Things Foreigners Should NEVER Do - Japanese Interview

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[@takashiifromjapan]

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[@jessetorres8738]

The U.S. tv series The Amazing Race has been on for 34 Seasons & they have traveled to Japan for 8 of them; 9, 12, 15, 18, 20, 23, 26, & 31.

[@zebari8516]

My friend, when you download a clip and ask the Japanese, I hope you add a translation of Arabic and the rest of the languages, and not just English. There are people who follow you and do not know English.

[@TheAnonyy]

I'm. Not sure of the country of origin visitors come from we have similar complaints about queuing in UK. If its not clearly written to wait until someone comes to you it is assumed you take a seat. Behaviours and attitudes have changed since the 50's so there's a a mish mash of standards everywhere nothing is the same!

[@roseforeuropa]

たけしおかし。。。ウマイ！

[@pegwaltman5812]

I have really enjoyed learning about your culture by asking all these questions/thoughts/ideas that foreigners should know about Japan and its people. Really every Country should do this! Entertaining and Informative.

[@adngbsn]

The last guy’s answer really resonated with me. Being considerate and trying to understand people around you, regardless or race or nationality, will always lead to better relationships, and less conflicts of interest.

[@alldayeveryday6146]

Funny as most Japanese don't even do that

[@TomSestilio]

@@Blue_Nova707 He was referring To foreigners being considerate in Japan, not Japanese being considerate to gaijin

[@PervyOldToadSage]

Yea I likes that a lot too. Especially because Im an american who hates hugs and handshakes and hi fives. I always thought the people who gave out too many high fives to strangers were quite obnoxious. I guess introverts would fit in better in japan 😅.

[@alldayeveryday6146]

@@TomSestilio Japanese are barely nice to Japanese.

[@consciousmatter7584]

Yeah Americans somehow have missed this bit of common sense. As an American who lives in America most of us are loud, obnoxious, and inconsiderate. It's part of our culture.

[@Sinprak]

Last guy was spitting straight facts from the heart

[@kingace6186]

For real.

[@aoi_susano]

Damn right. If foreigners (myself included of course) kept that in mind, everyone would have a better time with us in their country.

[@clololown]

130 IQ perspective

[@SyaoranDC]

He is awesome

[@dustyreynolds4225]

I agree, one could not say it better than he did ,for the question

[@heatherweir2948]

I'm so surprised at how beautifully empathetic they are. Every single one offered an explanation as to why they believe why foreigners do what they do, or offer an excuse with a nice suggestion. Super sweet, non judgemental people. Us americans could learn a lot from them. They seem so humble.

Your comment is condescending and subtly racist…typical American blabbering about the zoo animals….

[@the0nlytrueprophet942]

Ye being Gaijin is amazing! I love landlords discriminating on race, so friendly

[@DusktilDawn-xq8rl]

I love Japanese people. They are so respectful, kind and polite. I also love the way they talk. So calming. Their food is delicious as well. ❤️

[@Goldfish1060]

Nah, I lived in Japan for a while. They absolutely are judgmental people. You can live there your whole life, born there, speak fluent Japanese, and you will never ever be one of them. They will be nice to you, but idk how to explain it, they will make it clear that you are not one of them. Compare that to Americans, I saw a guy get his citizenship here after a year of living here and boom, he’s one of the Americans so quick. Even with an accent anericans accepted him. That shit never happens in Japan.

[@eirik8593]

@@DusktilDawn-xq8rl two faced

[@matthewoberton1830]

I love the respect and decency that Japanese people show in everyday life. The attention to detail is seen in their relationship to food. There is very little sloppiness or half assed approach to anything they do. The things that they produce have lasting and enduring quality.

[@vova32123]

Their mindset and actions are despicable - I have no inclination to follow their anti-common sense logic (masks on trains? 😂)

[@TshepoKotelo]

​@@vova32123The purpose of wearing masks on trains is to prevent germs from spreading between passengers on the same train. I wouldn't mind living in Japan because I want to live in a country where most people are considerate of others.

[@LP-wn7kp]

How educated you must be 😂​@@vova32123

[@doublebubblebarb7606]

@@vova32123u like that New York subway air huh

[@emmanuelae8171]

@@vova32123 you're average westerner that can't understand norms in different countries.. embarrasing

[@phillipedwardness9591]

Timestamps are here for you! 0:51 don’t drink alcohol outside 1:14 if drinking alcohol outside, be respectful 1:25 do your best to speak Japanese, even if you don’t speak it well the effort is respected 1:56 please wear masks on the train 2:48 you should wait to be seated at a restaurant, don’t just walk in and sit down 3:18 make sure you wait in line and wait for your turn 4:00 Japanese people are shy and reserved, be calm and polite when approaching them 6:30 be quiet and respectful on trains and other transport 6:50 make sure you give people their personal space 7:33 keep to the left on escalators 7:48 make sure you shower/wash to clean yourself before you get into the sauna/onsen 8:05 consider each person individually. Just because one person likes/dislikes something, that doesn’t mean everyone will. To be honest, these things are very basic and I regard them as common courtesy, useful in every country when you travel. Treat people, their culture and their country as you would expect them to treat yours.

[@masternerf99]

Exactly! With Japan, or any foreign country, when traveling I've always thought to show deference to the people and culture. It's just like taking your shoes off before you enter the home: it's their house so follow their rules.

[@Umezete]

Honestly :51 is more of don't be an asshole and do it obnoxiously, it's not uncommon for people to drink publicly here on trains, or during picnics, and so on. Just don't be unruly doing it.

[@phillipedwardness9591]

@@Umezete I have never seen someone drinking alcohol on the train, wow! Even drinking walking through the street seems rare to me.

[@Umezete]

@@phillipedwardness9591 really? odd. Walking through the street is a bit rarer since it's usually looked down upon to eat and drink while walking period but people do tend to drink on train rides often enough.

[@phillipedwardness9591]

@@Umezete do you mean on the bullet train or just regular train?

[@user-ew3vl2wn9l]

I am Japanese. In the video, the man said to go to the left on the escalator, but that is mainly for cities like Tokyo, and it may be different in other areas, and it is not decided which side to go to. . The safest thing to do is to look at the actions of many other Japanese people and imitate them. If you don't even commit crimes or litter, I don't think you should worry too much about it. The most important thing is that foreigners enjoy traveling in Japan.

[@ecookman]

Kansai - right side is best side. It's always fun being in areas where there are lots of people from other areas form Japan (within the Kansai region) and then every stairway is a mess of people. Kyoto is a prime example.

[@halle1214]

Here in sweden we stand on the right side😅

[@ViMBarN]

Osaka just does the opposite of Tokyo, right? :P

[@aidswidjaja]

When I visited, people in Tokyo stood on the left side, but other cities people stood on the right side. I just followed everyone else :D

[@blueprintsg]

Just stand on the side that the majority is standing on. Whoever’s in a rush will have the common sense to zigzag past if you pick the wrong side at the start of the escalator

[@nattkhan]

I love what the last man said. I've been in Japan for almost two months now and (thankfully) I have abided by the things people here have expressed. I also made the effort to learn conversational Japanese before coming to Japan and it has given me the most wonderful experiences here. Japanese people are so friendly and kind and I truly will be sad to leave when the time comes. おもてなしを本当にありがとう

[@beyondobscure]

Great to hear. Comments like these keep me and maybe even others motivated to continue learning Japanese.

[@tharulgaming8228]

@@beyondobscure Same, i'm learning Japanese too, but I find it really hard to remember Hiragana lol

[@PherPhur]

@@tharulgaming8228 Repetition to firm up those neural pathways. And don't forget, if you aren't using it you're losing it.

[@DusktilDawn-xq8rl]

My dream is to visit Japan one day ever since I was a kid. ❤

[@S0M3O43]

Where/what did you use to learn Japanese? I've been trying to find the best way to learn it myself before I visit

[@Christoph52]

This is super informative as a foreigner about to visit Japan, thank you! Some of these were pretty obvious and general common courtesy things, but some I wouldn't have thought of

[@washingtongumballs]

I’ve spent a lot of time in Japan and honestly relate to all the things these people say, not because Japanese culture has rubbed off on me or anything. I feel like everyone was polite in answering this question but I felt like the last guy, we all need to look at how we relate to others and be considerate. I’m an American in America and I hate when people ride by on their motorcycles blasting music, when people get in my personal space, when people cut in line, so these are all things people should consider not only in Japan but everywhere.

[@prettypig3791]

I agree with you that’s not just rules or anything it’s just simple manners

[@carolewarner101]

Here here!

[@Rando31able]

Well said

[@lIlIlIlIlIlIIIIIIII]

You’ll get over it bubba

[@agamersinsanity]

I can relate but this is in general on the bus, or when you walk. I don't want to hear the music or the girls/dudes sucky partner, and it can also be applied to work related stuff.

[@Guywithair2]

American here, I love how polite everyone is in this video. Even when they are discussing something obnoxious being done. They give the people the benefit of the doubt "Perhaps they are not aware of this concept", versus just calling them savage, or some other insult.

[@Musikmaker658]

That’s just basic diplomacy which is accessible to everyone. This may come off wrong, but I don’t see what is so impressive about it to highlight the point you made. If you are smart you would edit out any comment that seems too radical to air for a video with educational purposes like this one where a big spectrum of countries is bound to react to it, since that is its selling point. I am quite convinced that per video the guy has two or three interviewees he will always edit out, either because they don’t amount to much, are too rude or simply not material for this video. But I just doubt that these sort of reactions are all you will get under normal circumstances. Edit: forget the edit, I mixed something up there😂

[@balls-lover-34]

@@Musikmaker658 if you think certain things are "basic diplomacy" then you must be quite lucky, in most places and contexts, people are not courteous by nature. I dont think its wrong to highlight and value it, considering its quite rare; maybe in certain more professional or privileged contexts it is, but in general it is not.

[@YourBestieTalexa]

It's assumed that we are not aware of these concepts, they never considered what that other person is going through or any reasons behind that person's actions. It's all based on stereotypes

[@the_cosmic_giggle]

I don't know where y'all live but when Muslims invade ur country it basically becomes a free-for-all. Most of them don't give a fucc about any established etiquette. I swear, Japan wouldn't know what hit em when these people show up en masse, lemao.

[@KittenBowl1]

@@Musikmaker658 You haven’t lived in the U.S. and interviewed people on the streets then. It’s the difference in cultures you don’t even know… It’s not part of Japanese cultures to blast strangers with your opinions in the manner Americans and other westerners may. Japan is more homogeneous society vs America as more individualism society. You also sound jealous like a typical westerner in Japan. You have to live in Japan for 50 years and you can maybe understand a fraction of what Japanese are like from a westerner perspective. Main comment is from a guy who has some experience and common sense. You on the other hand, lack experience and sound judgment probably. And definitely lack observation skills. Stay in denials you never know what you’re even missing out.

[@martinhopley]

Great video to refresh my memory. I'm going back to Japan for the first time in 8 years in 2 weeks and most of the points your interviewees say resonates with us English but they're a good reminder. Thank you!

[@icowolf93]

Recently found this channel. I love Japanese culture and your videos are amazing. Thank you for your hard work!

[@testersecondaccount2603]

The last guy really hit me. His advice applies to everyone and everywhere in world. He told us key to human relationship. Thank u

[@Jadenyoung1]

The last one, at least seemed to me, saw the whole picture here

[@1x0x]

smart man that doesnt just believe all the stereotypes... everyone is different

[@andredelacerdasantos4439]

Yes, I'm sure the advice that says you can't generalize aplies to evryone, everywhere.

[@Erodent]

Everything boils down to me as an American to “I wish the Americans would respect our country as much as they expect others to respect theirs” and it’s crazy how many countries outside of the US feel this sentiment. The last man’s answer was beautiful.

[@davidvasta]

I just got back from japan and the number of Americans just being rude is off the charts bad. Even worse are the Chinese who are even more rude than Americans if that is possible.

[@HellsDarkSyndicate]

@@davidvastaIt really is sad tbh. I’m a first gen American and I feel this sort of entitlement (for lack of better word) is because a lot of Americans don’t have an appreciation for other cultures like how foreigners do. They aren’t taught growing up to expand their horizons (travel wise and culture wise). And this is just my observation from a lot of people I’ve met. Of course you have many that aren’t like this. But there’s also too many that go to other countries and expect to act like they do in America.

[@Libellulaire]

@@HellsDarkSyndicate It's propaganda mostly imo. Note how Chinese people are also like that. Two countries where the medias and leaders always highlight how beautiful and perfect their country is, how it's the best in the world, how everybody envies it, etc., *very* patriotic countries. Money matters, but even for Americans that I know who have decent money, travelling abroad doesn't cross their mind most of the time. Why would they when they "have everything in the US" or "the US is the best country in the world" for them ? When they do, it feels like they almost consider it as going to the zoo and watching animals... That's the level of disrespect they show. Although tbf I've seen plenty of people act like that, it's just that for other places/countries you have both sides, while in the US and China I've sadly yet to meet someone respectful and caring about the culture they're going to.

[@jazzercise7800]

Why do you think they're talking exclusively about Americans?

[@Michael_Ruiter]

My dad was army and we got moved to Germany for a few years so we did a lot if travels in Europe, and MAN, it really is Americans a lot of the time being overly loud, rude, inconsiderate, etc. The amount of times it’s nice and peaceful somewhere and people are having normal conversations, the all of sudden there’s Americans where you can hear them across the square lol. It’s quite sad to see how oblivious they are to things like that, also I’d see trash being left places way to often as well. IDK what makes other Americans want to be so loud and obnoxious, but I’d wish they could be more considerate. I’m American and it’s really not that hard to be respectful, you get better experiences just being respectful and nice

[@emilk554]

The last guy to speak was so genuine and a man of logic that makes so much sense. I love how he thinks and is a great person.

[@chinesecitizen8671]

Restaurant manager in Budapest, Japanese people are our favorite customers by far. They show respect like no other nation, and we are glad to have them as regulars.

[@mattpope1746]

I’m impressed with how unfailingly polite the people interviewed in this video are. The interviewer asks “what should foreigners not do…?” Instead of something more confrontational like “what do you not like about foreigners?” And everyone who answered qualified their responses with some version of “maybe some people don’t know about this…” as if to give foreign visitors the benefit of the doubt and assume it’s lack of awareness rather than poor character that leads to any offensive behavior. I’ve always wanted to visit Japan and this makes me want to do so even more.

[@mickyss7766]

Finally someone that's gets it. It takes a wise person to understand that 👍

[@KiyokaMakibi]

Nicely put!

[@tobordabot]

the problem is that most foreigners dont understand they just do what comes naturally in their society thinking that it OK or everyone does this...every society has their own rules they follow and a decent intelligent person will at least attempt to follow those rules..as they say when in rome...

[@annierminx]

​@@tobordabot And you don't seem to understand that people that aren't native from a certain place, literally just tourists, that are kind and clearly try to be respectful in their own way (wich is the majority, not like you said), should be perfectly excused and rather seen in a positive light while nicely just telling them the right way of behaving for certain situations or places that they clearly aren't used to, and also not abusing this aspect, since not every place has strict rules related to one's behavior. Not everyone can or even needs to follow every single detail to the Z, in fact, you might be mistaken as disrespectful or simply ridiculous for trying to mimic the natives entirely, just be mindful of your surroundings while not disturbing the people from the place you're visiting.

[@valiant1838]

The video editor just could have cut the part when the interviewee getting confrontational, after all Takashi is controlling the flow and sentiment of the interview

[@martinsnelaudioenhancement]

They literary describe how to act normal and not like a moron. This makes me feel confident that I can go there without worrying. I’ll learn some Japanese and ask in Japanese if it’s okay to ask something in English. It’s all about respect there.

[@thekalamazookid4481]

I wish we had that here in the U.S. there are small communities where people respect each other but it's not like a national mutual understanding.

[@TheGamerGameplay1]

Lol, just learn japanese and talk in japanese man

[@tomr3422]

When I was much younger I lived in Osaka for 3 years - the first phrase I learned was "excuse me, I know very little japanese may I ask you a question in english?" over the time I was there I learned more japanese and it changed to "my japanese isnt very good". Finally I got to where I could communicate basicly. Most Japanese where very nice and would go out of the way, and later would say my japanese was pretty good, or help with words I didnt know. Most people are proud of there culture and will welcome the chance to share it - PS it was also a good ice breaker with the ladies.

[@buddylove6718]

Take a karate class to fit in

[@Veldazandtea]

Normal is the problem. If you think that's a solution then you are a moron. Suffice to say mass depression and suicide is common for a reason. Along with censership and cowardness and lying with intent (most people will on CVs when applying for jobs for example). There's your normal. Only the last guy in the vid gets it right. Context matters. People are different. Not the same.

[@Cabbalsyd]

This was so informative! Thank you! It’s great to know these things before travelling to that country

[@kurenaiking7705]

Honestly plan to go to japan and these are all questions that i needed answers for, since the internet isn't accurate. It's good to be able to find an actual real source of information.This really helps me alot so thank you for making videos like this it really does help those of us who actually want to go to Japan.

[@williamstueve5075]

The first man’s comment about speaking Japanese even if it’s broken is spot on. When I traveled in the former Soviet Union before I spoke decent Russian, I was treated so well by people when I attempted to speak in Russian even though I sounded foolish. They opened their hearts to me and made my life easier. Especially in passport control!

[@nothere3982]

I on the other hand completely disagreed. The example put is that they go to other countries and try to speak English but the thing is English is not the only language, other countries have very different languages as well. English has become a link language, used everywhere nowadays. I will try my best to use Japanese, but for that example the person made he ought to learn each language of each country to justify his complain, and it's just inconvenient to have to learn every language to travel abroad.

[@erikakos3664]

@@nothere3982 Well obviously you don't have to *learn* the language of every country you visit, but learning some basic words and phrases that will inevitably come up (greeting, thank you, goodbye, asking for directions, how much does it cost, etc.) is so little effort that it can and should be expected of everyone. If you go on a 1-2 week trip to the other half of the world, chances are you've been planning that for at least a few months before you depart, which is more than enough time to learn a few dozen phrases as well as look up some basic cultural customs. Also it's worth mentioning that the man didn't say foreigners should never use english, he just said that it's better to APPROACH people trying to use japanese. It's very likely they will offer to switch to English if they speak it adequately and see that you're struggling with japanese, but the very fact that you made an effort to speak to them in their native language will make them way more open and friendly because they appreciate that effort, in part because they know how fucking difficult their language is lol

[@trianls7629]

I don't know which post USSR countries you traveled to and you certainly have no ill intentions, but I hope you didn't generalize them with Russian speaking. Each of them has their own language. And they had hard history with russification and colonization. Some countries might be ok with that but other feel very strongly about that today. In some countries people would feel upset and disappointed that you assume they understand or must know russian language especially among younger generations who is much more in touch with their culture. It will also be multiplied by political issues within the country and region. They would much better hear you speaking English. As for older generation they might feel joy of easiness by hearing russian as they could better understand it. (As before learning English was not common). But it's not a joy of feeling that foreigner respected or appreciated their culture. (This comment obviously does not apply to russia)

[@williamstueve5075]

@@trianls7629 I’m old and this was a loooong time ago lol!

[@kylele8443]

You feel Japanese treat you so well when you try to speak Japanese, but that might just be because you apparently look like a western foreigner and Japanese people almost have a natural admiration of people coming from west. If you look like someone from other eastern or southeastern asian countries, say China or Vietnam or Nepal, you get normal treatment or even cold faces when trying to speak Japanese. And most of the time you get better treatment if you just speak English with them. They might think that you actually have a western background and then they respect you more. 😅

[@JustCauseFan]

- don't eat where you are not supposed to (mostly just sit somewhere to eat) - don't be rude to older people - be considerate of the culture differences - on escalators stay left, so that people that are in a hurry can go through right - don't block an entire road with a group - don't litter - don't give tips - try to at least learn the basics in japanese it helps a lot and people there will be really thankful that's what i learned from 1 week in Tokyo (an looking into stuff beforehand)

[@TheK-PopInPublicAuthority]

To expand that- don't eat and walk around. don't be rude to anyone unless they're rude first- and don't stare at anyone, even if you see some dude in full latex dom gear with a pig mask walking around- Asian culture is built on the idea of 'if it ain't your business, don't get involved because you'll bring trouble upon yourself.' Regarding tips, NEVER rub wooden chopsticks together, it implies the restaurant owner is purchasing low quality chopsticks which is indirectly insulting them as not caring about their customers.

[@PalitoSelvatico]

Don't give tips???????

[@TheK-PopInPublicAuthority]

@@PalitoSelvatico Tips are insulting the business owner by suggesting he doesn't pay his employees enough that they need you to pay them also. It's shaming the employer publicly to give tips. Gossip and rumours can spread that he's such a bad employer his customers need to pay his staff instead of him. Hurts his reputation. Slander and libel are huge crimes in Japan fyi.

[@obiwankenobi2121]

In Vienna STAY right on the escalators and people that are in a hurry can go trought on the left side 😅

[@sherry_sya5422]

Hello there.. just a little tips on the escalator. in Kansai region (Osaka and such) stay on the right side. in Kanto region (Tokyo etc), stay on the left side.

[@starlingcity]

I like the way Takashii and the interviewee responded so strongely to the notion of someone throwing their newspaper on the floor this would "never happen" in Japan. It shows an inherent respect and care for their environment. I remember when I was in Switzerland and how the bus driver put on his gloves and dusting and swept out his little red bus so carefully for the next group. When people take pride in their immediate environment, they take pride in their country and keep the space nice for others to enjoy.

[@RoslynBaldonado-dy7kl]

From what I gathered, the major rules of Japan are these: 1. Be considerate. 2. Be patient. 3. Be respectful.

[@neat24]

the majority of these complaints are said in such an understanding way like "maybe they don't have a wait culture there" or "maybe they're not used to that" it's so respectful 😭

[@paulfimbres9443]

When a southerner says “Bless his soul,” it’s not a compliment.

[@Spartan0430]

@@paulfimbres9443 but it is a respectful way to go about the point

[@richardgg2889]

They should maybe say it more out loud. I dont think "unrespectful" people should be "respected" this way, you see?

[@jakemarie828]

​​@@richardgg2889that's not how Japanese culture works

[@jakemarie828]

Yeah idk how to tell them that they are just rude rule-breakers XD it's an entitlement thing not a foreigner thing

[@MooMooCow888]

I’m from NYC and although it’s less common to leave newspapers on the train now that less people buy them, people here used to do that when they were done with them so the next person can read it on their commute! It was meant to be a courteous thing when the people here used to do it. I actually haven’t seen it happen much since I was a kid, so thank you for reminding me!

[@nothnx3210]

That's such a nice thing to do lol that guy only saw it as a bad thing. It makes me wonder if he saw that happen repeatedly and never wonder if it was intentional or cultural. He could've researched it on the internet too and maybe gotten the different point of view.

[@timko3135]

living in ny now, I can tell you that now I don't see news paper on the train, but definitely see worse trash like food or drinks or weed/cig butts

[@celestialasmr9624]

@@nothnx3210 I mean if they were throwing them on the floor that doesn't sound nice but I guess that's just how it appeared to him!

[@MapleShrimp]

In my city we have several free newspapers available near the metro stations, so usually you leave it on the seat or wedged between the seat and the wall for the next person, not just dumped on the floor.

[@puccaland]

That's the 1st thing that came up to my mind when hearing the anecdote. But of course the guy never bothered digging deeper or even just asking why people were doing that despite the fact that in Japan they have/had the exact same habit of leaving books and weekly comic book magazines behind in the train so other people could read them. Let's not even get started on the Japanese leaving newspapers on the floor during flights. But I don't know why they do that.

[@Marc-oj9fx]

I love how you have a playlist only in Japanese! Great for immersing! Keep it up!

[@remazeldagirl2673]

Thank you so much for this. I love. hearing directly from the people who live there! Very eye opening! I really loved the very last man's attitude. He sounds so wise.

[@inducedcomics]

I barely speak any Japanese but I always tried my best when I visited Tokyo out of respect. I felt like the locals really appreciated that I was trying at least. It was a culture shock for me how nice, respectful and friendly the people were, and I'm Canadian. We are know for being polite. I adore the Japanese culture and really look forward to my next visit.

[@marcethoma]

I’m Canadian too and while Canada is generally considered to be very polite I experience culture shock coming back home from our trips to Japan (usually we go for three weeks). Last trip in Nov 2022 I found that it took me only a day to adjust to Japanese life whereas coming back to Canada it took me about a week.

[@maryk4y]

@@marcethoma Canadian here as well. It's quite a shock to return home after spending time in Japan. We are nowhere near as nice!

[@youroverlordruler]

Totally having reverse culture shock right now. Just came back to Vancouver from a three week trip, already wish I was back there!

[@NebulaDark243]

Am Japanese if you like anime we do too so feel free to talk about it 😊

[@tigerex777]

I visited Montreal and got discriminated for not know French so I don't know where all this niceness is coming from.

[@red3994]

I think in general, people in Japan mainly value their personal space and cleanliness along with noises, which is a good thing all things considered since I personally wouldn’t want someone invading my personal space or interrupt me while I’m busy and or trying to relax or sit down somewhere that hasn’t been cleaned. It’s really nice to see how friendly all these responses were.

[@tannerpaisley-ve6dq]

They are too picky for petty stuff. I just cancelled my trip for Nov.

[@liandre9035]

@@tannerpaisley-ve6dq your loss

[@Thegmaervibe]

​@@tannerpaisley-ve6dqthat's good they are too silent and boring person's

[@c4tmoto]

​@@tannerpaisley-ve6dqprobably better for japan that you dont visit anyway

[@tannerpaisley-ve6dq]

@@c4tmoto They'd most likely give me a disease lol

[@parhamzahir6525]

Thanks for making this content. really helpful. wish you all the best

[@lifeslemons8743]

This is very informative and interesting, thank you to everyone in your video and you for making it 🙏

[@oskie9719]

Back in the 90’s in Japan, I used to wear a t shirt that said 私はバカなアメリカ人です (I’m a stupid American.)。Japanese people (mostly teenagers) would snicker and then I would say in Japanese,” hey, what are you laughing at?” Most would freak out, but there were some who were very curious and started asking me a lot questions like why I spoke Japanese. Made a few friends pulling that prank. 😂 Good times.

[@beyondobscure]

OK, that's very funny.

[@RajKumar-dv1wc]

Hahahahaha.. Good one!

[@inershareaville9206]

Haha, that is such a fun way to make friends! May I ask where did you got the shirt? I want one so badly now, lol. Do you think I could find one anywhere?

[@inkdroplucid]

As someone who's learning Japanese and plans to move to Japan in a few years, the most intimidating aspect right now is the worry surrounding cultural differences; you don't want to end up offending the people you meet in a new place because you act out of line without realizing it. Videos like this are honestly great because they give me a chance to hear the opinions of folks that live there, it's very helpful.

[@user-gn1ey1nt8b]

日本人は文化を学ぼうとしてくれている外国人に酷い態度を取る人はほとんどいません。日本には本当に細かいマナーが沢山あります。けれどそれは長い年月をかけてこどもの頃から教わるものなので、外国人の人が日本の細かいマナーを分からなくても仕方の無い事だと分かっています。 けれどそれを少しでも学ぼうとしてくれるなら皆親切に教えてくれると思います。 怖がらずに頑張って！絶対大丈夫！

[@inkdroplucid]

@@user-gn1ey1nt8b どうもありがとうございます、とても励みになります。私は今、ごくわずかな日本語しか知らないので、これを翻訳する必要がありました。ぎこちなく聞こえたらごめんなさい。 新しい文化を尊重し、自分が貢献できることを学ぶためにベストを尽くせば、大丈夫なようです。あなたのように連絡をくれた人は皆、とても親切で励ましてくれたので、私はとても楽観的です。また、学べば学ぶほど面白くなりそうで、とてもわくわくしています。 励ましのお言葉、ありがとうございます。どうぞ、今日も一日楽しんでください。😊✨

[@RickySmithNow]

sounds like from your attitude you'll do just fine 😉🥂

[@RickySmithNow]

(that you care enough to find out ❤👌🏽)

[@JordanVic87]

just high five everyone. you'll be fine

[@ProjectsHalfDone]

American here. Just got back from my first ever trip to Japan and I just wanted to thank you for this video. It really helped me to know expectations and to feel confident I was doing the proper things. The waiting to be seated part was very helpful because while I did learn some spoken Japanese, I don’t know how to read it yet, so even when a restaurant had a sign at the front, I didn’t even have to get out my translate app, I knew I was expected to wait to be seated! I kind of wish all restaurants in the US were like this. It’s so much easier! Thank you for your videos!!

[@emansfvera]

Bro i love your channel, i feel im getting prepared before i go to japan thanks to this channel.

[@midnightfm87]

As an American, my biggest complaint is noise. Like talking on a phone in a confined public space or listening to music without headphones. It’s so baffling to me; I honestly have to wonder if people do it because they get a sadistic kick out of imposing themselves on others. Like it’s some extreme expression of freedom. I’ve actually had to move a few times to escape neighbors who would blast music at all hours because it was genuinely affecting my sleep and my mental health.

[@Official_ST4RBOY]

Sadly America is starting to water down to nothing but “Freedom of Ignorance & Ego”. Gotta love the war zones every-time fireworks go on sale….but Freedom?

[@diafasshat]

it takes a special breed of asshole to do it for fun... i think the majority of people who don't care about being loud and offensive, and it is offensive (the only people who don't think so are the people who do it), are the people who were raised with the "you do you and i'll do me" mentality... as if nothing they do should/will affect the people around them, and if it does, then it is the other person who is at fault

[@Z3nHolEminD]

SLAYERrrrrrr 🤘

[@sandwichlegend2348]

Personally I don't really see the big problem with any of these

[@laurencevank]

@@sandwichlegend2348 I do, it's worse in my country. In public transit you can hear different phones blasting sounds at full volume at the same fucking time. I'm really envious of you for this to not bother you, but for me listening a TikTok video repeating for the nth time alongside a fucking Reggaeton and a Mexican novela at the same time breaks my fucking mind.

[@Madsgu]

Don't Be loud, respect personal space and be mindful about others. As a Finn that sounds lovely. Also waiting in line is like national sport for us.

[@PaweKabanski]

That also resonates with me coming from Poland. Common sense really.

[@Kain1805]

@@PaweKabanski i ToOk tHe wOoooOOooK tO poLaNd

[@ddenozor]

How do you even form lines with just that many people?

[@Utubesuxmycock]

Japanese must really hate them "ninjas" hahaha

[@Matty8x8]

What? Mindful of others? Do you see how closely people stand next to each other in Japan? You're liable to get run over.

[@immothebeardedguy5759]

The 2 older guys gave their answers with a sense of wisdom and maturity.

[@danny_davis]

Thank you TAKASHii. This video was very helpful. It is my intention to be a polite and mindful guest, when I your country.

[@carlmanvers5009]

I appreciated the kindness and wisdom of the last interviewee. He's absolutely right. Being aware and being self aware will take you a long way in life, wherever you find yourself.

[@the_science_channel]

Turkey got hit by devastating earthquakes. There are still families stuck under the rubble, and you can help them. Please consider supporting us. I have compiled sources in my channel.

[@danielcull5054]

I've been to Japan many times and I always loved how clean, quiet and polite everything is. When she said foreigners are loud on trains, she is so right and it's so obvious because everyone else is so very quiet and considerate.

[@mentaltelepathy24]

it really is lol -people are very nosiey on the train lol

[@josephinetay9776]

Foreigners are loud on trains in Japan?! She should look at her own country folks talking and laughing so loud when they are “foreigners” outside of Japan! Let not the pot call the kettle black!

[@RazakelKairo1994]

@@josephinetay9776 Idk. Whenever I get Japanese guests here in our zoo in the Netherlands, the immediate quiet atmosphere makes me want to shift my tone towards a more calmer one and I feel its appreciated.

[@Kokusen17]

@@josephinetay9776it’s common to be silent or talk quietly on a public train. People are there to mind their own business after a hard day of work and listen to the announcements of where the train is going. Ofc it would be quiet. And my people being very noisy in the US? What a broad generalization, being loud where? A restaurant, park, library? Be fr, ofc people talk when they’re supposed to. On a train in Japan either none or quietly that’s how it is. Americans jeez 😂

[@josephinetay9776]

⁠@@Kokusen17 Do you even understand English perfectly? Was there any mentioning about “your people being very noisy in the US” in my text? Well then, you’re acknowledging the behaviour of “your people”! 😂😂

[@sshatrow84]

Love Japan. Love the people. Even their responses are polite. Everyone has a shared purpose.

[@andresalgadomarques]

I'm really hoping I can visit Japan next autumn and I'm searching online for some information, and I found your video. Very nice, and most of the things people referred to seemed logical to me and just based on normal politeness, education and respect towards others ❤

[@baumstamp5989]

i like the last guys philosophical view of the subject a lot. he is right on that. if we foster clichées they will not disappear. but of course we always have to "read the room" regardless of which country we are in. and a lot of boundaries can fall pretty quickly if you get into a deeper relationship with other people. always depends!

[@iota-09]

That... That's not a phylosphical view though, that's just a sensible logical view, no? Right? Please tell me i'm right, people can't be so obtuse to not realize that something like that shouldn't be a thought that requires any more attention than say, knowing you shouldn't hurt others. (Not saying the guy is dumb, just that i expect, or at least wish more people thought about the good in the world in a way that they can come up with answers like thay without too much thought)

[@susanma4899]

Every time I watch one of these videos and hear the "no hugging" line, I think about when I left Japan--my coworker and I hugged each other goodbye. Everybody needs a hug sometimes.

[@yuri_cobaia]

Its kind obiously that Takashii question was about a general perspective of the country, of course that everyone is a individual character with their own beliefs, so it felt kind lame for me

[@RottenPieceof]

Every time I hear people talking about “keeping your voice down on public transportations”, I die a little on the inside. I had a cringy foreigner moment when I was visiting family in Shanghai. I was talking with my sister on the train, but because we got caught in the moment, we didn’t realized everyone else around us was just silently staring at us. But luckily, when we got off the train afterwards, my mom (who was also with us) told me that people just thought we were actors by how fluently we spoke in English

[@alainportant6412]

nobody cares about their gay little rules bro

[@catbutte4770]

@RottenPieceof It's cool that they thought you were actors.👍

[@jasonjerusalem]

Actually Chinese people are notorious for being extremly loud in public places. It's a common thing to stare at foreigners in China, I don't think your conversation has anything to do with it. Koreans and Japanese are usually much more discreet. At least while sober lol.

[@bronah6942]

It’s just talking on a train, if they starin that’s their problem, it ain’t that deep lol

[@RottenPieceof]

@@jasonjerusalem I'm actually Asian (Chinese, but I look more Korean and Japanese), so I don't think it was a "you look like a foreigner" situation

[@be1nformed]

Super insightful and useful. Keep it up!

[@brc3978]

Thank you for sharing this video. Someday I would like to visit Japan and your videos are a tremendous help

[@paidquartz]

After coming to Japan and living in Tokyo for 3 months, I have to say that most of the people who I observed speaking very loudly on trains are actually Japanese people and usually young adults. Only occasionally I could see people with heavy American accents speaking loudly. But maybe it's more noticeable when someone speaks a foreign language so even if when someone speaks at a very low volume, it might appear to be noisy to some Japanese people.

[@ILoveCiniminis]

You're right. But usually, in the mornings, it's quiet on the trains because everyone feels like shit probably

[@holliswilliams8426]

I think it's definitely more noticeable if someone speaks your own language.

[@roslynluyt7284]

You are correct. In Korea and Japan, normally elderly people have a ‘get out of jail free’ card when it comes to being loud on the public transport.

[@jp-vega]

@@holliswilliams8426 I disagree. Most of the time when someone speaks another language it piques your interest/attention

[@ChristopherCricketWallace]

facts!

[@beseakos]

In all honesty, last guy gets it the best. I love it when people are considerate and don’t generalize. Neither their own people and neither foreigners can be made into unified molds. It’s great that there are people who give answers like that.

[@thralzoss1943]

The interviewer knew it too, he was like "THAT WAS QUITE THE ANSWER!"

[@YourBestieTalexa]

He's definitely rare. With the most common sense

[@michaelw234]

Don’t be upset, Asians are really good at statistics and that’s not a generalization. The stats are in and most of those people aren’t incorrect. One disgusting thing I see is foreigners wearing skimpy outfits when it’s against their culture and they don’t want children to see it. Most liberalesk people should avoid Asia and go to Europe. The more traditional people should go to Asia. Sadly it’s mostly the liberalesk type people who frequent Asia.

[@YourBestieTalexa]

@@michaelw234 Asians are good at statistics....*claps* you've just lost your entire point in the first line of your comment

[@YourBestieTalexa]

@@michaelw234 oh I see now. You're just racist. Cool cool no point in engaging with ignorance

[@the_Ali_C]

Your follow up questions are so spontaneous yet always spot on.

[@paulnone9984]

It really depends on the person. I'm a foreigner and have lived in Japan before and Japan is sort of like a double edge sword. It's good to care about those around you and to be considerate, but on the other hand, people care way too much about what everyone else is doing in society and are very judgemental about it so you end up having people all acting and doing similar things as each other like a robot. It's honestly one of the things that makes me sad about Japanese society is having great people being afraid to act as themselves because of the social pressure of "being the same". I can completely understand trying to respect others, but if you don't even respect yourself and are afraid of everyone's opinions then no one is happy.

[@JO-rf7vv]

I want every Japanese to read your comment.

[@juanarkantos]

exactly, like that girl who uses the japanese government as a reference on what is good and wrong

[@SanchoBohemian007]

Finally someone who understands. I work for Japanese . That’s the hardest part. Because I refuse to Blend in however that’s part of why I’m welcome to work. Because I’m like a ronin. Refuse to accept similitude.

[@voidpunk2713]

Ah, but American individualism could be painted in a bad light as well. The only reason you are opposed to community and “sameness” is because you are not familiar nor have grown up in that culture. That doesn’t make it a negative.

[@paguindignada6392]

@@voidpunk2713 great point!

[@IATEALLTHECHEESE]

The broken japanese thing from the first guy was reassuring. I'm too scared to use my Japanese with native speakers bc I'm scared it's too broken despite me passing N4 and studying for N3. So I'm glad that native speakers want us to speak it regardless.

[@gamersrise2490]

I feel like it's a respect thing. Since as he said, everyone tries doing it when coming to America/other countries that's english majority. But it was something I'm nervous about doing as well.

[@Naryoril]

@@gamersrise2490 There is a difference between Japanese and English though: English is basically the world language and a lot of people speak at least a little bit of English. But only very few people outside Japan talk Japanese though. I'm saying that as someone who's native language isn't English and who speaks Japanese reasonably well. That said, the Japanese really seem to appreciate if you try to talk to them in Japanese. I know they really mean it, but the permanent "nihongo jouzu desu ne" can feel insincere when you hear it several times a day even though you just said a few words... I had 2 occasions i really took as compliments to my Japanese. I was asked for how long i've been living in Japan (even though i was only ever there as a tourist)

[@missingno88]

i've found many japanese will attempt to speak in broken english as they find its a good opportunity to practise their english on foreigners

[@MarinaBaySends]

It’s easier for Japanese to try speaking basic English overseas since it was taught to them in school as compared to a foreigner trying to speak Japanese, another way to think about it would be if should they be visiting some countries like eg Germany or Sweden then would they be able to even try and converse in their native language or would they end up defaulting to English as well :))

[@Kitti_B]

When I was in Japan I knew like two things. How to say thank you and sorry. Even these things made people smile. :)

[@aleksandrabelozorova]

Thank you for the video. I will keep everything in my for my next trip to Japan 🙂

[@humantouch88]

this is actually really good and informative. good job! as for waiting culture - it really depends on the restaurant where I’m from. usually only “higher class” restaurants have someone from staff to take you to your table, haven’t seen it in any regular restaurant, so that’s the culture difference I guess. as is not wearing a mask or being too loud 😁

[@erikc.9167]

I’m an American and I visited Japan last year. I’m a pretty introverted person in the U.S., so a lot of these tips from the Japanese citizens you interviewed came easy to me. I only know a few basic phrases in Japanese, so I had to rely on my phone’s translator for more specific things, but the Japanese people I encountered were all very polite and accommodating.

[@mentaltelepathy24]

I always wondered if like they would consider it rude if you use a phone to translate even though you not being rude. That's my number one worry about visiting there.

[@erikc.9167]

@@mentaltelepathy24 when I did it, I was very selective on who it was with: rail station employees, restaurant servers, certain businesses that I went to where I needed clarification on something (many of them also spoke English), but it was mostly an intuitive experience.

[@LOUDcarBOMB]

​@@mentaltelepathy24I work with Japanese coworkers in the US (Alabama car manufacturing specifically), that essentially all of them use a translator for English. I'd say that if you use a translator, put some depth, openness, and honesty in your message that shows why you would need to use a translator (otherwise you'd say it to them). They'll appreciate it and will work in kindly back more than most in my experience. I received a small gift from a high level advisor from a high level Japanese-only department with this type of communication. I'm quite appreciative of it to me because I could build that relationship up (using a translator no less) and is a reminder of that experience to me. Just my extened opinion

[@alexandrech8874]

Can you tell a Japanese person in the street in Japanese "Do you speak English?" or is it rude? Assuming you don't speak Japanese at all or only a few phrases.

[@ArdikaSulaiman]

​@@mentaltelepathy24I had a full on Google translate conversation at softmap with the staff there. I was on my phone he was on his computer we talked back and forth like that. We both seemed to have fun talking in that way he was very polite aswell

[@jordanaethelric2614]

As someone who has spent 2 years in Japan, a lot of foreigners (far from just Americans) cannot seem to control their voice no matter how many times it's brought up or even how familiar they are with the language and culture. I am so apprehensive about riding the trains or going in public with other foreign friends because they are so obliviously loud. It's annoying to tell a friend 50 times they are being loud but it's worse to inconvenience literally everyone else.

[@sarougeau]

I'm a Canadian and my wife is American, it's very much dependent on where you grew up. Southern Americans tend to speak very loud and often times people tell me speak up when I am visiting down there. Often times on a discord call I can hear my American friends roommate's over the mic even though they're not even in the room.

[@jordanaethelric2614]

@@sarougeau I'm from rural Georgia which fits very firmly into the loud southerners thing and I get that i can be loud. But when everyone is whispering or dead silent and one or two people are basically shouting even after repeatedly being made aware of the issue, then there is definitely still an issue.

[@andrewmc147]

I'm not loud and I enjoy when I loud person enters a train but I think people are responsible for their own discomfort. If someone is loud on a train, use it as an opportunity to be okay with it. Its not hurting you. Discomfort isn't an evil thing. Yes I'm not talking about harassment or these sorts of things, there's a line to be drawn. But people need to allow their safety bubbles to be popped lol its not healthy to live in a bubble of comfort and expect the world to work around it

[@stephenlim2852]

​@andrewmc147 A traveller should go with the norm of society. If I am supposed to be quiet in the train, I better be! This is about respecting your host's culture.

[@jordanaethelric2614]

@@andrewmc147 with this self-centric world view you've got it backwards. Society doesn't owe you the privilege of disrespecting everyone around you. Someone will always be louder and more arrogant and a competition to see who's the most obnoxious piece of trash is nothing short of narcissistic, and a way to make sure everyone loses.

[@samantha0lee]

Love this. U feel when ur out and about if ur a respectful person and mindful on how you behave with kindness then fitting in and enjoying the culture would be well received

[@pugtalesok]

It was informative and I learned something new today. Thanks Takashii

[@DenDarEmi]

The last guy spoke some truth there. I come from an island that attracts a lot of tourists in the summers and I get annoyed when people visits a country with the mindset of going on a fun holiday because many people tend to think this country or city as a holiday resort or a playground for them. They feel like they can do whatever they want that they would'nt do at home even because they have vacation, but it's actually a home to a lot of people. Show respect and try to read the room

[@zerogrey3798]

I married a Japanese woman in the 90s and a lot of what was said in this video are things she told me. She also told me that many Japanese can speak English and will gladly switch to English if you're at least trying to speak Japanese. She also added that for me it wasn't an issue except for the fact that no matter how hard I tried I just couldn't pick up Japanese. She said my general mannerisms and "verve" was Japanese which is what drew her to me. And no, at the time the only anime I had ever watched was Robotech back in 1985 so I knew jackall about the country. Mai was kind to me, so I was kind back. (Rip Mai 2/13/01)

[@kawaiicthyarlotep6141]

Honestly, sounds very wholesome lol Also sorry for your loss-

[@jon4sh710]

Thats so dense honestly. I dont expect someone to even speak a word of my language when they come to my country.

[@UdumbaraMusic]

@@jon4sh710 I wouldn't expect someone to speak my language, but I'd still make an effort to learn some words of a country I'm going to visit. It shows that you at least spent a little time and it's a sign of respect. Maybe I just feel this way because I've seen so many tourists from my country just shouting in English as if it's the natives' responsibility to learn our language. When I went to France with some friends they didn't even bother saying "bonjour" even though they knew it. I had learned a few phrases and words and got waaaaaay better treatment and more people willing to talk to me in English or give me gifts/samples. It's just quite rude not to learn some words, really. It's the same as someone coming up to you, speaking gibberish and then looking confused as to why you don't understand them as if it's your fault.

[@ChidoranPS3]

@@jon4sh710 How hard is it to learn a simple "hello" and "thank you" in any language? Your mentality is dense

[@aspenrebel]

@@UdumbaraMusic I'm an American, when I go to England, I try to speak English.

[@vickona970]

Can we just appreciate the work this guy’s channel is doing ❣️

[@jasonhenry2212]

Love your videos. These are great things to know before going into places that are new. Where the people are new to you. I think you cannot truly experience another culture properly or respectfully. Without learning these basic things.

[@lindseymckirdy1830]

My father visited Japan many times in the 50s and 60s as an engineer. He became fluent conversationally In the language. he gained a deep love of the Japanese culture and traditions which he passed onto myself. I eventually visited Japan in 2019 a wonderful country and people - my Japanese was very poor but I tried it and it was very much appreciated. I will be visiting again!

[@dge_05]

Wow what a story :D

[@ddespair]

He must not have told you about the downsides of Japanese culture that everyone overlooks. Namely their extremely flawed criminal justice system and how people are treated awaiting trial. They also rank among the lowest of first world countries in dated practices of gender roles and women have the lowest representation in government by comparison. They also don’t like non-Japanese people unless you’re a tourist who doesn’t plan to live there. I will say the work culture has improved.

[@commisaryarreck3974]

​@@ddespair If you're arrested in japan you're probably boned. Everyone knows thst What was it, a 99 or 97% conviction rate? I cannot shame japan for any of it, its their country and they may do as they please. I'm just a tourist and have absolutely no right to tell them theyre wrong in their practices or their culture

[@SA-mj3uv]

I lived in Japan for 7 years (both Tokyo and in highly rural, isolated, villages). Wherever you are in Japan (and yet more so in the villages), politeness, decorum with conscientiousness and an eye to those around you are key. For instance, when we, foreigners, talk loudly or walk in confident ways, know that you can but you should consider how your voice level, words stated, actions or movements could affect those around you. It can get tiring but it becomes part of you in the long run and you come out a better person in some respects : More conscientious of your actions and others.

[@yohan_3t730]

Can you please explain specifically what is meant by "walk confidently"?

[@rigdenbhutia8995]

nerd alert!

[@howdy1487]

It's refreshing to see an informed opinion. Thanks for the information. I wouldn't have thought about walking confidently. There is a big difference between a very confident posture and a humble posture. Do you mean head lower, not bolt upright, etc.? I have an American friend who lived in Japan. He said Japan is better in some ways. Japanese don't litter nearly as much. There is far less theft and crime overall. They respect strangers, their neighbors, and their community much more.

[@Sprightey]

​@@yohan_3t730 I'm going to assume that they really meant obnoxious (or even arrogant), instead of confident

[@Tornven2003]

Most of the time in England especially people think it is perfectly fine to talk, laugh even yell over others around them. To them it's just their personal conversation but for everyone else trying to talk in their group or focus on a task it is irritating and made impossible because of peoples ignorance towards others.

[@rdv5602]

Thank you! This was very useful to watch :)

[@juliusrandle352]

thinking about moving to japan, your videos are so helpful, thank you from America❤️

[@marcusrobertsson1898]

I used to work at an airport here in northern Sweden. My job was mainly checking peoples boarding passes and helping confused people find their way around the airport. Whenever I mer japanese travellers I used to give them an "Arigato" and a slight head nod when handing back their papers. About 50% of them just automatically responded with the same phrase and went on with their business. The other 50% took notice that I spoke Japanese with them and were happily surprised. I loved putting a smile on their faces as they were leaving Sweden :) (I studied some Japanese back in high school so I had a pretty good accent in that "Arigato").

[@MajinBuusni]

Now here's the real question: did they themselves bother to do their homework and use 'tack' or 'hej' while visiting, or does it only go one-way.. I have a feeling it's the latter.

[@user-st9hh6hz2z]

do itahsimas te!

[@Braamsery1992]

I live and work in Germany in retail. Once there was a couple, German and Japanese (in their 20s). She most likely wasnt in Germany for long and to "practice" she was supposed top pay. In only realized she was Japanese when she counted like a Japanese cashier (you recognise it instantly) and obviously in Japanese. I told her her change in Japanese and thanked her in Japanese. The look on her face was just funny. Just absolut bewildered that someone can speak Japanese in this relativly small German town where no tourists go :D

[@louisliu5638]

@@MajinBuusni my experience was that older adults from Japan are NOT very tolerant of you trying to say a few words in their language, unlike students and very young people travelling and enjoying their freedom. My wife went to Toyko Institute, got her Masters, and speaks FLUENT and well educated Japanese. When her fathers' friends from Japan visited, they'd go out and I'd get to stay home and play with the kid!!!!

[@nomifrei]

this is so sweet omg 🥲🧡

[@Discerningotaku]

I made a Japanese friend on Instagram and he was incredibly friendly and open with me when we met in person which surprised another friend I had who used to live in Japan as he told me that was unusual, but even though I’m American I tend to be incredibly shy and quiet so the last answer really spoke to me. People are unique and the best we can do is respect each other so we can all be comfortable. That is the reason I love Japan so much is that they do follow that.

[@Monkforilla]

You seem like quite the otaku if I do say so myself

[@evmarekaj]

@@Monkforilla bruh you are jumping to conclusions pretty hard

[@Monkforilla]

@@evmarekaj his username is literally otaku, you were saying?

[@RaspBerryPies]

It’s also interesting because to people in European countries Americans are seen as not touchy at all and very shy with physical affection. So hearing that Americans were seen as the opposite is so funny to me. I also am shy with hugs and such unless it’s a family member or close friend so yeah what the last guy said was so true!

[@Discerningotaku]

@@Monkforilla too true!

[@alessandroenahoro2251]

Thanks I will try to keep this in mind when I visit Japan appreciate it!

[@nicolasbsmith78]

No plans in the near future to visit Japan, but I find these videos so informative and... relaxing 😅

[@victoriadevleming4572]

I think it's so interesting that the culture of Japanese people is overall just much more understanding, like every criticism they had they were equally curious as to why, "maybe they're not used to that" or "their culture isn't the same" so I think it's so interesting how they understand and respect the cultural differences between themselves and foreigners and its super enlightening and respectful and I think that's just so cool

[@CiaGuy]

that's just the japanese way of saying something without saying something... it's not really that polite.

[@victoriadevleming4572]

@@CiaGuy nonetheless, it's still cool to me at least to see the culture and how different people view different things

[@niko1even]

I recently moved to the US from southeast Asia, and I just think that many Americans are quite rude, especially ones who work to serve customers. I am not sure if it's a culture thing, but it probably is.

[@CiaGuy]

@nikoleven7491 depends on the places, shitty companies who don't take care of their employees won't give a shit about being nice, but there are a a lot of places that do care and will put in the effort. It's not a culture thing a lot of people just aren't paid enough to care.

[@wazabi41]

Just remember : they think the exact same thing as anybody else, they're just not allowed to say it out loud.

[@adisajakupovic6184]

I truly appreciate that you ask people of all ages on matters like these, it really shows how everyone has a different perspective and opinion on it, while to me, all of them were clear yet friendly about the things they mentioned. I will never understand how people casually do stuff that makes others uncomfortable without apologizing or asking how it is appropriate to act and generally to be more considerate, especially if people actually call them out and tell them why it’s not ok to do so. I think that is what everyone just wants to see, it‘s the effort to recognize the mistakes, own up to them and change or adjust a few things here and there.

[@the_jones528]

I just wish that more people lived with such forms of respect and courtesy.

[@mattball7362]

This was very interesting. Thank you :) I think this is important for any country you go. Remember you are a visitor, and be resepctful of the local customs and people.

[@dtf56980]

In the United States, waiting to be seated in a restaurant is definitely a thing we practice here. Only in bars, clubs, and fast food establishments are self seating or if the establishment explicitly tells you you can seat yourself. Otherwise, for the most part, we wait to be seen.

[@mightymeatymech]

Yes that made me laugh because I've worked in restaurants where we have signs asking people to waited to be seated and they'll still sit wherever they want. I understand her frustration and we do have a waiting culture here, American customers are just used to always being correct no matter what they do.

[@sethlindgren8130]

@@mightymeatymech It's usually the older generations. They don't want to wait 30 seconds for someone to come to the front so they just seat themselves. Later, they're confused when they haven't been served yet: It's cause we seat by a system and we didn't know you were there.

[@JesiAsh]

And I have never seen that or even expected... there is open seat so you take it... and wait sitting on it - thats the waiting culture /lol

[@susanma4899]

Don't forget that Americans aren't the only tourists--maybe we're actually not the guilty ones, lol! Not naming names though....

[@MegaBumblebee666]

Same in Australia although I don't think I've been in a proper bar before only pubs but we tend to wait to be seated in pubs.

[@RICKONORATO]

I’m in Japan now and I absolutely love how calm, quiet and respectful this culture is. It is a joy to ride the trains and not have some asshole next to you using FaceTime on speaker phone. Why can’t the rest of the world be this considerate? Why is it so acceptable now to force your shitty phone conversations on everyone around you?

[@savee100x4]

Don’t worry it will get worse but then good

[@RICKONORATO]

@@savee100x4 I hope you are right

[@HDChannel]

Personally, while commuting, I like the atmosphere to be calm, but this is my opinion. I can't force others to be like me. Some people enjoy the sound of noise, I like it to be noisy in a coffee shop, for example. So I guess it's a preference thing, and everyone should look for the environment that suits them, and respect the norm within different cultures and follow it. In Japan everyone is calm so be calm, don't judge them boring because you like noise. In Italy people are chatty and very vibrant, respect that if you go there, don't call them annoying, it's their culture. In Japan people worship personal space you should give them that when visiting them, in India people stand one hugging the other and they are fine, show them respect as well.

[@RICKONORATO]

@@HDChannel Agreed

[@jacquesdemolay4516]

Black people did that.

[@Vlican]

great topic, i wouldn't mind seeing more of these!

[@deanrobertoleson4669]

A couple years ago I went to Tokyo for about 10 days on business. I thought the Japanese would be shy and serious. I was so pleased to experience their sense of humor, friendliness and warm smiles.

[@W8ANDC]

Love how many of them say “Maybe they just don’t know.” So humble lol

[@Isaki138]

Polite way to say that maybe foreigners are too stupid to understand. They are that elitist hiding under their shyness.

[@wiloux]

that last guy was gold. his speech really de-descriminates foreigners living in japan (and not only visiting)

[@axenia1309]

I’d love to visit Japan at least once in my life time! Thank you for this video

[@judithroque4009]

We read up and prepared ourselves before our trip to Japan in March. So somehow we understood what was expected of us as visitors in terms of culture and customs. We tried our best to start a conversation in Japanese when we needed help and I’d say we were treated warmly by the locals for which we were very grateful. We also tried to blend in instead of sticking out as tourists. Overall it’s one of the best vacation experiences. Japan 🇯🇵 is my new favourite destination. I’m looking forward to going back soon.

[@aninfpslyricvideos]

The first guy's answer resonates with me! I remember that one time I went to a restaurant on my own in Japan, and with my broken Japanese and Google translate, I ordered the item I want on the menu. Unexpectedly, maybe I sounded too collected, the waiter started to talk to me in Japanese. I was extremely startled and didn't know what to say, but then he was a smart guy and quickly picked up the fact that I cannot speak Japanese and switched to English. Japanese people are so nice!!

[@21Kikoshi]

True! I wish Americans behaved in a way... Where people would say... "Americans are so nice!"

[@pannajohns5255]

@@21Kikoshi Tbh I heard from a number of foreigners and US travellers that American people were really nice, polite and helpful towards them. I've never been to the US so I can't speak from experience, but I'm a foreigner living in the UK in a small town and I've only had a very few bad instances with people who didn't like the fact that I'm a foreigner. The education system, students and teachers here treated me better than my own native people at my old school 😭😭

[@bbbbbbb51]

​@@pannajohns5255 truth is most people in most countries are respectful & helpful to foreigners. You get an opportunity to learn something completely new & maybe teach people some norms about your country. On top of that, usually when people are interacting with foreigners they feel like a representative of their country & want to put the best foot forward. This is pretty common in every country around the globe. Far more common than not.

[@pannajohns5255]

@@bbbbbbb51 Very true, especially when I talk to people at the shop, restaurant, pub etc. they notice my slight accent and ask where I’m from, and they always seem delighted to hear where I’m from, they also often talk about their own travels abroad and what a nice experience they had. However, in the UK, I feel like foreigners who are also POC may experiences more resistance. At least from what I seen, POC who were born in the UK already receive discriminatory labels (especially in white rich neighbourhoods, Southern parts of the UK). This is just my own personal and environmental observation btw, it may be different from others, but there’s a slight consensus in my previous statement.

[@thegreatcanadianlumberjack5307]

​@@pannajohns5255 I have been to the UK to Visit my cousins in Winchester. They always asked if i was an American but the second i mention that i am Canadian there tone changed completely. I guess the Brits are not a big fan of Americans.

[@johnkerber9578]

I was fortunate to study abroad in a country where English isn’t the primary language when I was younger. It’s really important to remember that you are a guest when traveling, especially to other countries. Respect the customs and culture of where you are at. Like that person said, even if you aren’t confident in speaking the language, I’ve found that people are just happy that you are trying. If it’s bad enough, they might reply in English, but the fact that you tried in my experience, does a long way. I’m sure I’m speaking to the choir.

[@thesaviorofsouls5210]

I suposse it differs from country to country, but in the netherlands it genuinely wouldnt be an issue if you just went for english straight away. Majority will just go along with it no problem. Meanwhile if you do it in france theyll give you a foul look. Its odd isnt it?

[@brisaquina8816]

@@thesaviorofsouls5210 Agreed. I've had people come up to me trying to speak Dutch and butchering it so much I couldn't understand it. At the same time, I have also heard many people here say they can't speak English. (Or my dad, who thinks he can speak it, but is ehh bad might be an understatement-)

[@sjsuismylife]

Disregard this while in America, because everybody else does...

[@becausebuzzbomb6133]

If only… You can see how this thinking doesn't work even at the highest political level pretty much real time. Like other countries, we have lots of Ukrainian migrants. What did our government do? They started sucking up to Ukrainians, giving them money, free transportation, free accommodation, no questions asked. There are way, way too many cases of Ukrainians coming over in their 2 year old, or even brand new models of BMWs, Teslas, Mercedeses using up our resources. It's easy to come to the conclusion that the vast majority of Ukrainians aren't refugees of the war, they're plain economic migrants, and very arrogant at that. We, the indigenous people, are prompted to learn Ukrainian to communicate with them, provide them with any assistance, we have no room in our kindergartens for our own kids, but it's not a problem to find room for Ukrainians. Obviously, they're taking advantage aplenty. I wouldn't even start on their behavior here. Like you said - I wish people who are in a foreign country for whatever reason realized it's not their right to be there and be suffered by locals, it's a privilege.

[@kawaiidoll4]

So true!! I think because the west is so “free” they don’t really care about rules necessarily or it isn’t as important it can be a good and bad thing for ex people act so crazy , safety comes in question and sm more

[@rachelallencamus]

たかしいさん、I am studying Japanese language and I have never seen most of the study advice recommending these kinds of interview channels... But I feel I have improved my vocabulary and listening skills so much just in a few videos, to hear all of the different voices from young to old and born in different parts of Japan, instead of voice actors in studio, as well as the natural speech patterns that occur in all the speakers regardless of age or personality. As well as having themed questions, you hear words repeated multiple times and begin making associations naturally.　本当に凄いです!　I will definitely be subscribing, bingeing all your interviews, and recommending everyone I know learning Japanese to do the same. ありがとうございます✨

[@kamehax]

thanks you guys, and thank you for understanding us travelers !

[@homermago100]

My family and I recently went to Japan back in October. And living in both Mexico and America I gotta say we loved it. The people the environment, the overall quite and general respect for one another was amazing. It took us several years to save up for the trip but I’m glad we picked Japan. We went on several train and even though it was crazy full you could hear a pin drop in there. It really made me change my perspective on a lot of things. Like I’m sure there were people who were having bad days morning heading to a crappy job but that wasn’t being plastered on the walls with bad attitude and rudeness. Plan to go back. Great place and great people

[@randyiron2]

I didn’t go to Japan with you! Why did you even bring me up?

[@rampagingdodge1]

When I was in Japan I was just a teenager, but on school trip to Osaka, I went into the bath. I had no idea what to do so I just got into the large bath with soap. Fortunately a Japanese man came in and shook his head at me and motioned me out of the bath and showed me a bucket of hot water and demonstrated washing off with soap and then rinsing off before getting into the hot bath. I remember being ashamed that I did not know the proper way to bathe in Japan but always grateful to being shown. The comment about "personal space" being very important is extremely important in Japan, where there are so many people, privacy is highly valued.

[@NeonGhostReaper]

Just ordered my first box. Can’t wait. 😃

[@SheldonsUniverse14]

This video is really spot on. Thank you

[@Jordan-inJapan]

First of all, I loved the answer of that last guy who was interviewed. (He wouldn’t ‘take the bait’. 😆) But as far as things that my Japanese friends often complain about regarding foreign visitors here, I’d say the volume level of conversations in public ranks first. Especially on the train (as was mentioned by one of interviewees). Also, I wanted to mention… although consumption of alcohol in public places is acceptable in Japan, public drunken behavior is not. Of course, Japanese locals are guilty of this on occasion as well, but we foreigners stand out more. Just something to keep in mind. 🍻

[@aronrodriguez1341]

Its actually pretty fun since its illegal in most places of europe to drink outside. In Sweden were im from youre not allowed to drink anything over 2.8% outside at all.

[@no_more_spamplease5121]

@@aronrodriguez1341 That's great! I wish Brazil copied that Swedish cultural practice. Unfortunately, if some law forbade consumption of alcohol on the streets in Brazil, a major riot would happen and the president would be forced to resign by the masses of protesters.

[@southcoastinventors6583]

@@aronrodriguez1341 Same with the US plus no beer vending machines so much for the land of the free. As far as being loud goes in the US being a loud mouth often get you ahead in life so in many cases it encouraged to raise your voice since the squeaky wheel gets the grease.

[@marw9541]

It's not just "on occasion" when you see it every weekend with crazy drunks and loud yelling. Even saw someone doing a burnout on their motorcycle just for tiktok

[@lavoniaholloway1245]

@@southcoastinventors6583 I had a very noisy coworker. Always complaining about stuff. She most definitely was not well-received by others and eventually was fired (for reasons I don’t know). It’s totally untrue that being loud and boisterous means you’ll get ahead in life in America. What gets you ahead in life is how much people like and/or respect you regardless whether you’re loud or you’re quiet

[@jordansimms6483]

I am Australian and have just returned from Japan. I was so impressed by the country and I think that as many people should try and visit if they can. I am glad that I actually followed most of the things people mentioned in this video, even trying to speak broken Japanese to the local people out of respect. But all I can say is that everyone in Japan was genuinely helpful and friendly, and I can’t wait to return one day.

[@FingerPOPInc]

Thank you for this 🙏✨

[@breenotlikethecheese6891]

Some great tips here thank you 😊 I am visiting Japan next year so will keep these in mind.

[@THE_MrNoob]

It's just common sense in the US too

[@jeffconnelly2935]

I love how considerate and thoughtful the culture is. I really wish the rest of the world could follow suit.

[@leaguemoments123]

Hahaha, that's a good one

[@gvirusqueen3559]

We all saw how America was divided on wearing a paper mask during a global pandemic. So embarrassing and childish…

[@cykablyatrushb6563]

Dude the society in Japan is just broken, is easy to say that when all the people in the country are just bots i dont know what you saying lol

[@DaDaDo661]

Japan is a mono culture. The rest of the world can't follow suit because everyone is trying to do their own things instead of what's good for the country. This will never happen again and soon Japan will change with increased immigration

[@aayobruv]

Most have a friendly demeanour, they mind their own business, they are socially/publicly respectable, it seems like they don’t make petty judgements on things that don’t effect their lives or in other words self respecting… they really aren’t about harbouring hate, and more about common courtesy. They’re not fighting against eachother? Work culture doesn’t always get a good rep in Japan, but they’re hard working ? They’re also extremely expressive and they’re not afraid of it - I can’t begin to list how many hobbies exist, and done 100x better in Japan. Not saying everything in Japan is perfect, but their positives outweigh their negatives and I feel like I listed the bare minimum. Feels like the rest of us are living in boxes and competing against eachother in our self destructing countries lol.

[@happyaccident8833]

It's worth noting how often Japanese people give foreigners the benefit of the doubt. If I ever get the opportunity to visit, I'll be very appreciative of their patience :)

[@atomicNoodle]

'Foreigners don't wait in line. They might not be aware of that concept.' The fact he'd give benefit of a doubt in such a situation shows how polite Japanese are. If we see foreigners not understanding social rules where I'm from we often react a lot more aggressive than that.

[@arch_mage8272]

@@atomicNoodle yeah japanese people are polite because they live in a very dystopian world, their society is completely based on order and control and japan has one of the highest suicide rates, they are polite because that's all they are taught, they are often shunned for the slightest mistakes which may SEEM good, but its terrible. my time living in japan was the worst few years of my life just due to the pure antisocialness they experience there

[@201hastings]

Depends on where you’re at. I lived in Japan for over a year and I’ve been turned away from several establishments for my race.

[@PoeticallyTwizted]

@@201hastings Woah, really? Shame. What race are you, if you don’t mind me asking?

[@nullbeyondo]

@@201hastings race or poor language? I know there's racism in renting and the work culture there; but are you sure it wasn't a language barrier?

[@edenshorthousesthouse1925]

Thank you for your content, I've learnt something im shy myself to be honest, and like personal space.

[@Saprice82]

Thank you this has been really helpful.