I Tried Getting "Gaijin Seated" in Japan and This Happened | Is THIS Gaijin Seat? | Life in Japan

[@kaguth]

This is actually something I like about Japan. I prefer not to sit next to people I don't know. So please, Gaijin seat me all you like

[@Sirvennet]

You may appreciate it for your own personal reasons but you need to realize that this is a problem and it’s disrespectful and this doesn’t justify it. nobody should feel alienated anywhere public. I’m not claiming you implied anything just letting you know.

[@Jack_Theripper049]

Yeah same, I would really appreciate it too honestly..

[@Jack_Theripper049]

​@@Sirvennetyeah but if sitting next to foreigners makes them uncomfortable, then it's better them move than blatantly telling the foreigner in their faces that they're uncomfortable, just like any sane person, they decided to remove themselves from an uncomfortable situation, just that, nothing more, plus, its their country, if you have an issue with that, go back to your own country

[@SpidergirlSneakywolf]

I hate when people sit down next to me on the bus specially when someone sick

[@fallen.petalss]

reallll

[@GizmoDeTrini]

From my humble experience, this doesn't happen nearly as much to me in the big cities (Tokyo, Osaka, etc.) But in the countryside? Bruh... it was incessant. I don't use much public transportation in my city anymore, but when I do, being gaijin seated isn't an uncommon experience. I think your sex, body size and presentation are key factors in determining if you'll be ghost seated or not. But please remember that one person's experience doesn't determines EVERYONE'S experience, and it not happening for you doesn't mean that it doesn't occur. Great vid, Enim!

[@yaz_theythem]

Opposite for me. Happened all the time in Tokyo, never happened out in the Shikoku sticks.

[@EnimsLifeinJapan]

I wrote a comment before but I guess it didn't save. I'll just repeat that: I see "Robbing Talley" was just a distraction, Mr. "I don't use much public transportation in my city anymore." 😂 I agree with your comment though. Everyone's experience is different. I do notice what I'm wearing and my surroundings when it does happen to me are pretty consistent, but this is just my case.

[@Sakurakitto]

I agree. In the city it feels less common and I think in the countryside it can feel much more obvious because people also stare at you as they do it 😆 but that could be just fear of unknown and curiosity at the same time. Also for me personally, I know it's not always gaijin seating but about who is on the other side when I sit. I usually have no problem sitting between two men, but I notice a lot of women will avoid sitting next to me if that would put them next to a man on the other side. But women are far more likely to sit next to me if will be between me and another woman. They feel safer between two women I think? 🤔 So gender can play a bigger role.

[@Tom-xd4ct]

Only a few times someone got up and left as soon as I sat down. But I really never noticed the gaijin seat thing until I heard about it. For me, I think of it as a benefit.

[@マフマフマフィン]

I am Japanese, born and raised in Japan and still living in Japan, and I am surprised that many foreigners think that Japanese people do not want to sit next to foreigners on the train. I do not deny that there are some Japanese who do not like the increase in the number of foreigners, but I think that is the case in every country. As for train seats, it is common practice not to sit right next to someone when there is enough empty seat. People keep a certain distance from others as much as possible. It does not matter if they are Japanese or foreigners. Also, everyone prefers to sit at the end or next to a partition. So many people sit next to the end so that if a seat on the end becomes available, they can quickly move over. People tend to avoid sitting next to people with large bodies or long legs because they feel uncomfortable next to them. People who sit with their legs wide open or with their feet thrown out in front of them are also considered as breach of manners and may be avoided. People from other countries can be relatively perfumed, which may also be avoided from an experience. Many Japanese people dislike strong fragrances.That's it. Anyway, nice try. I like your videos.

[@gauravbis]

That’s racism my friend. The inability to be tolerant to other types of people.

[@Youdontwantnonebyatch]

@@gauravbislol than don’t come to Japan rhey don’t care about your critical race theory brainwashing indoctrinations. Japan is not the USA. They are not white Europeans in case you didn’t notice lol. It is not a country of immigrants lol. Basically no one should go to Japan if they are going to be bothered by rules that manifest from a homogenous racial society. Facts

[@マフマフマフィン]

@@gauravbis It doesn't matter if he/she is a foreigner or Japanese. It matters how he/she is there. Are you sure he/she doesn't make a noise with a phone? Are you sure his body isn't as big as annoying to the next person? Are you really sure he/she doesn't wear perfume? I couldn't sleep at all on the airplane when this guy’s arm hair kept annoying me all the time. It's not racism but the right to protect my personal space.

[@gauravbis]

@@マフマフマフィン body is annoying? I am not sure i fully comprehend what you mean by what? Every person has a different body type, isnt it?

[@マフマフマフィン]

@@gauravbis Of course. That’s why it’s not racism. I see his body big and his knee most likely to be in my personal space, I have the right to sit on other seat.

[@Viaivy1]

I think why they didn’t sit next to you is because most seats were empty and if your on an empty train usually people will have more space to sit where they want. But when the train gets crowded and their are only a few seats near you, it’s possible if they don’t sit next to you, it could be because they want their own space or it’s Gaijin seating. That happened to me before. And it also could be rasicm from what I’m seeing but I’m not so sure, but some people didn’t hesitate to sit near you so some might actually be good.

[@ゆう-p6p2b]

英語喋れなくてごめんねだけど 日本人って端っこから座る性質なのよ 端っこ座ってから真ん中に座っていく 実際気にしてない人が多い ただ日本人は繊細だから足を大きく開いていたり、荷物がはみ出てる 体臭が慣れてない人のものだと日本人同士でも隣に座りたくない だから外国人だから差別してるわけではなく、端っこから座ってるだけもしくは座席はみ出ててその隣に座りにくいとかの事情があったのだと思う

[@jessiccablessngs1536]

In London, everyone's trying hard NOT to sit next to each other. (Except for families and friends, ofcourse).

[@jiro-h8t]

【日本語訳有り】 To conclude, the concept of the "Gaijin Seat" is largely a misunderstanding caused by cultural differences and language barriers. Japanese people do not avoid sitting next to someone out of a sense of discrimination. There are various reasons, regardless of race, why a Japanese person might not sit next to someone: ・When someone is sitting with their legs spread out, taking up extra space. ・When someone is sitting with a large item like a suitcase. ・When a larger person is occupying the seat. (There are other reasons as well...) In Japan, there is a strong cultural emphasis on "sharing space" and being considerate of others. It may be difficult to notice in videos, but in reality, the person already seated might subtly offer more space by adjusting their position or tucking away their clothes, signaling that it's okay to sit. If they don’t do this, the person wanting to sit might need to ask for more space by saying something like, "Excuse me…," which many Japanese people prefer to avoid. Even though these interactions are silent, they happen through subtle gestures, like the seated person slightly shifting to say, "Please, sit down," and the person sitting giving a small bow in return, as a way of saying, "Thank you." In the video, one thing I noticed (though not a major issue) is the position of your umbrella. In Japan, people often place their umbrellas in the center of their bodies to avoid obstructing others on either side. In such cases, someone might avoid sitting next to you to ensure they don’t intrude on your space. Lastly, Japanese people often feel insecure about their English skills, leading them to be more reserved or hesitant when interacting with foreigners. This could also be a reason for not sitting next to someone. ----------------------------------------- I found some clear examples in the video: (1) In the case of this man, he is also someone people might avoid sitting next to. 4:50 The reason is that his bag straps are taking up space. He is sitting with his legs spread out. People would rather avoid asking, "Could you please move a bit...," so Japanese people tend to avoid sitting next to someone like this. (2) This woman is simply giving up her seat for a tired friend. You kindly made space for two people to sit, which is a very typical Japanese behavior and something you see often. 3:22 ----------------------------------------- 結論として、「外人席」の概念は、主に文化的な違いや言葉の壁によって引き起こされた誤解です。日本人が誰かの隣に座らないのは、差別意識からではありません。 日本人が誰かの隣に座らない理由には、様々なものがあります（人種に関係なく）: ・足を広げスペースを多く取ってる人が座ってる場合 ・スーツケースのような大きな物を持っている人が座ってる場合 ・体の大きな人が座席を占有している場合 （その他の理由もあります…） 日本では「共有する空間」に対する意識が強く、他者への配慮が重視されています。ビデオでは気づきにくいかもしれませんが、実際には、すでに座っている人が自分の位置を調整したり、服を引っ込めたりすることで、隣に座るのが大丈夫であることを微妙に示していることがあります。 もしそれをしない場合、座りたい人は「すみません…」などと言ってスペースを要求する必要があり、多くの日本人はこのようなやりとりを避けたいと思っています。 これらのやりとりは静かに行われますが、微妙なジェスチャーを通じて行われます。例えば、座っている人が少し体をずらして「どうぞ、座ってください」という意思を示し、座る側が小さくお辞儀をして「ありがとう」という感謝の意を表す、というようなやりとりです。 ビデオの中で気づいたこと（大きな問題ではありませんが）は、傘の位置です。日本では、傘を体の中央に置いて、両隣の人の邪魔にならないようにすることがよくあります。そのため、誰かが隣に座るのを避ける場合があります。 最後に、日本人は英語力に自信がないことが多いため、外国人と接するときに控えめになったり、ためらったりすることがあります。これもまた、誰かの隣に座らない理由の一つかもしれません。 ビデオの中でいくつかの明確な例を見つけました。 (1) この男性の場合、隣に座りたくないと感じるかもしれない人です。 4:50 理由は、彼のバッグのストラップがスペースを取っていることです。 彼は足を広げて座っています。 「少し移動してもらえますか」と言うのを避けるために、日本人はこのような人の隣に座らないことが多いです。 (2) この女性は単に疲れた友人に席を譲っているだけです。あなたが2人が座れるようにスペースを作ってくれたことは、非常に典型的な日本の行動であり、よく見られる光景です。 3:22

[@sdsddai]

I didn't understand the concept of a 'foreigner seat,' but now I finally get it. This is 100% overthinking. I didn't know that people who aren't familiar with train culture don't know the concept of sitting in the corner to secure personal space. In fact, it's considered very bad manners to sit next to someone when there's a seat open at the edge. Try doing the same experiment with Japanese people, and you'll get exactly the same result.

[@れおふぇんだあああ]

I'm 100%Japanese, now living, was born and raised in Japan. ---- GS1 (3:15): No I can't say for sure why the girl with a white shirt gave up a seat to her friend, but it's more likely that she was simply being kind and considerate, rather than because you were a foreigner. after you moved to the next seat for the girl, of course, she sat next to you without any hesitation. it's a quite natural case for Japanese girls to give up her seat to her friend. GS2 (3:48): No this is a typical Japanese behavior of sitting when the corner seat is empty. I would have done the same way if I were one of those three people. far from it, I would have felt that I am being slightly rude to you if I had sat right next to you even though the corner seat was empty, like I would have taken up your personal space. GS3 (5:30): Probably Not it's hard to say for sure, but it looks like there were simply fewer people on the train and a lot of empty seats. while Japanese people tend to sit as far away from other people as possible, elderly people tend to sit on the nearest available seat to avoid walking, so it's possible that the elderly women just sat on seats across from you near the door. sometimes this kind of situation happens to me, and I also feel awkward a little bit.🙂 GS4 (9:36): No judging from their baggages, fashions, and behaviors, I think these two women are probably Asian tourists visiting to Japan. so this case might not be good example for this experiment. however, I think I would have sat in a similar way if I were one of them. GS5 (14:57): No it could have happened accidentally, it's more likely because of the Japanese man who was sleeping with his legs spread out. as you know, many Japanese people sleep on the train, and it's not unusual that your shoulder becomes the pillow for the person sleeping next to you.😅 this is a situation that even Japanese people dislike, so if we find a seat next to sleeping person, we tend to choose other empty seats. ---- thank you for your great experiment video! it was very interesting. I feel that many cases called "Gaijin Seat" are simply because of cultural differences between Japanese society and foreigners. we've been living in one of the most densely populated cities in the world, and living in tiny room like a rabbit house, and we have a strong sense of personal space and try to keep as much distance as possible from other people in public places. from very young ages, most Japanese people have been educated by their parents and schools not to enter other people's personal space and not to make others feel uncomfortable. this is why we think like that. there may be some differences to person, but most Japanese people follow these ways of thinking when they choose their seat on a train: #1: Choose a seat with as few people around as possible. #2: Choose a corner seat. #3: Choose a seat with a pole next to it for a super tiny personal space. (11:20 you perfectly predicted the Japanese behavior!) #4: If there is not the above options, sit next to someone with no choice, or spend time standing. perhaps, there may be some people who don't have anyone sitting next to them, but there might be a reason(their body size, sitting manners, strong perfume, body odor, or simply because the seat was dirty or something), and this happens to Japanese people too, not only foreigner. historically, both in a good and bad way, Japanese people tend to make a strong distinction between "person I know" and "person I don't know", and most of us aren't even interested in someone's race or nationality or where they come from. except for a few insane guys like who are every corner of the world, most Japanese don't have feelings like "dislike" or "fear" toward to people from overseas. so please don't worry! many Japanese can't understand English very well and may be confused when spoken to in English, but that is because they are just afraid of "English", not "foreigners". I love people who come from overseas and their cultures, so I am very happy to see more and more tourists and foreign residents in Japan. I believe that every country has ways of thinking that are difficult to understand only for people raised in each country, and it tends to create invisible misunderstandings and rumors. this video is awesome because it visualizes and validates such invisible barriers. great work!! 👍

[@kanedafx1]

Question for you my friend, If I speak just little Japanese is better do no talk, or I will be seem as someone that at least trying? my wife grandpa was from Okinawa, we planing to do a family trip, but I will like to visit Japan 1st, Tokio, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara and I want to be able to order food and ask for directions or shopping but I don't want to be disrespectfull or offend anyone.

[@れおふぇんだあああ]

​@@kanedafx1 hi!! most Japanese people think that Japanese is spoken only in the small islands and that foreign people wouldn't know it, so if a non-native Japanese speaker tries to speak Japanese, even if it doesn't make sense, we never feel like disrespectful or be offended at all lol. most of us would think you're friendly. however, you might experience communication difficulties when you say difficult-to-pronounce nouns like place names or something, and you might be asked to repeat the same word. for example, native English speakers tend to pronounce "Kyoto" sounds like "KIYODOH", it's really far from the native sound, and there're not few Japanese people who don't know it's "Kyoto", I think. if you feel worry about communicating with Japanese people, you can use translation apps or AI translation services on your phone. it's quite usual that foreign tourists using their phones to order foods or ask something in Japan. few months ago, I was taking a break at the cafe, I also had a conversation through a translation app when I was asked about the cafe's menu by a student from Sri Lanka showing her phone, and she seemed to have no problem. anyway, I hope you and your family make happy memories in Japan!!☺

[@kanedafx1]

@@れおふぇんだあああ Arigato gozaimasu

[@GeorgieB1965]

Personally, I'm for all being left to my own devices while traveling. I rather not have any human contact behind my immediate family, being the introverted-extrovert that I am.

[@marlenaganache]

I get why this could hurt some peoples feelings. However, I’m huge on personal space, so this actually would be fine with me.

[@EnimsLifeinJapan]

Yeah, when I notice it...I just go back to what I'm doing lol. I think the people who get "Gaijin Seated" aren't the ones with the problem therefore there's no reason to waste time thinking about it. lol Obviously the people who don't want to sit down have the problem.

[@Direwoof]

Im 1/2 japanese and im a massive burly muscular scary looking guy is why they dnt sit next to me XD (secretly nice though!)

[@dinoC4D]

@@Direwoof you are NOT burly🤣🤣

[@edbrito-swdev]

I haven't yet seen the whole video but when I was in Japan, for 20 days, it happened to me only once.

[@daytonchris8351]

it looks like a serious version of train musical chairs.

[@EnimsLifeinJapan]

😂

[@jacquiejeanconway7541]

Great video, Enim! There is definitely a difference, I noticed, between who moves away from you. I saw that they do not care as much if they are younger. In addition, as you mentioned early in the video, there is an every-other seat method before the rest of the seats fill up. So It seems to play a part in it too. I am sure that Gajin seating exists, but like one of the other commentators mentioned and the points you made in the video, it could be worse in the countryside depending on their public transportation, their looks, size, and especially etiquette.

[@vkotis]

This experiment is a good example of Goodhart's law. I think it may happen but at an amount which really cannot be measured. But as mentioned at the end of the video: one can acquire a percieved notion of a particular behaviour through daily encouters and relay the affects of that experience throughout other daily circumstances.

[@mystic_auroria]

Idk if this is country based. In the Netherlands, we do the same. I think people don’t want to share their personal space in public. Atleast thats just me

[@jennid1573]

We do it in England too. I think there have been studies done on how waiting room seating gets taken, I recall covering it during my psychology degree - it’s to do with personal space but unconscious bias also plays a role.

[@Takeon44-mx6oo]

Please seach for a word トナラー. Those who sit right next to someone when there is other option are disliked by everyone, since every Japanese is basically looking for a privacy and space. Giving space to someone is not coming from ill intention, it's type of instinct not to disturb that person.

[@kasumikat]

i will never forget this one time i was in a train with my classmate (tall white guy) and a bunch of Japanese uni students wanted to talk to us. after the awkward chat all of them were getting off except one who was staying on the train. he ended up awkwardly giving us a little bow before quickly rushing off the train to go a few carriage down. i found it so funny but i felt bad for him and totally understand why.

[@Ravitas3]

In my opinion, it's not necessarily a question of discrimination, but rather finding the "best" place, you can see that certain seats are clearly more popular, and then once those seats are no longer available, people start sitting next to the less popular ones.(Middle) You can also see that if you look like a nuisance, people will avoid you. The person who was sitting rudely was clearly avoided more than the Gajin

[@lizzie7929]

I personally don’t mind if people don’t sit next to me! Honestly, it depends on the situation or how packed the train is or bus! Where I live, most people tend to like, seating on their own on the bus, with a seat free! Most people tend to do this, I have observed, unless it’s super busy, then someone will sit next to you or I will sit next to someone if there is no other choice! Personally, I love having my own space and I am considerate of others, and I try not to sit next to others, so to give people space! Not that, I don’t like other people, it’s just myself, being considerate! If I have to sit next to anyone, I ask, ‘am I alright sitting here!?’ In a polite, way! People, I noticed like, keeping to themselves! Nothing like being rude or disrespectful! Just from what I have observed! When travelling on public transport! I like my own personal space and I am considerate of others space also!

[@jojoratto]

自分は男性なので日本人同士でも女性の隣は相手に気を使うので座りにくい時がある

[@MsBrooklyn11232]

From the looks of your video, it doesn’t seem that you get gaijin seated a lot. But you did get Gaijin seated on the third try.

[@EnimsLifeinJapan]

One thing this experiment has taught me is that, I felt that it happened more than it actually did. When it happens, the train being packed but the seat next to me being empty...and then people going to sit down when I get up, it feels kinda sucky. But overall, it doesn't bother me so much. It's mainly a thing foreigners in Japan talk about amongst ourselves, and that's why I thought I should try to catch it in real life so everyone else could know too.

[@ezool18]

for GS5 i think more people chose to sit across from you is bc the guy next to you was sitting impolitely and didn't want to deal with him, much like how that one interviewee explained just moments before

[@EnimsLifeinJapan]

I think so too!

[@amirbarjakli3383]

I mean call it whatever u want ”gajin seat” but I live in Norway and this happens with me and sometimes I do same with other people. So I don’t think it’s something exclusivly only to Japan. Sometimes I feel like I don’t want to sit near that guy, or just keep standing or just ”hey that’s seat is better for me and I will feel more comfortable” etc…

[@Eudora776]

The point is they do it to not sit next to a foreigner. Which is why no matter how crowded they stay away from YOU specifically 😂 it's okay to admit they do that to foreigners

[@amirbarjakli3383]

@@Eudora776yes and I do that sometimes to other people. I just feel sometimes that I prefer standing other than sitting next to someone else even though there are available seats and train is crowded. I don’t think its a big deal tbh

[@Eudora776]

@amirbarjakli3383 its not a big deal at all. I'm just saying in japan some specifically do it bc ur a foreigner and idk why ppl r so against admitting that😭 like it's not that serious

[@amirbarjakli3383]

@@Eudora776yeah and I guess they do that mostly/especially with ”black people”?

[@Eudora776]

@@amirbarjakli3383 yeah. Depends where in Japan tho

[@keyaki5504]

I think, smell is also important factor. I am a Japanese man and sometimes I have felt avoided by women with a sensitive sense of smell on the seat. I also avoid them when I fell myself smell. It could just be my paranoia. But even some clean-looking women feel to be avoided, especially after eating yakiniku, ramen, or drinking, or during the summer time. No one can be sure. The effect of perfume is so difficult that even my wife cannot use it at all. I can’t convince myself that I don't smell, I just believe that we all have the same concern. I don’t dislike this train culture, but it decreases the self-esteem of most people. Anyway thanks for the very interesting experiment.

[@EntangledFields]

I would also like to point out that I will avoid sitting near someone I realize is being videoed, so some people could have been avoiding the camera, not you. I have only been gaijin seated with my dad. On a jam packed train, he always had space but me and my mom did not.

[@EnimsLifeinJapan]

Thanks for your comment. We were using a tiny GoPro that wasn't obvious at all. Was your experience in japan too?

[@EntangledFields]

@@EnimsLifeinJapan Yes, it was in Japan.

[@demitrimoss5515]

I was in Japan for two weeks in December 2023, and I don’t think it happened to me at all. I came in expecting it and after riding the train in mostly Tokyo daily it just never happened to me. I was even praised with no less than four bows from the elder I gave up my bus seat for.

[@angelogarcia1700]

10:02 I've never seen those be replaced ever in my life 🤣

[@brvhtxxbxk]

Same!! Cool to see how its done

[@Marcel_Audubon]

at first I thought he was stealing it! but that would be so improbable

[@MegaHisahisa]

As a Japanese person, I tend to hesitate when spoken to in English. Especially on airplanes, I get nervous about who will be in the seat next to me.Just English language, I guess.

[@YuTopian]

I've had people who sit next to me sit more seats away when space opened up to them, but they may just have wanted more room. Other than that I don't recall ever being gaijin seated 🤔(but I've also only been a total of 14 weeks)

[@InkMink]

Idk in my country its custom to try avoid sitting next to someone you dont know unless you have no choice. When people leave you scoot to an empty seat so everyone gets more space. I dont feel like they were actively avoiding you if I apply that logic here. They sat next to you when it was busy and moved when space became available. Idk

[@CB-sx8xh]

I found the opposite, I would have female passengers sit beside me even if there were plenty of other empty seats. I'm not sure it they thought I needed protection or if I looked like a safe person to sit beside lol

[@EnimsLifeinJapan]

I have a theory on this that I have written down for another video. Are you female?

[@CB-sx8xh]

@@EnimsLifeinJapan yes and petite so that may also be a factor

[@Skgaton]

外国人にはパーソナルスペースがないのですか？

[@ClaroKirari]

スペースを空けるのは、ほかの利用者のためです。誰が来てもそこに座れるように空けています。あと、端っこに座るのが好きです♡

[@johnnyonwheels6722]

Hey Enim! Fun time making the vid! Your super! 👊😁💓

[@EnimsLifeinJapan]

Thanks always, Johnny! 🥳

[@WatersOfHumanity]

To be honest I wouldn't mind getting gaijin! Im sensitive to people energies anyways. Most Japaneses collectively are program unconsciously do that behavior.Also if you want to get deep deep. The Japanese social and economical systems is very military concept. When you look into those practices you will be like ahhh now i see 💡

[@onenesswomb]

Woah🤯

[@majibento]

I’ve been in Japan for 3 months between various vacations and no one ever gaijin seated me, even in Aomori (but one or two old people glanced at me curiously when I got onto the train😄)

[@Don7658-j1n]

I love this 'gaijin seat' thing when using public transport elsewhere, especially on flights. It makes my trip more relaxing and peaceful. I just wish we could import this gaijin seat thing to america.

[@yuyafunaba1578]

この動画を作ってくれてありがとう。私は最後まで見て座る人々に特に違和感を感じなかったのであなたがどういった結論を出すのかかなり気にしました。でも、誤解が解けて良かった。日本に住むほとんどの人は、両隣が開いているか肩を預けられる端っこを好みます。そして、自分の世界へ浸ります。結局のところ、この問題は「気にし過ぎ」です。もちろんジョニーソマリのような勝手に顔を撮影して公開する外国人youtuberに嫌悪感を持つ人々はあなたを露骨に避けるでしょうが。。。それは仕方がない。彼の成果、それこそ彼の遺産ですから。

[@jsynsmsrx-j5s]

This video may eventually become problematic on Japanese social media... In Japan, there is etiquette that prohibits taking pictures and videos on trains, and anyone who sees someone with a camera on will be wary. Japan is also very strict about privacy protection. I'm not a lawyer, so I can't say anything specific from a legal perspective, but in Japan there is a shared value that says you shouldn't take pictures or videos of the faces of passengers on trains, like in this video. Also, whether there are foreigners or not, each person has their favorite place to sit. For example, many people in Japan prefer to sit on the edge of long seats. In addition, people who value personal space sit at a distance from others, or stand apart from others. Perhaps this is not limited to Japan. In other words, when Japanese people watch this video, it appears to be talking about discrimination against foreigners in Japan, even though foreigners are violating manners in Japan. I'm sure many Japanese people will be very angry about this. Of course, I understand that this is a misunderstanding that you do not want, but it is better to pay maximum attention to the rules and privacy in Japan. Otherwise, your valuable experiment will be ruined.

[@KINGxDAVID94]

Should hide the camera, some probably didn’t want to be in the shot.

[@cailinanne]

He had it hidden on his chest, it’s just a GoPro. You can tell by the phone shot and lens.

[@ShikuYoro-z5o]

From Japanese perspective, not sitting next to someone is a form of respect. (Unless you smell really bad) . Especially if you are wearing expensive cloth or have complicated hair people will make space. Because what if it gets tangled and damages that person's belongings. The fact people are saying it is because Japanese hate foreigners are warped. By the way, if you are men and there are choice of seat between sitting next to woman or man, sit next to man. It will be considered creepy and rude to sit next to woman when you can sit next to man. 嫌いだから隣に座らないのではなく、「遠慮」に近い。 だが遠慮という日本的感覚を、文化的に共有していないから誤解が起きるのだと思う。

[@Blackwood-w3z]

8 years lived Japan. I love Japan, I suggest to everyone to visit it but I can tell from my experience Japan is a bit too romanticized and almost even “otherized” in a positive way by american/western ppl. Many people in Japan may not realize that what they're saying is xenophobic because they've never seen that kind of behavior being criticized. For example, racial profiling by police is a documented issue, with minority residents frequently subjected to identity checks based on their appearance. Discrimination in housing and employment is also common, with reports of landlords refusing to rent to foreigners and companies preferring Japanese nationals over equally or more qualified foreigners. However, the level of racism and xenophobia you might experience can vary. White foreigners often receive more favorable treatment compared to those with darker skin. For someone like me, who is from Gana (now living in Canada), you might encounter subtle forms of discrimination.

[@onocoffee]

GS1 - No, GS2 - No - there were three of them, GS3 - No, GS4 - No - but that girl should have moved her bag, GS5 - Maybe - but I think it's also predicated on the way that Japanese guy in the suit was seated. I don't doubt it's happened to you and the others, but in my experience (especially those of us raised in the United States), I think our programming tells us what to think - even when it's not the reality in front of our eyes. Should we meet one day, remind me to tell you about my first day in Kampala! Also, I'm a big guy which means that I won't know if it's actually Gaijin Seat or they don't want to sit next to the guy who shops in Ryogoku!

[@Lukeirin]

I mean... I don't know about other place, but, I'm from France and here, you're pretty much gaijin seat as much as you can. I mean, it's not surprising in a crownded bus that people will not seat next to you, just because we prefer personal space than being next to someone. I've went to japan (well for only two weeks), I look foreigner as well as my mom, but we aren't very big, and i know that in Tokyo-Yokohama metro (other places we never took at time where they were enough people), people didn't gave a F about your space or "oh he's a foreigner in japan, maybe i will give him his personal spa-" NO people seems to not care since half of them were dead tired/asleep (I liked it tho !) 😅😂 Tokyo is too hella big for people not grabbing the chance to finally seat comfortably somewhere

[@Lukeirin]

And, well, i really never understood why people created this gaijin seat things, since this came apparenlty from the US, i guess you guys are just freacking tall compared to us tiny european lol ^^

[@RikyoZERO]

When I was in Fukuoka way back in 2002-03 (I was around 22 or so then) and I feel younger people often came and sat next to me to try and talk to me or learn about me. I only remember 1 lady getting up and moving to another seat on the bus. That was my only experience with Gaijin Seating I suppose lol

[@Santiago-in1xf]

Just did 2 weeks across Tokyo, Yokohama, and Osaka, I didn't get gaijin seated at all though I was expecting it. I did notice even when the two people siting next to each other were Japanese, when a space opened up, people would shift around. (I people watch on transit.) Several times when I had a piece of my jacket or bag bleeding over into the seat and I moved it as people were getting on a crowded car, I got a quick head nod and/or an arigato and they sat down. The only thing I can compare in the inaka, because I didn't use public transit much there, was in the onsens. I would have expected to have no one use the wash bays next to me. They def did use them. But it's also teeny tiny town where folk are like, so you are the new set of gaijin at the school, we're coming over to cook food for you in a couple days 😂

[@Marcel_Audubon]

Interesting experiment --- my only conclusion: their bar for "impolite seating" is very low! that guy was just crossing his legs

[@edtomorrow]

1:58 your logic didn’t work here. If anyone would have sat directly next to you when other options were available, that would have been odd. Since that First Lady with the violin sat where she did she obviously wasn’t deterred by your gaijin-nes or anything else. I just don’t think you’re scary enough. Lol!!! GS3 6:50 here though. 🤷🏻‍♂️😝🤣 On one of my trips to Tokyo in October, all sweaty and huge, people sat next to me without a thought. I was so embarrassed because I was soaking wet and fumbling around with maps I was praying for no one to Sit next to me. It was crowed though.

[@EnimsLifeinJapan]

I can be scary though...lol Thanks always, Ed. :)

[@kumaboyy.7443]

You are wrong, Enim! You have such an innocent look that it is hard to believe that at all! I would have definitely sat next to you! Although, I have gaijin seated in the USA with random people just to give the their space! It was great to see you again!Thank You

[@EnimsLifeinJapan]

Hey! Thanks. :) People tend not to believe me when I tell them my negative experiences😩 Ir really makes me wonder how you all view me and why the hell isn't it concurrent with how my life actually is...or is it I'm the one not seeing things right?

[@hannahchronism]

Nah, you're just overthinking it. I'm not Japanese, but if it was me, I would choose the same as seats as the people you highlighted chose. I like corner seats, and away from people. Doesn't matter who it is. We can't read people's minds and their intentions so it's good to not assume the worst in people. Please don't be an instigator of further societal division by blowing this out of proportion.

[@Fabio-ql5yf]

Yeah, especially if everything is free, it would be pretty weird to sit next to the only person there. Like sitting next to someone in a cinema that is completely empty

[@shawnbell6392]

In a month I never witnessed this and it never happened to me. So, another person's experience to consider I guess.

[@EnimsLifeinJapan]

:) Yup! When I moved to Chiba after living in north Tokyo, I thought Gaijin Seat had stopped because it stopped happening to me. But now living in Yokohama, I definitely feel it more (which, as shown in the video still doesn't happen that much).

[@Laticia1990]

GS3 is a maybe. There was a person standing when you had a seat available next to you. But as a commuter, sometimes I would just wait by the door if I had a short ride. So, you never know what a person's mindset is.

[@alicetheegreet]

I wonder if the tike of day plays a factor in this seat thing. I bet you wouldn't have a much empty seats next you during rush hours, especially after work, as you'd have during the weekends or in the middle of the day.

[@alicetheegreet]

I love the overhead bins for backpacks and stuff.

[@nichi8125]

3:56　端に座りたいって感覚ありませんか？これは避けたわけじゃないと思うけどな。自分たちの話を人に迷惑かけず続けたい時は特に端から座ります。

[@EnimsLifeinJapan]

実は、私も電車に乗るときは端に座りたいほうです。私を含めて、日本に住んでいる外国人の多くは、あの女の子たちが "外人シート" で私を避けようとしているのかと思っていました。でも実際には、3人の女の子がいたんだ。一人の子が、3人全員が座れるように、友達に先に行くよう指示していました。その瞬間は、私はそれに気づかなかったんです。多くの外国人が、日本人は自分の隣に座りたくないと思い込んでしまうかもしれないが、今回のような別の理由があるケースも多いです。動画で、それが私の言いたかったことです。

[@nichi8125]

@@EnimsLifeinJapan すみません。自分が英語わかっていなかったばかりに変なコメントしてしまいました。 日本人の特殊な癖や、文化見たいのが外国の方へ誤解を生んでしまっているのを海外の方へ発信してくれているの感謝しています。 時には本当に悪意もありますが…。これからも応援しています！

[@egl3369]

Just visited Tokyo and noticed only a few older men here and there seemed to be irritated by my Gaijin presence. Younger people didn't seem to care

[@janalukacova]

I used to live in Slovakia's capital city Bratislava and since it's a central/eastern european country, almost everyone here is white. When I used its public transport, there were sometimes east-asians or black people, but they are uncommon. I also often didn't pick a seat next to them because I felt like I would rather bother another Slovak than bother a foreigner. This whole thing about picking a seat is a lose lose scenario, because you either bother a person because of their race, or you make them feel being avoided because of their race. It's a really weird overthinking scenario in which you lose in your own head no matter what you think.

[@user-ez7fx3zd8u]

I think GS1 is the only one that felt like "Yes." I’m Japanese living temporarily in the U.S. Watching this video made me realize that some of my actions might unintentionally make others uncomfortable. I tend to avoid sitting next to foreigners because I don’t want to make them feel uncomfortable. I feel uncomfortable with people sitting next to me, regardless of who they are. And when I see foreigners in Japan, I tend to assume they’re tourists and treat them as guests (I know this is a bias). Out of this sense of hospitality, I often choose a different seat or sit next to another Japanese, hoping that by not sitting close to the foreigner, they won't feel uncomfortable. Maybe it's part of "omotenashi" culture, where we try to offer a respectful distance. I also think that many Japanese people are curious about how foreigners see Japan. This could be why you see a lot of Japanese viewers and comments on KZbin videos about Japan from foreign perspectives. There’s a sense that foreigners are "guests," and people want to know what impressions visitors have of Japan. I don't think this GS is racism, but I also don't believe Japanese are not racist.

[@cailinanne]

8:43 omg I hope she called the police! That’s horrifying. And visitors wonder women only cars exist…

[@Sassystrawberry001]

Very interesting indeed. I’m the kind of person that always gives people the benefit of the doubt. So picking up on all the nuance of a situation makes it harder for me to definitely say it’s prejudice like the clip with the 3 girls. I’m glad it seams to be a rare occurrence though 🙂

[@EnimsLifeinJapan]

I typically do the same. When negative experiences happen though, it often over shines the many normal experiences which is why when recording this, I was also surprised at how few it happened compared to how I perceived it.

[@tems6]

I'm Mexican and it never happened to me

[@たなか-l4x]

無意味な実験です。 この人達は毎日 同じ時間、同じ場所で電車に乗るので、無意識の行動で何も考えてない、 ゲームの世界のプログラムと同じ、 あなたはゲームの世界に入ったのと同じです。

[@KFrankMusik]

One thing about me . . . I'm gon sit dine lol after touristing all day I'm finna get a rest

[@THENATTYNERD]

Wow you're alive 😮... I mean great video 😂

[@EnimsLifeinJapan]

Yup! Here I am! :D Are you hitting those gains at the gym?

[@THENATTYNERD]

@@EnimsLifeinJapan until death do i lift 💪🦵💯

[@Marcel_Audubon]

I always look for someone with their bags on the seat next to them and make them move them. I hate that sort of premeditated selfishness.

[@ufgatorbearify]

I lived in Osaka 92-94. I can confirm gaijin seat. Now I'm 6"1 and broad so I scared most Japanese people anyway lol. But I've actually had people get of train car when I was in it 😂. Again it wasn't all the time, but more than enough to notice

[@EnimsLifeinJapan]

It can be uncomfortable, right? But overall, I just continue to focus on me and what I'm doing.

[@ufgatorbearify]

@@EnimsLifeinJapan exactly. It's no big deal. Eventually it just becomes a little comical. In fact, happenings on the Japanese train could be an entire series lol. Especially during train strikes; glad I'm tall 😜

[@blackmennewstyle]

If i was in Japan, i would have definitely sat next to you and told you how amazing you are Jasmine ❤ I got that behavior sometimes as well in Bangkok, "Gaijin section" is pretty brutal though, your friend is very funny lol Have a great weekend and take care black mamba ❤ P.S: Buy better SD cards lol

[@EnimsLifeinJapan]

THERE you are! 😀 Thank you so much for your comment. Are you still in Thailand? Gaijin Seat can be pretty uncomfortable, especially when the train is packed. 🥲 Keep tough!

[@blackmennewstyle]

@@EnimsLifeinJapan Yes i am, this year is actually my 10th year in the Kingdom 🥳 But my Thai is still rubbish 😓

[@EnimsLifeinJapan]

Congrats! I'll be at 10 years here in Japan next year! :)@@blackmennewstyle

[@robbourne1950]

ok So Enim you are out here playing with these poor folks on the train. They probably all know who you are by now. The jig is up celebrity. 💜

[@BeverlyMaloy]

😂 Yeah, sounds right to me!

[@EnimsLifeinJapan]

Nope! I don't think so at least. Quite a few foreigners come up to me, and I appreciate it...compared to people staring at me and I have no idea why. lol. But yea, no Japanese person has ever come up to me.

[@SuonTamang]

Finally i can sit comfortably without getting squeezed 🤣🤣

[@spartan.falbion2761]

You were looking around the room and showed other open body language. That would appear odd, and people are wondering "what does she want?"

[@konda-tv]

Interesting Video 🙏🙂🙇‍♂️❤️

[@EnimsLifeinJapan]

Thank you always, Konda :D

[@konda-tv]

@@EnimsLifeinJapan my pleasure 🙇‍♂️🙏😀. Say hello to Johnny from me 🙋‍♂️😄

[@GanstaHippo]

Why the rebrand? What happened to “enlightize”

[@masa4335]

재밌네요. 한국도 비슷한게 있습니다. 일본과 차이점은 출입구 옆에 앉으려는건데 빨리 나가기 위함입니다

[@timoma6620]

gs1 no gs2 no gs3 yes

[@sakura_rain4915]

Funny when I was in Japan this never happened to me, although I've heard it's common. I was expecting it lol

[@EnimsLifeinJapan]

Hey, Sakura! :D It's also possible you didn't notice...which is also great. :) One thing I realized from the experiment was that it didn't happen nearly as much as I felt in my mind and also there are often times reasons I can't see.

[@GanstaHippo]

First example is broken.. there’s more room closer to the Japanese person instead of squeezing in pole… what happened to you? This is the kind of videos now? Just chasing attempts for viral content.

[@kingofbel6499]

Personally I find this to be a huge plus. I rather no one sit next to me unless its a cute girl!

[@carm738]

when i was in Japan i experienced Gajin seat now it seems to happen less often and i think with older people, more often a and maybe they recognize and you look familiar now that you have been there so long, by the way i love Japan. May God continue to Bless your stay.

[@gordonsteuart8620]

I had it happen a few times. Didn't take offense. I kind of got a kick out of it. 😃

[@CaimAstraea]

seat ? :D That's rookie numbers. I've been gaijin trained :D People switching train carts xD

[@loreanrivera9895]

Such a good vid. I think Americans have a very defensive mentality which in turn creates unfavorable situations.

[@yaz_theythem]

Five years living in Japan, in Tokyo. I was treated horribly sometimes. There are horrible people everywhere. But I rarely had positive interactions with Japanese people. Either I didn't exist or I was a monster.

[@lgnrome]

Man you are so pretty

[@otakyou41]

You at least should've censored passengers' faces.

[@呂布カルマの五臓六腑に染み]

外人シートって大体匂いかマナーの問題だよね 外国人は汗の臭いなどの体臭や香水の匂いが強すぎる人が多い 自分も2、3回隣に座った外国人の香水の匂いがキツすぎて席移動したことある あとは電話内で大声で話す、電話する、イヤホンなしで音楽聴く、大股で座る、隣の席に自分の荷物がはみ出すぎてるとかのシンプルなマナー違反違反が多い 日本人でも外国人でもこういう人の隣には座る人は少ない そもそもほとんどの日本人は座りたいんだから、なにか訳がない限り普通に隣に座るよ この撮影者は電車で撮影するというマナー違反してるわけだから、こういう普通にマナー違反だと思ってないケースが多いんだろうな

[@imaimaibah]

考えすぎじゃん

[@helderdarlon938]

Im froom Brasil .. me and my family come to live in japan.. and í watch yours video.. i like so good.

[@mcineral99]

Why would anybody even spend one second caring if people don't sit near them on the train? This only affects you if you let it. just DGAF,

[@nirvanaheights]

It's sad that this happens

[@EnimsLifeinJapan]

Thanks for your comment. I think it's uncomfortable for sure, but as foreigners there's no need to make someone else' problem our problem. It is what it is -- more space for us. I don't think there's much need to overthink it.

[@eddybouh2079]

some people want to be victims of racism so hard that they will volontarily create situations like that to "prove" their point. she explain herself the unspoken rule about using every other seat around 1:32 but she's not following that rule on purpose, bring a camera and create the situation to get an opportunity to call people racists. 10:43 "oh, the old lady hesitated!!" ... gtfo... in my country and every other I went and used trains or subway, everybody is trying hard NOT to sit next to each other, "gaijin" or fellow countrymen alike. at 17:20 dude told her "probably happens in your mind" and he's spot on, and her answer told it all "not all the time, we'll never know".. she don't know that is for sure, but she really want to be victim of racism, she's actively watching for it!! made a video of it....

[@joidariel]

GS3 YES

[@muuttohaukka0320]

I think you’re overthinking and victimizing yourself😂 it happens to locals too

[@MicahRdr]

Stop race baiting

[@rowlandpaes9213]

It happens often and specially if you are black

[@user-yc3fw6vq5n]

GS1 cannot be determined, GS2 Obviously not GS3 Obviously yes 9:15 this is the catch 22 with Japan, lower violent crime rate, but more perverted, i mean what the heck? GS4 Can't be determined GS5 Obviously not Because of Japanese people's habit of avoiding as a way of dealing with things, it's just as likely the reason someone is Gajin seating a foreigner is positive as they might also not sit next to you for a reason such as thinking your foreigner features are too beautiful and they find it intimidating, and even among the negative reasons it coud just be being intimidated rather than looking down on foreigners, of course the latter occurs but it's the minimum and it really isn't likely in a major city where they're used to seeing and interacting with many foreigners

[@lizzie7929]

I think people like their own personal space, and being considerate of others, that’s how I see it! So, if no one sits by you, they don’t have too or mean anything by it! They neither dislike or like you, they are just getting on the train and getting off, not thinking where they are sitting!💺🚂🚋🚝. I just sit where I sit! I don’t personally! Pick and choose! It just depends on the business and situation!