7 Things to Know Before Coming to Japan

[@SHUNchanjp]

Tip 8: Learn Japanese to pick up Japanese boys & girls ;) tryrosettastone.com/SHUNchan-1

[@Asemco]

You tryin' to share that list of questions prior to the video? Heading to Japan on Tuesday and would love to p̶i̶c̶k̶ ̶u̶p̶ ̶s̶o̶m̶e̶ ̶J̶a̶p̶a̶n̶e̶s̶e̶ ̶g̶i̶r̶l̶s make some Japanese friends :)

[@6omni6draconian6]

@@sparklesparklesparkle6318 age of consent is 12 ;)

[@6omni6draconian6]

@@verreal it varies depending on which prefecture you're in, from 13-18. Also wym if I'm wrong? What are you assuming?

[@alannguyen1669]

r/nocontext

[@anadventfollower1181]

Hey Shun, alert the authorities and get the attention of the government. DO NOT ALLOW FOREIGNERS, ESPECIALLY WESTERN CRAPIZOIDS TO SETTLE IN JAPAN. They will ruin Japan, just like how they have to many countries. Be very wary of the _______, they had a taste of America, got flushed and now have settled in the frozen crapland above. They will further damage any country they settle in.

[@jesseogn]

Why you exposing me like that😭

[@ronhilton9614]

Say it loud, "Gotta BBC and I'm proud!"

[@YetiUprising]

STAND UP PEE RULES!

[@antonjotopg8475]

It's a gift and a curse 😂😂

[@WhoaNellyJake]

Shit killed me lmao 😂

[@namuu31]

Lmfaoo wow

[@Mookiemonstah]

This video was actually super helpful! Definitely not like the majority of other videos on this kind of topic where they repeat the exact same content 95% of the time. You actually touched upon different facets of living/interacting with Japanese people that most foreigners like myself would have had no idea about. You really included so many new tidbits that I had to watch to the end, please make more of these kinds of videos! The part regarding apocrine glands was really good advice. Also those ice breaker questions were wild, I'd love a video on questions to ask Japanese people as ice breakers and such.

[@ChickensAndGardening]

when I went to Tokyo for a week as part of a musical group, I was super paranoid about body odor, LOL. Took showers twice a day, used fragrant powder, and probably even still, I was a noxious pig to the kind hosts. Oh well.

[@melonlord6960]

in regards to the convenience store comparisons, i think its more like 7/11 is so globally recognised, to MOST foreigners it basically like going into a familiar shop from back home, so for tourists going into something less globalised like Lawson or FamilyMart gives the unique "now i'm really in Japan" vibes, if that makes sense😂

[@TheBaldr]

My local(Kyoto) 7-11 kinda sucked, they never had the chicken onigiri, and not really as much of a selection as other 7-11s. The Family Mart was more in a better spot for me, not saying it was anything superior either, but still a nice place to get good food and snacks although I do prefer 7-11 onigiri any day.

[@asaris_]

We don't have 7/11 here. 🤷‍♀️ I think we prefer proper supermarkets over convenience stores. Come to think of it, I guess that's a bit weird? 🧐

[@heelhook79]

7-11 in the US is usually pretty bad, though they've started to become better. The best ones,imo, are in Hawaii. Lawson's is a US midwestern brand that did really well in Japan. When I visited Japan, 7-11s were great! Another nostalgic Japanese brand we had in Hawaii for a bit was Moss Burger!

[@vproject2564]

Here in the Philippines, we have all 3. :D :D :D

[@lautreamontg]

@@heelhook79 7-11 in Hawaii is run by the Japanese branch of the company rather than the American one, which explains your experience. The heat and eat meals there are as awesome as the ones in Japan.

[@AmbiCahira]

Every time I watch videos like this I always feel like Sweden and Japan are surprisingly similar, especially in being mindful of others, not cause a scene or discomfort in others, and being hard to break the ice to make friends - unless you are drinking. Some families in Sweden raise their boys to sit when peeing as well since it's cleaner but I don't know whether sitting or standing is the majority. We also share the no shoes indoors rule. Just so many similarities and it helps me understand why Pewdiepie feels at home in Japan. I live in the US and the culture difference of being more friendly is often exhausting.

[@SHUNchanjp]

WHAT!? I'm booking a flight to Sweden

[@ashura_amane8499]

I live in Finland so i can relate to all of the above

[@sharonrt24]

Hey Shun! I just have to say, I love how you keep it real in your videos. It’s very refreshing and also so much more educational, beneficial, and interesting (and entertaining 😂). Ya know what I mean? You tell it like it is lol. I love your channel 😁

[@ChickensAndGardening]

@Chase Merritt FYI those aren't native Swedes

[@ChickensAndGardening]

@Chase Merritt They let too many of them in and this is their reward for their generosity (and stupidity). Japan, interestingly, has resisted, and remains a safe and stable place, though slowly dying from lack of childbirth.

[@TheClintonio]

I started sitting down after I got to Japan. Warm seats, automatic flushing when you stand, general politeness, etc. A trick for smelling is layers. Having a second layer really helps when weather pemits (ie; not mid summer). Obviously you need to shower and apply deodorant but it's also sensible to just make it harder for the smell to escape once it starts. If it's 30C outside this advice sucks though. I also shop at Lawson but because it's the closest konbini. I've also had no trouble making friends here, I just meet people compatible with me. As for Japan being safe - it is safe enough for me. I only leave what I'm willing to lose at the table and keep my wallet, phone, keys, etc, with me at all times. In London I also would take the bag though since it was definitely getting stolen if I left it at a pub unattended.

[@DNarryJulieTon]

You know, I started to watch the video thinking I'd hear a lot of the things I've seen on KZbin before, but I was pleasantly surprised. You did a great job going over different subjects and being more in depth on them also. I actually watched the video all the way through. Great job on the video! :) Very informative.

[@eon6274]

Love your sense of humor and cadence of your delivery! Feels like listening to a friend talk, rather than a list video.

[@alessandrorinaldi842]

Yes! It's totally worth knowing what kind of research to do for the "making Friends" thing... I think It would be nice to see a video of you talking about the colture!

[@Green-er7cv]

At lasttttt! I found someone who's honest about Ichiran Ramen. But I get it why foreigners think Ichiran tastes great. They're English friendly while the other local ramen are not. Aside from that, I have to say as a female traveller some great shops also has discouraging atmosphere. There were few times I had to step back from the entrance after I realized all of the patrons were men/ salarymen -_-; Somehow I felt out of place? Great and thoughtful advices in the video. Thank you. I'm really looking forward to visit Japan for hikings!

[@SHUNchanjp]

the good ones are always filled with middle aged Japanese men so I understand where you're coming from😭

[@catherinebond7474]

One of the better bowls of ramen we had was in one of the airports, but it was a place where many of the employees ate. A little awkward.

[@ILovePlayingZeldaGamesOnSwitch]

i've tried ichiran ramen and yeah it's not that great and overpriced. the ramen i've ate in Philippines and Singapore are much better

[@ckylatan]

oh man🥹 i’m heading there solo in march & would really like to check out really good ramen

[@ninaandraschko180]

@@SHUNchanjp please make more videos relating to content that you should know if planing to live here. I love how this video touched on things that were very different and super important to know than other KZbin channels

[@davidroberts9037]

I had several great Japanese friends in college. 35 years later I am still in contact with one of them. I learned so much from them and gained an incredible interest in Eastern culture

[@MrPfennig]

Exceptional, both for accuracy and for humor. You rock, Shun.

[@maegalroammis6020]

easy to say when he speak fluently their overcomplicated language

[@Zei33]

Okay making a lot of comments here but a list of questions to ask a Japanese person would be killer. I have a Japanese student coming to stay with me for a year and the drive home from the airport will be the hardest part.

[@rauleli]

Just a couple questions about his flight in regards of ensuring everything was ok and then describe the surroundings while driving would help you to start braking the ice.

[@JadedConfusion2]

It sounds a little cliché but anime is a great topic if you're familiar with it! I am not saying this as a weeb but rather somone currently residing in Japan. Even though anime has somewhat of a bad reputation in the United States, almost every Japanese friend I have here has asked me if I watch anime or read manga.

[@susanma4899]

Trust me, when that poor kid gets off the airplane, they will be so exhausted from the long flight that speaking a lot of English is the last thing they'll want to do. Just ask a few questions and listen to some music on the way home.

[@Zei33]

@@susanma4899 she’s with me right now. We just met for the first time

[@ItsLaDeeDa]

Shun! The Japanese conversation tip, that makes so much sense! Please do a video of normal conversation topics or tips when getting to know someone. Why is a question relevant? What are the (general) assumptions/boxes for certain answers? Japanese cultural topics that are best to research. Any body language, cues, etc. to look out for or even perform to show engagement/interest or the opposite. Usually the content I see related to Japan on KZbin is from a foreigner, so I really value your channel!

[@rauleli]

I've found that knowing a Japanese that already been living outside Japan, its easier to make friend with them rather than make friends with Japanese people that are overseas for working or in their early weeks out of Japan. But I think thats a common thing on many people enclosed in their own culture for all their existence.

[@TheBaldr]

I hate to say it, but Japan highly relies on the clique system(even as adults). Partly culture, but even among Japanese people don't go out of their way to make new friends as to not upset the balance of the clique. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clique

[@maegalroammis6020]

so don't go in japan to make friends then.

[@rauleli]

@@maegalroammis6020 Why not? Shun already said it, and even among japanese they are not that open for friendship in a short period of time. My point is, its easier for people that already been in other cultures/countries to be more open to a friendship, and not only japanese people. Some countries are more proclive to find more friendly people.

[@maegalroammis6020]

@@rauleli it's hard. just find japanese in other countries. and filippinos , koreans and many chinese make much better reliable companions than them.

[@rauleli]

@@maegalroammis6020 Agree. But the idea for traveling is not mainly make friends, I guess. I definitely want to go to Japan again and visit new places I haven't been before. Making friends will be a plus.

[@gayathrin854]

Definitely appreciated the unique approach to helping out travelers and tourists and not going over the same things that I’ve seen in other videos. I’m trying to build the courage to visit Japan and South Korea, but as an Indian American the cultural barrier is a bit intimidating, so I’m trying to absorb all the knowledge I can get! New subscriber!

[@davidwhite6895]

I would love to see a second video about questions to ask to make friends! I will be moving to Japan in about 4 months, and my Japanese isn’t really all that good so I’m worried making friends will be harder for me. I’d love to hear some of your advice on this! Also I can relate a lot to the cultural differences you brought up! Even being someone who lives in America, I don’t know what zodiac sign I am 😂 I don’t know what blood type I am either so I’m sure I’ll be drained when I get to Japan as well 😂

[@REAL-UNKNOWN-SHINOBI]

Did you compare how much money you would be making their compared to what you're making now? It's basically half, I have no choice but to stay in America.

[@RadenWA]

It is an interest-based friendship, it is much better for you to find friends based on shared interest or hobby. Just studying culture and custom can only get you so far in forcing yourself into their community.

[@brinavarro13]

You’ve been in Japan for a month now :D ? How is it ??

[@HiiImChris]

Damn this video was brutally honest, and it's amazing. Too many people are afraid and just sugar coat reality but I definitely trust what you said l

[@amberzartz4333]

Also for getting a friend. If they're in a place like for example: - arcades - anime places I would ask what games they like, what arcades is great (or still open!) Usually I like learning new things so either way, win win.

[@ILoveCiniminis]

I can confirm after a few years here, Japanese people have Excel sheets in their minds. And that's how they work. Anything spontaneous or non-linear can cause Windows to freeze for a moment. But you'll be fine.

[@lynda.grace.14]

Great analogy. 😆

[@tidsquittiea]

shunchan, the video quality and type of content you make and provide for us is just getting better. keep it up!!

[@kidmackenzie]

The emergency section is a good one. On my last trip to Tokoyo, my travel buddy lost his passport. We got to go on an adventure that included filling out a police report at the local station and a trip to the US embassy. Not what I had planned for the day but now I've been to a Japanese Police station!

[@MJ-xls]

This video is super helpful! I've known about some of the phone numbers to call for emergencies but definitely not all the ones you listed. Japan definitely feels a lot safer in general than most places I've been too, but that doesn't mean there's no crime. I had a scary experience going to a bar in Japan where some drunk guy tried to follow me into the bathroom and I had to hide in a locked stall until he finally gave up and left.

[@user-ov1ps7go4m]

Wow that’s really creepy 😨

[@user-qm7jw]

Defamation in Japan is a bit complicated. There are cases where it is defamatory and cases where it is not. If you look at the requirements for defamation in Japan, you can't openly say something that degrades someone's social status. Besides, defamation law in Japan is there to protect people's privacy. For example, let's say there was a woman who was a prostitute in the past, and she hides it but if someone says out loud, "She's a bi*ch! she was a prostitute!" in public. Even if she was a prostitute, there is no need to say so publicly right? Even if this is true, if the fact is deemed not to be in the public interest, then defamation charges apply. On the other hand, if it's true that a company is being dishonest, it's not defamatory, because it's in the public interest to expose corporate wrongdoing. Looking at past precedents in Japan, most defamation cases are simply cases of slander against an individual or a company. Hold a trial instead of saying it openly, the public interest is served by saying the facts, and it is not mere slander. If you observe these three points, you are unlikely to be charged with defamation.

[@SirusRiddler]

I'm a native from Tokyo but haven't been back in a long time so excited to see what's changed. You provide a really grounded and honest assessment which I think many will appreciate.

[@TheAntinowherelane]

That shoe thing is real! I had a pair of shoes die on me in Tokyo (thankfully it was Tokyo and not somewhere rural) and the only size 12 shoes I could find were a pair of old school Air Force 1's...which made for a very comfortable walk the rest of my trip but I felt bad for creasing them so fast lol

[@kemek3000]

I’ve lived here for 10 years and I still learned some new stuff. Awesome video as always. Thanks for bringing a unique perspective to the conversation.

[@kemek3000]

@@missplainjane3905 In Japan.

[@kemek3000]

@@missplainjane3905 Oita, Tokyo, Nagoya and Toyota in that order. Why?

[@lynda.grace.14]

Making friends is challenging anytime people move from one place to another, even within their home countries. Japan isn't the only place in the world where individuals are closed to outsiders. There are also levels of friendship, and the closest ones can take a great deal of time and invested energy to establish. Naturally, people are not going to make an effort if they think someone trying to befriend them is going to up and leave as there is emotional pain in such loss. If people recognize those things before moaning about how hard it is to "make Japanese friends" it may make them more grateful for any interpersonal connections they can develop within the limits inherent in cross-national and cross-cultural relationships. While travelling and living (for short periods) in Japan, I have also accepted that any relationships formed are fluid. They may or may not last beyond the time that I am in Japan. When they do, I'm grateful, but brief relationships are also valuable, gratifying and a source of joy. In Japan I have found those in various ways: joining an organization or club to share an activity, speaking to a neighbour in the elevator, becoming a regular at a restaurant, taking my real estate agent out for a drink for their service to me, seeing the same massage therapist or hairdresser regularly--just as I would in my own hometown. A few have become true friends. Others make my return more special simply because they recognize and value me. It doesn't matter that it's as a great client rather than a great friend.

[@maegalroammis6020]

so we live in a planet of racism. we're human beings but we face stupidly judgemental people enclosed to their zone.

[@compashinpei]

Omg, I am Japanese and I CANNOT agree more!!! People, it is hard to find people who can analyze Japanese culture at this level.

[@nothatgxrl]

The defamation law is actually super important for journalists and people that work in public relations/communication, it basically limits our work so much we can't write or say anything unless someone else is willing to take the fall for us. It's tough.

[@Localbisexual]

Thank you for your honesty in your advice. I see so many "tip" videos that are just like, "be sure to take your shoes off when entering someones house!!" and literally nothing else. Obviously manners are important, but you need to be prepared for situations other than accidentally tipping the waitstaff or something!

[@jameshowlett5492]

We walked the entire city of Shibuya and got over 30,000 steps, so when he says walking a lot, that's an understatement. Also, pack baking soda for your shoes because they'll smell from all that walking.

[@zootie925]

So much better than ALL the other tips from foreigners in Japan. Straight from the horse’s mouth! Loved it. Thank you!!

[@HardyPinto]

Please Shun! Make the culture cheat-sheet for us foreigners　お願いします！I've been studying japanese for 3 1/2 years and I need to find someone to talk to and make the step forward on learning a language!

[@southcoastinventors6583]

Congrats on your dedication. What your fluency level after 3.5 years ?

[@HardyPinto]

@@southcoastinventors6583 I can read simple news and understand some short phrases. I got jlpt N4. The thing is that since I study japanese as a hobby, i am not in a hurry. My problem is being fast to create phrases. My course does not emphasize writing and conversation.

[@southcoastinventors6583]

@@HardyPinto Thanks for the response. I have been studying it for 5 months using a combination of learning apps, video games, and KZbin channels. Might want to try itaki or some other language exchange program. Good luck.

[@Eidolon5150]

I thank people like you that give insight to foreigners wanting to see Japan. Like for me Japan and Korea are bucket list items for me.

[@phillipwithstyle]

Please make that video about Japanese conversation starters!!! I would love to study that before I next go to Japan!!

[@JimMendenhall]

Dude, you are the best. The thing about the emergency numbers is NEVER mentioned by anyone. That is amazingly helpful. Thanks so much!

[@JadedConfusion2]

Here's my tip for everyone coming to Japan as someone who has been living in Japan as a student for about 3 months. When you fly to Japan, keep in mind the process of coming through customs is very time consuming I missed my flight in Tokyo when I got here and 4 out of 5 people who I have asked also missed their flight once arriving. 2 of those people including myself could not catch a later flight and had to stay in a hotel over night. So when you plan your flight if you have to fly domestically immediately after arriving leave yourself at least a few hours to get through customs and even that may be pushing it!

[@lilithbachelder4631]

seconding this, holy shit. getting on the monorail by myself with five pieces of luggage to try and make my connection.... totally hopeless case and was completely miserable. Not sure why JAL even has that 1.5 hour connection flight as an option, particularly these days.

[@JadedConfusion2]

@@lilithbachelder4631 definently one of the most stressful times in my whole life was when I realised I missed my flight and couldn't get another, I was alone, had no Japanese money, and spoke very little Japanese all with no sleep for about 30 hours. I hope everyone everyone who comes has a better welcome than what I had.

[@lilithbachelder4631]

@@JadedConfusion2 Ohhhh man that is truly brutal. I wish you better traveling luck going forward lol

[@themountainwanderer]

Why is that? They give tourists such scrutiny? I am used to this idiocy in the States, but in Japan?

[@JadedConfusion2]

@@themountainwanderer it could be different now but at the time when I came, Japan was only allowing in students not tourist. There were lots of check points where you needed to show your my sos app and fill out several pieces of paperwork before moving on to the next station where you guessed it you had to show the app again and fill out more paperwork. However, now that the country is open to tourist, maybe the covid precautions have become a little more relaxed and you wont have some much trouble. Best of luck!

[@Kiijoww]

You had the most authentic personality of all the videos on this topic. Thanks!

[@ronhilton9614]

Fascinating, Shun, and only minutes old to me! You cram in so much info with your wonderfully dry but sometimes comical humor. One of several amazing things is the value of going to a 7-11. Here in the US that store is more like a desperation stop. I laughed so much at the BBC bit too!

[@sebside]

i think i need a make japanese friends tutorial! xD nice video it is nice to hear it from a local. i was so glad that I brought my favorite deodorant to japan because the only shop that had some was a family market near a hotel.

[@maryellen8344]

please make that list of questions to ask Japanese people !! I currently live in Osaka and go to Kansai Gaidai so I’m always meeting with Japanese students but they’re the ones always asking me questions. I personally have had an easy time making friends at the University, but I have been struggling a little with making friends outside of University. I’m literally 10 years older than the Japanese students here, but I’ve made some real friends from HelloTalk luckily 😅

[@majutsushisliceoflife]

In regard to safety, in some buildings, one literally needs to watch their step. In some of the buildings I visited in Akihabara and on Takeshita street in Harajuku, the shop floors are uneven, and sometimes you'll need to step up, or step down into the shop. Also, unlike department stores in the U.S where you can pay at the front register, when you buy something, you need to pay for your purchases in that particular department. Shun, I think you can probably explain this better than I can.

[@coryohlendorf4849]

We need that list of natural conversation starters ... please!

[@michaelperrigo]

Would love that video for questions 🔥

[@kurootsuki3326]

8:07 ive watched wayyy too many of these videos in the last decade, and i think this is genuinely the best advice ive seen

[@princesspeach2923]

Shun I am here on my knees begging to make a video about the "friend questions" in Japan. Please I beg u

[@SHUNchanjp]

i got u

[@mmmm-lg2mj]

Thanks for the tips! I'm not going any time soon but definitely when I have the money

[@danielletilliepoledance]

SHUNCHAN MAKE THE CONVERSATION VIDEO!!! Please 🙏 ❤

[@davidwhatsthatabout7404]

Your English and pronunciation have gotten tremendously better. I do t even read the subtitles I have you playing in the background Andi understand everything you say clearly

[@joits]

Great video! I wholeheartedly agree with the 7-11 thing compared to Family Mart. I got used to a 7-11 because it was connected to the Prince Shinagawa hotel that we were staying in and it was amazing in terms of selection and then another time we stayed at an AirBnB and the closest thing was a FamilyMart.. which was fine, but just wasn't as good as the7-11.

[@tutankhamunwhite665]

Listening to you now before I wasn’t thinking bout coming there but maybe now i take the trip 👍🏽

[@PeterTheodore91]

I totally agree with you about the "1ran ramen", almost all my friends and family really wants to go there, and their price is a bit too expensive for me for a "OK" ramen. I just went there twice in Shibuya and Shinjuku but, almost all the customers are foreigners

[@SHUNchanjp]

EXACTLY

[@ngocluuquy5219]

@@SHUNchanjp can u write down the name of 2 ramen shop in English? Please

[@stinkyboy]

@@ngocluuquy5219 Hi, sorry for the late reply but they're Tenkaippin and Marugen :)

[@nikkyro03]

Traveling Japan has always been my dream get away. After watching thousands of videos, besides all the other reasons ive wanted to go..... The 711s, food, and Daiso made me want to go so much more. The 711s excite me so much

[@classicflo6616]

Nice video thank you:) A few ideas for future videos, - I would love to know a few bathhouses (and hotstrings though not sure if tattoos are an issue there) that allow people with tattoos - 1-3 easy to reach but worth seeing shrines to visit when visiting Japan - a nice place to try a tea ceremony - generally cool old architecture worth seeing for tourists Enjoy and keep up the fun content:)

[@borokazan]

I'm visiting Japan for the first time next month and I loved everything about this video, thank you for sharing this information!

[@askedwardtmi9118]

How to break the ice with Japanese people That would be an awesome video really look forward to what you have to say love your channel keep up the great work.

[@cameronfowler7361]

I really love your content. The two videos where you visited your grandparents are really sweet. Would love to see a few more like that in the future

[@Zei33]

Chris from Abroad in Japan is the man who hyped up foreigners on family mart. He’s probably the sole factor

[@southcoastinventors6583]

He did, more like he hyped up the fried chicken they served there.

[@SHUNchanjp]

🙁

[@kimchiva-3950]

@@southcoastinventors6583 he's bristh what can you expect, fries with hot sauce is revolutionary for them.

[@Learning4life-v6x]

Literally the best video I've come across - thank you! ❤

[@CrazedsHideout]

As an American in Japan, I think my conbini top 5 ranking is like... Natural Lawson's, Ministop, Famima, Lawson's, 7/11. 7/11 mostly ranks low because of the vibes more than anything else. Lighting is usually yellow (feels old), there are somehow always flies somewhere in every store, the staff regularly looks like it's angry to be there, and their karage game is WEAK. My closest conbini is a 7/11 but I will walk the extra 2 minutes to Famima because the staff is really nice, I can actually see what I'm buying in normal lighting, and the hot food is a lot better. I think 7/11 also just gets a bad wrap because I'm from America and 7/11 always feels like... gas station food, you know? It feels like early Sundays being forced to go to church with my parents and watching the hotdogs spin around while my mom stands in line to put 20 on pump 4.

[@clairerenar7237]

This was so helpful!!! I am studying abroad for a semester in Japan and have been trying to find some real, authentic information and i really enjoy your tips

[@ethangiesbrecht7349]

I'm heading to Japan in about a week. Thank you for all your videos and helpful advice! Hopefully studying Japanese for the past year pays off!

[@SHUNchanjp]

がんばって！also 楽しんで！

[@savana9507]

I’m so excited to go back! I went about 6 years ago. I loved it! I’m going back next July with my bothers, husband and a couple friends. This is a huge deal to them as Japan is a bucket list destination for them and I’m just happy to go back! Thank you for the advice. I knew some and learned some!

[@vguy488]

October 2023. 2 years waiting for the travel restrictions to lift so I can finally take my long-awaited trip; it's finally here! Thank you for the very helpful tips Shun! I had no idea about the defamation law, and while I don't usually even write reviews, I'll make sure to simply keep my opinion to myself if I encounter any service that wasn't up to my standards. The love hotel option is interesting to me, as I plan to spend as little time as possible sleeping, so I just need a safe place to rest for a few hours before going out again. Though my trip is heavily geared towards geeking out in Akihabara (life-long weeb, so yeah), my ultimate goal is to see Japan as a Japanese person does, so I'll definitely make a point to visit 7/11. I have to see with my own eyes how this works. Cheers!

[@idontthink]

Wrong year, mate.

[@Enforcedcraft]

Haha I mean that's good. If you got time visit at least one other city say if you stay in Tokyo visit maybe Kyoto or Osaka. Its cool to stay in and get lost in Akihabara(I as well am Life-Long Enjoyer of Japanese culture and also Anime and Manga ofc). So yeah.

[@Don_Giovanni]

Don't hype it up too much, or you'll be let down (like me) 😂 It's cool, but not magical.

[@meiji...]

your "things to know before coming to japan" series might be one of the most informative on KZbin, tysm Shun

[@fredfonebone5108]

I thought I had a job all lined up in Osaka and was so excited about finally moving to Japan, but the company kinda wigged out and changed plans, so now I’m stuck in the States for a while. Oh, well, I’ll use your helpful tips one of these days. :/

[@SHUNchanjp]

sorry to hear that🥲 fingers crossed you'll be able to come soon!

[@NorwegianGirl13]

はい、私はまだduolingoで日本語を勉強中なのでオンライン翻訳機を使用していますが、このビデオを作成してくれてありがとう!本当に役に立ちます！

[@Lodycau]

Thank you for bringing awareness to the "sitting down to pee" issue. For too long have we toilet sitters been shamed!

[@pwilll]

Yeah!! Toilet sitters rise up!! ...or not!

[@lainiwakura1776]

Idc, either wipe the seat after you pee or put the seat back down if you are so insistent on standing, women appreciate it!

[@kingkaic6767]

Loved your review and Japan is amazing can’t wait to revisit

[@thegoodestofgoodboysyourfr856]

I would like to visit, but I'm just a broke college student

[@aunjalaereed9264]

Same lol

[@southcoastinventors6583]

You mean you are broke because of college.

[@ToadBoiGaming]

Thank you for this video! You're extremely entertaining to watch!

[@vanderley3]

Sitting down while peeing is the most unmasculine thing a man could ever do. The mentality to think that's the norm speaks volumes about the masculinity of Japanese men. At least in America, if you ever get caught sitting to pee you will live your life a single man forever, not to mention being mocked by everyone.

[@amazinggrace313]

Learn to clean your pee afterwards then….

[@keegan2crow]

Can’t wait to come see Japan and this really helped with knowing what to expect in Japan

[@kimghoss6021]

Brilliant insight in to Japan.Always always wanted to visit...because of money and distance . Really love all things Japanese.(new sub from London).

[@mcknackus4721]

The video on icebreaker questions for japanese people would be a godsend. Im about to go on my first trip and i know having those in my back pocket would help get things started.

[@MrIdontknowww]

As an American, just the fact that there's a store called "family mart" is probably what is attractive to foreigners because the concept of family is weird in the states... The sense of community or at least the perception of community is what attracted my wife to the idea of life in Japan...

[@DavidKAnderson]

Agreed: 7-11 is simply better than any of the competition. Compare most any type of prepared food they all offer, etc...and the 7-11 version is invariably better. Except...(drum roll)...FamiChiki. Sorry, I just love that stuff. Yeah, I know...clueless old gaijin. Good call on local ramen shops, too...

[@visora498]

This has to be actually one of the most useful videos I have ever seen related to traveling anywhere. Huge congratulations, I am very impressed by how real these tips were

[@DiscoveringJapan1]

I gotta say, I moved to Japan two years ago, and you're spot-on with these tips. And with a nice warm toilet seat with warm water, who wouldn't want to sit down to pee?!! LOL I've since gotten married to a Japanese woman and truly getting to know your culture much better. Subbed!

[@clairedelacerna8501]

Thanks for this informative video. I hope we can go to Japan with my son next year. He loves to watch anime so I'm sure he will be happy to explore Japan. Hope to see you there😂💕🫰

[@FrankYoung1128]

I have some ideas: - gyms in Japan, etiquette, price for day pass, whenever I travel I prefer doing local stuff and limited touristy stuff - bars and nightlife guide, recommendation - things a local does for fun in (Tokyo, Osaka etc)

[@journeemoore9469]

I’m going to Tsuruga, Japan in February. I have a few family members that live there but this will be my first trip. Thanks for the tips. Hopefully I am able to meet people as funny as you.

[@WhenInRomeToo]

This was fresh and had things I didn't know about that are relevant with a great dash of humour. Thank you!

[@william.strebe]

the ice breaking questions are a must!

[@WildWildWeston]

The list of conversation starters sounds like a super interesting topic! Would love to see a video on it.

[@rattrap316]

Yes please with those questions. Would be great and very useful.

[@TheFieldTripLady]

Finally! A video with the REAL information I need as I plan a trip to Japan with a bunch of my high school students. Thank you Shun for being honest! I appreciate your time in sharing with us all. Can't wait for more content!

[@MichoTeh]

1 minute in and the BBC remark makes me laugh so hard, this channel deserved lots of subs!

[@ashura_amane8499]

One of the most useful videos ever seen, ty so much for this.

[@J_Gamble]

Fun and fresh video :) Please do make that video about questions to ask Japanese people to break the ice.

[@rizpista]

I love Japan that i went before . I dont care about luxury or what , i have to make sure everything is happy and fine. Im not all about luxury lifestyle but to explore my life experiencing in there and the way how people live .

[@AruoraOkami]

An 8th thing foreigners should know before coming to Japan are the PASMO / SUICA cards for using the rail lines! Very convenient and helpful for getting around

[@Don_Giovanni]

So true! I used to be a noob who bought single tickets until someone enlightened me with the Nimoca (nishitesu variant of suica)

[@m0ppu]

How do you get these? Are they sold at the train station?

[@Don_Giovanni]

@@m0ppu You should be able to get one at the ticket vending machine, iirc.

[@ashleylewis8604]

😂😂😂 I love your intro! I’m so dead with the toilet thing! Thank you for the video

[@riadezabrero]

I am late but I'm happy I found your video! It was genuinely informative and useful, thank you!

[@NaitomeIya]

I never knew BBC is more than a British broadcasting channel... Damn it Shun! XD Informative and funny video, as usual!

[@itsMaiku]

I didn’t know Family Mart was overrated 😂. Family Mart was the first Japanese コンビニ I ever went to, which is why it’s special to me

[@eliran1193]

How the hell is this the first time i come accross this amazing chanel?? great job, love the humor, keep it up.

[@dragons4thchild]

It's only a little over a week until I am back in Japan. It's been over 2 years. I'm really exited. Thanks for the tips.

[@morosz2]

Legit, I'm actually glad I came across your videos.. you tell it like it is as compared to other KZbinrs. My wife and I are planning our first-ever trip to Japan in the next few months, so it's nice to get a different perspective on everything 👍💪💪

[@lilgypsy7925]

My son was stationed in Japan for 3.5 yrs. I got to visit him for 2 weeks. Japan is an amazing country!!!! I can't wait to visit Japan again. I do have a tip for smokers. Japan has this amazing concept (and it works) of smoking areas. I made the mistake of smoking in an area off limits to smoking...lol! I was promptly and politely told by a policeman to go to a smoking area. I complied and wasn't upset...lol! True experience! More countries need to make this concept happen.