Japanese React to White Guy Raised in Japan… and China

It's hard enough to feel like a foreigner in Japan after spending your whole life here, let alone adding China into the mix too. Meet John, an American raised in Japan who was put into a Chinese school in Tokyo for 9 years. Learn about his experiences with bullying, indoctrination, and what it means to truly be Japanese.
John's Documentaries: linktr.ee/jladue
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[@OrientalPearl]

These interviews are a new series on my channel. Watch them all here: kzbin.info/aero/PL4ZO_46UWWdHSj2YDiwCYJc0QnCR0IWuO

[@EeeDee1]

PETE??!!

[@kenkarish826]

John was great, but John you can be a jew, but you can't be an Israeli. Judaism is a religion Israeli is a race. A Japanese person can be an American, but an American can't be Japanese. This is why I love America and why I believe America is the greatest country on the earth. This is just my opinion, and I respect yours. You are right, home is where you feel the most comfortable. I understand why people feel more comfortable in societies with less freedom and more boundaries. I love the freedom without boundaries, I feel it makes me personally work harder to stay within my own set of boundaries or principles. P.S. I also love the fact that I can go to Japan, China, Italy, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Hungry and many more countries without leaving America. 😁 I wish the best for you both.❤

[@Redmi-xu1yo]

trash CloUd chasers utuber 🤭

[@user-jh4un7yy2h]

​@@kenkarish826Hey Ken, speaking as a,Jewish lady born with the blood Jewish people are both a Culture as well as a Religion. Some Jewish people are from Israel, some Africa, ( Ethiopian Jews) but I guess John was saying that to the Japanese he's looked upon more as a " Convert" rather than natural born. I get it. In any case she's a fun gal and it was Amazing watching them switch languages, very IMPRESSIVE! My brother has lived in Tokyo for 12 years now, ( American) so I love to watch her videos! 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@superaliancista7]

​😮 1:49 i 1 Swaziland😅😅:49 @@kenkarish826g9tt

[@Shanghaimagic]

Yeah, besides his perfect Japanese it's apparent he grew up in Japan because he really knows how to be "silly" with Japanese school children. IMHO one of the most beautiful things about Japanese children is that they still retain some of their immaturity without being forced to grow up too soon like in the West.

[@OrientalPearl]

Yeah he was really good at talking to those kids. I couldn’t have done it that well.

[@FollowmedowntheNumberWhole]

It was lovely to behold the joy in the interaction.

[@gilyashar]

@@OrientalPearl Yeah, is John a teacher? He is a natural for sure. I would go to his history class if he taught it.

[@yamatochildren]

I used to teach English to little kids in Japan, never history, but it's a subject I enjoy. 😊-John

[@nemutluturkumdiyeneasphixi9712]

The interaction was so cute 😭😭😭

[@ryanagadoni]

Hey! I know that guy! I went to school with John! I hope he is well. How cool to stumble across him here.

[@roger38888]

I can relate to John. Chinese born and raise in Latin America. Bullied at school, but with the ability to speak 3 languages. My heart is Latino, but the Latinos will not see me as one of them. After 3 decades I understand everything. Thank you Pearl. Keep up the good job. Now, good luck on your 2024 goal. Cantonese. Piece of cake for you. Also, let’s go for 1.5 million subscribers.

[@ccrriissttiiaannoo]

Which country in Latin America?

[@haruyanto8085]

​@@ccrriissttiiaannoo the one where all the illegal migrants are coming from

[@user-id3bg3kc3l]

there is actually a big community of chinese born and raise in latam. I moved to the us and met a lot of people like me, just by playing soccer. It was weird for americans to see asians playing soccer and speaking spanish.

[@roger38888]

Nowadays, the oriental community in LATAM is quite big as you mentioned. I just happened to be the first generation. Now it is quite normal, but I still have the Matrix shift once I open my mouth and speak perfect Spanish.

[@szewei85]

Beautiful mate. Always wonder how was LATAM china town as compare those in USA. Hahahaha.

[@zaphodbeeblebrox6795]

The fellow feels comfortable in Japan, Taiwan and the UK. He's clearly an island dweller. 😀

[@OrientalPearl]

Exactly and he was born in Hawaii.

[@Glorious_Kim_Jong_Un]

He'd rather live in UK than Hawaii. Says a lot of how horrible Hawaii is

[@SP-ki5gn]

He did specify London, which is understandable given it's so multicultural.

[@scottcantdance804]

​@@SP-ki5gn and crime ridden

[@lewis8890]

UK number 1

[@john.282]

Love these interviews, and congrat's on your 1M Subscribers ...

[@OrientalPearl]

Thank you so much John!

[@sukie584]

I love the way the kids just fell right into being schooled. Beautiful to see.

[@Xubuntu47]

That was really awesome. I'm tempted to say, "he should be a teacher!". But IDK whether the Japanese school system would accept him unless he taught English. Even without the whole ethnicity issue, would that kind of dynamic style fit in?

[@markwellington1254]

This is truly one of the most enjoyable videos I have seen. John is a breath of fresh air(you too) and his emersion into the Japanese culture is informative, enjoyable and fun to watch. I look forward to Oriental Pearl and John traveling, interacting with people in China. Thank you!

[@OrientalPearl]

Wow, thanks Mark. I’m really thrilled that you liked it so much!

[@andrewladue9531]

Yeah, you did a really good job capturing John. Which is not easy to do in words. @@OrientalPearl

[@intwklg]

太強了吧!! 他在日本住那麼久，中文&英文都還能說這麼好! 我閉上眼睛聽還真的有聽到他中文帶有台灣口音耶，很有趣!

[@pashaw8380]

英文肯定他會説的很好因爲那是自己母語。西方人在國外生長幾乎都會講自己母語，在家裏父母親都要求說母語所以不可能不會講，除非是那少數者。你之所以會這麽驚訝是因爲你是華人，華人有太多在國外以身爲華人而感到羞恥丟臉（尤其ABC小時候），會故意不喜歡講父母親的語言，在國内不是ABC的本地人也還會以會講英文而感到好像很高級很自豪一樣，刻意還不會講中文之類的。亞洲人跟西方人最大的差別就是自己看自己有信心和沒信心的差別。我自己是在美國成長的華裔，我看的很多了已經。長大后也在台灣居住貴一段時間，目前在臺北。亞洲人對自己的文化沒自信，看到白種人就會自卑和祥貼上去的這種行爲我真的覺得百思不解，畢竟不好的歷史都已經過去很久了，但他們還是有些被殖民心理在。

[@gothicMCRgirl]

@@pashaw8380Hello, I am not Chinese or Taiwanese, I am Latino, and what you say about being ashamed of your native language is very true. In America, there does exist a stigma around speaking a language that is not English. People look at you weird or sometimes even talk nasty behind your back, believing that you don’t understand English. That is why a lot of parents tell their children to only speak English in public, or the parents just don’t teach them any other language for fear of ridicule or rejection. Despite the fact that Spanish is the second most spoken language in America, many Latinos still choose to speak English in public and Spanish only at home. It’s not like this everywhere in America, but it happens a lot.

[@ShaferHart]

​​@@gothicMCRgirlI'm not American but spent a few years there.. That might have been true at some point but that didn't seem to be the case when I was there. English isn't my main language but I can understand it perfectly though (I can speak it but with spotty grammar and pronunciation). It's just too common to have people speaking all kinds of languages walking around and the "local" population is used to it now. Of course if you can't speak English and someone needs to communicate with you it can be frustrating but that's only if you really can't speak any English. It's not uncommon to see Chinese people walking around speaking mandarin, young people even whether that's foreign students or just second generation Americans. I'm kind of surprised you claim that about your country but as a foreigner who was there I did not see it. At all. However I did see that second generation Hispanics were embarrassed to speak Spanish but that didn't seem to be the case with other ethnicities.

[@maggieslifeisawildride512]

This was so interesting. I'm American all the way but can see the different mannerisms that come with each language. That was so cool to finally hear someone else pointing that out. It's fascinating how each language is comprised of not only the verbiage but the entire culture and mannerisms of that geological area. Communication is fantastic! I've seen how people will change their posture when trying to imitate another language...it's subtle but it's sure there. Lol! Oh...and congrats on the 1Million subscribers...YAY!!!!

[@OrientalPearl]

It’s like being multiple people in one lol.

[@grahamstrouse1165]

@@OrientalPearlI’ve never been very good at languages. Like most Yanks, I didn’t start getting formal language training until high school. And I grew up in the Philly suburbs in an area which is very monolingual, so there was no natural exposure. I had five years of Spanish & a semester of French & sucked at both, basically. I can read a little if you put a Latinate text in front of me & I pick up phrase hear on there when I watch Telemundo. That’s about it. I do have several friends who are multilingual, though, and I’ve noticed that they really do go through personality changes when they switch languages. I have no idea what they’re saying most of the time, but their physical mannerisms change, often pretty dramatically. Also, you can always tell which language is their mother tongue because they always look much more relaxed when they’re speaking it. 🙂 Were you exposed to Eastern languages at an early age or was it just something you decided to do?

[@cchkuan]

this is why many japanese companies are starting to change their corporate culture by making it compulsory to converse in English during work. It breaks the hierachy embedded in Japanese language....... so employees are more likely to share their ideas and thoughts

[@yesibot.2051]

Yeah even the English “uhu…” turn to a “mmmmm” “mmmmmm”

[@TroyQwert]

They didn't imitate languages, they actually spoke different languages the natural way and as natives.

[@spiderfur]

Wow, you have a real talent for interviewing. You added nicely to the video without competing with your subject for attention. Very well done.

[@OrientalPearl]

Thank you. I really enjoy doing these interviews too.

[@generalnguyenngocloan1700]

It was very sad to hear him say “I will never be truly Japanese, but my heart is Japanese”. Then he said “That’s good enough”. It shows me it’s the life he’s led, and he accepts it like a man who’s walked a path very few have. 👍🏻

[@MilesDeep]

Wow, John absolutely needs to make a KZbin channel! I would love to learn more from him and see him interact with more people in such a positive way!

[@OrientalPearl]

I know right. He could have been an OG in Japan vlogs. Anyway, he likes documentaries more.

[@khmer5o3]

Pearl, congratulations on 1 millions subscribers! I'm happy that you reached this huge mile stone!!

[@OrientalPearl]

Thank you so much!

[@whushaw]

What an incredible guest! I learned so much this video. His demeanour and insight into his experience I found very valuable. It was great when he turned into the teacher for the students on a field trip. They definitely won’t ever forget that and will tell the rest of their class what happened, I wonder if they’ll believe them? 😅💜

[@OrientalPearl]

Thanks Wushaw. Yeah, he interacted really well with the kids. Way better than I could do.

[@wonka2112]

That was an amazing interaction with those kids. It was a heart warming experience for me to see this. It brought tears to my eyes. Thank you. .

[@OrientalPearl]

Glad you enjoyed it! He did so well talking to them.

[@dbkoala]

This was a great interview. John's interaction with the kiddos from school was great to see. As soon as they saw his "Japanese Heart" as he says, they just seemed to feel really comfortable.

[@MinSunYe]

Wow, he even speaks Chinese with a Taiwanese accent 😆 I really enjoy watching videos like this, thanks Pearl! and congrats on 1mil subs! I hope you are able to see how many people see themselves in you by what you do 🥰

[@OrientalPearl]

Thank you! 😃 yeah John is super unique.

[@scottbaron121]

This shouldn't be AT ALL surprising. You speak with the accent you LEARNED from. As an American, I learned my Spanish from Mexicans. Thus, a native Spanish speaker EASILY recognizes my idioms/accent, etc. as Mexican. Just as I would recognize a non-native English speaker's accent. It's a VERY rare instance where a native speaker of a language wouldn't recognize a non-native speaker. A PERFECT exception to the rule: Watch a video of American comedian Henry Cho. An ethnic Asian, raised in the southern US. If you were blindfolded, even a native English speaker would recognize him as being from the American SOUTH.

[@MinSunYe]

@@scottbaron121 yes.. I realize that dude, my comment wasn’t out of surprise or lack of knowledge, I was just trying to compliment the man at how authentic he spoke since not many people learn Taiwanese dialect, just regular putonghua, and I was happy I could recognize the the difference in accent as a Chinese learner, that’s all lol you can relax it’s not that deep

[@user-ic1qb9xf3u]

@@MinSunYe Americans are obsessed with giving unsolicited lectures

[@simmorg290]

@@scottbaron121 Henry Cho is a native English speaker so your rule doesn't apply.

[@AndreaAvila78]

You two are so unique and special ! What a super interesting video. I feel jealous that I can't speak so many languages ! I'm so impressed by you two. More videos please. ❤

[@OrientalPearl]

More coming soon!

[@meme-et7tb]

Salute to the people who know what is on the other side of the fence...........

[@SinKimishima]

it's interesting that when he said "six years" around the 03:55 mark, he used the Chinese six gesture (pinky and thumb). Reminds me of the scene in The Inglorious Basterds.

[@GoldeeSuperKamichu]

どの言語も完璧ってすごいな。あと、このビデオで鎌倉幕府が私たちが習った1192じゃなくて1185から始まったっていうふうに教科書が変更されてることを知った。

[@jayliu15]

Extremely impressed with the passion to learn foreign languages. As an immigrant from Taiwan to the US at 5 yrs old, never in my 50+ years has anyone questioned why I speak English fluently.

[@RedAppleApe]

Jepp, it is different. I think it is in the US or many Europe countries less about how you look like than more about how you speak the language. Like if you speak catala in Bracelona or the bavarian dialect in Munich you could be a green unicorn but nobody would doubt for a second that you are not Catalan or Bavarian. Thats a point where Japan is sadly rly hardcore racist. Colleague of me is living southwest of the Tokyo bay in Odawara since 20 years with his japanese Wife and his 13yo daughter has to dye her hair bc she would get hardly bullied by the classmates… and the teachers as well.

[@karlbenz5636]

@@RedAppleApe --"That's a point where Japan is sadly rly hardcore racist." Do not say that about the Japanese. If that is how they want to live in their own country, their culture, do not disrespect them like that.

[@markpimlott2879]

​@karlbenz5636 That 'cultural traits didn't work out very well for the millions of 'foreigners' whose lands they overran and treated as subhumans in Manchuria and Korea and later in Ocesnia and Southeast Asia during WW2, did it? Racism is racism! Slavery is a cultural norm in many places around the world, both now and historically! Does that make slavery and human trafficking acceptable as well, but only for some ethnic and/'or racial groups?

[@kiabtoomlauj6249]

@@markpimlott2879 Racism exists but it has to be dealt with, it has to be understood, in a RELATIVE approach. I've lived in the US close to 45 years. And I've been discriminated against; but it doesn't bother me now. But it was a very burdensome thing, when I was a Junior High, High School and College student. Today, there are so many different people, so many Asians, even Whites can't really bother "minorities" that much. All they could do is to form Militia or Religious societies and sooth their ever more alarmed souls... saying "foreigners are taking over America and we can't allow that to happen." Well, HISTORICALLY and DEMOGRAPHICALLY, there is ZERO Whites could do about an ever "browning" America. Anyway, my little brother, Asian, born and raised in southern California. He speaks only English and Japanese. He's been living in Japan.... and teaching Japanese kids... the last 15 years... which is his entire adult life. He acts like Japanese, talks like Japanese, with tattoos and mannerism and everything else. Not even Japanese could tell him apart from other Japanese, if they merely look at him or even when they talk to him (they could be saying: he talks with a slight accent, but it's probably because he came from another part of Japan, etc: because his accent is, according to his students, approaching a Native accent). He and his Japanese girlfriend were supposed to move into an apartment together. Even HER PARENTS didn't know he's not Japanese. But once he told them he's not Japanese, they said NO to their daughter moving in with him. But, then, he also told OTHER racism that happened to White and other colleagues, too... events like going into restaurants and being "ignored" ---- not being ignored totally but being by-passed, when ordering was concerned. My brother would say SOME Japanese waitress would only talk to him, NOT his White colleagues, even if he told them, "My colleague here (the White guy) also speaks Japanese..." They would, my brother said, still only speak to him. Again, no matter what society we live in, there are ALWAYS issues, racism, discrimination. From what I've heard, lately, WHITE CHRISTIAN AMERICAN MALES think THEY ARE the most discriminated against folks! (never mind that WHITE LIBERALS are still relatively small in numbers and CONSERVATIVE WHITE CHRISTIAN MALES, only 12% of the over-all population, of the 18 or over, that is... and they still DOMINATE business, politics, government, the court, businesses, education, etc). So, again, everything has to be taken/understood with some relative perspective. Ignorant or very isolated Japanese (who've never visited other countries and other people & they say they never have a need to do that) MAY THINK they are really "pure" or "special" (like Hitler's "pure Aryan" types).... and White American Christian Conservative males in the USA may think they are the most persecuted segment of the American society... but reality is likely far from what these folks (very different groups, with very different concerns and issues) believe it to be... The rest of us... folks more in the "middle".... we simply have to take life less seriously and enjoy things as they are: ----- enjoy the sweets, the sour, and the ugly as much as we can, while our average 3B heart beats are still beating strong... focusing on mostly or only the sour or ugly would ruin anyone's life...

[@chad_artiaga12]

Dang. Hearing you guys speak Japanese and Chinese are so fun to watch. I’m so jealous. ❤️❤️❤️

[@OrientalPearl]

You can learn too!

[@michan6705]

How? ​@@OrientalPearl

[@Deborah-so8mv]

Very jelly

[@jonetoshka8652]

What resonated with me the most is when he said “My heart is Japanese.” It’s such a powerful and emotional statement.

[@peterc.1419]

He identifies as Japanese but to be Japanese you also have to LOOK Japanese.

[@gothicMCRgirl]

@@peterc.1419Pretty sure you don’t get to decide that.

[@peterc.1419]

@@gothicMCRgirlIf you want to be reductionist about it, you can. But if you want to be rational and reasonable you will recognise that appearance in an ethnostate matters.

[@NauerBauer]

I feel like I'm part Mexican by growing up in L.A.

[@Mr.Monta77]

@@peterc.1419Your comment and especially the condescending ‘reductionist’ argument seems misplaced to me, especially since is it your claim ‘you have to LOOK’ which is reductionistic it inself, isn’t it? That would imply that there is only one way to be japanese. But there can’t be and isn’t. Even in a largely ethnically homogenous nation like Japan, not ALL japanese are identical and have identical values and don’t ‘feel’ japanese. Or a number of other reasons, for example after living abroad or being of mixed ethnicity. Ainos, as another example are japanese but have a different cultural identity. Or being mute without a single word of japanese can be one such way. Or Okinawans who look and speak japanese but have a different history. And I’m also pretty sure you don’t get to decide the criteria of ‘japanese-ness.’ There are certainly more ways to be japanese than one.

[@Cinetyk]

These stories are so particular and interesting. I thing it's great that you guys share them, because most people I feel would naturally just try to keep them down and blend in. But this is the kind of thing truly brings out the lived in stereotypes of prejudices that with varying degrees across the world may happen, and more awareness being brought to light on them contributes to a better understanding. I know this is a difficult topic, even I'm like "who am I to speak on this?", but these stories feel like learning tools. Cheers. PS: that segment with the Japanese kids on the top of Fushimi Inari-Taisha was just soo cool :) Even me who's like never gone to Japan and only watched movies and TV series and Anime I could totally tell he was going hard for the zeitgeist mannerisms in all his interactions. So cool. Kids reacting like he just their preferred teacher - how sweet is that? Puts a smile on my face :) And yet, the feeling that still that is not being "true Japanese" - it's hard encompassing all the layers of depth

[@brockryan3405]

6:25 What a great interaction! I'm sure they will remember that forever!

[@KB-ql8cx]

This is was really interesting. Thanks for doing the interview

[@OrientalPearl]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@highdesertforester]

I loved this! My wife is Filipina and she speaks three languages: her native Ilocano, Tagalog, and American English fluently. I have noticed her personality is different when she speaks each one.

[@ajax7590]

Yeah it's like code-switching, when you are really fluent/good in a language you start to copy the mannerisms, especially when you learn about the culture

[@ararune3734]

Mhh, I was also told I change my voice, I sound different when I change language. My native language is Croatian, and I speak English, Italian, Swedish and German, and sound very different in each one. I think my tone of voice is the deepest when I speak Croatian

[@inspiteofshame]

@@ararune3734Voices really do switch tones in different languages. In fact, if you ever have throat/voice issues, it can come from speaking a different language than your vocal system is best adapted to for a long time :) I get hoarse a lot and it's because even though I speak German as well as a native speaker, my body isn't "designed" for it

[@kopynd1]

thats funny american english how about chinese english or spanish english thats funny, so can she speak english

[@kopynd1]

am busy learning mexican spanish🤣🤣🤣

[@ConsolidatedART]

I'm pretty sure I saw this guy on the train in Tokyo and his conversational Japanese blew me away! I hope to one day master the language like this so I can make more friends in Japan!

[@OrientalPearl]

Really? lol in downtown Tokyo?

[@ConsolidatedART]

Leaving Harijuku Feb 11th.. I swear I heard someone on the train speaking fluent Japanese who looked just like him! Took everyone by surprise and I was very impressive!! @@OrientalPearl could be his doppelgänger!

[@tokyotessie]

I grew up in Japan with a Japanese mother and American father. I spoke Japanese with Mom and English with Dad, but during my early childhood I mostly spoke Japanese because my dad was at work all day. I went to an international kindergarten operated by Spanish nuns taught in English, so I ended up with a Spanish accent to my English. Then I went to school on a US naval base in Japan for 12 years, which fixed the Spanish accent into American, and continued to speak Japanese with my mom and her family and our neighbors. So I speak both English and Japanese with no accent. When I was growing up in 1960s-1970s Japan, there weren’t as many foreigners there as there are now, especially in the rural areas, so I was constantly getting stared at, the kids would come up and want to touch my hair, which was chestnut brown. As for my ethnic identity, I’ve always considered myself to be American, not Japanese. But I will always consider Japan to be my home sweet home. I don’t know when I’ll get back there again, but in the meantime, thank goodness for the programs here on KZbin and NHK World so that I can escape into Japan for just a little while every day.

[@misosoup8030]

I rewatched this again this morning (with a clearer head), after having watched this late last night. I loved this interview-it was so fun, and your editing is wonderful, with all the inserts, etc. Thank you for the wonderful English subs-you made it so easy to follow along. As a Japanese-American Sansei (who does not speak Japanese), I find these stories so fascinating, especially when I see Americans involved. I love all of your content. I look forward to seeing you and John in China. 👍🏼

[@maxmustsleep]

what an incredible guest! I've loved your previous ones already but this one takes the cake! the way he interacted with the kids was so fun and natural :D I hope you get to do more videos like this. And I'll definitely check out John's videos/documentaries

[@OrientalPearl]

The videos keep getting better and better! 😊

[@maxmustsleep]

thanks for the great work

[@ShaylaLeeleigh]

The way he spoke to the children 😭 that was so sweet! What a great interview!!

[@chrisbalcerek9226]

What a brilliant man! I loved watching John quiz the kids on history. Great episode!🙌🏻🙏🏻

[@OrientalPearl]

Thank you for watching Chris. I hope you subscribe and watch more of my videos today.

[@oneom8158]

Hi from Quebec. Just found your channel today, must say, I'm not easily impressed, in truth, I've seen it all, but I must admit, you have stolen my heart young lady, I'm absolutely amazed by your spirited beauty and boundless love of life, and of course, children. No wonder the kids fall so easily in love with you, I can feel your loving vibe from here. Bless you precious Pearl. 💙🙏

[@edjarrett3164]

I saw his interaction with the middle school kids as powerful. They were totally into his instruction and questions. He was totally accepted as a stranger to a group of Japanese students. That’s an understanding that even language doesn’t overcome.

[@leticiasaldana]

Thanks so much for explaining that in the heart you are from where you feel you belong. Many people don't understand and are quick to judge and categorize, as someone who neither belonged here nor there, at some point you belong because you want to and that's all there is to it whether others accept it or not. A very strong message I wish i heard when i was a kid, thank you kindly for sharing :)

[@gracelouise3091]

omg i thought for some reason you were already in the millions 😵‍💫!! but congratulations anyway for hitting 1M!!! i also wished these videos were longer 🫠 it goes so quickly when im watching them 😭 like theyre so good/interesting to watch !!

[@skeletonmandiecastcollector]

You two should do some social experiments together more often when it comes to communication and languages in front of others for example just having random conversations with each other that is none English at random tea shops or restaurants in China and Japan and to get the reactions. That would be awesome.

[@OrientalPearl]

Oh gosh, I dread making those so much. 😂 please no more

[@generalnguyenngocloan1700]

I was thinking for both of them to have a loud, heated argument at a busy intersection in Tokyo, while speaking in Japanese. 😁👍🏻

[@whushaw]

I love this new series, can’t wait for the video to go live! 💜

[@OrientalPearl]

Thanks Wushaw! I’m filming another interview in Aomori next week too.

[@W4EMB]

congratulations!! 1 million!!! always a cheek stretcher... smiles the whole video. Thanks for doing these!

[@IanMcCausland]

I've been following your journey since the pandemic and have enjoyed and learned so much! Congratulations on over 1 million subs! I know this took a lot of persistence and hard work!

[@OrientalPearl]

Thanks for being here since the beginning Ian.

[@annunakian8054]

As a Japanese-American, I recall having a Jewish-American history teacher while we were learning about the atomic bombs. He was especially attentive to me during that time & I will never forget him for it. We even spent time after class playing catch & talking about baseball. I wonder if teachers like that exist anymore. Obviously, John's 4th grade teacher was not even close.

[@ShaferHart]

They don't exist anymore. He'd be prodding you to change your gender if you were in school today.

[@2masterdingdong]

japanese are not American

[@folksurvival]

Hopefully he taught you the truth that those weapons were created by his people to use against gentiles.

[@annunakian8054]

@folksurvival Jews have discovered & invented many things that benefit all of humanity. Besides, Iran has nukes too.

[@sonjak8265]

@@folksurvival Atomic bombs never existed. Hiroshima and Nagasaki were firebombed.

[@Ice_FinZ-X]

I watch a lot of polyglot KZbinrs, you’re literally at my top 3 favorite one

[@OrientalPearl]

Aww, that makes me so happy.

[@frankpaquet295]

That was great to see you both speaking Japanese and Chinese and talking about the struggles you've both had. It seems that when you're in a country that speaks another language than English, say France; if you start speaking French and you look like most people there, they would never know that you weren't from France at some point; but because you guys look like you do, you'll never be accepted as Japanese or Chinese, you don't look like either one. That's so hard and I feel for someone that has their heart in those countries, but can't quite be accepted as a citizen of either one because of looks. Thank you for sharing and it's always interesting to watch. (from Sandi, a subscriber)

[@elaine5953]

Visited Japan twice. I did not expect to like Japan. But I found myself enamored and so appreciative of so much of the Japanese culture and life. I felt comfortable there and loved it.

[@jerometsowinghuen]

Even I can't believe that he is raised in Japan as a foreigner from America until watching the video. And I think Mr. John can live with both cultural practices (American and Japanese), so that he could be in the same community. Happy (late) Chinese New Year (Year of the Dragon) and Valentine's Day, Miss Alyssa.❤

[@OrientalPearl]

Happy Chinese new year to you too Jerome!

[@johndoe3485]

7:33 That was so heart warming, you can see he cares a lot about those kids, and those kids care about him and they will never forget him and that day. He literally changed those kids lives for the better in so many deep ways. You can see in his face there the love he has for Japan and its people. 🙏🏼

[@kamiyyn_1]

Honestly, this kinda hit home. I grew up in a area which I was partly from but because of my skin colour, natives tend to treat me differently. I realised alot of mixed race people dealt with this as people from our own land don't consider us as one of them, which eventually leaves you feeling lonely as freak. It makes me feel sad but also opened my eyes how people like Josh, who grew up in a place they weren't natively nor ethnically from deal with similar stuff. Props to him for dealing with the inconveniences and thank you for this interview. 🙏

[@teddyjones1056]

I always love your content. When I was teaching in Korea as an English teacher, I noticed people sometimes felt I was like a Korean when our hearts connected as people. I knew limited Korean, but just being able to joke and use some Korean words made a difference. Language is what is used to connect us. Not everyone feels drawn to the same people. But through language and even non verbal communication we can connect and form life long bonds. I love how John seems comfortable with himself and experience despite what others might think of him or how others define him. I will look out for his documentary.

[@shitstick1474]

I love these interview style videos so much! It's so cool to hear about unique peoples' experiences!

[@seykai]

You guys are amazing!! I admire you so much. Your Japanese, your Chinese, wow!! I have been learning Japanese since the age of 12 and aboslutley love it! :) Now I am 23 and I can say I am quote on quote "fluent" having lived here for six years now, and I marvel at others who have also learnt these languages like you have. And also extra impressive given the fact that you both speak at least two or more!! Wow! I'm currently studying Russian by myself and I love it :) I know it will take me years to reach some kind of "fluency" but to me, it doesn't matter too much as I really like the process of studying it. I must tell you that speaking another language really opens up new doors and opens you up to "another world" - truly! Fantastic video!! You guys are great!

[@petergraham9462]

Two very nice people respecting and having fun with Chinese and Japanese! I spent a lot of time in Japan, it would be great if more like these came around, to open up the minds and show that skin deep is nothing, heart is all and that's what makes it possible for us to be one! Domo arigatou!

[@CMDRTonyCurtis]

Gratz on 1 Mill Pearl...Been great watching and subbing to you for all these years.

[@OrientalPearl]

Thanks for being here this whole time.

[@pcssc2634]

This was such a great interview‼️I’m looking for John’s movie. I hope I can find it. You two have a great collaborative energy. 🇺🇸🇯🇵🇹🇼🇨🇳🤝

[@OrientalPearl]

He has it in here: linktr.ee/jladue

[@RespectOthers1]

Getting interviewed by you and possibly a trip with you to China kinda softens what he’s been through! :D

[@OrientalPearl]

Yeah that would be so fun. I plan on going back there late spring.

[@janettemanderson7304]

My husband lived in Ikebukuro, Japan for two years while he taught English in Tokyo. He was a 6'1 white, blue-eyed blond and the only non-Japanese in the village. They were surprised that he spoke Japanese. He especially loved using idiomatic phrases in his conversations. He moved home to the states, we married, and we started a travel company. Wherever we went, he would approach Japanese tourists to start conversations. When he spoke Japanese to them, they would react just like the people in your videos do to you, so he would disarm them by joking in Japanese. Within minutes, they would all be laughing and taking his photo. Our kids would time how long it would take for him to get everyone laughing. He loved to bring joy to others.

[@paulprivateer6073]

appreciate the sensitivity and intelligence entered in this interview. Love John's exchange with Japanese students. You are born teacher.

[@tssshpc]

Congrats on 1mil subscribers. I've been here since early on and I'm not surprised at all. Keep delivering 😊

[@rlcg37]

That's so interesting. My son had some friends that were like this. Son was American and went to school in Germany and spoke German like a native. One friend was blond and blue-eyed but went to school in China and was Chinese in his heart. The other one was Korean but had gone to school for years in the US and was Americanized inside. It's easy to judge someone from the outside, but there are these "invisible" kinds of diversity that do happen as well.

[@martinpelletier1286]

What an amazing experience that was for me. I loved that interview!

[@muSicJuvinile]

As an Asian American born and raised, no matter how diverse the USA is in many parts, I still get questions about how my English is so good and where I was born, like where I am really from. For a place that is probably 98% Japanese, no doubt you are going to get treated like a foreigner when you don't look Japanese.

[@purplesockmonkeys10]

absolutely love these videos! Congrats on 1 mill Pearl you absolutely deserve it (:

[@OrientalPearl]

Thank you so much! I’m so glad you enjoy these interviews.

[@SteveButlerMrPersuader]

Another super insightful and thought provoking episode, loving this interview series.

[@1thousandwordz]

This was the best video! Thank you for co-creating such rich content. Great code switching and story telling. 😊🌏🙏🏼

[@OrientalPearl]

You are so welcome!

[@DMIwriter]

I'm not particularly interested in Japanese culture specifically, but I am obsessed with seeing people of different cultural/ethnic upbringings becoming joyfully integrated in wildly different cultures. It's super fascinating.

[@rainydaygirlx]

I love your videos anming! One of my favorite youtubers! ❤

[@OrientalPearl]

Wow, thanks! 😊

[@Yattayatta]

As someone that also speaks 3 languages this is so relatable. I swear more in one of them, I'm more polite in another, it's almost scary feeling yourself change slightly when you switch languages. English is my third language for those curious. This is one of the reasons it's so hard to switch languages if you started out speaking in one, I'm impressed you guys can do it with such ease. I have a friend that I didn't know spoke my mother tongue when we met, we always spoke in English, after a few months we both found out that we spoke Swedish but it felt so awkward to switch to Swedish that we just stuck with English.

[@LuciferStrange]

I really hope that you and John do more videos together. I really liked his personality. Both of you were so outgoing and friendly. It really makes for good videos. Keep up the good work. Thank you!

[@dwminiboss511]

OMG you reached over 1 million subscribers! Does that mean you are one in a million? I think you are! This conversation was really interesting to listen to, switching the langauges and all. Your videos are still my go to place when I feel stressed out and want to watch wholesome things. The way you interact with other human beings should be an example to more youtubers.

[@ernestestrada2461]

I'm glad you brought up that when you speak different languages, you also take on the mannerisms and the speech patterns. I know when I'm in the United States there's a part of me that I cannot share because it is lost in translation. And when I'm speaking with Japanese or in Japan, there's a part of me that can't be shared because it's also lost in translation. Like John I just had to accept it is what it is. Some Japanese will accept me knowing that I grew up in Japan and much of my personality or kokoro is Japanese. Although you translate kokoro as heart, it also means the mind and soul. So when John said his kokoro is Japanese. It's more than just as heart. It's a much greater part of him. I'll have to look up his documentary on Tubi.

[@OrientalPearl]

It’s so true right. It’s like being multiple people in one. Yeah, go check out his documentary.

[@LeNoirdefleurs]

These are actually really good videos on spreading awareness on these certain social issues because I presume not a lot of people are aware of this situation in homogenous countries. This can help others be more informed, open and understanding vs unknowingly judging another based on their appearance, and not giving the person the chance to know them first. Makes me thankful I was born in a hetrogeno country like America cause here, you’re raised at a young age by others of many races who speak the same language, so you don’t have preconceived notions or thoughts beforehand. This is why if you’re a foreigner and you come the States and speak English, native speakers aren’t normally impressed or shocked because they’d assume you were a native in the first place 😅🤣 (unless you had an strong accent )

[@OrientalPearl]

I’m glad you appreciate these videos. I hope more people get to see them.

[@shirankedo-ib8uv]

Japan has the 4th largest number of immigrants in the world, more than most European countries. In Tokyo, 25% of the population is of foreign nationality; e.g., in Shibuya Ward, 30% are Chinese, 40% are Japanese, and the remaining 30% are Koreans, Filipinos, Indonesians, Vietnamese, Thais, Australians, and other foreigners. You seem to have a discriminatory disdain for Asians, not counting immigrants in the same Asia and saying all Asians are the same. Please stop your prejudice against Japan and Asia. And sorry, but this woman has a strong accent that is hard to hear and this man has a distinctive English accent with indistinct vowels. The children are very polite.

[@Jessicahurst1]

@@shirankedo-ib8uvNot even close. I’m not sure where you get your information from, but this is patently false. You have a very impolite take on people who have mastered languages completely different from their own. I’m sure you don’t speak with an accent 🙄

[@lartrak]

​@@shirankedo-ib8uvJapan has less than 2.5% foreign born population, South Korea is almost 5%, Thailand is over 3%, over 27% of Americans, 23% of Canadians, UK is about 15%, France around 10%, even Russia is over 3%, you can do this all day you're so wildly off it's baffling to think where you even came up with it.

[@CStark-ib9yy]

​@@shirankedo-ib8uvyou misspelled 1 in 25 Tokyo residents is foreign. Good Lord 😂

[@TheFezzik]

Great to hear and see stories like this. I lived in Kobe from 90-96 as a teenager. I love Japan and the Japanese but will always be a foreigner in their eyes, and strangely I didn't fit in when I came back to the US as well. Can also confirm that the mindset of Japan and the UK is very close and it makes sense that you're more comfortable living there than the US.

[@moringabriel2022]

Hi from French Québec province Canada! Bilingual and proud of my roots, my French AND my English, in a country where anglophones and francophones low-key rip each other's throats both in life, social media and the written and televised ones on language policies, multiculturalism vs interculturalism, etc. We go on vacation in Maine, U.S. too. I like languages a lot and your videos are very interesting, thank you for showing us these great people who grew up in unexpected places and have very engaging stories to tell! Can't wait to see more! 🙂

[@bettydavis7359]

Love this vlog only wished it was longer. Looking forward to the next one😊

[@OrientalPearl]

I wish I could get people to watch longer. The average watchtime is less than 5 minutes

[@Hexane]

This was an incredible conversation… I am so floored. 🎉🎉🎉

[@OrientalPearl]

I’m glad you liked it that much!

[@georgeleddy483]

Loved this. My favorite kind of gringos. Multilingual and been around the block.

[@quemoiettoi]

One of the rare channels, things that you see on KZbin that is worth the time spent to watch. It’s refreshing and trying to understand the world better it’s positive. Keep doing this. It’s adding a lot of good to the world.

[@juliemcmurtrie2713]

That was a lot of fun. You two together switching languages in one conversation was absolutely brilliant 😁👍🌸 much love from Christchurch NewZealand 🌸 look forward to more cool conversations with you two ☺️👍🌸

[@PtaRiStyle]

Congrats on hitting 1 million! i subscribed to help you hit your goal, but obviously enjoy your content too. Happy for you!!

[@OrientalPearl]

I appreciate that!

[@DarthCasus]

It breaks my heart when he said that they'll never fully accept you. I want to go to Japan and learn Japanese so much, and I know it's not a bad place, but I have sucha fear of being "othered" by people, and intentionally misunderstood for who I am. I loved this interview and want to see more of these.

[@spidertheakronaut]

Wow just came across your channel for the first time. Super awesome 🙏

[@geraldkohar]

OMG!!!!! Perfect Japanese, Chinese, English!! Amazing!

[@EricT3769]

Thanks! I always enjoy interviews like this one.

[@OrientalPearl]

Wow, thank you Eric! If you like this you’re going to love the series I’m making. Thanks again for your support.

[@gracchen2500]

This was super interesting watch! I'm so glad I found your channel! Especially as I'm a native Chinese-English speaker so the switch in the interview to Mandarin was very cool and also I aspire to be good at Japanese like my father after going to japan many times. Hearing these stories is so cool! I can't wait to see you guys in China!

[@donyoshida]

Great interview with John. I can relate to the both of you and Roger in the comments below. Being born, raised and educated in a country where you don't look like everyone else ... and marrying someone of a totally different culture. It makes life interesting and gives you a different perspective and understanding of people, much like your videos. Many thanks.

[@lilmee3037]

Being able to speak and think in various languages is fantastic. You don't have multiple personalities but rather a much wider field of perception and thought. It's great!

[@donl1846]

It really is "way to fun" . I can't wait for the video you both plan on doing. Thank you for sharing !!

[@rsmith02]

too fun ; )

[@OrientalPearl]

Thank you! More coming very soon!

[@rbeard7580]

I understand what he said about being sort of Jewish. I spent a good portion of my childhood in Venezuela, where I stood out like a sore thumb, mostly for my blond hair but also for my inadequate & heavily accented Spanish. (I have no gift for languages.) I’ve often described that experience using the analogy of being Jewish, though I’m not a Jew. I also knew an American and a Cuban who looked like me physically, but both spoke perfect & unaccented Spanish. Even they were occasionally regarded as strange “outsiders”. For all three of us, however, the majority of people treated us decently. Another good friend was Cuban, looked Cuban, and spoke accented English he’d learned living for a time in Miami. He was teased due to his Cuban accent when speaking Spanish! I could not detect much difference, except for a word or two here & there. But Venezuelans picked up on it instantly.

[@alyden567]

Hearing you both speak in Mandarin is so fascinating because you guys talk fluently

[@deb681]

Super love this interview! You guys are amazing and such inspiration ❤

[@OrientalPearl]

Aww thanks Deb!

[@jacspad5]

Excellent interview! Both informative and fun. Looking forward to more!

[@OrientalPearl]

Awesome, thank you!

[@sambrownfurniture]

I didn't expect too much when I put this on. It didn't take long before I was hooked. Both of you were really interesting to listen to. I then remembered when I read the link, you're the reason I signed up with Pimsleur to learn Japanese. I just cancelled because I was taking in less and less with each lesson. But seeing your channel a year after I last saw it makes me want to keep trying to learn. My wife is Japanese and when I'm in Japan I just let them ignore the foreigner but if they want to chat I'm really happy to chat. I love it there even as an outsider. I have spoken to mixed race people in the UK and Japan who have the same problem you talked about. It just doesn't seem so obvious to non Japanese speakers. BTW, I'm an old Scottish guy. I think the manners and general respect for others make life there easier for me than life in London.

[@NewYorksFinest]

Very interesting little interview for sure. Also congrats, on reaching 1 mil subs. Super proud of you 🎉🙏🏽

[@kevinbrown7616]

Anming: My wife and I were watching your new video. It's really good and I always enjoy watching you. It's so cool how you can switch between English, Chinese and Japanese immediately. I'm learning Spanish and if I have been speaking English all day, it takes a few minutes to get into the swing of a different language but you can do it instantly. Thanks for making your videos. I hope you and your husband are well. KB

[@OrientalPearl]

I’m glad you both enjoyed my videos. I hope you subscribed!

[@kevinbrown7616]

@@OrientalPearl I have been subscribed for a long time! Thanks for writing back to me. KB

[@elteescat]

I'm looking forward to this!

[@michaelangelo957]

I love his energy, chuckles and laughs!!!! What an awesome interview and video.

[@OrientalPearl]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@michaelangelo957]

@@OrientalPearl Absolutely! Can't wait to see more!

[@vjm3]

This is not the first time I've heard a foreigner in Japan distinct the difference between "Living as a Japanese citizen." and "Being Japanese." I'm believing it more and more. I think what's important is making connections to different people, and learning to love the unique role you play in that society. Are you Japanese? No. But do you represent what I believe is the sort of love most native Japanese people have for Japan? Absolutely. They could only hope to be so lucky to have you. I definitely think he should change his citizenship.

[@hummingbirdinSoCal]

Love watching your videos! Huge Congratulations on 1 Million subs!! Awesomeness!!🤩🤩🥳🥳

[@OrientalPearl]

Thank you!

[@johnchinaman9971]

OrientalPearl i just wanted 2 say congratulations 4 reaching 1million subs, u came all the way, i knew u will get there, just remember never lose sight what u do best so kept add it 👍

[@OrientalPearl]

Thanks a ton!

[@Theogvineofthedead]

Hey I just realized you are over a million subs!!!! ❤❤❤ Congratulations that's a really big deal and opens up a lot of opportunities peace and love to all of you ✌️❤️