Two White Gays Complain About Overtourism in Japan

[@passatboi]

Agree with Meng. Deal with it, Japan. The world is shrinking. There are different people going everywhere. Imagine if we said "no Asians" in America or Canada. Imagine if we said "I can't understand your butchered English with your heavy Chinese accent". Come on. Tourists have been visiting Japan for decades. Why is it always such a friggin' shock to everyone?

[@Quies8]

Meng’s sad expression as he laments that he “can’t taste the locals anymore” says everything about the dire situation in Japan. On a more serious note, this isn’t just a Japan problem. A few bad tourists can ruin things for everyone. I used to work retail in Paris, and I always did my best to help Japanese customers, even when they couldn’t speak a word of English or French. Sometimes it lead to funny situations, sometimes awkward ones! You can’t really expect tourists to know every little custom when they travel, but giving them the right info can go a long way. And let’s be real: rude and pushy people are everywhere. That’s just how it is. Not everyone’s polite or respectful, even though it sucks when they’re not. Overtourism is an issue everywhere, and to be fair, the Japanese have done their share of contributing to it when traveling abroad too.

[@Useernaamee]

Meng brought up such an important point. So many things in Japan would be straight up racist somewhere else but a lot of people give it a pass because ✨️japan✨️

[@АртёмБогданов-о2о]

I’m in Japan right now, and it makes me sad to see some tourists who treat Japan like a quirky amusement park (what I’d call the Logan Paul syndrome). I’ve been interested in Japan my whole life, and yet I’m still not entirely sure I don’t come across as an awkward gaijin. But I do understand the basic principles to avoid being a nuisance to the locals: 1. Pay attention and follow the flow. Stick to the correct side on escalators, line up properly at train doors or cash registers, and just observe how things are done. Bow, use a chopping motion with your hand to let someone pass, and hand over money neatly. It’s really not hard for anyone with decent manners. 2. Take up less space, be quieter, and don’t stink (body or perfume). Don’t manspread on public transport, dude. Don’t talk loudly or wave your hands around. If you’re from a country where people yell and flail their arms in conversations-either duct-tape your hands to your sides or just don’t come to Japan. 3. If you’re not sure what to do, ask a local. And so on.

[@minimach1]

I tink the problem with hot towel issue is more of petty queens not getting their 'flutes' played after paying the high entry fee and therefore sabotage the estabilishment deliberately and maliciously. Another scenerio is competition sabotaging when they are jealous with their 'good' business. My 5 cents worth. 😉

[@HenryFL1]

The problem is bad behaving tourists rather than too many . Many act as if they are at Disney World where anything goes . They don’t know or respect a counties customs . We have been to Japan many years and have noticed the decline in social norms from such tourists. Sad 😔

[@melancholicflaneur23]

when every tourist points fingers at other tourists and say "you're bad; just not me"...

[@HenryFL1]

@@melancholicflaneur23 Your comment makes no sense - your implying I misbehave too ? I saw 👀 it first hand - loud taking in places one should be quite , trash thrown on street , tourists touching things they shouldn’t - list goes on

[@ΚάποιοςΑγνωστος-χ1ξ]

I don’t know of any countries that allow people to flush towels down the toilet. Even if a country has a good sewage system it goes without saying that large objects will clog the toilet that’s why they have signs to not flush tampons, serviettes, diapers or baby wipes. Maybe your BJ bar is being sabotaged by a rival bar or something.

[@RexCapulet]

This. That’s not a “foreigner” thing. That’s an a**hole thing. And it sounds like a repeat offender the doorman keeps letting in.

[@angelalebeaux4134]

Y’all, all I’ll say is that I’m glad I brought a backpack to DisneySea because the amount of trash I had to pick up and hold on to from Korean tourists throwing it on the ground while waiting in long lines was outrageous.

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

Always so interesting! Thank you for the video. Have an amazing week!

[@dagontheseatitan7846]

As always you guys put out great content as usual and can’t wait for next video. I must say this was a informative video today and now what to if ever go to Japan in future.

[@Dilladoc25]

Another great video! A hot (and smart) guest too doesn’t hurt! I love the way you guys explain Japanese culture in practical terms so viewers can get an idea of the real Japan. Great job!!

[@melancholicflaneur23]

Meng: can you do a video in Mandarin for the mainlanders plssssssssssssssssssssssss. YOU know why it's important

[@calboy2]

I kind of wish the Japan tourist companies would just come out and say, "thanks, foreigners, but no thanks" - you can't have it both ways

[@DavidCruickshank]

They need the money.

[@Jackson-g4u]

> every time i visit Tokyo (will be back in April '25) i try to be as respectful & non-demandy as i can - Americans can be very demandy ! thanks so much for all these reminders guys ~ ~ ~

[@PokhrajRoy.]

You guys always have the fun guests! Hello, Seth 👋🏽

[@THikkikomori]

Re: Andrew being rejected in such an over the top kind of way 😤 There's this one sauna I went to a few times in Kuala Lumpur. One time I was introduced to someone there by a staff member and it became a point of contention between me and that other client. Apparently, I wasn't congenial or aware of the appropriate social grace to respond with at that moment. I'm not used to being introduced to other clients by sauna staff members. Expecting the usual anonymity I enjoy while at saunas, having a staff member regard me in a way that would bring the attention of other sauna clients is very unusual. So the person I was introduced to by sauna staff became really upset about me not making a point to smile and say hi - I thought the eye contact and the nod I gave him was sufficient. For the rest of the night whenever he saw me, he'd try to have his friends join him in being a mean girl toward me. When I tried to smooth things over he didn't want to hear it; he made a big dramatic scene when I tried talking politely with him. Another time at that same sauna, this really muscular short guy was strutting in the steam room. When I went to touch him he hissed and made a big fuss about it and very flamboyantly walked away. When guys are like that in a place like a sauna where you don't have to be so over the top about saying no to someone, well... it really just points to an unmet need that they're trying to fulfill at that moment. They need to feel like they're being the most visible person at that moment in time and don't like when they don't get the kind of attention they expect from the other people in the sauna. It's a good thing they make themselves so obvious when they do that because it makes it clear for people like you and I to just avoid them and let them have their moment. While I was in Tokyo for October, the hattenba ranking video you guys made it easier for me to find places to explore as a foreigner in Japan. Oddly, the notice/photo you shared in this video was posted in BJ bar October 1st of 2024; I went to BJ Bar two times and never noticed that specific sign. I also didn't get any kind of towel (a warm towel or a wet wipe) at all. I did see a sign to use a sink in the front of the bar (near the toilet) where you can wash up before/after playing around. I remember feeling awkward about cleaning up there because I kept knocking my elbow into the wall and it probably disturbed the guy in the bathroom who was also cleaning himself off in there. Since I didn't know any japanese and assumed he was japanese, I didn't really know how to explain myself and I just kind of felt bad for being an unintentional nuisance.

[@Chantalgm3]

Sounds like some people are emotionally stunted attention seekers who takes things way too personally. Best solution would’ve been to not explain yourself & go on your way; maybe even report them to the staff for harassing you w/ his friends.

[@taiwanmark]

Agree with Meng too that this is xenophobia and wouldn't be allowed in most other countries. It's discrimination to have a blanket approach to foreigners but totally reasonable to deny entry to someone who doesn't understand or follow basic rules.

[@ChazC-i4r]

Hi Meng 👋🏽 Hi Andrew👋🏽 Recently, there has been a buzz on YT about Johnny Somali's misbehaviour in Japan & Korea. I was wondering if you guys would make a video about misbehaving tourists in JP from a gay angle and here it is. Thanks 🙏🏽🤗 It is a tricky topic. Sometimes tourists have this - "I'm just here for a good time. Long-term impact of my actions doesn't concern me. I am spending money here, they better cater to me" - attitude. In this scenario, if a small JP gay bar prefers local-regular customers over tourists, then it makes sense to me personally. Its sad, but it makes sense. Great vid btw guys, and nice to bring in a guest for a third perspective. Meng that hair-do suits you well, as well as the colour & cut of this t-shirt. Andrew you are officially entering the daddy territory. Soon you'll be at a point of no return 😅 Love, from Germany - Chaz

[@yco4747]

おしぼりの件は 店員さんに｢手巾の温(冷)、御一つください｣って日本語で言ってくれた人にだけ渡せば良いと思う、セルフにせず 店員さんに頼む形式 その時に ロッカーの鍵とかと交換で渡す様にして、おしぼり返却時にその人のロッカーの鍵を返す…とかで良いのでは？

[@ElAye240]

OKAYYYYYCONTRIBUTINGFROMABROAD!!! #HarrisWalz 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼⚡️⚡️💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽

[@UnitedFrequency]

Dealing with tourists-who sometimes seem more like terrorists-definitely requires a good dose of patience and a bit of humor in my beach neighborhood. They often have no clue about driving rules, which can make things a bit risky. I try to use these frustrating moments to practice a mini meditation and chat with my SUMMIT APP coach, who helps me focus on emotional sobriety.

[@WayneMueller-ie7wu]

Very informative thank you for this video.

[@EdmundKing]

Problems with tourists' behaviour go way beyond gay nightlife. For so many tourists in Japan, their reference points for Japan and Japanese-ness are anime, games and an international media that consistently highlights the "weird", "quirky" or "crazy" about Japan. Therefore, people behave as if they're in a giant theme park, not a real life city, and often act in a brash, entitled manner and differently to how they would in any other country, especially since everyone knows how safe Japan is and how non-confrontational Japanese people are. (Case in point, those horrendous "Mario" go-karts. You're not in a F-ing video game. Imagine if people did that in Paris or New York? People would hurl abuse... and objects!)

[@ClaroKirari]

さすがにおしぼりをトイレに流す人はいませんが、たとえば手に持てるサイズの小さなティッシュペーパーとかは水に溶けにくいので詰まってしまうことがあり、トイレで使って流すのは❌ダメです。気をつけてね！トイレに流せるのはトイレットペーパーだけよ

[@maximilianogranillo5919]

Ir is not the overflow of turism. ITS THE US CITIZENS.

[@Owenotter4]

I’m going next summer and just the idea of like being rude and demanding is like so scary. I am just so intimidated by people that like I just don’t understand it.

[@mhollick63]

I was in Japan for two weeks in November. But I was on a tour and we didn't do any LGBT activities. I was at Shinagawa Station to catch a train. My next trip will be LGBT centered.

[@Love_TheArtist]

Seems like what you're describing is people who probably come from places where being openly gay/queer is either not allowed or frowned upon and they are just excited/nervous/eager to explore and experience. I get it, it can be annoying. But maybe there is an opening for a business (Tokyo BTM Club) for foreigners to meet and experience/learn about being gay/queer in Japan.

[@Gendergoblin123]

Meng trying to look interested. You’re killing me!!!

[@gatinhopretolp]

I'm spending the Christmas holiday in Tokyo. May the BJ Bar tremble. I promise to behave.

[@markm7441]

I admire the way Japanese support THEIR OWN culture. More countries should follow.

[@jeffkleist9679]

I stay in Shinjuku for the transit access. In June areas were like 80% tourists in Kabukicho. While I haven't ran into any badly behaving ones in person, the sheer mass was oppresssive, far more than the usual Japanese crowds. And it would never occur to me to flush an oshiburi. I got X'd at tthe door at several restaurants, even though I spoke Japanese plenty well enough to order

[@restfulsilence]

I have been 4-5 times in Japan so far. I even learned the language a little. Just basic staff, but I think it is important, even if you are not fluently it it. The exchange rate was not good, but also not bad. Now that the exchnge rate has become more favourable recently, many people from other countries go to Japan, just because it is affortable and not because they really care for the country nor the culture. Even if you don't speak the language, but care for the country you have the chance with your smartphone to translate signs so that you can follow the rules. I saw so many bad videos recently that people do not follow the rules in Japan or are just plain rude. These kinds of tourists no country needs, and it breakst my heart, when I see people being not polite to Japanese people, even if the Japanese staff is trying everything to please their guest. I had my coming out just a couple of years ago so I haven't seen much of the Japanese Gay Culture. I feel sad that rude tourists have changed the thinking of Japanese people of foreigners and that I might not be able to catch up with what I have missed so far, because Japanese establishments are closing up for foreigners. 😔

[@coolrocksounds]

Love the Square Enix representation.

[@MP-lv5vk]

Some of the comments point out the issue with bad tourists. I want to avoid an “us and them” situation but do bad tourists bother to learn anything on a trip? I wonder if I might experience fewer restrictions by showing effort.

[@dm6887]

I guess I’m a flautist now 🪈🎶

[@wesleydhanis3304]

The hell.. who thinks it is okay to go to a cruising bar, ... etc in group as a tourist attraction? Like whut!

[@brillsmith2207]

Mengs cheeky smile when he said hes going to be devils advocate haha such a gorgeous boy so cheeky

[@Erigato2010]

One thing to point out that some foreigners (white people) may be majority in their own country (the US) and thus don’t really understand the whole “minority” are held to a higher standard

[@Koharuie]

Who would flush anything other than toilet paper down the toilet ? 😭 tho in my country's hotels they do often have signs next to the toilet saying not to throw things in there, idk if that's a thing in Japan too

[@jasonlee7225]

I’ll be in Japan from Sunday for a month, and I intend to go in and out quietly like a ninja now 🥷what the bars need to have is IQ tests for patrons. Who flushes a cotton towel into the toilet???

[@RexCapulet]

LET’S. GOOOOOO!!! Been waiting on this vid. The thing is so often, especially in Japan, the word “foreigner” is tied with rude people. I’ve been to Tokyo 3 times and I’ve seen a wide range of foreigner behavior. Yes that foreigner was a jerk or has an attitude, but guess what, they’re also that horrible at home. Just like not every Japanese person is nice and accommodating. No one base or style of people can be generalized and that’s the issue I have with Japan. Their culture of hospitality, while very gracious and positive, is also passive aggressive and closed minded. Ask anyone half Japanese half something else what their experiences have been and brace yourself. 😮‍💨😮‍💨 Long story a little less long: Japan NEEDS foreigners. You think it’s bad NOW? Japan will be consumed by bratty rich influencer kids who can afford to move there unless they become more open to EVERYONE. But in order to better preserve their culture they need to drop the facade of treating everyone like a weekend house guest. They need to be stern in their laws and policies. They need to push back.

[@RexCapulet]

Also the towel in the toilet? That sounds like a repeat offender who lives there and frequents the place. Flushing towels isn’t normal behavior anywhere so it’s not a “foreigner problem”. And if it were, it wouldn’t be happening so often as travelers often, you know, travel. Sounds like some hot jerk the doorman keeps letting in because he fits that bathhouse’s strict physical requirements.

[@ryo6146]

私は50代前半だけど、私が20代の頃は、外国人の多くがGB TOKYO、もしくは向かいのビルの地下1階にあるCLUB Dragonに外国人が集まっていた。いわゆる「外専バー」みたいな感じ。 でも、2年前に飲みに行ったら、GB TOKYOはガラガラでちょっとショックだった。 Dragonも名前を変えて別の場所に移ったし、他にも外専バーができていて、お客は若い人ばかりで50代が入るには浮きまくって相手にされないような感じだった。 昔は外国人の50代や60代のオジサンでも普通にGB TOKYOやCLUB Dragon入ってたんだよね～。 2024年の10月に久しぶりに2丁目を見に行ったら、GB TOKYOが潰れていて、私が知っている2丁目はもう無いと思った。

[@kuna8609]

GB TOKYO潰れてないですよ 今日もX更新してます

[@Joefromthevalley]

If I'm being honest, I've noticed that it's mostly Australian tourists.

[@freemagicfun]

I was talking about the xenophobia and mass quantity of "no gaijin" signs. Another foreigner was telling me he has seen very few. I never really partied in Tokyo, just passed through the train station... are the signs common in Tokyo? I saw them, "some" years ago, all over in Sasebo, and even more in Yokosuka. Which, to be fair, have (had?) US Navy bases - which is why I was there ha ha. I mean, there have got to be some bad sailor stories in some of those bars. 😎🌴🍹

[@ryo6146]

米軍基地がある場所（沖縄・横須賀・横田、その他のエリア）では、基地内で働く人が車を運転して外に飲みに行き、飲酒運転をして人身事故を起こした場合、その場で現行犯で逮捕されるか、基地に入ってしまえば日米協定の影響で加害者をアメリカに引き渡す事になるので、逃げ得になってしまいます。 何年か前に、このような事件が何度も起きて、多くの日本人が怒り、何年か前に米軍基地で地元の夜間外出禁止令が出されました。 つまり、夜間は飲みに出歩くな、という事ですね。

[@lukelausk]

Mm... don't wanna ruin my good memory at BB... guess I'll have to find a new bath house =/ especially i have no groupie...

[@quantafreeze]

Oh Andrew, so cheeky 😉

[@Wes_Jones]

I've always wanted to visit Japan but I'm an old, chubby hairy bear with tattoos and don't speak any Japanese. From what it sounds like, I probably wouldn't have such a great time 🙁

[@YZPYN]

It's okay, because Shinjuku 2-chome has many bars for tourists too.

[@UnitedFrequency]

It’s such a habit to toss things like that into the toilet. One time, I used a disposable towel just for my armpits and then threw it in the toilet. I thought, "Oh no, do I have to reach in there and get it out?" I couldn’t believe how automatic that was. I felt really ashamed of myself. -- Texas

[@forkgod]

Ok but why Alex so cute though? I wanted to put a smart comment as part of the commentary of the video, but got lost.

[@hisdarksecret]

OMG Meng 0:40 🤣

[@Love_TheArtist]

Andrew, concerning the BJ bar, I have a question... Was there clear and understandable signs or were people informed about what to do with a used hand towel? Also, I have traveled quite a bit and now living in Germany, I have seen Germans do some pretty ridiculous things that foreigners have gotten the blame... just a few thoughts, it may not be the foreigners👀🤔

[@softballfj]

to me it sounds like xenophobia with the rationalization of it being "extra work" . There a lot of easy solutions that could resolve these issues involving nothing more than pen, paper, a printer and google translate. for the bars its a simple as having a laminated paper that says ( in the top common languages) entry is x , table fee is x and any food and drinks are extra. give the waiter a thumbs up if you understand or a thumbs down if you would like to leave. - or in the case if the towel when they enter give them a paper that says your checking out a towel if the towel is not returned when you leave you be charged x amount (an absorbent fee so they are motivated to return it) and if they dirty the towel they could just show the number to a staff member they can cross it out and assign them a new one. i dont think any of these are far fetched ideas or overly complicated.

[@tc2334]

Exactly. The bottom line is that it seems Japanese people want to have places where they don't even have to look at or talk to foreigners.

[@lukelausk]

Idiotic... and ignorant... to flush a towel into the toilet... in rural cities for some countries... they throw even toilet paper away in garbage can since the sewage isn't well developed... like on Greece island... and yes... kinda gross... Ah, I guess I don't have to feel bad for being lazy and didn't bother going to BodyBreath last time I came then lol... would suck if there is a group of chatter passing by when I am busy moaning, lol... thou it is likely I don't notice if the sex was good enough instead if going to BB that night, I chose to watch the Agatha finale that night, lol But surely the japan major cities have changed a lot since even before covid... one reason I avoid tokyo, osaka, and Kyoto except for flying hub...

[@efghabcd7538]

I'm not sure why people are so insistent that Japan is xenophobic when establishments in the US have zero patience for non-English speaking customers.

[@tc2334]

Maybe because even when people are able to speak fluent Japanese, they’re still refused service. 😂 But hey, at least they pretend to be nice about it. Also, in the US (and most other places for the most part), you wouldn't be refused service for not being able to speak the local language fluently. This seems to be very Japanese phenomenon.

[@OpoOnTheGo]

Been to many states, never ran into any of these establishments you claim lack patience... you do remember the tipping culture here, right? Servers usually try to earn said tips lol. Turns out people like being able to afford living

[@efghabcd7538]

@@OpoOnTheGo Same for me here in Japan. Here for the past 20 years and have never once encountered anything remotely xenophobic. People will say if I never experienced it doesn't mean it doesn't exist but that also says the same about your comment. I do wish someone can tell me exactly the so-called establishments that refuse foreigners here in Japan so I could check it out.

[@neth415]

japanese xenophobia has extra steps and structures in it. and they’re super polite about it, US is more out of ignorance and western superiority

[@efghabcd7538]

@@tc2334 But where? I'm not trying to defend Japan but if anyone lists at least even some places, we can avoid them? There must be a million establishments in Tokyo alone and if you really encountered one, it's a bit far fetched to call it a Japanese phenomenon.

[@art_hernandez]

First! ❤

[@allansevilla5640]

During the time I stayed in Tokyo (which was the mid nineties) bars, restos and even shops were very weary of foreigners. (Not all but some) So they had this system that, unless you have a local person(Japanese) to accompany you, you can't enter the establishment. So that the local can explain to the foreigner, and they can understand what the rules of the establishment is. As a foreigner myself, I thought this was kinda insulting but at the same time the culture is different. Like for example in the grocery you'll have the price printed out, but ofcourse when you pay you still have to add tax, which most foreigners think that they were being robbed coz theres already a price printed on the item. This was very confusing specially in shops. So maybe, just maybe, they can adopt this system now, unless the foreigners are accompanied by a local, they can be rejected...... Or unless they speak the language? Sorry I might be wrong but this is only a suggestion.....

[@avarussurava9488]

I don’t know why but I just hate when westerners go to another non-western country and just stay within themselves, not trying to meet/talk to any local and just treat the place like a backdrop, a theme park.

[@mrsparkle9048]

Damn tourists! They ruined tourism!

[@msmachadodossantos]

Second ✋

[@block-cp5mz]

No foreigners know "the system" at the beginning; how can you get to know if you can't experience it? Vibe kill... Couldn't this be tourists in any sauna anywhere?

[@ericlindstrom8932]

As far as the towel situation is concerned… nobody is stupid enough to flush a cloth towel. My guess is it is a local trying to make foreigners look bad. As far as the chair/table charge goes… bars in other countries have door charges, and give you nothing.. no drink and no snack. I never had problems with paying it. I like that you are sort of renting a seat in a Japanese bar. You would be surprised at how many momisons are matchmakers and sit you next to someone you’ll vibe with. I do see many people defending Japanese xenophobia. They will excuse away racist and insulting behavior. It is what I least like about visiting Japanese.

[@dami6722]

Third

[@Ampasss]

The xenophobia openly shown here is kind of gross. Places need to be accommodating, not forcibly assimilate other peoples just to visit a country

[@Ampasss]

And the excuses made for this behaviour is wild too, especially from gay men

[@ryo6146]

ここ（日本）に住んでいる日本人や長期間住んでいる外国人は常識や品位が高いんです。 なぜ、常識や品位の無い外国並みに落とさなければいけないのですか？ あと、一部のマナーの無い外国人のせいで、多くの日本人や長く住んでいる外国人に迷惑が掛かっているから、この動画を出したのではないでしょうか？ マナーさえ守れない外国人は日本に来ないでほしい。

[@mamferry17]

As a foreigner living for 7 years in Japan, let me ask the same question to you, are you accommodating the culture of your destination? If you suddenly went to my house and imposed rules on me, I would also not invite you again. It's mutual respect. Japan as a culture expects this much from a tourist, then the tourist should honor that. Likewise Japan will/should honor the tourist with the same respect (which usually is already there in the first place).

[@Ampasss]

@ yeah, if you invited a guest over and then asked them to take their shoes off but the guest declined then the right thing to do would be to accommodate to that situation. Not tell the guest to learn the rules of your house or leave. That’s what authoritarian thinking leads you to, like the country you’ve spent 7 years in. You’ve excused racist and xenophobic behaviour for so long you’re now spouting it yourself. Sit and actually have a think about things before you just say what another person has told you as an excuse for why the Japanese are racist. It’s embarrassing for you honestly

[@DiamondFlame45]

The irony in this comment and I say this as an American lol You have to accommodate to their culture to the best you can. It's no different in the US>