Why Are Japanese ANGRY With Japanese Media

[@ThatJapaneseManYuta]

A lot of people are wondering why the school decided to hold a press conference in the first place. Well, we don't really know the reasons, but there are some possibilities: - The company behind the school (or possibly their lawyer) thought it would be a good idea to clarify things. - They did it so that the media would leave their kids, parents and other teachers alone. But I'm curious about what you guys think of the conference so please check it if you speak Japanese. If you don't speak Japanese, try my free Japanese lessons here: bit.ly/38vjBm8

[@StrangerHappened]

Thanks. I think that the very fact of this press conference being held is the culprit of the drama rather than journalists whose job is to be ruthless in covering the situation, including digging out raw feelings of those who are related to it, even if they are not powerful people like ministers. Journalists even have special training sessions during their education to completely remove their own emotions such as pity when they are doing their jobs. That said, none of what could have possibly be discovered via the press conference has any actual relevance to anything so that ruthlessness of journalism was misplaced. Also, the media as a business and editors deserve critique as they give journalists tasks.

[@jocelynshaw7612]

@@StrangerHappened I completely agree!!!

[@Malady]

I'd like to see more videos like this where you discuss current events in Japan within a cultural context.

[@sergioss8331]

Hi! Sergio from Mexico. I think Japanese media could have chosen better questions and there should be a more empathetic protocol when someone cries or feel bad on TV.

[@tinascousin]

That poor woman was distraught. Understandably so. As you said, it was a press conference so the media would’ve reasonably expected that questions could be asked. But her colleagues’, or the company lawyers’, decision that it was appropriate for her to be there, or to stay there, given how obviously distraught she was (surely this must have been apparent prior to the press conference?), is just bizarre and, ultimately, pretty callous. Perhaps they felt her tears would convey contrition, despite neither she nor the school having perpetrated any crime. Maybe that’s the only cultural element of this. Yes there were some silly questions from the journalists, but that’s always the same in any situation like this, in any language, anywhere in the world. Journalists are always desperately scrambling for click bait, that’s just how it is these days. Ultimately I feel the only real wrongdoing here was making that poor woman front the media in the first place. I feel really sorry for her experience - as if she hadn’t already been traumatised enough that day!

[@Tenosyn]

Hating the media seems to be a universal constant.

[@lazergurka-smerlin6561]

Ah fake news, delicous

[@PirateTHESteam1]

The media and journalists are working in a very public sphere where everyone can see what they're doing and how. This leaves them open to criticism. They also play a crucial role in influencing both policy-making and societal opinion which again makes it easier to critisize them and for people to conjure up whatever conspiracy theory they want. We as humans are very fond of generalizing (we like to think if terms of us vs them) journalists which leads to irrational hate of all news publications just because the actions of one.

[@justsomeguywithlasereyes9920]

What else is new, doesn't change that we need them, otherwise we'd be like puppets under blind government rule and that's not even an exaggeration.

[@MustafaKulle]

Their overall behaviour isn't very moral.

[@justsomeguywithlasereyes9920]

That is true, all thanks to the fucking tabloidization of recent times.

[@kiDkiDkiD12]

I love these kinda videos where you explain the Japanese mindset and the current events in the Country, Thanks!

[@NekoBoyOfficial]

Japanese people rarely get involved in politics or activism so it's refreshing to see many participate in a wholesome cause.

[@kuronosan]

This should have been a press release, not a conference. The school staff should be seeing grief counselors, not having microphones shoved in their faces. The media is at fault for even participating in the conference.

[@nachtphysik7168]

I'm more surprised why the principal even called for that conference on the very same day. Even if it was necessary to have a conference (which I agree was odd), why did the principal drag the nursery teacher on to the stage as well? Why not him and some other people who are in charge of the school but weren't there during the accident instead of her? That makes no sense.

[@ZombieSlayerTakashi]

Japan seems to love using conferences as a means to publicly shame business people. So much so that it is a trope in anime that involves a corporations that have fucked up big time.

[@erikjj235]

Reminded me of the media frenzy of the columbine high school shooting in Colorado.

[@fahmiibrahim3477]

Remind me with gintama parody where the press conference expected to get some kind of apology or someone to blame.

[@sugaminny1447]

I don't think the media is at fault for attending (i mean that's what they're there for..), but the inappropriate questions instead.

[@remko2]

I'm Dutch ... and we are probably the most direct people you can find, but I definitely got an accusatory vibe from some of those questions...

[@javelinmaster2]

Niet alleen dat. Ze gingen gewoon door ook al was zij in tranen. Dat is gewoon totaal onbeleeft! (Not only that. They kept on going while she was in tears. That's just completely insensitive/rude!)

[@poeissalty5807]

As someone who is also Dutch, I can say that those questions sounded very accusatory to me as well

[@leesimone2]

Same here, I felt uncomfortable for her! 🥺

[@alexcarter8807]

Interesting .... New York City was originally Dutch, and New Yorkers are famed for their refreshing directness.

[@PainterVierax]

As a French (hello neighbors :) ), I have the same feeling. No need to keep asking some questions to her that will be answered later by a Police announcement.

[@AnimilesYT]

3:45 When I heard those questions I completely understood why they were angry. They're essentially questioning her to find something to put the blame on her.

[@ShanaLeigh]

I work in Otsu. This whole situation is so heartbreaking. Definitely shouldn't blame the teachers at all, and those questions insinuate that it's the teachers' fault in some way (even in American culture).

[@jasonirwin4631]

I don't think there would have even been a press conference by the school in this case. Local law enforcement and both of the drives sure but the school would have just given a brief statement expressing grief. Most of the average American reactions would be to place blame and demand extreme punishment for one of the drivers.

[@ShanaLeigh]

Jason Irwin oh, in America, absolutely! I’m sure there would have been a small minority questioning the actions of the teachers, but I think the vast majority wouldn’t even think “well, what were they doing that they didn’t prevent this?”

[@jasonirwin4631]

@@ShanaLeigh sadly I think any real possibility of preventing a accident like this from happening again (if that is even possible) would break down into fighting and name calling. The media's reaction to this doesn't seem that different than what I say when I was in Japan a few years ago. Allot of your in charge so you must answer for something unexpected and out of your control.

[@101jir]

@@jasonirwin4631 Or both drivers, I think in this case both would not be unlikely.

[@disdanny]

I can see why they got mad. Media was in the wrong.

[@QuanBrown27]

MightyFine Like you said as always. That’s ain’t nothing new. Like it or not. 🤷‍♂️

[@bisleyy3347]

I don’t care what you said, I just liked because yu

[@polinttalu7102]

@@bisleyy3347 I don't care what yu said*

[@MustafaKulle]

I'm sorry hear to about what happened. I think the press conference was way too soon, it should have been done after a thorough investigation by the police. That way everyone would have all the information they need. The press has a responsibility to show respect to people who suffer traumatic events.

[@sakura2004]

I watch the lady cry and bury her head in her hands and continue to cry. hearing with the questions were just makes it sound even more horrible.I can understand why they had the press conference that day and with someone from the nursery.I thought the whole thing was inappropriate and shame on news reporters for trying to put the blame on anyone except for the drivers of the cars. The one thing that makes me happy out of all of this is that the Japanese are questioning what they watch

[@williamyang8799]

I mean, why do a press conference on the same day that fast? Should've waited a day for everyone to collect their thoughts. That's all I got to say about this.

[@shafwandito4724]

Japan is very fast when doing a reaction. It's not surprising that a press conference quickly released

[@the_betrayerillidanstormra4350]

William Yang from the time I lived in japan when something bad happens they always held the press conference the same day

[@101jir]

Media generally wants to get on new events as fast as possible to get the information out before competitors. This leads to a lot of problems, here we see issues being treated insensitively. One frequent thing that I have seen with US news is that a lot of the information is poorly researched or a lot of facts are not out yet, and the stories that come out are pretty inaccurate.

[@2456tack]

Press conference was absolutely, totally unnecessary as this is what the police does and, as Yuta says, they are 100% victims without any faults. Apparently, the kindergarten decided to have the media conference in order to avoid that they go to the parents of those kids, 2-3 years old, who unfortunately passed away by the car accident😔

[@ToaHurlak52]

I felt the remorse and despair when that lady broke down.

[@fedlarc1295]

Poor head teacher, she's having a bad day..;-;

[@chiefpurrfect8389]

Yeah, I lost my father unexpectedly years ago and I could barely function because of the shock for days, I can't even imagine having to give a press conference in front of an entire country the very same day... I get that the journalists wanted their story but they could have been more considerate of the person in front of them and articles capitalizing off her breakdown/the horrors the children witnessed are definitely immoral. Media is the same everywhere it seems.

[@fedlarc1295]

@@chiefpurrfect8389 yup

[@fedlarc1295]

@@ayzalyohan it is ;-;

[@NocturnalMortum]

And the parents ? They have the worst day of life because the children are death...

[@leecrawford6560]

@@NocturnalMortum and that's even worse in the big picture children are dead, definitely something nobody wants publicized all over tv

[@ArdaKaraduman]

This woman has an enormous burden. She has to answer to deceased kids parents, re-connect with the school kids and soothe the effects of the tragedy (if they are going to continue the nursery school. sometimes they just close and open another branch with new staff). She must get support, not insinuating questions. And certainly not from the media. If she has to answer for something, it should be handled in a private interrogation. I'm glad to hear that the Japanese people stood up for this woman. And thank you for explaining the situation. My condolences for all the losses ...

[@mueffe1357]

Not if PTSD got to her first.

[@dermmerd2644]

I think media overall are only looking for drama... but we, the readers, are equally to blame since we look for it. So, yeah, I do think they would be considered very rude over here too (Sweden).

[@theramendutchman]

Exactly, I know emotions and stories sell better than a bullet list of facts, but this just seems very inconsiderate. Even in my native languages (English and Dutch)!

[@Norleon777]

Agreed. Tabloidization, drama reporting and all this insensitive, click-bait bullshit needs to be condemned, but we also mustn't forgive that this kind of reporting didn't come out of thin air. It exists because there's a market for it, i.e. people actually looking for this kind of content. The Japanese people who are enraged right now and push back against such a style of reporting are doing a good and necessary job, but they also have to encourage other Japanese people to stop supporting these shenanigans. A neutral, fact-oriented press may seem to be much more boring than one which caters to "juicy drama", but the merits of such a professional media landscape cannot be stressed enough. I hope Japan can sort this out soon.

[@MustafaKulle]

That's the problem. People in general are addicted to drama, which is why they go on clickbaits, online newspapers, and watch tv. This is why the press is so big to begin with. Ditch the social media. Don't watch tv.

[@Norleon777]

@@MustafaKulle Heck, it happens everywhere, just look at how KZbin changed within the past couple years. Whenever I take a look at the front page, it's drama without end. That being said, I actually do believe that social media can be used for professional journalism, as can TV. It's just that drama bullshit is more profitable, which isn't just a shame, it's downright dangerous and needs to be countered somehow. I just can't say how exactly, which sucks.

[@chiefpurrfect8389]

I was gonna comment that too (I'm European). People don't have much faith in the media and bash it all the time, but I feel like we must not forget that the parts of it that are disingenuous and disrespectful wouldn't exist if they didn't sell.

[@kaioocarvalho]

Japanese people: *gets angry at media* Brazilians: first time?

[@Miawzhies]

Philippines: almost everyday? Yes?

[@dillonsimms9610]

American media: Kim k brand new butty.

[@trullo222]

More like "The rest of the world: "

[@FIPSorg]

Germany: Hold my Bier...

[@XSpImmaLion]

I think for western viewers, the fact that the nursery school felt like they had to do a press conference in the first place is bad enough, independent on what questions journalists made. It's kinda like that case where one idol who was being stalked and reported to the police had to say she was sorry for troubling fans with her personal issues. The general perception is that victims shouldn't be further harassed for something that happened to them, which unfortunately does happen a lot. So, if there was to be a target of questioning from press outlets, that'd be the drivers involved in the accident. If this wasn't possible, then it'd be authorities who were first at the scene - police, investigators, and perhaps people who were there at the scene. But I think it's a very very good thing if people are getting angry at sensationalism specifically, because really, that shit has to go. I'd take a society in which part of the people get angry and vocal at something they perceive as sensationalist any day over societies and countries that just accept that as part of how news work (I'm a journalist myself). Sometimes, it's not even the case. Perhaps it wasn't the intention of the journalists and news organizations for this particular case. But identifying sensationalism to the point of it becoming a major complaint requires a degree of critical reasoning that is unfortunately becoming kinda rare. And if journalists are becoming insensitive in their work because they justify everything on "we need to put the information out regardless of ethics and morals", or worse "we need to cover this because it'll appeal to viewers emotions and get more people involved - for the clicks", then I think the readers and consumers have the right to have a say against certain practices. Because a lack of response or a lack of guidance on ethical limits that journalists should have, potentially leads to some pretty messed up things in culture (imho) like celebrity culture, yellow press, tabloid journalism, paparazzis, propaganda news and whatnot. Most modern news organizations have already lost this balance, and Internet is taking over as a source of information where ethics and morals have taken the backseat and it's becoming more like a free for all situation. Western accusations against the press these days in western shores seems to surmise itself to "fake news" accusations by some people who presents no arguments, no justifications, nothing concrete as basis for the accusation - which is simply slander. It adds nothing to the discussion, it doesn't make anything better, and just generates more tribalistic behaviour. So complaints yes, but as long as you can provide a reasoning for it always. So yeah... I think if people who are being critic of the journalists questions and questioning, plus questioning why the heck they are centering articles and pieces so much on the nursery school instead of having a broader look on the entirety of the case itself, they certainly have the right to, and should do it appropriately. One sided views that focus too much on single elements on a case are just bad, if the subject is being covered extensively, it's the press job and responsibility to gather as many point of views as possible, give a balanced outlook, and not focus too much on people who are obviously in a fragile emotional state where they aren't able to give pondered responses.

[@Un1234l]

A lot of people cry fake news and don't give backing points because at this point the prevalence of fake, misrepresented news is so rampant it takes up too much time and mental energy to be vigilante about listing out all the evidence. Plus they'd refer to resources for more information, and even with the evidence there would be lengthy, fallacious arguments they'd have to attend to and invest their limited time in. It's not worth it is the end to argue with ignoramuses, and preaching to the wall who wilfully ignore all evidence, so eventually they just stop and just claim fake news and move on. Journalism's persistent bullshit and lack of integrity exhausted the caring quota for many people. The SJWs have taken over news and provided false narratives for years. At some point you just break up with the abuser rather than deal with their shit anymore, other than to say "I told you so" to former skeptics.

[@blooo96]

I don't think this is because of Japanese culture. I think these journalists would get flak no matter where this took place. You shouldn't ask these kinds of questions to someone grieving, period.

[@kuroneko2575]

In Japan we call these media’s マスゴミ(massgomi) instead of マスコミ(masscomi). Gomi means garbage

[@mikicerise6250]

We have a similar word in Spain. "Telebasura". 'Teletrash' instead of 'television'. :p

[@soundknight]

I think a minute silence for the victims would have been appropriate in the conference. The victims are the reason why they were three.

[@joebroadinjapan]

I say this very honestly: I think Yuta is one of the best journalists in Japan. I trust his videos more than the official news outlets.

[@DonS90]

Media is bullshit.. They always publish fake news

[@SasukeUchiwa104]

Well it's not exactly fake news, but it is very biased.

[@bestrafung2754]

@@SasukeUchiwa104 Most of the time, yes, although you do get fake stuff too something. Both sides do it.

[@bestrafung2754]

i agree he's the best. He's an actual Japanese person who lives in Japan and talks about Japan. Also he doesn't spread any biased left-wing OR right-wing bullshit (both sides do it and it's stupid). He just does research and is neutral instead.

[@Dandandandandandandandandanda1]

It's amazing how far media will to get clicks and views.

[@n0vafoccus]

Honestly, to some extend it is their job. But its a blurred lines. They have to report on cruelsome crimes/accidents every day.

[@TLH1999]

Jokes on you..... I already know he dies in end game

[@Dandandandandandandandandanda1]

@@TLH1999 at this point, everyone already knows about it. I want to change my username back but youtube won't let me. So i'm stuck with outdated spoiler as my username.

[@TLH1999]

@@Dandandandandandandandandanda1 loool

[@jeremykyles567]

@@Dandandandandandandandandanda1 change ur Google acc name

[@Grim2]

So even Japan couldn't escape tabloidization of the media... :\

[@SuviTuuliAllan]

It's called capitalism.

[@paxhumana2015]

@@SuviTuuliAllan ...and Communism and a shit ton of other names as well.

[@canmufu3923]

Japanese media has long been one of the most tabloidized in the world.

[@jorgevecinocastro3407]

@@canmufu3923 European media: hold my beer.

[@SuviTuuliAllan]

Bread and circuses. Governments love tabloids and other such nonsense because they keep people focused on things that don't matter. Only religion has been more effective at it. Tabloids are a product of capitalism. Authoritarianism and capitalism feed each other. Capitalists have even co-opted anarchism, albeit in name only as anarcho-capitalism is an oxymoron. We need to dismantle these power structures if we desire to be free!

[@AceMoonshot]

I know this may not be the best time to say this. Given the topic of insensitivity. But trust me. I fully empathize with all involved and my heart goes out to them. But I wanted to say something that I have wanted to say for quite some time. Several topics that you have commented on have been such that even before the video started I was prepared to disagree with you ...but each time you have truly impressed me with your even-handed approach. You are amazingly fair and balanced in presenting all sides. Even sides I would oppose are presented by you in such a way that I can gain a truer overall understanding. Thank you and keep it up, you are doing God's work. And again, my heart goes out to all in Japan who are affected by the tragedy.

[@fira6296]

this is awful.. i hope the injured victims are doing fine..

[@Mari-hb5do]

ChiraFuchiち they died. the car went out of the road and into the street, ending up hitting the children and even though aid was given it was too late.

[@adlerzwei]

I don't think it's a cultural thing. The media were in the wrong. In Germany they wouldn't be allowed near the teacher. The people who are directly impacted after a situation like that are usually not shown in the press....maybe some neutral witnesses who were near by. And the questions were definetly not neutral. It sounded like a police interrogation. I don't even think the police would ask such questions because the pedestrians were the only truly blameless people. =(

[@danielhadida3915]

Your comment makes it 100% a cultural thing, though.

[@danielcuevas5899]

Daniel Hadida exactly, what he said was ENTIRELY about the culture. Which makes question if he knows what he just typed.

[@Marcin_Pawlik]

That kind of stuff always makes me angry too, I don't even watch news anymore. I wouldn't wish this kind of media conference to anyone...

[@riverrain30]

Yahoo still exists in Japan. Lol

[@ThreadBomb]

Yeah, nice to have a little light relief in this story.

[@DonS90]

Lol are you living in cave.. Yahoo has been in Japan since long time ago

[@Copperskull1]

I had a good laugh at that line despite the subject of the video. He was so matter-of-fact about it that I don't know if it was meant to be a joke, which made me laugh even harder.

[@GlassesnMouthplates]

Not surprised seeing that Japan is one of the three countries that still actively use Yahoo Auctions (the other two being Taiwan & Hong Kong) while the rest of the world have discontinued the service, like... more than a decade ago.

[@dolphinboi-playmonsterranc9668]

@@DonS90 Not many people use Yahoo today is what he was saying. Everybody uses Google and Firefox.

[@mfebronie7639]

Media should have more emphaty on case like this. Btw, I like this kind of content, more update news or event from japan please

[@skoolwifi3835]

You're mad at your media???? OH BOY DO I HAVE NEWS FOR YOU!!!

[@SolDizZo]

Skool Wifi 💁🏻‍♂️ the more you know

[@NHDOreBros]

Badumtss

[@ahmadzaki311]

"Because Yahoo still exist in Japan" Idk why i find this funny HAHAHHAHHHA

[@alexcarter8807]

Japan is old-school in a lot of ways. Even Hawaii, where I grew up, is like that. For instance, telemarketing is dead in the US, except for Hawaii. I bet there are still some dial-up BBS's in Hawaii.

[@bestrafung2754]

@@alexcarter8807 Telemarketing is dead in the U.S? In the UK we still do that shit all the time for some reason.

[@heyalfikr]

6:25 that tweet mentioned NGT. Must be about the assault on Yamaguchi Maho. That's another example of how media coverage focus more on things that sells. If only they go hard on AKS & the idol management things would be different. Poor Maho had to leave & she don't get justice. Not to mention, the other idols still left open for the same threat & danger.

[@Cyribro]

Yuta, you're a good teacher man. I've been receiving your lessons now for about a month and I've definitely been trying the suggested techniques.

[@mausklick1635]

Thanks for presenting the story in such a well-structured manner.

[@Lazereed]

Wow a lot of stuff happend during that press conference, When she cried, a lot of people in chat wanted the reporters to stop and when the reporters kept asking her questions the chat insulted the media and kept asking them to stop, it was very emotional I have to say...

[@Renaeissance]

Ideally the school should of just sent out an email/letter addressed to the parents/guardians explaining the event and listing the facilities available for the children (counselling, etc). The highschool I went to did this on multiple occasions, and it was quite effective. R.I.P.

[@imthecoolest50]

Renae good idea

[@JBobbyB]

The entire situation is horrendous, my mother used to drive "difficult" children to their special school. Much like Japan has rails sometimes to keep people from falling into the street, this road had the same deal. One pole was missing. A kid was sort of playing on his step (might not be right word, skateboard with two wheels and a steering bar) and fell at the exact spot where a bar was missing, onto the road, right when a big truck came by there. Trucks normally never take that route even... My mother saw it all happen and told the kids to look the other way, they had not noticed yet. Thank god for that, it was a kid from the same school. These kind of stories are just horrible, it reminds me of the fact that no matter how small a chance may be, if you have so many people and so many opportunities, freak accidents like this will happen. :(

[@larosered1514]

Scooter?

[@The_TermiGator]

And everything happens so quickly, usually no chance to react

[@ninjal7588]

I think the conference was stupid, it wasn't the nursery schools fault the car drove on the kids. Rather question the one breaking the traffic rules if you have to get your media clicks.

[@jakevikoren]

Loved this video! Thank you for talking about such an important subject. I think the world (especially Japan) needs to work on becoming more vulnerable and empathetic. Being able to open up and cry in the wake of such a horrible tragedy is essential to our humanity. Becoming closed of and building emotional walls between ourselves and strangers, or even those we love most, is a very destructive behavior. We need more compassion in the world! There is so much to cry about, it is important to foster safe spaces where people can open up about how and why they hurt.

[@RenShredder]

Thanks for your videos, they are very informative. This is a tragic story, strength and love to all the people involved...

[@Blueblaze180]

Stopped at 3 mins in...tbh even if the questions were something positive its the pressure that your putting on someone who is clearly still mourning the loss of her students thats the real problem. I understand why they are angry.

[@marioc.7198]

I don't know if it is costumary in Japan to do press conferences when things like this happen, but personally I think it was a bad idea in the first place. The school followed all safety procedures when waiting to cross the road and the teachers could also have been killed in the accident. Like the children, the school staff were victims too. By doing the press conference, the school is shifting the attention from the drivers (the real culprits) and focusing on innocent people.

[@HelgeMoulding]

What a horribly sad story! I do feel a lot of sympathy for the head teacher who was expected to maintain her composure in the face of these questions.

[@ParallelPenguins]

It’s a horrible situation when ever any kid dies, no matter the cause, but in a tragic accident it’s also a surprise and it’s hard to know how to act or what to say or do right away. My heart goes out to the families and all affected by this.

[@deus_ex_machina_]

1:08 Actually it's worse than that. The kids were in the right place at the wrong time.

[@2456tack]

Yeah, I am super pissed off 😠 !!!

[@niezyje8922]

takuya nishimura glad to hear it from a local

[@Pspisripoff]

@ Yuta, no you are right, those questions were stupid, uncalled for and there is no one who wouldnt get really mad over them, its unacceptable!

[@H250V]

That is probably the textbook definition of being between a rock and a hard place. To be expected to answer certain questions when the incident could be considered an uncontrollable act of fate (the drivers in question should have been more careful, but once that happened, there was little that could be done by then and it happens to be a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time) must be a really horrible position to be put in. I don't think I could have taken it well either. It's pretty unfortunate.

[@jazz3799]

This is a tragic story and I can’t even imagine the pain and grief that the families and teachers are feeling. I think that the school should have done a press release instead of a conference where so many questions where allowed. The cultural differences in what is considered polite in different countries is interesting to me. Hearing your explanation of Japanese people avoiding direct questions, I do think that the press could have been more considerate especially due to the heart wrenching nature of the incident.

[@TheEleventeen]

Thank you Yuta for taking time and making an effort to make this video. It’s a difficult topic to talk about. I found your channel a long time ago, and I want o say that you make wonderful videos.

[@KuroSteve1]

Thank you very much for your background story! Highly appreciated!

[@TrainingMacro]

I think they should've held the press conference at a later date. When you are emotional you're less likely to give proper and accurate responses. That said, some questions, especially those to remind people of the emotional impact, should not be asked. I don't think a lot of brainpower is required on the matter as far as the nursery goes: you cannot mobilize 10+ adults on a whim and when a car is headed for them they tend to panic; here we're talking about 30+ children. There is just no way you can mitigate someone driving his murder weapon into a crowd of infants unless you segregate pedestrians properly with fences, bridges, etc. And even if these things are present a car with enough horsepower can still plow through. As for the car that drove into them, considering the expected speedlimit (40km/h) the driver should've had no problem stopping the car in time. Likely the driver panicked and floored the accelerator pedal rather than the brake. Generally 40km/h wouldn't be deadly unless the kids were squashed in some way, furthermore the stopping distance of a modern car for 40km/h is virtually non-existent. Now there would be a bit about being able to read traffic. But when vehicle speeds are too low, people actually become unreadable. This is because their braking behavior has too much overlap with their options. If a car is driving 100km/h and needs to brake for a 50km/h turn then you can know it's planning to turn because the braking pattern is going to 50km/h; you can tell it's stopping because the car keeps braking. Braking beyond the necessity of your actions is usually a(n unpunished) traffic violation and can draw the ire of the drivers around you. When you drive 40km/h it's harder to distinguish if you're braking to stop or braking to turn, since if a car has to brake for a turn when it's already driving 40km/h you're generally looking at 10km/h turns; and this while the braking distance of 40km/h is virtually non-existent to begin with. So the driver of the oncoming car would already have a really hard time avoiding the accident, even when paying attention. That leaves the instigator who was either malicious or not looking in front of him/her. This generally happens again when vehicle speeds are too low. I mean... have you ever seen a speeder not paying attention in traffic? As a daily commuter I've NEVER seen a speeder not paying attention to what is going on around him and often these people are far better at avoiding accidents than those that driving much slower. So when taking all that in account, the media definitely should be going after government rather than asking the nursery school what they could've done different. They could ask questions to get a clearer picture on the incident, but they should definitely avoid asking leading questions. Instead the government should be thoroughly grilled as to why two licensed drivers were sleeping at the wheel at the same time and at least one of them doesn't know how to prevent escalation while in a collision.

[@andrewl2470]

Why weren't the drivers under question by the media? The drivers need to be reprimanded and scrutinised, not the teacher

[@noragamishiro]

My condolences to the families and all those affected by this tragedy.

[@oussamaladhari550]

As you said they should question ministers the responsible for infrastructure and transportation Not asking victims as the head-school teacher

[@qaztim11]

horrible, horrible event, my heart goes out to the parents and children affected by this tragedy

[@Salty010]

that tragedy it feel like people try their best the avoid it.. but its just so darn unfortunate they no one see it coming....

[@eldaftbro]

I truly understand how bad she feels.... very unfortunate and sad.

[@Murph1989sean]

Very interesting Yuta! Your part about the subtlety of Japanese questioning was definitely the most interesting part!

[@IceBreak23]

i saw that on the news, that was very sad to watch, they can ask a question but let the woman take a break after that accident, her heart is broken

[@michaelpodgorski1692]

My heart goes out to her and the childrens families.

[@sigurdtheblue]

I can totally understand the direct questioning thing. I only get very direct questions from family and friends of family when they come over and my parents also do it. They NEVER give up on it and it should be clear that I don't react well to it. The direct questions feel like things they should ask only if they know me on a personal level, yet they seem to be socially accepted for a family member on the familiarity level less than a stranger.

[@kingeruchannel6704]

yup not only Japan maybe around the world had the same problem... Indonesia too, many people here less trust about what media said cuz they always make it so extravagant

[@Batousai45gameplays]

I really understand this anger, in Brazil (I'm Brazilian) something similar happened, a mother just lost her son and a report bothered her to give an interview

[@xxwallzxx4509]

My condolences to the family of the lost kids. Even though they were in her care. She couldn't control the situation of the accident. Just the wrong place at the wrong time. She did carry a burden as they were in her care. Also for the questions as I don't speak Japanese. It depends on the questions in general and how they were received. Like if they were throwing them at her in a more loud toned or any other way that seemed like they weren't calmly asked. Then yes. The anger from the person asking the questions can be taken in a different way that is accusatory. But I can understand that the questions needed to be asked. 🙂

[@helsiclife]

I like this format. I like to listen to you talking about news or situations trending in Japan and giving us your opinion!

[@ジャガイモ-b4h]

The video is all fine and good but I can't help but grin alongside Yuta when he gets to his ever smoother seamless ad transition at the end.

[@TheChestnutBowl]

I think media outlets should be examined and criticized when they go too far or are too sensational, but for the most part I find that people are too lazy when they lambast "the media", especially since most complaints boil down to concerns about bias or propriety rather than concerns about facts. Regarding the nursery school, I thought it was odd they held a press conference in the first place, and I can't help but wonder what was meant to be achieved. Some of those questions were indeed odd, but if you open up yourself to public questioning that is always a risk.

[@julia970y6v]

Especially since most people who criticize "the media" then turn to "alternative" media which is even more sensationalized and confrontational.

[@simovihinen875]

I find it completely unnecessary to hold some press conference on the SAME DAY. Absurd. As others have pointed out, consuming sensationalist media content makes you part of the problem.

[@TeddyB3ARGaming]

People always look for something to complain. Reality is often disappointing.

[@leonkenedy4616]

its always sad when an innocen kid dies. it doesnt matter where or how. its just sad...

[@joefromravenna]

Frustration with media is a worldwide phenomenon. Media wants drama. Media creates drama.

[@sanghaforce2951]

saw the conference video , poor lady suffering from regret without any mistake

[@ready2]

Well if I had my kids in any nursery school I would damn sure want to know if they are doing their job properly. It is important to know if they did everything properly and also it is important to know what they are doing to prevent or at the very least mitigate accidents like this. I don't care that the teachers were not directly at fault they HAVE to be prepared for any situation when they have children entrusted to their care. See if there is anything that can be learned from this tragedy that in the future can be used to better cope with unknown situations like this.

[@stevehapp]

no need for press conference. good work yutasan.

[@doriangz]

I love this video. More on current events, pop culture, celebrity news, "what's buzzing" in Japan seen through the Yuta wisdom and prism of Japanese culture. Very interesting.

[@nabukuma]

Tragic situation, I wonder if nursery school excursions will be banned after this incident?

[@krissydiggs]

That's so tragic. It breaks my heart... That poor teacher has already been through so much, why make a public display of her agony. That's going to be irreparably damaging for her, no doubt.

[@は私です彼の名前]

Beyond sad...I am sorry for all involved. Please pray for the teacher and parents of all of those children. This is a burden no one would ever want to bear. And a press conference was inappropriate, but it seems very Japanese thing to do...

[@nhatdang97]

These kinds of accident happen a lot in my country where vehicles from opposite parts of a junction collide because one of them tries to turn left while the other go straight (we drive on the right side of the road).

[@aprilbennett4161]

Rather than blaming media as a whole, I'm curious as to who arranged the press conference, and why. The conference shouldn't have been propositioned, the nursery shouldn't have agreed to it in the first place, and the woman shouldn't have been made to do something that she obviously couldn't handle. It is both unnecessary and perplexing for nurseries to play a part in press conferences over accidents beyond their control. They aren't politicians or hosts of a news station. It's inappropriate for them to be made to answer questions like that, and there's something of an impression of the nursery having been held responsible (even if unintended). The woman should have been escorted away from the stage shorty into the conference. Not only did she experience undo stress, but her lack of composure also colors the whole atmosphere of the press conference. Alone, the questions are fairly unremarkable; however, simply due to the woman's emotional state, viewers cannot help seeing her as a victim and the media as aggressors.

[@rezafikriansyah3973]

Oh yeah i've seen that video about the acident and the perss confrence in my recomendation.. i thought the one who hold the pers confrence is the person who drive the car..

[@SariaZelda0]

I was in Japan when that happened and every day every time I turned on the TV they were always always speaking about it. At some point I remember I saw an interview with the paramedics and what they did too keep the kids alive, they even had a mannequin of a kid and showed how they used the pads to reanimate the heart. Even though it was a mannequin in was really graphic and easily to imagine the real situation, I felt awful for a big part of the day imagining the anxiety in that situation. I realized that in fact that's what they were looking for.

[@petergarcia8225]

There really isnt an answer to analyze or criticize an accident. Its hard for everyone involved specially when it comes to children

[@blak100]

may prayers go out to the families

[@Moonguided]

What an absolutely awful situation. My heart goes out to everyone that was affected. I think a press conference was unnecessary and damaging to people that were already grieving, mostly because I agree that the tone of press conferences is sort of meant to be sterile and factual. I agree with the person that said there should have been a press release, or some sort of official announcement, and left it at that. As for the questions themselves, holy crap some of those were wildly inappropriate. It really is disgusting to see what they were fishing for. The ones that actually have a lot to answer for aren't even there: the two that caused the crash (mostly the one that didn't have the right of way). They're more at fault than the school could ever be. Out of curiosity, what ended up happening to the motorists? Were they charged at all? And how is the head teacher now?

[@whushaw]

thanks for telling us about this

[@BicyclesMayUseFullLane]

So, I did some research about this traffic collision. This happened at around 10:15 in the morning in a signalized intersection where, in my opinion, vehicular traffic speed was almost certainly given priority over pedestrian safety. The nursery school in question is located about 200 metres south of said intersection, and on the other side of the road is some sort of park and Lake Biwa. There is another unsignalized crossing about 100 metres south of nursery school. From Google maps streetview, it is observed that two occasions (Mar 2018, Apr 2019), there were kindergarten-aged children and what appears to be their teachers gathered on the sidewalk near the crosswalk of the intersection. From that, it is assumed that they were from the kindergarten, and that the teachers deliberately chose the signalized intersection crosswalk, which is farther, over the closer, but unsignalized, intersection crosswalk, presumably for perceived increase in safety. With these additional facts in mind, I am seriously questioning the utility of the news conference, as well as the media's line of questioning. I don't know who organized that news conference, but what they were trying to accomplish, it probably wasn't worth it. Also, the media's questions are straight-up victim-blaming. Now I might have watched too many BicycleDutch's video, so I am biased toward the "vulnerable road users". In my opinion, It doesn't matter what time, and for what purpose those children and teachers were there. They have the right to use the road safely, and have done everything reasonable to ensure their own safety. Instead of going after the drivers or whoever designed the intersection, the journalists in the news conference went after a victim who is at their most vulnerable time. For that, they were rightly criticized. Offtopic: whichever genius designed that intersection is probably the same kind of person who thinks 50 cm is wide enough for a bike lane (hint: lol no).

[@myrddrral]

A well balanced video. Congratulations.

[@robertocavalli8979]

Very interesting. Thank you!

[@Susie_F]

I understand that this was a serious video explaining a serious incident that many people were affected by but I have to say, that shirt though. I love it! I’m from Santo Domingo and I lol’d when I saw it. It’s a funny pun! 😆

[@ScarletTsubasa]

This reminds me of what happened after yet another mass shooting here in the U.S. There were people gathered trying to find their loved ones at the site. One father had only just found out his son had died. Queue a reporter shoving a microphone right in his face immediately upon him being told the awful news. The poor man couldn't even speak. Headlines were along the lines of "Watch as father is devastated by loss of son!", "Tragedy Unfolds! Father in Tears!", and the like over the course of several days. It was horrible. I remember people being quite angry about it As for the questions asked of the head teacher, they absolutely sound like they are trying to put blame on teachers and the school. That first question says everything they were trying to do; to sensationalize the story. It's not unlike the media here. Drama sells, and I guess they accomplished their goal. The story ia now even bigger than before

[@shakiestalocachica]

Seems the press are sellout hungry piranhas no matter what the country. I'm a nursery teacher in Japan, and this breaks my heart. Teachers are fully aware of the responsibility they carry for children's safety, not to mention all the other life skills which includes walking in line, in groups to public places. Hoping the kids can stay together and get to the destination safely is stressful enough let alone adding uncontrollable factors such as reckless drivers. I can imagine the distress of the head teacher when being asked, "how were the kids before they headed out" because it immediately puts to mind the idea of the kids, happy and well and probably excited to go for a walk or to the park, completely unaware of what was going to happen. It seems like emotional baiting. If I can stay on the soapbox a little longer, I wouldn't like to imply that Japanese drivers are worse than other countries because bad drivers are everywhere. What I can say is, I'm appalled at the casual ignoring of traffic laws (I've seen toddlers dropped off at school by parents with no safety seat or seatbelt), drivers and cyclists eating, talking on the phone, cycling on pavements, cycling with umbrellas and generally having no awareness or not looking forward. Add to that, in many residential areas there are often little to no pavements, houses are packed with many blind corners and high walls. I've seen drivers speed through these areas, even with lumber strapped on the back to the point it nearly fell off. In such areas (nursery schools are often in a residential district) what chance does a group of children, on a narrow road with almost no pavement have? Traffic laws need to be more strictly imposed. Even today I was hit by a cyclist speeding down the pavement, luckily I was only shocked, but I was also on my way to work at nursery school. I really wonder, what is the government going to do about road safety in these areas? These are more important questions than directing emotionally insensitive questions at a distraught woman. Trust me, when you work at a nursery YOU CARE. Those kids are precious.

[@Mwoods2272]

I love seeing the kids on their walks with their cute hats and holding hands with each other but Japan's reactions are usually extreme. The government might tell schools not to take the kids for walks anymore, I hope this isn't the case.

[@shakiestalocachica]

@@Mwoods2272 true, sometimes it's governmental but it's also sometimes due to the company. Japanese kindergartens have surprised me for some of their lax policies (not reporting parental abuse, very few safety regulations for teachers, open doors in front of driving schools...). But other things are really strict sometimes when it seems too restrictive. It generally depends who kicks up the fuss, and how much. A school's priorities seem to be based on image which has some legitimacy, but not always.

[@CherubiJubell]

Press release was def the way to go. A conference with the people still grieving is really cold and insensitive. They could have at least scheduled it a while later. ...but no. The company wanted to stir up drama. As the saying goes, even bad press is good press.

[@futureanimator522]

They do that at the USA and I bet others too. It's mostly always drama and then more money.

[@v3xman]

As a media practitioner myself, I agree these media went to far in their questioning. We were taught of media ethics and among them is to be sensitive and to treat other people humanely. Sensationalism is also never a good practice in media.

[@RawbeardX]

I am sitting here in tears. I do never want to actually feel the way this teacher must have felt :/

[@Mtaalas]

Those example questions made me so angry... what the hell? :I

[@soundknight]

My wife told me about this, very tragic, the poor families and drivers.

[@nachtphysik7168]

Being skeptical of the press and media is generally a really good thing and given the impression from foreigners that japanese people tend to not question authority that much, it's good to see that prejudice somewhat dispelled in this instance. On the other hand given the questions at hand except for the first examples of how the kids were before the accident or what the teacher would like to say to the children the rest seemed fairly normal. I'm more surprised the school had to make a press conference at the very same day (!) with even one of the teachers that were there during the accident. That seemed odd to me. Also given the somewhat unwillingness to ask hard questions, I'm now really curious how media uncovers news at all. On the other hand I remember there was a lot of covering up seemingly going on with Fukushima...