“Reading the Air” in Japan: Why it Matters

[@celtictheknight]

Even though it sounds controversial, this is one set of skills I wish more people would develop in the western world. "Reading the Air", in a moderate manner, would be the best way to prevent people from getting overly annoying and start respecting each other's individuality and personal space. Thanks so much for bringing this topic Meshida, and explaining how it works in Japan! Another great video!

[@natebriggs580]

Great job - in other words, "The nail that sticks up gets hammered down" - having worked in corporate culture in the US for 50 years, I can affirm that "reading the room" is just as important in American corporations - nodding with an expression of real sincerity is a very useful skill.

[@giniinthebottle5777]

oh, I need to practice reading the room, so far I've only been able to do it in a library :)

[@christopheryoung3850]

In Australia it is called, 'Reading the room'. Usually it applies mostly in group situations such as work place meetings or other social gatherings (i.e. a dinner party).

[@snxpyrce1949]

In America people have tons and tons of stupid opinions and in Japan no one is willing to share their opinion for fear of being ostracized. It's opposite sides of insanity

[@1Galacticweek]

Well said

[@mistreviews]

Preach! Individualism or collectivism, both have darker sides when followed too far.

[@rontype1554]

That is why Japan has been corrupted by Western woke for some time now as such extreme validates it.

[@calvintang398]

Individualism VS collectivism Both is insane if go extreme.

[@feral_shade]

I agree! It's like the US has its own honne and tatemae, but it's reversed! In which publicly individuality is praised...but privately collectivism is revered!

[@Verbalaesthet]

When I went to Japan for the first time I spoke Japanese fluently, but since I was completely unfamiliar with the concept of reading the air I was unable to communicate with the Japanese. We would understand each other's words but not the meaning causing trouble here and there. Nowadays I understand the concept of reading the air but since I dislike it very much I hardly communicate with Japanese people.

[@amarug]

Interesting - where are you from? I am Swiss and the concept of reading the air is quite natural to me, I never seem to have communication issues with the Japanese (I am also fluent in the Language) and we mostly have good times! But cultures vary quickly. Although we are neighbors, we Swiss often struggle in communicating with Germans. To us, at times they seem like "obnoxious brutes" who are overconfident to the point that it feels very arrogant to us, too many opinions voiced out loud.... and we quickly get annoyed by it (but being Swiss, we just smile and leave slowly). That being said, I have many good German friends and this is a ridiculous generalization. But since there are so many Germans that moved here in the past 20 years, they are in average not very "liked" due to said cultural differences - like the "archetype German" is a bit of a KY to us 😅😅

[@UnimportantAcc]

@@amarug im also interested to hear where he's from. I feel like reading the room is a normal thing. At least here in UK it is similar.

[@Eedorian]

​@@amarug Well, he teaches the German language on his channel, so you probably accidentally described the roots of his problems with reading the air...

[@amarug]

@@Eedorian oh lol , i hope i wasn't rude, it would have been indicated by his nickname that he is probably german

[@alccode_]

Thank you Meshida-san for educating unsuspecting foreigners! Can vouch for this as a foreigner working in Japan for a few years. This is VERY IMPORTANT to know, especially the part about being “cancelled” for not reading the air. And it’s not even for outrageous stuff, for example if you dare to suggest an alternative method during a meeting to decide something, and if it goes against the prearranged method that this meeting is simply a formality for (which you didn’t know about), you will be cancelled! You will find common rooms you could access before will be locked and your access card won’t work anymore and other such incredibly passive aggressive “cancel” actions. Then when you bring it up they will say “oh it must have been some error”, but you know well your access must have been revoked. You will be subtly ostracized. It will be death by a thousand cuts. People will be nice on the surface with incredibly fake smiles but avoid you generally and you won’t be able to make Japanese friends. You will be labeled as a troublemaker foreigner and no one will want anything to do with you, and you won’t have any clue about it until it’s too late. As another foreigner friend of mine accurately said, “Living in Japan is slowly dying inside”. Beware!

[@John3.36]

One of the reasons why suicide is a problem. In the USA the frustrated employee would 'burn down the office' (like in movie office space for example), but in Japan, there is a subtle pressure from the group to the individual that makes the individual redirect energy to self-harm. Kind of like a "you know what you need to do" without saying it type thing. A subtle understanding that you need to quit, be perfect in conformity to the group, or suicide out. Something as simple as the concept of forgiveness would be hugely liberating for these people.

[@keeganmcfarland7507]

​@@John3.36 That "Living in Japan is slowly dying inside" is terrifying! Is there any way we could end this nightmare once and for all?

[@John3.36]

@@keeganmcfarland7507 I believe that the Gospel of Christ is the answer. If they can find forgiveness and grace in God, they can be set free of the endless cycle of group perfectionism.

[@Fakeslimshady]

What I'm curious though, is WHO decides to cause the inconvenience? Who in the group decides: Oh that guy disrupted the atmosphere, lets revoke his card? Is it the boss? Or is even the clerk himself so offended, he decides to revoke it?

[@John3.36]

@@Fakeslimshady Whoever holds power in the group or is effectively able to sway the groups power would be the one to make it happen.

[@Pericalypsis]

The Japanese education system tried to hammer the nail that is Ken Suzuki. But it failed miserably. Nothing can stop Soapland Master Ken Suzuki!

[@takuan650]

I do live in Japan but thankfully I don't work here. I was encouraged and educated all my life to be an independent creative thinker. I would not last a single day in an 'airy' Japanese company. No wonder there is next to no progress in dealing with the enormous social issues in Japan.

[@tidus37]

Back home in Puerto Rico, we have a saying “Leer el ambiente” which means read the environment. So for us it’s something similar. It may not apply to the capital, but the rest of the island is like that.

[@Lungoomba21]

Puñeta, es verdad y no me he dado cuenta hasta ahora. You are damn right about that!

[@Mecks089]

Ironically, American Sarcasm counters Reading the Room. It often ends up leaving Japanese confused and frustrated at times lol. To be fair though, Sarcasm is designed to be an insult at those who cannot see the obvious.

[@jasonph2522]

I was Social Worker in Japan and thought things would be more relaxed due to the nature of the profession. I was wrong.

[@John3.36]

Basically the job of the social worker is to convince people to 'plug back into the matrix'.

[@tiarabite]

Didn't expect meshida san to do an avatar the last airbender reference, but I loved it.

[@azon9709]

this was really interesting!

[@Niels_Oestergaard]

Thank you to Meshida for a fantastic video!

[@lilyghassemzadeh]

I have lived in Japan for 14 years, and I can tell you that such air is suffocating. Sadly my daughter who grew up in Japan and attended Japanese schools thinks this is the normal way to live.

[@Cavalier.]

It is, the normal Japanese way to live hahaha

[@r.d.x7403]

Strange how despite the culture, most Japanese people cant seem to read the air either. This is especially true for older Japanese men, who think they know everything, just because theyre older.

[@chasinthroughthedecade]

Then I guess they like being fed "beautiful lies" to suit their worldviews then. Oh well, I wish them happiness for their rest of their lives..... 😈😈😈

[@frankydaisukegiron9168]

here in the US, some men do that too thou at work even my ex's dad is so full of himself quick to judge puts his own family down and would "brag" how with age he was always right. i answered with a swift: OooOoh living a lie i see. that shut him up with the bs attitude.

[@abee8405]

Personally, when it comes to Japan, I think confucianism is more to blame than religion. Among the ultra-conservative and the evangelical, any kind of innovation or original thought is regarded as an attack on both society and them personally. From what I have gathered in conversation with Japanese, the kuuki o yomu makes it very hard to introduce new ideas or changes into a group, especially for younger people. Age and rank are extremely important. Most new ideas however, start with young people who bring a new perspective to the table. Also, contradicting someone, especially someone higher up, even in the most polite manner possible is seen as a perssonal affront. That makes a fruitful discussion very difficult if not downright impossible.

[@heidi-hu1tv]

That`s why most Japanese cannot speak freely from their hearts. And are forced to work long hours but this situation is no longer sustainable. Many will revolt and migrate to another country among the young over time.

[@23Lgirl]

Most japanese are shintoist .

[@VoiceChatbot]

Such great insight! So air is the manifestation of hierarchical structure In every micro society

[@bloodblues85]

Thanks!!! I tried my best, but giving someone a "super thanks" is a lot easier when you're face-to-face. 😅

[@10kkk_24]

Super cool video and very informative!

[@yoichi6758]

Super thanks, Meshida!

[@abee8405]

Dear Meshida, what a great & funny video! I wish children had more freedom to explore things on their own and ask questions. Yes, discussions can sometimes feel uncomfortable, but it allows children to develop more of their abilities, be more inventive. Coming from Germany, I had a similar problem when I worked in England (18 years ago): While Germans are very direct, the English are more understated, ask questions in an indirect manner (very unlike Americans). Also, some formulations are downright traps for the unwary foreigner (e.g. quiet good means mediocre...). So often, I was just able to read the air just enough to know that I was missing the point of the conversation. When I asked for clarification, I was met with embarrassed silence. Finally, I decided to just lay it all on the table (because I am actually a half-German half-Croatian who grew up in Germany but also spent a lot of time in Croatia, and in my experience there is nothing worse than letting cultural misunderstandings fester). I would say: "Sorry, I understand the words but I don't get it. I am German, so please be blunt, I can take it." End of problem. It took me about 5 months and the very good book "Watching the English" by Kate Fox to figure it out. Reading the book also let me understand the many faux-pas I had commited during the first 3 months 😅😅 Fortunately I had cool coworkers, most of whom were always ready to answer my questions ! ❤

[@Grimbago]

As a person who often disagrees with others (which is the reason I have many friends actually) , it seems to me that it would be difficult for me to blend into Japanese society.

[@honilock577]

I find it so funny that the Japanese on one side put everything into reading the room and speaking the least amount possible as to not be annoying but the pop culture is completely the opposite, all characters in media, the yuru-chara etc. are loud and outspoken and interact with as many explanations as they can XD

[@AdamOwenBrowning]

Fantasy is the the things that we can't do because it's, well, fantasy. You're so right in how funny it is. Speaking with arrogance and independence is rife in their entertainment media because, well, they don't get to do it. Speaking with individualism... is a fantasy in Japanese social circles!!

[@John3.36]

TV is often a fantasy, or escape from reality. Which is why it is popular.

[@tiarabite]

unlike some westerners who can't tell the difference between fiction and reality(unless it's something related to violence/drugs), the japanese know fiction is there as a fantasy to be able to express things that wouldn't be acceptable otherwise.

[@heidi-hu1tv]

When you read the air too much, you become a poor listener as you miss listening to the actual content of the words.

[@MichaelNedoma]

The Japanese ability to "read the air" is something that people here boast about as something that perhaps doesn't exist anywhere else, but the opposite is true. Elsewhere it's called "common sense" and also the ability to perceive one's surroundings. An environment that gives either verbal or non-verbal cues. Here, however, there is the ability to "read the air" only in situations that are embedded or already within a familiar situation. If it is a new or even unexpected situation, the ability to "read the air" seems to suddenly cease to exist and the locals either do not react at all or they have to be told verbally or non-verbally what to do, how to behave, etc. I.e. a situation that would practically not occur elsewhere due to common sense, perception of the situation and the environment occurs here because one does not know how to react, because it is either a new situation or one was not prepared for it. "空気を読む" is more or less a myth and actually a much truncated version of 'peripheral perception'.

[@haroldkoenig3532]

I very much appreciate your work. I hope I get to meet you in Japan.

[@bpshogun3748]

Meshida san, thank you for explaining such a deep sometimes abstract intangible aspect of Japan like “air” in such a fun way, in a language that everybody here can easily understand 🙏😆 this are sometimes unspoken space-time almost inter dimensional cultural nuisances we can perceive BUT cannot see yet surrounds us everywhere in Japan 🎉😂

[@the_unrepentant_anarchist.]

Great t-shirt Meshida-San!! ❤️ 🍄

[@kategerry6162]

Wow, KY! Thanks for making the effort to educate and bridge cultural gaps. You’ve connected some historical dots for me. Thank god I’m watching this before I come to Japan! I did a brief search to see if the ‘Read the Air’ book is available in English but didn’t find anything so far. Will watch this again to try to absorb more…

[@hangeishot7919]

I like that "KY" joke. And that cut off mid sentence on Lie-chan.

[@metebas3400]

Just saw your show in Asakusa. Had one of my best nights since I came to Tokyo. Cheers brother

[@Meshida]

Mate san ありがとう！

[@syx9986]

As an African-American, I would definitely not be hired by most Japanese corporations. My people have a historical cultural aversion to working long hours without pay😊

[@bahamu]

Super thanks.

[@chriscooper654]

As ever, appreciate this lesson in Japanese culture, Meshida-Sensei!

[@vivianidelacerda9708]

Love it!

[@CathyCawood]

Very interesting!

[@flamea56]

Great video

[@julnorizky]

The atmosphere of the situation made everyone agreed to put ammonium nitrate to the Takata Airbag. The top management praise the effort for cheaper production cost against people's safety. engineers who disagreed to it were exiled by society. such an interesting case of "reading the air"

[@Wokenomics_PhD]

I mastered reading the air for the sole purpose of determining who farted and who is a closet gaijin hunter.

[@freehelpingreek]

On your script at 9:54 you wrote "discussing" and you said "disgusting". Now thats a good unintentional joke!

[@nadimmahmud277]

The atmosphere forced Meshida san to make this video 😂

[@soonersciencenerd383]

very interesting- things i've learned :1)listen and learn, 2) think before asking, ask wisely, at the right time, and the right people. 3) research, 4) take responsibility, 5) self-praise, (quietly) 6) don't over-think

[@teddyjones7444]

"The best way to practice reading the rooms is to discuss politics at the dinner table" My conservative family members would agree as I discuss American politics a lot ha ha.

[@evandugas7888]

KY like an American.... that's the best thing ever

[@feral_shade]

What a fascinating video! the more I think about collectivism (and the prominence of the 'air' that it generates), the more that I recognize it in the US culture ...it's not as explicit here as it is in Japan, but I do think it's as prominent and as detrimental. For example, in the US, when a person has a problem, you often hear the phrases like, "If you don't like it, you can get out", or, "This is how we've always done it", or, "No one else has complained" In the US, there's a very visible pretense for caring about individual empowerment and struggles...but at the end of the day, it's all ignored to preserve the almighty status quo ...In the same way the almighty atmosphere is preserved in Japan. Maybe it's a deeper issue than collectivism...but that is certainly a huge influence I think legitimizes the atmosphere for Japan...and could possibly be reformed a little through changes in the education system? Overall though, I doubt it would ever be improved completely, because of other factors: huge populations, technology, etc Maybe in countries that are much smaller than Japan, they value individuality more? Anyways, thank you for another great video!! It gave me a lot to think about ❤

[@Corredor1230]

As an outsider who is well acquainted with both cultures, I think it’s quite the opposite actually. Sure, American business culture is full of pleasantries and formality, but that’s just the nature of business and corporate environments everywhere. What makes Japan pretty unique is the control “air” has on all other every day interactions, which in my opinion is taken to the complete opposite extreme in US every day life, which is much more of a “mind your own business” type of culture. For example, while some older generation folks can be obnoxious in Japan, they’re usually very toxic in a passive-aggressive way. They’ll create an atmosphere where it’ll be expected to avoid you and where interacting with you will be undesirable. Meanwhile, the American equivalent of that type of person would be the Karen. Older folks generally more confrontational, who are very outspoken and sometimes even aggressive. They’re the complete opposite. Instead of deliberately avoiding you because they don’t like you, they’ll confront you and tell you to leave. And that works in a lot of ways in the US. People will generally put themselves and their own well-being first, while Japanese will put collective wellbeing over their own good. Both kind of suck in a way, but hey, I’ve had amazing interactions and made great memories with both Americans and Japanese people, so those are not rock solid unbreakable boundaries.

[@FGBFGB-vt7tc]

As always proving that outstanding comedy can stem out of deep sociology and philosophy

[@dsgdsg9764]

As an American it is not as important to read the room but it's something I've always been particularly good at people say a lot without opening their mouths sometimes

[@7EvanPAC789]

Physics and Ethics are always intertwined, every action has an equal opposite reaction, Morality and Book of the Law (In China especially) .

[@7EvanPAC789]

Meshida look up Coffee House Crime on youtube, the Japan section features a Japanese Man who in a Japanese Court while fully demon possessed claimed to be a Fairy (Faye/Fairies is a Celtic etc. term for demon ghost like Yokai in Japan.) Though the half-breed nephilim like to shape-shift.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

"KY" in English = "Like an American" So true 😂😂😂

[@museinglis1979]

I like KY! I use it all the time! 😂

[@LorienzoDeGarcia]

The Japanese are so advanced that they read air, people. We simpletons have no hope!! Seriously though, great video, Mr. Meshida!! Sometimes it's scary how they expect you to know certain things, and yet when you do not know, they are too afraid to tell you! I genuinely think if they just get over this hurdle, Japanese people can legit rule the world lol.

[@Lithiel]

I'm not sure if I should be happy or concerned this concept of "air" is actually very familiar where I'm from. I was very much "controlled by the air" for a good majority of my life, even now, but since going to therapy I've learned to resist if the air is *beyond acceptable concentration*. Ex. In the Japanese temple where I volunteer, the 'air' about me was that as a more voluptuous woman (also non Japanese but I dun wanna pull that card yet), I was assumed to be 'impure' and could not wear a certain articles of clothing; to quote- " oh, you cannot wear that, only virginal women can."-said this old women whilst smiling and being cheerful. I, still smiling and talking cheerfully, to keep the tone consistent.- said " Oh, then I shall be *just fine*." She laughed nervously and soon the conversation switched from that topic. But this was not the only time I have received some comments now and then from the older generation about my status as a 'pure' girl. It's both fascinating and sad that this is something they share with my own church. (which I do not attend anymore) Mind you, these outliers are becoming less and less constant in the temple I think, ever since I begun to be *respectfully* resistant. Perhaps, I am changing the 'air' about me in the right way? I can only hope. Overall, my treatment is still much more welcoming and accepting than anywhere else I've served and worked.

[@mohandasjung]

Yeah, this practice is pure gaslight

[@keeganmcfarland7507]

Is there any way we could end this nightmare once and for all?

[@Tiosh]

It honestly sounds like cancel culture before it was a thing in the west.

[@kaholeung9443]

The atmosphere made many people suffer 。。。

[@humblemarty]

Reading the Room sounds like cliques in an American Highschool. Everyone has to quack along like the lead duck until one gets tagged as the "Goose".

[@somekool]

Even when outside, there is no room but you should be able to read...

[@somekool]

Please come to Akabane for a show.

[@wonghonkongjames4495]

DEAR MESHIDA SAN COMPANION WA GOOD that is why the Japanese need both "the monsters and the ultramen" If there is no "monster" there is no "ultraman" and vice versa. JA ME SHI

[@JimmyMidnite]

Very interesting comparison between cancel culture and Japanese society!

[@CerridwenAwel]

As if pollen wasn't enough of a monster in the air, air itself is the final boss. About the background influence that makes the west more likely to debate things, I don't think it has to do with monotheism, but with the Greek culture of old, and some relevant historical plot twists. Debate was big in Old Greece, of which culture was a foundation to pretty much all western cultures. Then came the middle ages, with the catholic church ruling over all narratives, removing from people the right to have opinions and unique worldviews. But then debate and reasoning came back full force, in the age of enlightenment. I believe that the western mindset (and pretty much the entire social, legal and philosophical structure) comes from the legacy of this age. A famous quote of Voltaire, "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it", speaks a little of the mindset. People were in pursuit of happiness and truth, through logic and philosophy, and were more than willing to burn everything down if needed to (sometimes quite literally, as happened in the French revolution, which is a product of the age of enlightenment). That skepticism and pursuit still lingers, and we feel the need to debate everything, trying to figure out what would be the best way out of anything, trying to think of something we didn't think before. I understand the Japanese aversion to attrition, it's really not comfortable to face people going against you. But the fact is, refusing to deal with people going against you won't make them go your favor, it will instead make them go against you on your back. It might be comfortable to avoid confrontation, but the problem will still be there, unresolved, and unfolding into other countless problems. It's a bit egoistical of me, but I wish Japan could get over this culture. I wish Japan would embrace a culture of True Harmony, where problems aren't overlooked, but instead dealt with and resolved, giving a chance for people to be truly happy, instead of needing to fake their smiles for survival. The pain of facing issues head on with honesty is rewarded with progress, growth. Perhaps it's worth it. Perhaps it leads somewhere worthwhile. What true issue is the "read the room" culture solving? what progress is it enabling? What actual happiness does it bring? Come on, Japan. May you be happy.

[@ags1370]

When I spent 9 days in Tokyo right before the pandemic, I was struck by how you could really the peace and harmony in large crowds, like walking in a huge swath of people down a staircase at rush hour. I dropped my phone without noticing, and an old man picked it up and returned it to me with a smile, and I took it back and said thank you. And we did this all without disrupting the rapid yet not rushed flow of people walking down a staircase. I live in Manhattan, so when I say this was a lot of people, this was A LOT of people. But we were all able to move with harmony and peace in a flow. There was something really beautiful about this. I agree that I love our Western way of standing out as individuals and being our true selves, but I understand why the Japanese love their harmony so much, too. If you can really feel like you are a part of it, it can make your everyday life very peaceful and pleasurable and SOOTHING.

[@siyacer]

read the room

[@AA-db9cb]

Yoda was based on Japanese people. That's why he talks like that.

[@Greenforrest7342]

There are also unspoken rules in countries other than Japan. Some unfortunate people who post insulting comments about Japan in the comments section of this video are either naive or children only.

[@aajohnsoutube]

Excellent perspective! I don’t believe is the power of 空気を読む. Often it is just ambiguity, lack of decision and people agreeing and taking most conservative actions to avoid conflict - because they don’t know how to interpret the situation either.

[@HattaTHEZulZILLA86]

I don't read cookies, I eat them. Mmm... chocolate chip...

[@MaxSMoke777]

Meshida.... F**** the air. You BE the air! Grab your balls and tell the air to follow YOU! You bend to no man, Meshida! You are the air, Meshida!

[@MaxSMoke777]

F*** the Room. Dominate the room, Make the room your B**CH!

[@LyleMizuhara]

Hang on, is the 'Read the Air' also needed while we're chit-chat on social media? (Well, I have a Japanese friend)

[@frankydaisukegiron9168]

here in the US, some men do that too at work even my ex's dad is so full of himself quick to judge puts his own family down and would "brag" how with age he was always right. i answered with a swift: OooOoh living a lie i see. that shut him up with the bs attitude.

[@andrewrivera2224]

I don’t hate the fact that it more or less means you need to grow a sense of empathy. I just hate the fact that even if you do know what someone’s thinking they will never ask directly. I have had Japanese people accidentally be direct with me and then they back pedal like “oh I’m so sorry forget I ask” and I have to tell them it’s ok I’m not offended and just answer their question.

[@valentindimitrov8275]

As far as I am acquainted with Japanese history, I would say it is the result of the Edo period human training. Is there any comparative study of the mores before and after the Edo period?

[@heidi-hu1tv]

It`s the reminiscence of the residual feudalism from post-Tokugawa period. Just be aware that this social pressurising can lead to gaslighting, victim blaming, emotional blackmailing, social bullying and low self-esteem and social anxiety from fear of making mistakes as one is constantly walking on eggshells. This is why Japan has a lot of social problems, some you don`t usually see in other socieities.

[@calvintang398]

Japan& USA ,2 opposite extreme Individualism VS collectivism😂

[@dereknelson4509]

...lol😂... keep up the good work... ### Item ### ...Saito-san, who conceived the Shinkansen, (bullet train ) is an interesting study... i don't think he let "air" bother him too much...(?)... ###

[@ThalonRamacorn]

私は空気が読めないともう諦観したんです。。。だから、何を言うのには気を付けなくなってしまった(笑)

[@armorbearer9702]

I can see the argument of blaming the "air" if the person is a grunt. If it is somebody in charge, this excuse is not gonna fly.

[@keeganmcfarland7507]

Uh-oh, that's not a good sign!😱 Is there any way we could end this nightmare once and for all?

[@7EvanPAC789]

Behold Meshida the Four Kings some of the (Shinto) Japanese Emperors dedicated shrines and Temples too. Revelation 7:1 KJV “And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.”

[@RonaldoSanchez-g1y]

in America business you have to read the air also, you just won't find out if you fucked up for real until 6 months later when they put you on the PIP (performance improvement plan - it's a roadmap for HR to fire you without any negative consequences for them)

[@hijeffhere]

I don't think brainwashing is the appropriate term, I think it should be "gaslighting" 😂

[@eagleeyemind4800]

Wow.

[@stebopign]

so basically... gaslighting.

[@Ethereal_Night_96]

yep

[@Bobi8876-m9y]

Anyone else learn about this fron a very particular game?

[@Cavalier.]

I think I'll be fine in Japan, i know how to read the room... the problem is eye contact, i gotta have it and they won't have any...

[@Across_]

Funny way to say , *"Just don't be a 'dic', for no reason, to those around you?"* I'm kidding, I like your videos man, but this particular topic just made me think that almost immediatly! Edit: I realize that it's not that simple, like I said i was kidding BUT still... I refuse to believe that group harmony has to come at the cost of individual "suffering"... I know it happens! All I am saying is that... it REALLY doesn't have to be that way, but alas... old habbits die hard I guess!?

[@duncanluciak5516]

This one seemed more serious. Pay attention, asocial weebs dreaming of going to Japan!

[@southcoastinventors6583]

Weebs if they actually go to Japan usually just stay in Tokyo, since they can't speak the language.

[@keeganmcfarland7507]

Also, is there any way we could end this nightmare once and for all?

[@is9828]

Reading the air is another way to describe conformity.

[@ayanokoji888]

Lie chan advertising😂 nice knowledge!

[@josipdimin6006]

The air is something that you were supposed to breathe in and breathe out, not something that you should read!

[@ian_s7481]

I think I got it ‘wong’ one time. 😜😜 The Japanese need an air freshener cos it stinks.😂😂😂😂

[@ナハスリスリム]

外国人種に日本人の特性を教えた所で理解する事も出来ないので諦めましょう。彼らは自分達ルールを押し付けるだけです。理解に務める方々には親切な対応をお願いいたします。

[@ruthxk7844]

Yes, here that is called "common sense". Although trends come and go and some years you are expected to have "common sense" and at some other moment you are expected to be an honest, original saviour who saves us all from "common sense". Both solutions (revolution or tradition) have dark sides to it.

[@AdamOwenBrowning]

anime fans with autism and an inability to read the room be like:

[@southcoastinventors6583]

Yeah but anime fans can't speak Japanese so they couldn't participate anyways.

[@heidi-hu1tv]

The salary man drinks after work to relieve the stress from not being himself the whole day. It`s decompression from all that work at maintaining 2 different personalities in one body and bosses there take advantage of this and makes many workers disquietly unhappy.

[@exxon5430]

Do you mean in japan train, people sing or chat on phone or talking nonstop in train. Play loud music in train not allow is it becos of Air?😂 In my country people enter train can chitchat 1 hr or more nonstop. Some play loud music some even dance in train. But i prefer quiet train so noisy

[@Supermariocrosser]

Air was supposed to be about group harmony But who decided the setting of Air ? If a Japanese boss creates an air everyone should follow as a virtue because he likes and the employees dont like it and he says well because im the boss and you not , how is there even harmony ? Thats hierarchical obedience. If you want to create air , it's should be consented by the employers and the employee

[@tirtosoenaryo7376]

I am living in Japan, and I am trying to master the ability, but somehow, it is kinda difficult. Probably there is a need for schools of airbender before coming to Japan. Lolololol

[@eyebeebak]

in other words japanese are like robots doing the same thing like everybodys else.

[@KAPANGAAAMASTER]

It's interesting how such a skill could be used against people. Whoever stands out, wants to create a bad atmosphere and is casted away.... whoever put himself the cuffs and keeps a low sight, is OK.

[@museinglis1979]

That’s why EVERYONE in Japan (I’m in Tohoku) is still wearing masks 😷 (except me!)! 🤦‍♂️ Whereas the rest of the world isn’t… Why???? …cuz no one wants to stand out, be rude or cause a social disturbance ! 😅