Don’t You Dare Talk About Money in Japan

You might have been surprised by the title, but it is a fact. You will be seen as a bad or evil person, who did something terrible if you are a person with money in Japan. But most people with money have put a lot of effort into their work to achieve what they have now. And in most cases, the purpose is for the good of the world and people. And the rich are the ones who are paying most of the taxes in Japan too.
Why do many Japanese people hate and attack the rich, even when they are most supported by them?
Today, I will explain about how rich people are seen in Japan, and why Japan came to be like this.
This is especially recommended to those who are willing to study or work in Japan, and are planning to interfere with Japanese people. Watch till the end, and check out my few points of advice on what to be careful about with communication with Japanese people.
[Time codes]
0:00 Let's START!
1:25 How people who earn lots of money are seen in Japan
4:41 Why Japanese attack and criticize people who earn lots of money
9:20 Advice for those coming to Japan about discussing money topics with Japanese
10:44 Today’s conclusion
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[@LetsaskShogo]

Are there similar problems in your country too?

[@geraldshields9035]

In the US, we celebrate rich people, particularly ones who are altruistic. However, it's also true that some tend to flaunt their money. In the news here, there are two Senators from the state of Georgia who are in trouble in their re-election campaign due to their misuse of financial information. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_Congressional_insider_trading_scandal

[@OllamhDrab]

The US is pretty divided on this, really, as in so many things these days. (Rich superheroes ...well, that's a fantasy, not our idea of actual rich people. LIke Arthurian fable about knights in shining armor, born to the 'aristocracy'/royalty (For instance, Tony Stark and Bruce Wayne are both children of old inustrialists and all, ) ...but nonetheless use it to go be heroic people and generally hide who they are. So, people aren't necessarily so different from here to there, ...we have plenty of very evil/corrupt/virtueless wealthy characters in literature, too, (like a lot of the comic book villains, say, Lex Luthor and all.) In the real world, most of the very wealthy people here *don't* pay their share of taxes and often do lie, cheat, steal, cut out people's jobs, then set them against each other based on prejudice and all. Americans often, however, kind of identify with the very wealthy even if we aren't... (Some say we consider ourselves a 'nation of temporarily-embarrassed millionaires,' ) but also tend to say that others who are poor must be lazy or flawed, especially if they had some lucky breaks. Really, you can work very hard all your life and get 'nothing,' or possibly work hard and see material rewards, usually the billionaires have in fact done things to the detriment of others, or benefitted from that. Very rich celebrities like movie actors and sports stars kind of fall under some different 'rules,' ..whether they do good or bad can be endlessly-gossipped about, but it tends to be *expected* they have money to throw around and go home to a different world almost every night. Generally they wouldn't be treated like that singer in Japan unless politics was involved, though.

[@ericbailey6779]

I live in Japan but I'm from the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky. Where I'm from, rich people are always seen with suspicion. Our history is one long narrative of exploitation and greed at the hands of outside companies hungry for coal and natural gas. Many of our ancestors were tricked into selling the minerals beneath their feet, then evicted from land that was too stripped and polluted to live on. Modern Kentuckians have learned a hard lesson about the wealthy. Now, even those who make money through legitimate means are often looked down upon by those that need a scapegoat for their own failures. Added on to this, is a protestant christian ethic that preaches hard work but denounces wealth. It creates a devastating spiral that is hard to escape.

[@highlander8115]

Yes, Brazil is the same.

[@HopefulInnocence]

UK here. There are many divisions but some of them include: Taxing the rich vs lowered capital taxes for the elite. Depending on where someone is on the money sector is where they stand. This one is regional as well, though mostly ecomonical. People on benefits vs Those with jobs. People on benefits are seen as scoungers. People milking the system when they should be out working like everyone else. There has been many documentaries showing these so called scoungers, who play the system. Women who constantly have children so that they claim to be housewives all their lives etc. I used to volunteer in a place that helped those on benefits. They would show the far extreme examples or distort the sort of income that is coming in to shock people into this ... belief. Most people on benefits are stuck in this posistion of barriers to work, and their incomes constantly cut by government with popular support. After all, people with jobs face pay freeezes all the time, and have to work long hours for next to nothing. Yet disabled poeple have it easy. It's saddening how many people have this.... view. Also we have a rule never talk of the RSP. - Religion, sports and politics. Every one fo them will lead to an debate or an argument. Therefore it is considered in polite talk to a stranger to avoid these things. Sticking to the weather is a safe bet. There's many ways of saying that the weather is horrible. As for the Edo period and merchants on the bottom ring. Excuse me if I may ask further. I was once told that it was due to that merchants were profitting of that something that they did not create. That only those that could create such as the artisans and the labourers were therefore considering more sacred as the producers. The merchants then were people that was then the middle man, who had no skill to create? It was therefore more neccessarity to consider those that are your producers, more precious then the traders. I understand that with certain countries, that the producers fololowed by the working force, was the start fo revoluntary ideas. I could be misremembering, or it was dubbed down to me. Thank you for your patience.

[@agamersinsanity]

The former CEO of Nintendo before Satoru passed away he volountered to lower his salary just to save the employees job at the company. I think that's a good deed and Satoru Iwata really cared about his employes back in 2011 and 2014 for doing so. I don't know how common it is in Japan, but I had huge respect for that man, but here in the west it rarely happens. Gackt really deserves more praise for what he did to his fellow countrymen who lost their home. I think it's healthy for a famous person to get out there and help out. Media can be cruel sadly in one way or another.

[@Tespri]

The salary of ceo generally doesn't cover that many people.

[@baibac6065]

@@Tespri And still no employee was fired at that time because of his efforts.

[@Tespri]

@@baibac6065 doesn't address my point

[@manicpepsicola3431]

@@Tespri your point is useless

[@Tespri]

@@manicpepsicola3431 just like your life

[@HUNdAntae]

On the exact opposite scale Chinese ppl's New Year's wish translates to "Hope you get rich!" 😁

[@r.casagrande8689]

恭喜发财（Wish you get rich). I love the way Chinese people do business, it's very welcoming.

[@yungjoshx]

Ironic how they're communists but want to get rich

[@machina5]

@@yungjoshx That's exactly why they wish for prosperity. The CCP makes it nearly impossible.

[@omnomnom5359]

@@machina5 they promote a culture of the more money the better, and the more money means more power. Typical capitalism but the twist is that u can never be more powerful than the government

[@machina5]

@@omnomnom5359 Which is exactly what makes it toxic and oppressive.

[@nealtran6844]

Used to watch Nobita and that Japanese man Yuta before coming across Shogo. Nobita and Yuta only scratch on the surface, whereas Shogo turns Japan and Japanese inside out, showing you everything.

[@boargod4511]

Yes, i also thought that as well. I hope more subs can give him more reason to make more videos

[@vivoslibertos]

You guys should check Dark side of Japan Yuki. He expose the dark side of japan in the fun way.

[@pirotess2]

Does this Nobita has Doraemon help him?

[@jaharlalbasak4234]

Yes

[@stephenjennings555]

Yuta makes videos teaching people about the language so obviously his content will focus less on the overall culture

[@iJakku]

Guess I'm evil, I'm constantly trying to make more money to fund my hobbies...

[@idleeidolon]

nah. you have a purpose for the money and a goal beyond the money. you become evil once the means (money) become the end (your hobby). once you forget your hobby was your goal, there's no telling who you'd screw over (in your hobby circle) to make more money.

[@mehmetgurdal]

What are your hobbies? :)

[@jumpingmoose5554]

@sinz haha

[@HurremDurrem]

“Hobbies”

[@kerrygamer9359]

@sinz making more money is hobby? Sounds strange

[@sunset-inn]

Saving is good. Investing is better. Do both.

[@user-pd9ju5dk5s]

Chocolate is even better.

[@little_ghosty1854]

@@user-pd9ju5dk5s yes but with money, you can get lots of chocolate

[@gamegamer9523]

You deserve to go to Harvard。

[@user-pd9ju5dk5s]

@@little_ghosty1854 Abigal smart. Me like Abigal's idea

[@rezalustig6773]

Spending is good, too: how can consumer industries survive if nobody buys their stuff?

[@robgoodsight6216]

Money is a tool. Money is a measurement of wealth but not wealth itself. Money cannot buy either happiness nor health... Money itself is not evil...people can be. 🙏👍🙂

[@angelus_solus]

The love of money is what creates the evil. Money itself is a protection.

[@blueprincesses6403]

Money can buy health obviously. Medicine and researching medicine needs money. Doctors need to be paid to cure you. Vaccine production needs money. You have a lot of money, you can reduce your working time, relax and live your life, so you are more healthy.

[@lynardskynard2895]

But money can buy me good ramen and video games, and those bring me happiness.

[@latibro21]

Money can buy happiness and health. If in your case it doesn't then you have a problem.

[@VileMr.Grinch]

In many countries money does buy health though. And while money doesn't directly buy happiness, being comfortable economically goes a long way to make you happy, cause if you're constantly stressed out about how you're gonna make it through the month, you can't possibly be happy.

[@Larindarr]

It disturbed Gackt so much that he now lives in Bali. He is much happier.

[@aman-hl9re]

Isnt Malaysia?

[@hafizmohd8224]

@@aman-hl9re really bro???😂

[@LadyMea]

@@hafizmohd8224 yeah. He owned few houses in Msia, he often shopping at LowYatt and Pavi, he owned the Diamond stock based on Pavi, he likes the mall next to Pavi, he constantly seen at KLCC with his yellow Aventador, sometimes he lepak at mamak and street bar and one of his house to be known by fans is located at Bangsar.

[@cloudyxindomie5064]

@@aman-hl9re its Indonesia lol

[@MichoTeh]

@@cloudyxindomie5064 he has been living in malaysia for the past 8 years, please find up facts before claiming it's indonesia lol

[@ClementsSan]

Money: A good servant - but a bad master.

[@saijeetdogra9360]

Tell that to my fiver that still hasn’t done the dishes.

[@ClementsSan]

@@saijeetdogra9360 Very good XD

[@Avenus112]

People are the same to be honest.

[@user-sw8lc6qb6s]

The image of rich people that Japanese people imagine is actually correct in Vietnam.

[@GreenFoxyMango]

To be fair, it is unpopular to talk about money in other countries too. It's not a popular subject. :) Only note is - you might not want to use the word 'interfere,' Shogo-san. It is a negative word meaning you're doing something bad to the person you're 'interfering' with. The correct word to use is 'interact.'

[@KanemiX3]

not in the US, salary bragging very big where I live. Even if most people who mention about how much they make don't meant any ill will, it still cast of shadow a superiority over others. I dont like it at all

[@wakaneut]

@@KanemiX3 Yes. Unfortunately the culture is they worship money and materialistic things are considered the objective of life, despite what they say on their lips.

[@skyhound2889]

@@wakaneut Depends on who you ask.

[@johnzimmerman340]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@bensigl3766]

To be faaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaiiiiiirrrrrrr!

[@bloomy2121]

A very easy and effective way employers found to freely exploit their workers is to forbid them to talk about how much they earn to their colleagues, or to make it a social taboo. Always discuss your wages with your colleagues. Always.

[@rebeccaanne9863]

I grew up poor in America and I was shocked by the similarities. Of course these are for different reasons. Mostly due to the saying 'the love of money is the root of all evil' being bastardised into and as a consequence understood as 'money is the root of all evil'.

[@wowsports8800]

I guess it happens everywhere bc in Brazil is the same damm thing

[@abdiaszuniga5460]

Money in and of itself isn't evil, greed is.

[@ariesfaturrahman7982]

Well, there's lot of jerk all over the world who like to bad mouthing other if they can do better thing than those Every where, maybe except Antarctica

[@LA_HA]

Many people are materialistic and desire to have as much money as they can, but Working for it is a drag. Yet, they turn against those who came up with products, ideas, and businesses and worked hard for their prosperity because those types of people are something they'll never be. Regular people pretend it's about rich people "not paying their fair share," "being a-holes," undeserving of their wealth, and having too much while not giving enough to others without really knowing anything about the people they're against. And if someone inherits money, it drives a lot of people insane. It's all bogus nonsense to cover envy, anger, resentment, and frustration from people who don't have the motivation, work ethic, and/or intelligence/creativity to be above normal. Most people just want to work a regular job and get a paycheck instead of putting their money, energy, and time, on the line. It's easier to be an employee than an employer, try to win money (lawsuits or lotteries), or strive to be famous for doing nothing/as little as possible. Like Japan, America has the puritan ethics of not discussing religion, politics, and money. Genuinely well educated people know it's simply a bad idea. However, technology has made it incredibly easy to get into other people's lives and, worse, their bank accounts. So, targeting the rich is a game of foxes who can't reach the grapes on the vine... and barnyard animals who don't want to help the Little Red Hen do all the Work, but they can't wait to Eat The Bread she made as a result of her hard work -- her time, energy, and effort. That's my observation. Of course, this isn't how everyone is. Just, way too many... haha

[@gelatofanfix8525]

@@abdiaszuniga5460 A-greed! 😂

[@user-nv9jn7su3u]

I think that putting merchants at the bottom of hierarchy may be influenced by confucian traditions. Merchants in such system was at the bottom, because they not produce anything.

[@idleeidolon]

ah. confucian bullshit. it's not like samurai produce anything of value either. they claim to sacrifice themselves for others, but it's not all selfless. if they didn't lord it over everyone else, i'd believe them more.

[@karlchen9745]

@@idleeidolon well the Samurai eventually lost more and more power when Japan was modernising prior to the Meiji Restoration. And whilst the Samurai was becoming more obsolete, the merchants were getting richer and richer.

[@limousinecar230]

Merchants are originally buying product from producer from any countries too so they can sell to customers, they just make it faster to sell directly to customers. If merchants didnt exist, you probably didnt know outside country, you maybe didnt know cheese, pasta, or some foods from other countries

[@rogeriocn9977]

the fact that there is no economic education in schools is the same in any country, governments do not want.

[@awts..7954]

Unless you are in singapore

[@skytan4436]

@@awts..7954 Even in Singapore, the govt will encourage students to save money in banks since primary school. I do however agree that the government did teach us some things more about banks like real world problems in maths questions, and a bit of financial management etc.

[@augustuslunasol10thapostle]

@@skytan4436 better a little then none at all

[@agamersinsanity]

We have some but that's mostly about taxes, salary etc. Your pivate finances comes down to the parents to educate their kids about it. I will educate my kid eventually when she gets older.

[@MASTEROFEVIL]

A poor society is a controllable society

[@animeprince7866]

Woah. Gackt actually got criticized for doing a noble thing?! I didn't know that. I am with you on that being more than wrong. In America, when someone is seen doing a noble thing...especially a Celebrity...it is always praised. That is something I find kind of shocking. Still picking up my jaw off of the ground that the concept of money = evil. Let alone that story about Gackt.

[@DanielJoyce]

Cynically we don't know if gackto did this from the goodness of his own heart or it was suggested by marketing. The whole purpose of anonymous donations is to short circuit this critique. Or I can hold a box or load a truck. Movie stars have more resources and should do more. Really to get ahead of the whole news cycle gackto should have worked directly with an aid agency for messaging so no one could accuse him of embezzlement. Also there is always a certain amount of 'what do you need right now' and having a fat pocketbook makes it easy to get food or supplies needed immediately. So as a westerner I wouldn't think gackto was embezzling. I'd just be wondering is he really using his game and wealth effectively. Like why isn't he on TV with the Japanese red cross?

[@blighticus]

@@DanielJoyce The entire point of publically doing this is cause he is famous. Using his wide range as a celebrity to reach as many people as possible to help. It's so damn cynical to say "he should have just donated anonymously". How would that even get close to as much funds as he's gotten?

[@idleeidolon]

cowards always accuse the noble of hypocrisy. simply because they can't imagine themselves being as selfless. they will call your heroism grandstanding. they will dismiss your hardwork as god-given talent. they will paint your kindness as selfishness. this is what happens when crowds matter more than individuals.

[@animeprince7866]

@@idleeidolon Interesting analysis. I definitely won't argue. I like how eloquently you put it.

[@Mikel9]

yeah like Bill Gates... oh wait

[@k96man]

The plot of Mother 3 is starting to make a lot more sense to me

[@IkhsanGTi]

So, that's why villagers in mineral town are getting angry when you put golden lumber in front of your house.

[@limousinecar230]

So, if you are painting lumber to golden color, they are getting angry at you

[@assassinatingindividual6032]

This is why Hammerhead said this in One Punch Man against the rich man "there's no way he made so much of money legally"

[@eruno_]

To be fair a lot of rich people in Japan inherited their unearned wealth from the zaibatsu era. And we know how awfully zaibatsu exploited common people and made that wealth

[@magicbali5434]

How about rich foreigner in Japan are they looks bad as well?

[@fizziz_1035]

@@magicbali5434 I am interested in this also

[@themmmeanone]

Totally agree. “Self-made wealthy people are the majority” is a myth. Most people among the 10% richest have inherited their fortune, to the least.

[@renkov8466]

@@themmmeanone >myth Peasant cope

[@tentedkarma7465]

@@renkov8466 stfu

[@zettovii1367]

I always thought Gackt was pretty cool ever since knowing of him through Kamen Rider, but to think that he was an actual hero that really helped so many people, really have boosted my respect for him quite a lot. It's terrible that they tarnished his goodwill like that... He didnt deserve it.

[@briancrosby152]

Heard of Hyde but not gackt. I am glad he stepped up to help others. I wish more did.

[@groidcel]

There's a difference between earning money and hoarding it.

[@seir323]

YES

[@Jan-sf7xv]

the video seams to imply that saving it is good though, rather than spending it.

[@Briselance]

What people call hoarding could legitimately be called mere saving by others.

[@Briselance]

@@Jan-sf7xv What good is money if you never ever spend even just a part of it?

[@thebaron512]

Money being invested helps my retirement, since few hoard it in the idea of a room full of money...

[@junichiroyamashita]

These videos make me realize that each country has his way to make errors and be "sheep" of their governments.

[@insaneweasel1]

How to ruin a tea ceremony " Hey did you hear about the new embezzlement scandal from the libertarian mega preacher?"

[@Felipemelazzi]

Such juicy topic would be my... Cup of tea ;D

[@fsaldan1]

Where did you find a libertarian mega preacher? I am 69 years old and every single preacher I ever heard about in my life was not libertarian at all.

[@Jordan-inJapan]

From my 20-years experience in Japan, Shogo’s points are mostly true. Japanese adults do avoid talking about money, and people with a lot of money really do try to avoid making it obvious. And it was really interesting to see the historical roots of this. But... I don’t know, Shogo, you kind of make it sounds like some kind of sinister plot to control the population. In the Edo era, and during the wartime I’m sure it was a direct form of control... but now? I just can’t imagine that their is a group of politicians on Tokyo who are like, “let’s make to people ashamed of using money so WE can use it all! Muahahaha...) From what I’ve seen, it’s more of a cultural ‘esthetic’. Adults here just kind of sense that it’s not cool to mention money more than necessary. Maybe because it undermines the sense of social unity? Anyway (final point!) the JHS kids I teach LOVE talking about money, and most of them say they want to be rich in the future. Could the school system be losing its cultural grip?? 😆

[@CainePC_crypto]

I study at a collage in japan and is about to head in to the workforce, and I agree with you here. many of my Japanese classmates talk about money openly, and make it obvious that they want to be rich... I guess its more of a younger generation vs older generation kind of thing. Personally speaking, I see goods in both styles. The rich will always be rich and control you, but at same time no one wants war. Japan was quite amazing at keeping peace during the edo period for more than 200 years, which is something worthy of a study.

[@limousinecar230]

Just wondering, how to buy food without money? They pay with food too?

[@Jordan-inJapan]

@@limousinecar230 Barter system? No. 😆 But I’ve noticed the person at the register often shows the price on a calculator, rather than saying it out loud. (again, it’s not a strict rule - more of a cultural aesthetic.)

[@hiepdoshin7846]

It is the way it is with all cultural things: it was once done for a purpose, but now we just do it because it is how it has always been.

[@lilyatiti6786]

Really enjoy your contents, one of a kind , love from indonesia

[@Xenin7]

The idea of keeping people poor so that you can control them sounds evil to me. But if that is the case, how is it the zaibatsu are able to get away with influencing the Japanese government then?

[@Shaker626]

Honne and tatemae, baby, plus a pinch of creative accounting, makes for a squeaky clean record for a dirty transaction.

[@angelus_solus]

Why do the zaibatsu get away with affecting the government? You really think multi-billion dollar corporations are poor? They're the Japanese variant of America's corporate sector, who have DIRECT influence on the government. The common labourer or office worker has no say in how the government runs. Sure, they may be given the choice between a handful of candidates for presidency, but that's nothing but a token to make the people think they're the ones who elected the president. Other than that, the corporations control what congress does and the president runs America to their benefit. Just as one example, let's look at the pharmaceutical sector: Why do you think the FDA mandated that no disease can be treated without drugs? Why do you think that natural medicine and acupuncture is so demonised as well as anyone who refuses to be vaccinated? You can't patent plants and make billions of profit from them, and can you imagine how many tens of millions would be lost if the so called "antivaxxer" movement took hold? I find it amusing really, because "antivaxxer" is nothing but an ad hominem attack of the greatest kind and no less slander than calling someone a "ni^^er" or a "faggot", but I digress. Just to give you an idea, Merk alone makes $42B a year just selling vaccines. They do NOT want that profit stream being affected by people who don't want to get immunised. Take a look at CBD oil and kratom. Kratom was turned into something more dangerous than opium, and yet it's proven that pharmaceutical opioids kill more people! CBD oil is also being demonised and said to be "dangerous". Why? Every person who uses kratom or CBD oil is not taking a more expensive synthetic drug, which causes the drug companies to lose money. Hell, even liver cleanses are being said to be "dangerous". They want that liver to stay toxic to allow a host of OTHER conditions to crop up, so the physician can prescribe a drug to treat them. What happens when a condition gets caused by a drug side effect? Another drug is prescribed to treat it! Once I was prescribed an anti-nausea medication for a time, the most common side effect being constipation. Know what my physician did? He prescribed a laxative to counteract it. It's...all...about...MONEY. The idea of keeping the people poor as a method of control worked fantastically during the second great war and when the middle class is all but destroyed, it will work perfectly to keep the resulting poverty stricken society from uprising...just like what the Tokogawa shogunate executed.

[@Shaker626]

@@angelus_solus Voter turnout in Japan is less than 20%. People simply don't care about this unless if it affects them directly (they think it doesn't). No one wants to do anything about it and they seem to accept it as the way for things to be.

[@luketroftgruben788]

@@angelus_solus Had a convo about control of government over people with a Norwegian friend. He thought the new Drone License requirement is the best thing since slice bread. You have to pay about $10 for a piece of paper that says you are competent enough to fly a 4 proped rc helicopter recreationally. As to how that prevents people from misusing drones I have no idea but he got pissed when I said it was just government finding a way to get all RC pilots to pay for gov stamp of approval on a hobby. Its easier to control than promoting individual responsibility I guess.

[@WolfMax1223]

It's the same in almost every country. Keep people low so they can't do anything against you, and bribe the people you can't keep down.

[@saltwalk]

I just barely moved to Japan (Nagano area) and I appreciate your perspective in the couple of videos I have barely watched. Subscribed!

[@j.ericsandoval566]

To answer your initial question. In one word: ENVY.

[@SlRNIGHTINGALE]

I am new to the channel. I’m glad I learned this! I never knew during my time stationed in Japan. When I go back I will make sure to keep everything you’ve taught me in mind. Thank you so much

[@ranihariplays]

Thank you for voicing this out, Shogo. I used to study in Japan, and was encouraged to stay and work there. My aspiration is to create my own business and money is an integral part in every business creation process. I love Japan but in the end I decided to leave even though I couldn't really explain why. Your video gives clarification to what I felt at the time, and so do your other videos. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

[@dylanschulz9118]

I must say that this video surprises me. I am living in sweden, grew up in germany, and while talking about money doesnt happen too often, I talk about politics with my friends a LOT, in particular recently with the whole ukraine crisis, different countries responses etc. SOme of my friends do include japanese people (university exchange programs are a very big thing in europe), and while I cant think of them ever initiating political discussions they have participated when they come up. Talking about things like geopolitics would be considered a somewhat essential aspect of being an informed and educated citizen. How does a democracy even WORK if its people dont engage in political debate at all?

[@fsaldan1]

In the case of Japan it does not work, as its citizens look paralyzed on the face of looming government insolvency.

[@yuronira3910]

Me wanna be rich in japan watching this:👁👄👁❓❔

[@codex_jinora]

To be fair, I understand why people would think he's a hypocrite. Why does he need to collect money from others when he's rich himself? He easily could've donated those 20mil yen himself, and still have plenty left over, I presume.

[@fsaldan1]

Exactly what I thought.

[@mrotto1233]

I shall subscribe in all my 3accounts man you are one of the best Japanese youtubers here your so polite and everything is well explained

[@mayalonde1138]

As somebody who grew up in extreme poverty, a clear picture of how much people earn means so much to me and am very open about money discussions. I found it insulting when my friend doesn't answer how much she earned at her work. But since we grew up differently, I just thought of it as an individual thing.

[@nikicarrie4071]

It’s none of your business. She probably finds it insulting you would ask her about it. It’s NONE of your business

[@fsaldan1]

Like Niki Carrie said, it is not your business. How does that insult your? People do not have a right to their privacy? You are obviously a bully.

[@Haywood2]

In the United States, this is truer than you know.

[@brettmcclain9289]

It is surprising that Japan was able to be a first world country with such disdain for capitalists. Most other societies that have such out looks on wealthy people are poor.

[@henrygunawan86]

"Rich people are thought of as bad people"... envy? It's the same in my country. By the way, I like your contents

[@AB-ot3bm]

Doesn’t sound like envy to me. Money is power. If someone wants to earn a ridiculous amount of money that can’t even be spent in a hundred generations they probably want power over those lower than them. Sounds pretty logical to me.

[@aard1999]

Its easy to say it's "envy" when most ppl have to work twice as hard just to eat and the other got it from generational wealth. Most from corruptions 😒

[@limousinecar230]

So, how people get job if not from rich people? Or they prefer get the job from poor people instead?

[@user-nj4rl7cg4b]

Same thing in Russia. Our parents were taught to put the sallary in the government's bank account mostly and spend realy few money they earn for the same reasons. Thanks for the video

[@nagabe6394]

I can't help but to remember that in the first level of all Tenchu games, you are always tasked to kill an evil merchant.

[@agsilverradio2225]

Because he's a trator, I mean trader?

[@hafizmohd8224]

That character slander people and sell their daughter as slave.

[@Castle3179]

As someone who grew up in a Mennonite community, giving money to charity was seen as something one had to do in secret. Mathew 6:1-6 would be cited from the bible to support this idea.

[@johnrockwell5834]

Its to stop virtue-signalling.

[@Castle3179]

@@johnrockwell5834 Yep.

[@graysonblaufuss9166]

Here in the U.S I have found that it is only polite to talk about how much you earn with your coworkers as I believe it’s important to make sure everyone of you is getting paid a fair wage for the same work.

[@docsavage8640]

I love how clearly you enunciate. Makes it so easy to understand your topics.

[@juniorhuachoguisado6640]

This topic and video is gold for opening people's eyes.

[@locxle]

Now i know why in the anime, they make such a peaceful world. Because in reality, It never happens

[@barquerojuancarlos7253]

The Japanese aren't alone. The popular (at least among Americans) quote by Mario Puzo in his "Godfather" is "Behind every fortune is a great crime" (Puzo attributes the quote, more or less accurately, to early 19th century French novelist Honore de Balzac) ... In the US if a person has a lot of money, whether he saves it or spends it, he is still considered wealthy. Omaha, Nebraska, resident, Warren Buffett, one of the richest people in the world, lives relatively frugally.

[@SailorM15]

Dear shogo, I am moving to Japan after I finish my bachelor's in five years. Your videos are helping me to learning so much before I move over there. So thank you 😊

[@smartfrenandromax6651]

"Ancient Greek ὑποκριτής (hupokritḗs, “actor, hypocrite”), from ὑποκρίνομαι (hupokrínomai, “I answer, act, feign”)" The issue is, Celebrities (e.g. Actors, Politicians) have to follow the wills of their factions, but have to officially said their actions are of their own.

[@sangd4lang]

Never heard stay poor was the best choice before.

[@huwinner2428]

That’s so fascinating. My half Vietnamese half Caucasian. While my Caucasian family doesn’t talk much about money, they don’t necessarily demonize money making. But on my Vietnamese side, my parents and elders often tell me to “make out a lot of money”. In fact, every lunar new year, children and elders a like wish each other prosperity, which is essentially code for making lots of money. Thanks for the great video!

[@interestedlen8823]

Sean Penn helps run a charity to bring clean water to struggling communities, is always on the ground helping during crises, and yet much of the media enjoys mocking him for being a 'do-gooder'. Many of these critics would call themselves Christians, followers of a man whose central tenet was 'Your brother is the person who needs your help'. Yet another excellent and educational production Shogo, many thanks.

[@jaichind]

士農工商 or "four categories of the people" (四民) was a Confucian concept. It rose during the Chou Dynasty which itself overthrow the Shang(商) Dynasty. The Shang promoted trading and merchants so much so merchants were called people of the Shang(商). The Chou was focused on agriculture as a form of social control (keep the people on the land) and put the merchants(商) at the bottom to justify their overthrow of the Shang(商) dynasty.

[@linkskywalker5417]

But aren't the merchants the ones who sell the stocks of those who produce the wares?

[@jaichind]

@@linkskywalker5417 Sure. But the Chou government felt that supporting a farm based economy will make people less mobile and less likely to form large scale rebellions.

[@linkskywalker5417]

@@jaichind Yeah, but who are the ones selling the farm based produce?

[@jaichind]

@@linkskywalker5417 The Chou dynasty preferred subsistence farming as the basis of an economy versus commercial farming as mentioned before. Where they are merchants they make sure they are at the lowest social strata.

[@linkskywalker5417]

@@jaichind But what if at least some of the farmers were also merchants?

[@josukehigashikata5598]

being rich in japan be like: *That's suspicious* *that's weird*

[@Fairy_Covers]

Gackt is one of my favorite musicians. I’ve loved his music, since I was a teen! When I heard about the reaction to his charity, I shouted,”Slander!” 😂

[@wasitawijayanti99]

by watching this video, I feel how lucky I am living in Indonesia. because we have no such social pressure in talking about money, politic and religion. I studied in the university majoring in the language and Japanese culture. now I understand why my sensei suggested us not to talk about money to Japanese people. And also it is common for us raising money for donations to help each other after earthquake etc. thank you for this video.

[@j.ericsandoval566]

I’ve noticed, since living here, y’all bully each other and hate on each other too much. Cynicism here is as widespread as pollen. The best way for wealthy people to live would be anonymously amongst the people like anyone else so that nobody envies you for your success or your wealth. Sounds not so fun. Money, however, isn’t even real. Money is a spiritual phenomenon. It’s a tool. Money wants to circulate. Saving or hoarding money removes it from circulation and thus ultimately takes away from the larger economic SPIRIT. If people would try to wrap their heads around that, they’d see a fundamental change in society. Loneliness would drop. Togetherness would rise.

[@ThanatosZero]

As it is known after the 1st world war our ancestors suffered a great depression. In Austria during that depression a village/town called Wörgl introduced their own money, which degrades in worth the more you keep at end. At first the people were skeptic, but the mayor of Wörgl made it possible. As the money did flow, poverty vanished and the town flourished. That however was a thorn in the side of the national bank in austria. They reverted by force in the politics the changes. The custom currency was outlawed and the Wörgl went back to the state of depression. However Wörgl shall always be remembered for their miracle.

[@thomasmcginnis7526]

Next topic : Japanese astrocity committed during ww2 and how its excluded in the education system

[@LLL124Original]

These videos have me rethinking bringing my planned software development company to Japan.

[@santiagoperez2094]

Hella high taxes, highly recommend you to get some economy education before opening Any business.

[@meph1570]

we also taught about saving money at elementary school here, and given out the savings notebook. but we also taught about accounting journals and financial balance management since junior high school (about the age of 11 - 14). i'm quite surprised when you say "no politics in tea ceremony" while samurai generals and leaders often use the tea ceremony to talk about politics.

[@maif3ng]

Made me remind of Nobunaga's desire for unification of Japan.

[@jonathanwilliams1065]

Now that guy was evil

[@InugamiTheHound]

wow I never knew that about Gackt. I remember hearing some of his songs and him being

[@cacjad]

Love your honest criticism. From all your videos, I can tell that this type of honest candid discussion must be something extremely brave, especially when this form of "speaking out" can be construed as a socially negative thing that is deserving of being reprimanded or punished. I appreciate your awakening and the detachment you are able to exercise on your own conditioning, and I hope I am as successful in doing the same with my own culture and my own social conditioning.

[@miraclefabichan]

I am french and in my country, people hate rich people more than in Japan. It's a tabou to speek about money too, most of the time. But, we talk about politic. Not so much about religion. I think Europe and United States are quite differents about the subject of money.

[@anaideviveiros6597]

I love Gackt ❤️ I think he's great!! I'm sorry to say, but all this hatred towards the rich sounds a lot like envy...

[@angelus_solus]

Not so for America. The wealthy over there employ people to find loopholes in the system so they can get away with paying the least amount of taxes. They have billions and yet pay less per year in taxes than the average construction worker. Trump himself didn't pay taxes at ALL, for almost ten years! The working class are paying the majority of the taxes while the wealthy aristocrats sit in their mansions and sip champaign. Rather reminds me of France before the revolution.

[@sunset-inn]

@@angelus_solus the rich in the US pay the most taxes in the US too.

[@fsaldan1]

@@angelus_solus If you find that so bad you should move to Cuba, Venezuela, or North Korea. I worked in Russia and Eastern Europe in the 80s, and the populations of those countries were absolutely miserable. Capitalism has created enormous wealth and the poor share some of it. Socialism is a recipe for misery.

[@antonioalmazan4486]

We have the exact same issue in Mexico, mostly due to marxist ideologies embedded in the educational sistem since decades ago, and more recently, due to drug traffic, if you start a bussiness, and get prosperous, it will be widely belived that you are involved in ilegal activities; the people's reaction to this is very different tough, to make it short: Japan:acceptance and obedience, Mexico:rejection and violence.

[@limousinecar230]

So, the problem is drug, not money. It's the illegal product, not money. There are any source of income without selling drugs : agricultures, education, sport, health care, something legally. I think if you just learn some from economic books, you will be rich without have to sell drugs

[@antonioalmazan4486]

@@limousinecar230 i think you misunderstood, or didn't really read, I said that people will THINK that about you if you get prosperous, regardless of the way you do it, that has to do with the marxist creed too, poor=good, rich=bad, there are lots and lots of people around the world with that poison in their minds, United States has no shortage of them.

[@jironamos7650]

@@antonioalmazan4486 So another alt righter mexican condemning Latin America and sinking it deeper in poverty? Get screwed.

[@corumeach]

I really love your videos. They are so informal and interesting. The only thing that stresses me everytime is the sheer amount of unexpected cuts you make in the middle of every sentence. It's very distracting and I actually prefer to just listen to your content because of it. Sorry for being so direct and it might also only be my personal problem also. :) Keep up the good work.

[@janaabedal-reda5143]

I really love how you explain the topics so well, greetings from lebanon 🇱🇧💕

[@mishapurser4439]

Unfortunately when it comes to wealthy capitalists, this conception is often correct.

[@Felipemelazzi]

Me: *sees the title Oh, that explains their stagnation since 1991

[@somerandomfatguy.3384]

This channel goes deep yup this channel worth sub...

[@aaroneda1501]

excellent explanations

[@anasnawi5756]

Now i understand why Gackt wanted to live in Malaysia.

[@seneca983]

I remember anime and manga where at least the children of (very) rich people are not portrayed negatively. The first ones that come to mind are Azumanga Daioh and Seitokai Yakuindomo.

[@bpsara]

Tomoyo and her mom from CardCaptor Sakura come to mind as well

[@dara_1989]

a farmer sows seed n reaps harvest a merchant sows money n reaps wealth .... respect all professions 🙏

[@Mex_the_Fox]

I love how you literally are the only KZbinr ever criticizing Japan, instead of glorifying anything and everything about it

[@reveranttangent1771]

The basic rule of becoming wealthy is take more than you give. Money, politics and religion are sensitive topics over here too.

[@fsaldan1]

No. The basic rule of becoming wealthy is spending less that you earn. Violate this and poverty is unavoidable, regardless of how much you earn.

[@sarac9752]

Very interesting video!

[@Waterfield_Robbie]

When you said the characteristics of the rich people portrayed in those various occasions, I immediately thought of the guy who kidnapped Yukina in Yu Yu Hakusho

[@mrgabes2215]

Considering the long commutes, suppressed individuality, and exhausting work schedules associated with corporate jobs in Japan, it's not a surprise that a low opinion of the rich has persisted into the modern era.

[@fsaldan1]

This actually makes sense.

[@tristanbackup2536]

When you look at Western famous stars more specifically Americans. They don't do crap to help others unless it benefits them publicly with the exception of Keanu Reeves (Well he is Canadian 😂), he goes as far to use his own millions to help charity groups anonymously to talking to random homeless people on the streets, he is tooo humble.

[@wakaneut]

That's not fair. He's a different class of human.

[@KasumiRINA]

Angelina Jolie started adopting poor children before it became popular, and even then the copycats mostly posed as UN ambassadors, while she legit gave a good life a lot of kids who otherwise would have no chances. But that's one of exceptions that proves the rule, a lot of charity is for tax evasion.

[@skyhound2889]

There are other actors who are more sane than the rest. You listed only one. That's just stupid. Mark Wahlberg is another example.

[@hainleysimpson1507]

It's known in many studies that richer people in the US have higher rates of sociopathy and one study in which cancer stricken children were shown the wealthier and more educated had less of a response on the MRI scan cap than the less wealthy in the US

[@skyhound2889]

@@hainleysimpson1507 Source?

[@clare5242]

This topic is very familiar to me in England. Rich people are seen as bad people for the similar reasons. Mostly exploitation. However, this is probably due to the workhouse history of our country. These workhouses closed 90years ago so it is still very recent in our history. 😔 More recently, we have had governments who were not very caring towards poorer communities. This widened the gap between rich and poor.

[@arx3516]

Same in Italy, to some extent.

[@fsaldan1]

I still remember the pre-Thatcher era when the UK had a government that was "very caring towards poorer communities". The young do not remember this, but England was then derisively called "the poor man of Europe". The economy was stagnant and life was miserable with so many strikes. Then the UK got Mrs. Thatcher, who supposedly was "not very caring towards poorer communities" (the opposite was actually true, as she fought the parasitical unions). The economy grew and people prospered. Some people will never learn from experience.

[@Yatukih_001]

I finally understand why all these Japanese women are avoiding me: ´that guy descends from the Vikings and they robbed all these people, now he is Icelandic and Iceland is run by people who make money. Avoid this guy at all costs´. Thanks for your video man! Kind regards from Ásgeir in Iceland!!

[@riverwildcat1]

Very enlightening. Valuable. It explains a lot.

[@wakannaikun9621]

Please keep in mind to avoid talking about "money", "politics", and "religion". Twitch Chat rules: *Did we just got copied?*

[@j.ericsandoval566]

WHAT?!?!? No talking money, politics, or religion???!?!?? Seriously, WHAT ELSE is there to even talk about??? I say this to Americans who tell me, “bar rules, no politics no religion.” I say, “Kim Kardashian’s still boring and Kanye West is still annoying, what else ya got?”

[@MrShadowThief]

If all you have to talk about is money, politics and religion, you must be a really boring person.

[@fsaldan1]

@@MrShadowThief You don't sound like a person who can talk about quantum mechanics or relativity theory. So tell us what you like to talk about. Kim Kardashian?

[@artspectrum2421]

A lot of or everything we LOVE about Japan started not as a virtue. Made me think about Life in general a lot.

[@angularcrosslol8053]

This is curious, something is almost the same in here (Mexico), the people usually will mark the rich one as a "Narco" (麻薬の売人) or as "el pez más gordo" (最大の魚) and the middle or low class as the most novel (or good) ones.

[@lll8638]

Man you dropped some good nuggets today. The fed may be sending you a letter soon lol

[@Yncipher]

By the way does the rich-man really pay most of the tax in Japan? I mean relatively spoken not in absolute numbers. At least in Germany, the rich pay relatively less compared to e.g. an working engineer / "middle class-worker". If you compare absolute numbers then yes, the rich will pay every time more. But for financial earnings with financial products as on the stock exchange marked, rich people would pay a lot less then a "middle class" worker. First of all because the middle class worker won't have any substantial income from the stocks he possess. Secondly because the tax on such financial products are quite low compared to the "tax" you have to pay as worker for your gross. Thirdly, because rich people know how to avoid tax or shifting investment to "cheaper" markets. So please don't be so supperficial with your statements and a little bit more critical. I think your fellow Japanese have there a point to have such a suspicious mentality when it comes to rich people!

[@ibanezmaestro5630]

I agree Shogo. This is something that absolutely does need to be revised. While I think there is some utility in teaching young people to save and not spend it recklessly, it's just completely absurd to believe that the simple act of having wealth can be immediately attributed to being evil. It may just be my western perspective, but I think it's a completely backwards and self-defeating mentality. I feel like it has a lot to do with a previous video you made about why Japan is so cheap and people not wanting to ask for raises. The fear of speaking up and demanding what is rightfully theirs is really going to hurt Japan's future. I really don't want to see that happen. I love Japan too much.

[@jmandualblade2426]

Last part is the exact opposite here in the U.S. almost every American online and in the media always talks about politics and can't wait to put out their opinion. Online, it's more toxic because of the bashing both sides give even if it comes down to not liking or liking a certain movie or show. But, I'll keep in mind not to bring up money, politics, or religion if I ever come to Japan, don't really talk about those 3 topics daily anyway. Thank you for the advice! :)

[@techntools]

There is some wisdom to it. I mean Jeff Bezos is a living reality.

[@ElkaPME]

Pretty much what the social big tech are today

[@Briselance]

A tiny bit of wisdom, then.

[@RealNotallGaming]

oh well i was born in brasil, current living in italy and lover of japan (im an otaku, yes is generally a bad word but for me is bad to be a normie so otaku is for me a compliment) i dont care if peoples talk bad about me :))) i just live thats because of this my mentality that i see japan like the perfect place for me, because i dont care XP very good video and quality content channel o7 :)

[@mingzi1201]

the merchants at the bottom are also (financially?) strong enough to carry all of those above them. thanks for sharing your channel topics as always🙂

[@asharpiesniffer7553]

This is a great message in a great video!

[@kansaibeyond]

GACKT may be noble, but his views on women aren't exactly... great. I give him credit for his kindness towards humanity as a whole, but I do have issues with him being sexist towards women. So I definitely wouldn't be so fast as to label him as some kind of a saint.

[@lordsakai3450]

Here in Brazil, there are people who act like that, for a reason similar to the Edo Theory. For a long time, schools subtly (well, not too subtly) instill in people's minds that Class Conflict mentality, things from Marxism and communism. So, there are many people who thinks that if you are rich, automatically you're a slaver and all things related to that. As we say here, I won't put my hand in the fire to defend them, but I can surely say that evil people exists between riches and poor too. I have met some wealthy people (I don't think I can say they are rich, like veeery rich, but they make good money with their business) from the south of the country, which is a place with some refined people, descendants from Italians and other european people, and they were super humble and kind, as their friends were too. They help people too, and there are many wealthy people here who help others too. There is a famous youtuber here, who helps an christian orphanage, and he talked about that situation in one video: that a socialist was talking to him, and everything he said was "i don't believe that you are that kind" and right after that, he refused to visit the orphanage because it was a christian one. I also have seen poor people who were dishonest. Things are not black and white, even if others make it seem so.

[@PequenaNoobAmaPudim]

The school part is pure craziness, dude. There is no such thing as socialist indoctrination in Brazilian schools, how did you even come up with this?

[@fsaldan1]

@@PequenaNoobAmaPudim Are you crazy? I live in Rio de Janeiro and I know for a fact that socialist indoctrination is massive in Brazilian schools, both public and private. Conservative politicians are trying to pass laws prohibiting it without success.

[@erickreillyart]

That was very interesting. Thank you for sharing this video.

[@aduragaratnasun]

if you someway keep the content like this, im not surprised you will get more than 1 million subs on july 2021