8 Japanese Unspoken Rules that you should know about🇯🇵

[@dflosounds]

Japan is my dream trip. I would gladly pay for a Samurai Matcha tour. Please keep us posted.

[@garyfrancis6193]

Autumn is the best time to go to Japan about October. Summer is very hot and humid especially in August. As a foreigner Japanese people will be superficially polite to you but my impression there that I am just being tolerated. Americans like to be casual and get to know someone informally. That is not acceptable there if they don’t know you. Do not expect to be thanked for holding a door for someone or handing them a tissue. That is my direct experience. They just don’t understand your behaviour. It’s unexpected and they don’t know how to react.

[@kaorushiroe8414]

Hi, I'm a driver here in Europe, and I'd like to say that flashing warning lights after merging is very common here... No surprises here, it's on the same level as removing shoes when entering a home, Europeans also do it as a majority. Regarding back parking, it is the most used method for a lot of European countries too, as it is the best way in case of emergency leaving. And as a standard, you have to master it to get your driving licence. It is enforced in quite a lot of companies too.

[@王景-g4m]

However flashing warning lights is not the correct way to use them

[@JJDaMan808]

Same as where I live in the US, but mostly truck drivers, buses, etc., would do this. I’ve also seen other motorists do it recently too.

[@roxtendo]

I think the triangle method is something that can be really useful! Every one can combine his food like he wants

[@zhuangsaur227]

Very eloquently spoken with a fine sense of articulation Samurai Matcha San 😊

[@Jeans-np5rs]

Hi I'm Korean and I really really really love Korea , America and Japan country ever. I've been studying Japanese recently and want to travel to Japan. I think your videos will be very helpful in understanding and studying Japan.

[@JJDaMan808]

Awesome! Great tips when traveling to Japan. One of these days, I'll get a chance!

[@sallycormier1383]

One time when I was in Tokyo I gave up my seat on a train to an older woman which in my culture is a sign of respect. She was a very stylish woman but it was clear she was much older than I was, like my mother’s age. At first she seemed upset, I guess she thought I was calling her old. But she did take the seat and later she did thank me. Is it considered disrespectful to offer your seat to a person who is older than you??

[@mercury2936]

I guess only that woman. I was misunderstood as a pregnant person which made me sad, since my belly was big due to my overeating. But I thanked the young man in the Tokyo subway....

[@ahnafrayeedahmed]

@@mercury2936 oof

[@HaiTomVlog]

It’s normal to “decline” an offer several times before accepting. Ive seen this happen many times, even between Japanese people. It’s just part of their culture, too. This is what was probably going on…

[@jant4741]

Hai has it right & the etiquette likely took a moment to figure out. She will fondly remember your kind gesture for life.👍

[@ItsMe_SaiYuri]

You did nothing wrong😊 its just not accustomed here but a lot of locals now are learning that especially foreign men tends to offer their seats to elderly or women.. so its totally ok if you feel doing it bec i do it too to older people especially if they look uncomfortable standing

[@tb6303]

When I was a child and a teenager, it was common for a truck (semi) to flash lights after you let them in in front of you. My brother told me that was to say thank you. Also, you'd flash lights to tell them it was safe to enter your lane (that they were far enough in front of you) because it isn't easy for them to tell (because they are so big). Also, if you saw a car heading your way on a highway and they flashed their lights at you, it meant there was a police car waiting on the side of the road (speed trap). You'd flash back to say thank you. Edit: this was in the United States.

[@phylis3917]

[nice picture.]

[@PathumAthuk]

I badly miss being in Japan! Thank you for bringing up so many nostalgic memories!

[@Niharika8888_4]

Rules and discipline are very important in our life. Your videos are very amazing. I am a teenager and I learn many good habits from you. I am very thankful to you. Can you make some videos like strict school rules in Japan for students. You are very amazing teacher for me because I learn many good things from you. Thankyou teacher ❤️

[@stevefiorito5379]

Yes, I am familiar with most, but not all of these "customs". My wife is Japanese and has brought her customs to the US ... unfortunately, also the expectation that Americans will follow the customs ... doesn't always happen, eh? I would also add that when training in traditional Japanese Martial Arts forms ... Okinawan Martial Arts forms .... training in the US or other "foreign" countries, the traditions and customs of Japan are as part of the "training" as is the physical training. That was such a pleasure for me to learn that part of the Japanese culture that I was embracing. The language? Still working on that ... 40 years later ... that education is never over with ... at least for this gaijin.

[@JasminAsterios]

In my Boarding school where I lived with the Kids, we had a girl from Thailand and she always made slurping Sounds while eating. My first thought was to tell her if she may stopft doing this because I tell all the students to eat quite but than I remindet her cultural Background and so I stood silent 😊 And now? Whenever I eat in a japanese Restaurant I do slurp as well! I got used to the looks I get from other german visitors. I don't care AND do enjoy my food ❤

[@dorothy8495]

Another great and informative video! Thank you. Thank you.

[@tb6303]

I'm never going to visit Japan, but I love these videos. I love learning about Japan, especially from a native.

[@freerkderuiter8822]

I always reverse park. It’s way easier. I quite like the fact you’re not supposed to eat while walking or if you are in the subway or train. Sadly that’s very different in my country.

[@Pete-z6e]

Not good for loading groceries into the back of the car.

[@bluesteelbass]

@@Pete-z6e This is what I thought too. I would like to see a grocery store parking lot.

[@katblehm2119]

I took some of my original artworks to Japan and tipped with it. The people I gave them to absolutely loved them 💜

[@kerim.peardon5551]

Here in the South (U.S.), we flash our headlights to let someone know they can merge--although this is usually only done for large trucks, which have difficultly seeing cars and judging distance behind them. They will flash their lights (turn their headlights on and off so the lights on the back of the trailer flash) to thank you. When you allow a car to merge, you wave for them to come in front of you, and they will wave thanks. As someone who is bad at backing up, I will say that it's easier to back out into a wide open space than it is to back into a narrow space between two cars. I think this is why it's standard in the U.S. to pull into spaces. (At my office, we're not even allowed to back into spaces; they sent out an email years ago telling people not to back in because the heat from the cars' tailpipes was killing the grass on the little landscape islands we have between all our rows of cars.) We also have a long history of big cars, so you sometimes need that extra turning space. Although I will say, even if it's easier on the driver to back out of a space instead of into one, it's safer on pedestrians for people to pull out of a space instead of backing out of it. Many people get hit by people backing out of a space. My dad said he fell in love with his back-up camera the first week he had his new truck because it alarmed and stopped him as he was leaving a restaurant parking lot. He then saw there was a Hispanic family walking behind his truck that he could not see in his rearview mirror because none of them were taller than the tailgate.

[@krsncrs821]

Do Samurai Matcha tour!! We would love that! We miss Japan. My husband worked in Japan for a few years and I visited a lot. Love it there and miss the food - especially ramen and Japanese breakfast!! Love your videos! 💕

[@quintonsanicola]

Wonderful video! I didn’t know #3 at all! Wow, I will check that out

[@heywardfi]

The flashing of lights in the states just means it’s ok to switch lane and it’s a signal of police ahead.

[@TanyaK-nu6ef]

@@heywardfi yes, police alert!

[@bluesteelbass]

Headlights. Not brake lights.

[@patriciarist856]

Yay ❤ Samurai Matcha San posted 🎉

[@tikoy1955]

Good informational video.

[@JerrellHardison]

thank you these tips and rules were very insightful and different than where I have heard anywhere else. arigato.

[@MaggieBacha-rk1ro]

Thank you for your time and energy you put into the videos , I enjoy your videos.

[@carolinefasth4030]

Thank you for your channel. Its my number one favourite channel here on KZbin 😊 You are such an inspiration and funny too. And I enjoy your videos very much, greetings from Sweden ❤

[@LankNprYde]

Great video! I have no idea if I'll ever go the Japan but at least hypothetically I will now be an amazing, courteous tourist! Thanks! :D

[@TanyaK-nu6ef]

Sign me up for the Samurai Match Tour!!!

[@angiecarlsonchan4510]

Thanks!

[@SamuraiMatcha]

@@angiecarlsonchan4510 ohhh!! Thank you so much🙏

[@down813]

3:37 - 4:19 I have to say parking your car with the front facing out is definitely useful in situations such as if your car won't start, you could easily ask someone to help jump start it.

[@Saknika]

The first one about the turn signal... I had a good chuckle because that's something you're supposed to do, by law, in America--and a lot just don't. Failure to signal and causing an accident in traffic is a chargeable fine.

[@ricebeansrockroll882]

It's about the flashing of light after the merge to say thank you, you use the turn signal before merge, then both lights after to thank the driver behind.

[@carolinaelizalde89]

i agree with you in Florida mostly south Florida is a big issue they wouldn't survive in japan

[@foxybrown1g]

I subscribed to this channel based on this video alone. I love how you teach us the true etiquette of Japan. You make it hilarious for us but very informative. 🙂

[@madisonromero3529]

I think we have lost the ability to care about life, others and ourselves in the US. Getting any one of these practices in my country would be monumentally difficult.

[@phylis3917]

Tell me about it!!

[@pamelam2264]

Thank you for these helpful tips! 😄I love Japan. I hope I can become more polite when I visit! You are adorable.

[@xochilguevara3429]

So interesting and fun!

[@LightningTrooper]

I am pleasantly surprised by such good driving and parking traditions in Japan, it is very rare to find such a thing in other countries.

[@Cerb_err]

Thanks for the new video!!❤

[@ミジンコミンコ]

私の夫はアメリカからの帰国子女なのですが、30歳の時に日本に帰ってきましたが、私と交際していた当初は三角食べができませんでした😂 一緒に食事していても、 最初にサラダ🥗だけ食べて、次にみそ汁だけ飲んで、肉じゃがだけ食べて、ご飯🍚😂😂😂それでは和食はおいしくないよって、 何度も何度も教えてやっと三角食べしてくれるようになりました😊 また、10年程前に夫の友人が日本に来てくれましたが、ラーメン屋に行き、私が麺をズルズルすすっていたのを、ギョッとした顔😮で固まって見てました😂 今は日本人が麺🍜をすすることが段々と知られてきて、恥ずかしくないですが、当時の鳩が豆鉄砲を食ったような顔が忘れられません😂

[@tatsumasa6332]

翌朝には皆一緒。

[@Ghostmaxi1337]

"Trennkost" is the way for me.

[@_aaandstkmnul44v44j1]

Every Japanese rule I know is linked to good education, politeness, respect others, keep everything clean and healthy - homes, workplace and streets.. there's no other place in the world where you can find so many wonderful aspects. Cannot remember anything about Japanese culture which I don't love . Slurping ramen is a bit strange... maybe because I saw it years before my trip to Tokyo, while watching TAMPOPO (great film!) and by that time I thought hilarious and couldn't be a true habit 🍜 😅

[@nadiahposthumus4893]

Hi Aki! Thanks so much for sharing your tips. I’m relieved to know it’s also ok to make the slurping sound when eating soupy noodles. We do that in our culture too :-) Aki I love the animations you use in your videos. How do you make them? What program(s) do you use to make for example the animation of car reversing into the parking space? I want to learn that! Thanks Aki for your wonderful channel! It’s always a pleasure to watch :-) Nadiah

[@DeaK5]

Thank you for great video! Viva Japan!

[@jimmason1111]

I am going to Japan this summer, thank you for your videos... I follow you since the beginning of your channel and he helps me a lot for a lot of things. So happy to see you evolution, and I wish you all the best. P.S : If you come again in Paris, I hope I'll be around. Ha a great day !

[@emp294]

Tks a lot! ❤ I enjoy your chanel. May you talk about Entro please!?

[@rin99999]

Such an interesting and informative video!

[@eleonoraparada1370]

I would love to go to japan one day ❤❤

[@cherylswindells3845]

Loved this!

[@lostinscription]

Thank you samuraimatcha

[@tairam9383]

Love learning from you. Thank you.

[@littleforest95]

the end with the sliding doors :D i had to watch it again.... too good :D

[@annwilliams6438]

The only thing I don’t like is the parking backing into a parking space - it means you battle to load your shopping/bags etc into the boot when you get to the car. (I thought that this was done in Japan due to earthquakes etc so that one could get out of the parking quickly in the case of emergencies.)

[@astyanax905]

In Canada, truckers typically put their hazards on briefly to thank a fellow driver also

[@paquialonso4546]

Gracias por tu nuevo vídeo, Aki-san. Tan útil, interesante, divertido y extraordinariamente bien editado como siempre. Gracias por tanto trabajo. Tu kimono de dos colores es espectacular ✨ Un sfectuoso saludo 🤗☺️

[@anniecochrane3359]

Very interesting!!

[@wayner9765]

I just love your videos. Thank you 😊

[@emilyfox2072]

Good video, very helpful! ❤ Thank you

[@mboyce8853]

Thank you for posting this video. Very interesting! I would be curious to know what the ai shite iru song is. Do you have more information about this famous song?

[@susanneekelund1309]

👍good to know!💚

[@childlikejoy]

We do the car light-flashing thing in South Africa to say thank you/sorry, when doing things in traffic! No hidden love messages though! ^_^

[@squaretriangle9208]

These rules are awesome🎉

[@elisabethhofstra7844]

Thank you for sharing and posting such an interesting video/tips about Japan. I am learning Japanese now to understand the culture better (of course to speak it too when I’ll go there) plus watching your videos gives me a better grasp of it.

[@Violianom]

Great video! I learned about two new things in this video! Also, a question for you: how are you recording in public? Is it a hidden camera? I always feel nervous trying to record my daily life in short clips and my smartphone makes a sound when it takes a video.

[@drmahimalall1874]

I always wanted to come to Japan

[@kathrynblack9152]

Backing into a parking space is a tricky maneuver often requiring several tries. Not safer than pulling straight in. Definitely a matter of practice and what you’re used to. A more difficult matter is the steering wheel on the right and driving on the left. Better to leave the driving to others.

[@sydneystudds]

I'm going to Japan for the first time this November! I would happily pay for a matcha experience with you or tour :)

[@allegrosotto2126]

My cat came over and was very interested in the video, even when it wasn’t showing food- I think he liked your voice- I do too😊

[@decemberclouds]

I read that in some very high end (expensive) hotels, that tipping is expected, using a small envelope. Usually you tip the person who attends to your room. Is that true?

[@maincoon6602]

I enjoy your videos 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@joy2bme]

Okay, I have to ask about reverse parking. What do you do if you need to access the trunk of your car? My youngest son is handicap. I always need to bring his wheelchair out of the trunk of our van when we go out. I wouldn't be able to do that if I backed into the parking spot. What about grocery shopping? How do you put anything in your trunk if it is blocked by the car behind you?

[@BrickTemplar]

You can always leave some space behind your car when parking. If there is none because someone blocked you, you drive out slightly and then access the trunk. It has been explained to us in the driving school (not in Japan) that reversing makes leaving a parking spot faster and safer, plus it is indeed easier to park this way.

[@edamame-hime]

be sure to get a "handicap" sign for your car. that way, you can park in the handicap parking zones available in every car park in Japan. 👍

[@acrobaticanna]

Watching from Australia 🇦🇺 I love your channel. Can you do another Kon Marie video and declutter someone else's space? It started you on a great journey. Also, explain in your own English words the process of the translation of "Spark Joy". I originally based it on my thoughts if an item. Now I think it's whether it gives a heavy feeling to your body or a neutral feeling or an excited feeling. I also shop using the Spark Joy method. If the item somehow weights me down inside in any way then I don't buy it.

[@edamameedamame1202]

My friend and her family 🇺🇸are visiting your fabulous country🇯🇵 I introduced her to your channel. 🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@lizasherman7431]

Love Japan!!!!!❤

[@youravantgarde]

Some neat stuff here I haven't heard about

[@РоманПаляниця-к5э]

Good day! I was looking forward to your new video. Thank you, it was very interesting and positive! I would like to invite you to visit Ukraine, but this is possible only after the war. Thanks again for a nice and positive video, we need it so much here, it makes us smile and hope that one day we will be able to visit Japan!

[@liswong7787]

I have seen some people do No.1 here in Auckland, NZ. I personally raise my hands to say thanks hoping the person behind me can see it (our back window is slightly tinted only) Re No.4, for efficiency, many cars in Indonesia park this way. I also park this way.

[@WestCoLux]

how do you load stuff into the truck when back in with head out.

[@denisconrad8534]

Let me please know AKI when you will make your Samurai Matcha tour in Japan, Will be pleased to join.

[@AngelaDavis-yz3xf]

Thank you Aki, The sitting fee is understandable but you should be able to enjoy the food that you're paying for 🤗💚

[@robbinblock2725]

I'm headed to Japan in October. First time!

[@AngelicaCline-i6d]

in U.S.A their are laws about backing into spots. It's a no, no it takes to much time however you can pull through if the other spot is empty. It's not enforced.

[@percyg1]

A Nihon jin told me he slurped noodles because it improved the taste & prevented burning. Also, to take less time to get back to work quicker. Offering your seat on a train to an elderly person, is not generally accepted. However ,some will accept.

[@videowatcheriAlberta]

This makes me wish to visit Japan some day. I do have a question. If I am uncertain as to whether a tip would be welcomed, can I just ask the person providing the service? That's what I do in Canada as we are much less prone to tipping than U.S. people.

[@edwarddht]

I've heard to not accepted in Japan.

[@JuliaKhan-ps3fp]

Thank you❤❤❤❤

[@Zerpersande]

Slurping is VERY bad manners in the US. At least in the South where I was raised. I play a lot of golf and I always dread winter. I’ll be seated with some guys and if they all order ramen it is SO annoying. I never say anything though. At home is another matter.

[@spoons360]

Hello! I love your videos and I like how you cover Japanese culture some times. Irezumi, or traditional Japanese tattoos, are very popular in the US. I am a white American man and I am interested in getting tattoo sleeves in this style, but I am concerned about how people would react to these tattoos if I visited Japan or China in the future. How do you think people would react if I traveled in Japan with these tattoos? Any help would be appreciated. :)

[@Gazumi-inOZ]

No No No please don't encourage a tipping culture in Japan 👎 just follow the dining etiquette, pay your bill, and thank them for their good service. SLURPING NOODLES .. yes there's actually science on the reason for slurping. Firstly, the slurp gets the most broth possible clinging to the noodles from bowl to mouth while also cooling the noodles. Secondly, and maybe more importantly, as pointed out, air is drawn into the mouth and consequently up into your nasal area greatly increasing the taste sensors therefore enjoying the broth flavours even more. It's true ! There's a great NHK JAPANGLE 'Ramen' episode on it, it's really worth searching out 😊

[@guhrizzlybaire]

I love the safety light thing!! And is the famous song by Gackt? 😂 (mostly joking) that's the only song I know called Aishiteru and how I learned what that meant.

[@dulcede]

Love your yukata,very geminian😂 Seller -What color do you want grey or green? Aki-yeahs

[@emilyspector2728]

I’m trying to learn how to read/speak Japanese. I noticed some of the sentences remind me of Spanish structure. So instead of saying “Red shirt”, in Spanish it’s “Shirt red”. So how do I remember this?

[@pw4780]

When I lived in Tokyo, men peed in the middle of the streets at night. I too acquired this convenient tradition!

[@karlschreiber9286]

Five breaking lights for You because of giving these good habits. 🍀

[@Earthy-Artist]

My parents visited Japan and tipped the waiter, after they left the restaurant the waiter went out after them to return it and give it back 🤭.

[@Gazumi-inOZ]

Tipping in Japan is a problematic for the Japanese because it is not the custom of the country and it's just stressful to them ... DON'T TIP just be sincerely thankful when paying the bill.

[@Earthy-Artist]

@@Gazumi-inOZ . Back in the 1980's during the time when my parents had visited Japan Google didn't exist at all and the internet was not yet available to the public, so in those days it wasn't easy to find out what the customs of Japan were. My parents clearly goofed by tipping, but they meant no disrespect, they absolutely loved Japan🤗 and they still talk about their trip.

[@Gazumi-inOZ]

@@Earthy-Artist yes nice gesture with a sincere gratitude from your folks ❤️. On one of my early trips at a supermarket checkout-till caught out of change and with customers lined up behind me, I just said "it's only 25c don't worry about it" ... only to have the young cashier run down the street with my change 😱 Would have stressed her and held up the customer line longer 🫣. I learnt to simply follow the Japanese directives in every situation, and keep MY customs in MY country.

[@denismoreau3646]

Interesting ways of life 😊😊

[@unbdld42]

Hi! I’m traveling on Japan soon. Will you be available for a meet and greet?

[@dulcede]

Oh wow! i notice that we have otoshi too in Argentina😂

[@bookbunny9]

I was ticketed for backing into a parking space in the USA when it was safer than turning around... As a serial backer-upper, I much prefer the Japanese way!

[@voice-of-wolf]

Greeting from Ukraine!) We have the same as 1st rule, but blinking 1-2 times. :)

[@LillikoiSeed]

Tapping your brake lights as a thank you are a trucker thing to do as well.

[@pascaleparant7891]

Merci 😊

[@tabassumtabessum6446]

Nice saring stay connected.8.2

[@lindabohl2454]

Thanks! ❤ California here! Very good tips!🙏🏻🕊🧂😇💕

[@Zencastle]

Samurai matcha 🥳🥳