Outside of Tokyo, How do Japanese Look at Foreigners? Speaking Japanese: 8 Myths about Japan

I remember seeing a video on KZbin where a black man walks around Tokyo for 10 hours and nobody looks at him. If you go ANYWHERE but Tokyo, that's never going to happen. People that don't live in Japan get a lot of information about it from KZbin and after living in Japan for 2 years, I found that some of that just ISN'T TRUE! Here are 8 Myths about Japan debunked as I speak in Japanese touring around Kawagoe City in Saitama with my Japanese friend.
Below are language learning tools I have personally used for years. Direct purchases of software from these links goes to supporting this channel.
JAPANESE LESSONS:
www.japanesepod101.com/member...
CHINESE LESSONS:
www.chineseclass101.com/membe...
50 LANGUAGES: Pimsleur 7 Day Free Trial:
imp.i271380.net/c/2397166/840...
My instagram: anming7

[@LK.]

Everybody suddenly forgets directions when a stranger asks.

[@OrientalPearl]

LK True. But in this cases another person who saw this and knows Japanese recognized what happened. These convenience store workers are immigrants. They didn’t understand what I was asking. Many people working in the the convenience stores are not actually Japanese.

[@existentialblossom]

That´s why I like to resemble air when someone is walking towards me xD

[@blahblahgdp]

Absolutely. My brain goes through a hard reset first before I can answer

[@FlowUrbanFlow]

@@OrientalPearl なるほど!

[@djii7837]

IDK if you've been to the southern US, because you'll get very descriptive directions using landmarks and time to travel from complete strangers and they take forever because they're trying to be friendly. "Where are ya'll from? You visiting family down here? Yeah, I know where that is. Go back the way you came about 10 minutes, turn left past the Presbyterian Church with the white steeple, then keep going that way . If you hit a dirt road you've gone too far."

[@lizbethrangel7235]

She's more sociable than me having the ability to breathe without anxiety around people

[@Koragh_]

Thar kinda freaks out japanese lol

[@Sinbad6679]

Don't feel you need to answer this if it makes you uncomfortable. Do you find it difficult when speaking on the phone or, just in person? If you feel more comfortable on the phone, you could try building up to face-to-face. All done with people you know, at first. Or WhatsApp. Just a thought. It might not help but you never know unless you try. Family members first and then have them with a friend next to them. Gradually add the friend into the conversation, if you can. X

[@VikashGupta-fv6cv]

Ya , she is.

[@kibawhitefang7176]

The time of practicing encourages confidence

[@smallsthetimelord4066]

This is the truth

[@DarkAmph]

I fully agree with the thing about foreigners who come to Japan and don't interact with Japanese are dissapointing

[@OrientalPearl]

Yes, that's always been a mystery to me. There are not very many Western people living here, but somehow they still find each other lol.

[@wienerscnitzel]

@@OrientalPearl Most foreigners living in Asia are all the same kinda weird.

[@narinoansa]

In my opinion, it's because some foreigners don't even bother to learn Japanese and make so many excuses. As a result, they only hang out with other foreigners or find "bilingual" friends...But even then, i think language barriers are something they don't wanna admit to, although it's one of the most obvious factors.

[@ZoioGame]

Of course, it's painfully hard to befriend a japanese

[@absolutelyfookinnobody2843]

@@narinoansa there are lots of reason not just negative ones that make people from the west seem like douche bags. Not knowing what to ask, feeling awkward, ect

[@TakiGamesOfficial]

Unfortunately most English speaking tourists put absolutely zero effort in this stuff. So much respect to whoever can travel to a foreign country and speak their language with the locals.

[@dustinweber1945]

I try to at least learn some basics when traveling. My Spanish was good enough to use in Spain and Mexico (although a lot of Spaniards speak English and almost all Mexicans in tourist areas do). I also find that many people in Spain wanted to practice their English with me, so I didn't always get to use my Spanish! In Tokyo, I think maybe 5% of people tried to use English with me. I only knew basics so it was somewhat difficult to get around when getting outside of heavy tourist areas, but everyone is nice even when I'm using my phone to help translate 😅

[@Pinkis_simo]

Absolutely agree whit you...👏👏👏

[@daywalker3735]

Well she has been there for two years....but still, she's fluent haha

[@danishajones6566]

I disagree. Most youtubers online who go to different countries and vlog about it speak English and learn the language.

[@alexptjp9569]

Indeed. Most Europeans know at least 2 languages.

[@sandeepghosh2133]

Lady: look how close this cars are... We Indians: are we joke to you....

[@OrientalPearl]

LMAO true story! And I've had to walk really close to cars in China too. Love you my Indian brother. We need laughs during these hard times.

[@tomchamberlain4329]

@@OrientalPearl Also England, Europe in general!

[@aadhyachintala8532]

Yo saaaaaaaammmmmeeeee I'm indian too was just about to comment that same thing lol

[@aadhyachintala8532]

By the looks of it it's probably every country but America

[@150Rooster]

jakarta say hi

[@rileywhittenberger5258]

There is definitely a language barrier there, when I was there I learned the basics, I didn't get in depth in the language as you did BUT if I would ask a question they would try there best to give me an answer and a lot of times that would break the ice and somehow we could communicate. The Japanese were so helpful and friendly, I remember I got on the wrong train in Tokyo and ended up in the country somewhere and I asked a lady on the train "how do I get too Yokohama?" We got off of the train, we both went back to Tokyo and she physically showed me the line too Yokohama. It was probably after a very long work day for her too! I was very grateful bowing and saying thank you over and over, domo arigato gozaimasu... Amazing!!

[@OrientalPearl]

Wow, that's an amazing story. You met some really nice people. I've seen some of the same stuff in Japan. People will really go out of their way to help out. It's great.

[@josephmessina4832]

aww that is so sweet

[@daenackdranils5624]

they only showed him a formality. they are not genuine, only professional and mechanical

[@MrAmor-wh1rm]

Please more japanese speaking vids. For those of us that are ONLY learning japanese it helps us a whole lot. Thnx

[@OrientalPearl]

Mr. Amor These were long overdue. No one has heard much Japanese from this channel so far. There will be more to come and I will even make Japanese videos in China later on. There is a huge Japanese community in Shanghai.

[@kevins.783]

Oriental Pearl I second Mr. Armor’s request! You seem really down to earth and cool. I like that you look for these small interactions with people, it’s real and authentic unlike a lot of content out there today. Look forward to more!

[@kaysehoussien278]

@@OrientalPearl it would be kinda gucci if you only spoke in japanese

[@Der.Geschichtenerzahler]

Learning Japanese is hard, but learning how to be sociable and nice is even harder and she nailed both. Good work girl

[@OrientalPearl]

Thank you and I used to be the shy type lol

[@daenackdranils5624]

that's why befriend japanese is a stupid idea , or any people f different culture.

[@OrientalPearl]

Fun Fact: The Japanese think Chinese people are very direct with their speaking. Japanese take humble to a WHOLE NEW LEVEL. Japanese on humility and Confucianism: LEVEL1000

[@DecrepitBiden]

I love how when someone is giving you flyers in the street, they bow to you as they're offering it to you.

[@OrientalPearl]

You know Japan so well. lol It's TRUE!

[@DecrepitBiden]

@@OrientalPearl I've been around the world girl. Europe, middle east, some asia, Australia. 😜🤗

[@jeremyemilio9378]

imagine japanese meeting the germans or dutch!

[@casualcomputer6544]

Lool. Chinese are direct? Haha. Learning some new about myself everyday.

[@Chandasouk]

The guy is like "Why am I learning US history during this walk?!" Such amazing Japanese for a Russian lady!

[@OrientalPearl]

Chandasouk Ha ha, and I was wrong about the history of that word lol

[@dgphi]

They were discussing the origin of the word Yankee, which means "street punk" in Japan (or so I learned in this video). In Australia we sometimes call Americans Yanks.

[@Chandasouk]

@@dgphi I haven't heard Yankee used a lot but I do live on the east coast of USA. New York Yankees is probably the only time I've heard it said.

[@thecuriousone9342]

Wait she's russian?

[@offonoff4304]

@@thecuriousone9342 she said that she was american-

[@dmand2353]

That's the one thing that really confused me too. People that live in Japan but only hang out with other foreigners. I don't really understand the point.

[@OrientalPearl]

DMAN D I gave you an extra like. If I could, I would give your comment 100 likes.

[@savictez1178]

welp living in tokyo for almost a year now and lived in Kyoto for half a year, I've made more friends with Chinese, Korean etc. with Japanese than actual Japanese people.Despite never living in China or Korea, I have friends I can rely on more those countries than in the country I've lived nearly 2 years in now. If you're outside of Japanese college you're fucked on meeting Japanese people in real life. Despite fluency, I barely use Japanese anymore and the only Japanese people who'll speak to me longer than five minutes are fuckbois/nampa who want me for sex or store clerks who want my money. Tell me fucking otherwise.

[@savictez1178]

Also outside of Japanese college in Tokyo, I've had an easy time making friends with hafus and fellow foreigners here. They tend to not ghost me and are enthused to meet and hang out. Do i have to have a fricking DM campaign to meet Japanese girls here? For real? Do i have to be gaijin nampa to warrant any feedback? Just wtf. Tried getting an アルバイト here too to make friends and that was a bust, no where wanted to hire me since I'm 外人. Feel fucked

[@OrientalPearl]

savictez Language exchange like on the app Hellotalk would be a game changer for you. That’s how I met most of my Japanese friends and my Japanese boyfriend. Search for people in your area. Send out hundreds of messages. Yuki san was also from Hello talk. That’s how I met him.

[@savictez1178]

God I guess getting English jobs is easy, but when vying for jobs against Japanese natives they’ll take the native since they’re easier to handle/no worries about language barriers or me leaving.

[@chrismac3696]

Why is everything so spotless?? Just wondering... I do appreciate how environment-conscious the Japanese are, especially the guy who took the candy sticks away from you. Then, he proudly goes: "the atmosphere of the city will suffer!" What a superb culture!!! WOW!!! Love your material! Keep it up! Christian/NYC

[@OrientalPearl]

chris mac Japan and Singapore are the cleanest countries I’ve ever seen. The average America has a higher income than people in Japan, but Japanese people REALLY respect public places! They take trash home and sort it by type at their homes. They might carry it around all day just to take it home and sort it.

[@chrismac3696]

@@OrientalPearl I will never forget when Japanese spectators were PROUDLY cleaning after themselves, after each and every event, at the summer Olympics, in Brazil. No signs of shame or embarrassment, whatsoever! It was memorable!

[@Tomtom_tiger79]

Disclaimer before reading my comment: Of course I don't know the full background behind everything and this is all speculation from a Japanese citizen based on what I saw and what I know. I had this weird feeling in my gut when she asked for directions to the convenience store worker. I kind of doubt this "de-bunking" she did of the myth that asking directions in Japan would lead you to the right direction. In my opinion, there is one potential reason for the misleading information given to her: the worker was not Japanese. I think this miscommunication happened bc of language and familiarity contexts (this comment is not meant to be hurtful or disrespectful for anybody) -Foreign workers sometimes speak very good Japanese and sometimes do not speak Japanese well. The vocabulary in the questions posed to the worker (such as "tourist site" and "historical buildings") may not be within the spectrum of words you need to understand to work as a convenience store clerk. I also felt some anxiety in her behavior (looking at her co-worker for help) that she either did not understand her question, or she did not know how to answer. Normally when you people ask for directions in Japanese, it is highly possible that they will answer by saying "Yes, its ~(direction)/No I don't know/No I don't know but I'll look it up for you". However, they may have been a bit nervous/confused and answered by saying "it's over there", somewhat embarrassed? to not have the answer (I'm sure some of you, like myself, have winged it when answering a question you don't have an answer to). -Convenience store workers are often sent to different locations when there is a lack of staff, especially foreign workers. It could be that they were not familiar with the area, since they live elsewhere or due to other reasons. It is not 100% assured that you will meet a worker that is familiar with the surrounding geography when you walk into a convenience store. I felt it better to ask the police (there are police stations everywhere), tourist offices, or the locals (in shops or those that are strolling around) if you really want directions. So what did I want to get out of this comment? I wanted to say that maybe the "asking for directions and getting correct responses in Japan is a MYTH" is rushing to conclusions without careful consideration of the situation (if you are a result/outcome seeker I guess the "myth" can be seen as true in this case). As a Japanese citizen, I want my country, the country I grew up in, to be seen in a positive way. I understand there is a lot (and I mean it by A LOT) of BS that goes around in this country, but I want the good sides to be noticed for what they really are. I have had the experience of living outside Japan and speak English to a fair extent, and in the past I have done social experiments where I pretended to be a foreign tourist asking for directions in English. To my pleasant surprise, although many people did not speak English, they were kind enough to listen to me carefully and help me find a location that I was "supposedly" looking for! I say with confidence that you will run into a generous person in Japan who is willing to give you directions if you ask them! Ok this comment went on WAY LONGER than I originally had in mind, I hope whoever reads this can understand my intentions for posting this comment. Lots of respect for all the work she does. Have a good day!

[@OrientalPearl]

You are right. Yuki san and I both realized that they were from Southeast Asia. That's why they didn't understand my question lol. I should have mentioned that in the video. It's ok to write long comments. I appreciate that you put a lot of thought into it. I like long comments the best!

[@magic_hotel]

@@OrientalPearl There is also the outside possibility that she was indicating that it was a one-way street (which you can see from the road sign in the video) and thought you may be driving or riding bikes. Having said that, I do get misdirected a lot here in the UK. Sometimes people just feel the pressure not to appear clueless and so blurt something out when they really don't know. Let's be generous and say they are being helpful to a fault.

[@ismaelgarcia7292]

Not only Japanese, but even for me ( a Spanish speaker) if I’ve never had to use the word or words in context in like a sentence ever, then I don’t know how to say it. It’s like that with a lot of bilingual Spanish speakers, me and my best friend were talking about it. If it’s just not in your spectrum, then you don’t know lol, kinda funny

[@Bio54633]

Respect to you too.

[@Markver1]

In ‘Murica “bye bye” is something that you would say to a really small child or that they may say to you. It may also be a cutesy way for girls to say goodbye.

[@OrientalPearl]

Exactly! That's what I've been telling people over here. lol

[@CMDRTonyCurtis]

Or a real crappy sarcastic way to say good bye...like to an ex girlfriend or boyfriend...

[@DecrepitBiden]

Yup.. like buh bai..

[@karl-heinzgrabowski3022]

guess i'm the only one using "bye bye" in average and business life kek

[@forkless]

Or boo-boo, poo-poo and choo-choo ahaha

[@YTReturnz]

my parents ever said that the japanese never break any rules, and whenever I said there’s some of them break the rules, they just told me like “it’s probably not the japanese, it might be the chinese”. Now I know that’s just a basic lie, because I’ve been in Japan roughly for 8 months.

[@OrientalPearl]

YTReturnz Yeah, that’s just silly and a bit unkind to foreigners. It sounds like a mythical Japan. Everyone is capable of and does break the rules. If Japanese didn’t break the rules, there would be no jails in this country.

[@user-hw9ge8vn9f]

why Chinese? why not other Asia people😂

[@goodkanga2275]

@@user-hw9ge8vn9f because they just know Japanese and Chinese in Asia, and Indian is not Asian, Lol

[@albgres181]

@@user-hw9ge8vn9f They just already conquered the whole world anyway

[@gabis2603]

Y-your... tonality and... the pitch of your voice are so Japanese *tears in Japanese*

[@FPSDrifter]

Laughs in Tokyo

[@bandicootcollector]

I disagree, her tone and rhythm needs work.

[@melosian_shift]

captain0ldy0da agreed, it’s definitely not perfect, but I can see her getting there soon

[@gaijinhakase1575]

What? It sounds so rough lol

[@AkaiNiwatori1]

Yeah. Now that I’ve been studying pitch accent and learning as many times as possible, I’ve noticed she doesn’t know the pitch accent for almost anything and is only randomly getting some あたまだか but this video is more than a year old. She could be a lot better now. I’ve also been giving the “your Japanese level is enough” at least 20 times now. Passed N2 like 4 years ago and N1 like 2 years ago but I take that as a “hold it there with the Japanese. Don’t get any ideas getting any further than that”

[@timelston4260]

You said don't just hang out with English speakers when you are in another country. When I was a student in Toronto, an Iranian guy arrived from Iran, and he decided not to spend his time within the Iranian community but to hang out with us English speaking Americans and Canadians. We became best friends while we were there, so it turned out to be a great choice he made for both of us.

[@dgphi]

I like how you have actual honest-to-goodness conversations. Talking about where you learned a language and how long you have been learning get a bit dull after a while, but's that mostly all you we from some of the other KZbin channels. I found the thing about the lack of trash cans genuinely interesting.

[@OrientalPearl]

I know, they have been doing KZbin for so long that they got into the same pattern. I'm not a real KZbinr, so I'm going to do a different style.

[@gomertube]

“Yankee” is a insult in the American South. You do not want to be called a Yankee!

[@OrientalPearl]

That's true when it's a Southerner say it. How about Yankee Candle?

[@oceanesta5131]

@@OrientalPearl The company originated in Mass, so that's probably why given that Northerners were called Yankees

[@gomertube]

Oriental Pearl never heard of a Yankee candle.

[@oceanesta5131]

@@gomertube Yankee Candle is the largest candle manufacturer in the USA

[@gomertube]

Oceanesta I should probably study up on candles.

[@Greensky02]

Yuki san seems pretty awesome and his outgoing personality mixes pretty well with yours! You should do more videos with him for sure!

[@OrientalPearl]

We will! That's for certain. He's working on his own video from this trip, but from a different angle. More educational

[@creatingasgaby]

I visited Japan for the first time in October. I agree that you have to talk to people. I was totally lost in shibuya and a wonderful couple overheard my worry in English. They took the time to walk me to my destination. I learn a lot about their hopes to travel to the states and how they worked for American companies. Also my Japanese is very limited to basic words and I loved that they where very patient while I used google translator or attempted to communicate in English themselves. I had a great experience. Take the time to talk to people. I can’t wait to go back.

[@OrientalPearl]

I'm so glad that you had a great experience in Japan. I hope you can come back soon.

[@OssWiX]

Hello, random comment about the history of the word Yankee. Yankee originally comes from the dutch name Janke or a combination of the names Jan and Kees. Originally used as a term for dutch settlers in New Amsterdam (now New York), later also became used for people from that area. Depending on your views of the city, this might be interpreted positively or negatively. The Japanese took over this term, applying it to people from the US at first, but later skewed the meaning of the word to associate with freedom, and thereby in a way misbehaving by not considering for others.

[@OrientalPearl]

You get the most unique comment award! lol Everyone else said different things like that it came from the Revolutionary War. One thing is for sure though, I was dead wrong about the origins of the word. lol

[@Arcterion]

Dutch person here. I did not know this. Neat. :D

[@Trygvar13]

There is also a theory that Yankee would actually come from the Wendat (Huron) pronunciation of the French Anglais, meaning Englishman, Y'an-gee.

[@OrientalPearl]

If you like this video see PART 2 kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXKXiqV3mcqllZY Forgive the spelling mistakes. I’m overwhelmed. Yuki san has agreed to help me with the Japanese translations. -Anming

[@arafays]

dont know how hard it would be but look for Chris Broad from Abroad in japan. And I think yuki san can hook you up with connection's in tokyo creative.

[@mdlee52]

You Russians are very efficient.

[@dahur]

@@mdlee52 lol

[@westy40]

So glad you're uploading daily! Always look forward to these videos!!

[@dandeguzmanjr.2519]

I enjoyed watching your fluent language abilities in Chinese and Japanese. I was stationed in Japan as a U.S. Air Force servicemember at Misawa Air Base, Japan. I really missed the Japanese culture and the food! Wishing you all the very best!

[@swiftie80]

Thanks for uploading daily! 🙏🏼 Gives everyone something good to watch during quarantine so thank u

[@OrientalPearl]

will That’s why I rushed to get this out even if it sacrifices quality a little bit.

[@sjf51]

It's truly inspiring that you make such a great effort to talk to people and break the culture barrier. I plan to be the same way when I go to Japan.

[@OrientalPearl]

This video is not Tokyo, but some folks are saying in the comments that you can get around Tokyo without English. However, I had an incredibly hard time getting around when I came to Tokyo for the first time on a vacation 5 years ago with almost no Japanese. I stayed for an entire month. Maybe you won't feel the weight of the language barrier if you do a super fast trip, but you will if you stay a while. Also, I was alone. I didn't have the feeling of safety and security of having another person to talk to around me.

[@cheesewheel]

I've been here 6 months now and I feel this. I've studied a bit in the past, but I'm about to kick it into high gear now. I'm sick of humming and hawing every time somebody says something to me.

[@yellowtiger6296]

Great as always! Really enjoy everything you do. Thanks!

[@freezedeve3119]

If Finnish language and in Finland people usually can say "Moi" or "Hei" when they meet people and when they are leaving they say "Moi moi" or "Hei hei" so they repeat it two times when leaving.

[@OrientalPearl]

That sounds cute. ha ha

[@blueyoko1430]

Same in italy with "ciao" and "ciao ciao" haha

[@groucrow9709]

@むく Very interesting, thank you! The diversity of German dialects surprised me - the regional linguistic history must be fascinating 🌸

[@Spaxuable]

Thats super interesting! We do sorta the same in Norwegian, the "hei hei" or "heeeeeeii" instead of saying "bye". Probably more so when you expect to talk to that person again. If you are never speaking to that person again. We do say the equivalent to "bye". at least where I come from.

[@schmassbinder]

Thai people say "same same". Also, sama sama means you're welcome in Bahasa.

[@arisayukie1102]

I went to Japan some months ago but actually I didn't enjoy that much. At first I was kinda sad bc I thought I had high expectations but seeing your videos helped me realizing that it would be better if I spoke Japanese. I'm trying my best to learn Japanese and maybe one day go back there to really enjoy Japan and their people (they are so nice but sadly I couldn't make more friends)! Thank you!

[@OrientalPearl]

That's a good point. I stayed in Tokyo for 1 month for the first visit in 2015 and had a lot of problems. I didn't know Japanese at that time and I came alone. I started going to Chinese restaurants everyday just to find someone to talk to. Learning Japanese was a total game changer.

[@arisayukie1102]

@@OrientalPearl that was exactly my situation! I came by myself for 1 month too. 😅

[@voltesd1543]

Foreigner: Is that Yakuza Japan:

[@Otakuhannah121]

You are doing great with all these videos coming out. Love the content!!!!!

[@OrientalPearl]

Thank you. I worked from morning until night today to get this filmed, edited, and out in 1 day. You are seeing Japan in real time.

[@OrientalPearl]

There was a lot of extra footage today that’s not in the video today. It will be made into another vlog about Kawagoe and uploaded here in a day or two. There will be conversations with local Japanese people in that video too. And of course our KZbin friend Yuki san will be in it.

[@groucrow9709]

Looking forward to this! Love to see the beautiful bright smiles of Anming and Yuki-san 💛

[@richvarsi3402]

Instantly becoming one of my fav youtubers lol love u

[@OrientalPearl]

SvnRich Yes! I’m so glad you said that.

[@kawaiikitty4569]

This was really interesting, I like these kinds of videos where we get to see real conversations with local people. Btw Yuki San seems like a good friend!

[@OrientalPearl]

Thanks for watching. Yuki san is a very nice guy. Him and I will be doing more videos together in the future.

[@edwardsantos9230]

Love your channel, keep up the great work and videos.

[@KiaOraekoe]

Love this video! Thank you for making this!

[@ChrisFalk2]

She can speak BOTH Japanese and Mandarin! THAT'S dedication!

[@toriheart5046]

I really love these Japanese Vlogs , you're doing a fantastic job 😀🦊🦊

[@OrientalPearl]

Tori Heart Thank you so much. I’m new to KZbin and trying to break into the J-Vlog category a little.

[@RadioactivePretzels]

This video was really one of your best; sharing your experiences, but simulatneously teaching culture and language as you went! It's just as much fun as the "surprising people with my language skills" but DEEPER than those since we happy viewers learn more. Educational, not just entertaining! Thanks always for the vids, don't worry about uploading too often or "too short" or "not edited well".. we're all appreciating your experiences vicariously! [BTW, this from an American living in Tokyo too.. it's still a fun vicarious experience!]

[@OrientalPearl]

OMG, you are in Tokyo too?! That's so cool! I used to get so tired of the J-vlogs. I think most people living here don't really like them. To get a comment like this from someone living here means a lot.

[@ZekkenM_A_]

This is the kind of Japan VLOG I want to see, really there are not many of this kind of vlog out there. Thx for the video keep it up.

[@by9diz8]

I love how Asians give freebies for doing surveys I was so shocked the first time I got a gift for something that I usually do for free.

[@OrientalPearl]

I was going to do it for free too. Any gifts on top of that were extra treats!

[@D4rkLigHtLP]

And I'm never going back to doing it for free again! :>

[@rumplstiltztinkerstein]

Going to japan and not interacting with the japanese is like going to a pizzeria and asking for a hamburguer

[@OrientalPearl]

That's a very accurate analogy.

[@rumplstiltztinkerstein]

@@OrientalPearl senpai noticed me, yay

[@abstractfactory8068]

Like going to thailand and...

[@johnfinch9164]

Your ‘go is VERY good, and I’m really enjoying your videos! I’m an old man now, but back in the ‘80s and 90’s I loved exploring Japan and talking to people the way you do here. なつかしい!

[@thephilosophocles4319]

The time went so fast watching your video. I like these kind of videos. They are very entertaining. And your positive vibes makes your videos more interesting and more worthwhile.

[@OrientalPearl]

thephilo sophocles Thank you so much, I love when people watch the entire video. Thank you again.

[@sarahajzer9247]

haha, what I experienced is that Japanese are afraid of foreigner at first because they’re shy to speak English,...^^ And when they figure that you speak Japanese they’re very friendly! :)

[@aniar.3314]

As a learner of Japanese I find these sort of videos super motivating!

[@OrientalPearl]

Happy to hear that!

[@cristobaljvp]

Yuuki-san seems pretty nice to hang around! Nice video, really enjoy your different approach

[@IanMcCausland]

Love this video! The conversation with the two vendors was great!

[@OrientalPearl]

Ian McCausland They were so cool. That was a bonus for the video. I didn’t expect them to be so friendly.

[@Poe168]

Pearl, as always, can't stay without liking your video. 👍👍👍👍

[@OrientalPearl]

Alex Poe Thank you so much for your support. I am cranking these videos out for you guys. It’s taking up the entire day, but it’s worth it!

[@starry3824]

Well this is something different. Your channel feels approachable and 'real'. I feel like I can agree with all of those myths based on a 1 month visit there last year. However it's definitely easy to make friends in Japan, they're super curious, and even if you approach them in terrible Japanese (like mine i know only a couple hundred words and no grammar), their curiosity will keep them interested. I met more people during that 1 month than in 10 years back home. As soon as this corona situation is fixed, I'm hoping to come again, this time for at least a year! Good luck with this channel, however bear in mind that if you grow too big, the charm of this community you have now will disappear :D

[@OrientalPearl]

Startracker Thanks for your message. I’m happy KZbin is finally recommending my videos to people who like Japan. You are right, I’m realizing that the more people watch these videos, the more bad people watch them too. Thanks for your warning. I hope you stay in contact. Don’t go away. :)

[@ASHERUISE]

What kind of visa will you get?

[@evelynstar1477]

Loveeee your content

[@OrientalPearl]

Keep going! Japanese gets harder and harder as you go along.

[@theobserver1320]

Thank you for your answer. Happy Toby. 😃Wishing you good luck. I will remain loyal to your channel as it is very informative and I am totally fascinated by your language skills. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@JustIzzan]

Hi I randomly discovered this channel, so you work at japanesepod101 ? I am studying japanese there for almost 1 1/2 years and I love it :) , I am a premium member there where can I find your content there? And it would be awesome if you could get Naomi-sensei, Peter-sensei or all the other awesome hosts and voice actors that work there on a video, like a meet and greet in the studio for their listeners. All the people that work on japanesepod101 are awesome and I really really enjoy all the lessons. Greetings from Germany

[@OrientalPearl]

I just became an affiliate with them 3 weeks ago and Yuki san and I are supposed to do a video together with them soon. We don't have any videos yet, but those will be coming soon.

[@jimmurphy4703]

As I said “ you are a breath of fresh air “. I just love the actual conversations 🖖

Definitely - that's the most important bit, where viewer can really engage with and shows that you are treating them as real folks i.e. with respect.

[@robertcontignon]

I'm very happy to have found this video in which you prove us through your concrete actions that some myths about Japan aren't really true ! 😀🙏🏻 There are indeed a lot of contents about Japan on KZbin and some KZbinr tend to show an image of Japan that is far away from the authentic everyday life Japan. 🖼🇯🇵 I'm very glad to notice that some of the myths I have really believed in aren't true, which encourages me even more to go to Japan. 😃 Anyway, I love your trip through the charming town of Kawagoe and with the very nice Yuki san. 🤗 It was a great pleasure to see you meeting the local people, the 2 people at the choco strawberry stand being for me the most memorable meeting. ☺🍓🍫 You show us excellently that a trip is even more enjoyable when we get in touch with the local population ! 🙌🏻😄

[@kungfool69]

THank you for the good video! my wife and i have been to Japan three times in three years but always looking for more things to do an places to go outside Tokyo!! you make conversation with locals look so easy! All i can do is ask very basic things. Australia here!

[@OrientalPearl]

Basic things is a good start. A little language goes a long way.

[@zandrobaylan7558]

She looks like an anime girl that transferred to japan for vacation.

[@Ivan-fy1vs]

No se como llegue aca pero le dejo mi like

[@OrientalPearl]

¡Gracias! Me alegra que hayas encontrado este video. -Traductor de google

[@lo3522]

Oriental Pearl esta bien. Me gusta que sabes Japones. I’ve always wanted to visit Japan, it’s been such a dream. But I’ll never get to. So I get to experience it through others videos like these. Muchas gracias!

[@carlosdelhierro869]

Pues ya somos dos jaja

[@leemaru8286]

X3 JAJAJAJA

[@lissgall]

Ya somos tres!

[@sowmyashree6849]

Hello Anming ( Oriental Pearl) , nice to meet you. This is the first video that I have watched and I fell in love with it 😍. I really love your straightforwardness and small talks with the people. You set an example that you can make friends with people when you talk to them in thier local language. Please do keep making videos like this 😍. All the very best👍 . Best wishes for your all your future endeavors 🙏👍 Subscribed to your channel just now ❤️👍😇

[@OrientalPearl]

I'm so happy that you joined along for the ride! I'm new to KZbin. I will keep on making more videos. There are only 40 now, but there will be many more to come soon.

[@sowmyashree6849]

@@OrientalPearl will surely look forward to your videos 👍😊 Be safe and cheerful 😊. Also I'm super excited to get reply from you. It's first time and I feel so happy 😍. Thank you for that 🤗.

[@VastOceanCommuter]

This has been really helpful! Keep killing these myths.

[@OrientalPearl]

Duy Nguyen There are many more myths to kill! Lol

[@epiccamper]

Its actually interesting how much variation there is for saying "bye" or "hi" in some languages. In Brazil, we often say "Oi" which means "Hi" but in informal speech we rarely say "Olá" which is slightly more formal and could be translated as "Hello". I myself like to use "Opa, como vai?" that can be understood to "Hey, how are you?" It seems to be a little more polite instead of a simple "Oi". As for when leaving, we almost universally say "Tchau" that is equivalent to a single "Bye". Since my way of speaking Portuguese is more formal, I tend to say "Até mais" which means "See you later". However, since Brazil is huge and there is a vast quantity of regionalism, a lot of slang/informal speech exist troughout the country, which is great in my opinion.

[@OrientalPearl]

That's interesting. Never say oi in Japan. lol It's like fighting words here.

[@darkfire2325]

Nose si hablas español pero... te admiro bastante y yo tambien aprenderé y dominare japones algun dia, por ahora estoy estudiando ingles... y tambien viajaré a Japon y disfrutar de todo alla. ES UNA PROMESA (a mi mismo :v)

[@OrientalPearl]

Muchas gracias. Habla un poco español.

[@broad100]

I love your videos. Thank you!

[@mishdish7653]

Great video. please do more its great for people learning japanese

[@keithstarkey5584]

I can see why people are walking against traffic. I would too! Thanks for another vid, Pearl!

[@OrientalPearl]

Keith Starkey Yeah, that was a little scary.

[@erik....]

In swedish "hi" is "hej" and we often say "hej hej" to greet someone.

[@OrientalPearl]

It's cute! lol

[@K..........]

Also in Poland, we use words "pa pa" its means "bye bye". Cheers :)

[@ichika4920]

Hej hej monika

[@genericguy_]

So that's why pewdiepie says hey hey

[@sonicluffypucca96]

Same here in Finland

[@pklpklpkl]

I like that you're pointing out things in the midst of simple conversation, seems that other people talk about broad picture but this is down to specifics

[@OrientalPearl]

Yeah, I like to keep things simple sometimes. I have a lot more videos to make. The whole puzzle will come together piece by piece.

[@potatogurl2462]

I’ve been going through watching all your videos, and I love your channel! You do such a good job at capturing a normal day, it’s so refreshing to see. I live in the southern USA and I can’t believe how similar the people act! It’s so interesting, especially when you went to that stall with the men, it was so much like my hometown.

[@OrientalPearl]

I hope you enjoy all 109 videos!

[@LifewithLidz]

In Finland too, everyone says “bye bye” instead of “bye” in English, and to say goodbye in Finnish they often say “hei hei”...the double words is in other places as well!

[@OrientalPearl]

That's really cute. We should be like Finish people lol. I want to visit Finland one day and say Hey Hey.

[@bevmvrsh6927]

we say hei hei sometimes in norway too :D

[@alexptjp9569]

@@OrientalPearl I usually say "xau xau" which is the Portuguese equivalent of "bye bye".

[@Weda01]

Actually the word Yankee originally was a negative word that the British used to rever to the Dutch settlers and comes from the Dutch names Jan and Kees.

[@lindseyn2162]

I love your videos and it makes miss traveling and living in Asia. And You are the only one in KZbin that’s manages to give such a realistic and fresh perspective about living and studying overseas.

[@OrientalPearl]

Thank you so much! That really means a lot. That's exactly how I was trying to show it, just as it is.

[@irinaturgueniev8284]

I really like this vid. It's showing the reality most tourists will face if they visit Japan. Informative and helpful! Thank you for sharing it with us!

[@OrientalPearl]

I'm so glad that you enjoyed it. Please stick around, there is more good stuff to come.

[@haha-eg8fj]

I wish my Japanese was as good as yours. How did you learn Japanese? And how did you make Japanese friends?

[@OrientalPearl]

haha I went to formal Japanese classes at a language school in Beijing, China for one year and then Tokyo for another year. I have many many many Japanese friends even in China. Recently, I spent a semester at Waseda University where I took classes on politics all taught in Japanese.

[@Bakingmiles]

@@OrientalPearl wow, can you share the name of this school? I really want to keep up learning japanese and I am supposed to move to beijing for work once the borders are open again! It would be amazing🥰

[@xueyuki9082]

"Look at how close these cars are" Laughs in indonesian streets

[@shotdownace8345]

Stumbled upon your channel and I love how your translating what you are saying and what they are saying. I'll sub and watch more

[@OrientalPearl]

Welcome! Thanks for joining the adventure! I am trying really hard to make good subtitles on my junky editing software. I'm no professional, but I try my best.

[@shotdownace8345]

Oriental Pearl I'll be along for the journey :)

[@Viking8888]

Ann, your videos are such a nice break from the stress of life. They just make smile!

[@OrientalPearl]

Clayton Olson That’s why I made so many recently. Hang in there!

[@enenao]

Nobody is going to point out that reaction at 5:07?: "EEEEHHHHHHH?".

[@bboychibi]

enenao What about it?

[@shiki9marshal]

That's classic japanese reaction.

[@OrientalPearl]

I'm so used to it at this point I barely even notice it lol

[@travissmith2848]

Is it really worth pointing out the equivalent of "Ahhh" as a general "I follow you and understand" kind of thing? Come on, I don't even know Japanese and it seemed perfectly natural.

[@megazoned3973]

Why? Normal. Should we point out people ware walking and breathing air too?

[@ErelasInglor]

@Oriental Pearl I'm sure you've already found out, but Yankee originated even before the Revolutionary War! :) It was actually a derivative name of the first settlers to New England which were the Dutch from the Netherlands. The name, Jan Kees was a very common surname and used as a generally derisive term by the English toward the Dutch that had settled in the region known as Nieuw Netherlands and the city, New Amsterdam--which later became New York after the English forcefully took it. Jan Kees was anglicized and turned into "Yan-kees" and stuck around to modern day. :D

[@OrientalPearl]

Thanks for your insight. lol I have been proven very wrong in the comments section ha ha but I learned something and that's what counts.

[@ErelasInglor]

@@OrientalPearl Not at all, just sharing knowledge with someone that enjoys culture. Thank you for sharing your cultural journeys as well. :)

[@cancel.lgbtq.6892]

Your channel about to explode! I really enjoy watching all of your vlogs.

[@OrientalPearl]

Yutube SuspendedMyAccount Thanks so much! I’m nervous. If it explodes people are going to see all of my typos in the subtitles. Lol I’m doing these videos so fast that there is not time to check the subtitles thoroughly,

[@kmadrig123]

Thank you for having conversational Japanese with the subtitles. I have loss my Japanese speaking abilities, as I came to the US as a child and this video really helps me to remember.

[@OrientalPearl]

That's good! I'm glad to hear that. I tried to keep the language simple so that more people could understand it.

[@ginscorpio621]

Myth 7 is SO TRUE. I once went to Japan and needed to buy some medicine for sore throat. I went up to the clerk behind the counter at the clinic and gestured to my throat, kept on repeating the word “throat” in both English and Chinese but I just got a head shake and ended up asking a Chinese worker in a pharmacy nearby instead 😅 but I’m happy that they’re patient with someone who doesn’t speak their language

[@OrientalPearl]

They are really accommodating to foreigners. They treat everyone like guests here.

[@geoffcrew6732]

You two are very cute together...Reminds me of my "younger days".

[@Baither]

pff this really kicked me hard in the feels. The lady at the small shop after you left the shop at 10:50 in the video probably wouldent lose face, from what i Experienced having friends there and bieng there was that its a philosophical value for them to be kind and even if wrong they always move forrward, actions speak louder than words, and sometimes a different road leads to something new and exiting. Im a very sentimental guy and very appreciative of the asian people, its very different and everyone i have met and talked to "even tho i had the language barrier" is very positive out of the box thinkers and never judging, first time i went to japan my wife and i went out i remembered staying at a family via Airbnb, and in the end of the day i had to go for a walk in the sundown to compose myself i was so overwhelmed by joy that i couldent hold in my tears. From the bottom of my heart Thank you japan !

[@divideandconquerasia7051]

Very informative video. Yuki-san is great.

[@OrientalPearl]

He's a really nice guy. We would have done another collaboration already if it weren't for corona.

[@user-tk6jb2qb2y]

確かに、日本のことを紹介するチャンネルなのに日本人が全く出てこない動画って多いですよね そういう動画見ると、日本の文化には興味あっても日本人には興味無いのかなぁって思ってしまいます　 日本人あっての日本なのに

[@OrientalPearl]

私もそう思います。残念なことですね。日本人は本当に優しくて、友達になりやすいです。

[@Hiislisa]

By the way I really love your outfit!

[@OrientalPearl]

Thank you! Would you believe that it came from a Lolita Fashion shop? I don't go overboard on it, but I like Japanese style clothes.

[@Hiislisa]

@@OrientalPearl i do as well, i love going to uniqlo which is my favorite store in Japan. You should check it out. Honestly that outfit you had on looked great on you! I want to get something like that but i don't think it would look great on me lol

[@Spaxuable]

I love your approach to the vlogging thing. 화이팅!!

[@OrientalPearl]

Wildblades Basically I didn’t like most of the vlogs about Japan and China out there, so I made a channel that had the things I wish vlogs talked about.

[@Spaxuable]

@@OrientalPearl even the really good travel vloggers, with amazing viewes, great shots and interesting topics have little to non interaction with the natives/locals. I didnt notice until you pointed it out. I'm super happy you do and like your style alot! :D cant wait for the next vid!!

[@RainbowY0]

Your videos helps motivate me to keep learning Japanese. Thank you 😊♥️

[@OrientalPearl]

That's awesome!

[@edgychico9311]

That's ain't Yakuza lady, the whole comment sections is the real Yakuza.

[@asmuni16]

The title should be, “Cutie pie eating strawberry”

[@OrientalPearl]

asmuni16 Next videos: eating Dangozaka on a stick and making a mess.

[@shubhangagarwal925]

@@OrientalPearl OMG 🤣🤣🤣please do that I wouldn't mind seeing you all messed up

[@kayleemikulec2361]

@@shubhangagarwal925 bro your so nasty don't talk to her like that

[@unrussleablejimmies4428]

@@kayleemikulec2361 whiteknight detected!

[@paulwalther5237]

I can’t believe you’re this conversational after only studying this extremely difficult language for two years. It’s inspiring.

[@OrientalPearl]

I lived in Japan for 2 years, but I've studied Japanese for 5 years.

[@paulwalther5237]

Oriental Pearl oh well that makes more sense but I’m very impressed and have a question. How did you immerse yourself in Japanese when Chinese was already your 2nd language of choice? How much time per day did you make for Japanese? I’m trying to learn Korean while not ignoring Japanese and it’s difficult.

[@mendellalvarado4285]

I totally enjoyed this! Looking forward to more 😃👍

[@OrientalPearl]

Thanks so much for watching it. I will make more. Yuki san is such a nice guy to teach people Japanese for free. I wanted to do him a favor and help promote his channel. Instead people took his version of the video way out of context. It hurt his channel. Amazing that we used the same video footage edited it our own way and the response was so different. People are mean and quick to jump to conclusions. Give Yuki san some love, he is very new to youtube. Send him a "like" and make this right. This is so sad. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6KbpI2MnNVsm5Y

[@mendellalvarado4285]

@@OrientalPearl Aww man, that's too bad! Was a good collaboration I thought. Side note: I was singing along the beans song with you 😁 Anyways, you rule! 😃

[@sailorondatea]

10:24 It is the same in Turkey too. If I am lost and ask for random people for directions, I just get MORE lost... Better use the map.

[@OrientalPearl]

That's so true. Smart phones are the way to go nowadays.

[@thischanneldontexist7347]

“Beans beans the magical fruit, the more you eat the more you toot the more you toot the better you feel so eat some beans with every meal” yeah guy, I know it, don’t kill me 🤓

[@kisuili]

Cuteee

[@SaltedSlug85]

Uh oh, As a kid I must've learned a slightly different version with a different ending. The more you toot the better you feel, so open your cheeks and let out a squeal.

[@myhomeistravelling1455]

So wonderful to see you speaking Japanese and Chinese in the other videos. Congrats, you have done a great job!

[@OrientalPearl]

Thanks so much! I will keep doing a mix of both.

[@whataboutbob9786]

Your interaction with the locals, is the best part. Nice content, keep it up.

[@OrientalPearl]

It's the best part about living here too!

[@dumb_ledore6689]

"That's Japanese where we repeat the same thing." Me: hold my halo-halo.

[@OrientalPearl]

I love that ice cream dessert halo-halo in the Philippines. It's purple and delicious.

[@guitaramigo]

... and bola-bola, pichi-pichi and bilo-bilo

[@tompeled6193]

I can't speak Japanese but I can hear when you use an English word in Japanese.

[@darrenlikemyfatherbeforeme]

Ive just started to learn japanese, it's so so SO hard! But watching this video inspires me, seems it can be done with enough dedication and perseverance, thank you for this video

[@OrientalPearl]

I'm so glad to hear that! Learning any language is a battle, but if you keep going, you are sure to win!

[@ClassicGal]

I like your channel, new sub. You're throwing some facts out here for us simple folks. I'm a Latina American, talking to a Japanese guy and I need to make efforts towards learning Japanese. He knows English pretty well, but if I decided to move or settle down in Japan, it will be a must. I've lived in South Korea before, but I've only visited Japan -- I have much to learn.

[@OrientalPearl]

Welcome! That's cool that you are hanging out with Japanese people.