Tourists Can’t Clean Up on the Trains in Japan | Dirty Shinkansen Seats

This has been the biggest WHY?! moments and the best example of what Japan faces with tourism as it increases to record numbers. And it’s not totally foreign tourists fault. What do you think?
This happened on the Shinkansen 2 days ago. I also say this on the train from Kyoto to Nara last week. There are trash 🚮 receptacles on every train and in every station, almost always on the platform itself.
#overtourism #japan #shinkansen

[@gotakazawa408]

Viewers commenting on this video generally seem to have common sense. However, as an ordinary Japanese living in Japan, I'd like to say this much. As John mentioned, "omotenashi" among Japanese has been a tradition of welcoming guests for centuries, even among Japanese themselves. It has always been based on the assumption that guests have the basic common sense to deserve such hospitality. Now, it seems that this foundation is at risk of being undermined. Disrespectful tourists are no longer just visitors but are becoming destroyers of Japanese culture itself, and what John mentioned in his video is just one example of many. Today, many Japanese, unrelated to the tourism industry, hold views divergent from the government and are increasingly inclined to believe that accepting tourists from overseas should be restricted in some way.

[@shadowmod3]

as a non Japanese that lived in Japan for work, i have to strongly agree. not everyone deserves to be in Japan even as tourist as they literally take it as a urinal pot because they are spending money.

[@LaNoir.]

It's like that everywhere in the world, some humans just lack common sense or simply don't care. But you'll find those in every culture, not even Japan is free of littering I assume. I personally think that harsher penalties would make people stop, but it also needs to be clear that something was done intentionally

[@Boomdizzle99]

then should there not be some justifiable punishment or education that the japanese can implement? In the US the fear factor is there because police can use any force deemed necessary and alot of times it doesnt end well....tourists cant pull that stuff there. If you see a woman riding on top of the hachiko statue should ppl just stupidly watch and not do anything about it? Even the police at times seem hesitant to approach foreigners. I feel like police in japan should be given more authority to use force and be more authoritative. omotenashi is not something everyone deserves anymore. those who follow the rules and abide by the customs of the country theyre visiting yes....but cmon I feel like if your a resident of japan take some pride in defending your home. educate! its ok some tourists need a slap on the wrist every now and then.

[@gotakazawa408]

@@shadowmod3 Absolutely, I agree.I think they're a nuisance not only to Japanese people, but also to foreigners living in Japan. Foreigners living in Japan who are fluent in Japanese are all broadcasting these issues on KZbin. In addition, although it depends on the person, they generally don't spend a lot of money. They often buy food at convenience stores, so only a small part of it benefits Japan.

[@gotakazawa408]

@@Boomdizzle99 The police cannot collect fines on the spot, so they issue a violation ticket that the offender must pay at a financial institution. (This is similar to how it works in the United States, right?) Additionally, to increase enforcement in areas like Shibuya or Kyoto, dozens of police officers would need to be stationed at every corner. Would this still be considered tourism? From personal experience, when I tried to warn these tourists in English, I was met with insults and scowls, and even feared being assaulted. In Shibuya, for example, there have been violent fights between foreign tourists drinking on the streets (which is generally allowed in Japan but will soon be banned in Shibuya), pushing the police's enforcement capabilities to the limit. Furthermore, Japanese laws are based on the premise that most people will obey them, so fines are generally low. Changing these laws would require altering this fundamental concept, which would not be beneficial for the many law-abiding citizens.

[@sbring00able]

It's mainly the small, everyday gestures of the individuals residing in Japan that make it so clean. As a tourist please do your best to contribute.

[@drewd776]

I'm sure the Indian tourists just thought someone would clean up for them, because that's what their maid would do. The more money you have, the less personal responsibility you need to take.

[@onlyinjapanGO]

This is why I don’t fully blame people, they’re not thinking about it - which is why perhaps they should be called out to remember they’re not at home. The train has 4 more stops.

[@mikebeuselinck6138]

@@onlyinjapanGOPost signs in Hindi on the back of each seat saying it’s a 10k rupee fine for leaving trash or food debris (and other languages with similar currency penalties). And enforce it. Morals and cultural norms are different around the world, but clear notice and enforcement of money penalties would incentivize the uninformed to take responsibility.

[@LaNoir.]

@@mikebeuselinck6138 Link: "10k!? I need to smash a lot of pots for this!!"

[@awildcyclistappears]

Wow, I wasn't expecting seeing people climbing on Hachiko... Next level dumb.

[@gotakazawa408]

Unfortunately, this is the reality. Try to imagine how we Japanese feel.

[@onlyinjapanGO]

One more bad tourist to report on for today 😂 what will tomorrow bring.

[@Karma20XX]

Yeah, I think someone like that should probably be banned unless they do some sort of community service in apology.

[@gotakazawa408]

@@Karma20XX For better or worse, there are currently 3 million foreign tourists visiting each month. This means that even if only 1% of them behave foolishly, that still amounts to 30,000 people. Consequently, it’s practically impossible to monitor all of them at all times, so the current issues like this inevitably draw attention.

[@angelpayne8346]

Ridiculous. SO disrespectful.

[@spykl007]

Thank you John for educating us and being so diplomatic. My wife and I are deadset weeabu's who've been to Japan several times and whenever our friends ask for travel tips we always say make sure not to litter

[@TheYamiRanshiin]

Hello John. Yes that is unfortunately so. I see that very often here in Germany, especially since I work here for the German railway. The problem is that many people think that everything will automatically be cleaned by others. That's why I love the Japanese, who are always tidy and take out the garbage themselves.

[@michaelsasano8622]

Hi John. Caught the last few minutes of your livestream. Bummed I missed it. This was one I wanted to be involved in because I find it so despicable that something like this happened. So disrespectful to visit a foreign country and not respect the culture they are visiting. Unacceptable to say the least. Smh!

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Thank Michael! Saw you ^_^

[@nyantsuki1061]

I guess it is about education in a way..I was born in Kazhakstan lived there for 9 years, then my family moved to Germany (I am part German part Russian) and my family ALWAYS carries the trash in a bag in our bag if there is no trash bin around ..for us it is shameful to throw trash around ..our house is also clean we always cleaned our kid‘s rooms …this is just how my Family raised us …respect the nature and the space around you and when you travel - respect the culture of this particular country ….😮

[@gotakazawa408]

What an incredible person and amazing parent you are!

[@maryhart9207]

Hi John, returned from 3 weeks in Japan. Used Shinkansen many times. I’m pretty sure on some trips the voice over informs you that there are rubbish bins at the end of the carriages. Maybe more of those announcements are needed. Love your content. Has helped us travel through Japan. Invaluable information. Thank you so much.

[@kimmickal]

People don't do their research about customs before visiting Japan. 😢

[@lylygraffam9423]

My husband and irecently took Amtrak train, the whole time we were on it, we thought about Shinkansen. Why can't Amtrak be clean like. The Shinkansen, and why can't the passengers be more tolerable and quite like in Shinkansen. I wish Amtrak can be a lot cleaner. Keep. Up the good job John!!!

[@619AGT]

I think the answer is quite simple. People are lazy, even just to find a proper place to dispose their trash. And they always assume that there will be staff workers who will pick it up; they want to feel like they have servants.

[@sonatine-on6is]

Hi John. Thank you very much for this video. I am living in Japan since many years and I really behave very well here, but your video sensibilized again my manners and behaviours here in Japan. Thank you.

[@fleemwings207]

Thank you for making this episode, John. I was at Suzuka Circuit for the Japanese F1 Grand Prix in April. While queuing at the train station, some Westerners jumped the queue. I called them out to embarrass them but they seemed rather thick skinned. Still this kind of behavior is unacceptable to me. I am not Japanese, just a visitor - but even then, the behavior of some entitled people is quite disgusting!

[@Datdaniel90]

Tbh I’m glad you called them out !! Also I always wanted to attend Suzuka Circuit Formula 1 GP it’s such an iconic Circuit

[@saberkite]

It amazes me that at this day and age when such information's easily available through a quick search online, there are people who don't look it up and play on the "I didn't know" card. And I agree on the moral compass/common sense. You don't really have to know the rules in Japan, but simple courtesy and respect for where you are goes a long way.

[@bokurakyomoikiteru6130]

no matter what background they are from, they learn shyt in school, they learn shyt at home. it's that simple...

[@laladieladada]

john is really good at trash talking =P

[@4s14n]

🤣

[@onlyinjapanGO]

😂 hahaha

[@andraslippai3169]

Maybe they should write it on the ticket in big letters: The price of the ticket does not include the clean-up of any rubbish you leave behind.

[@j_609]

They have announcements when you are getting to every stop to take your trash and where the bins are located on the train.

[@CreepyShinigami]

Hey John. You're just so diplomatic. I wouldn't have been able to help myself from pointing it out to them to do as the Japanese do 😂

[@ericbentz4597]

My dad was stationed near Tokyo, as part of the post war occupation force and to this day what he remembers the most is the cleanliness of the city and the pride and respect that the citizens had for it.

[@LiterallyJustAnActualPotato]

I love the idea of an etiquette video before landing!!

[@kinessa26]

You are completely right I live in America and everyday I see something that disappoints me but maybe I’m the different one maybe I care more than most which is sad really. The streets are littered, bathrooms are disgusting (I would never use them unless emergency) kids and adults alike misbehave and disrespect property and the earth and I just don’t understand how people don’t have the common sense/common courtesy to behave correctly and have manners. I think sometimes people just don’t think or they are just lazy but some are just entitled. It’s very perplexing. Always think about others. Treat people how you want to be treated. and treat every place you go like your own home. I find this has always helped me. “Leave every place better than you found it.” I love that!❤❤

[@LiterallyJustAnActualPotato]

I totally agree and think the same things often ❤

[@vktravellog1242]

I spilled a little cabbage on the floor at a restaurant at Haneda and cleaned it up. When I stay in hotels in Japan I try to clean up which is why I have to wake up early during check out days. I am hopeful that they forgot the trash. I feel bad for the hotel staff because I bring all my trash back to the hotel because its so hard to find a trash can 🤬. To be honest I was just there a few weeks ago and every tourist I saw were very respectful and it made me smile. With millions of tourists there will always be one bad apple. I admit I am not perfect and screw up from time to time and trying to improve everyday so that I dont embarrass my country and people.

[@boardthenplay8878]

Thank you for calling this out. I was in Japan last April and I have always been conscious on trash and been respectful on the Japan culture. I really researched about Japan before coming there and learn the do’s and don’ts. Wow the hachi statue is horrendous. I can’t believe that. I am surprised not of the other tourist stopped them from doing this. I would definitely tell them off.

[@sandybarrie5526]

was in Tokyo in 1978, and got on one train, and almost every seat was taken by suited business men. i took the last seat availkable opposite the doors. and at the next station, and little bent over old lady go one carrying to bags..hard to tell her age, but very old. and i stood up and pointed to my seat and said "Dozo" (please) and she sat down, happily smiling and pointing to me... an dthe look on the businessmens faces was priceless. they look like they all wanted to kill me.. luckily the next station was where i got out... but I was so happy.

[@katsinta]

Traveling to Japan for the first time in July and will be riding the Shinkansen during that time. The whole overtourism thing stresses me out; I've been a long-time viewer of you and other Japan-based KZbinrs so I should know all the manners and rules, but I'm so scared of slipping up!

[@normamejias6587]

John, thank you for educating us. I was in another prefecture last week and saw a Japanese lady picking up trash on the train platform. It was during afternoon rush hour. She was moving the trash from near the tracks area on the platform to near an advertisement pole. It was infuriating because you can see she was very well dress. Something has to be done.

[@zel29prentice]

Hi could you please do a vlog regarding cash to cash money exchange in Tokyo with what to be aware of? Thank you

[@oddenricojams587]

In our time there in tokyo, we brought our trash home with us and were mindful of our surroundings too… the audio announcements were really helpful in reminding us that there were no trashcans around for rubbish. In one instance we dined around a gelicato restaurant, i asked the store owner if i could throw my trash he happily obliged

[@susiesalviejo8885]

The people of Japan 🇯🇵 respect their country and each other. Unfortunately, the majority of international tourists come from countries that are use to leaving their trash all over the place. People should know that you do not leave your trash all over the place. I would never leave my trash anywhere. Tourist should know and respect. 🙏😇

[@michaelcedillos224]

I agree that it is rude to leave messes in public places .It takes time for people to appreciate cleanliness.Japan has a long history.

[@zeroxlulu]

Basically agree with what you said around 14:50 John. My first to Japan was in 2017 and I've gone back 8 times since. I've noticed little by little the type of tourist going changing. It used to be that basically, only people who were interested in Japan were going there (At least when it comes to westerns considering how far and expensive it is to get to Japan for most westerns) but now, everyone and their mothers is just going to Japan because it's trendy and a travel destination. I see a lot less respect from tourists than I did from years prior, especially post pandemic. The thing is, it's more than likely not coming from ill intent but just ignorance and most tourist not taking the time or just not being interested in learning basic Japanese etiquette.

[@dutchmangoesjapan]

Japan should force a mandatory test either at arrival or with Japan web. If they pass the test, but still not follow the rules give them a hefty fine

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Ha! First in the world to do an IQ test before arrival 😮 tourists then sorted into security level 1, 2, 3 or MAX 😂 of course I’m joking but as we see towns put up a wall, I see more experimenting occurring over the next year 😅

[@Commonsenseisnotcommon8]

8:38 I can feel your frustration right now. And as an American, who was raised in Japan. This goes through my mind every single day, I just really question SOCIETY constantly, like who raised you? Don’t y’all have common basic manners? And then I just realized that no I was just raised in Japan lol God, I wish the rest of the world was like Japan 🇯🇵 ❤

[@stava7]

We’re super appreciative the cleanness of Japan / Tokyo! One of the reasons I’m coming back every 2 years is because it’s so clean! Please fine those who are not following the rules! Not possible but you get the point.

[@rainerlovesjapan9468]

Hi John. Saw that on insta that same lady riding Hachiko statue. Embarassing😢

[@tobybridson]

Spot on John, some people are very careless or just don’t care. They leave rubbish as someone else’s problem. Not just in Japan, but all over. I think everyone could learn a lot from Japanese cleanliness and appropriate behaviour. Maybe it needs to be a customs entry requirement on entering the country!

[@stuff8575]

That's down being lazy and disrespectful. Channels like this help us to learn a bit about Japanese culture and what is expected when you visit Japan. It doesn't matter where you are from. This is wrong wherever you live.

[@markshen3280]

I have a suspicion that whoever left that milk carton on the back of that train seat could be a westerner……..🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@TNguyen-pt7xm]

Some people just have no respect or morals. They bring their bad habits everywhere they go. More people need to call them out on it.

[@LynnHiroko2u]

I missed the live feed but here’s what I say to people who ask me about my trip to Japan. One of the main thing I tell them is how clean Japan is. There are no public trash cans or trash bins. They ask ..then where do you put your trash?… you take them home with you. I tell them if you go visit Japan, carry a bag With you so you don’t trash the country. It’s so clean and beautiful.

[@oddenricojams587]

The Shinjuku public restroom nearest the city hall wasn’t the best ive been to sadly.

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Can’t speak for EVERY toilet in Japan. How about at Narita or Haneda airport. Clean enough to use?

[@FunkyBukkyo]

I tend to leave things cleaner than I found it, because I don't want to be perceived to be the one that left a mess. Yes, I do care how I'm perceived. I don't only represent myself. When I'm traveling, I represent my country and other foreigners in general. So I want to be on my best behaviour and be the best representation that I could be.

[@Madcatization]

Hold up.... Doesn't the Shinkansen have a layout of the train cars. When I was riding the Shinkansen from Toyko to Kyoto, it displayed behind the seat in front of me what car I'm in, where's the bathroom, smoking area and trash bin located. There's no excuse. I have a picture of it also.

[@karinaw977]

Australia has a ‘keep Australia clean’ advertising campaign that has been around for decades. It’s mostly clean on the streets but there is still some people who throw trash on the ground. And there will be a ‘Clean up Australia Day’ which is more about cleaning out the waterways to protect the beaches and Oceans. A keep Japan clean campaign in English would be a good idea. Maybe a list of make things cleaner when you leave.

[@courtneybowen9366]

We have been fortunate enough to visit Japan a couple times and we loved it. We loved the culture, the people, food and yes how clean it was. I wish other places took that much pride in cleanliness. If you take the time to look into the place your traveling and its customs, it makes for an overall better and sometimes more memorable experience. Unfortunately some people don't care. We have been too many countries where we have seen tourists acting badly, leaving garbage, being rude and disrespectful - I don't understand it , most of these things are common sense. Leave a place better then you found it , be kind, be respectful.

[@jayfoxjf]

It's a shame this is the case, we saw it alot on our last trip but we got in the habit of having a garbage bag in one of our backpacks to take our trash with us until we access to a bin.

[@zam023]

John it is not only tourists. Internation students are the same. Even worse is that they know better since students are informed about all the do's and don'ts during orientation. Depending on the individual, they will choose to ignore it all and behave exactly the way they did back home. You can tell where international students are staying by observing which garbage collection point is dirty.

[@smitie1405]

Sadly a large part of the population only care if their own issue is solved without care for others or the environment. I have to say that the lack of trash cans in Japan was challenging and the whole burnable, non burnable thing was confusing. I have to confess the pet bottle bin was abused to get rid of other trash because there was no other option for hours. Still it is no excuse to throw trash on the ground or leave it on the train seats.

[@LeicesterS1ngh]

It’s ‘normal’ for people to put their rubbish in the seating nets here in the UK. I don’t do it, but it’s very annoying! It’s the ‘somebody else’s’ problem attitude.

[@ramsessilent]

I dont understand there is so many top ten things not to do when visiting japan you would think everyone would know. thanks for the share ! stay awesome!

[@LaNoir.]

knowing and caring are two different things

[@jonathanyinon1317]

Tourists have to learn in advance, on how to behave, and what is not okay to do before coming to Japan. Many people take it for granted, and leaving trash ,or any kind of disrespectful behavior is unacceptable .

[@LynnHiroko2u]

Not just going to Japan, one should always look into the country’s dos and don’ts before they travel. You don’t want to offend the natives nor do you want to get in trouble by doing something you weren’t supposed.

[@elwick_photo]

People leaving rubbish behind in any weatern country constantly winds me up. So often ive been hiking and 2hours from any city suddenly find the remains of someones lunch, and its like... You brought that crap in a backpack, take it home with you! Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints guys.

[@ashmitchakrabarti88]

I am from India and visited Japan for two weeks this March. Japan, barring few specific areas, is an immaculately clean country all thanks to its extremely disciplined citizens. I, during my stay, always made sure I left a place cleaner than before and carried my trash in person all along. Cleanliness needs to be inculcated as a habit in children and it should not come across as a burden. Unfortunately, a clean train is considered a luxury and rarity in India. Japan is not meant for everyone and only people who can respect their culture should visit the country.

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Excellent 🇮🇳❤ I’m thrilled to see more visitors coming too since they relaxed some visa requirements, finally. One reason I did the $15 Shinkansen ticket episode was because I’ve got many friends who can’t afford a JR Rail pass and might want to just try it. It’s a luxury for many Japanese too.

[@maguzzy]

Hey John great video. It's a bunch of things with regards to foreigners and certain habits. Just to touch on one, lack respect, especially when vacationing in a foreign place. There should just be fines.

[@onlyinjapanGO]

I explained yesterday why Japan won’t fine tourists … but I think there will be a time when enough is enough. Tourists are selfish in this way, their actions now will change everything for those coming after them - and they don’t think about it. It will take a lot to get to that point but you’re right. We are closer to that than ever before and it’s uncomfortable for me to see because there is a point of no return where Japan is never the same again.

[@tobybridson]

What’s your issue with Toby’s?

[@catmi3068]

I was surprised that passengers were able to eat in the train.

[@karinaw977]

I heard another KZbinr say that children in Japan clean their own schools. Mostly no other country does this. There would be a janitor or cleaner that cleans the schools. Same thing with most public areas in other countries, there are paid cleaners for most places. That’s not saying it’s acceptable to be messy and leave trash in other countries either. One thing though, I saw huge amounts of trash in empty lots in Osaka in a non tourist area. Also plastic bottles in the rivers of regional areas in Japan which were also not popular foreign tourist areas. So I think Tokyo is highly diligent with rubbish even compared to the rest of Japan.

[@sharonw5928]

The airlines should distribute hand outs and make announcements. People are dumb and need to be talked to like children

[@evenbiggeral5089]

This is the key. Handouts with illustrations in all languages, stating the rules in Japan. Follow it up with large airport posters. Showing the same, and in all popular restaurants, destinations. It’s embarrassing to see the tourists being so self-unaware.

[@zhangliubao]

clean and neat make us happier, i would like to clean my airbnb house as clean as i was checked in

[@jarihult]

Littering in trains and everywhere else sure is a problem ,i wouldn’t approve that kind of behaviour ever😕Common sense is more than recommendable ,nobody wants to clean up somebodey elses trashes i wouldn’t that makes me actually mad seeing that knd of behaviour like( i hope that nobody saw me leaving my trashes behind) mentality 🤔Thank you for sharing this video about matter that really conserning everyone John🙂👍!!!

[@peekaboopeekaboo1165]

Not a crime. That's why there are cleaners for trains.

[@gotakazawa408]

@@peekaboopeekaboo1165 Even after watching John's video, it seems you still don't understand common sense among Japanese people. You come across as an extreme egoist who believes it's okay to do anything as long as you don't break the law.

[@peekaboopeekaboo1165]

@@gotakazawa408 Littering on the floor and seat are wrong. Abandoning clean garbage inside seatback pocket is okay.

[@gotakazawa408]

@@peekaboopeekaboo1165 Are you serious? There are trash bins on each train car deck and at stations, you know? Your opinion is something that completely goes against common sense for Japanese people.

[@peekaboopeekaboo1165]

@@gotakazawa408 Cleaners will pick out the garbage left inside the pocket.

[@mopspear]

Hi John. I don't know what to comment but I know it helps the algea-rythm so I'm writing this.

[@FunkyBukkyo]

On the seat it shows where the trash bins are. We've always clean up after we're done eating/drinking on the Shinkansen for the past two decades of traveling to Japan. It's an instinctive thing to do even on my first trip there 20 years ago. I think 20 years later, there are more and more travelers feeling entitled and do not bother observing local practices. Some of them feel it's OK to do things the way they do it back home, and let the cleaners take care of it. Additionally, with social media they are being outed publicly. As for "moral compass", there seems to be a decline. Common sense becoming less common. More selfishness and main character syndrome.

[@gotakazawa408]

I agree with and appreciate your thoughts. What you pointed out is exactly what is currently infuriating the Japanese.

[@Justcetriyaart]

unlike japan, the rest of the world didn't have a campaign to keep trash to self as much. The most I remember is not to pollute the water, but even with all the signs saying not to drop trash, we still find some on hiking trails.

[@johnbeech9221]

They are raised with absolutely No mannerisms!

[@lai3192]

It's just being considerate of other people which a lot of the world do not have that concept taught early on. I literally see trash piled right next to a trash can but not in it. The trash can is like less than a feet away but they didn't bother putting it in the trash can.

[@JohnnyNacis]

i would hate paying for a reserved seat only to see garbage and crumbs on it.

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Yes, is not like that either. Passengers are not thinking of the next person. Their seat was clean because the last person thought of them (they got on at Osaka and someone was there before them).

[@Sassystrawberry001]

John I would like to share my experience as a US citizen living in what is considered one of the best suburbs to live in. I have become so disillusioned by what I witness here, especially as a retail worker cleaning up after people every single day. People have lost all sense, common or not. I have seen what I would think are sensible people literally swipe their arm across a table to dump their trash straight to the floor, people drop their trash even though there is a trash can literally 3 feet from where they are standing and people walk comfortably into a spill or a pile of trash while I am trying to sweep or mop something up. I can’t go on a hike without seeing trash on every trail and it’s common to see people throwing their trash right out their car window. 😢 Again it’s not EVERYONE but even though it’s only like 2% of people it’s still a lot and I’ve noticed it getting worse every year. From what I can tell people are in their own little world and don’t care about the people around them. I’ve tried calling people out and they either get mad or laugh in my face and bystanders usually don’t notice or simply judge from afar without saying anything. I very much admire Japan’s customs for cleanliness and I wish there was a way to teach people here at home. But I really have little hope unless we all decide it’s time to look up from our phones and speak up as a collective to correct individual behavior.

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Thanks for sharing this. Saying anything is hard because if that reaction, most believe it’s easier to just cleans up after them after the leave. I’ve had this discussion with many Japanese friends. It’s not worth a confrontation. The body language says “you should be ashamed” to people but most international visitors would never pick up on subtle body language that residents would. There’s a % that’s are just rotten people. There’s a % who just don’t know. I think talking about it can impact that second group. But we’ll always have the first.

[@Sassystrawberry001]

@@onlyinjapanGOI agree, I’m so happy that you’re using your voice for this matter and thank you so much for staying so positive regardless. My husband and I love your videos!

[@Theepicfrenchguy]

This is so embarssing it break my hearts.💔

[@dovardross7336]

Excellent video John. Is it a stretch to seek the assistance of the airline carriers to show a movie on the 'dos and don'ts' of visiting Japan. When I first went to Japan, courtesy of the USAF in 1956, we were given an orientation about living in Japan. I am sure the airlines could make an orientation film very interesting that visitors would find worthwhile to watch.

[@joefroelich4934]

When we were in Japan we made a effort to try to blend in with the Japanese mindset. We were quite on the trains. Carried our trash till we found a bin. Stood to the side of the escalator. Waited for people to exit the train before trying to get on. We just tried to not draw attention to ourselves.

[@angelpayne8346]

SO RIGHT. SO RIGHT. SO RIGHT. It's disgusting behavior even where I come from and how I was raised. I'm so sorry about this. I feel so troubled and embarrassed about this, even in my home town, but especially when I see it being infracted on people in other lands.

[@TaroChan-nel]

These incidents are now an unmissable opportunity to overvalue oneself through the belittling of others. I sense a barely hidden glee.

[@muhdshathir2893]

There are litter bins inside shinkansen. Its located around the toilet area. If you are on the street and could not find a trashbin, go to the nearest convenience store and use their trashbin. Or else bring it back to your hotel

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Trash 🚮 by the door when you exit the Shinkansen. Recycle for PET bottle and cans too.

[@gieansky8113]

maybe it's time that Japan implement a mandatory 30mins video about the DOs and DON'Ts in Japan after passing the immigration area

[@eddieloque4069]

It’s just common sense to clean up after your self NO excuses

[@buffaloalice8413]

As difficult to hear as this is, I appreciate it nonetheless. I was raised to “be a considerate guest” and to not litter. Even here in the States, it blows my mind how simple commonsensical things like picking up your trash seem to be such a difficult thing for some people. At the bare minimum, tourists who are aware should be setting an example, and if we are feeling bold, politely policing our own if we notice bad behavior. People won’t change if we don’t.

[@johnlopez9626]

I liked how you showed how clean Japanese cities are and how to teach others of good manners like not leaving trash on the train and other places to

[@peekaboopeekaboo1165]

That's why there are cleaners in trains.

[@fusi0nX2]

Hi John, you mention about tourist not throwing away, their trash is common sense, but unfortunately a lot of these tourists, do not have common sense visiting Japan.

[@charu002]

i think it's a habit thing. foreigners are used to seeing this as a way to put trash.. isn't that the same to the planes too? but really. actually, i don't know. i only rode green car, so when i was there, the staff would give water and there are times they would hold something to put trash in... plastic bags?

[@runderbaby5045]

Not only Westerners I have seen a lot of Chinese people just leave their trash and walk away 8:14

[@user-oi8wt3rk6s]

Picking up after oneself is taught from childhood. It is a learned behavior. I own acreage with quite a bit of road frontage. I will walk it from time to time and pick up the trash. The cleaner I keep it, the less trash gets thrown out. You took it upon yourself to pick up the trash left behind, which is commendable. When teaching high school, students walked the length of the school bus with trash bags after every field trip or sports trip; before anyone got off. It became a habit and adults didn’t have to say a word. The kids got up and did it the moment the bus stopped. Everyone should leave the world a cleaner place than they find it.

[@DiRECs]

If you're a first time tourist in Japan it takes a bit of time to realize that you hold on to your trash until you reach a conbini. All conbinis have bins. It's even in their name. Con(bin)i 😁

[@josir1994]

It's kind of hard to tell people leaving littering is bad when shoplifting is not back home

[@Orodreth888]

The people I usually see have no regards for other people. If it were up to them, all public transport would be out of order after a week. Litter everywhere...

[@morriskez]

Hi John. In my opinion it’s a lot to do with upbringing. If you’re taught to respect others at a young age, then that guides you throughout life and you can use that gauge in many faucets of your everyday interactions. Maybe it’s ignorance, maybe it’s entitlement. After traveling to Japan many times, I wrestle with these problems living in the US. I believe if we’re taught in schools to respect each other, that would go along way to thinking about the needs of the many.

[@persevere777]

Japan is one of the few countries left where the citizens have self discipline, respect,empathy,unity as a country and culture, and are maintaining the standard which most countries used to have for themselves, which are being eroded faster everyday by outsiders😢.

[@nightshadegiggle]

Security or cones to block around the parameter of hachiko statue might be a good idea. Additional comment, maybe tourists guides to help out.

[@davide.s.9880]

OH OH man me thinking like an American. If I ever make it to Japan and use the train. I will use that to my advantage. You said it that people didn't sit there and didn't set the seat back. I might carry a couple pieces of paper and place it in the seat backs for that reason to keep the seats empty if it's not a busies day / time. But take it with me when I get off.

[@barbredgreen3403]

You’re right, John. The ugly truth is that some people are selfish and don’t care.

[@DrSleep00]

How would the Japanese feel if like us in the UK people all over the world Moved here and a lot disrepected our towns, culture. Like tourists but staying here.

[@Enemtee]

Always call out other tourists or foreigners in Japan, I try to do aswell. Japanese very rarely do, so as foreigners, we should guide new foreigners and tourists the way to integrate, even on a tourist trip.

[@jackie-sd6lc]

put a sign and strictly enforce it: "litter will be fined $1,000"

[@GuriMartinez]

Lately I have seen a lot of tourists littering anywhere. As I'm half Japanese and I don't look Japanese, I don't have a problem in picking the garbage and give it back to them. Not even one of them apologized. All of them looked at me as I am the one who was wrong. Most of them Americans or Canadians (I can distinguish the accent)

[@MikelRChannel]

I like your vlog, it keeps the awareness going especially to tourist like us. But I dont believe that over tourism is the issue? Tourism on general is beneficial to Japan? Its sad to think but not all people are like Japanese who make cleanliness a part of theyre daily living. I would suggest that there should be a continuous effort of reminding tourist about cleanliness when they are in Japan. Kudos to vloggers like you who are pointing out unacceptable actions by tourist who are visiting Japan.

[@nerucheung]

I am an European born Chinese and I see so many local people complaining about non-European tourists not behaving and adapting to their local values but then do the opposite when they go to a foreign country

[@neubro1448]

Non confrontational and doormats. Like the King of the Hill episode when the Hills go to Japan. Hank has to teach his Japanese half-brother to raise his voice and be aggressive when politeness won't work.

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Would you prefer Japanese act like Americans? 😂 NO

[@kiyoshitakeda452]

A simple subject, but important.

[@alfoncesmithe]

When I started researching Japan over 10 years ago this kind of thing came up in my reading so when I started coming here I remembered how to be respectful to there country, If there are no trash cans I have always taken it with me till I find one or take back to my hotel and I even clean my table in a restaurant, Your so right john bring this up again👍😎

[@larry-notthecableguy]

Needs to put up signs for tourists and needs to fine people leaving trash around.

[@davidtomsr]

I made a mistake on our last on a Shinkansen train. I thought someone left their hat on the train and I sat in the seat to find out the guy went to the restroom. I apologize to the guy and he understood my mistake. 🤙