are worth performing for no other reason.

[@pigcatapult]

I’m American, but my dad taught me it’s not a real good deed if you seek social credit for it. He’s Christian, tho

[@DrewGlenzer]

@@pigcatapult But if you're doing it for "good karma" or to get into heaven or whatever its still reward seeking.

[@pigcatapult]

@@DrewGlenzer You’re correct.

[@samwaldorf8777]

@@pigcatapult yeah, it's a part of christian values, only adopted by the japanese a couple hundred years ago. im not complaining; we should all adopt good traditions.

[@kamisimpson8555]

Random Acts of Kindness

[@jennil7797]

So many of these customs were common in Britain in my 1950s childhood, but they have died away. The waiting until the credits ended in cinemas was because the national anthem was played at the end of any performance, even school plays and everyone stood at the first chord, stood until it end without moving, then quietly filed out without touching anyone except holding a child's hand and certainly no punching up or pushing.

[@thebearcouncil8810]

We have a similar custom in Sweden where no one wants to eat the last piece of cake if there is an uneven number. Everyone will just let the last piece sit until someone runs out of self control and starts asking everyone at the table if they want the last piece while secretly wanting it. Everyone politely declines even though everyone secretly wants it as well, so in the end, after everyone is done preteng they don't want it, the asker usually offers to split it, that one everyone gets a piece. I think this might be even nore hars core because it is considered bold to ask if you can have the last piece since it would force everyone else to pretend they had not been eyeing it for the past 15 minutes.

[@BenRussoUSA]

I just say, "Imma eat that last slice!" and wait for someone to challenge me. 🙂

[@samwaldorf8777]

i always leave leftovers for my family(american- mix of european heritage), especially when they express real enjoyment for the food. usually no one ends up eating them and i feed it to our dogs lol. if our society was more considerate as a whole im sure there would be more excess/surplus and less shortage/deficit

[@mch-aka007]

It's always a refreshing cultural learning experience here!! I love this!

[@brwLWScctv]

The clapping to end a party is the biggest surprise. I like that one. I visited Tokyo over 20 years ago and witnessed the very low bowing by employees when I was entering or leaving a large store. What a shock.

[@ModMINI]

The low bowing is a universal requirement for store employees. I would be surprised if I spent money somewhere and didn't get a 'keirei' bow. As a customer, it makes everything so nice. As the store person, it ensures a minimum standard level of interaction. A store person would never argue back with a customer like happens in the US.

[@masha1179]

I love this kind of considerate culture like Japanese that often aims at considering other people and nature as well. These secret rules and customs also seem quite gentle, not agressively forbiding this'n'that. I think we in the West have a lot to learn from your beautiful and even humble culture. In FIN I used to pick up trash around my "block" secretly because I was a little ashaimed to do so even though it benefits everyone and everything and it was so lovely to hear once or twise some bypassers actually giving me thumbs up or thanking me. I should continue that and many other habits like that again. So I'm looking forward to the episode 2! Thanks Aki for making these truly inspiring videos. I always look forward to a next one. Now, after my breakfast I'm off to clean my toilet as I started doing this in the mornings out of curiosity and it feels great. Cleaning your own place organizes your mind as well and makes you more productive and adds your will power. This month I've been able to start many new things finally, partially thanks to this toilet cleaning.

[@optimusmaximus9646]

The best definition I have come across for the word "integrity" is "doing the right thing even when no one is looking".

[@Koguma52]

I love these customs! Please make a Part 2… and 3, and 4… !

[@jldisme]

30 years before end credit scenes became a thing, my friends and I always watched the credits until the end. It's just a way of showing respect for all of the people who work so hard on the movie. I'm American.

[@jovetj]

But the people listed in the credits will never know it.

[@sevenofnineeve8369]

In Poland on the other hand: "kto je ostatki ten piekny and gladki"...meaning: eating left over last pieces adds beauty and youth...lol

[@ania7930]

Yes, but many people still refrain from eating the last piece of a dish meant for everyone and might even ask before taking it. Depends on the crowd, type of situation and many other factors. :)

[@stephy369]

​@@ania7930I always ask if the food is just sitting there "anyone want the last piece?"

[@little-rascal]

For most Asian Chinese, finishing the food is good manners.

[@hollingsworth_hound]

When my mom and I moved from Honduras back to the States when I was nine, one of the first things we noticed was how relatively quiet it was because there was far less beeping and honking. In Honduras in the 70s, there was the constant background noise of car horns. There was even an informal language involving shorter or longer beeps, patterns, etc.

[@la-arniarreza4906]

I am a Filipino and I am from the Philippines. We have also a custom of the mystery of the last bite on the plate and we have the same explanation to that. It's just so nice to know that we have similar customs😍

[@mattersofthehartbynat8815]

I’ll never travel to Japan as I am disabled and don’t travel anymore… but I found this video very entertaining. Thank you for sharing your culture with others! Much love from Nat. (Brisbane, Australia) ♥️♥️🇦🇺

[@Bellbebell]

The amount of ideal head on a beer can depend on the specific kind of beer or brewery. If anyone sees a widely different ratio, it can just be specific to that kind of beer abroad! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@eccomi21]

in Germany we also have something called the "Anstandsrest" translating roughly to “manners bit” or “manners piece” in English. It refers to the last piece of food left at a meal or party, which is typically left untouched as a sign of good manners and respect for others.

[@mariabarco7226]

Same in Spain

[@jojojo8835]

The clapping thing is really interesting , I’d love to hear more about the meanings of different claps and the origins of the tradition- thankyou!

[@pamelaf.2776]

Regarding the lack of eye contact, I found that as a tourist I experienced a lot of hard staring and direct prolonged eye contact from the Japanese. Especially in the trains and public transportation. I felt very uncomfortable and wasn’t sure if I wasn’t welcome or if they were just curious.

[@social_com]

ほとんどの場合はあなたに興味が無く、その後ろを見ています。 あるいは騒がしい一団(あなたを含む)を遠くから見ていたのかと思う。 日本の電車はとても静かで変わり映えしないので、何処か見るとしたら自然とそうなってしまうのかも

[@tb6303]

I did a google translate (so take it with a grain of salt) for the Japanese reply. Here is the translation, if anyone is interested: Most of the time they are not interested in you and are looking over your shoulder. Or maybe he was watching the noisy group (including you) from afar. Japanese trains are very quiet and don't seem to change much, so if you look somewhere else, it might just come naturally.

[@pamelaf.2776]

@@tb6303 Thank you, my tablet has a built in translator. As a 70 yo petite woman from India, I think I can say that I was not part of the noisy crowd. I travel all over the world and am always respectful of other cultures.

[@gabrielleeliseo6062]

@@pamelaf.2776 You aren't the first person to make this observation. It seems to happen frequently. Maybe it's a change of generational etiquette. I don't know.

[@NomadicIslanders]

⁠@@social_comno… and stop invalidating people’s experiences. And stop assuming that all tourists are noisy.

[@iqno3185]

Hi Aki, this was awesome, definitely learned a few I didn’t know before! I have a video idea/request I wanted to share with you. I’m currently looking at moving to Japan, even if it’s for a short term, 6 months to start with. I realise that I have so many essential items I need.. I don’t know what to bring and what to buy when I’m in Japan. The video idea could be “Essentials for starting a minimal life in Japan” or “The essentials to a foreign start in Japan”. I have thought about it a little bit. As a foreigner, I’ve always used a bed, but I definitely don’t want to be buying a bed in Japan, especially if it’s for a short term and if I’m trying to start a minimal lifestyle. So a futon or Gokumin mattress (as I’ve seen in your other videos) would make much more sense! Also, in Japan in tends to rain more than in western countries, so an umbrella would be another consideration for a foreigner to have as an essential item if moving to Japan, and so on! I’m sure this would help myself and many other viewers consider what they will need (and not to pack so many things in the suitcase!) to start a minimal lifestyle and also experiencing a life in Japan. For many viewers, it may be their first time travelling or living in another country as well! Hope to see your perspective and ideas! Thank you kindly for another great video, your viewer, Alen :)

[@SamuraiMatcha]

Thank you for telling me that! That's actually a great topics!

[@agoogleuser4356]

@@iqno3185 I would plan on buying those things in Japan.

[@scottharris6411]

Thank you for a very informative video! Certainly there are a few more rules that need a 2nd video to educate us that haven’t yet visited Japan? I would look forward to seeing it !

[@nickelus9225]

Leaving positive feedback in the hopes of getting more secret Japanese customs!!

[@SIC647]

It was very interesting and I learned a lot. The rule about secret and public karma reminds me a lot about how Christianity says, that you shouldn't pray on the streets or do good deeds for others to see you. Instead you should pray in private, letting it be between you and God. Fascinating how it is the same philosophy. I believe it is because humility is a universal virtue.

[@SanchoPanza-m8m]

Well spoken. I've heard this is the true intention behind the Commandment: "Thou Shalt Not Use the LORD's Name in Vain".

[@cdes1776]

Benevolence

[@SIC647]

@@SanchoPanza-m8m That actually makes a lot more sense than "Don't use swearwords."

[@vacafuega]

Partly it's because Christianity drew a lot of inspiration from Zoroastrianism, which puts a lot of emphasis on good deeds

[@dpvg]

4:00 In Germany, especially in the southern regions, we also appreciate a 7:3 beer-to-foam ratio for the perfect pour. However, I’ve noticed that beer in Japan is served at a much cooler temperature, which I find particularly refreshing, especially during the summer. Additionally, some of the customs mentioned in the video, like leaving the last bite or slice, resonate with Western European traditions as well. As a big fan of Japanese culture, I’ve already incorporated many Japanese customs into my daily life, and it’s great to see that some of my friends have embraced them too. Fantastic video!

[@saddhansri6887]

Thank you for this presentation. I liked the bowing most. Very respectful & hubling.

[@paulbrooks4395]

I had a great time in Japan. I found that simple good humor (positivity), being apologetic even when it wasn't necessary, are the foundations of human interaction. I didn't have the opportunity to use most these (suggestions from the video) as I only had a short work holiday. But I will be going back and look forward to it.

[@FuesunHa]

I want to live in Japan, the people are so kind and respectful.

[@katblehm2119]

I visited in autumn of 2016. My 25 yo daughter accompanied me. We both prayed we couldn’t return to the USA after our presidential election that year! 🙏🏼 We both loved and appreciated the respectability of the Japanese. 🥰

[@FuesunHa]

@@katblehm2119 yes, i think iwould pray like you. Everything is so perfect. Why can't we have that in our countries too?

[@christyannie83]

I’ve heard there is a saying, “Japanese are not kind, they are polite.” I’ve heard that they are notorious for not including foreigners, as a foreigner you would always be an outsider no matter how long you live there. Even people of other ethnicities who are born there are treated as foreigners. They may not rent to you, or hire you for a job either.

[@FuesunHa]

@@christyannie83 as a foreigner it is everywhere difficult to be accepted but to be polite is really important.

[@LHLK-q2v]

@@christyannie83 oh like the US then

[@irishka_zolotse]

I love you guys, keep up a great job, you enlighten, motivate, and entertain all at the same time!

[@FistsFullofBenadrylEsq]

I'd love to see a Part 2!

[@nonexistingvoid]

In the Netherlands, the perfect beer is said to have "2 fingers" of foam. The layer of foam actually helps with the flavour, so the Japanese aren't wrong in making sure there's a good amount of foam on their beer. The only difference seems to be the measurement. 3-7 vs 2 fingers.

[@charlievan4877]

2 fingers on those tiny glasses is probably 3:7... Never understood those glasses... 2 sips and youre done

[@crazylittleangel]

It's amazing how things differ between countries. In the UK (where we are unfortunately known for our love of alcohol....), the expectation is for minimal foam - it is perceived that too much foam means the bartender is trying to give you less beer in the glass (and so save himself some money) 😂 I am not a connoisseur myself though, so I cannot attest to whether more or less foam is better for taste 😊

[@maeve_a]

I was taught (by a brewery) that it was important to make the beer foam to ease up the carbonation. Too much carbonation makes the beer feel too filling. (And gassy) But 2 fingers is enough, but without making the customer feel "ripped off". 😂 But really, with any glass that's wider on top, two fingers is probably 30% of the volume of actual liquid even though it's not 30% of the vertical glass. So probably both explanations are the right amount of head. You get no favors if the bartender doesn't provide sufficient head. .. .and on that dangerous note, I think I'm outta here. 😏

[@TheCloggydoggy]

@@crazylittleangel It depends on how you like your beer to taste and also how the brewer intends it to taste. More foam = 'sweeter' beer; less foam = more bitter beer. Some of THE best beers are Dutch and also Belgian. Outside of the Netherlands/Belgium, you'd probably have to go to a specialty beer shop not a bar or supermarket. Most have a LOT of foam even when poured from a bottle at home, especially some Belgian ones. One way to tell if it is supposed to have a huge amount of foam is to look at the shape of the glass it is supposed to be served in. Glasses that are (bottom to top) almost spherical then curve inwards and spread out again to a cone - I suppose one might call the glass tulip-shaped? - are intended to create a large foam layer above the 'spherical' part that holds most of the beer. 🙂

[@hinas_for_life]

日本に３８年間住んでいる外国人ですが陰徳陽徳や乾杯時のグラスの高さの事は初めて知りました。As a foreigner who has lived in Japan for 38 years I have never heard of Intoku/Youtoku and the lowering of glass height when drinking, a great video, thank you!!!

[@SamuraiMatcha]

陰徳陽徳は多くの日本人でも知らないですね：）お役に立てて嬉しいです！

[@annetakubiak3374]

Imagine how many times you committed fau pa 😂😅🤣

[@hinas_for_life]

@gjdmw 本人のプロフィールでは「日本からです」とありますのできっと日本人で海外に生活した経験ある者です。多分彼が言っているお話内容はきっと日本について色々紹介/書かれている何かしらのメディアを見てるでしょう。日本の伝統や習慣は外国人から見てものすごく興味深いので海外のメディアや出版物には詳しく紹介されている場合があります。

[@purpleicicles]

This was actually very different and useful! I was kind of expecting the usual rules I've seen in many videos, plus one or two new ones, but these were all very interesting and new to me - thank you! I'm definitely voting to have a part 2 please!

[@DJBlazy]

Like always, this video was so inspiring and interesting! Thank you! Clapping with you was really fun! I'll definitely use this just to see if anyone recognizes it. 👏👏👏 👏👏👏 👏👏👏 👏

[@wllm4785]

I was watching videos of Japanese festivals where they carry a shrine through a city to different neighborhoods and have a little ceremony run by a local person. At the end of the ceremony, the person would clap like No. 7. This explains a lot!! Thanks!

[@papaya2mata]

Informative fun! You bring such joy and inspiration to KZbin.

[@MariaMuller-zn6ie]

So true. I often watch Aki's videos to lift my mood and it works every time. :)

[@ruthm4749]

Thank you for shar8ng a little bit, of little things, that help us learn of your culture.

[@nancysmith3400]

🧡Love it, fascinating information. I love the gesture of bowing in respect . Would like to see more, thanks🤗 Your pronunciation keeps getting better and better!!!

[@SamuraiMatcha]

Haha! You know my progress of my English skills:)

[@mikelobrien]

Yes, please for a part two! Very interesting learning your customs! 🙂

[@raetalaward9128]

Lovely informative video. The secret cleaning of toilets surprised me the most. It's incredibly kind. 😅

[@FrankieJazzFox]

A few similarities with Ireland for the public/private good deeds - particularly for dedicated Catholics!! The beer must have a 'good head on it', around 25% is ideal, no more. Illegal aggressive honking we have too- we are reasonably patient drivers. I stay til the end of movie credits because I'm genuinely interested and want to respect all who took part in the process. Most people don't do this. Thanks for a fun video. I LOVE the claps and will use them in my classroom!! We also won't eat the last biscuit, slice if cake, sandwich etc. (If it's between siblings - that's another story!!)

[@rollsaroundindirt]

aint no one in Ireland cleaning oublic toilets unless they're paid tho. Most catholics also don't really care aboit practicing good deeds

[@agoogleuser4356]

@@FrankieJazzFox basically American beers will not make that kind of head. So you have to stir really hard or add salt - and then the head disappears immediately. I have no idea why or how that happens.

[@garcybarcy9337]

The clap was unknown for me, what a great way to wrap it up. The part of not taking the last piece is the same for me and my friends. There is always a little piece left on the the table!☺️Arigato Thank you🙏

[@Dogsnark]

Americans also don’t use their horns often, and usually only give a short ‘beep’ when necessary. I have heard people from other countries remark on this, that they are surprised how seldom they hear car horns compared to their country. The noisiest city I’ve ever experienced is Cairo, where honking is, apparently, considered a necessary part of driving.

[@derhard706]

Yes, I have an Egyptian friend who told me they communicate by honking all the time. When he came to Germany and kept this habit he was stopped by the police immediately and was told this is not the way we drive in Germany, haha.

[@Parcha64]

Yeah, horns seem to be pretty rude in Europe and North America, which is why you'll occasionally hear someone lay on their horn for several seconds for an added insult. They're always met with disapproval and usually stand out on a busy street. That's a surefire way to get locked in your lane by the other drivers. No favors for people who are essentially cussing in public.

[@stephy369]

In the U.S. it depends on how angry the people are in that city. New York has a ton of honking. If people are angry anywhere, they sometimes blare the horn for a long period. In my small town there isn't any honking unless someone is doing something really stupid or dangerous while driving.

[@carolegoldstein4482]

I live in New York City, and especially in Manhattan, there are a whole lot of honking horns. Courtesy and patience are in short order here.

[@valeriaswanne]

It's regional. Honk in the northeast? No problem. Honk in the south? Oooooo that's a problem

[@Maria-h7c8h]

Please do make more on this topic; interesting and you make it fun (and sometimes funny) to learn about these customs. From Chicago, IL, USA

[@JMcYrk]

Very interesting- loved it! Please make part 2 ( and 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)!! 🙂❤ By the way, I have been thanking my water for bringing miracles into my life since you included it in one of your recent videos. It works! Several wonderful things have happened to me unexpectedly! And I breathe in early morning air as good chi. I'd love more videos about those kinds of things! Thank you! 🙂

[@SamuraiMatcha]

Sounds great! I'm really glad to hear that!

[@winamortenson9125]

So interesting! Some of your culture is also true here in the U. S., in the upper midwest. I have lived in Minnesota and Wisconsin. There is very little honking here, and the short beep is common as a friendly reminder (it is not a law, though). We also don't take the last piece of food without asking first! We are also encouraged to do good things when nobody is looking, but that might be true everywhere. 🧡

[@PirateMF]

That's just your Norwegian heritage making you better than all the other Americans.

[@winamortenson9125]

@@PirateMF 😄Swedish, actually! And the other Scandinavian and German Americans around here also act that way.

[@PirateMF]

@@winamortenson9125 Oh. I'm sorry about that...

[@winamortenson9125]

@@PirateMFNo need to be sorry, I was just adding on more to the Norwegian culture. No offense taken!

[@PirateMF]

@@winamortenson9125 I meant sorry about being Swedish. 😉

[@cdes1776]

Goodness, you are a likable person! Your customs speak to me about aesthetics and about politeness. The loudness and rudeness of life can be overwhelming. How beautiful would it be to go about your day in public with quiet and manners? I do like to tidy in public, straighten books and pay it forward. Thank you for this! ---a polite Canadian

[@sannam5248]

I was really surprised to learn about this study between Japanese and Finnish people’s attitudes towards eye contact - I always thought we Finns were famous for awkwardly avoiding looking at people in the eyes! 😂 Absolutely loving this video, would be wonderful to see a part 2. Greetings from a long time fan from Finland!

[@SamuraiMatcha]

Another Finns person said the same thing! Very interesting! I think compare to other countries, we both try to avoid eye contacts? haha

[@stephy369]

Interesting! If someone doesn't make eye contact with me, it makes me feel like they are uninterested, they hate me, or I am annoying them. Sometimes it makes me sad and other times (like with family and close friends) it makes me angry. I will even touch their hand or shoulder if I think they are not listening.

[@devadii24]

My mom is from Finland 🇫🇮 (Helsinki) and she always made us look her in the eyes if she was talking to us… maybe this is new generation 😂

[@Xubuntu47]

I'm American, but eye contact has always been very uncomfortable for me, although apparently it's considered essential by many people. I have trouble understanding why anyone would want to do something so unpleasant, but I guess they don't experience it the same way I do. [Addendum] It seems that in Japan or Finland I might seem less unusual.

[@masha1179]

As another Finn I was laughing at this study as well 😅

[@wide.eyed.wanderer19]

Love your videos. Engaging and showing information I haven’t seen elsewhere.

[@lisalisa3515]

Love your vid Aki San. Very interesting and with a touch of humor too. Can't wait for part 2.

[@Jacques.dAnjou]

Brilliant. In The Netherlands it’s considered rude if you don’t make eye contact- the exact opposite 😂 great video en very interesting, thanks 🙏 😊

[@vancastle3575]

Learned new things about the Japanese culture. Keep it coming

[@JaronOdele]

Yotoku/Intoku... Yet another reason to adore Japanese culture. I've tried to live by this concept for my entire adult life because 1) It's nice to do good 2) I came across a claim that I immediately felt a connection to, "What you do when (you think) nobody is watching is the true tell of your character.". I mostly take it as, "Doing good even when there's no one there to appreciate you for it is the true mark of a good person.".

[@joannmicik1924]

Thank you so much. Your English is very very good.

[@desertlifestylegroup]

This was delightful and reminded me how much I enjoyed visiting Japan years ago. Deep bows to you.

[@CoralJustice]

I love learning about your culture and customs! Thank you for making these videos, I really enjoy them 😊

[@conquer791]

THANK YOU FOR THIS CLIP. I WAS IN JAPAN IN 1960s A FEW OCCASIONS & WISH TO VISIT AGAIN WHEN I HAVE A CHANCE. JAPANESE CULTURE IS INTERESTING & WE RESPECT YOU JUST THE WAYS YOU ARE....LOVE YOU ALL.

[@rebecagomez6645]

I really loved this video! Arigato gozai masu!

[@kellidinit3725]

My brother lived in your beautiful country for a couple of years and he learned a lot about your culture. He dearly loved your beautiful country and the people. It is one of two countries my mother wanted to visit. She never made it, but she thought Japan was so beautiful. My brother took many pictures, to her pleasure.

[@LoretoEsTorres]

12:18 Yes! Looking forward to Part 2! 👍🏻

[@tamibell4325]

This was a wonderful video! Thank you so much for sharing these beautiful customs! I love learning about other cultures. The USA could use a few of these kind customs. Thank you again and God bless you. ❤🙏

[@elkevera]

Thank you Aki, learned some new traditions like the clapping. But there is 2 things I would like to mention: Our beer in Germany is poured with the foam hat, especially Pilsner that takes 10 minutes to pour. If they served you a flat glass of beer while you visited they didn't know what they were doing 😉And the second : A person that cannot look you in the eyes while in a conversation is considered dishonest and should not be trusted. - But of course I'ld follow the rules while in your country. Loved the video ☮

[@tinayeo1962]

I actually wrote an essay in college regarding what different outcomes would be during (especially) police interrogations for Asian people who generally do not make direct eye contact and may be viewed as suspicious, and Westerners who make eye contact when not being suspicious.

[@pauladuncanadams1750]

Guinness also has a special technique, head ratio, and a long, slow pour.

[@elenahofmann-smith5723]

Many Native American tribes teach their youth that direct eye contact is disrespectful.

[@anyascelticcreations]

I really enjoyed this video partly because of your beautiful accent. I would enjoy a part two.

[@lindsay6542]

You are a life changer!!🙏🤗 Recently found your channel while searching for fun ways to be more self disciplined and orderly in everyday family life. You've got all of my kids fighting over who gets to clean the toilet each day, organize the shoes, minding their manners more, they have even started saying Itadakimasu before meals🤩😂 I cannot thank you enough for these videos, they are so helpful and have made a positive change in our day to day life. You're the best!

[@cdes1776]

As a former preschool teacher, I love this idea!!

[@carolatchley3797]

This was very nice. Please make part 2!

[@kathylyons4029]

Love to see part 2. 😊🙋🏼‍♀️

[@kementurh]

The mystery of the last bite surprised me. I knew Japanese people are patient and considerate at the dining table but I didn't expect there to be a term for the last bite and a specific custom surrounding it. Good video. Thank you!

[@purinpat]

I think “Yotoku” and “Intoku” brings you luck because it teaches you a good habit and make you a kind and considerate person. Who doesn’t want to be friends and work with kind and considerate people 😊

[@user-vm5ud4xw6n]

Cleaning a toilet does not make you kind and considerate. The life skills , the manners you were taught as a child are what makes you kind and considerate. Someone I know had a child after 20 years with no baby. Finally she gets pregnant and has a little girl. My sister and grandpa are baby sitting 3X a week and she is a sweet , well mannered baby as their influence begins to rub off on her. Except now they can’t take care of her because his Parkinson’s doesn’t allow for it. Now she walks around helping herself to food from OP’s plate. They are loathe to discipline her because they waited so long for a baby. Except now they are developing a rude little brat who cruises the room stealing food.

[@marias576]

Ever since we watched this video we've been politely asking each other if they would like to take the "Lump of Hesitation" (usually a bit of fruit) that finishes off our meals. It's given us smiles each time, and even a laugh or two. Thanks for the fun new household custom!

[@PJ4Code]

I'm so happy to finally learn you don't look at the eyes directly. My tribe practices this and I'm frustrated on explaining that it's not a sign of insecurity nor lack of confidence. It's just discipline to us. At least I can finally say "the Japanese do it."

[@zerotodona1495]

…you get called handicapped in the US when you do that… I don’t like staring in peoples eyes cause I’m nervous but have to or get treated like I’m mental.

[@PJ4Code]

I use my ears to listen to speech, not my eyes. I look at something static or non-distracting so that my ears can give full attention. Why is that a bad thing? Uff. It's frustrating having to explain all the time.

[@kanenomoja]

Excellent video!! Great job! I wish more of the world would adopt many of these customs. What a better world this would be.

[@higgertor192]

I always watched all the film credits because all those people helped create it; it seems only fair to acknowledge them.

[@bykaikaa]

Same! My old art teacher actually taught us this in 7th or 8th grade and since then the habbit has stayed. Also, there might sometimes be surprise scene at the end. :D

[@Vivaldilover]

The only acknowledgement they want is a purchased ticket. They could give a rat's patooty that you sat there the entire time. Who are you really?

[@c7dermatome]

Superb presentation, only watching as I want to learn more about Japan because I'm obsessed with their amazing engineering (especially automotive). How has such a (relatively) small country consistently produced the BEST engineering of all time, again and again. Thankyou, very fine video

[@chmueller59]

The last bite: in my community it means that people want to show they are not poor (and starving). They used to say, "oh, the people in the neighbour village are posh, they always leave some food on their plate. "

[@Supershark83]

A fascinating insight you have presented. I enjoyed it all very much

[@Cassandra-..-]

What’s the story on laundry? We hosted short-term exchange students from Japan, and the biggest problem was the expectation that I would do their laundry every night, ready for the next morning. No separation of colors/fabric type, just handed a mesh bag of the day’s clothes around 9 pm and expected to have it cleaned and dried by the next morning. Very difficult with our long washer and dryer cycle times and as a working mother. It was exhausting and unexpected.

[@elisaastorino2881]

They should have studied your culture better. That's just rude from most western standpoints.

[@rkb5472]

Huh. I would have taught him to do laundry.

[@Rouverius]

As for watching all the movie credits, I can see how it is a sign of respect for others and for the creators of the film. Also, I see it as a moment to savor and soak in the enjoyment of the moment before jumping back into real life.

[@slc1161]

Yotoku and Intoku are spoken about in the Bible. Those who do their good deeds in public have already received their reward. Those who do their good deeds in private are seen by their Father in heaven, who sees all and will reward such deeds in public.

[@mscharlienaomi]

That's exactly what I was thinking when he said that 😁

[@jitkavalkova7951]

I’d love to see jesus cleaning toilets, finally he would be good for something

[@FigaroHey]

No, actually. Your reward will be great in heaven. You are not bringing good Karma or any reward in this life. Otherwise you're just being covertly self-interested by doing good things "secretly." Furthermore, when it's actually GOD, a personal GOD and not just some vague, impersonal "invisible world" that is rewarding you, doing good in secret would be a superstitious manipulation of God: if I do this and God sees me, he has to give me money or opportunities. That leads to testing God (forbidden in the Bible) which is basically having the attitude, "If God is God and he loves me, he'll reward me by doing what I want." If then God doesn't do what you want, you stop believing in him and can even curse him. The New Testament absolutely does *not* teach that of you do good deeds in secret God will give you money or opportunities. That is a Puritan perversion of the Gospel based on extreme ignorance of the theology of the Old Testament. It leads to the truly toxic kind of Christianity that says if someone is wealthy or has a lot of success in this world, it's because he did good things and God loves him, and the poor are those who didn't work hard enough to earn God's love or worse, the poor are morally bad, lazy, unwilling to try and thus do not deserve any kind of compassion, help or relief from the "morally better" more fortunate people. Christians love their neighbor as themselves because God is love, and love means being willing to sacrifice yourself for the good of another, whether he deserves it (in your view) or not. There is no profit motive. It's about conforming oneself by self-sacrifice into the image of the God we were created in. Since the Fall, we no longer naturally live as the image and likeness of a loving God. We have to work and sacrifice habitually to become more like the God of self-sacrificial love. The Ten Commandments tell us what Love does: Love does not steal, commit adultery, ignore the Beloved on his day (the Sabbath), etc. Jesus taught by word and example self-sacrificial love (If you love me, you will obey my commands; not "if you want good stuff in this world, you will do good deeds in private"). The idea that the God of the Bible is a pagan idol to be manipulated by our self-serving "good deeds" is blasphemous and betrays a deep lack of understanding of the Bible.

[@Nic-kx5dn]

We always stay to the very end,respecting writers ,actors sound,lighting etc ,and very interesting too.Dont forget a great number of people involved etc.Respect❤.

[@bkailua1224]

Studies have shown that if everyone stands on the escalator more people get up or down in a shorter time. It is overall slower if people stand on one side and walk on the other.

[@LHLK-q2v]

that doesn't even make sense

[@SanchoPanza-m8m]

It would require only one single person on that escalator taking just one single step up to invalidate your claim. You made that up.

[@mlynlim5337]

Rubbish

[@nanwuamitofo]

True. Think.

[@falling4mE]

Thank you for sharing with us. Very interesting. In the US we are so used to making eye contact. It helps to know customs to make others feel more comfortable.

[@nikserof2183]

3:04 any toilet cleaning, public or not, should involve gloves.

[@sandraclement8457]

What a beautiful culture! I never cease to be amazed by the Japanese culture. Thank you for sharing 😊❤

[@primesspct2]

My mom always taught me to wipe up the potty and wash my hands, then wipe down the sink after. "leave it better than you found it" "as you give, you will receive." So I think thats amazing!

[@SanchoPanza-m8m]

Not wrong advice, but the fact that you still use the use the word 'potty' as a presumed adult makes me think you were mothered far too severely.

[@cleliaparnell8743]

Yep!

[@Leezl41]

Thank you for this sweet video. What beautiful customs Japan has. I would clap 10 times to visit!

[@annawitter5161]

As a Christian intoku is highly rated in the Bible. Jesus says the man who does good deeds in secret will be greatly rewarded

[@lorisullivan327]

I was thinking that!!

[@LifeOfBobert]

That's interesting, can you tell us specifically where?

[@lorisullivan327]

@@LifeOfBobert Matthew 6: 1-4 I used the NIV version which stands for new international version Giving to the Needy 1“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

[@annawitter5161]

@@LifeOfBobert yes . Matthew 6: 2, 3, 4. Luke 6: 38. There are others but these are the most well known

[@annamossity8879]

I found this truly fascinating, thank you. Always good to have a little extra knowledge when traveling, or sitting home and just learning.

[@windwardsidehawaii]

I LOVE this show, thank you for showing us excellent rules in japan, here where i live in hawaii, we have alot of japanese tourists, im hawaii local born hapa japanese woman, my mom who was half american and japanese was raised from her japan mother back in the 1920s im from the 60s era and , my mom taught me lots of japanese customs, i hope you can post more so in case i accidentally bump into a tourist from japan, i know what to do...aloha and mahalo!!!

[@lionking3957]

You forgot to tell that watching movie here in Japan should not show emotion or should be quiet. No laughing aloud during comedy scenes, no screaming on horror movies, no crying during drama scenes. Just be quiet.