Japanese Reacts to 5 Reasons Why I Hated Living in Japan (As a Japanese) by Azusa Oga

[@CottidaeSEA]

Honestly, from what I hear, Japan is basically like any other country. Some people are jerks, some aren't. Only their excuses for being jerks differ.

[@CottidaeSEA]

@ABC ABC I would believe you if I ever saw it happening. People say they are against it, but people don't do anything about it. People make assumptions, treat others like shit based off of them, and it happens every single day. In fact, that exact thing happened to me as recently as today. However, that's not the only thing people do. There are loads of things that people do and will get away with, over and over again. Social norms differ, people don't.

[@Xenthoz]

Basically; however, there's a somewhat oppressive societal expectation constantly hovering over everyone which tends to frown upon anyone who might be different. I'm sure there's some research on this, but I think this has something to do with their exceptional suicide rate.

[@CottidaeSEA]

​@ABC ABC I do believe that there is some truth in what you say, but those are fairly major things compared to the small things that happen even more frequently. You see, even without those laws, most people wouldn't say racist or sexist things. However, a lot more would treat others with disrespect as soon as there's slight discomfort. Whether it's a different point of view or whatever it may be. Humans are emotional creatures, so they react emotionally. I am no different, but the difference between me and most others is that I don't make assumptions and act upon them. If you say something, I might not believe it, but I'll act as if it's the truth. Because that's what you've said, and who am I to claim that you are something that you aren't? Just looking at the political climate in the world, the way politicians act is just pitiful. They don't show respect toward their opponents, nor themselves by acting petty and vile. That's the way many societies work these days. I personally think it's disgusting, and if I could, I'd just go live alone on a mountain.

[@vaughansplace4987]

Its like what jubei says in ninja scroll. It doesn't matter where you go, the sky is up, the ground is down and people will always be people :)

[@skunkjulio]

@ABC ABC "The only way to deter uncivilized behavior is by implementing and enforcing the rule" said by someone who clearly has never lived in Japan. It's probably the most civilized place I've ever lived. People bend over backwards to prevent inconveniencing or offending each other; that is literally their primary social norm. My honest feeling was that Aszusa doesn't appreciate this social standard, which is okay, but shouldn't be interpreted that people just rudely shit on each other when there is a lack of conformity. As Yuta said, she repeatedly broke rules because she wanted to and complained when the rule was enforced. Sounds like a spoiled child to me, not an uncivilized behavior from the teacher.

[@djcat1914]

8:48 "I can make an hour-long video just criticizing Japanese schools." Am I the only one who wants to see this??

[@reazulzannah738]

I want to see it too.

[@drabin7759]

Ye

[@kiki-rx8ww]

I want to see it.

[@NetAndyCz]

I do not know about any country that has perfect school system.

[@katsumiabe9332]

I'm actually japanese.But I'm interested in it so much too.Please Yuta-san!

[@yujitsuzuki5439]

I used to live and study in Canada so I can relate myself to her in many ways. For some of you who watch Japanese videos might conceptualize Japan based on Tokyo. To me Tokyo does not represent Japan as a whole at all. In the beginning of living in a foreign country, you are just amazed by the way the new atmosphere is, and might think a country (for her Canada) is better than your country in some way. But overtime you will appreciate the culture and language that you grew up with, and you might miss it. I love Japan, and the culture they preserve. I also understand her personal view points on Japanese culture as well. In my childhood, I did not have good memories with Japanese people who judged me and called some random insults when I was a kid/teen which mostly came from age heirarchy issues that I could not fight back. I also thought many Japanese were quite superficial to me, and did not know who was honest about their feelings at that time. I did not even think I could express my honesty back then because things could have backfired and there was possibility of hate coming from others. But I also met kind, and nice Japanese people in the past years, and those people were Japanese who sort of went through similar experience with me. Japan clearly lacks social acceptance, and individual rights even among young children. And depends on where you live. If you are from a city, grew up there, you might have different views from others from other parts of Japan. I am still not back to Japan yet for years, I do not know when I will do, but hope new generations will treat people in a nicer way for both Japanese, and foreign residents. I think both his and her opinions are still legit.

[@mihoma1769]

hahahaha, oh dear, I can relate so much! Not Japan/Canada, but Germany/Canada. l love my culture and my language due to travels. It always such a pleasure to experience the hospiltality of other cultures (any culture seems to be more hospital than the German one), I love other perspectives on life - specially when it is not always so... technical/efficent focused. Specially being a bubbly personal, I love open cultures as we Germans tend to be pretty reserved and concerned about our privacy But at the end of the day, I love our directness, our own dry humor and our punctuality. To have everything planned out. It will always mean home to me

[@whoyou6274]

Bullying is ubiquitous, it sucks but there are nice and awful people around the world.

[@dynamicjaethought7788]

I'm Filipino, but I 100% LOVE living in America better. Alot of Americans seem to me that do not know what they have, and are way too jaded for my liking. Philippines is a beautiful country, with a lot of nice places and good food, laid back family focused atmosphere...but it has its issues. America for some of it's flaws, have WAY less flaws then other countries. I like traveling to other countries, and seeing other people.

[@davidwang1374]

Yuji Tsuzuki こんばんは　I live in nz

[@juandavidrestrepoduran6007]

@@dynamicjaethought7788 The US has a lot of flaws. Being the average US man/woman sucks too. But, the US is the only country in the world where you're from the US at work and you're from your country of origin at home. There's a dynamism that compensates some of the problems and keeps things in check.

[@PlaythislifeAzusa]

Hi Yuta! Nice to meet you haha, and I appreciate how you logically & calmly expressed your views. Interesting to get to know your personal growing up experiences in Japan too.

[@Laurent611]

i like how you are not triggered hahah

[@jaylynpayne1]

@@Laurent611 LMAOOOO

[@Laurent611]

@@jaylynpayne1 i can't imagine how provoked n triggered if this was me 😂

[@Laurent611]

@Tailan Fernandes Gonçalves intetesting nation

[@rhaenentargaryen9996]

this Playthislife Azusa is just an entitled brat!

[@AsagisLifeNoBSJapan]

Your opinion made me realize that there's no country that is perfect haha. Good video Yuta!

[@takenotes5983]

😁

[@ACloudWithoutAir]

except for 'Murica.

[@Lando-kx6so]

@@ACloudWithoutAir definitely not lmfaoo

[@sericsson1996]

@@Lando-kx6so That was the joke :P

[@juanguzman8034]

The green hair already tells me she is a trigger feminist and expects people to conform to her demands.

[@DerWaidmann_]

"Japan isn't creative or artistic" WHAT?!?

[@erenmademewritethis9833]

I get your point and I also was surprised by her claim but there's some truth to her claim , mangas and anime are created by social outcast and those genres aren't mainstream and unless you're passionate about it , it's not inviting business due to long hours of work and underpaid , I recommend you watch asian boss report on animators , also most people are facing tough conditions and are pretty depressed ever since work took over their lives , so I can definitely see legitimacy in her claims HOWEVER I would probably chose japan for a honeymoon vacation though , it's pretty beautiful

[@quattro4468]

Muh anime and manga is all the art I know.

[@Kawdek]

Ahmed Boughoula Yes but when talking about other artforms like sculpture, abstract art, modern art composers, performance art etc, you can see many works by Japanese artists internationally in mainstream galleries, exhibitions, and concert halls. Living in the US, out of the four ceramics artists I’ve met in person, two of them are Japanese.

[@erenmademewritethis9833]

@@Kawdek That's why I don't fully agree with her , but I'm saying that modern Japan presents an environment where most people are just hustling to get by with most of their day dedicate to work with no time to personal life that has a negative effect obviously , depression , aging and decreasing population , suicide are all at all time high so you can understand how it's not artistically encouraging , this applies to many other nations by the way

[@yokuku7664]

@@Kawdek Abstract Art Modern Art Composer Are you kidding me Ever Heard names of Any Famous Japanese Artists besides from Mangakas? (Ignore my bad English)

[@solarsmile9990]

I love how you don't view the world in just black and white.

[@michaelhall736]

Yeah, and his response videos are always well educated and respectful. Even his response to that fuckwad Logan was.

[@studiohq]

@@michaelhall736 Missed that whole BLM thing huh...

[@michaelhall736]

@@studiohq Whatever it is I really don't want to know about it. I don't know if you're saying he defended or criticized them but BLM is not a peaceful group. Last time I checked going out and assaulting authority figures and destroying property is not peaceful.

[@michaelhall736]

@Sample Text Keep saying that Logang fucktard.

[@eibabunny]

@Sample Text not true at all lol

[@ShinDMitsuki]

Hmm, my friend at work (in Japan) was told to work on his day off, for no pay, multiple times. He said "if you are not going to pay me, I'm not going to work." His boss was taken aback that he would say no to him and began treating him poorly because he wouldn't work on his day off, and he lost any opportunity he had at that company and had to find a new job. A different friend got in trouble everyday for not smiling enough at work (office job) and they both couldn't leave until their Senpai did. I think for some of these you are painting the issue to far in the other side. For Japanese maybe these things are okay because it's normal, and that's fine, but for a lot of us who come from Europe and the USA this kind of treatment is extreme and unacceptable. I think for a lot of people you need to set them up with realistic expectations of what it's like to work in Japan, in a Japanese company. If you are used to a relaxed country or culture, then the Japanese workplace can be hell. For example I think it's misleading to say you can speak up to your boss. That is not really true most of the time. It's rarer that you can than you can't. More examples is we don't really have keigo in English and a lot of European languages which helps to reinforce the lax (but still generally existent) hierarchies present in the workplace, where in Japan you always need to be thinking about how to speak to a superior and mindful of your position. Studies were done on this in the USA because nurses were afraid to speak up to doctors and that ended up leading to deaths. That being said, I don't hate Japan or anything (quite the opposite!) but I know a lot of people have these baseless dreams of wanting to live and work in Japan and you really need to understand just how different and strict Japanese work culture is before committing hard to that, or go find an international company with foreign management.

[@amenooni4204]

DMitsuki, ty! Best comment so far! Sober view 👍 It is sooooo hilarious to see how author is bringing up Columbia to make Japan seen “less” collectivist. I mean, it doesn’t work like that :D Japan is SUPER collectivist. I’ve been living in three different regions in Japan and in four different apartments so far. And all those apartments have the same bathtubs, toilets, kitchens and even wallpapers! I mean, ofc there are some super おしゃれ and unique apartments as well (again mostly they are fancy in a same way), but common ones (most of them) are the same. I mean, I know in what kind of bathtubs most of Japanese people takes a shower. And it makes me kinda frustrated, cuz in my country apartment is a place, which also shows your identity, so I’ve never seen exact same flats. This is just household example, but you easily can feel those kind of collectivistic mindset in your daily life and in Japanese behavior. I mean, we are all collectivist on some degree, but in Japan this level is super high (again there are some exemptions, but we are talking in terms of society e.g. majority).

[@michaelhall736]

@@amenooni4204 I'd say Yuta and you two are all right and wrong.

[@cooljoe500]

guess working in a international company in japan may be the better choice as a foreigner.

[@ovelmo]

definitely i would only live in japan if i could be self-employed or work for a foreign company. even a japanese video game company that tried to set up shop here in canada, people hated working for, because they tried to bring the japanese management style here.

[@ShinDMitsuki]

​@@mariacruz07You are blatantly ignoring cultural differences and how things appear systemically in society. Japan is not the same as the US, and the work culture is completely different. What is "normal" is different.

[@ArrobaSo]

Almost everywhere in the world having green hair, piercings and tattoos makes it harder to get a serious job and people treat you different. Also teachers abuse of their power and treat you as they want. People pretend it doesnt happen in their country too.

[@euphoricatheist6694]

And there are legitimate reasons for it, too. For instance, many gang members get tattoos on their face or foreheads to signal to other like-minded criminals. Whacky fashion statements like piercings in odd places is common among those kind of circles, who often do it to signal their contempt for the law and social order. People see this trend and apply rational discrimination based on past experience and foreknowledge. It may not be correct in all cases, but rational discrimination of this sort exists and has always existed everywhere.

[@quickloris4715]

Euphoric Atheist Rational discrimination? Don’t you mean implicit bias? We use our rationality to defend against implicit bias, not aid it. For instance, if I’m wearing a different band t-shirt most days of the week and have piercings, would you therefore conclude I’m in a gang? No. It’s obvious that I’m a fan of rock or metal and enjoy the gothic style. Rationality puts things in correct context. To conclude someone is in a gang simply because they chose an edgy style is irrational by definition.

[@euphoricatheist6694]

​@@quickloris4715 Nobody concluded that. The fact is, someone without tattoos and piercings in weird places is a safer bet for employers.

[@callofghoul9835]

Billie eilish: let me introduce myself

[@euphoricatheist6694]

@@callofghoul9835 Individual cases general trends

[@dina1160]

I'm agree with Azusa and Yuta as Japanese. I understand Azusa. I'm also feeling trapped in Japanese society such as school and works. It's like hiding myself to fit in society. It depends on situations as Yuta said tho. maybe it's hard to work but comfortable to live in Japan.

[@ThatJapaneseManYuta]

If you can live in Japan without working in Japan, you can pretty much get all the benefits without dealing with the hard part lol

[@dina1160]

That Japanese Man Yuta Thank you for replying :) That's so true! lol I really like your channel and point of view, Yuta san! I found you from Dating Beyond channel lol As half Japanese and asian woman, I really enjoy to watch your contents about half in Japan and yellow fever.

[@Jomoko89]

I want to learn more about your experience! please tell me about your experience living in japan.

[@skoolwifi3835]

Dina Yasuda Japan does have a conformity issue, I see it as an American living in Japan

[@allansqr1]

That's why imma get that paper before goingo to Japan, ez money, ez lyfe.

[@Pewsplosions]

"The grass is always greener on the other side." Most of her issues with Japan seem pretty standard in any developed country that I've seen but we always think it is better somewhere else. Usually it is essentially the same unless you get extremely close to the details.

[@Braiseee]

I'd say that makes her points very valid since it's so common.

[@KalEL224]

Thats not what she said at all in her vids if you actually watched.

[@alegaultcesta]

I live in Montreal and we have our own problems IE 1) Corruption 2) French vs English saga ( I Speak both and i wish everyone got along lol...)

[@RainbowRoadCrashTest]

Canada ain't that perfect lol. I live in Edmonton. This is basically the poor man's city here in Canada. I can tell you, it is certainly no walk in the park here. There is quite a chunk of sketchy areas, and sketchy people here too. In the North, West and South Edmonton areas. Downtown and Whyte Ave is by no means probably the worst areas in the city by far.

[@Razi98]

English > Furenchi

[@StrangerHappened]

What kind of corruption do you mean? Local mayors giving out contracts to their buddies? Or Trudeau's anti-environmentalist policies (despite hypocritical rhetorics) thanks to his party being owned by Canada's oil industry? Or Trudeau's support of terrorist regimes in the MENA region and literal neo-Nazis in Ukraine because he has no real independent international policy and also wants to serve the interests of Canada's military equipment manufacturers rather than adhere to his proclaimed progressive humanist, supposedly liberal ideals? (To be clear, those issues have nothing to do with Canadian people who are, in general, super-nice, it is not just a stereotype.)

[@Quarksi]

@@RainbowRoadCrashTest Ah as someone from LA, you know your city is shit when the downtown area is the worst part about it xD

[@mickmickymick6927]

If those are your only problems, Japan sounds way worse.

[@julieqiuli9360]

yeah so basically you can't really claim that your own experience is really how it is for everyone. For people, the grass seems greener on the other side of the globe but in reality, every country has its pros and cons.

[@chocomanger6873]

She'll be feeling it eventually. One day reality will set in and she'll have a bad experience in Canada that would've never happened in Japan.

[@masterbitter7688]

@@chocomanger6873 yeah haha soon she will know that Justin Bieber came from Canada haha

[@chocomanger6873]

@@masterbitter7688 Right? And Nickelback who are even worse.

[@planetaoruga]

in my country some people say : "solo en Chile" when some shitty stuff happens, and it's usally something incredibly common every where in the world, or even worse in some places.

[@αεεμ-ω5σ]

Ya, i hate weeabos which think japan is a perfect country. Weeabos = dumb kids. ☺

[@ShinDMitsuki]

Second comment, and again I love Japan, but just more examples of things are when I was going to a conbini one time I saw on google it had a very low rating. I looked at the reason why and every single review was insulting the staff member there for having dyed hair and saying because of that he was a horrible employee. I went to the store and he was extremely nice and helpful. It happened with another conbini with a woman, again with dyed hair and piercings. The complaints never said the employees did anything, it was simply complaining about them serving them with dyed hair. Japanese people are actually very nice and understanding of foreigners a lot of the time assuming we are different because our culture is different and giving you a "gaijin pass" on a lot of things which can lead you to dismissing her complaints because of your trip to Japan or something, but actual integration into Japanese society as a foreigner or even a Japanese is an entirely different ballgame.

[@booitsjohnny]

yeah, I've seen this as well for the conbini near my house.

[@alexdhamp]

@Shaun G And the "In my day..."

[@ばえず]

I don't think this is true. You should've realized their politeness to you was also because of your gaijin pass

[@aoirei111]

"Everything before the word 'but' is horseshit"

[@DHyatt]

You know nothing Jon Snow. In this case the use of the word "but" is not out of place. You can love something and still find faults or see errors in that something. It's the reason why we have strong reactions to things in the way that we do.

[@excelsior999]

I think it is important to remember that Azusa's video was titled, "5 Reasons Why I Hated Living in Japan." It was her opinion and expressed her feelings about growing up and living in Japan. No one can say that she was right or wrong. That is not the issue. It was simply her perspective, and the same could be said of Yuta and his very fair and even-handed response. I am an American with a keen interest in Japan, its culture, and its people. I belong to the Japan Society in NYC and go there often, especially to see Japanese films and to attend lectures. Unfortunately I have not been to Japan - yet - but I have read many articles about "Death From Overwork" in Japan and it does appear to be a very serious problem. Also, the politeness of the Japanese people is commendable, although by Western standards it does seem excessive. I can see how it might inhibit people from expressing themselves and their ideas honestly. "Moderation in all things," as Aristotle advised.

[@binbin8889]

Death from overwork in Japan is a big lie. The major causes of suicide in Japan are Japan's "spirit of not causing trouble to people," "catastrophe of gender relations," and "difficulty in living." In the first place, death from overwork is recognized by the court. It's actually very, very few.

[@btat16]

@@binbin8889 You should check out Shogo’s (of “Let’s ask Shogo” fame) video on this issue. It’s amazing how horrifying the work culture in Japan is

[@Catani84]

So... Basically she didn't say anything wrong. As you said... She is almost always right it's just it's not everywhere the same. It's just a matter of experience I guess. It's not always black or white.

[@debscom2]

Well put😊

[@_syzygy_]

Yeah i agree, everything she said is true for her.

[@Kougeru]

She's technically wrong because she's generalizing which is saying that the situation is always like that when it's factually not. Everything she said is also true in the US in certain areas.

[@dewdew80]

She may be generalizing, but when I click on a youtube blogger's video about why they hated living in Japan, I kind of expect to get an anecdotal story about their personal experience. I don't think a video titled '5 reasons why I hated living in Japan' really needs a disclaimer telling us it's one persons experience. She could have changed her wording to make it more clear I suppose, but when I talk informally about a culture that I consider myself to be a part of I often rely on a lot of anecdotal evidence as well without thinking about it. Constantly having to tag 'in my experience' to everything we say can get a little old.

[@_syzygy_]

@@Kougeru except, when people are complaining about something, you cant expect them to be 100% objectively correct. Everything shes describing is 100% true for her, cause thats how she experienced it, and thats how she literally perceives it.

[@DHyatt]

After watching both videos I feel like I wasn't watching so much of a refutation of her arguments as opposed to two different experiences that generally agreed with one another. I mean if you watch her video (to anyone who hasn't watched her video for the sake of context because it really is important to listen to everything a person says, not simply chopped up statements. Things can often be misrepresented or unclear if you only listen to pieces) she does make the opening statement that her experiences do not apply across the board which is exactly what you said as well, that even though you have had the opposite experiences they do not always apply across the board. I feel like most of her argument revolved around being different while living in Japan, more of the social aspects than the technical aspets, because her first argument does acknowledge that there are things in Japan that are super, super functional and work really well (having been to Japan myself I can attest to this), but then there are other things, from her experience that were outdated/archaic and from her perspective the whole being different, feminism, LGBT, mental illness stigmas were the issue and they are an issue (but not just in Japan let's be real). So I feel like her first argument was definitely geared more towards accepting individuals and how collectivism may benefit the many to the disadvantage of the few and how she might have felt stifled in that kind of environment. And I feel like this informs the rest of what she argues as being the things she doesn't like about Japan. The artistic stuff is interesting, because I would like to know more about her experiences personally with that, it didn't sound like she was saying that Japan isn't artistic or that it isn't creative, it sounded more like she was saying that it wasn't artistically encouraging. I think there's a distinction here, I don't think she was trying to say that there is no art or there is no good art or that Japan isn't an artistic country. I think the point she was trying to make, and this is to the best of my understanding, is that the environment wasn't artistically nurturing because artists in general are different from everybody else. You have to be different if you are an artist, especially if you want to create something new and innovative or if you are trying to express yourself or create outside of the norm. I would like to have heard more of her experiences on the matter, to learn how her artistic expression was stifled or not nourished. I think that's the windmill she was tipping at in that statement. I also feel like her position on Japanese heirarchy may also have the female slant to it which is important to keep in mind especially where work is concerned, because men are treated differently. I'm not espousing SJW nonsense, the truth is out there, the research is out there, the proof is evident in the pudding if you will. Not too long ago a medical school in Japan was called out for rigging entrance exams in favor of men to keep the female student body low. This was international news. So yeah I feel like that's something to keep in mind, that it might be harder for women to speak out or speak up on multiple platforms, especially when it comes to speaking to other men, than it is for men to speak to other men especially when men dominate the heirarchy in the workforce. So a woman's experiences is something to think about and how heirarchy might seem more restrictive in her experience. Over all I didn't really hear much in the way of disagreement with her and just to reiterate she did say in her video that you can't accept her experience as being true across the board so I don't think she was trying to generalize. What I cannot stand and I what I keep seeing is "oh she doesn't know what she's talking about" or "she hasn't lived many places" (she's lived in 4 countries that we know of that's more countries than most people live in) or they try to dismiss her experiences for apologists reasons. A person's experiences are not something to be dismissed and while her experiences can't be generalized across the board, there are nougats of truth in there (truth that even Yuta agrees with because he's not saying these things don't happen and he's not dismissing her). My experiences in Japan have also informed me as well that a lot of her experiences are not invalid there is some truth in what she is saying (and probably more truth that what I experienced as a foreigner, because you are given a pass in many cases especially if you are white). So if you haven't been to Japan (and this goes for visiting any country) do not go with expectations, because your experience may be different from someone else's experiences (and your experience as a white person will absolutely be different from your experience as a poc, your experience as a thin person will be different from someone who is not thin, your experience as someone who is visiting is going to be very different from someone who lives there). And you know what, it's also okay to love a place and hate things about it, especially if the things you hate about it come from your own experiences. I would also refrain from holding Japan up on a pedestal (or any country for that reason), especially to those of you who haven't ben, and you watch anime, read manga, listen to J-Pop, go to cons and festivals, and defend a place you've never been with ferocity because it's flawless in your idealization of it...you may be the one falling the furthest when you actually go. I am not saying you will have a bad experience, but Japan is a real place with real and severe flaws like everwhere else. If you have expectations that are unrealistic then you will be disappointed.

[@nilvoidzero000]

Well said, especially not putting any country on an idealized pedestal. Everywhere is going to have pros and cons, and it is a matter of what you want to work with

[@cinnagummi]

Your fingers must hurt

[@phoibenyang2902]

This is better than my school report

[@pateic7272]

Even though I appreciated Yuta's response, yours was more eye-opening. Especially about the difference men and women are treated. I will admit I was thinking "why is she generalizing? Why does it sound like she saying 'all this and that is bad'..." Because frankly that is what is sounded like, and even Yuta mentioned how that is an over statement. But thank you for your well written summary of your view point towards both statements. Got me thinking.

[@myujokt733]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoHNaqSvZ8RjZ5Y

[@boxbird5723]

Just remember that one person's experience doesn't define what the experience of the whole country is like. I feel like the Japanese public has a rather conservative nature (in terms of what is socially acceptable and maybe a few traditions and beliefs in society) that is a little slow to accept change in general, especially with the older generation.

[@binbin8889]

うん本当にそう思う。

[@supershinyjune]

People are too quick to overanalyse Japan and it's people based on their own experiences or hear-say instead of objectively looking at the matter. I also get the feeling that people make video about either loving Japan or directly hating it, instead of analysing what they love/hate and what they don't. It's not always black and white.

[@maxfelson9467]

But I think her views are somewhat fair though Japan do have a bit of problem with those kinda thing. I mean koroshi is a big part for instance, but I do think yuta got a point too I just think she deserve more recognition and defense

[@lostisthepast2600]

to anyone saying that she's generalizing: she literally said in the video that this was just her experience and she knew that it wasn't the same for everyone

[@mitchki]

It sounds like she just didn't like Japan because she felt personally stifled. She's clearly somebody who's a bit of a rebel and just wanted "something different." There are lots of foreigners who are attracted to living in Japan *precisely for* many of the reasons Azusa hated it (myself included). It's like a conversation I had with a friend (in Japan, actually). He was going on about how much he loved cats and complained about dogs; they're needy, louder, more energetic, need to be taken outside EVERY DAY, need a lot of training, and need to be taken care of all the time. I just said, "All the reasons you listed for not liking dogs are exactly the reasons I *like* dogs." Depending on one's personality, the same situation could be comfortable or unbearable. It should be noted that Azusa is a woman, though. The female experience in Japan is going to be *much* different than a male's. I don't blame Azusa for wanting to leave for the reasons she explained. But, I still think it depends a lot on your personality. I like many of the things that Azusa complains about in her video, but she's not the first person to raise those complaints.

[@ChaosSpectator2020]

They are both really different, even watching videos of how the males work like slaves and contribute to work related deaths by the numbers says a lot also to how the society crushes both genders.

[@vickynguyen6466]

Yes, I was thinking about how it might be different as a woman as well! Thanks for pointing that out.

[@mitchki]

@@vickynguyen6466 I actually lived in Japan for a while, and for one of my program's pre-departure sessions the organizers split the men from the women and we each had separate conversations about what life would be like for our different genders. The men's discussion was basically "Japan is a man's world." The women's discussion (after I asked some of them after the session) was something like "Here are all the rules you need to follow as a woman in Japan, please don't be offended, it's just how it is." Again though, I can empathize with certain women or men who love the type of culture and society that Japan has. A lot of people actually PREFER having a very strict "role". A lot of people hate it. Azusa hated it; so she left. One thing I slowly realized while living in Japan as a man, though, is that there are still a lot of expectations placed on you. As a man, you do have a lot of responsibilities. The more unpleasant ones are definitely placed on women (from what I've seen and been told), but without getting too into details there are a lot of things that, as a man, are policed very strictly. I don't think either gender really has it "better" across the board, but rather the experiences are very different. If one were cynical, I'd say "You just get different styles of oppression." But in a more positive mindset, "You get different societal benefits." I hope that makes sense?

[@vickynguyen6466]

​@@mitchki I've never been to japan so I can't say I know anything(I'd love to visit Japan though), but from what I understand Japan is one of the least gender equal societies in the developed world. It's really sad to hear, because Japan seems very progressive in many ways. As the world becomes smaller and more people are interested in Japan and what it offers to the world, Japanese people are going to need to adapt more. Fortunately, it seems to me that younger Japanese people are usually quite open-minded, so maybe it won't be that hard. I agree it is nice for people who want the strict roles. Actually, there's actually some research that suggests heterosexual marriages in the U.S. with very defined gender roles are very happy for this reason! but I hope that everyone should be allowed to choose what kind of role they have based on what makes them happiest rather than their gender. I'm glad Azusa got the chance to leave and choose for herself what kind of life made sense for her. Thanks for responding. I know your comment was like a year old, too, so that was nice as I wasn't' necessarily expecting a response.(:

[@franciscojavierrodriguez8236]

@@mitchki It’s obvious that no country is perfect, every nations have their problems and benefits. But for me if we compare Japan with U.S. or Canada, for me Japan it’s a lot better and above both countries at least. Japan like any other country is not for everyone. Some people (man and woman) will find it awesome and pleasant, but others will find it horrible. It depends on the person, and their jobs. If Arusa would have lived in Tokyo or Yokohama, where there are a lot of modern things as groups like lolita, maid cafes and many many other excentric fashions in the way of dressing or living, she surely could have lived happier and confortable; ‘cause she would have meeting her clan, and same people like her to get along with.

[@KenpachiAjax]

Japan not artistic enough. Hmm. So who drew all the manga and anime.

[@ASHERUISE]

And who wrote all the music??

[@maxfelson9467]

Manga an anime mostly have similar artsyle though, I think she might meant something more different, which I can see

[@karry299]

>So who drew all the manga and anime. South Koreans, usually.

[@boxbird5723]

@@karry299 While South Korea may also have a huge manga and anime industry, Japan is known worldwide for theirs.

[@Armadan7]

@@karry299 Most Korean mangaka are very obvious.

[@TayoEXE]

My wife is from Japan. She went to nursing school, and when she graduated, she worked at a hospital for 3 years. She hated working there. The senior nurses talked badly about all the junior nurses, they bullied her, and made a toxic working environment. She couldn't quit because they paid for her school, and she either had to pay up thousands of dollars or work for at least 4 years coming home very stressed every day. Fast forward a couple years. We became a long distance couple. I wished I could help her. Her father never helped her financially or even empathized with the situation. It simply wasn't right for her company to do that. In the end, we managed to pay off her last year's debt, and the company couldn't keep her there anymore. She came to live in the U.S. again (she was born here), and we got married last year. She finds much more satisfaction working here where her coworkers don't treat her so badly. My point? I love Japan, but sometimes there are just really bad things about living there like other countries. Sometimes people can feel a bit trapped. and sometimes in a lot worst situations like where your line of work actually hurts people instead. If she hadn't married me, maybe she would have found a place she liked to work at, but it also has to do with the culture to a degree.

[@euphoricatheist6694]

Standard corporate bullcrap, really.

[@adrian482]

TayoEXE I’ve heard a story very similar from a friend except it was in the US. I think this is more of a problem in a specific job industry not exactly Japan exclusive.

[@bilingirljenny]

TayoEXE You love Japan, just because you look Japan only from outside. In Japan, bullying is normal, not only at the school but where you work. And there’re no holiday in Japan. I‘m Japanese but I lived with bullying there. Here in Germany, no bullying and only freedom

[@itookyourcookies9911]

I think this is a job thing not a country thing. My mom works in a hospital as a nurse here in America and the surgeons r mean as fuck apparently to the other staff. They yell and cuss out the other employees and sometimes they throw chairs and shit when they get upset. A surgeon once told my mom he was going to throw a chair at her at some point and my mom reported him and nothing seemed to change. Some ppl also make weird comments abt her race to her (we're hispanic). She's worked in two different hospitals and both were abt the same is what she said. So this isn't rllly a Japan only problem lol

[@clarev.377]

Anna Banana Agreed. It all depends on what job it is. And what race you are. A lot of ppl make it sound like US has tons of freedom and less oppressing work environments, but that’s not necessarily the case for certain jobs. Try being a nurse, teacher, or work in any sort of public service (legit get called “servants” and need to work long hours of overtime without pay). Then, you’ll see tons of hierarchy, oppression, no recognition for hard work, etc. So yeah, not always true depending on the career and your race. Being a minority in any public service definitely has its hardships.

[@zakurattkr6866]

English people: Why i born in america? but not in japan.Why Japanese people: Why i born in Japan? but not in america.Why Me: The answer is idk (Bad English) sorry-..-

[@XxTURB0HUNT3RZxX]

@Rich 91 na man I think he/she probably meant english-speaking people

[@faisalabdau13]

Yeah I sure

[@thepotatoman9069]

They really shouldn't because majority of the people living in both of those countries have really high living standards. I would get it if something like that comes from person of a war torn or a really poor country.

[@NexoWasTaken]

Slavic people: Hell yeah!

[@DacLMK]

@@NexoWasTaken I can relate. I live in one of the poorest nations in Europe (Macedonia) and when I was a teenager I used to thing about moving out of my country, but as time went on I started to not like the idea of moving out of my country (though I have the idea of moving in Japan but for a short period of time to be an English teacher there).

[@ImberNoctis]

I really enjoyed Yuta's views on each of these points because they were interesting, but I also think that these views didn't really offer a counterpoint to Azusa's. For example, the provenance of the works of art in Japan might be the government or it might not be; Yuta doesn't specify. I believe the point that Azusa was making was that Quebec as a government offers very concrete support to the arts and to artists in the form of grants. Thus, she feels more supported there and less subject to the whims of commercial and corporate interests. Did Azusa say that she couldn't get a job with green hair. I thought I remembered her as saying that she could hardly get anyone to take her seriously with green hair. I agree the skirt anecdote was weak, but it did make the point that the punishment seemed a bit excessive with respect to the actual infraction. I also wonder if Azusa's teacher would have reacted reasonably if she'd tried to question him or her about an academic problem like Yuta did. Yuta was a boy. Azusa was a girl. Please correct me if I'm mistaken about the relevance of gender in this situation. I appreciated the point about the self-selecting nature of Japanese KZbinrs who choose to address the public in English.

[@bxyhxyh]

If Japanese government isn't open to those art forms, how would those anime be created? Also their classic art is so good. For education gender doesn't really matter in Japan. But in social places it matters. I think for that particular case gender doesn't matter at all.

[@ImberNoctis]

@@bxyhxyh I didn't say the Japanese government wasn't open to anime or any other art form. I said that Yuta didn't address Azusa's point about Quebec officially offering more concrete support than Japan. Thank you for your help with the educational and social background in Japan.

[@zam023]

Why should the Japanese government need to promote the development of the ART community in Japan when that community is doing just fine without them. They could use their energy and resources on other things. The point is, Quebec's government thinks it has to help in the ART community because it is not doing so well. And in the field of Fashion, Bunka Fashion College is one of the top, if not the top, fashion schools in the world. Not sure if this applies to the situation being discussed, but they are government grants for art, if you check out your local Japan Foundation branch (the official embassy ones) if you have one in your area. I am not sure if this grants are for local Japanese or just for foreign artists.

[@ImberNoctis]

I'm not sure why people think I'm debating the merits of art in Japan vs art in Quebec or the merits of governmental support of the arts. I'm not. I'm pointing out that Yuta failed to address Azusa's actual comment about it, and that's the entire point I'm making.

[@pite9]

government sanctioned art, lol. Are you joking?

[@solarsmile9990]

Regarding art, I assume that she grew blind to Japan's artistic beauty because of all the resentments that she developed. I understand that your own country is often more boring than somewhere else. I have similar issues with my own country, so its beauty doesn't amaze me as much as foreigners. On the other hand, I found Japan very inspiring when I visited. All the temples and the landscape were just beautiful to me.

[@k8eekatt]

Having traveled in Japan with Japanese people, I found they did not value history and cultural richness as much as shopping, astonishing Feats like Giant crosswalks, and amusement parks. To me the culture, temples and traditions were interesting.

[@CottidaeSEA]

That's commonplace. A lot of people grow tired of what they are used to. I think my own country (Sweden) is pretty boring, because there is little variation within nature, and where I grew up, art was never really a huge thing. People played music, drew and painted, but it's always been pretty much out of sight. I like the country I live in, but I want to know more about it. There are many places I haven't seen after all.

[@alexdhamp]

Basically, sounds like a case of "the grass is always greener".

[@enrymion9681]

I think you and Yuta both kind of misunderstood her point about art which wasn't that there's no art or art classes around but that you aren't really encouraged to do art for artistic reasons by the people or at least not as much as other countries do.

[@CottidaeSEA]

@@enrymion9681 Teachers encourage students to study, because that's what they know will most likely give them a stable job in the future. Music is seen as a hobby while studies are considered essential. Something I'd like to question the validity of considering some of the things we have to learn in school, but that's a discussion for another time. However, we are encouraged to read (in most countries and societies) and literature is considered an art. From what I've heard, countries like Iran, Iraq, Syria and other countries around there don't really have a culture of reading (based off of what multiple people from those countries have said to me personally) and in such a case, I'd understand it. However, that's not the case at all with Japan. Just because you don't see it does not mean it doesn't exist. That's what I'm trying to say here. It might be that it's not blatantly obvious to her. Besides, Japan has one of the largest music industries in the world, yet there is a claim that you're not encouraged to do art? Just seems absurd. The only reason why it's not encouraged/recommended is because it's a highly competitive and unstable career. Not because it's not appreciated. Teachers are supposed to lead the students in the right direction to have a successful life. They can't exactly be saying "play music/draw and all will be fine!" because that's not how the world works. All they can do is have those art classes, introduce the students to various forms of art, then it's up to the students to decide if they want to keep doing it or not. The reason why I mention schools so much is because she was clearly in such an environment, and adults who have already stepped into society tend to also mention their time at school when talking about how they were encouraged/discouraged to do various things. Because once you're an adult, people don't tend to care about you unless you directly affect their lives.

[@chrissdevano]

In the Netherlands, where I’m from, there is almost no hierarchy. CEOs often just have fun and make jokes with their workers. It usually doesn’t work that well when a CEO from abroad comes over for a meeting, or takes leadership of a company, as they often feel offended with the behavior of the Dutch workers.

[@renm4779]

As an American when I watch Japanese shows I understand that they are not a accurate portrayal of Japan but I noticed that a lot of times characters would not say how they really felt and it always left me frustrated. It made me curious if Japanese people actually don’t voice their opinions and stand up for themselves. I really think it’s not that bosses and teachers won’t let you argue your side but that inversely students and employees don’t feel comfortable arguing at all. Please let me know if this is the case.

[@toonyandfriends1915]

because that is not their culture everything that is not their culture is taboo that's all and it sucks

[@MustacheDLuffy]

WDYM by wouldn’t speak up? I don’t exactly understand what you’re saying

[@nicholasken2771]

Ren M Hmm...then again you’re American, freedom of speech is no.1 in your country and you may see a very different perspective compared to non-westernised countries. Too much freedom can also cause too many people to voice petty opinions that can turn protests and rallies real ugly. Creating absurd and superficial first world problem is also no.1 in the USA. It’s sad to see how the US is deteriorating/ consumed by itself these days compared to the pre-1990s (Glorious days).

[@30803080308030803081]

Yes. Japan is the opposite of America, in this aspect. I’ve lived in China, and I’ve seen the same thing there. I love the American way. I love that we can express our opinions about anything, and we’re not afraid of arguments. But, the Japanese way (it’s the East Asian way, in general) is very different, and it is a part of their culture. The entire culture is different from ours. And, every component of the culture has a function. So, the components of their culture fit together into a whole that works for them. The same is basically true of all cultures.

[@30803080308030803081]

Nicholas Ken You don’t quite understand Americans. We are opinionated, individualist, and expressive. We are not afraid of disagreement. When we argue with each other, this doesn’t cause society to break down or anything. It’s just arguing, just the free expression of opinions and energetic debate. At the end of the day, we’re all Americans. We can have a lot of disagreements and still respect each other.

[@Ropiplup]

As someone from Montreal, I can confirm that everything she said she didn't like about Japan happens in Montreal too. In middle school and high school you can't really challenge teachers unless you want you get suspended, and even though more than half of the schools don't require a uniform, there is still a dress code that you have to respect. Many girls in my high school would be sent home because of what they were wearing or they would give them a XXXL t-shirt that they had to wear all day lol. Also, there is a lot of intolerance and racism in Canada, especially in Quebec, where people are obsessed over French. They have many language laws here that it becomes annoying, mind you I attended a French middle school and high school. Montreal is very diverse and a beautiful city where you can get around without speaking a word of French, but if you go somewhere in Quebec outside of Montreal, all you find is French speaking white people that hate anyone who doesn't speak French. Individualism is a huge thing here like in most Western countries, but I find it to be more of a problem rather than a good thing. People are too individualistic to the point where they only look after themselves. People here tend to act out of self interest instead of acting out of good will or for the betterment of society. This is of course a generalization because there are many genuinely good people, but they are a minority and they are mostly foreigners that came to study or immigrants. Artistically, the province does support artists, but not enough. And the artists here are not up to the caliber of Japanese composers, animators, video game developers, and others. Some are, like Dennis Villeneuve (director of the new Blade Runner and a few other great movies) and Celine Dion, but that's because they found support in other parts of Canada and the US. Lastly, don't even get me started with the public transport system. It's generally good, but it can be a mess sometimes, especially during winter. Living in a nice place with foreign students close to university and studying is one thing, actually living in a place a being part of that society is completely different. I will say though, most people in English Canada and the English neighbourhoods are lovely people, French speaking Canadians can be nice too, but a lot of them are rather annoying. Just look at the laws they are trying to implement, some of them are quite regressive.

[@ShinDMitsuki]

You just expressed a series of complaints that are unique, valid, and a reflection of the culture of Montreal. Most importantly, they are not just like what she complained about, they were different. Even in Japanese business environments the dress code is very strict, in pretty much every industry. In California, very few people have an extremely strict dress code in the work place to the level of Japan. Having one is not like having one like Japan, though I don't doubt it is similar for high school. As for the individualism thing...that is a problem with western cities! Japan does not have this problem because of how collectivist it is. The question is which do you prefer, more freedom, individuality with more selfish people, or more closeness, comradary, with less ability to go against the flow? Japan is a very safe place that even grannies can walk around at 2 am in, but that comes at a cost. Is that cost fine with you? Are the things about Japanese collectivism's positives to you greater than the negatives? If so...great! I hope you can one day live and work in Japan if that is your desire.

[@Ropiplup]

@@ShinDMitsuki My goal was to point out that some of the issues she had in Japan happen here too, while others such as the lack of individuality are different, but as you said, there is a cost for having them. She still seems to be in her honeymoon phase with the city. I might try out the JET programme for a year after I graduate, but I do not intend to permanently move to Japan. The advantage here in Montreal is that it is a very diverse city, and while a lot of people are selfish, you can surround yourself with people with a collectivist mindset and keep your individuality in society at the same time. The problem is that at a provincial and federal level, that selfishness that comes out of extreme individualism affects everyone. I love living here, mainly because of my friends, amazing restaurants, school and a lot of unique places, but it is not the perfect city some people might imagine.

[@garirry]

Also live in Montreal, I almost completely agree with you. She seems like a hypocrite complaining about all her problems with japan while ignoring that most of her issues are present in Montreal as well, especially her issues with Japanese schools, which just seem to remind me of what I've seen in schools here.

[@zam023]

When were you born? I recall the strict dress code was born from the US. Japan and the rest of the developing countries just follows after the US. The "not strict dress code" you find in the US is a new trend so don't act like it has been there since the dawn of time. I am for the "not strict dress code" but if that means being untidy then NO.

[@ThePrimordialChronicles]

L. traveler You’re a francophone are you not?

[@OddOneOutVideos]

"The healthcare industry in Japan seems slow to accept new drugs and treatments, and cancer treatments are a good example. However, there's other areas where Japan is totally open to new things. For example, crypt currencies, such as Bitcoin." ... I don't think you won that one, lol

[@foottoast4235]

Yeah bad example lol

[@Name-jw4sj]

I watched both videos and I don't see anything wrong with the female's criticisms of Japan. Yuta did an awful job in this video which he kind of proved her point. And Yuta doesn't seem to understand what "generally" means. She clearly said generally speaking thus meaning not all of Japan.

[@justaway_of_the_samurai]

To be fair, the pharmaceutical companies in the US use questionable tactics to rebrand the same medicine over and over again under a new patent and name. Patents only last like 15 years, so whenever it is about to expire they just change one non-active ingredient and file for a new patent. A lot of the "new" treatments here are just rebranded old treatments.

[@MK-bi1hj]

@@Name-jw4sj mmm generally as a term I guess makes you think "most of". I feel like Yuta's arguments are definitely valid and do get his point across that, from his experience, some of the things that she says is common isn't exactly true. That's just my interpretation though, so I dunno.

[@Name-jw4sj]

MK0825 If you paid attention to the video then you will see my point. At 4:28 Yuta literally says “Japan doesn’t accept individuality” when the woman actually said “generally speaking”. Those two phrases are not the same. Then Yuta goes on to prove her point by giving examples and then he says “but not all of Japan” which she never claimed.

[@Mew178]

Interestingly, this is a really "Japanese" response video where hes polite, he tries to agree with a lot and find some common ground but ultimately rejects the ideas/statements as too extreme. It's just funny to me as a European man that normal centrist people exist as default in a nation. When it's all extreme as fuck now in the west.

[@bestrafung2754]

I agree, people now just wanna be either extreme left or extreme right and base their opinions off memes and emotions. It's ridiculous.

[@justcomments]

It’s not even centrist though! It’s just validating someone’s experience and respectfully disagreeing. Yuuta exemplified this in his anecdote about the teacher. He didn’t undermine his teacher’s authority with the class, and he explained his position without making a fuss.

[@rtsa4633]

I don't think that centrism is the same as middle ground.

[@firefly618]

@@justcomments I can imagine some jerk of a student in my country interrupting the teacher in the middle of class to say "YOU ARE WRONG, the answer is such and such." Japan FTW.

[@niksarass]

@@bestrafung2754 I think that what you call "far right" is just normal conservative behaviour, that was the standard before the 70s, as opposed to the extremely liberal progressist multicultural multigenre lgbtq++ rich spoiled kids individualistic mentalities that western countries are now becoming

[@sutenTaHotep]

Yuta, you are one of the most positive, well balanced and cultivated beings that I’ve seen on the YT. So glad I bumped into your channel. Keep up the good work 🤗

[@40EntrepreneurDrive]

@Suten Ta Hotepu I also appreciate is balanced view and calm way of presenting information on the channel.

[@BossGokaiGreen]

HI FRIENDSHIP 🍼🐷🇯🇵

[@VengeanceSinX]

The hierarchy system is so freaking real here in Japan, no use arguing with elder people.

[@debscom2]

I absolutely respect her opinion as well as Yuta's opinion. I saw this years before and still think it's valid but not the whole story of the country or aNY country. She's allowed to voice her personal opinion. Nothing for so many people to be negative or defensive about. Yuta should be able to do the same thing. As always great content.

[@chocomanger6873]

I definitely don't absolutely respect her opinion. It's very selfish and she's lashing out like a teenager.

[@debscom2]

@@chocomanger6873nothing she said is wrong or right, it's her opinion. That's what I like about Yuta, he never said she was wrong nor right, he says it's each persons perspective/experiences.

[@chocomanger6873]

@@debscom2 Well, that's an illogical statement, as opinions are not facts, so therefore can be disputed and proven wrong or right. Get out of Deb's World and into the real one.

[@debscom2]

@@chocomanger6873 Wow such a rude person! Not just an opinion but also a fact. Leave me in my world I love it ... how about you get out of my world if you don't like it.

[@chocomanger6873]

@@debscom2 You have problems.

[@quyenngo2790]

If you really think about it, all the big names or huge company CEOs have spent a significant amount of time abroad. CEO of Horiba Japan right now, Atsushi Horiba, graduated from UC Berkeley. CEO of Softbank, Masayoshi Son who is actually Korean and has many Korean influences, also graduated from UC Berkeley. And many many other big bosses. I literally have never seen any one making it big in Japan without having foreign influence. Making it big here means something like entrepreneurship, or successful start-up or kind of like that. I am not talking about people reaching high position because they work for the same company for a long time and got promoted! That is something to think about!

[@jessp5775]

“I know you like watching Japanese people argue with each other” 😭😂😂😂BWHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[@BossGokaiGreen]

HI FRIENDSHIP PUPPY 🍼🐷🇯🇵

[@Eseteemece]

I really agree with her in many things she pointed out, I spent a year in Japan, I know it is not enough, but I could relate to her

[@dhanipianist]

Someday even 70% Japanese don't want livin japan, maybe

[@Panda_San_]

I’m living in Japan for 8 year and I can tell you that’s true, this guy is a typical Japanese who make excuses for everything!

[@darkg5103]

@@Panda_San_ so leave japan then if u dont like also you are not japanese

[@Panda_San_]

darKGacha 45 I don’t like people like this guy and not all Japan, you understand? Oh and to be clear my wife is Japanese and my son half, so shut up if you don’t understand

[@achouqueeutavabrincando8406]

And me bro,I live in Brazil and I have a thousand reason why I hate live in Brazil,if u live in a country like USA or some European country so u need be grateful.

[@musicvideoenhancer]

Hello Yuta! Brazilian here. I live in Japan and really love the country, I'm very grateful for the cordiality with Japanese people always have towards my person and my wife. It's not uncommon to Japanese people to stop us, while we are hanging out, to say "welcome to Japan". Too bad my Nihongo skills were almost zero (actually, like 10%. I barely can hold a conversation), because I really want to express my love for this country to those people. Living in Japan it's not always easy, my job in factory, makes me really tired, but at my house, and taking a walk, and having interaction with the Japanese people, it's always very rich for my growth as a person. I understand, that for some foreigners, life here can be stressful. Very different culture (more thoughtful about community, less individuality), stressful work (again, industry it's not easy), and missing the family at home country. But we must remember, that Japan has rewards, like security, stability, interesting culture, etc...

[@p4chip4chi]

I know this comment is a little old but I'd like to ask how you managed to get a job in Japan and bring along your wife (which, I believe is also Brazilian, from the way you worded that paragraph). I'm an English Teacher and my wife is a nurse and I'd really like to move to Japan too, but I don't know any ways possible. Even a temporary opportunity would be great.

[@bdou.8425]

@@p4chip4chi I don't know about his personal situation but, as a Brazilian myself, I'd like to state and remind KZbin that Brazil has the largest Japanese descendant population outside of Japan. Meaning... MOST of the times, when you see a Brazilian family settling in Japan, it's because either the husband or the wife is Japanese (or both) I'm not saying it's the case here specifically, but if it's not, know that it is uncommon. A lot of the immigration and work permit paperwork is made easier if one person from the family is Japanese... Besides, there are many Brazilian-Japanese agencies who keep hiring low wage workers in Brazil to work in jobs that most Japanese don't want : production lines, factories, butchers , that kind of stuff... They normally get abused and overworked a lot, but for a lot of Brazilians it is still worth it, because the minimum wage lifestyle in Japan is WAYYY better than a regular wage lifestyle in Brazil. The purchasing power is higher. I said a handful, sorry!

[@xanuui]

I'm American. I lived in Japan for 2 years. I remember regularly seeing people outside painting near a university. I remember street performers alot. It was very cool. I remember going to a Gym that was rented out to different groups at different times. after our group left, a big dancer practice group was coming in. What I didn't like about living in Japan were things like: bosozoku could get away with putting holes in their mufflers, and slow zigzagging in the road during rush hour holding up a HUGE line of cars for people who could not get home. . If I were driving, I would have run them off the road. I don't like how 1 drunk idiot can do something similiar at the train station by standing 1/2 way in the door and preventing the train from leaving the station for 15 minutes. The non-confrontational attitude, while in many ways a good thing, is far too easily abused and causes many people more grief that it should.

[@Eriolp]

The grass is always greener on the other side. I think many Japanese natives take their country for granted... Life in my country is tough, but there are many good things about this place. It's probably more so in Japan, enough that the government makes actual plans to export culture as a product. Not many countries can do that.

[@Alexander-dh3uk]

Yes I totally agree with you ,I from Brazil and I rather Japan culture than my own culture hahaha

[@OjaysReel]

Perhaps you've fallen for the "grass is always greener on the other side" trope yourself? Innit amazing how foreigners condescend to tell citizens how lucky they are?

[@Bargadiel]

I always appreciate how balanced you are, Yuta.

[@whatdamath]

In Azusa's defense, she's also a woman from Japan and Japanese is a very patriarchal culture that specifically does not let women express their views even more so than men. I've experience Japanese culture enough to actually agree with Azusa a bit more on this than you, despite her somewhat strongly worded opinions, simply because my personal experiences with Japanese culture were for the most part a lot more negative than positive, a lot of them stemming from the "old world" mentality and people not willing to accept anything different. I still love visiting Japan once in a while and go to various events there, but I don't think I could live there simply due to the average person's mentality. Which is somewhat ironic as I now live in Korea and find people here a lot more receptive to new ideas and thoughts despite it being a lot less individualistic. In the end, I've also met a lot of Japanese who hated Japan and a lot of Koreans who hated Korea, but for someone coming from a foreign culture, I personally found it a bit more difficult to live in Japan at least as a gaijin

[@iFireender]

You're saying that as a.. white man? I mean, take my girlfriend (who also is a japanese woman). She doesn't think Japan is patriarchal whatsoever. It just has a bit of a different value system. Early marriages are the norm and encouraged (same in many other countries, actually); women like to be stay-at-home-moms more, and women dress more feminine. There's also male and female speech, and if you're female, you usually express yourself with a bit of a softer tone. Still means the exact same though.

[@kart0ffel]

Peter well, everything you say describes a pathriarcal culture. Maybe you wife doesnt want to use that word, it is what it is,

[@user-ik9bl8xv2f]

I was gonna say the same thing. Yuta may not have experienced the harsher social rules that she did and that's because some social practices apply more to certain people. The Japanese people, both men and women, that I know about in the punk community feel the same way and express themselves about it. Men have different social pressures than women. It's not a unique issue to Japan, many countries deal with the same thing surrounding gender. But it is a reason why Yuta felt like his experience was different from hers. I should also note that the punk community everywhere is very much about busting up social pressure and norms so it's not surprising that these people would look at their social hierarchy and think about how it could be different.

[@RawrItsNotMe]

There’s an article you might like on sora news called ‘Swiss-raised Japanese woman points out fundamental difference in Japanese, western communication’ This article touches on some of the things you mentioned a gives a unique perspective on the topic. Please give it a read!

[@nilvoidzero000]

Summer Marie That was an informative article to read, thanks. You comment should have gotten more likes.

[@realplayngod]

i love Japan... im an American who visits Japan every year. The only thing I cant comprehend is that Japanese people tend to put work above everything even family. Japanese will think nothing about working 16 hour a day ,6 days a week. I personally will not do that. and PDA non existence. I cant get use to that as im affectionate and a male, yes im married to a Japanese woman...

[@kazuki10500]

Japanese don't work so much. People around me basically work 9 - 12 hours in a day, 5 days in a week. I heard that americans more worked.

[@iarshintasudjana4382]

Maybe the expectation of life is different. Japan is a country of competition...where luxury is tempting, tax is higher or too many diligent workers ...if you can not compete...then you r eliminated. Shops are everywhere...n interestingly...almost every Japanese is living higher than me. For example...I like Yoshinoya....as an Indonesian Chinese...but asking my Japanese friend to hv lunch there...I hv to consider. Maybe there is an impression which I do not know

[@さつまいも-g5p]

まぁどこの国に住んでも不満は出るものだよね。私は銀行で一生昇進できないから(総合職ではないのでね)やっぱり女性差別とか考えて海外に憧れることはあるけど、やっぱり住環境の面で日本から離れることは考えたことない……

[@clang8061]

そうそう。

[@Neverseenstars]

I think the U.S also does not like to change a lot. I dont think its unique to Japan. Americans still wont accept the metric system, there is a strong counter culture here, and yes a lot of places here wont hire with dyed hair and tattoos even Starbucks. And we still use fax machines here too, i didnt think that was outdated.

[@SilencedButNotForgotten]

@CLANG CLANG CLANG CLANG everywhere lmao

[@cetriyasArtnComicsChannel]

And seen it too a long time to get chip cards?

[@ShinDMitsuki]

I don't know what state you live in but in California 90% of starbucks employees have dyed hair and tattoos.

[@54461jessy]

I see conter-culture as a positive aspect, cause It brings up a society that embraces the posibilities of all kinds of abnormal thingsand ideas. And that ultimately makes the world more innovative.

[@BedroomPianist]

We'd have to slowly weed out the imperial system. This means teaching metric along with freedom units for a generation or two, then abandoning the metric system completely. This is a lot of work so it'll never happen.

[@_syzygy_]

Idk why, but ive always thought of Japanese people being so overly introverted and without freedom of expression because of their own society, that they canalize all of their uniqueness through say, media, and that that justifies anime, with their eccentric, crazy color-haired characters and just as eccentric tramas.

[@Yatukih_001]

Their ability to understand the psychotic mind is more unique to me than that of any other nation in the world. I agree that the Japanese work place can be a disaster and that means new work places should be created that allow individual expression and do not force people to hide things so that accidents can be avoided, etc. In my country you will also find introverted people who are without freedom and who are trying to fight to get it tooth and nail.I was lucky to know job environments that allowed me to express myself.

[@HenryDube72]

We can all agree that every culture can learn from the other, there's no perfect culture. Certain values, customs and traditions can be a gift and a curse.

[@IamINERT]

Well not everyone lobes living in their country .I live in Jamaica I don't wanna live here in the future

[@brandi5126]

Yeah, everyone has their own view of their country of origin and they don't have to love it. I live in the U.S and although I like living here, I am not blind that there are a lot of problems with my country. I don't get mad if someone decides to leave because U.S doesn't fit what they'd like to experience on the daily. To each his own.

[@SecondVelcory]

I can totally relate, I've always felt like I don't belong in my country because there are so many clashes between my mentality and the mentality of most people around me that I can't even relate to them on any level. They are not bad people just very different and unrelatable... I wish I could leave but for various reasons I'll probably be stuck here for the rest of my life.

[@rRekko]

I hate my countrymen and government, the country is overall okay. Yuta seems way too positive over his country, while the girl was too negative, i don't think any of their views is too far from truth, but they're both biased indeed. The girl had a bad experience, while Yuta managed to avoid most of the shit his country has.

[@kyouma5589]

@@rRekko That's exactly what I was thinking while browsing the comment section.

[@freaky425]

@@rRekko I agree with you, some wise words there. also, i would like to add growing up as a girl is often harsher in a conservative society than as a boy which yuta doesn't have experience.

[@cnordegren]

This guy refuting is done in well-mannered fashion. Very high-class and reflects very well on Japanese culture. This is how you disagree with someone else.

[@dotbot5789]

i totally get Azusa Oga's point of view , im watching these videos about japan and how to be socially normal there like its manners and stuff. i totally get why she left japan. and Yuta out here is just a hardcore japan guy who loves his country and trying to defend it in the most practical way. everywhere is the same shes just voicing out her opinions through her experiences which is all legit. and same for yuta

[@vd7937]

@PAVITHRA S You probably didn't even watch the videos where she puts examples of what she meant. She said that they're general and not a thing that happens to everyone. If you really watched her video you will know that.

[@烏丸-w9d]

I am a Japanese I experienced like her experience My job had part time job that not accepted unique hair colour!! I looked for work place that accept unique hair colour, but it is difficult to find it. I think japan have many sides so easy to find opposite side of her video 😅 I love Japan but unfortunately it is difficult for me to find place that accept me Many people may feel same thing around the world

[@l.l.8731]

In the west people also don't like unique haircolors.. people just can't say it. I doubt if you go to a fancy place that there will be anyone with weird colored hair working there in most countries.

[@emerylsg]

@@l.l.8731 depends on the job, really. over here in america 85% of people couldnt care less of what color ur hair is

[@JJ-cm6il]

Hmm, I feel that Since Japan is a country thats used to sameness, they’d of course think its weird. She’s young And I understand why she wanted to get away. Explore. I wanna go to Japan (as a black person) to actually Feel that feeling of sameness... only thing I’m worried about is so e weirdo following me home but I always got a camera on go... hopefully she lives happier!

[@ばえず]

I do think she's great as for moving away from japan just because she didn't like some of japan! It's hard for me to move away from even my home town to next town so I think she's great and doing fine. In japanese proverb 良薬口に苦し (good medicine tastes always bitter) you can say exactly the same thing when it comes to listening to someone's advice or different sense. These that don't correspond with one's own sense always offer people bitter feelings and sometime offending. But why they feel bitter and offending is because these advice is getting to the point. Tbh I didn't wanna admit some of her opinions. Soooo what I wanna say is her opinions are kinda true so if your about to come to japan you shouldn't expect too much for japan. I'm strongly hoping you will have great trip in the future:))

[@Deeviiouss]

I agreee and also Simon

[@sarahhatch9400]

If Yuta was making this video in order to add some extra comments to Azusa's video, rather than in an attempt to argue against her, I would agree with what he's saying. It is possible to get a job but dress codes are strict etc. I think this all adds a different angle to Azusa's video, I don't think it argues against her points though. I do think Yuta came across as pretty dismissive by trying to reduce Azusa's point about acceptable appearance in Japan to "many people didn't like her fashion style." I found that quite rude as it's deeper and more complex than that. You can dislike someone's appearance without treating them differently for it. When you do treat someone differently for it, that isn't just something to be waved away by reductive comments. Azusa never mentioned dress codes nor getting jobs. She was talking about acceptance and perception of what Japanese society views as less "acceptable" appearances by the average person on the street, not just CEOs and headmasters/mistresses. This is one example of why I don't feel like Yuta argued against Azusa's points, he just added other angles to it that agreed with what she was saying. However, Yuta bringing in some quick anecdote of a green-haired person he met once (whose own opinions on the topic we never get to hear) who got a job, as some kind of counter-argument wasn't great imo. We didn't get to hear how hard it was for her to get that job, maybe whether she had to dye her hair black before the interview. We didn't get to see any comparisons between what she earns vs. someone with a more "acceptable" appearance, we didn't hear about what jobs might have rejected her and why etc. etc. Just because getting a job is possible, doesn't mean it isn't harder or that you will get paid or treated equally by people you work with/for. The issue is much deeper than just "can you get a job? Yes? Then Japan is more accepting than you might think." Also, talking about the fact that certain fashions are more acceptable in Japan than other countries, doesn't mean much for what the reaction is to things that aren't considered acceptable in Japan, which is what Azusa was talking about. Lastly, Azusa did point out quite a few times through her video that her comments obviously won't apply to everyone but that she is just giving a general overview of Japanese society as she experienced it. I don't think that equates to "flat out saying" anything.

[@SleepyWinter03]

I agree that his point about meeting someone with a full time job who had green hair wasn’t the best, but no matter where you live if you dress in a certain way both men and women will be treated differently. For a while my best friend had dyed hair and people treated him differently because of it, most people who knew him ignored it but it had an impact on first impressions.

[@Jinseual]

The only reason she hated living in Japan was because she never met Yuta.

[@EveryDayMan808]

I agree with all her points instead, however, that's why I actually like Japan. I like to see another culture when I visit a different country.

[@plr2473]

I lived in Japan. The worst part of the culture is the passive-aggression. There is this constant pressure to behave and act in certain ways, and people will rarely spell it out for you. Rather they passively hint at things, often masked behind politeness. It is a huge aspect of their culture, but as a foreigner, you are largely exempt because Japanese people do not expect you to understand and abide by their rules. But for Japanese it is horrendous because you really have to read into things, and wonder if you are reacting the right way. This is why the expression 'kuuki ga yomenai' is so common. This passive-aggression can create really toxic situations such as passive bullying and isolation. In Japan there is nothing worse than not fitting into a group and being unable to understand why. Moreover, in the workplace, you are never sure if you are doing enough, so you just try to look as busy as possible, though in reality, in a lot of jobs you are doing nothing productive for like half the day

[@chiefpurrfect8389]

Yo, Yuta. How 'bout that 1-hour long critique on the school system? ;)

[@shibba2517]

Chief Purrfect I love japanese school rule about relationships. No 'licking', no huging, no holding hands, just perfect!

[@chiefpurrfect8389]

@@shibba2517 Couple of questions... What's wrong with holding hands or hugging? I understand it not being your thing and I also understand that japanese culture isn't big on physical contact, but do they need to explicitly forbid it? Seems like a step too far to me if it isn't anything indecent that would make people uncomfortable. Also why does a school need to make a rule against kissing? Do people casually kiss each other in non-japanese schools? Because I've been to school (not in Japan) and students never did that- on school grounds where such rule would apply, anyway.

[@pablodanieljiang961]

Because they think/believe that love distracts you from studing, and the worst is that the physical contact will lead sex, and later pregnancy. Pregnancy = being expelled for sure, that's typically in any Asian countries, like S.Korea and China.

[@chiefpurrfect8389]

@@pablodanieljiang961 Hmm, that's some tortured logic in my opinion. Don't get me wrong, teen pregnancy is a serious problem. It's just that these rules seem ineffective. They only apply to school grounds on which I doubt anyone is getting pregnant anyway. You can't stop teens from being attracted to each other, it's a natural process. Plus, not all physical contact is sexual. I don't know, the logic that physical contact will definitely lead to sex which will definitely lead to unwanted pregnancies seems a bit hysteric to me. But then again, different culture.

[@pablodanieljiang961]

The logic is not mine, it's them, this is why Yuta questioned about school rules don't always make sense. Yes, they are sometimes histeric about some issues. The teen pregnancies do exist but rarely, they want to prevent at all cost, thus the unreasonable rules are created.

[@RuriRukawa]

She didn’t say japan isn’t artistic, she said japan is not very supportive of the artists. To be honest, I agree with everything she said and I think you did too, you only had problem with the intensity of the words she’s using. I would suggest you do a survey for this and ask not only japanese but also foreigners about these topics.

[@wtv9907]

Ruri Tsurukawa she is an artist ? if yes ,its the reason 😁 . artist need freedom

[@RuriRukawa]

WTV you don’t get it, do you?

[@ほっかいたろう]

I just made a comment on Azusa's, but you said almost everything I felt. Different ideas, different people. It is ok.

[@emb21982]

I enjoyed this video and it's good that you gave a balanced argument. I wonder if Azusa was treated more harshly because she is female? Even here in the UK I've noticed that in some jobs men can be more casual in their personal appearance and more assertive saying their opinion, talking back to the boss etc but when women act like the same way we get a negative reaction. At least that's how it is in my job, other industries may be different.

[@30803080308030803081]

Emily Bastian There’s a not-very-subtle sexual implication behind everything she says. She’s a type of girl who is very rebellious.

[@darksnow07]

Thanks, I was about to make this comment! I'm a Japanese woman and as with many societies, the rules are different for men and women. Being a bit more 'rebellious' or exhibiting 'dominant' qualities is seen as uncouth for a woman in Japan. There's a set of expectations and if you have a relatively strong personality, they'll discourage this for sure.

[@hirokoura9676]

I can relate to Azusa. That's Japan. People should think deeply, before they move to Japan and get frustrated with its social norm. The grass is always greener on the other side and the other side has the same thought.

[@manamal769]

Great explanation! I think how you explained things was very helpful and brought more clarity and preciseness to the points Azusa was trying to get across about the issues she had living in japan.

[@NaomiKawaiTube]

I grew up in japan and have been living in overseas too but I totally agree with your opinions and what the girl says like she doesn’t know the world well.

[@account-pd4fi]

Yuta is EXCEPTIONALLY good at arguments and conversations. And his japanese course is best recourse i could ever imagined. Thank you for your dedication to this channel and your audience.

[@erynnatessa2024]

Tbh, as a person who grew up in a quite conservative country in Asia, I can definitely relate to her views and opinions about the disadvantages of living in Japan because these things are also quite prevalent in my own country. Generally, the points she talked about does exist in a lot of other countries too, but I'm sure the people who would understand it the most are those who also grew up in the regions of Asia as a lot of our culture are similar in a way. Of course, in the end, each person will have different opinions based on the environment they grew up in and the experience they encountered (though it does says a lot about the privilege you had to not have to go through these things.)

[@lloydmeadors]

As a former ALT/ELT I fully agree that Japanese schools have a bunch of problems. The biggest is that even when students put 0 effort into their studies (i.e. I have had a couple students that did 0 participation in class, no school work, no homework, just slept in class) will pass into the next grade with the other students. And the teachers just say "that's how he/she is, don't pay any attention to them". As an educator I feel horrible when my students get nothing from their education, not because I couldn't teach them, but because I see the wasted potential... It fucking sucks

[@Altamirana713]

Lloydy無神論 I think the problem is that the students you were pertaining to require a different kind of education. I think they will be more active if they’re enrolled in a sports school or an internship program. Maybe they prefer to learn art instead of mathematics and history. Different folks, different strokes, and the teacher should refer them to a counselor.

[@lloydmeadors]

Except they don't have that in public schools. If you want your kids to learn in Japan, you send them to a cram school after public school

[@LMLification]

I agree, and it is interesting how many Asian countries get lauded as excecptional students when I have literally seen a mix of diligent and lazy ones just as anywhere else in the world. Then, at the same time, if schools were doing their jobs and offering quality education, they would have no need to go to a cram school or hire a private tutor just to get ahead. I have seen parents even go as far to fork out lots of money for an international school, and even they had to rely on a cram school and outside resources despite the high tuition they were already paying for the regular schooling. There are good and bad students in every society, and passing standardized exams and memorzing does not equal an exceptional student. I have even seen university students in different Asian countries get passed through without even understanding anything, and this one teacher wanted to act all proud about the lowest "passing" grade being a B (even though not much work was really needed to get above a C). Don't believe the hype and stereotypes. Their schools have issues too.

[@veemon]

Reminds me of this blog post --> japaneseruleof7.com/are-japanese-people-retarded/

[@sandhogssundays]

Any ideas on how to fix the public school problems in your own country? You will have a stronger voice there and perhaps be more effective in bringing about change. I could bitch about the education system in the US which I have no voice in with my Japanese friends and it would be as effective as a fart in a typhoon in solving any problems. As an educator, instead of blaming the system and throwing up your hands in despair, maybe reaching out to your student you feel needs help would be better.

[@AlexSchrockMusic]

I really respect your videos that break things down and are fair to everyone's view point! I love it.

[@loki19191]

you should link to the original video in the description

[@ThatJapaneseManYuta]

I already did

[@anikizero893]

Shes livingin Montreal its one of the most racist places in Canada i lived in Montréal and in school all you here Au Québec, c'est en Français you got caught speaking english spanish japanese whatever other language you got yelled at. Yea more relax on your self image then japan but im glad i live in japan now over Montréal or canada in general

[@niksarass]

PARLE EN FRANCAIS!!!!! :) Dude you need to forgive them, their culture and language has been bullied and shat upon for centuries, francophones in Louisiana were even forced to abandon it and speak english. If they defend their language in the few areas they speak, it's not racism, it's just a defense mecanism. Just imagine if after WW2 americans forced Japan to speak english only. That's what happened to america francophones mostly

[@BGcam]

I appreciate that you respected the original person’s experience while contrasting it with your own. I also like that you did research and provided sources to back up your perspective. Well done.

[@CNU1950]

Japan is a unique country, open to outside influences but prepared to go its own way. Lets hope that it maintains its individuality and avoids some of the madness that has beset the rest of the developed world in recent decades.

[@capscaps04]

They problably have their own madness already.

[@juandavidrestrepoduran6007]

@@capscaps04 They do. A dying society like many in Europe, not overriden with non-western cultured immigrants, but being killed by overworking, ridiculous hyerarchy and sexual frustration.

[@blinkrogue1344]

@@juandavidrestrepoduran6007 I despise the overworking culture, it's maddening.

[@Prototype9871]

I don’t agree with you about Colombia being more hierarchical when I never saw anything like that being from Colombia

[@albertigno1129]

Do "Estratos" ring a bell? Colombia is the only country I know of that quantifies the social class of its citizens.

[@nomi.hagen.]

You are blind then

[@kyubeycoobie3568]

@@albertigno1129 Most countries do that. Maybe not in the same way but most capitalist countries do that

[@kyubeycoobie3568]

I also disagree for a simple reason. Colombia is an arbitrary border we are not united by a common Culture but by a common border due to our geography that sepparates us in groups (Atlantic coast, Pacific coast, andean region, East plains, amazon) each region divided in culturally different groups. For the best example you can talk about "american accent", "british accent", " Chilean accent" but not "Colombian accent" like we in the Atlantic Coast have more in common with venezuelans in language than with people from other parts of Colombia. Back in topic: maybe Prototype feels is not true because of where they live. I know it is not true for me, Barranquilla an the Atlantico department is very individualistic, proggressive, and has an open culture (sometimes too much even for me.) Which gives us a "uneducated-carefree" rep in more uptights part of the country like Medellin and the antioquia department. Like in Barranquilla showing up uninvited to people's houses, kissing as greeting, sitting on peoples furniture and stuff like that is the common thing. So while Yuta's source is completely wrong it may be true for other places Tl;Dr: It may be true, depending on where in Colombia. Colombia is very regionalistic and has extreme cultural differences. We don't have a common culture AT ALL

[@XLEZZY_REUPLOADS]

He said he pulled the conclusion from a website and that more research is needed

[@raventv9826]

I really respect you for always checking your sources and always seeing/try to see many points from different views ☝️ keep it up

[@scoshi6592]

I've seen a lot of non-western people who fit more in western societies because of their personal preferences that may not be accepted in their native culture, and that makes them think that the west is morally and culturally superior to the rest of the world. That's a very sad thing, of course everyone fits in different environments but cultures aren't superior or inferior based on how much they accept foreign concepts; "accepting foreign concepts more often" is just an aspect of western culture and not a scale for how good a society is. Not saying her preference is invalid but I just noticed a lot of non-western people denounce their native culture in favor of the west, which I find quite retarded.

[@kelbyhaines]

さほ Same case in the Philippines, they’re very westaboos here to the point that they copy even the unpleasant things westerners do and their shittiness instead of getting inspiration from west’s technological advancements and things that’ll be benefitial to us but sadly most people here are only obssessed with the so called “American dream” idiocy

[@carmcam1]

in some way i like the western corporate culture where your boss is your boss not your master. The acceptance of civil partnership (lgbt) in the west, west (at least from areas i know), have less corruption culture , and stronger rule of law. I wish this things could apply to philippines as well, but we have one of the lowest average i.q. so not sure when will it happen. We tend to have a tribalism mindset that we become selfish.

[@milkiecookies4788]

anywhere with a uniform will enforce the uniform code. i live in britain and my school is fairly individualistic but you can’t have short skirts, you can’t have a bunch of piercings, you can’t roll your blazer sleeves, you can’t have an unnatural hair colour, your socks must be back, etc, etc. you just learn to get on with it. it’s a school wear what you want at the weekends but in school you have to follow the rules.

[@colza1025]

It's such a good and in-depth response. Thank you, both. I believe this kind of discussion is really meaningful.

[@patchchat]

Hmmm. I'm a bit troubled. She stated her experiences in the way she experienced them. Her opinions are based on her encounters. I don't know that she needed you, Yuta , to clarify her story.

[@Србомбоница86]

She is a lunatic

[@greatman05_CCJR]

If I took "Japan" and replaced it with "United States of America", this video would be almost exactly the same. What an interesting discussion between the two of you.

[@headphonic8]

Are you kidding? People in the US are extremely individualistic!

[@michaeltiagra8704]

headphonic8 How so? You can't even express your disagreement with gay without being fired, doxed, and harassed.

[@JH-dl6vu]

No, not really.

[@ninjabieber7695]

What no it won’t

[@karry299]

>People in the US are extremely individualistic! Really ? Try making a new political party. Or try not smiling fakely all the time. Or say something about how it's wrong to invade other nations and kidnap\torture civilians in secret prisons.

[@elenastefaniamanghiuc4327]

you have good arguments ...it's good too see that people actually do know how to discuss about things that are important to them without loosing their temper. Big like! More people should be like you.

[@fridz66]

Yuta is so open-minded in a way, and is knowledgeable about his sorroundings. He looks like someone you’d enjoy hanging out with.

[@Kougeru]

The hair color thing still happens in the US. Same with her complaints about schools The creative thing is a joke. Most countries don't really encourage arts

[@Bug-sg1li]

Well i say too much western media and be done with it. Move on. Not like we have not seen her kind before. The grass is always greener is Far west cuz tv said so.

[@reeyees50]

Very ironic coming from a person with an anime character on their profile picture, that happens to have colored hair

[@moritamikamikara3879]

As a westerner, when I see someone (Usually a Caucasian but not exclusively) with red, blue, purple etc dyed hair, I get the message and assume that they are an ideologue of some sort. I.E Dyed hair is aposematic, its a warning sign that they are dangerous, like a colourful venomous snake.

[@rabentante]

As a german I can confirm, that all of the discussed points apply here as well (more or less). No country is perfect. You have to choose your place to live with looking at all pro's and con's and then take the one you can live with the best. Also it's something about mindset. Some people will never be satisfied, no matter to which place they move.

[@elsaritchie7949]

When she was talking about the artistic and creative culture in Japan, maybe she meant it more on the basis of Fine Art college perhaps. There are many good art schools in Japan, but i believe that the colleges that she mentioned in Barcelona and London for an example are more open to weird and wacky examples.

[@mistahuynha]

I don't understand. How is Japan not innovative? Japan has one of best transit systems in the world.. How is Japan not artistic? Japanese culture is full of paintings, poetry, architectural design, zen gardens, manga, music, craftsmanship.. How does Japan not express individuality? Japanese fashion includes some of the widest range of styles I've seen. Seems like she has a case of "grass is greener on the other side."

[@theEumenides]

I'm not sure where Azusa is from, but the prevalence of those aspects of Japanese society can vary a lot depending on where you live. If you live in parts of Japan that are "inaka," you really don't encounter the innovative part of Japan as often. Fax machines, anyone? Same with fashion. If you work in a stereotypical Japanese company, you probably won't see much exciting fashion. For example, I had a friend tell me that when you do interviews, it's best to wear a white, pale pink, or pale blue blouse (for women). If you wear a striped shirt, it might come across as unprofessional. Haha. Yuta had a fair point that Azusa's words were a bit too harsh. The problems she brings up certainly do exist, but just like any country/society, you can't paint everyone with the same brush, and how one perceives larger society is usually strongly shaped by their smaller community. It doesn't mean she's 100% wrong, but her perspective, like everyone's perspective, is necessarily limited.

[@jabo109]

Shinkansen was created in the 70s and still today is more expensive than planes... innovative what??

[@Tatertot270]

Those are all true and great things, but the main problem is the social stigma and emphasis on conformity. One can say that Japan is creative in fashion with harajuku fashion as an example, but that’s inherently incorrect because it isn’t like the society accepts that kind of fashion /anywhere/ in japan- that’s why it’s so specific to Harajuku; that’s why people who want to deviate from the conformed fashion go to niche places like Harajuku. I highly recommend watching the video “Recruit Rhapsody.” It’s on KZbin, and if there’s anything to take away from my rambling, it’s this video I’m recommending. It is a short animation done by a student at Tokyo University and very clearly illustrates one of Japan’s biggest problems: job hunting, and the workplace society in general. Japan is the only place I know that requires every single person looking for a job to dress practically the same, and have specific procedures for things ranging from how to enter a room to give an interview to exactly what angle to bow when you’re done with an interview. Even how you GIVE the interview is set (自己PR is an example of how while a self introduction is supposed to be individualistic it is still expected to conform to a certain format). Don’t get me started on being a woman in Japan...sure, Azusas example here is a bit inadequate, but as a woman in Japan- especially in the workplace? You can forget about trying to speak up or confront your bosses. So yeah. Japan has great creative outlets but doesn’t mean that society particularly //accepts// it; society still prizes conformity to a //significant// degree, and it’s suffocating- it’s well seen in Japan’s work culture, but that’s a whole other ramble.

[@Libraryladyy]

Japan is creative despite the school systems and work system churning out the same salaryman and ol. It's not easy to step out of line but people always will. It's hard for those people who can't stand up but want to, they aren't encouraged

[@BrunoMaskulado03]

@@jabo109its created in 70's and most countries in the world doesnt have that XD

[@justacloud3374]

I totally respect the fact that she wanted to get out of her home country to get a breath of fresh air and a whole new perspective In her life at another place and I also respect how Yuta discussed his own opinions about her video in a calm rational unbiased way. Points for both of them! 😌

[@driftertravels928]

Everyone has different experiences and like and dislike different things. She’s entitled to her views. Many of my Japanese friends who live outside Japan also dislike the country for various reasons, especially my female Japanese friends for obvious reasons.

[@msptv6247]

Yuta-san! In response to Azusa's sentiments: To each on his own. In fact, when I talk about my lovelife/crushes to my Japanese friends, they really do not mind at all (well, I'm pretty much an open book when it comes to lovelife/crushes), unlike my own compatriots who sometimes place malice when I talk the same thing.

[@whatever5575]

Very good counter argument. Rational, polite, no attack on character. Well done.

[@sniks9901]

I love the way you think and respect other's opinions!

[@samvance40]

Japan has "extreme" cultures where you find a lot of innovations and creativities. A lot of times things that are taboo in other countries are regarded as acceptable in those sub cultures in Japan. Even child porn (in manga) is not totally banned. And you can buy explicit adult magazines in just regular convenience stores. And when people talk about Japan in a positive light they tend to highlight those things to make Japan look more vibrant and free. But you gotta remember those things are very extreme, and do not represent everyday life in any way for most Japanese people. I think I agree with Azusa more on this topic. Japanese society for the most part, on average, is very suppressive. People have to behave in a certain way to not be discriminated against, in schools, in companies, and even in their own apartment strata. And I'm not even talking about laws/bylaws, but "social norms." Only if you go to the fringe will you find things that are very creative, vibrant, accepting and free.

[@ferna182]

The grass is always greener on the other side.

[@XSpImmaLion]

The basic thing that I see in most of negative experiences versus positive ones is that they are extremely limited to the person itself, and they are not really representative of the country they are speaking about. They are only representative of that singular person's experience, during the limited period they are talking about, and inside the very limited geographical location they spent time in, with the people they were lucky or unlucky to interact with. I'm from Brazil, and I have lots of relatives who worked in Japan for a while, a couple of cousins who lives there, and a part of the family that went there as tourists. They will all tell you different stories. None of them are lying, but they can often be on opposite sides of the spectrum, even if they are in the same "category". Like, I have family members who went there as tourists and basically wants to go back again and again, I also have family members who didn't like the experience and don't want to go back. I have a cousin who went to work, decided to stay, has a family there, and don't plan on ever moving back. I have another cousin who hates living in Japan, he's there because he has family and is forced to because he has to pay the bills. I have uncles that went to work there and had some of the worst treatment and experiences possible, I have others that will always tell these nostalgic stories and didn't stay in Japan only because their work Visa expired and because they had to come back to family here. You can never have a clear idea of the experience you might have in another country only from the account of one other person. You have to collect as many experiences as possible, and then set your expectations accordingly, knowing that even with all that, it's just speculation. Well educated guess, but still only speculation. I also hosted a japanese interchange student who wanted to move to Brazil but ended up staying in Japan, I have a second grade cousin who was born in Japan, visited Brazil after graduation, made several plans to move here, but gave up, I've been twice in Japan so far, twice in the US, and once in half a dozen European countries. I also lived in 3 different cities in Brazil so far.... unfortunately never went on an Interchange program despite trying a couple of times. On the particular case of this video, there is at least a little bit of foreigner disillusion... which is a pretty common thing. It's good to reflect upon such things and also take in whatever input is there, but go a bit deeper to understand what is really happening. Put simply, foreigner disillusion is both being bored about the life you have always had, plus perhaps wanting to escape it, the treatment most cultures give to people from other countries, a concious or unconcious search for wonder and good experiences while you are in a very specific situation like living abroad, getting in contact with new people with new ideas, and a whole host of other things that might have happened to Azusa when she moved to Canada, or might have happened to a Canadian or American when he/she moved to Japan, but that probably wouldn't have happened if you were a native in the country. We get stuck in generalizations and oversimplifications because it's hard to see or imagine experiences other than ours, so we appeal both to broad ideas or, in case of different countries, the often repeated stereotypes and broad generalizations that international press will spread around. To be fair, they exist for a reason, and it's better than nothing, but often they don't tell the whole story. You know how lots of foreigners living in Japan say they get some special treatment because they are not japanese? Yeah... that isn't unique to Japan at all. It has all to do with what people expect from you, and sometimes the image they want to project of the country, people, city, culture and whatnot you are getting to know. In the case of both the japanese interchange student that stayed with us for almost half a year, and the case of the japanese relative who was born in Japan and visited Brazil after graduation, you could see exactly that. In their limited time in Brazil, they got a very differentiated treatment, one that the vast majority of brazilians would never even imagine having. So of course they thought living in Brazil would be great. But they were shielded from the worst stuff that can happen here, so it is a very very biased perception. Also often, when you are leaving your country to live abroad, you are leaving family behind, you are resetting your own habits, cultures and customs to try something new, your are starting to understand a culture with a blank slate, you have either an idealized but often superficial interpretation of the culture you are getting in or you just know nothing of it, while you have a very charged, settled down and often set in stone, negative idea of your own culture. So, the bias is right there. These things also change with your social abilities, your age and experiences, and time overall. Here's another thing to think about: quite often, when you move to another country, you stop thinking about stuff that you focused a lot when you were in your own country, and lots of those are negative. Stuff like politics, the justice system, everyday annoyances and irritations, things that you'd want to change but you just don't see how, etc. You've lived there enough to know all about the stuff you don't like. When you get to a new place, you naturally want to justify being there and only highlight the positive stuff, while trying to adapt to or ignore the bad stuff. You haven't been there enough to know what you don't like, you are often in a priviledged position, people are naturally curious about your experiences, you often have somehow conquered being in this new place versus just being born in it. There's a whole lot more to think about these testimonies, but the usual applies - tread carefully. It's just not as simple as most people try to put it.

[@Irohen]

I've been living in Montreal all my life and never felt it to have a very "creative" atmosphere to be honest, except maybe for specific areas such as Old Montreal. Yes there are interresting places to visit, but overall I find Japan to be much more creative.

[@ungrateful-66]

Love your videos! Such a wide range of topics and some unconventional ones which is nice.

[@RealGingerTea]

When you bluntly said "sarcasm" after being really sarcastic, I laughed my arse off so hard. I tip my hat to you sir, that was british level sarcasm and on point as well.

[@HenryDube72]

Sarcasm is basic, I don't know why people overhype it so much. Is it a measure of one's IQ?

[@RealGingerTea]

@@HenryDube72 no, its humour, it's not overhyped, but you don't have to enjoy it

[@HenryDube72]

@@RealGingerTea overhyped humour.

[@MK-bi1hj]

@@HenryDube72 people "overhype" it so much because a lot of people don't get sarcasm.

[@MK-bi1hj]

And when done in the right way, it can be hilarious to watch. It's not as easy as you think to be extremely sarcastic and funny in a day in age where everything you say is taken absolutely 100% seriously.

[@thatdutchguy2882]

Compared to other nations including other Asian nation's, in Japan they took a few aspects of "rules" or "conventions" way out of context and way too far,...it's pretty much the same deal in South Korea. That is indeed a fair comment or complaint in regards to Japanese society. As is the remark that Japan does too little and moves way too slow to adress these issues to benefit their society as a whole. But, having said that, one can make all kinds of remarks regarding any given country/nation, and in the grand scheme of things the shoe will mostly fit, even with the use of some hyperbolic remarks. There's something to be said for individualism as is the case for collectivism,...the reality and "G-spot" is located somewhere in the middle, both extremes aren't perfect and deal with their own perticular issues. Depending on one's personal preferences/ambitions or character, one or the other will suit any given person better than the other. The more collectivist societies can use a good dose of individualism to better their society and the more individualist based societies can use a good dose of collectivism in theirs,....balance is the name of the game. We'll all eventually get there,...but for now we simply have to bite the bullet so to speak.

[@egmjag]

I have been watching some of your videos and finally subscribed. I enjoy your reasonable arguments and your point of view. I like the fact that you are independent, maybe fiercely independent. I have two Japanese friends, one who is Okinawan. I went there when I lived in Korea and he gave me a tour and told me about the history of Okinawa. It was definitely very different from most of Japan and I learned lots then, but I learned more about Japan as I traveled there frequently (especially Fukuoka) during my 14 years in Korea. But since I love nature, places like Yufuin and Bepu fascinated me more than any other place in Japan with the exception of Kyoto. The onsen culture, particularly in a very natural setting, is one of the highlights of traveling in Japan. I am still interested in living in Japan but my mother isn't in good health and about to enter her 80s. I think that some or many of us just don't seem to fit in or be satisfied in our cultures. Maybe we're born that way. Some of us thrive better abroad. I don't know why but I've always been interested in Japan since I was a child. I remember seeing a cartoon and especially the 60s Godzilla movies. I guess the cities and sets depicted in those movies piqued my interest from a very young age.

[@LeonardoPostacchini]

lol!! Dude your entire argument about hierarchy and social conformity just proves her point, you are so adapted to those that you see tiny exceptions to the rule as proof that there is flexibility.

[@niksarass]

Maybe she is so adapted to western BS that any little collective thinking seems too hash for her

[@Braiseee]

I would also say, that gender roles, the discussion on them not being excepting of feminism/ LGBT ideals in a conservative christian backed country does mean there will be direct unfairnesses that women would also have to deal with that a guy like Yutta who looks the part would not be harassed or put down for. Japan and Korea are definitely known for shame culture towards women basically throwing you aside if you're 25 and unmarried, not a skinny stick figure and doesn't fit into the societal box. Guys get it too in their own way but guys have always been favored in Asian cultures which is why femicide happened in china. A guy expressing his opinions is going to be a way different experience. I still see it in the United States "why didn't you just speak your mind to your boss" because they would write you up for having an "attitude problem." and tell you you simply can't handle the work and should maybe just quit. So her points are totally valid.

[@stevenzheng5459]

Japan has plenty of art! Very inspiring art I might add.