6 Things that Shock the Japanese Visiting Abroad

[@JapaneseAmmowithMisa]

I really should have specified countries...すみません！ I had to pay for public toilets in London (the UK), some touristy places in Italy, most places in the Netherlands (except when you eat at restaurants), some places in Czech Republic, and a few more... As for eating before paying...as I mentioned in the video, it's not super common, but I've seen people do it in the UK and Canada. In Japan, people will react really badly to it but when I was in the UK, people didn't seem to care too much about it. (Like you don't get arrested or charged fines etc. More laid-back.) So that's that! I'm definitely not saying you'd see it all the time. But I've seen it happen a few times and that's more than what I've experienced in Japan.

[@myrenmusiclessons4885]

Europe was starting to sound pretty terrible after the pay2use toilets xD. I believe p2use toilets/bathrooms were attempted in America decades ago, but that didn't last long (land of the free...toilets). When I was growing up (in the U.S.), my mom actually once let me eat/drink something in the store before paying, which felt so weird to me. So ya, that does occasionally happen, but I'm not comfortable with it. I'm honestly surprised you mentioned dishwashers instead of garbage disposals lol. Having moved to Japan over a year ago, I still can't understand why even fancy Japanese houses will have a dishwasher but no garbage disposal. It's important...I don't want to touch that nasty, rotting food with my hands! Really enjoyed this video, Misa, it's a nice refresher from the normal Japanese lessons.

[@CamembertDave]

Yeah, eating before paying in a shop in the UK is something most people would consider pretty weird, but not unacceptable.

[@sks5302]

You are a nice person

[@happygo1866]

You are quite the globetrotter! Eating before paying is "grazing."

[@alexrogers062]

Great video! I'm from New Zealand and regarding eating before paying, especially during hot seasons parents will open the ice cream or other treat for their children before they pay.

[@acommenter]

I was born in the UK and lived here all my life and I have never seen someone eat something in a supermarket before purchasing it I would say that would shock me too

[@B3RyL]

Really? Where do you do your weekly shopping then? Marks & Spencer? Waitrose? I've seen people open drinks, snacks and even pasties in Tesco quite a few times. Now that I've moved back to Poland I still see people do it occasionally, but not as often as in the UK. EDIT: Now that I think about it, didn't they introduce Tesco Cafes inside their supermarkets purely because people opening snacks and drinks before paying was becoming a problem?

[@drziggyabdelmalak1439]

Really??? Have you only shopped in Harrods then?

[@deussivenatura5805]

@@B3RyL I usually shop at Lidl, Tesco, Asda and sometimes Sainsbury's and i have never seen anyone eat before purchasing, atleast I've never seen it in London.

[@boomerix]

Most of the times I saw people do it is to give their toddlers a drink or some cookies to keep them occupied. The parents always keep the packaging and pay for it so it never has been a problem. I even remember as a 3-4 year old kid getting free sausage slices from the friendly butcher lady while going shopping.

[@HippasosofMetapontum]

You never? Well there are some cultures they do that oftener and film themsleves and put it back in UK, in Germany and France specially

[@wzdew]

I worked retail for a while in the US. Eating before you pay is known as "grazing" and is pretty frowned upon in most retail businesses. Some might involve police and consider it theft, though I think most will only get after you if they see you doing it and then insist you pay right away. Definitely not common here, but I've seen people do it once in a blue moon.

[@davidlally592]

Tho it is legally in order inUK to eat this - provided you then put the empty packet on the check out (as I have done when thirsty, and drank a soft drink in the store but then put the empty carton amongst the other items bought).

[@jankafka7330]

Years ago we watched overnight shoppers eat a bunch of bananas as they shopped, leaving the peels on shelves throughout the store. As the couple were the only shoppers at the time, the cashier was able to weight a large bunch of bananas before the grazers made it to the register. In the end, they probably paid for more bananas than they had consumed.

[@mrrandomdude4291]

Watching your beginners playlist is incredible! It feels weird, but because your playlist is a combination of videos recorded over a long time span, you always look so different, and are always in a different place lol. Yet it feels appropriate, with each new video, you change but I feel like it’s also a sign of how I’m changing and improving as well! Not really sure where I was going with this, other than to say you’re the MVP, Misa!

[@khalilahd.]

Agreed!

[@khalilahd.]

Your videos are so helpful! I’ve been using them to learn Japanese and I think I’ve improved greatly because of it so thank you ❤

[@harrihaffi2713]

Agree

[@Mars0War]

I might be wrong, but I think the UK method of filling the sink with water to wash dishes was something that was encouraged during WWII to save water and it's stuck around. It's how I was taught to do it as a kid (I'm from New Zealand), but I also rinse off the soap before I let it dry.

[@jacquin8511]

It surprises me because on one hand, there are many sensible water-saving measures here (like the basin that drains into the cistern in most apartment toilets, where the grey water from hand-washing is used for flushing). But I've been perplexed by nihon-jin using _masses_ of dishwashing liquid and cold running water to wash their dishes, where I'd fill a pot or bowl with warm water and a dash of soap, scrub things, then give a quick rinse. Also kiwi. Nonetheless, I can't argue with the clean-up-after-yourself mentality that seems drummed into Japanese people as kids. It makes it very easy to share kitchen and bathroom spaces at hostels and sharehouses, and in staffrooms etc.

[@MrToradragon]

I have different idea (but I am Czech so from totally different country) before running water was common, people used basins that had to be filled with water and then everything was washed in them and they just continued with that. As well even when running water was common, the hot water was not commonly available, or there was schedule wen the hot water will run, so they had to heat it on stove. And I would say it makes sense if you start with almost clean glasses and cups, then cutlery and plates and you leave most greasy pots and pans to the end.

[@jacquin8511]

@@MrToradragon Yes I always start with glasses and end with pots too

[@miilena9209]

Love how you still manage to teach some vocabulary in your non strictly learning videos ^^ When I was a child, my grandma would let me drink juices, milk etc inside the supermarket and then she'd pay for the empty bottle. But I've never seen anyone else doing this where I live (Poland), so I guess my grandma could've had a problem if she'd met some less friendly staff lol

[@gramsmith1366]

In Australia many people still do that, and some leave the empty container on the shelf.

[@rexsun8457]

@@gramsmith1366 will supermatket call the police to catch them?

[@SMGJohn]

Poland had lax rules during the Communist era regarding such things as using a product before paying for it, its probably why your grandmother let you do it, I bet things are different now however.

[@MrToradragon]

@@SMGJohn I would say that people are tolerant to small children as well.

[@blinski1]

You can still do it, my loved one does it from time too time, because she use to have sudden urges for drink or something to eat like she was a child, haha. Has never had any problem with giving empty packages for scanning to a cashier.

[@Mort7an]

I've lived in Europe for 50 years - I don't think I have ever paid for a public toilet. I mean, paid toilets do exist, I've seen them, buit there's usually a free toilet nearby (in a pub). :)

[@KawaiiLisok]

In Sweden you almost always have to pay ):

[@khalilahd.]

I’m in the us and have never seen one either 😅

[@ysaaap]

In Switzerland you need to pay for the public toilets. It's usually around 1 or 2 CHF 😢

[@ok_listen]

In Italy is the basis. They have to clean the place somehow.

[@KoreaCycler]

@@ok_listen and they still are atrocious

[@ssh348]

i am watching lots of doramas (China, Japan, Korea), and i have noticed the non-hugging thing, even during occasions that really would be quite normal in US or Europe, like relatives leaving or meeting after few years. Always found that strange and just figured, ok, it's maybe not appropriate behavior. One time, i met somebody from Japan in New York and we hanged out together as good buddies. When we parted at the end, we hugged, just like i would do with all my good friends and he seemed not to be put off by it but i could tell it was a new thing for him. I didn't want to behave any different from normal and i think he appreciated it but it is a very individual attitude, i get that.

[@MrToradragon]

Interesting. I live in Czechia and I would say that hugging is not that common here as well, some people hug and some don't. It is extremely rare in my family it is rare thing to hug somebody. I was quite surprised when I have found out that some people just hug as form of greeting.

[@boomerix]

@@MrToradragon From my experience, in places like Germany it is less common, but in places like France or Hungary it is very common to give people hugs and kisses on "family" occasions like Christmas or Easter, even if they are not related and you never met them. Maybe that's a Holy Roman Empire influence on the Czech? I even remember when visiting family in Poland that hugging and kisses were pretty normal.

[@jtwill930]

I met a guy in the US when he was visiting, then saw him again in Japan when I visited and hugged him when I met him there. I didn't even think that it was possibly weird until I was already hugging him lol. I'm not a very touchy-feely person either, but for some reason it seemed natural to hug him after not seeing each other for so long.

[@ssh348]

@@boomerix lol, indeed. In France, it's 3 kisses for a normal hello, and in Belgium it's 2. Just as hello, not even "i haven't seen you those past 20 years"-thing. Funny story: we are in New York, my american colleague and myself are meeting a client and his colleague for business lunch. Client is French. We do the 3 cheek kiss. His Chinese colleague is not sure what to do, my American colleague just laughs - "they are europeans", everybody shakes hands the normal business way. But this is something we can just laugh about, no one gets deeply offended. it's just funny when 2 people of same culture meet vs others.

[@ssh348]

@@MrToradragon really? that's strange, in Poland everybody hugs. We should have a hugging table with all the countries and checkmarks for what occasions people hug/kiss/do something else lol

[@juha-petrityrkko3771]

In Finland the modern way to manually wash dishes is about the same as in Japan. One notable difference is that we use more of brush and less of sponge. We also rinse the soap off carefully as Japanese do.

[@BOTHLine]

So, I can mostly only tell for Germany (and myself / my experience): 1.) (Almost) Every shop here accepts cash. I think I've only seen a single shop in my life that doesn't accept it. And I don't know if that's only due to Corona or if it was already like that before. 2.) Yes.. sadly you have to pay for most of the public toilets here. Especially at places like train stations. In malls I would say they are mostly free of charge. I think it somewhat depends on the traffic around the mall. If it is really busy outside and a lot of people would go there just from the streets, then it's more likely that you will be charged. So like malls directly next to train stations or in the center of a big city. I've never had to pay in a building where I already had to spend money to get in there though. Maybe there was just someone sitting with a plate and asking you for money? Shops like McDonalds do that a lot. That's not really a MUST to give them money, but in some circles it might be considered rude not to. 3.) I would say most households have a dishwasher. I think students might be an exception, if they do not have enough money for that.. but even most of the students I know have a dishwasher. 4.) Dryers on the other hand not so much. So yeah, there are definitely a lot of people who have a dryer here, but I wouldn't consider it a standard. 5.) Eating/Drinking stuff in shops before buying them.. so the people I know don't do that. I've seen it already, but it's not legally allowed here as well. You might get away with it, but I wouldn't bet on that. 6.) Since I'm from the "cold north" (where cold is referring to the emotional state of the people - not the temperature of the weather), hugging complete strangers would be weird as well. It can happen with friends of friends, even when meeting for the first time, but in my experience it's way more likely to shake hands or even just wave at each other. I'd say almost nobody would hug a stranger with a "free hugs" sign in the streets.. that's a different story on conventions though. There you see a lot of those signs and quite a lot of people make use of that.

[@derbongo3736]

The most emotional thing we can do in the north is a friendly "Moin" 😂. Thing No1 you will never ever want to miss in your life again: dish washer. One of the first things I bought from my first loan - absolute right decision.

[@glanwen10969]

Thanks for the vocabulary! As a European (Finnish) it was interesting to hear how we are weird, although things vary here too from country to country. In Finland we use very little of cash, it is seen something some old people would still do. We have used bank cards (debit cards) and credit cards for several decades. There are some paper bills I haven't seen irl in years and coins would just be a pain, difficult to get rid of. COVID took us further away from cash if possible. Toilets might pay here, but you can usually use toilet for free if you were a customer to that shop or restaurant (you might have to ask for an entrance, if the doors are locked). Shopping mall toilets are usually free and neat, but public toilets in parks for example might cost you something. They try to avoid some idiots messing up in them with the control. I couldn't handle my everyday life without dishwasher or dryer! If living alone, I might manage without a dishwasher, but with a family, no way! Our energy bills are skyrocketing now and we have had to find ways to save energy, so I have gone back to hanging our clothes for the most, I only tumble our small clothes like underwear as they are a pain to hang. In most of the housing complexes they have a common drying room or hanging wires on the yard for residents to use, so seeing other people's stuff there is not uncommon here either. I also find leaving dishes soapy grouse. I saw people doing that in England and I was baffled. Here people rinse the dishes. In many apartments here is a dish drying cabinet above the sink, where the racks are fixed. You can leave dishes to dry and close the doors putting them out of sight and taking space on the counter. I agree you with not eating before paying, it is not a good manner here either. Most people don't do it, but I have seen it happening many times, and some people give a snack to their children from the cart in the cash register line, apparently to keep them quiet. I think it gives a wrong lesson to these little ones, that grocery store's things were somehow in a grey area who owns them and you were allowed to do what you wanted with the stuff. Hugging is cultural thing, and I respect your way. Here the hugging culture is not so long that it is in many other European countries, where they also kiss one another on the cheeks... You need to know how many and which cheek to start. Huh. Not in Finland. Actually I think the hugging friends and acquaintances here started at some point of late eighties or nineties, I was born in seventies and I don't remember people doing that in my early childhood (except maybe while being drunk...). So we are a bit stiff up here in the cold north compared to our southern cousins. COVID has reduced hugging, as people also avoid shaking hands. All kind of stupid elbow touching was introduced to replace it, I think we should have implemented bowing instead! Much more elegant and no need to touch.

[@SMGJohn]

Finland is weird in general so there nothing new here, I heard you go into the woods with just an axe at age of 6 and come back at age of 9 to prove you are truly Finnish. As your neighbour, it sound very odd indeed also all your Moomin merchandise is going overboard lately.

[@1Thunderfire]

I'm sure people can shake hands again and use cash. We won't drop dead from handling a tenner and I don't get why cash is so often targeted when there are many things that are touched constantly. (And I honestly believe all the isolation has affected our immune systems for the worse and I never want to go back to those times.)

[@carlkolthoff5402]

Isn't the Finnish-Japanese relation a bit special though? To my understanding, your countries cultures are unusually similar considering how far apart they are on the map. I don't think any other combination of European / Asian country share as much as you do (not counting former colonies, as that was forced culture and not naturally developed). I'm thinking of loyal hardworking people, hot baths as a social institution, the love of Moomins and Marimekko, etc. For me as a speaker of none of the two, even the languages sometimes sound a bit alike.

[@glanwen10969]

@Carl Kolthoff it is true there are similarities between Finland and Japan, but there are differences too. Hierarchy in Finland is very low and all people are very unformal, in Japan it is the opposite. Finnish people can be brutally honest and it is valued, in Japan people usually smile and say what they think the other wants to hear, to keep everyone happy even in the expense of their own interest or need. You need to read between the lines what is meant. In Japan the group thinking is strong, in Finland people are more individual.

[@snooks5607]

@@carlkolthoff5402 having grown up thinking that japanese is as hard as chinese including it's pronunciation, the language thing as a finn surprised me. having studied it for a bit now I'm noticing the mora pacing comes almost naturally, vocal-constant distribution and long vowels are familiar, stringing of verb-form suffixes seem fairly obvious etc. although having had a foothold in indo-european languages through learning english early in life I'm already finding japanese in some ways easier than spanish that I studied for longer, kinda wish that realisation had happened sooner.

[@leonkhachooni3287]

Sounds like I'd be right at home in Japan. Everyone of your examples is how I've always lived, in southern California. Thank you for all the work you put into your videos.

[@gabrielle4821]

Me too! Especially the dish washing thing lol

[@grantholomeu3725]

I think a couple times when I was younger in the U.S. my parents told me it was okay to eat something before we got around to paying for it at the grocery store, but even as a kid I thought it was strange. Or buying shoes as well, I'd be wearing the new shoes when we'd go to the counter, and my old shoes would be in the box, and my parents would explain, but I was worried they'd think it was suspicious or something, even though they can just scan the box like normal.

[@kay-jay1581]

I think I did that as a kid with the shoes. My parents would pay for them as I put them on to start breaking them in right away. I think I don’t care because I was always too excited for new shoes.

[@OneWholeBird]

Only trashy people in the US do that

[@IchibanOjousama]

Wtf

[@IchibanOjousama]

That is not normal

[@tharkas3077]

It's definitely abnormal, it's not considered as theft as the Japanese think it is I think they think way over their heads for the worst, but there's no guarantee what would actually happen, like if you actually dropped your wallet somewhere then it's a very awkward situation that leads to theft. Usually the best shopping experience is the old fashion one. If it's a food you ask for, let's say a hot dog from a stand, the owner should give you a small piece of bread with a sliced roll inside of that hotdog for you to taste beforehand.

[@RaymondinJapan]

Thanks, Misa! I always learn something new from all of your videos and I appreciate all the effort you put into making them. Sending you a big virtual hug. 🤗❤

[@jonnomonodesu]

Supermarket workers in UK think of eating or drinking before paying as theft too. Even though the customer may end up paying you'll see security guards eyeballing them all the way to the checkout if they're seen doing it.

[@vornamenachname1069]

About the dryer, I think in Japan, you can dry clothes outside most time of the year while in many parts of Europe, clothes won't dry for several months in the winter and fall. European winter is wet and cold while Japanese winters are usually not as cold and dry/arid. The sun also has way less intensity in most of Europe compared to Japan. During summer, given the latitude, you have more sun intensity in Sapporo than in Rome. (unless it's cloudy) Even though Rome is warmer compared to Sappor because of where the wind usually is comming from.

[@arukii1622]

Yeah, but during winter, people without dryers just dry their clothes inside. I'm still confused why dryers aren't a thing in my country.

[@jaycee330]

@@arukii1622 I would imagine a typical Japanese apartment barely has room for a washer, let alone a dryer.

[@SIPEROTH]

@@jaycee330 Japanese living spaces are very small but that is mostly a Tokyo/city thing. The Japanese countryside is quite the opposite. I mean old Japanese houses were huge with even big gardens and little ponds inside.

[@rafarequeni822]

@@jaycee330 As an european who doesn't owns a dryers, the device for hanging clothes indoors occupies much more place.

[@1Thunderfire]

@@rafarequeni822 Energy free though.

[@tr4x1ymus]

The supermarket thing i don't understand, where I'm from i saw a few people opening a bag of chips or a drink in the store...always think those people are brain dead. I'm pretty sure in most of Europe you are not supposed to do that but there is very little repercussion if you do, there might be stores which will give you a hard time but most of the cashiers just want to finish their underpaid job and go home not deal with a dumbass.

[@MJ-uk6lu]

I think it wad legalized because some people might have medical emergencies, but I'm not sure if that's true.

[@mikicerise6250]

I've seen some tourist do that in Spain, but to me it looks brain dead. I can understand if it's an emergency and they need a bottle of water or something, but anything else seems very bad form.

[@SIPEROTH]

@@MJ-uk6lu Is not a matter of legalized since it is not theft if you pay, the store still has the right to object to such behaviour of course but if you already opened the thing what can they do? If you say you will pay it then they can't do anything more than give you a warning. Japan will have had the same issue if people were less disciplined and ignore etiquette. But Japanese aren't like that which is why it doesn't happen and when it does they will assume you are trying to steal.

[@Alias_Anybody]

Austrian here, I see it as the food equivalent of wearing a diaper. Basically, if you are a little kid or have a medical issue then it's okay (if you pay, of course). Otherwise I'm really questioning your self control.

[@Entikai]

You should do more of these Misa Sensei. I love these videos about travel, culture shocks and slice of life.

[@eventfulpit3449]

Even as an american the eating/ drinking in stores surprise me

[@onesandzeros]

Yeah I see it very rarely, and would not do it myself.

[@alienobserver7220]

Always lift up my spirit watching your videos...

[@DShiflet01]

In the US(at least where I live anyway) public toilets are free. Most places accept cash here too, though once you start getting into larger transactions some places(like hotels) may not accept it. And there are also many places that don't accept bills larger than a certain amount(usually $20). People eating and drinking before they pay is definitely not allowed here, though if you're actually in line waiting to pay or something most places won't care if you say, open your soda or bottled water or whatever and take a sip while you're waiting to pay for it.

[@valoefekti]

More countries should use drying cabinets for dishes (Astiankuivauskaappi) 😁 They are super useful, even as for storage!

[@neko-fin]

We as Finns should advertise this. Many foreigners have loved the solution.😀

[@simonebaruzzi156]

in many house in italy we have it

[@elianewinter2638]

Us germans also love our cash haha When I was in Groningen, Netherlands I was surprised that I could only pay via card at many places..! Yeah it’s true you often need to pay for using the public bathrooms here. The mall at my place however, you don’t have to pay, but it is appreciated, like giving a tip. free hug signs tho.. if you've ever been to any convention in germany before, you know how much people love these. they’re everywhere :3

[@SIPEROTH]

In my country it is illegal to not accept a legal form of payment. Cash or card it always up to the client. The store has no right to refuse your selected way of payment. I don't get how some stores can refuse cash. i mean with a card they can claim they don't have a machine but what is the claim with cash? Is cash, you can just put them in your hand. If you put the cash on the counter and leave what are they gonna do? Call the police on you for not paying the way they wanted? You didn't steal anything since you payed. They shouldn't have the right to refuse cash. Refusing a card has some arguments but cash, there is none.

[@RuffyUzumakii7]

whuat .. Portuguese studying japanese here and just clicked on your video because of the title. And now i subscribed because you have a very interesting concept of explaining your thoughts in pure japanese (so no book-japanese)m speaking slowly and repeating it and putting it in Kanji WITH furigana! wow, thanks a lot for your efforts!! Thats very very helpful!

[@Indoor_Carrot]

Yay, something to enjoy before the weekend. ❤

[@randycouch9571]

も一同すごい動画みささん。ありがとうございます。

[@SaltyZ3r0]

I continue to watch your videos every day, youre my main teacher, thankyou

[@fretnoize]

In 2019 we were looking for a house in JP, a good number of the new ones have dish washers, so maybe it's changing? I still have never seen a clothes dryer in a house/apartment in Japan, though. But the house we bought (with dish washer!) has a feature in the bathroom's air system that will dry. I'm guessing it's intended for drying off the bath and shower floor, but we also use it to dry clothes sometimes, more so in the winter when it's harder to dry them by hanging. Keep up the great videos, Misa!

[@lasoob]

I don't wash my dishes like that in the UK, it seems I do it the Japanese way and always have since I started washing dishes! Also, it shows I lived in a rich person's house when I was living in Tokyo because we had a dishwasher hehe

[@onesandzeros]

Whenever dishes are first soaked, they must be further scrubbed and thoroughly rinsed before being put in the drying rack. I am skeptical of the examples in cultural difference videos, they often seem extreme and unfamiliar to me.

[@andrewthornquist5141]

I love leaving nice comments for you too, Misa!! 😊😊😊 keep being awesome.

[@johnvienna3422]

Fantastic content, as always. The coloured subtitles are spot on. But is it just me who can't tear their eyes away from Misa herself? I bet I get hassle for saying this, but I think she's absolutely beautiful.

[@Condeycon]

To be fair, drying your clothes outside on a line is way more environmentally friendly and something every culture should move towards. I’ve switched to it in the last few years and it’s fantastic. Your clothes also smell way cleaner and last longer too. Dryers are kind’ve hard on your clothes, especially delicate stuff like bedsheets and 下着

[@drziggyabdelmalak1439]

I like your last point on hugging. Sadly, since Covid we seem to be doing it less. Fantastic video! Hope there's more to come!

[@lexieliu5339]

Her fuzzy little sweater looks cozy.

[@anthonyp7941]

Subscribed. This was first video I watched. Love the color coded break down, really helping me get this grammar!

[@Plinicks]

Each point for America, where I grew up at least and from my perspective: Point 1. Most places will allow you to use cash or card. The only thing I've seen where I couldn't use cash was signing up for JLPT Point 2. I've never seen a public bathroom where I had to pay, but some private establishments deny you from using their restrooms because there's the risk of people taking things from it, or leaving behind illegal items, trashing the place, or just clogging the toilet terribly. Point 3. Many homes have dishwashers. It's not everywhere, but even many small apartments have them. In my home, we use ours once a year for Thanksgiving, but we wash the dishes like Misa described Japanese people do all year round Point 4. Many homes have clothes dryers, but many people have to go to laundry mats to use public machines that cost money. It's not as common to hang clothes, but some do on their balcony or in their backyard. Point 5. We can eat some food before paying for them in stores, many parents give their kids food to satisfy them while they shop, but we don't pig out on a lot while shopping typically, thats a bit too much. It doesnt matter as long as its bought afterwards really. I never eat food before paying personally. Point 6. America is very diverse, so some are more likely to hug others than some. You should see how susceptible the person is towards it, or straight up ask before doing anything because some people really need personal space. As much as I don't like saying it, America can be dangerous at times (thieves, kidnappers, creeps) so hugging strangers is ill-advised. It's very easy for you to get your belongings stolen or get hurt by touching random people, and some might think you're doing something nefarious by touching them and defend themselves. I would be very uncomfortable if anyone got too close to me personally.

[@ouissemzr3346]

Thank you Misa sensei 💖❤️💕

[@gabrielle4821]

I’m in the Western US and here are things we do or don’t do: Yup some places definitely don’t except cash. (There are also places that don’t except card tho) Nope! Definitely do not have to pay to use the restroom. Hmm… I thinks it’s about 50/50 on the dishwashers. People in the country don’t really use them. I think most people use dryers (Hippies excluded) Not many people do this but it’s legal I think. We hug everyone here! Even just our acquaintances! It’s like a greeting. Thanks Misa Sensei for telling us all about Japan! It was super fun learning about everyone in the comments countries too!

[@kennethferland5579]

Really nice highlighting and expination text I could really see how this would make learning Japanese a lot easier from your videos.

[@petravyoralova4152]

3) I live in Europe, I am just an average person (definitely not rich), but even we have dishwasher at home... it actually saves water (compared to washing in hand) and makes the dishes super clean. It saves a lot of time, too.

[@jasondetilly5647]

I laughed at the washing dishes part because back home, people do like you said and fill the sink with water and don't care if there's still soap left on the dishes. I hate it and when I do it like the way you said and use running water when I visit home, I get criticized haha Maybe I've been in Japan for too long 😅

[@shieldia2143]

Hi, in America, public restrooms are free. A lot of people may have a dishwasher, but there are probably just as many without (possibly more). Here, we normally run 1 sink of soapy water, and 1 sink of rinsing water (water only) and we use a dish towel that we rewash (and a scrubbing tool if needed) instead of sponges. We don't let suds dry on the dishes, but place the dishes in the sink of rinsing water after cleaning them. We also use a draining rack to let the dishes dry. It would be strange to see people still hanging clothes out in America at this age, but I'm sure some do for their own reasons. Eating before paying: I would consider it theft, but I do occasionally see people doing it, and it doesn't seem to be much of a problem (if they're in line to pay for it?). I don't know how it works 'cause I don't do it. In America, hugging is a common thing, but it depends on the person. Quite a few were uncomfortable before covid, and now, even more are uncomfortable with it.

[@HiKasandra]

Its so sad that humans don't want to hug one another since the past few years. Just my thoughts. X

[@KiranasOfRizon]

Some thoughts as an American... 1. Not having access to free public toilets is a culture shock for a lot of us as well when visiting Europe. It's kind of nice to know that they'd be available in Japan. I think if, after finding out that there are no public trash cans to throw away whatever packaging my lunch came in, I also found out I'd need to wait to go back to my hotel just to use the bathroom for free, I'd have an aneurysm. 2. Eating food in a store before you pay has been done here, but it's considered very low class. I think it gets mildly tolerated in convenience stores, as if the person at least pays, a sale is a sale. But in many other places, you'll still be treated as a shoplifter. I would not be caught dead doing it here, and I feel if I were ever dumb enough to do it in Japan, I'd just die from the collective shame being thrown at me by everyone in a mile radius. 3. Hugs can be relatively common here, though it's usually with people you're closer to. Family and close friends? Absolutely. Lovers? You'd be an asshole if you didn't. Casual acquaintances? Probably not, though some extroverted people can be more open to it. And then there's people holding free hugs signs. That's a case where I think many people bend their inhibitions on hugging strangers because they know it's not going to be awkward.

[@beheritman]

In America, eating grocery store food before you pay is illegal. I've never witnessed it in person though.

[@deltalima6703]

USA maybe. Its fine in canada, which is also in north america, fyi.

[@CherryDT42]

We often do that in Austria. Ask the guys at the ham&cheese counter to prepare a quick sandwich, then eat it while still in the store, just keeping the label with barcode to scan it at the end. Same with a chocolate bar or whatever, especially if children are hungry. In the past we used to this with fruits too, like a banana, because you would weigh it yourself on a scale which prints a label for it, so you could then eat it and just scan the label afterwards, but there are more and more stores now that will weigh fruit at the cashier's desk so you can't do it with fruit everywhere anymore because you can't weigh something that you already ate. But in general, it's totally fine, basically opening/eating something in the store will simply oblige you to buy that item.

[@jamesbright3439]

Illegal or not, I have never seen anyone in the States get in trouble for it. We tend to understand, especially when kids are involved.

[@LouisSubearth]

I have. I've also done it myself. But what I ate I paid, and no one has ever scolded me for it.

[@myhandlehasbeenmishandled]

Illegal? I've done it and seen people do it. Nobody ever got in trouble as long as they paid. Perhaps in small towns further away from major urban areas?

[@abellopez1586]

Well, thank you for to share that with us Misa. 😃

[@NorthernShinigami]

dryer are big where i live, too. nowadays washing machine comes with a dryer programed in it, so you don't need a separate machine, and it's great for the winter. In summer the clothes are dry in like an hour, indoors, since my apartment has no where to hang it outside. It's great for doing my whole work clothes for the week.

[@juha-petrityrkko3771]

In Finland supermarket items can typically be eaten before paying, but it happens quite rarely. Cahiers are interested only in scanning the barcodes on the product package. I always pay first.

[@jaycee330]

6:39 In the US, the process is usually (if you have a two-pan sink): One pan has the soapy water, soak and wash the dishes there, rince in hot water pan and drain in the rack. If you only have one sink usually will rinse under running water.

[@arnaudgerard1971]

It's really interesting how good your english is, but how interesting your speech flow pattern is. :)

[@StefanoV827]

Italy here: 1. We also prefer cash and everybody accept it. Nowadays credit card is a faster and safer way to pay, but I also do prefer cash honestly. 2. In italy there is a law. Every shop must to have a toilet and they can't charge you to use it. For drugs and other bad problems sometimes they will say "it's unavailable" to avoid you to use it... only train stations have the one where you pay. 3. Yes we hate to wash dishes. 4. Never seen in my life. We hang clothes outside as for japan...only rich people have it. 5. Absolutely not. Rarely happens that a kid open something to eat in a supermarket and parents usually run to the checkout to pay the item and get a receipt. 6. We love hugs a lot.

[@rogerr.8507]

japan sells non-italian variety of pizza, how do you feel about that?

[@StefanoV827]

@@rogerr.8507 what do you mean? I would even try pizza with pineapple and bacon if i could... I'm open minded about different cultures

[@Frosty.1]

thank you for teaching me some Japanese words Misa, your so assume keep you the good work, cheers.

[@briancrosby152]

Yeah I am not okay with "sampling" before you pay for things unless it's offered as a free sample. The washer & dryer thing I knew about , sun drying is supposed to be cleansing & most homes in Japan are too small anyway.

[@deltalima6703]

You would not eat a carrot or something paid by weight, but a chocolate bar is no big deal. You always keep the package and pay for it though. I have done it 6 times or so, but its risky. No matter what the price is you HAVE to buy it after.

[@mikicerise6250]

Japanese kitchens are small but they do all have rice cookers, which I find surprising because you can make rice just as well on the hob with a lidded pot. I think in part it's what people get used to seeing.

[@Muhammad-Jacobs699]

Eating something before paying, I did this once as a child. My mother literally just opened a chocolate and gave it to me to snack on while we continued shopping. She told me to keep the wrapper(package) for the cashier to scan it. This seems super weird to me now, I probably won't do it again though.

[@IchibanOjousama]

That is so wrong

[@gabrielle4821]

@@IchibanOjousama I mean it’s a little strange but I wouldn’t go as far as to say it was so wrong. I mean they paid for it didn’t they?

[@Jazzguitar00]

People eating and drinking before they pay is pretty rare in the US. In the summer people might take a sip of a drink they are buying but no, I don't see people just going ham and eating and drinking.

[@drziggyabdelmalak1439]

Wow! Just discovered you. This vid is not only fun and interesting discussing the things you found strange in Europe but how we got a Japanese lesson thrown in for free as well! Your English and adopted accent is fantastic! Such a lovely voice to listen to.

[@starstenaal527]

Wow, that was so interesting. I can relate to many things you mentioned, even though I'm not from Japan. I always make sure that there are no remains of soap on dishes that come out of the dish washer by using the sink, which I get often criticised for by other people because they think I'm judging their skills. And also eating stuff before paying. I absolutely hate it when family members do that. Is it so really too much to ask for to wait 5 more minutes? Hugging is also something I always found strange. Especially on birthdays when so many people want to hug you, it's dreadful and annoying. I don't want to get that close to other people.

[@lindome100]

In Sweden, it is not allowed to eat anything before you have paid for it in a shop. You don't own anything until you buy it.

[@justin09031999]

Hey Misa sensei, I love your videos!! I’d like to make a suggestion for a video on essential commands/tips for talking to google home / siri in Japanese! Things like setting the volume of things, turning off the tv and lights, and special Japanese commands would be dope to know! I’ve been using my google home to practice, but sometimes it acts wonky. Thanks for all you do!!

[@gabrielle4821]

That would be awesome!

[@exolumi]

I live in Finland (Europe) and I've never seen people eat or drink in supermarkets before they pay, that sounds barbaric to me 😳🤣

[@FindecanorNotGmail]

In Sweden (next to Finland), you sometimes see kids open and eat snacks in the store before their parents pay for them. But adults never do that.

[@mikicerise6250]

Finland = EuroJapan. ;)

[@SIPEROTH]

@@FindecanorNotGmail Yeah, it is mostly kids. There is more leeway with kids. Sometimes the parent open it for the kid as well just to make it stop making a fuss.

[@ToTheNines87368]

From Denmark here. That’s not a common thing here either.

[@omnomshibob]

I'm English, I've done it a couple of times both when I went shopping straight after a 10 hour shift at work and I was very, very thirsty. The lady at the check out didn't care one tiny little bit that she was scanning an empty bottle.

[@CZOM027]

Portugal here, you can use cash everywhere here, in fact some places do not accept cards because businesses have to pay fees and other nonsense to have the machine that processes card payments, and small businesses forego that expense. You also don't pay for toilet use mostly everywhere, although it is good mannered to buy at least consume something at a café, water bottle, cup of coffee, something. Still, some businesses bar entry to the toilet until you've payed for something. Most everyone uses dishwashers here, it helps since you only have to wash some things in the sink. Most homes use a dishrack where you leave things to dry, although some homes to dry with a cloth. A dryer is not common at all, some people use them, some have them and only use them sparringly (they consume a lot of electricity). Some people eat or drink in a supermarket, but it is generally frowned upon. Hugging is pretty normal if your relationship is close as part of a greeting or farewell. We usually trade kisses on the cheek between women or a man and woman, men usually just shake hands as a standard greeting. Though some regions have men kissing on the cheek as a show of respect to elders in your family/community. You would not hug a coworker or at work generally. You would hug in pretty much any other casual situation.

[@arpanrana8814]

Let's just appreciate for a moment how beautiful Misa is getting with time

[@Han-kj1sw]

Very interesting video, it really surpised me how similar japan is to America in some aspects (and i am not talking about the united states, i am talking about the continent especially centre and south) here also people like cash, nobody drink or eat before pay, people do not use dryers and hang the clothes outside, people do not have dishwsher and do it by themselfs and the toilets in some places is free and others have to pay. (remember this maybe not apply to a whole continent but it is what i have seen the most)

[@Rusu421]

I don't think it's a "people like cash" situation. Merchants just don't like to pay cashless payment fees. And, there is a risk of a blackout.

[@Alepfi5599]

Thank you for some interesting insights!

[@yportne6410]

Europe's a big place. I'm from the Balkans (which is considered Europe) and all of these, except the hugging were culture shocks for me as well. One thing that sticks out, from my time in the UK, is seeing someone down a 1L bottle of banana milk in the supermarket straight from the shelf.

[@FormalJio]

I am starting to LOVE the videos you upload, it was very understandable and also explained word by word plus the color coding of it was accurately translated. Kudos to this kind of Editing. Please continue to do this kind of content.

[@HarleyAMV]

I live in Sweden and sure, sometimes we open and eat/drink stuff in the store. Especially if we're with friends. I just get something to drink because it's hot and then we walk around the store and then I pay for it before walking out. As long as you don't leave the store, it's not stealing.

[@heuhen]

for me as Norwegian 1. I prefer contact less pay. I pay with my card or with my mobile. (if for example you are out and have forgotten your money, you still have a mobile). We can also instantly transfer money between family and friends, with help of the mobile. But I do recommend to have some "backup"-cash in the wallet, in case the bank-provider have problem. 2. paying for the toilet have two sides to it. One is to pay for the toilet cleaning, second is to prevent people that just want to go into the toilet and make a mess. petrol station toilets is free, the staff there regularly check them, in stores and other places the toilet isn't inspected as much, thus they use pay as a sort of control. (how want to pay money, to go into a toilet and make a mess) 3. Dishwasher. There is many reason why we have dishwasher at home, in almost every houses: - Dishwasher use less water and energy, then washing it normally (electricity is expensive) - We always make food at home, instead of going out. - We want to have more free time (with family) (life is about relaxing and enjoying life, not working, working is to pay for that life(we work to live, not live to work)). There are no soap on the dishes, when the dishwasher is done a dishwasher always clean up and dry after. All you have to do, is remove leftover food from the plate, before putting it in and check the dishwasher filter. (The method you are talking about, when washing dishes, is exactly what a dishwasher is doing! We also don't like soap on our dishes) 4. we also hang up cloths outside, that we have a dryer, doesn't mean we are using it to everything. The dryer is more a ++ equipment. But for example me I live in a small apartment, with not so much space for drying cloths, so I have a combined washer/dryer machine (all in one), that type of machine comes from Japan/South-Korea (It's and American invention, but you people took it to another level!) 5. I have seen it to, it's extremely rar, and weird. But the shop staff is professional at their work, and so long they get paid, they relay don't care, that rather say nothing, then create and incident and disturb other customers. 6. Hug. Hugging is great and fantastic. You can hug someone you haven't seen for a long time (a sort of an extended version of a normal hallo). You can hug a family member, we are close with family and when you have been gone for some time, it is a nice way to "reintroduce" your self into the family. Hugging a boyfriend/girlfriend is also relay good, and I recommend to do it every day, before going to work, your day will get much better. When hugging someone (specially) a close one you activate your endorfin some will help you with having a better day (you can feel more woken and ready). My recommendation, is to hug someone you like for 5 minutts before going to work. (there is even a Joga -couple pose some is about hugging each other for 5 minutta, it also help in relationship) (it's best to dig you head into the shoulder, you want to get as close as possible and feel each other heat) Another thing about hug, I always give away free hug, with no question to ask. Even when the person just want a hug, bury her head into my chest and cry a little, I will still not ask any question.

[@oskarsandstrom4209]

The public toilets cost money because of two reasons: Number one is that the city don´t want substance users and homeless people to take shelter there, and they think it´s less likely if the toilet cost money. The second reason is that if it costs money, fewer people will use it, and it will need less cleaning.

[@Gwenx]

1) In Denmark you can use cash most places but it has to be Euro or the Danish valuta, and non-tourist places do not take the Euro at all as it is expensive to convert. 2) We do have public bathrooms you pay for, but its mostly on the street or on the train station, in most shopping malls it will be free, most restaurants will also be free IF you are a paying costumer (ie, buy a glass of water if you aren't panning on eating there) 3) Most people will invest in a dishwasher, i grew up without one, so i know very well how to do the dishes, but i have gotten a "hand rash" that gets worse when exposed to water, so we have a dishwasher for most things. Although things made of tree, pans, and things like scissors CANNOT go in the dishwasher, so there will always be something to wash in the sink ;) 4) We do absolutely not dry our clothes, most Danes do not, some young boys might, but most families know that it will ruin the clothes. But we also cant hang it outside as we often have rain or cold weather, so many apartments have a cellar for washing where there is also drying rooms where you can hang your clothes. We often hang it inside it differs a little. 5) I don't know why people eat or drink whatever they are buying before they even get to pay, its weird i see it very rarely, most often its an uncontrollable kid getting something sweet to eat so the mom get peace, and she bring the empty plastic so she can pay ofc, but i don't think its legal, as theft can happen like this, so had it been a teenager or an adult doing this i thing they would have been in trouble, even if they where to pay afterwards.. 6) We hug a lot, there is also many different ways to hug depending on how well you know the person, but often you will hug goodbye, if you don't know the people most will ask or just open their arms so you can decline if its not comfortable.

[@PuckishAngeI]

love your videos

[@monkeymake]

In Finland, we do have dishwashers at home, though finding driers are rare. Most of the public bathrooms are also free. Hugs do happen rarely, though they are deeply appreciated by me when they do. Wish I could have more of those...

[@glanwen10969]

Are driers rare? Maybe it is more common in upper classes / larger or family apartments, but I consider myself (low)middle class and all my closest relatives and friends that I know of have a drier.

[@monkeymake]

@@glanwen10969 Social divisions are rather minimal here, since wealth and power divisions are mostly low. Therefore, most of the people have similar items at home. The only driers that I have seen here have been next to the community washing machines at a university's student campus, as well as in laundry service companies

[@glanwen10969]

@@monkeymake Where do you live? Mä oon pääkaupunkiseudulta :-) Thinking dryers might be more common in bigger cities? Or maybe it is a generation thing too, as I'm already nearly 50. We bought our first dryer when our kids were small, in turn of millenium and for me it is quite common household mashine.

[@gj8683]

You have a very nice method for teaching Japanese!

[@goldfire3636]

Eating or drinking stuff in a supermarket is definitly a theft, in france, But everywhere else too I think

[@vessmight9203]

thank you for the lesson.

[@qwertyasdf2838]

Well here in Italy we still are using cash more than cards.Toilets are free in shopping mall/arcades or supermarkets, public toilets you have to pay, in restaurants only customers are allowed to use them, in cafes and bars as un unwritten rule they will allow ypou to use it if you take/buy something (just a coffe or a drink will suffice).Dishwasher and clothes dryer not very common in houses, main issues are obviously costs and space.Drink or eat in supermarket before paying also forbidden here but just a very few people do it may let their very small children eat or drink to avoid tantrums, the worst will happen anyway is the clerk will tell you not to do it.Hugging and kissing and touching a lot between family and friends.However here in Italy one of the things Japanese (and many other foreigners also)really do not know what is it and to to use it is the bidet!Some think is to wash hands, other think is to wash babies or pets😆very surprised when they are told is to wash oshiri 😆

[@sharifaiman2997]

I love your videos, Misa.

[@ChronotronTronochron]

in most places in the U.S. it's actually prohibited by law to charge people for only using the toilet. You might find businesses where toilets are for paying customers of other goods or services only, but you cannot charge just for access to the toilet.

[@RoysGamingGarret]

There is a reason that we leave the dishsoap on the plates, cups, etc., it's mainly from the fact that we use them on a frequent basis, and drying them using a dish towel is a right pain when they're fresh out the water so we let them hang out in the draining rack for a couple minutes and then dry them afterwards, this also reduces the amount of water absorbed by the towel itself.

[@Hypurr1]

I'm American and I wash dishes like in Japan and use my dishwasher as a drying rack. I like them rinsed well, too. Eating before paying is theft. Some people will pay with the empty package but most probably don't. Not many do it but I see it sometimes.

[@sotabaka]

most mid-range washers can dry the clothes (+1200rpm) but its sunny 4/5 of the year most people use dishwashers

[@classicrockdefender]

I live in Germany and eating or drinking in a supermarket before having paid is also seen as theft here. The only exception would be samples to ease your decision of purchase. Like a sign saying "try before you buy" or the staff allowing you to taste.

[@xenochaosxc]

Generally for me, if the dish has a fatty substance, soap is necessary to get a good clean dish. Else water and scrubbing is sufficient.

[@TheTomexification]

In Portugal: we wash the dishes and have racks for them but also have dishwashers, it depends on the laziness of the people; we also hung the clothes outside to dry, on rainy countries and cold it's normal to have dryers; no one eats in the supermarkets before paying, only shoplifters, that drop the packages later, or some little kids that are hungry but then their parents pay at the cash-register; public toilets are mostly free but we also have paying ones, it depends a bit.

[@sotabaka]

but remember most suppermarkets here have bar/restaurant inside the store & some even allow you to heat food (that is sold on the shelves) there

[@aj5332]

I really appreciate your content, helps me to keep in contact with the language and learn something new about it and it’s culture ❤

[@HoneyDoll894]

its sorta interesting how public toilets are here. A lot of them in the city outside are free, then in bigger train stations they might cost or might not, but toilets in trains are always free. Then malls usually have free toilets and museums tend to have free ones, but restaurants need you to buy something to use them (which is probably understandable).

[@Elessar00]

Hey, Misa. Can you please do a video about the particle "shi". I've seen it used but i can't quite get the meaning, or maybe it has multiple meanings and that confuses me. I don't really know its name but i am talking about the "shi" Japanese people use at the end of sentences. Love your videos, hope i can learn more.

[@pettere8429]

In Sweden you usually have a tub of soapy water that you scrub the dishes in and then you rinse in a tub of clean water (if you do the dishes by hand).

[@Tengu66]

Lots of my Japanese friends hug. It surprised me when I first went there.

[@rachaelkent3303]

Europe, Israel, and US are so frustrating to use bathrooms. And they're hard to find! I was surprised when I went to New Zealand and not only are most toilets free, they're everywhere. And clean!

[@4DominikC]

In Poland it's also really weird (but it's not like a theft) when you eat at the supermarket and pay later BUT it's very common to allow children to do that. Parents are sometimes very busy and to make calm their children down, they let them eat or drink something while shopping and pay later at the checkout.

[@kana7715]

Some of these things surprised me too! I'm not from Japan but in my country (Brazil) all toilets are free, and we too do not use dishwashers... Another thing that I find peculiar about other countries (mostly USA?) is how they have that meat cutter thing in the sink? I don't know the name but it seems super handy! (and also super scary), I've never seen that here edit: and clothes dryer is usually tied with the washing machine here, a lot of washing machines do both washing and drying

[@markdelles5745]

I think you mean garbage disposals.

[@jacquin8511]

Shockingly bad for the grey water systems though. Never met a plumber who liked them.

[@Daybreak221]

I love your content Misa sensei. May I request a content about vocabulary used in travel and hospitality. I have been taking notes from your past lessons .Thank you so much. ❤ The Philippines 🇵🇭

[@habodea]

First time watching your videos, it was interesting and I like how you take the oportunity to teach how to say things. Good job!

[@jeffragar3493]

I only encountered pay toilets (in the US) many years ago when I was a child. Some places only allow customers making a purchase to use the toilets. Stores must accept cash by law for purchases. Credit cards are optional, but nearly all places accept them.

[@zalanszabo]

Eating in supermarkets is mostly kids in my side of the EU. The parents give the kids something to chew on so they are occupied while shopping. I can see grown-ups eating a strawberry or a couple of grapes, these are definitely should not happen, it is just people getting away with it. Unfortunately this exists. Toilets are paid usually to avoid crowds. Free toilets attract lots of people and even with staff it is difficult to keep in a good shape. So many chose to make it either paid or you get a free code or key after purchasing something there, so it is only for customers. Driers while do exist, it is not that popular here, people like the hanging outside the most imho. Dishwashers on the other hand are a must :)

[@domino6490]

Here in the US you're able to eat groceries before paying at the store. I work at one and I do it sometimes during breaks because I'm pressed for time. I ring up customers' empty containers too no problem

[@creativebodyflying]

ありがとうございます！😁

[@spencercoursey6061]

My family has a small convivence store in America and I have experienced people drinking/eating our stuff before paying. Its really weird because we want to have a really casual atmosphere in our business so normally we don't have confrontations with our customers and don't say anything. Its like we have to pretend were all long time friends or something, which I never noticed isn't universal to all countries. Its honestly a weird thing that happens that I havent second guessed before.

[@RoosterIB]

I found BABYMETAL in 2015 and have had a interest in Japanese entertainment since that time. A absolutely love the idol scene. Your channel is very informative and that is something I like too. The language barriers are still to much and I don't have any plans to visit anyways. But on a whole I think Japan is a very good country and very different. Love your content Misa! Keep up the good work.

[@stephan3077]

🤘🦊🤘