How the Japanese Countryside Reacts to Tourists “OMG LOOK, a Foreigner! Hello!”

What happens when you're the only foreigner in a Japanese town? Today we are taking a trip to rural Japanese to talk to locals and see how they react to foreigners. Will they be shocked to hear us speak Japanese or maybe just a little curious about us?
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[@OrientalPearl]

When I made a similar video last year the comments were overwhelmingly positive. Only a few negative people didn’t want to believe what they saw “you must be breaking rules… you must be really loud… you’re scaring people with a camera…” blah blah blah judgmental assumptions. None of that is true. Yes, you can do nothing at all and get stared at as a foreigner in Japan. I’m not saying it’s good or bad, just that it happens sometimes and that’s about it. Enjoy the video.

[@mon2_050]

Hi

[@szewei85]

Wonderful

[@xianglui1287]

I know the feeling. I traveled to some small towns in northern California in the early 1990's and people would stare at me for no reason other than me being Asian. It still happens today I recently traveled to Georgia, Arkansas, and Mississippi. I lost count of how many times I got stared at simply for being Asian.

[@conormaynard5971]

I think you speaks two languages

[@fireflychick1984]

@@xianglui1287 that's rather surprising to hear, considering Georgia has a growing Asian population. Where were you in Georgia, if you don't mind my asking?

[@whushaw]

Rural Japan is often missed out on by tourists when it has lots of hidden gems to be found! The people you meet along the way are some of the best friends you could find :)

[@OrientalPearl]

Thanks for your support whushaw! I always love to read your comments on KZbin and Patreon. I’ll be releasing bonus footage from this video on Patreon next week.

[@daenackdranils5624]

they're too lazy to learn languages

[@sparkeyjones6261]

Rural Japan is wonderful. I normally spend my summers there. But, due to the pandemic, I haven't been able to for the past two. I miss the heat, and sounds of cicadas, and the slow paced lifestyle.

[@daenackdranils5624]

@@sparkeyjones6261 masochist

[@sparkeyjones6261]

@@daenackdranils5624 lol, why do you say that?

[@stevekollen1672]

I had a Japanese roommate in college for something like 3 years. He had come to the US originally on some sort of agricultural exchange and then learned enough English to enroll in college. I grew up on a farm so he would come stay with my family on holidays and over summer vacation. He invited me to come with him to visit his family in rural Japan in 1974 or 1975 (don't remember). His family had some land with sheds for raising chickens and for gathering eggs for sale. His uncle had a rice farm in the neighborhood. So, being a farm boy, I helped out gathering eggs, vaccinating chickens, and other farm chores after I studied Japanese in the morning. One day I was helping harvest rice. My friend would run a small combine to pick the rice and I would carry the bags full of rice to the edge of the country lane to be hauled away by a truck. One afternoon, I just happened to be at the edge of the lane putting down a bag of rice when a woman walked right by me down the lane. I said "konnichiwa" to be polite. When I got back to the house , his sisters were howling with laughter because the woman had called all over the neighborhood to find out where the "woman with a mustache" was staying. It was because I was wearing a Pendleton wool shirt against the chilly weather (October) and the color was mostly blue with thin yellow and red stripes. To her only a woman would wear those colors. At the train station when classes of kids would get off the train and see me, they would start jumping up and down yelling "gaijin, gaijin, gaijin" and shooting me with imaginary rifles. I really liked 99% of the people I met. They were thrilled to talk to a foreigner and I was invited out to dinner all the time. The people who had studied English at the university were ecstatic to be able to practice. I did get tired of being taken for some sort of non-human by some people who would tug my hair and pull down my eyelids to see my green eyes. The retired school teacher who tutored me in Japanese was one of my favorite people in my life in the world.

[@OrientalPearl]

Wow, thank you so much for sharing your story!

[@jimmybobsap3158]

I was down with everything until the end. Lil Japanese man getting punched grabbing my eyelids. Im not big (6ft) but big enough to hit hard lol

[@imtheonehero9305]

Wowm must be nice to be white every where you go lol.

[@percyfaith11]

@@imtheonehero9305 What do you do, change your skin color, like a chameleon wherever you go? What a strange comment.

[@Ziiphyr]

@@imtheonehero9305 I wish YT shows the number of dislikes on your comment

[@TheDimsh]

Awww when that woman said "your parents must be lonely" it broke my heart, bless her soul

[@junjungatbos3548]

Yup..ol mama shut the whole thing down with that😄

[@teeup1760]

Well, what that lady said was "ご両親、寂しいでしょう", which is much more like "Your parents must miss you" and "Your parents must be lonely" is a mistranslation.

[@TheDimsh]

@@teeup1760 I would say that's the same thing, what's a parent without their child, a part of them is missing, my mother cries everytime I leave for work to another city. I always tell her "Don't worry, I am not going to war" and she smiles through her tears eveytime. Any person that has seen that will understand what I mean. Even if the message is mistranslated, it still hits home, you know? :)

[@spiderman9140]

@@TheDimsh That's really sweet man 👍

[@CooManTunes]

I agree, but first make sure to marinate the teriyaki in your grundle, before cooking.

[@lizadxms]

i love that laughter is a universal language. I’m just learning Japanese so I heavily rely on the subtitles but hearing people laugh is something that anyone can enjoy and relate to

[@OrientalPearl]

I hope one day you can understand without subtitles. 😊

[@yakuzachicharron]

@@OrientalPearl Like Elizabeth I rely on subtitles, but I learn new words mainichi. Today I discovered your channel. Thank you for doing this and for being so positive. Otsukaresama!

[@simulationkoyo]

@@OrientalPearl for a second i thought you made a joke, to understand laughter without subtitles.

[@jackpatterson7110]

Awww everybody was so nice😭 the "hello!" from across the road was hilarious😆

[@OrientalPearl]

I know right. I didn’t expect that at all.

[@SeenQuick]

It gets old fast in reality. Once you start to realize why more.

[@RubyDuran]

Learning Japanese to your level and living there... goals 🥰🇯🇵

[@ohenrico17acr92]

是非あなたはできりますよ！

[@RubyDuran]

@@ohenrico17acr92 ありがとうございます 😊

[@daenackdranils5624]

stupid project

[@joshboston2323]

@@daenackdranils5624--what a wonderful positive person you are daenack!

[@darkbroks]

@@daenackdranils5624 --what a wonderful positive person you are daenack!

[@toronto-properties]

Great video! It’s hilarious when that old lady responded saying “your parents must be lonely” when you told them you lived abroad for 9 years. I guess you weren’t expecting that type of response. But a lot of Asian cultures still has that multi-generational bond where the grandparents lives together or visits are very often.

[@kayef5724]

I noticed this too, lol. She checkmated her lol

[@teeup1760]

Well, actually, "Your parents must be lonely" is a mistranslation. What she said was "ご両親、寂しいでしょう", which is much more like "Your parents must miss you".

[@Kim.Miller]

@@teeup1760 That's my thought, too.

[@sheneedsme]

@@teeup1760 Thank you for that clarification because it takes on a much different meaning.

[@enanoh8971]

Is so True, parents never like to expressed but is the Truth when kids go to another city or Country.

[@soidogcowboy3282]

Your parents must be lonely. That is such a rural reaction. I spend a lot of time in Thailand and many of the rural thais say the same thing to me. Taking care of parents is a priority in many cultures

[@OrientalPearl]

Local people used to say the same thing when I lived in China too.

[@LunchpadMcquack]

@Baby Hunn this is a really sad thing. We should be learning from them instead. Taking care of our elders should be common sense. And its of great benefit for children and grandchildren to grow up with grandparents.

[@gavinr.3170]

I can’t stop watching Seven Hunnid on KZbin

[@teeup1760]

Actually "Your parents must be lonely" is almost a mistranslation, though. What the old lady said was "ご両親、寂しいでしょう", which is much more like "your parents must miss you."

[@soidogcowboy3282]

@@teeup1760 oh that definitely softens it. Thanks

[@gunnarthorsen]

I have a funny story to tell about "meeting a foreigner", although no actual meeting was involved. I made a phone call years ago to a shop in South Africa that made historical pith helmets and dialed the number incorrectly. An elderly sounding man with a British accent named Bill answered the phone, told me that I had the wrong number, and then asked me where I was calling from. When I replied, "America", I heard him yell to his wife, "Effie! It's a call from someone in America!" "Oh, let me talk to him!" I heard her say. He put her on and we chatted for a few minutes about the time difference and the weather, then we said goodbye. As odd as it sounds I will always remember them:)

[@VyxenViolets]

That's really sweet! People from other countries (at least when they don't get any foreigners) are generally quite excited to make new friends and/or meet new people. Especially when you can speak the same language!

[@kafka8010]

Don't give me ideas ( to dial a random number 😂)

[@furryfury.]

If they’re elderly British, they must be lonely and you just made their day! I live in the UK and a lot of the elderly choose to live on their own to maintain independence but also at the expense of loneliness. I’m quite sure they’ll never forget you too!

[@funjamjapan8231]

I just met a new friend from Tokyo and I already miss her, It was nice having you here in Fukuoka and I look forward for us meeting again. R2 says Beep Beep!

[@OrientalPearl]

Thank you so much Richard! I can’t wait for our R2D2 road trip to Kagoshima. That’s going to be a great video.

[@Paul_Wetor]

R2D2 speaks a language we all understand.

[@xchemicalXladybugx]

Literally only clicked on this video because I love Star Wars and that Van is dope af. One of the coolest things I’ve seen in japan

[@daenackdranils5624]

he has a two-faced friend

[@1blisslife]

I just bumped into Oriental Pearl's channel and you too funjamjapan. I'm subscribing to both of you. I hope your channel grows because of this video funjamjapan 😊 Sugoi!

[@PIERCED6966]

This is the world I wanna live in, each culture respects the other.

[@creman-seyachan]

I love how she introduces herself at the start and adds some tips for non-Japanese people. I don't like people who say ''Japanese are shy(or cold)'' without knowing our culture. The tips help them change their own values(prejudice) ​​and think about Japanese culture better. Excellent!!

[@ElLoco182]

I like Japan and I´d like to visit it in the future. I like the food, Gyokuro and I ride a great japanese motorbike. ;) cheers from germany

[@Laura-vj8uu]

I love Japan and cannot wait to get back one day. The people I met were some of the nicest I've met on any of my trips.

[@danemiller4852]

When I was stationed in Japan during my time in the Marines, the locals were very.... well.... they didn't like us. Lol maybe you can help me understand. Do japanese people have a distaste for a military presence from a foreign nation like the US?

[@danemiller4852]

@@missplainjane3905 1) japan is no different than america in terms of advancement. Id say we are pretty equal, Japan may even be ahead of us. 2) thats not a question I can answer considering I lived on a military base and didn't experience their standards of living an average citizen or tourist would. However I can say they are the cleanest country I have ever seen. So to the best of my knowledge I would rate it a solid 8.5/10. 3) for the most part Japanese people are awesome... but myself and other military members experienced our fair share of discrimination just because we were American. 4) clean, beautiful, fun.

[@danemiller4852]

@@missplainjane3905 not even close. I know simple phrases.

[@WhiteTiger333]

"I have lived abroad for 9 years". "Your parents must be lonely, then". I'm sure your parents are not lonely, but I'm curious how you answered her. :) I understand how her pov would be so different. I love the "wall of fame" offerings at the restaurant! LOL - the R2D2 encounter with the two young men was so fun!

[@OrientalPearl]

I told her I have 2 younger sisters living at home so they are ok. My parents are young too. They are both just 54. They still work.

[@bensontroy1526]

@@OrientalPearl which Detroit suburb are you originally from Oriental Pearl?

[@AmidaNyorai48]

😃

[@teeup1760]

Wow, seems like many people have misunderstood what that old lady said. "Your parents must be lonely" is not the correct translation. What she said was "ご両親、寂しいでしょう", which is much more like "Your parents must miss you".

[@Crackalacking_Z]

I'm studying Japanese for close to a year now. This video gave me a lot of hope, because I was totally able to follow the conversations and interactions. I still got a lot to learn tho. I'd love to visit Japan's countryside some day.

[@yabs9642]

Idk how well you do with heavy culture shock, but I went full immersion method and got a job in japan only knowing the basics and forced myself to talk in Japanese only using English when they didn’t have a word for it or it’s proper to use English words. You learn VERY QUICKLY how to speak because your life depends on it. I could speak pretty fluently in a year but reading was still a nightmare. Only knew how to read essentials or something that pops up everywhere without a lot of kanji

[@Crackalacking_Z]

@@yabs9642 I've already been two time to Japan, but only metropolitan areas. Zero culture shock, loved every second of it. I only knew hiragana, katakana and a few kanji, but survived pretty gracefully. Mainly due to Japanese people being really kind and helpful. That said, I'll do my best to learn more. I'd love to talk to people.

[@jawzzo6761]

@@Crackalacking_Z ive been studying japanese for about 2 years now but still suck really bad at it, i always have a month or so of going really hard working at it and then lose motivation from getting no where :( got a ticket to japan for june 2022 so im really hoping i can get it together in the 6 or so months before i go

[@itsshrimpinabag9544]

You are doing really great if you can understand so much after only 1 year. I have been studying for 5 years and can only just now begin to understand like that.

[@raulgarduno301]

I wish i could attained that level of fluency in speaking Japanese, and visit Japan someday🙄🙄

[@bt_tama8853]

Watching this is so cool for me. About 8 years ago I went to Japan and travelled from Tokyo to Osaka by bike, only knowing a little Japanese. It was the best time of my life and I met so many nice people. Everybody offered me their help wherever I went, even if it was on the countryside and even though I couldn't really talk Japanese and English wasn't an option, either. Thanks for giving me this nostalgic feeling! :D

[@OrientalPearl]

I’m glad that this video brought back good memories.

[@lawtraf8008]

Sound about white

[@daenackdranils5624]

he doesnt know their culture.

[@zoeholloway968]

I've been living abroad for a while too. When that countryside Japanese woman said, "your parents must be lonely," I felt the emotional manipulation. It felt like home. Happy Holidays everyone ❤

[@luvlife6347]

You have a lovely Christmas my friend,god bless you, lots of love from an old granny from Britain,

[@GlobalLocals]

We always think of Japan as these huge and densely populated cities. This is an awesome little dive into something we rarely get to see. And the people are so kind.

[@onlyfacts7816]

As she is saying "it just goes to show you can meet nice people randomly " 8:19 A truck basically slams on it's brakes in a polite gesture for the biker that was slowing down and most likely in any other country would have had to wait. Amazing timing 👏🙌👌

[@OrientalPearl]

What crazy timing!

[@chettonex]

In Argentina (and other countries in South America) we also let pedestrians and bikers cross, as they have the right to do so. Yet, since there are no fines for those who dont respect this many drivers just dont do it. When it happens, the driver usually makes a head nod or a hand gesture telling the pedestrian that its safe to cross.

[@marvinacklin792]

I have traveled off the beaten path in Japan and found the people, food, and geography beautiful. I love Japan and cannot wait to go back. Want to use one of those new digital translators.

[@queeg4719]

This was one of my favorite episodes. I loved your interaction and their responses. So willing to engage with you.

[@KaiIzuki]

3:43 man's casually sitting there being a disney fucking princess,

[@SteveWilliamsD]

This is one of my favorites from you. It's amazing when a person can connect with people and make them feel the world is small and that we are all the same. Please do more of these small town/city videos. It inspires me to make more connections on my next visit abroad!

[@OrientalPearl]

Thank you so much! I plan to take a lot of weekend trips all over Japan over the next few months.

[@SteveWilliamsD]

@@OrientalPearl That's so cool. It changes the perception of "foreigners" when you get to connect with folks!

[@gigglehertz]

I notice when that music you use in the opening minutes of this video is playing, you get really deep and philosophical, and those are your best videos.

[@OrientalPearl]

Thanks so much! I love adding narration and background music.

[@MrLeicamaster]

I love the first interaction with the old woman. "Your parents must be lonely" made me laugh out loud. LOL! I love it!

[@DIRTYshizno347]

You have a warm and easy going nature, which definitely seems to translate well. One day i hope to be fluent enough to explore Japan like this. Keep the informative vids coming!

[@cathe8282]

The truly international expression at about 3:31, that woman thinking of your parents so far away, possibly missing you. Your language ability is lovely. I've tried studying a half dozen languages but they never stick because I never stick at it.

[@h8tingit]

You are one person that I hope every good thing happens to.

[@OrientalPearl]

Aww thank you so much!

[@sheneedsme]

@@OrientalPearl I have a daughter your age and she studied abroad and lived in Italy and I was concerned about her safety and I wonder if you feel safe? We live in the Detroit area and I worried much more about her safety when she worked there and I wouldn’t let her stop for gas because I was afraid she could get car jacked. I felt she was safer traveling through Europe than when she was home. I think you are also from this area and I wondered if you went to one of our local universities and studied Japanese there?

[@yabs9642]

i LOOOVE this video cuz it reminds me of my time in Japan! I grew up as a old school farmer, so when i go to rural japan and talk to the locals I always wind up helping them out and staying the night at someones house or their whole family takes me out to eat at a local restaurant. I find rural areas remind me more of american friendliness than in cities. especially if you grew up similarly.

[@lynda.grace.14]

My favourite countryside memory was a solo train ride from Kanazawa where I was visiting friends to Wakura Onsen in Ishikawa because it was a filthy, rainy day and sitting on the train for a couple of hours to enjoy countryside views instead of walking in the rain seemed a much better idea. When I got there the train back left in 2 hours and much as I love onsens I was simply not in the mood to bother with a bath, so I opted for a coffee shop near the station to enjoy lunch and writing in my journal to pass the time. A group of men my age were at the other end of the shop and one of them worked up the nerve to satisfy his curiosity about me and "practice his English" with this only foreign lady. In turn I practiced my very limited Japanese. Surprisingly, we had a very nice chat and his buddies who could hear everything were visibly jealous. Well, he was a charmer. I'm sure it wasn't the first time they'd sat by and watched his game. After a while he reached over to pull out a glossy brochure about a wedding train that was "famous" in the area. I couldn't resist teasing him. "Is this a proposal?" I asked all deadpan. He blushed deep red and his buddies laughed like crazy. Of course, noting his shock as that's not what he was expecting I immediately said, "Joke, joke," and he looked immensely relieved. But it was a great laugh all around and I'm sure his buddies didn't let him forget it. You just have to open yourself to whatever happens and try to make other people feel good about who they are and where they live. It's not difficult. Not most of the time.

[@KINGSHABAZZ01]

Always inspiring! Thanks again for these videos. I really miss living in Japan 😩. ぼくは日本語の学生です。その日本のビデオはすごいでした。

[@OrientalPearl]

I hope you can come back someday.

[@etherdog]

I learned so much French from a Primsleur video series on PBS that when I was in Montreal, an older women came up to me in a metro station and asked directions to where she wanted to go and I was able to tell her.

[@OrientalPearl]

It’s the that the best feeling!

[@tomattime]

Another delightful and captivating episode. Your respect and warmth in chatting with more "senior" people is wonderful to behold. As always 👏🏽 🤗

[@keimahane]

You are so correct when you say Japanese are often waiting for you to break the ice. I have lived in the Kanto region for many years and I am still amazed at how easy it is to have a great conversation/time by just saying hi.

[@austinsomogyi9051]

I went to Japan when I was in middle school because I wanted to learn more about jiujitsu ( am a black belt now) and Martial arts in general the discipline they have over there is unreal

[@starry3824]

The 2 boys and R2 are the most random encounter anyone could've imagined. Even an AI wouldn't be able to generate such a random encounter. It's literally unbelievable. Moreover it's in a rural area and it really opens a question, why is there a Droid in the first place? Hah this video was amazing and hilarious!

[@OrientalPearl]

I know right. I never would have saw that coming in a million years.

[@MrProsat]

I agree with the premise. I was stationed in Japan for a year and I had a chance to go out into the rural areas. The friendliest people you could ever meet. This was back in the 1980's. Great people.

[@kliu3531]

Its so respectful and endearing how willing locals in Japan are willing to help people. One day I was trying to find a subway station with my family in Osaka, a very kind gentleman just walked up to us unconditionally and helped with directions. Can really take a piece of their kindness and treasure it

[@jerometsowinghuen]

It is so happy to see that the Japanese locals in agricultural areas are friendly to foreigners, Miss Anming.💖

[@ryanwillings6392]

Wow! The world could use a whole lot more people like this young lady. She’s just a little ball of happiness and love

[@JoeyArmstrong2800]

I was in Kushiro-shi in Hokkaido because my wife was from there. I spoke little to no Japanese and them no English. They were so excited and curious I felt like a celebrity or maybe like a science project. Their hospitality made me feel right at home. I'll never forget that.

[@OrientalPearl]

I’m glad that you were welcomed with open arms.

[@JoeyArmstrong2800]

@@OrientalPearlSuch wonderful people. I couldn't believe how interested they were in me. They wanted to know all kinds of questions. They don't get many gaijin up there. My wife did all the translating, god bless her. This was before smartphones, so all I had was a pocket Japanese phrase book I picked up in Tokyo. Believe me, it got it's usage and some and I still have it. Everytime I come across it it makes me miss Japan and the beauty of Hokkaido.

[@BrianBaileyedtech]

Loved this - when I went to live in Japan for 6 years back in 1990 there were even fewer foreigners like maybe a quarter of the number now. I moved to the countryside after a couple of years and one of my best stories was the taxi driver who kept looking at me through the rear-view mirror instead of watching what was ahead of him. We rear-ended the car in front of us and I had to walk to complete my journey. Or the time a guy was so intent at looking at me that he rode his bicycle off the road and straight into a water filled rice field. Or the time two drunk guys were fighting on the Joban-Sen and everyone was pretending not to notice but when I told them to shut up, they stopped fighting and apologized and I had to leave the train at the next stop because it was too hard not to laugh and if I laughed they would lose face and probably end up dismembering me. Ah, glad to see Japan hasn't changed one bit in 30 years when it comes to gawking at foreigners. It is kinds neat though, isn't it?!😂😂👍

[@HK-dd2bo]

3:23 "Your parents must be lonely then" - Almost spat out my drink LMAO

[@jonhubbold1162]

How wonderful to share laughter and joy, as you say language and understanding is the stumbling blocks. I worked for about 12weeks in China and felt so ignorant I hadn’t learned anything properly. Would love to learn Chinese. Fantastic viewing

[@manorueda1432]

Great video! I found this channel some time ago while looking for Japanese language content, but the thing I like the most is your positivity and your ability to integrate, to share the moment with people around you, and to get lots of smiles from all these people.

[@OrientalPearl]

Thank you so much! I love to go to a new place and try to make friends from scratch.

[@manorueda1432]

@@OrientalPearl and I enjoy a lot watching! 👍

[@dalegreer3095]

I went to Japan in 1981, my friend was teaching English in Tokushima on Shikoku. I spent two weeks traveling before heading for Tokushima, feeling like a rock star almost every step of the way, in the way the Japanese people treated me. One of my favorite experiences was on a ferry from Kyushu to Shikoku, I went to the observation deck to enjoy the fresh sea air, and after a little while I saw a group of school kids come up the stairs on the other side of the deck with their teacher. They were probably 8-9 years old. I could see them excitedly pointing to me and looking at their teacher. He looked at me like "What do you think?" And I looked at him like "Sure." Then he told his kids it was okay and they all came running to see me. I spoke a tiny bit of Japanese, and they spoke a tiny bit of English, so we communicated some. I told them my name was "Deru Goriru", and they giggled at that. I showed them a $5 bill and asked them who that was, they said "Aburahamu Rinconu!" After a while their teacher looked at me, checking to see how I was doing, then thanked me and told the kids it was time to go, and they all thanked me and over to the other side of the deck. It was really a wonderful encounter not only for the excitement of the kids making me the center of attention, but also for the immense respect displayed to me by the teacher and the kids, and by the teacher to the kids, and the kids to their teacher.

[@Yuki-kd5ht]

Never seen that content before and I will cherish your channel, your knowledge and the time you spend to show us a different world, thank you!

[@brunoserra2484]

"Your parents must be lonely" must be the cutest most japanese mom thing ever said

[@adamcogan211]

This is so damn wholesome and you are so charismatic and loveable! Really inspiring to make me want to get out of my comfort zone and meet more people!

[@kevinreily2529]

Your language skills are impressive, but you have such a positive attitude people can really feel it. I speak some Thai, and live in Bangkok and Thais' love it when you can chat with them. They are so friendly and welcoming.

[@Idreamindigital1]

You really are one of the most genuine, down to earth people on here. Really enjoy catching up with your adventures, thoughts and knowledge learnt from a cultural perspective whilst living in Japan. Keep up the amazing work!!

[@CashMoneyKC1]

You’re awesome and I love what you’re doing. You’re very impressive at mastering these languages. I just came across your videos. Please do more of what people are saying when you’re out and talking to them. Happy holidays.

[@NewGameTag]

I feel your editing style, presentation and content is super underrated! you Deserve way hype then you already have. good luck on your journey, you are doing something right 😀

[@OrientalPearl]

Thanks! I’m still a newbie KZbinr, so I have some catching up to do.

[@sleepykiing_]

Amazing😍 Rural places are so beautiful and the people from there is so nice👏🏻

[@BassOutcast]

Can we just appreciate how these guys just laughed and hugged when they said "I thought you guys were together"? I love their energy!

[@edgarmontealvo3005]

I love your vlogs. So raw and energetic

[@bestrafung2754]

I hope you continue to do more of these, they're really interesting! The only downside I guess is the videos aren't long enough like Xiaoma's videos where he speaks to people in their language lol. I would happily watch a 20+ minute video from you.

[@OrientalPearl]

Thanks for watching the whole thing. The average watch time for this video is 4 minutes, so you watched a lot more than most people.

[@bestrafung2754]

@@OrientalPearl really? I don't understand how people could subscribe but barely watch any videos. They must have bad attention spans lol

[@thatgirltamiittt2290]

@@OrientalPearl i just watched the whole video and i love your channel!

[@BoviDaze]

You always make me smile in each of your videos. Thanks for the fun content!

[@xiaospetsnaz5809]

Your videos always put me in such a positive mood! Thank you so much for that!!!!

[@freakishuproar1168]

Going slightly off subject, but I was really surprised to find out how few Japanese people even own passports a couple of years ago, wasn't it like 25% or something? I suppose a lot of it has to do with the work culture and the emphasis on civic/familial/etc responsibility.

[@OrientalPearl]

I think it’s more than that, but it’s true that many people don’t have the chance to leave Japan.

[@Itshollymoon]

Most people in the US also don’t have passports as time off work Is nearly impossible to come by and passports are expensive and hard to get. They’re seen as a luxury for the rich where I live in rural Iowa. When people here say they travel it usually means within the country

[@Toastybees]

Japan is much like the U.S. in that it has a rich culture of tourism from both foreign and domestic visitors. There is a heavy emphasis on regional specialty and identity so many native Japanese people prefer to explore their own uniquely Japanese experiences.

[@Arcangel0723]

@Hopper33 37% of americans have passports

[@boycottnok1466]

I think no of people holding passports in Japan has declined even more in last 2 years.

[@RobertMacCready]

I've found that most rural areas of any country are packed with warm, friendly, people. Especially in France.

[@subseventeen9068]

Watching your videos always makes my day and empowers me to keep learning.

[@davecech4741]

Your video is totally on point. I have visited Japan many times on business and made some great friends there. While I do not speak Japanese anywhere near fluently, I made an effort to learn a bunch of common phrases during my travel and that helped me connect with people immensely. Japan is my favorite country outside of the United States. It is so unique culturally and has so much to offer, not to mention the amazing cuisine. On my last trip to Japan (2 week trip with my son as a reward for him graduating high school), I had a very pleasantly surprising experience after exiting at the metro station in Kyoto nearby where my hotel was. During the train ride, the train jerked suddenly and the woman next to me lost her balance. I caught her from falling, and she was both thankful and a bit embarrassed; she showered me with both a few arigatos and sumimasens after I had helped her; I replied with a quick mon-dae-nae that it was OK, and she was immediately relieved that I understood and had responded. After exiting the train, I went to the restroom before starting our almost mile hike to the hotel...and when I emerged, the woman was standing by the exit gate, and presented me with a sweet pretzel from the shop that was located in the station, thanking me again. I was really touched by this, and I'd have to say that this something that probably would only happen in Japan or maybe a handful of other places.

[@Brian-sky61]

Great to see you and another video. People are awesome in Japan very cool. Thank You for being you. Stay Safe

[@bassoonplatoon3146]

I would love to live in rural Japan. Dunno whether I would like the city or the countryside more though. Thanks for the video! I'm learning more and more everyday :D

[@petersparshot4997]

I've watched 3 of your videos so far. What an amazing human being you are . Your family and friends must be proud of you. Your parents done well with you.

[@kendrickkx]

Great video, the countryside looks so beautiful. So true understanding local languages truly can help open doors to new adventures and experiences.

[@ShoOKitssho_time]

I'm Japanese, living in the US for over 10 years (mostly in the south), this is somehow relatable. And also I wish I will get to spend the last few years of my life in the countryside of Shikoku island. Not sure why (I've lived in Shikoku for a while, that's probably why).

[@OrientalPearl]

I haven’t been to Shikoku yet, but I really want to go there soon.

[@boycottnok1466]

@@OrientalPearl shikoku is the least explored of Japanese main islands even less foreigners.

[@daenackdranils5624]

boring life in perspective.

[@SirWrecksy]

Been all over Europe, South America and the US where I live Nothing was more mind-blowing than a month in Japan

[@carinaclarosgoncales9519]

Really loved your videos and your interactions with them. Really respect your jorney.

[@doreendaykin6693]

Wow….love her videos for many reasons. Her positivity, her kindness and her intelligence!! Love the way she interacts with those she encounters and leaves a smile behind. This is the first time I have been inspired to learn a second language….. Gratitude Oriental Pearl…and Merry Christmas from Nova Scotia, Canada. 🙏💗🙏🎄🌲🎄

[@mwflanagan1]

Still loving your content. Thanks. You’re lovely.

[@sparkeyjones6261]

lol... I get the same reactions every summer when I stay with my grandparent in-law in a tiny village in Niigata prefecture. I've bumped into old rice farmers in the middle of the forest while fishing on streams who almost fell into the water when they realized I was a foreigner. I spend every summer in Japan, and I love being in those spots where I'm the only gaijin for miles. lol

[@OrientalPearl]

Sometimes it is a nice feeling. It feels more authentic somehow.

[@loganm8220]

I love these videos, keep it up, they always make me smile! 😁

[@framedkraken7403]

This video enlighted my morning! thank you so much for talking the time making it!

[@OrientalPearl]

I’m glad you loved it that much!

[@ToddLarsen]

I have always wanted to visit Japan, I pray that one day I can go there and try lots of foods. Thank you for sharing this with the world, it was fun to watch your interactions with locals and their reactions to you speaking the language.

[@OrientalPearl]

I recommend trying real Japanese ramen.

[@eduardoherrera4151]

Hi. Interesting video. Most of the videos about japanese out there call them "racists" , that they hate foreigners, etc. I'm glad you are bringing a different point of view. Thanks.

[@OrientalPearl]

I know. I’ve been wanting to tear those BS video apart for a very long time. Soon…

[@brandonlott1717]

Definitely learning q new language now. I have been inspired to not only visit but COMMUNICATE with the communities I visit! Very inspiring stuff.

[@loncho5079]

I love your video, and your friendly out-going personality makes for a fun encounter with these people, as well as, your KZbin viewers. Thanks for the video and God bless you! From Los Angeles.

[@bobbyc323able]

Go to the Philippines next and you will have this type of encounter 100 times more, because the filipino people are naturally friendly and very helpful. Those instant friendships happens alot and they are genuinely curious. Plus there is no language barrier, because most speak english even in the rural countryside because english in the philippines is our second language it is taught in our schools from kindergarden all the way to college. But if in your own case you seem to like to learn the local language it will blow their mind if you can speak filipino to them, cause it is not often they hear fluent tagalog being spoken by a foreigner. Only difference from chinese or japanese language is the philippines has over 100 different dialect depending what region you are in, but the main country official language is tagalog.

[@secreswallowtail3372]

My first trip to Japan was in Fukuoka. I visited all the places such as Yufuin , Kumamoto, Oita, Hakata City and many more. Cant wait to re visit them. I love Fukuoka. Btw great vid again 😁😁

[@OrientalPearl]

Wow, we went to the same exact places!

[@BeetaroniPizza]

If I ever go to Japan I'll use this as a mental checklist

[@ocystella1067]

Same! I went to these places too! Kyushu is awesome

[@teamviolin]

I miss Fukuoka and Kyushu overall, my favourite parts of Japan 🥲

[@ITellMyselfSecretsz]

"Your parents must be lonely then" That women showing Asian culture of living with parents. That was so cute and kind to hear.

[@Cesoide_]

this video was so heartwarming, thank you.

[@Drew791]

One of the main goals I’m shooting for is to interact with more rural areas when I travel to Japan finally. From what I’ve seen In popular media, even ethnic Japanese people are easily spotted and singled out if they’re not from the area. Nuances in dialects, clothing and mannerisms are immediately obvious to close knit communities. City mouse vs Country mouse I guess, which is the same all over the world. But let me watch the video and shut up already!

[@OrientalPearl]

You’re right. People also have regional accents different from the locals.

[@mikeg6606]

The mountains around Yufuin are amazing. Great place to tour with a convertible. At 6'4" I was considered a giant when I lived nearby :) But the people all over Kyushu are lovely. The only reason they don't talk to you is they don't want their poor English to be displayed. The film of obachan in the small restaurant is what they are like when they're not scared of the language barrier - nicely done.

[@OrientalPearl]

Wow, you’re lucky to have gotten to live there!

[@ksatter6441]

I love your videos, they always bring a smile to my face

[@andrewherman9242]

Beautiful video. One of the best of its kind I've seen. I love visiting Japan and talking to people there. Your video brought back fond memories of my travels in Japan. The quality of your video is very good. Thank you.

[@OrientalPearl]

Wow, I’m so flattered to hear that!

[@makalabeckerleg1109]

It’s a shame that not everyone gets the chance to travel ,, it’s a big and amazingly beautiful world,,, it’s an education everyone should have.... ❤️

[@FlexxenRandomPlaces]

Learning about the age of the woman around 4:15 reminded me of a similar story I have to tell from Japan. When I was there in 2019 with very little japanese vocabulary, I went to a small town called Kamikawa in Hyogo, north of Himeji and it was off-season really. We sat down in one of the very few places that were open during that time of the year and ate something, while being the only ones there. The owner had a very basic English conversation with us and she was also the one preparing and serving our meal. Shortly before we've finished eating, this older-ish looking woman with an appearance unlike anyone I've ever seen before enters the place and sits opposite of us and starts to talk with the owner. The old lady's English actually was not too bad and we could understand each other fairly well. Still, more than Hi, How are you, Where are you from and weird looks, there was nothing more really. The old lady was very small, had pink hair and laughed about every word we've said with the widest smile I've ever witnessed. In the end and to our shock, she told us she was 93 years old. I don't have any words for this except wow.

[@OrientalPearl]

93 years old! That’s amazing. Thanks for sharing your experience in Japan.

[@Pablo_Anunnaki]

Great to see this. I never ever imagined Japanese were so kind once you talk to them in their language. Life is easier there if you arrive speaking their language.

[@clockworkgirltabitha5033]

Anming, you are a sociable and friendly person. I think that helps with interacting well with rural and city people anywhere in Japan. It is interesting how the rural people were eagar to interact with the foreigners and start conversations. I am learning Japanese and would love to get at your comfort level with speaking to people in the language.🙂

[@santiagososa45]

What an amazing video! I loved you showed how wrong those stereotypes are, if you speak the local language and you're a friendly person, it shouldn't be that difficult to interact with people around you.

[@OrientalPearl]

That’s right! I’d love to make more videos to prove those stereotypes wrong.

[@daenackdranils5624]

that's why some would be jealous iof her videos.

[@honeyfungus4774]

"never had a chance to talk to a foreigner" - they're lucky.

[@foxxo8349]

Wah- how are they lucky?

[@thehater6189]

I had this stereotype when I went to Japan and I was proven wrong! Very friendly and kind people.

[@2WarriorJay8]

8:50 great advice, time is precious

[@datcatsavedme7071]

I can’t wait to study abroad in China and Japan.

[@BryanWong]

Show more of the interactions and what generally are folks curious about when they have conversations . Precious will be to see reactions moment ice gets broken when it's realized they can communicate in own language without feeling ackward

[@HuGo031191]

It's such a pleasure watch your vídeos. Thanks for sharing!

[@mel-nq6re]

"Your parents must be lonely then-"(3:32) I sensed her searching for a way to respond to that unforeseen comment without an awkward silence lasting too long😄

[@albal-v3869]

This was really cool!!! Can you do a video where you go to a restaurant in a rural area or something?

[@OrientalPearl]

This one with the elder lady was a real restaurant.