Japanese Man Who Lived in Black Neighborhood in America Tell All

[@TheBlackExJp]

Thanks for watching! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nothing to see down here... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seriously, no need to keep scrolling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . You are at the end. Nothing more exists beyond this. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . What are you looking for? There is nothing else here. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OK, since you are persistent.... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Might as well just subscribe to the channel bro 😂 👉goo.gl/BToqWv

[@atlkidz1]

🤣🤣

[@dinodinosaur2930]

@@atlkidz1 👊🏽Brother , you be wasting my effort 🤣🤣🤣 But its funny

[@TheBlackExJp]

😂

[@conrodlindsay5463]

If you ever go to Kobe my dad, who has been living there for almost 50 yrs, has a Jamacan restuarant there. Maybe you could check that out.

[@TheBlackExJp]

@conrodlindsay8270 I was in Kobe last year. What’s the name of the restaurant?

[@permanentmarcus1343]

When he said “he put me on” I already knew my mans had an authentic black experience 😂

[@kourtneyjohnson1557]

Right!? I was like "Oh!, He was really out here!"

[@jquary3327]

🤣 real talk! that's all i needed to hear to know he was in the trenches! Respect✊

[@RashadPrince]

That stuck out to me as well 😊👏

[@KurosakiLuvar01]

YESS OMG LMAOOO

[@otoqayaqaha7221]

🌩️🌩️🌩️

[@raiga98]

Based on what he was saying about his time living in the US, you can tell that he was just primarily associating with lower income Black people, which makes sense given that he worked in retail in a lower income area. The bit about Black people focusing on living for now is actually more specific to lower income people across different backgrounds in the US due to the high cost of living, low compensation, lack of strong social safety net programs (as they have in many countries like Japan) among other factors. Given that they have more resources/means to do so, Upper middle class and wealthy Black people obviously are able to do more planning for the future in the form of things like retirement saving (Roth IRA, 401k) and investing (stocks, bonds, real estate). Some Black people of means do tend to live in the now, but instead of just window dressing their lives and buying expensive items they can't afford to make themselves feel better in spite of their situation as lower income people sometimes do, Black people with more money will do things like traveling around the world to experience new cultures, try new experiences (esp those they weren't exposed to/couldn't afford growing up), and yes, splurge a little bit but still within means. To be clear though, there are definitely lower income Black people that are more future oriented, it's just that it can be harder to be that way in certain circumstances. This is obviously a more nuanced subject though, but it was interesting to see how the guy was inspired by aspects of African-American culture and the impact it had on his life. Great video!

[@mactrek2]

You explained this subject perfectly. Thanks.

[@Philly_smoke69]

Don't be expecting regular ppl, like takamototso, to be some sociologist

[@DjBoggLEMaN]

Well said

[@LKH98]

Agreed completely 😂

[@AJUMMAStoryRecaps]

Consumerism is not just a lower class ideology. My daughter in college grew up with a Mom tree hugging frugal Mom. Her roommate in college is Korean and is very addicted to name brands and spending over her budget. My daughter thought she was influenced by Americans, but she learned the obsession comes from kpop influences and her idols being ambassadors for expensive brand items.

[@minervaowl8298]

This is what people mean about appreciation vs appropriating. This dude can reference history, pays homage, and you can tell just loves the culture without losing his identity. He’s inspired and open minded. This isn’t just an aesthetic or trend to him but deep respect.

[@brandontrammel4581]

Facts

[@rocketmangenesis]

No one needs your permission to do what they love. You don't own a culture. They evolve.

[@env0x]

japanese are very polite and respectful it's in their blood to pay respects by default and then think of a reason later.

[@minervaowl8298]

@@rocketmangenesis ignorance I see

[@WestphillyRhythmconnection]

In the very Town he is from I went into a bar called Baobab world kitchen and they were playing live jazz and reggae . I was offered the mic and called for dance hall reggae. They made me do a second look as they started playing like Jamaican bands in sting concerts in Jamaica. I said pull up and come again and they stopped and wheeled up . I couldn’t believe they knew reggae like that. I was in tears a bit. Then I went down the street to a place called BAR CHEEKY playing Dub and Afro beat. I visit when I can. I love Kichijoji. You are spot on about the respect for the culture. Mighty Crown Japanese SoundSys shows that the way they are fully integrated with the community of Jamaican Top DJs.

[@OG.FactsMachine]

"Do the right thing way" sign. I live around that block. My man even got the 'key food' shopping bags in his store lol. I respect this dude. All my New Yorkers stand up.

[@Jswift255]

Props to him for taking the time to look into the background and the culture of the people he was living amongst. Plenty of people in this country still refuse to do that lol

[@brandontrammel4581]

Facts

[@safeandeffectivelol]

Props to him for giving his honest opinion, right or wrong. We need more open and honest discussion instead of censoring ourselves or lying because we're afraid it might offend someone. I don't mean that a person should be negative or insulting to others, but give an honest opinion.

[@soulanstreets222]

Nothing he said was negative. He just pointed out that it's different than what he's used to in Japan. Different doesn't mean bad or negative....it's just different. @@safeandeffectivelol

[@KurosakiLuvar01]

Exactly

[@queenmommie100]

Not funny but true 😢.

[@MsAmani-ln3wj]

Epic! A Japanese man schooling a Jamaican man on "Do The Right Thing" I am so happy to be alive right now. Great episode.

[@derouen1234]

But both of them aren't black american. Why speak on the culture?

[@zjones5042]

​@@derouen1234🤦🏾‍♂️

[@sozb6708]

​@@derouen1234 "the culture" is bigger than the US Bru Bru. Do u think a Black man from Jamaica who lived in Toronto is not connected to "the culture"? I grew up in Memphis been to Jamaica like 5 times, Toronto 3. Brothers move the same way we do in both areas, u will feel right at home. I am disappointed he never saw Do the right thing tho!

[@UNDGT]

He knows about more black culture then him. That's not good

[@IAMNOTAYOUTUBER]

Word, Jamaicans don’t understand Black Americans. They don’t realize it doesn’t matter we’re both Black but our government will treat us completely different. Black immigrants get more opportunities when they’re not Black Americans(Descendants of Emancipation) in fear of Black Americans dismantling White Supremacy instead of assimilating like most POC.

[@AuroraDaPwna]

WOW. Not sure why this is making me tear up, but I find myself feeling emotional watching the first bit of this video. I am born and raised in Brooklyn, NY and have always wanted to visit Japan. I finally was able to visit earlier this year and of course was upset I booked a round-trip ticket instead of a one-way to Japan, haha! Everything he's saying resonates with me so much, dapping someone up, eating a chopped cheese or a BEC, I was never a fan of 125 but I love other areas of Harlem... Japan and Japanese culture has inspired me so much and it warms my heart to see someone from Japan inspired by my home. I'm sad that I didn't know this store existed when I visited Japan this past May... I plan on returning one day, I hope this store is still in business. I'd love to meet this man and hug him. His inspiration warmed my heart. If I moved to Japan, I'd probably be in this store every single day just to get a taste of home.

[@U.S.ArmyVeteran]

I 100% feel ya from the start. It is heart warming for someone especially from a different culture to take the time to understand people of a different culture. Thats where the guards the walls come down between one another and we start to understand each other as a person and on a personal level instead of going off of what the media put out there about a particular race. If more people put their guards down and get to know others, the world would be a better place.... and this is happening very slowly. I can attest to this because of what I experienced growing up and having to intermingle with various people of different races, its definitely getting better. Daps to you for being honest about your feelings and putting it out there like that. I'm not sure if you watched The Black ExJP's other videos where Asians are so inspired by black people that they're wearing afros and dreads, but If you havent, check em out.✊🏽👍🏽

[@AuroraDaPwna]

@U.S.ArmyVeteran OH, I am quite familiar with Ranzo's channel! I've been a long-time subscriber, haha! As a biracial person, I love to see different cultures affect each other positively and how they may intertwine. Ranzo's channel brings me a lot of joy, as it makes me feel like Japan could be a safe space for me. Racism exists everywhere, and Japan particularly is such a homogeneous culture, but as you mentioned in your response, that seems to be slowly but surely changing.

[@BobbsVegine-eg3xz]

​@@AuroraDaPwnawhat you've said about Japan is right. But many haters have been trying to push their propaganda against blacks in Japan as of recently. Many are going out there way targeting black KZbinrs, teachers and others in Japan. They are trying to destroy the image even tho their have been quite a few Blacks that have called Japan home for decades. Their was this one guy that rac-ist used to say a bunch of bad things about Japan and it's people and now they are using him as the face for all black people who visits or have been living in Japan.

[@joannebaker4925]

My Jamaican brother, Spike Lee 's movie, "Do the Right Thing,"was made in 1989 and is a classic. It's from the black insider perspective on the contradictions and celebrations of African American life addressing racial and cultural issues.

[@tidalfriction5301]

You don’t just need to see the movie, you need to arm yourself with the movie.

[@GigiMurakami]

I feel like Kazu missed all of that in his summary of the movie 😅😅😅😅

[@almondiheme366]

I appreciate the fact that he really wanted to understand black people! He honestly went back to their beginnings to understand the people he was around everyday! Instead of just the stereotypical assumptions! I thought that was really coming from a place of genuine interest! I wish him and his partners much success! ❤❤

[@KangTheDigitalNomadGlobeTreker]

Thank Japanese way of doing something right YOU MUST START AT THE BEGINNING

[@PatNelson]

As a native New Yorker, born in Harlem and raised, I'm so proud that he acknowledge New York legends of hip hop. Also impressed with his English, myself I now work with many Japanese in Ohio, they've learned our language and culture as well as we've learned theirs. All the best to the owners. I hope one day to see and experience it. ❣

[@AndrewH-z8k]

I'm from Philadelphia and it's amazing to see a Philly cheese steak made in Japan I mean everything looks right and made with care also I'm loving how much he embodies Black culture, Hip hop and how much it impacts life.

[@soulanstreets222]

Uhm....a Cheesesteak is NOT the same thing as Chopped Cheese...bruh. Smh.

[@TheHoodVoice2024]

I'm from Philadelphia a cheese steak and chop cheese is not the same

[@quitecromulent]

the guy made both sandwiches

[@Wahalawayowayo]

Serious respect to this dude for being so chill and open minded about how he interacts with Americans and American culture. I also appreciate the fact he know where the food he serves comes from and shows so much respect to an aspect of East Coast life that I wish I saw more of in Japan.

[@oley_houdini]

I'm Japanese right. I'm reading the comments here. I'm so happy seeing black people being so happy watching this video. I'm tearing up reading some of you saying you are tearing up watching this video.

[@ags1370]

As soon as he said Daps Frozen Pina Colada my mouth started watering. I love this place and love this guy! I will definitely check it out when I come back to Japan and I live in Harlem! EDIT: I also really appreciate all the time he took to learn about Black culture and history in depth. I will say Black people live in the now more than other groups on average particularly if you have less money because for hundreds of years it was practically impossible to accrue wealth, maintain family ties, develop your skills without them being exploited, etc. due the brutality of slavery. Living creatively in the moment was the only way to be free. Even though many Blacks of course no longer live this way in the extreme, I think it is an underlying aspect or quality at play in Black culture in a way that can be more pronounced based on your circumstances because having fun in the now before the oppressive society could steal your joy completely was a tool for mental and emotional survival. And you might not have a future because you could die at any time having no control over your life. I am sure to slaves the future was just a sad abstraction one tried to hold on to hoping for relief from suffering at best. “Building” would not get you anywhere. Thank God things have changed but it makes sense that a mental focus on pleasure in the now became a part of the culture.

[@soulanstreets222]

In modern times, our ethnic group does have a shorter lifespan than other groups per capita. A lot of that has to do with the American diet and the fact that we're overwhelmingly obese and are often dropping due to heart diseases. Making it to 68 is a miracle for us. So, while today it's not lynchings and being hunted by psychotic white people that's killing us off in droves...it's definitely certain cultural norms in America that is doing it.

[@Sin606]

If I ever make it to Japan I need to go to Daps 125. I genuinely appreciate the effort he went through to come to NY and absorb the culture and try to understand the complexity there is. He's telling the truth about the food in NYC, the one thing he needs to add is the Bacon Egg & Cheese. Thanks for the vid, it kinda felt like a fusion of a bodega and Japanese store.

[@mkelly4400]

This was interesting to hear his perspective of black people while living in New York. The food looked good Ranzo the sandwiches were so big. I really enjoy hearing about people’s experiences with living abroad and I agree it is important to learn about the culture, customs and the people of the country to before you travel so that it can be a joyful experience.

[@hubertking3232]

I born and raised in NYC. Lived in Japan 2 years. Yokohama. And visited again in 2008. I love it. It's safe. If I was not married 45 years I would go back. In grad school I had Japanese student living with me and my wife.

[@TJSALLOVA]

🇯🇵🤙🏾 I live in Yokohama , I’ll be driving up to check out DAPS🤙🏾 see ya soon

[@whydoyouwanttoknow4464]

If I'm ever in Japan, I'm definitely gonna look you up.

[@michikosaka7646]

西海岸35年在住、ブラックカルチャーにどっぷり浸っているおばさんです。若い日本の方が80年台のスパイクリーの映画を紹介しているのとても感動しました!✊🏽彼はこの時から黒人に対するアメリカ警察の暴力の事実を映画を通して社会に伝えていました。日本に帰ったら是非このお店に伺いたいです！

[@agmcroom2374]

We love you here in America no matter what some Individuals may say.

[@shawnbuchanan01]

映画は現実じゃない！彼は人種差別的なことをたくさん言いました。

[@Dietghostscp2107]

Thank you michiko-sama for your words. It's a beautiful thing when our cultures mix. I'm forever grateful for the impact Japanese media, music and cuisine has had on my life growing up. Chinese too!

[@timsohn7057]

I am East Asian and born and raised in NYC. When I took a glimpse of his store, looked like a bodega for a minute. The man did an amazing job with the interior design to mimic American corner stores! They moment he ordered the copped cheese, I was like this dude probably at one point lived in NY!

[@manuelsantana6904]

This is why you have to travel and see the world. There's something in every corner of this planet you might fall in love with and make it part of your life. Much respect to this young man for embracing another culture and respecting it. Much success Bruh👍

[@feleciawallace8420]

What a great guy, love that he loves hip-hop and Black American people/culture, how cool and interesting, thanks for sharing this experience.

[@marlibread]

as a Jamaican living in the tri-state area, this makes me smile..

[@jokrg]

Ronzo, I do hope you watch the movie. It's one of Spike Lee's more impactful movies about race relations, and the cast was excellent! Do The Right Thing in 1989.

[@angelachouinard4581]

It's a really complex and realistic movie and absolutely everyone was great in it.

[@jamila9416]

He seriously made us New Yorkers Proud 💯💪🏿

[@shaboopie12]

Great content week after week. Thanks for helping me through the semester bro.

[@tsmithdir]

My wife and I lived in Japan for 4 years. I was shocked by the number of Japanese who were well-versed in black American history. On occasion, I felt embarrassed because there were Japanese people more well-read than myself. But, I used those incidents as motivation and inspiration.

[@shehasastory]

Excellent interview! I will be visiting Tokyo at the end of the month from Okayama. I’m going to try to stop by this shop.

[@creativepicnl]

As one having the privilege visiting Tokyo and Brooklyn as an outsider I can really acknowledge his hardship in understanding the culture and integrating it, attempting to make it his own. Props to him setting up shop back in Japan based on his Brooklyn(NY) experience. I'm not a Brooklynite in any way but if I were, his effort and his restaurant would be such a compliment. His insights are very direct and seeing him expressing his respect like that is awesome. I wish I'd known about his restaurant in September when I visited!

[@seven7thirteen]

LoL @12:00 my man said his boy internshipped at a bodega! That line STILL got my SCREAMIN! It don't get more authentic than that!

[@masta182]

My guy saw NAS, couldn't talk to him, and went, "That's it. I'm going to the US"

[@juniperwildflowers]

Why am I crying?! This is so wholesome.

[@elizabeththomas9485]

Hi Ranzo this was an interesting video and my son lives in NYC for 16 yrs. One thing he was saying about how Asian people think about the future and Black people are about here and now to some point it's true but there are a lot Black people who also save for the future. I myself believe in now and the future but whatever you do should be done in MODERATION. I find that Asian people work, work, work and are not the happiest people or at least their countenance made you feel that way about them. Here in America there are a lot of Asian businesses in the Black communities and they make a lot of money from Blacks supporting their business. I would say about 60 to 75 percent of their businesses they have and are rude and racist toward some of their Black customers and I personally do not support their businesses anymore. Even though not all are this way but a good number of them are so I choose to support as many Black owned businesses as possible even if I have to order online. Sometimes the good have to suffer for the bad and I'm tired of Black people being singled out as lazy and not good for anything where a lot of these other ethnicities want to work us like a Hebrew Slave and pay you as little as possible. I have always taught my children whatever your job is do a good job to the best of your ability and do it unto TMH YAH.

[@alfredbrighamgladstone]

This is mostly true based on data, though individual miles may vary. Blacks tend to spend all their money while other peoples' save a percentage for the future. Truth hurts

[@rogerpace3749]

thanks for keeping it real sista because people from other cultures like him learn and appropriate our black culture and benefit from it like this young Japanese man is doing, I'd rather support black businesses that's part of our culture than his period.

[@SceneAndHeardPodcast]

Add the fact that, the stress of racism in america also shortens Black americans lives.

[@GeecheeWoman]

Hello , my young brother , this is your new auntie, here in cold New York . This is my first time watching your channel. I am enjoying it already . Our young Asian brother is keeping it real, and after living in New York for about five years and living Black culture , I wonder whether or not he dated a black woman or not ? I'm just saying . The boogie down Bronx in the house . My young nephew , are you living or visiting Japan . I met Spike Lee , Tupac , Paul Mooney , Denzel Washington, etc., young brother, you need to watch the movie asap & see it for yourself .

[@shenglongisback4688]

Ranzo lives there with wife(Jamaican)and kids.

[@LiquidKnees]

Love this spot, their Chop Cheese is better than most places that claim a New York style chop cheese.

[@edwinpillay1409]

Bro, you need to see Do the Right Thing. The Japanese man giving you heads up on a Black movie is 😂.

[@TwiceBorn420]

Most definitely watch "Do the Right thing" Asap🔥🔥💯💯

[@NoneyoBisniss]

You're going to learn so much more with the format of visiting and making friends in every prefecture. I learned that much of Japan is mired in preconceptions and perspectives both taught in movies and brought over by non-minority Americans. Culturally accepted beliefs are difficult to challenge, without the provision of experiential circumstances. Be the change agent for reality, vs. fantastical belief structures . We're all humans, just surviving and thriving for something better beyond the basics of what life offers.

[@DanielleWheeler-w6h]

This!!

[@sandragiant777]

Such an interesting, smart and adventurous young man. Wonderful interview, Ranzo.

[@ronicmwest]

He actually wanted to understand black people. Which is different to see and a much better way to approach things. He only had experience with one social class of Black people and only being around those growing up in a big city. Which is okay as well, so his perspective is limited. We have to understand the totality of us and not one over the other. Once we begin to understand this and get it. We will begin to move forward again as a whole. Unique to watch this episode.

[@SuperSavageSpirit]

Very cool guy. I wish him much success with his store

[@franklinsencion6534]

"Nas made me go to New York" ❤️❤️❤️

[@cheriselaing802]

Another amazing interview Ranzo. Such an inspiring story. I will definitely check out this place soon. Thanks for sharing his story.

[@rondvue2129]

As a NYer this is FANTASTIC! ありがとう

[@kyounokuma]

I'm an African American man living in Japan. This story is a testament to what can happen when we remain open-minded and look upon other peoples and cultures in wonder instead of criticism. Being judgmental towards others simply because they differ in some way will only serve to limit your understanding of the world and rob you of the full breadth of experience and insight that it offers. These guys gained a new way of living that allows them to simultaneously satisfy their heart's desire and earn a living by creating unique experiences and expansion for others. This is what it's all about, and I wish them well.

[@locqueenMD1]

This was an interesting perspective! I like that he wanted to understand where hip hop began. There is so much more to the black experience than the Bronx and Harlem! I hope he can experience more in urban, suburban and rural environments across the U.S. someday. There's more to our story... Your sandwiches look tasty, next time in the U.S. be sure to visit an authentic Philly cheesesteak place! I would love to visit this 'bodega' in Japan!

[@D_A_Marv]

This was nostalgic of my days living in the Bronx and he has that bodega down to a science! Great video as always! He has the oversized cap, beard well trimmed,the hip hop look

[@KangTheDigitalNomadGlobeTreker]

The New Yorrk look of that time 😊

[@thestudentsofscience2660]

Wow! Very insightful. Best of luck to this brother. If I visit Japan I would like to check this Bodega out.

[@permanentmarcus1343]

NOLA shrimp poboy NOT THE MOST POPULAR????!! That’s crazy. People go crazy for New Orleans food in America

[@bf4816]

Wow, never been here this early. Thanks for all you do man, really insightful stuff.

[@Britbratzilla89]

Great video! I liked the sharing of experiences to demonstrate how experiences shape personal viewpoints. I think it is important as people and world travelers that we listen to understand. We are all living different world experiences and my favorite thing is going to other countries and speaking with people to see how they have experienced the world around them. I think the more you travel, the more open you are to listen without taking everything as a personal attack. Keep the content coming!

[@BigMachigai]

Wonderful! I was not offended by this I thought it was very down to earth and not fake like some people act when the camera is on his perspective is fascinating

[@myldwinpierre3962]

I love people like your featured guest. Very open, honest and appreciative. However, although I appreciate your his perspective, that is a whole lot of generalization regarding “Black” people. A Haitian, Nigerian and an African American are totally different culturally. Maybe in the circle of people that he was in people didn’t think of planning for the future. Every Black persons I know (notice I did not say “heard of”) are hard-working. Doesn’t matter if they were from America, the Caribbean or Africa, they work really hard because they are thinking about their future and their family’s future. I would suggest that your guest explore different pools of Black folks. It will blow his mind of how narrow his view of the Black experience is/was. Just a suggestion.

[@JustJami74]

I enjoyed his pleasant blend of humility and candor. I just hope he learns that there are hard-working black people as well.

[@ags911]

Cool and inspiring story! Hope to visit Japan one day.

[@NJPAS]

This is great and interesting conversation, I like the way both speak out without any hesitation. Keep going the same topic but with other races, religions....so that people understand each other more to make this world better.

[@ryukyusun]

"People smoking weed!" ha-ha That was funny! I think I will go check out DAPs, they seem like really good people!

[@mochamartian3189]

Beautiful conversation.

[@cheikhgueye1223]

African American culture has a lot of influence all over the world and this makes me proud of my Africans Americans brothers and sisters they have to overcome a lot.

[@SistahRev]

What a fantastic conversation, and what a humble, respectful, insightful, humane young man! Praying him continued growth and success. Thanks so much for posting this; it is a reassuring whiff of life-giving human connection in a world that is so pervasively and intensely contentious a lot of the time. Props to you for letting the interview & conversation flow! 🌹🌹🌹

[@JabaBee]

Funny how a Japanese dude schooling a Jamaican Brother on DoThe Right Thing Movie. Shows the importance of knowing all peoples history. Big Ups to the Japanese & Jamaican Brothers for teaching us the importance Roots & Culture ❤❤❤

[@binoyandpinay777]

Most of these situations/videos/etc I see are mainly in Urban areas, I like to see a video on other folks visiting or living among us Black people in the suburbs; and yes we have Black neighborhoods in the Burbs.

[@mr.sushi2221]

Next time I’m in Japan I’m stopping by this place

[@TheMabiNerd]

My take away here is that you have GOT to watch the movie "do the right thing". its a classic

[@JamieLeeBunch]

Young man, Congrats on your business in Japan! Warm wishes that the Famous Hood Joint grow and bring you an abundance of success and prosperity. Best wishes young man! Such a memorable, awesome interview! ❤❤❤The young man you interviewed responses to your questions warmed my heart. Much respect for this young man!❤🥰

[@dplj4428]

Glad to see locals interviewed. Helps put more understanding to the flavors of possible experiences in Japan.

[@Richerrr-g6g]

25:47 my coworker got slashed on his way home from work one day NY is Gotham city sometimes 😂I seen stuff on a daily basis some people might never see in their lifetime

[@Go.el_Hadam]

its awesome that he appreciates and respects our culture so much.

[@dmiles8406]

Great interview! Good questions and helpful answers. As a Marine Corps Veteran who was stationed in Japan I enjoyed this. I’ve visited 4 Philly Cheesesteak restaurants in Philly. The sandwiches looked authentic. I’ve also visited NY quite a few times and I know Hip Hop. He’s right about the heavy drinking in Japan …he was also correct about the movie by Spike Lee. I like the vibe you showed in his Bodega.

[@dinodinosaur2930]

🙏🏽Ranzo, I hope you and your family are well ... FYI ... You must watch " She's Gotta Have It " first ... Its a 1986 American black-and-white comedy drama film written, produced, edited and directed by Spike Lee. Filmed on a small budget and Lee's first feature-length film to be released, it earned positive reviews and launched Lee's career.

[@leoniaruby7018]

This was a very interesting (Ha!) Video. Ultimately I did learn something new and was reminded about something old. The black diaspora is vast and everyone's experience is different. And it's cool that he learned that it's okay to focus on your future while also living and appreciating your present. That's something I struggle with. I'm not from New York, not really a fan of the city to be honest. Not enough nature. Upstate was nice. Don't really know much about Bodega's or of New York culture. I'm from Illinois. But it was cool to learn about his experience.

[@MentalPistol]

Very very dope interview, my dude. Definately gon check out this dude when I touch Japan. I came across a few Japanese people that were staying in BK due to hip hop, all of em were chill. Keep up the dope content, my yute. Peace from BROOKLYN.

[@lyndak3269]

This young man's place is going to blow up now that he has been previewed by BEJ. ✊🏾

[@marchelleminerve8760]

I’m glad u r open minded and share a real experience and the acceptance.

[@SpiritualOutLaw]

I gave him a lot of respect he didn’t just go into a neighborhood and look at the people as currency. He took the time to understand why these particular people as diverse as they are he did his best to understand The complexities . And not live off of stereotypes.

[@iamjoemomma2]

You gotta watch that movie. It's a classic bro! Great movie ahead of it's time.

[@MrCleansweep]

They did a great job with Daps…the menu is a perfect representation of different American sandwiches! Curious what sneaker store he used to work at.

[@seven7thirteen]

Atmos

[@tinaandrews1597]

Thanks for another great interview….but I guess my experience would be a bit skewed too if I only visited Okinawa and never went to Tokyo and vice versa. America is much bigger and varies widely by region.

[@ArtisticalLee]

They need a bodega cat haha

[@akatonyh]

His relentless hustle and tenacity, inspired by his experiences in the US, led this individual to take those lessons to Japan, where he established his own bodega store. He not only brought an Americanized touch to the store but also infused it with elements of hip-hop culture, reminiscent of Spike Lee’s iconic film “Do The Right Thing.” Way

[@CocoInKorea]

Thanks for sharing this content - excited to visit this place when I am back in Tokyo in the spring.

[@wtfsamusidk7574]

Us black Americans do not go to work to work we go to get paid.

[@khem127]

2 great people. A great conversation!!!!I love the Japanese guy's attitude, that he respects, likes, and took time to understand the people who live around him.He almost made me want to cry when when he said that he thinks that Black people concentrate on enjoying themselves in "the now",because he thought that Black people lived shorter lives.Very thoughtful and sad.

[@hakeemlawal3727]

Love this....Big up to him.

[@jamarr27]

At some point i have to go back to japan and re immerse myself in the culture.

[@SHADOWFRENZY92]

Not something you see or hear everyday, interesting video.

[@KashRulez77]

There are many but” Nas” is the greatest lyricist of all times imo💯

[@0utrunner237]

"He put me on Run DMC." That's when I knew homeboy was the legit.

[@lizawinslow4773]

Thanks tor sharing this video💖💖💖

[@smiggee]

The best thing is allowing yourself to accept others who are different, not try to change them. He took the time to learn and understand than judge. Pretty cool. What would be awesome is Nas seeing this and next time he's in Japan, he pops in for a visit.

[@KathyakaNina]

Really interesting episode! He did really well doing his research & bringing the New York feel in his restaurant in Japan

[@CRISTODEAK]

Yooo i just came to japan for the 1st time last week. I gotta come here for sure before leaving.

[@DanielleWheeler-w6h]

Solo Japanese hip hop lovers like your guest and DJ Munari travel to NY whilst Black anime lovers travel to Japan. I hope both experiences dispel superficial ideas and more authentic appreciation.

[@franzfleur7472]

Daaaaamn he's got that Secret Aardvark sauce on the shelf >< ^^ Awesome shop, and awesome uplaod!

[@backtothePI]

Renzo, you’ve never seen Do the Right Thing? It’s Oscar worthy, some say it should’ve won. Check it out when you can.

[@Rockmoney]

That chop cheese always hit the spot.

[@Killerhardtopkiller]

great conversation. Great channel

[@markfarris1575]

Awesome interview. I did 4 years in Japan and I’m better person because of the culture and of course my Japanese friends. 🤗