Hello~ As I said, I am not an expert.. just some lady that films herself online!! This video was highly requested on instagram sharing culture shock & differences I felt between Taiwan and Japan. Would **love** to read some of your culture shock experiences from ANY country you have been to in the comment section ❤️ 請按關閉字幕按鈕進行繁體中文翻譯 (CC)
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
Story time… For example I went to make a bank account recently and Taiwan and you get a card to access your bank but you also get a bank book. In Japan, you also get a bank book and a bank card. I asked the Taiwanese lady if I can use just my bankbook to withdraw money from the atm machine and she kind of giggled and said no. And I felt like maybe that was a silly question but… In Japan it’s very common for people to use their bankbook to withdraw money and not their card. Anyways, just a little blurb of my mind constantly battling between strange questions and differences in life hahaha
I moved from Norway to the UK to attend university. Some differences: -If someone asks you how you are, that is your cue to say 'fine, thanks' or 'not to bad, thank you' - it's not actually an invitation for you to tell someone how you are XD -THE DRINKING. SO MUCH DRINKING.And how readily available alcohol is! For context: In Norway alcohol above 12.5% proof is sold in government owned stores open Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sundays these shops are closed. You can buy beer etc. in grocery stores but sale of these items is not permitted after 8pm on a weekday and 6pm on a Saturday, Sunday everything is closed. You have to be 20 to buy anything stronger than 22%. It is illegal to advertise or otherwise promote alcohol. Seeing 3-4-2 vouchers being handed out at bars at university, the off-licence shops on almost every street corner selling really strong stuff at all hours, and watching the adverts for huge crates of Stella etc. at Christmastime being played as you are doing your grocery shop is very strange. -Perhaps a strange one, but all the same: Kissing your child on the mouth. This is NOT a done thing back home and I was really surprised to see parents and caregivers doing this here. I still find it very odd. -Finally: That very few stores accept a £50 note - my brothers had exchanged some money for me to take while I was waiting for my student loan to come through. Imagine my surprise when the cashier wouldn't take my note! I now always advise people to ask for £10 and £20 notes if they are exchanging money.
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
哦好的!!! 對我有用的信息〜 If anyone is wondering, Daniel Chou is saying you can usually use bankbooks at the banks ATMs just not usually at a 7/11 atm family mart etc ✨
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
OMG THISSSS!!! Thank you for sharing~ I’m reminded of some other things i thought were different coming from Canada to japan (and probably Taiwan) In Canada, at least in Nova Scotia when I was there.. you can’t buy alcohol outside of the Nova Scotia Liquor Store which is owned by the province. Maybe a few wine only is available the a grocery store. I thought it was different to buy all different kinds of alcohol in Japan at a 7/11 or grocery store. It’s the same with Taiwan. ALSO, you can drink in public here! And also in Canada if you buy something small and pay with a $50, some shop owners can deny you lol. And kissing on the mouth, interesting 🤔 I can’t remember I’ve kissed my parents on the lips lol. It’s not for me but I’ve seen many adults do it in Canada.
@@LayersOfJenn Taiwan was part of Japan between 1895 ~ 1945.so.....
@perfectmebyshong15063 жыл бұрын
I totally agree with you. I'm Thai and I love Taiwan so much. Every time I went to Taiwan, I felt that people were so friendly and helpful to me. Everyone was so nice and tried to help. Even a taxi driver uncle who couldn't speak much English, he tried his best to communicate and told me to look at some significant buildings as we drove pass them. Ahh... I cannot wait until everything is back to normal so I can go to Taiwan again.
@hermin3 жыл бұрын
My first time in Taiwan, there was this guy who helped me find my hotel. I was not really asking for help, but I think he sensed that I was somewhat lost. This is one of the reasons I love that country.
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
Yes!!!! I love that~ I’ve had so many people offer me help so far from just being here 7 months 👍🏻
@max33344413 жыл бұрын
Taiwanese people are "aware" 😂
@hermin3 жыл бұрын
Taiwanese people have a "community" mindset
@DumDumFish3 жыл бұрын
@@hermin There's this Taiwanese word 雞婆(ke-poˊ) best described Taiwanese people, which means love to mind others' business. Mostly it is a good thing, but sometimes it could be annoying af😂
@hermin3 жыл бұрын
@@DumDumFish I can imagine how can that be annoying.
Taiwanese don't get defensive or annoyed if you didn't speak the language. So many times I see them trying to fish out their vocabularies, going above and beyond to help you. It's the effort and the willingness for me that set Taiwanese apart. If a foreigner do speak a little Mandarin or even 台語 generally would be responded extremely well in return. It's awesome. The many times I traveled to Canada alone I also find people warm, extremely chatty, and helpful. To me it is a country I'd always want to go again and again. 😊
That absolutely true that taiwanese people really friendly and kind... if they really know that you need help they are not hesitate to help you right away... I am married here in taiwan and base on my experience here staying for about 22 years, taiwanese people really so kind and helpful and they treat all the people here fairly... no rich people and poor people here... People here are so humble and treat eaqually
@mikaljan3 жыл бұрын
In Taiwan, the attitude regarding tattoos is more like "hey, it's your body, do whatever you want". Honestly, no one will judge you differently.
@Jccumin3 жыл бұрын
But there’s still someone with the tattoos will show their bad manners to anyone at any place, and unfortunately this kind of ppl are quite alot
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
I’m sure there are a lot of people with bad manners that don’t have any tattoos as well.
@mikaljan3 жыл бұрын
@@Jccumin The point is Taiwanese people don't really care if one has tattoo or not.
@bellalin68393 жыл бұрын
I am Taiwanese but mostly raised in America but I go back very often. In 2019, my sister and I went back by ourselves over summer and we each carried a BIG suitcase. We were at a really busy underground station that had many small steps inside and it was extremely inconvenient to haul the suitcases around. At one part, there were about 6 ish steps to go up and my sister and I couldn’t drag our suitcases up since and it would often almost tumble back down when we finally went up a step. A middle aged man immediately came up to us and simply said “I’ll help” and grabbed both up by himself 😅. After that, we thanked him but he asked if we knew where to go to buy our tickets. We told him where we were going and he said he’s going the same route so he let us follow him the whole time, often looking back to make sure we didn’t lose him. That was like, the first day we were back that time. It was so heartwarming and I forgot that one of the things I always miss most about Taiwan is the people.
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
I love that!! I experienced something similar in the HSR. A middle aged man walked me to one of the lines in Taipei Main Station & showed me how to refill my easy card. I already knew how to do all of this however BUT I didn’t mention it to them 😂 because I didn’t want to discourage his helpful attitude in the hopes that he will continue to do that for others and not think “oh, maybe they already know like that person before” Maybe I just think too much 😅
@bellalin68393 жыл бұрын
@@LayersOfJenn HAHA nice, I probably wouldn’t mention it either 😅 you’re definitely not thinking too much! Also in the MRT, I’ve seen so many instances where 2 or more people get up for an elderly or a pregnant woman especially during rush hour and although this behavior is probably really common, I still always love to see it.
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
I love those little moments on trains!! I’ve seen it happen in Japan too in the trains sometimes. In Japan, when you announce you’re pregnant to city hall, they give you a little badge to wear on your bag/purse saying “there is a baby in my tummy” in the hopes that others will see it and give you priority!! I wonder if Taiwan has something like that !? 🤔 I’m curious for future reference haha
As a native Taiwanese who grew up in western Canada in my teens and twenties, landed a job in the US (NYC) and lived there for twelve years and three years in Japan (Kansai), I can totally identify with your experiences (with a fresh eye observing the various cultures.) For me language is the medium to open the gate of learning a culture. Prior to breaking the language barrier I always feel like a foreigner to those places. With effort to master the languages and to fit in, I can see myself accustomed and adapt to a new culture. Every time I speak these languages I feel a slight shift in my own character, partially reflecting the cultural essence, partially taking on their inherited style of expression. The funny thing is, once a while I am teased by the local Taiwanese for being a foreigner. Perhaps I am bit too mixed up.
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
Haha sounds to my like you’re a child of the world!! You must have so many interesting stories and life experiences
@aureliusjiang38313 жыл бұрын
The frequency of hearing car horns in Asia countries. India > China > Malaysia > Taiwan > Japan The density of convenience stores Korea > Taiwan > Japan > Malaysia > Indonesia
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
I do love how there are a lot of convenience stores in both Japan & Taiwan!!!!!! Makes life so easy ✨
@desperado87903 жыл бұрын
Very accurate observation.
@shitephen3 жыл бұрын
In Kyoto, the hornof a car is converted into the sound of the engine accelerating. (Just talking a joke)
@redlipspepper3 жыл бұрын
interesting video ! i love the free side of taiwan in terms of PDA and tattoos and yes people are SO SO SO kind ! i cannot count the number of time someone in Taiwan asked me if i was ok while i was walking in the countryside, or helped me with so many stuff during my stay ! just to know i'm going back to taiwan in september makes me happy, you helped me remember those many nice aspects ! I still was a bit shocked by the table manners in Taiwan, as i am French and table manners are really important. it wasn't too bad, depends on the people and age as well but sometimes i just couldn't finish my meals in front of people who spoke with their mouths full and all. too difficult for me ahahah
@Ebathora3 жыл бұрын
I'm Taiwanese American and talking with a full mouth is so real! My family loves talking during meals and it's usually loud and boisterous with a lot of laughter. It's pretty gross when it's a mouth full of chewed mush. And it's always the elders you can't talk back to who don't realize they have the habit. I like the trade off though for the good vibes at mealtime :)
@jerometsowinghuen3 жыл бұрын
During my trips to Taiwan, every Taiwanese citizens are friendly and nice to help each other. Such as my cousin arranged a driver, who is very friendly, to take us to almost everywhere in Taiwan, since we chose to travel by ourselves. And then, he/she chatted and explained the destinations with us for the whole trip, which was interesting and amazing. As an university student from Hong Kong and a new subscriber of your KZbin channel, there are still more places in Taiwan that I have not been before, I wish I can travel to Taiwan again in the future. And it also has an international country for foreigners to live, study, work and travel, which are affordable.
@juley863 жыл бұрын
In my personal experience, Taiwanese are friendly,even with a local Person. I am a Taiwanese. When I traveled in Tainan before, they helped me. I felt warm.
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
I love getting help here 🥺❤️
@thecookingcouple-foodtravel3 жыл бұрын
Totally agree with all you said about Taiwan....love Taiwan
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
Life is just so.. nice here haha. I’m *very* much enjoying it. I still love Japan, don’t get me wrong but, I love Taiwan too ✨
@thecookingcouple-foodtravel3 жыл бұрын
@@LayersOfJenn To me Taiwan has everything I need, helpful people, traditions, culture, scenery, mountains, the ocean, the modern and old cities, and the absolutely amazing food. Love it all.
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
That’s an amazing way to put it for others ✨✨✨
@Abooo483 жыл бұрын
I'm a Taiwanese, and I'm disgusted by people who don’t wear headphones when watching movies or listening to music in public places...According to my observations, most elderly people have this problem. Recently, public transportation also broadcasts propaganda that they should wear headphones. To avoid affecting others🥺🥺
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
Haha I mean it doesn’t happen often but I was shook when I first seen it. As I said most people on IG told me it’s normal.. I’m just weird because I lived in Japan where it’s relatively quiet 😂😅
@maggie1983333 жыл бұрын
Maybe because some elderly people are hard at hearing and headphones might not be suitable for them. Just want to put the possible reasons out there.
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
Def for sure it is good to hear other sides!! Sometimes we are just stuck in one though process (my included) so thank you for that~ I mean if it really bothers me… A lot a lot then I’ll just get up and move ~
@皮皮-b2c3 жыл бұрын
That is a very bad hobbit from the under civilized Chinese in the old time. Even now in China, many youngsters still do the same thing but no one is dare to correct them.
@MaximSupernov3 жыл бұрын
Agree, this is the type of behaviour that get on my nerves. But recently I see more young people displaying such behaviours playing mobile games on public transports.
@jackson2243 жыл бұрын
Yes,many people said that taiwan is influenced by Japan,however many things are different, people are more casual and liberal,however I think people are too casual sometimes a little bit sloppy(its okay I'm Taiwanese I could criticize my country,I have to say the truth)I think the custom culture in or Japan is a good culture.
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
There are def some pros and cons to both. And talking about criticizing your own country… Actually my list for criticizing Canada is massive 😂😂😂
@azndude5083 жыл бұрын
After a night out, my friends dropped me off near my airbnb in a quieter area in Taipei but I realized later I left my phone in their car. I didn't have any other devices with me but found a cafe that was still open late. The nice staff let me use one of their laptops so I could get in touch with my friends to meet up the next day.
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
That was really nice and helpful of them. Imagine what would have happened if they didn’t help you out 😣
@johnklin3 жыл бұрын
I just came across your channel and this video and found it interesting. A fellow Taiwanese American friend of mine did a stint in Taiwan for her company, and when she returned, she was just so amazed that even for her, people in Taiwan are super friendly/helpful - the Taiwanese are definitely known for going out of their way to help people. Glad to see that you thought the same!
@leyu223 жыл бұрын
I agree with your takes! Taiwan is an awesome country. Really like how well Taiwanese people speak english too, makes it super friendly for international tourism.
A few others commented as well that others think it’s impolite to watch/play with smartphones and not have headphones! I do love a quiet train haha. I think that is why I like the HSR :)
I must say, you are so refreshing! Positive vibes.
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
Thank you for that 🥺❤️
@sakuravoyage3 жыл бұрын
I was hoping you’d do this video! Interesting points - and yes Taiwan’s fruit selection is amazing yum... I’ve lived in Japan 1yr & Taiwan 3 months, and I definitely noticed that in Taiwan people are much much more casually dressed & have less pressure to not have a hair out of place, of course especially pressure on women. I liked the laidback vibe in Taiwan but also missed seeing the attention to fashion in Japan. Do you ever feel like you’re standing out when you wear really fashionable outfit/ / strong makeup in Taiwan? - Also I’d like to hear/see you compare café & bar culture between the two countries! :)
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
Ohhh that’s an interesting video topic too. Thank you~ And I do like how people are a little bit more laid-back here… It’s less pressure for me as well. Sometimes I do feel like I stand out a little bit but I don’t mind… In Taipei, sometimes in some areas .. I feel like I’m the one underdressed lol 😂
@woodlakeview3 жыл бұрын
It is very nice of you creating English Vlog in Taiwan. People could watch it ererywhere worldwide.
@chunwenteng98333 жыл бұрын
so good! 還好妳在台灣所體驗到的經驗大部分都是正面的。歡迎待久一點囉!
@hendribeukes3 жыл бұрын
Spot-On! Mostly my experience too, except English wasn't widely spoken when I first arrived 3 decades ago. I found culture shock is not so much about all the new, but an absence of the old and familiar. Thank you for sharing. Hope your time here in Hsinchu is blessed.
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
Wow 3 decades !! I wonder what Taiwan was like then.
@bradaltemeyer44723 жыл бұрын
back in 1990-93 when I was at the MTC, English was widely studied but no, not widely spoken, there used to be just one neighborhood where if you walked into the 7-11 they would just switch to English (Tien-Mu)
@hendribeukes3 жыл бұрын
@@LayersOfJenn Not as fast-paced, but every bit as friendly and generous with their time and food... people going the extra mile when helping and always making sure you've eaten well. Back then a common way to greet someone, friend or stranger alike, was - Nǐ hǎo, nǐ chī bǎole méi? 你好,你吃飽了沒? Which means, “Hi, have you eaten yet?” or literally, “Hello, are you full?” TAIWAN is indeed Paradise! Besides its beauty, the people make it one of the best and safest places to call home. Blessings.
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
Love that!! Thank you for sharing lol. I should remember that sentence !!
@hendribeukes3 жыл бұрын
@@bradaltemeyer4472 Correct. Seems we arrived around the same time. Summer of 1990 was my first visit that lasted a month, then in Spring of 1993, I moved here for good. Though I lived in Taipei and Taichung for brief periods through the years, Hsinchu has been my home for most of my life - I arrived at age 19 and I'm still here... Now a proud citizen, too. I'll never leave... I LOVE TAIWAN!... (LOVE The People & The Place) Blessings to you Brad and to you Jenn. TAIWAN won't disappoint.
@IAMRINNIE3 жыл бұрын
As a Taiwanese Canadian who loves Japan, I totally agree with the mentioned points! PDA, the quietness on transits, the apparel, etc! Love your videos😊💛 Glad you’re liking Taiwan💜
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
You understand my perspective then 💯💯
@BlackDragonTiffany3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for this video. My wife can understand more before she moves there 🙏❤️
@MaximSupernov3 жыл бұрын
If you see guys with orange uniforms managing the traffic during rush hours, those are not police but volunteer taxi drivers who do it time to time. Police are the ones with grey uniforms.
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
Ohhh noted!! I never would have known that so thank you ✨
@hey540883 жыл бұрын
@@LayersOfJenn yeah, they are voluntary traffic police. Mostly taxi drivers but not all. They assist the police during peak traffic or if there is a large gathering. eg. concerts or parade etc.
@travelingswede57743 жыл бұрын
You’re tempting me to move from Japan to Taiwan haha it sounds so nice
@shachede68283 жыл бұрын
I JUST ARRIVED TO TAIWAN TODAY. In my quarantine hotel now.
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
WELCOME !!! ✨
@shachede68283 жыл бұрын
@@LayersOfJenn thank you! I hope to see you some day! Your channel really helped prep me and show me a lot! Thank you!
@ZoeysMusings3 жыл бұрын
Loved this, Jenn! You were respectful to both cultures but truthful to your personal experience. 🙂
@maggie1983333 жыл бұрын
As we all know that you will be shushed if you talk loud on the train in Japan. One funny thing is that once i was taking a train in Taiwan, and these 2 Japanese businessmen just talked so loud in Japanese on the train. I thought it must be so freeing for them to be able to talk on the train. That’s why they were so loud.
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
Hahaha I mean it could be true!! I haven’t been shushed in a train in Japan BUT I’ve had friends who have been shushed lol.. also in cafes to be quiet!
@CHChen-iu9vk3 жыл бұрын
Haha, I can totally relate to that. One time I was in China taking the MRT, and there was no rule saying that you can't eat or drink on the train, so I had my first ever bite of food on the MRT there. But I should probably not be proud of that :S
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
I could see a lot of people probably acting different outside their country. Especially if it is vacation mode 😂
@Plasma1iTV3 жыл бұрын
To keep it short: I would say Taiwan is between Canada and Japan culturewise when you compare them but closer to Japan.
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
Yeah that’s a great way to put it!! I’m def living my best life in Taiwan haha
@Plasma1iTV3 жыл бұрын
@@LayersOfJenn Yeah we can see that haha 😂
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
😂😂😅
@waynechiang73213 жыл бұрын
I'm a Taiwanese, went to Canada for school, back to TW, moved to JP for 7 1/2 because of work and now in California. Totally agreed with all your "Culture shock" things, especially the one that watching video on a train without earphone. That's really annoy to me too. Haven't been back to TW for more than a year because of COVID, miss the vibe!
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
Wow you have been everywhere haha. I would love to hear if you had any culture shock moments in Canada !
@waynechiang73213 жыл бұрын
@@LayersOfJenn when I first arrived Canada. My friend told me that pedestrians’ safety are far more important. Just raise your hand and point it to the other side of the road, cars will stop and you can across the road. That was something that I never experienced in TW.
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
I know if you’re hit in a crosswalk you could sue. Also in driving school we learn the most important person on the road is the pedestrian.
@astoldbykat3 жыл бұрын
When I moved to Japan from Korea last year, the expensive transportation also shocked me even though I knew about it from previous visits. But one thing I LOVE about the public transit is that, for the most part, people aren't shoving me to get on or off the train (unless it's rush hour). In Korea, older people were pretty infamous for just shoving their way past you -sometimes even just shoving you yourself. I like how most of the time people here line up and wait patiently.
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
Ohh okay!! I didn’t know that. To add onto trains and rush house etc.. I was very surprised during rush hour in Taipei.. nobody packs onto the train and no squishing in like in Japan. My husband and I were surprised about that in Taiwan bc we are so used to busy trains in Japan. Could be a population density thing but, I remember thinking that ✨
@astoldbykat3 жыл бұрын
@@LayersOfJenn oh man that sounds like HEAVEN. Korea used to squish in too; luckily where I have to travel for work now in Yokohama the train traffic isn't too bad from when I go to and leave work, but it can still get packed in the mornings....
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
I used to go to in the opposite direction of Tokyo every morning for work & always felt bad for the ppls on the opposite side rod the track on the keihin tohoku line 😅
@astoldbykat3 жыл бұрын
@@LayersOfJenn same! I'm on the same line going opposite of Tokyo, and when I see how packed that other train is....I'm especially grateful I don't have to deal with it now, given the situation
@yu-hsinlee62183 жыл бұрын
The older people issue is often being mentioned. For Korean culture is deeply influenced by Confucianism, older people are treated with respect and people tend to tolerate them, they can have their way without being criticized like cut in line or scold younger people for no reason. Thankfully few years ago, I saw the younger generation have brought this up and discussed it.
@andrewcarnegie58053 жыл бұрын
Taiwanese people are really friendly and helpful, and they love visitors.
@aaaac42603 жыл бұрын
Liberal Taiwan, and not too much, in many aspects! Taiwan is my dear and wonderful country. Welcome to Taiwan!
@chuckhuang43593 жыл бұрын
Having opportunities to live in different countries in the world would probably be priceless and hard to find. To see is to believe. I guess different experience would enhance a person's mind to appreciate alternate beauty in daily life.
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
Ohhh I love when you put it that way ✨
@catlike13 жыл бұрын
As a Taiwanese American who has visited Taiwan maybe 8 or 9 times over the years, and Japan twice, I think your observations are quite accurate. Average Taiwanese person speaks more English (and is more willing to try to use it) than the average Japanese person. It's taught in all schools starting around middle school. Taiwanese people are also very friendly and helpful. Like Japan, it is is collectivist society and social norms are strong, but the norms have loosened up over the decades and Taiwan has been quite open to the world and external influences. It's definitely more casual and informal these days. Taiwanese culture does have its Japanese influences, having been occupied by Japan for half a century between 1895 and 1945. You see it some of the architecture of old buildings, the education system to a certain extent, and the food. And even in the language. Not sure if it is still used today, but when I was a kid in the states, Taiwanese folks would use the word "obasan" to refer to an old lady. Which I believe is Japanese for grandmother? You didn't mention one of the similarities: 7-11 and convenience stores everywhere! I surprised you're finding food shopping more expensive. Could be the large supermarkets charge a premium. I do think eating out is super cheap in Taiwan and probably cheaper than Japan?
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
Yeah I didn’t mention any similarities but others asked for a video about it things I find similar to each other. Not sure if I’ll do that or not because I feel like it would be a touchy subject. But yes as you mentioned convenience stores are everywhere in both places! Also alcohol being told at grocery stores and convenience store in both planes. Where I’m from in Canada, you can only buy alcohol at government funding liquor stores (NSLC) And you’re right, obāsan is grandmother in Japanese
@catlike13 жыл бұрын
@@LayersOfJenn You are probably right. Taiwan has a very complicated relationship with Japan. In fact, growing up in the US, my mom wouldn't buy a Japanese car until we convinced her to get a Honda, in part because they were made in the US. Where in Canada are you from? I grew up in Seattle, so Vancouver was less than 3 hours away by car. And Montreal is one of my favorite cities.
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
Oh I’m from the opposite side of Vancouver haha. I’m from Nova Scotia! (Eastern Canada)
@josephchiu4083 жыл бұрын
@@LayersOfJenn If someone asked me where is the farthest place from Taiwan on earth, I would say Nova Scotia, in distance and possibly in culture.
@chibichumon3 жыл бұрын
OMG! Finally! :) please do more of these comparison videos! It’s always informative and they’re a great way to better appreciate what we have or what we should improve upon. Thanks!
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
Ohh okay noted ✨✨
@menghong3669 Жыл бұрын
Friendly People are the main reason I love Taiwan ❤❤❤
台灣的夏天很熱! 夏天,我也將少穿幾層衣服。Summer in Taiwan is very hot! In summer, I will also wear fewer layers of clothes.
@pai31723 жыл бұрын
對,化妝後一小時變土石流,穿的漂亮的洋裝後滿身大汗,洋裝也不好看了
@andy_in_taiwan3 жыл бұрын
What you shared makes total sense! I spent a month in Japan and I just moved to Taiwan. The differences are so interesting! But cool similarities too!
@seikokan3 Жыл бұрын
Hahaha... A very precise insight into the culture differences between Taiwan and Japan. Good job for a Canadian living in Taiwan for just half a year.
@lesjune3 жыл бұрын
I’m glad you are having positive experience in Taiwan! Taiwan is a hidden gem in Asia that lots of foreign travellers missed. There are lot of places to explore, and lot of food to enjoy, hope you get to love this country!
@jasenliu3 жыл бұрын
Taiwanese hospitality is definitely very different to many other countries but as an overseas Taiwanese, when I look back, sometimes we are a little bit too much into a stranger personal space but a lot of them have good willing. However, aware your surrounding is still important in a foreign country.
@user-BigOrangeCat3 жыл бұрын
It's fun to hear you share your life experience in both Japan and Taiwan. Look forward to hearing more about your life here!
@heyyehhey3 жыл бұрын
I am Taiwanese. I don't like people in Taiwan talk loudly on the phones or listen to music, watch youtube without headphone either. THEY ALWAYS MAKE ME FEEL ANNOYED!!!! I am totally ok with PDA. but as for noise on the transportion, someone may just take a rest on their trip and so many people don't respect others in the public.
@tomhorace3 жыл бұрын
Thank you for your observation and analysis of two cultures. I have been visit Tokyo countless times, and I often stay for more than a month. Many observations are the same as you. My friends who live in Tokyo did really enjoy to come Taiwan and they can be free to be themselves. And finally, let me tell you that Taiwan is really the kingdom of fruits. There are so many different fruits in every season all year round, cheap sweet and delicious. Enjoy your time in Taiwan. the best !!!
@yuchiao_i3 жыл бұрын
I'm a Taiwanese who lives in Japan for over 12 years now and I totally feel you about people making noise in the train which makes me uncomfortable lol I do feel it's good to wear whatever I want to wear when I was in Taiwan but I also like to dress up and wear full make up for going for shopping in Tokyo. Sometimes it feels weird and people might look at me if I dress up and wear a glem make up in Taipei. Hope you enjoy your time in Taiwan😊
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
Haha I still kinda dress up sometimes anyways and just let the stares happen 😂. And I glad you understand my and the train noise. I think it can be hard to grasp for somebody who has never really lived in Japan and experience just how quiet it is lol
I really found this vlog interesting. I love that each country is so different and I think you have really fit in to the Taiwanese culture.
@mtsu88583 жыл бұрын
“I am just a girl on internet who film herself.” 🤣 As you can probably tell, people like your videos. One thing I find your channel interesting is that you are very observant and sensitive to cultural differences. So I enjoy this video as a thicker dose of compare and contrast. It takes an outsider to look at our ordinary life in a fresh way.
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
Haha I am just a well, I guess woman at age 31, filming herself 😂👌🏻
@miayle95453 жыл бұрын
The biggest culture shock in Taiwan vs Australia is that in the library in my Uni in Au, you can eat (lots of smells!) and talk in groups in the library, and there are people lying on the couch or anything that you can lie on., really different.... their layback style is another level....(I’m Taiwanese, I’ve studied Uni in Tw as well)
@imspider1233 жыл бұрын
日本人重視穿著打扮讓人看起來舒服,台灣人穿著隨性讓自己感覺舒服
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
是的! 我很高興地說,即使在 11 月,我現在也穿著涼鞋。👌🏻
@julientyt3 жыл бұрын
The secret code for Taiwanese is left no foreigner losing weight or direction.
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
Wait lol. To clarify you mean if a foreigner looks lost, help them or if we are losing weight, recommend them food or something !?!! 👀😂
@katecpr3 жыл бұрын
@@LayersOfJenn Your interpretation is (somewhat) correct. I'm from southern Taiwan. It's basically a disgrace if you let your guests leave without a food baby lol
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
@@katecpr LOL sounds like I need to go to the south hahahaha
@katecpr3 жыл бұрын
@@LayersOfJenn well if you do decide to come, you're more than welcome to hit me up. Would be very happy to show you our hospitality😄
@chrissyh77063 жыл бұрын
@@LayersOfJenn Taiwan Southerners are known for their hospitality. Especially grannies. Grannies will not only feed you till you die but will have extra food for you to take home. haha
@wendylam81283 жыл бұрын
Taiwan is one of the most developed country. You are welcome. The cities are super clean and you can enjoy the high technology everywhere.
政府對covid的反應是驚人的。 I love how life if almost normal here! I love reading that tattoo culture in Taiwan has become more about art. I think Canada is similar.
@ericku7183 жыл бұрын
I lived in Taiwan for 6 years before moving to Japan last year and I can relate to so much of what you're saying (but from the opposite perspective)
@ericku7183 жыл бұрын
Especially the point about tattoos (as a person with tattoos myself)
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
I’m glad you can relate to me even if it’s the opposite !! 👌🏻💯
@cathydegrasse96963 жыл бұрын
You should include “Taiwan” in the title of all of your travel video titles... you seem to get more hits when it is... love your videos!
@mushiimushiilove3 жыл бұрын
I can definitely relate to the culture shock being in Germany from the U.S. My biggest shock was on how there are a lot of natives that speak English and fluently. I live in the country so I wasn't expecting that versus a bigger city.
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
Ohhh so a lot of Germans speak English then!? I’ve heard that German grammar and English grammar is very similar but I can’t be certain!
@mushiimushiilove3 жыл бұрын
Yes! Even the little ones have awesome grammar and pronunciation! I think so 🤔 I’ve been so bad with studying it.... 😓
@TT-zd6nr3 жыл бұрын
@@LayersOfJenn That was a surprise. English does not decline nouns or have noun genders. However our pronunciation is very similar, or so I felt when I worked there. The big surprise was how deep German voices were. Us English chaps felt we had higher pitched voices than the German girls we would like to date. Luckily I had a cold :)
@h56420073 жыл бұрын
all those points you mentioned in the video are true and interesting. Especially dressing style I feel. I heard about the importance of dressing and wearing makeup in Japan, but I didn't really understand it until I went to Japan, even though I just stayed there a few weeks. The social norms made me feel, I have to 'well dress' and 'wear makeup.' It's also fine, but I just need to wake up earlier. lol Both sides have different cultures. It's amazing to learn the differences and embrace them. :) Meanwhile, being glad that we can easily adjust ourselves to fit in a new environment and culture! Guess that's why traveling/living abroad is always that charming!
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
“Need to wake up earlier” lol.. I feel that deep in my soul 😂. Sometimes I feel like the pressure to “dress well” in Japan can only really be felt if you travel there or live there. And yes def interesting to learn about both of the cultures (& how a few overlap slightly)! Living abroad is all about adopting… So if you can adapt to your situation then you can live abroad (I think!!)
@h56420073 жыл бұрын
ohh i actually don't like people talking loudly on transportation. If it's just a quick phone call or short chit-chat, then it's understandable. But sometimes I got really annoyed when people watched youtube without a headset, or even talk with a speaker. If I can't stand on it anymore, I would kindly ask them to low the column or put on an earphone. I thought this is the limit every human can do. However, I found teenagers in Germany even lift it to another level They just play music with a speaker while walking on the streets. 🤣
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
Excuse me!?!? Music on a damn speaker lol... my eye is already twitching in annoyance 😂😂😂
@MegIgarashi3 жыл бұрын
Taiwan sounds amazing!! 😍😍😍 Can you do another one like Japanese VS Taiwanese food?? The food there looks bomb!!
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
Ohhh that’s a good idea !!
@johnstevenson46113 жыл бұрын
Great video! Enjoy your sit down videos. Please do a vlog spring or summer week. Love your vlogs.
Awesome video 💯 Come on, never get tired of listening.... Great job, girl 🥰🥳
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
Thank you always 🥺❤️✨
@lolastoryteller3 жыл бұрын
Wow I found your channel two days ago and I realize you may live so close to me!! Maybe I will run into you on the train someday anyway hope you enjoy living in hsinchu!!~💝💝💝
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
Maybe! I try my best to not disclose online where exactly I’m living 😅 If you ever see me stomping around, please do say hi ☺️☺️
@maplesushi3 жыл бұрын
Awesome video! It’s so interesting getting your opinion considering you spent so much time in one culture and then moved to another!
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
Thanks bb!! This is my bestie from Canada yall ✨❤️ Can’t wait for you to get back to Taiwan one day !!!
@hey540883 жыл бұрын
@@LayersOfJenn subscribed to your bestie!
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
Yayyyy ✨
@desmondlow1245 Жыл бұрын
Hahahaha!! I really enjoyed all your videos!!! I had almost watched most of your videos on Taiwan as I am planning for my year wnd trip. Thumbs for all your videos. Sometimes, i just forgot to like as i moved to your next video.
@LayersOfJenn Жыл бұрын
Ohhh how exciting ~
@wendysing30303 жыл бұрын
Very detailed comparison, very interesting
@pattychiu94083 жыл бұрын
It is amazing to see your gesture here did not reflect that you were in Japan for years. You still keep yourself as a westerner in Taiwan. You are a lovely lady too!
@ometofu3 жыл бұрын
glad i found this channel. 4 years of videos perfect for continuous covid life. sigh
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
Stay safe ✨❤️
@lienelsa1753 жыл бұрын
Hi Jennifer 我跟妳一樣 23歲去日本住了7年回台灣 人生最青春的歲月在日本度過 謝謝妳的分享 你的分享很有趣!!
I watched Taipei mayor’s KZbin video the other day talking about MRT fares, they haven’t raised the fee for 25yrs, trying to make it very affordable, but actually losing money from that, so they selling souvenirs and collect rent from stores to make ends meet.
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
Oh really!? Kind of the mayors office to do that. I wonder how long that can be sustainable 🤔
When my partner and I lived in Taiwan we both had to cover tattoos at work! We worked in a buxiban, and it seemed like students and young colleagues/parents didn’t care, but we were told lots of grandparents pick their kids up and they’d have a heart attack if they saw tattoos 😅 My partner has tattoos on his forearms and had to wear UV sleeves EVERY DAY going to teach, and you know how hot it gets lol.
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
Ohhh okay!! Thank you so much for giving your input because as I said… I don’t work here so I don’t really know. Maybe because teachers are viewed differently? I know in Japan, teachers are viewed slightly differently and also Garner more back from people so sometimes you have to live or show your life a certain way. And I can only imagine how hot it gets lol
@katecpr3 жыл бұрын
@@LayersOfJenn Teachers are defo held different standards here in Taiwan and I believe government employees aren't allowed to have visible tattoos either. Not sure if they changed this though. I was shocked to see police with whole sleeves of tattoos in Australia when I lived there
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
@@katecpr ohhh okay!!! ill take your words for it~
@katecpr3 жыл бұрын
@@LayersOfJenn I love how you put "~" at the end of a sentence. It's such a Taiwanese thing to do😂 Or at least Aussies told me it's weird when you type like that in English
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
Really ? I don’t know how I picked it up but for me, I think if it like a playful way to end the sentence
@eduardochavacano3 жыл бұрын
I love your humility. That makes you sound like an expert then.
@yp86n0093 жыл бұрын
全聯和家樂福的蔬菜、魚、肉、水果價格真的比傳統市場貴很多~
@Melessenz3 жыл бұрын
Trains are quite in japan but supermarket are soo noisy. 😵 Always when i go to taiwan i drink a lot of watermelon juice 😍
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
That’s my nightmarket drink of choice! I love watermelon juice ~ And I miss my old OK store song 😂 I really liked Japanese grocery stores. Always so neat & my grocery store cashier ladies were super sweet!
@BenLaiChinaUSBA3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for your sharing, it’s great to hear the culture different between Japan and Taiwan from a foreigner ‘s point of view .
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
Thank you for watching :)
@BenLaiChinaUSBA3 жыл бұрын
I was born and raise in Taiwan and living in US for more than 40+ years ,I recommend my students to go to Taiwan get master degree and learn Chinese language ,several are from Japan ,I’ll show them your video ,thanks.
@XLittleXRed3 жыл бұрын
I think maybe in Japan people are more helpful towards foreigners in the countryside. I lived in the countryside and people would pull over when I was walking home cause my work was in the middle of nowhere and it was a long walk and I had to be like "thaaaaanks I'm not lost I just live here"
@Its-Kat_3 жыл бұрын
I've experienced people going above and beyond helping me outside Kanto especially in the smaller areas and in Kyushu.
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
One of the places I sadly didn’t get too before leaving 🥺 I hope to travel there on a trip back to Japan it international travel when it’s a thing. I know others have had amazing experience with others in Japan. @heratlas I know has had a ton !!
@PhilipJames3603 жыл бұрын
Jenn, cool video topic 💯. I lived in both 🇹🇼 🇯🇵. Curious to hear your observations after a little longer in Taiwan. PDA.... Mexico City is the winner 🏆
@StudyAusRadio3 жыл бұрын
It is tough to leave a long-lived country to another! But wonderful life experience too.
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
Exactly!!! Cheers to learning more and having new experiences 🥂✨
@henrydelta11653 жыл бұрын
I lived in Canada during my childhood and stayed one year in Japan during colleague, I think your observations are very accurate 😂 For English speaking I think it depends on the region, I find the folks in the Kansai region are more confident about speaking English than the folks in Kanto, and Taiwanese in Taipei are just as confident as the people in Kansai. Overall, I would say that Taiwanese (and also Canadian) would act more accordingly to our true feelings both in public life and private life while the Japanese would tend to draw a line in between to make everyone feel comfortable in the public domain while hiding their private feelings. Therefore as you mentioned, Taiwanese would show affection in public, we make more noise on the public transportation, we won't consider invasion of privacy as much when we go help strangers and of course we honk our horns when we feel angry about the traffics XDDD As for the tattoo thing, in Japan traditionally yakusa would tattoo themselves to let others know their rank, so having a tattoo is connected to these negative image, thus the strange restriction for having a tattoo.
@desperado87903 жыл бұрын
Interesting chitchat, not boring at all.
@wesleylin24002 жыл бұрын
Like this video. Great analysis.
@saramhere3 жыл бұрын
Why is this making me want to leave Japan though 😩 super interesting! Learning so much about Taiwan from you!
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
Japan is still great in many ways~ I am really enjoying the change of pace here in Taiwan however ✨
@黃豐淞-w2l3 жыл бұрын
follow your own heart to do what you want to do. you are the unique one in the world. Welcome to Taiwan
@Shuads03 жыл бұрын
One of my friends from Japan. He told me. Taiwan is the country most similar to Japan. If you try to go the another country, you would feel much difference.
@allenyu51183 жыл бұрын
Love this video thanks for sharing!!!! It’d be very interesting to see what’s the similarly between 🇯🇵 & 🇹🇼, since people said TW has the closest value to the Japanese. (and Japan has huge influence over TW too)
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
OHHH that would be an interesting video for sure. I’ll have to start thinking and making some notes ~
@Piyoduck3 жыл бұрын
Hi Jen, thanks for sharing the view of the points. Japan are pretty close to us in many ways back to our history and geological distance. so such article are really attracting to us to know about, especially from a foreigner's point of view. Like your smile and voice while introducing in video! hope you'd love more while living in TW. Cheers
@joywang33083 жыл бұрын
I truly think our dear Jenn did a great job on this topic~~ Like California, tattoos n sandals are welcomed in Taiwan!! Jenn~~ any point of view coming from a sensitive n well mannered person like you would only be seen as a jewel~~~
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
Thank you 🥰 I get nervous making these videos because there are just so many differing opinions 😅
@hedge4hopper3 жыл бұрын
Note that a soft, short horn honk is sometimes like a "thank you" in Taiwan.
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
Oh really !?
@maggie1983333 жыл бұрын
@@LayersOfJenn I think a short honking is basically a non-offensive way of communicating by honking. For example, if you are driving and waiting at a red light, then the light turns green but the car in front of you doesn’t move for while, you can give them a short honk to tell them to move.
@LayersOfJenn3 жыл бұрын
Exactly!! I hear like that a lot. Or like a heads up is someone is reversing and you’re behind them, just a quick honk to be like “hey I’m here”