Unique Japanese behavior

[@Lupomme69]

Thank you very much for this video. I am fully experiencing what you just described with my customers in Japan. Being Italian I am at the opposite scale of your behavior but it is important that we try to understand and always respect each other regardless. I will be a bit more pushy from now on with my customers when I really sense they have issues or feel not comfortable about something and they don't share it with me. Thanks again

[@komori841]

Thanks for your opinion and way to behave. That's also interesting for me too.

[@Lupomme69]

;-)

[@TankenkaNeko]

When I was living in Japan, I found that the people were sooooo expressive! So many people say "Japanese people have no expression!" but... there is so much body-language! I think that the concept of Honne and Tatamae are in every culture, but in Japan people actually KNOW what it means! So important! Thank you so much for making this video~ it's awesome to have a Japanese person talk about this stuff! =^_^=

[@frometoyouxan]

I'm not japanese but from eastern asia. We act the same as you said. Not that we don't have personal opinion but we try to see what we commonly enjoy. Just like your example, if a someone invited me and ask what I want, my mind would be searching for something we both like with no hassle for both side and to take consideration of the budget also. Even if the one who pays is rich..expensive treats is still a big no-no. So,most of the time i would reply "anything is fine. It up to you" phrase, which means I will enjoy whatever you will offer because the thought that you invited me is a privilege that I already received.

[@AlvinCastilloBunales]

This is very helpful! I work as a server at a Japanese Ramen Restaurant, and each shift I'm learning more and trying my best with my interactions with my manager who is very sweet, but there are barriers in communication. Also, I'm loving your videos!!

[@singingdaylily1]

Thank you so much for taking the time to make videos about sharing your beautiful culture! I am American (African American and Native American ancestry) and I was raised to be respectful and polite to everyone especially guests and of course our elders. Therefore, it truly inspires me that in Japan that there is so much emphasis on Harmony and Respect. Thank you again for sharing!

[@darkcastle1489]

Wow Japanese are such well breed polite group of people. Truly the result of cultured behavior transcending through generations after generations. I hope globalization doesn't erode this away!

[@bobkappanian1301]

+DarkCastleCorps if it was onlky through about their "dark fantasies" #tentaclesandcrap

[@ohdaUtube]

DarkCastleCorps breed?

[@ohdaUtube]

Victoria Willington that's a small niche... Just because you look for it doesn't mean they all do...

[@squigglysmiles4849]

I like the way you speak English. It's so かわいい.

[@nikkidorens]

Modesty and extreme kindness... things some people don't understand.

[@teatime1858]

Lovely, she's so graceful. Bless your heart

[@lLustfulness]

You have the most adorable accent when speaking English, you have amazing English skills. ^.^

[@bethnancy1876]

So, if you ask another person directly about what they want to do or eat, then you feel like you can say your own opinion without being rude. I'm really glad you made this video. It makes a lot of sense and really helps me in understand more about why you act the way you do. I really look forward to seeing more videos.

[@Wellnesskailuamadamemermaid]

I as a mermaid in Hawaii Kailua, completely support your feeling in this video! I left the country 25 years ago ! It is because the stress to understand people. I am still discovering what is the good part of being the same....but I have not yet. Anway! I really appreciate your video! Thank you and Mahalo

[@influxiam]

thank you for sharing such intimate information. I recently began to watch your videos and I am a big fan. thank you so much for taking your time and making these videos available to the world. your culture is truly amazing.

[@FrilleDill]

I just found your channel and it's really fun to watch and learn. I like how you choose themes that help bring down the cultural barriers, Thank you from Sweden!

[@miczel2140]

I'm not from Japan, but you are litterally describing my beheviour. I do understand all these situations becouse I'll do the same and I think in the same way as you.

[@drsbrettsavage]

Most helpful "hints" and explanations anywhere on the web...thanks.

[@maldenom]

Hello! I have only just found your channel, and I wanted to thank you SO MUCH for helping me better understand the wonderful people of Japan! Your advice and wisdom is so practical! Thank you!

[@simbbam]

I am so glad to see your videos! you are really special for a Japanese woman, because you are not shy to talk about yourself and about they inside of Japanese society. That is very informative and interesting! thank you so much!

[@paulorientetheluffaranch]

Very interesting video. So polite to keep harmony. Thank you for sharing about your culture.

[@umarchow]

Such a beautiful refined considerate culture

[@JoeyTheMango]

japanese people are very humble and polite

[@sukumard]

Komori, I must say a very big thank you, I am in Japan with new Ideas for managing IT organisations, I now understand the people I am working with much better, what you say is really true, Innovation, doing new things, changing things need people to speak their minds and to be outstanding. This seems really different, I will now ask people directly what they say and hope things will get better

[@PaopuPow]

I loved this video so much. I find many Japanese people to have such profound humility, it is one of the things that i deeply respect and admire about this culture. Thank you for sharing it with us!

[@whotookmyboot]

Thank you so much for this video! Its helped me alot on my paper on social norms of Japan. Your culture is so cool, i'm dying to visit japan someday!

[@DeKamme]

Arigatou gozaimasu for making this clear and informative video! You have a very good insight in the differences in culture between East and West, and also to which strengths and weaknesses this leads. Thoughtful of you! I think many polite Western people share similar customs, it is just not formalized. Like calling someone late and ask 'I hope I am not bothering you'. Or when going out with new friends not wanting to stand out by ordering difficult stuff or imposing yourself. It's etiquette.

[@TheBlondeBond]

This video and you are so helpful! My daughters best friend is Japanese and her family has only been living in the states for about a year. We have a hard time communicating. Thank you so so much for these tips! :)

[@xxwizxkidxx]

Very united and very appreciative of the smallest things.. Which makes me very interested in your culture Komori. Which is why I have always been going back to Japan every chance I can get. Teaches a lot of things. Respect, humility and a lot more.

[@darkgrendizer]

Your video is interesting and usefull and your particular way of closing your eyes while you talk is hypnotic and fascinating.

[@searching4quiet]

Very interesting video. I love Japanese people and customs.

[@ThePokeTheatre]

im just like this, this is because im always polite and kind. when i went to japan i noticed that there are way more kind and polite people than anywhere else, it is my dream to live in japan it is such a nice place.

[@d.e.b.b5788]

Thank you so much for making this video. It helps us to understand the Japanese culture better.

[@JanSexton]

Thank you for explaining this. I am becoming addicted to your videos! I have a friend in Japan and when she visits it feels like she doesn't like me, but I suspect it's because of body language, tone of voice, etc which are different in our cultures. Being quiet and modest in America is considered bad. I think a balance is nice - have your own opinions but still be modest and respectful of the harmony of the whole group.

[@JacopoMTK]

Thanks for this and your others videos. This one interested me a lot since i was and still i'm having an hard time to understand what really a Japanese person think.It's something that you learn slowly but it's so interesting to discover the Japanese culture.This video was really helpful to clarify me why Japanese people do this. Thank you!

[@tapiooftapiola517]

You present things very well and in a good order, many thanks.

[@AutomHatter]

This is so very helpful Komori! Thank you very much! My husband and I are visiting Japan this coming April/May and we are trying to get as much information of your culture and language as possible so that we do not offend anyone or humiliate ourselves on our trip.... I know this is going to be difficult because we are so different. (Japan and America)

[@cloving1000]

This was so informative. It also makes sense. I am glad to know how to approach in these situations now. I hope to see more cultural difference videos from you. Thanks

[@jvhellraiser]

i really appreciate you taking time to teach us about Japan, i love Japan since i was 6,but always thinking of how different the culture is in Japan,and being born in a different country with different manners,am a bit afraid that i'll do something or say something without thinking is bad and hurt someones feelings, in the other hand i am a very polite young man, but at the same curious about learning new things,i appreciate someone from japan directly tell us,not someone that just visit.

[@BizAndProductReviews]

Thank you for explaining your culture. I like to learn about other cultures and how they are different from mine. This will help me be more in harmony when I eventually visit Japan.

[@nippermh]

Great. I got to visit there. The mind games of Japan have driven me mental. So glad to be back in Australia

[@JohnnyLynnLee]

I'm brazilian. I just started to learn japanese and I found your channel. You're really a nice, pretty and cute girl and you really know how to explain to us "gaijins" the way of japanese people think. This is a lot different for our hot and emotional culture here in Brazil

[@ohdaUtube]

Johnny Lynn Lee just fyi, gaijin is not a nice way of saying foreigner as the proper way to say it without negative connotation is gaigokujin

[@chloegreenie3309]

Little by little I'm starting to see just how humble the Japanese really are! I love it! :D

[@GL1FE]

i really need to say thank you to you! because i have many japanese friend people i meet through an organisation and i never really understood why the girls i hung out with would never really say what was on their mind per say , or mention a specific idea ... with a group project! I feel so bad for judging them , and thinking they are boring or not interesting , not smart to have ideas. Your video really show how the japanese mentality is , and how to feel appreciative of it! i never knew the things you say about keeping the atmosphere harmonious !! i just see the other side ... so i really am grateful i see your video

[@komori841]

This video was created so long time ago, but still it seems work well. I am so pleased to help you understand Japanese .There are so many differences in various culture, to know other culture is sometimes quite difficult. I wish I could contribute more on understanding each other to be better friend. Thank you lazy girl to take your precious time to leave your lovely message!!

[@GL1FE]

Thanks for your answer! Great.... If you make a good video that people connect to it can be timeless! Keep making videos!! Happy I found this channel 😊❤

[@nomandates9186]

I bet that's a big reason why crime is so low in Japan. The frowning upon of "disharmonious" behavior is probably keep individual impulses in check. That's also probably why crime can be so high here in the US. Brazen behavior is rewarded.

[@ohdaUtube]

John Shen it's basically public/social shaming. they usually shame the person's parents and family. in order to keep shame away from their family name they won't do certain things. same thing happens in Korea

[@MrJustsumdude01]

I have enjoyed all your videos very much and I wish there were more. The way you speak makes me laugh because alot of your words are VERY GOOD and you suddenly sound like an American. Great job :)

[@wildh0rse1]

Now that was awesome. I like how you explain the whole concept of "modesty" and how it's not really being modest, or conforming, it's a behavioral thing westerners have a hard time grasping. It's not better or worse or comparative :) Vive la Difference!

[@1catlovinguy]

Domo arrigato Komori san, I love what you shared! Your description was fascinating & also very familiar. I have not heard these thoughts expressed as completely or as courageously. Even though I grew up hearing my mother (an American Nisei) describe the hiding of such feelings, it was not explained. Creating harmony in the bigger picture, & how an individual represents the self integrally, with each a separate facet with real thoughts & feelings, was something beautiful. Thank you for this. ,'-)

[@JoachimderZweite]

This was a beautiful explanation of Japanese social manners. It is a culture of complex subtleties.

[@MarioCesar34]

Many thanks your kind and useful video, I really appreciate it. Next September I am going to visit Tokyo and your explanations will help me to communicate with your people.

[@edporter311]

Japanese are very considerate people... My wife's family is Japanese and 6 of her aunts came to visit and it was far less drama and hassle than my own 1 American aunt! A lot of fun too... came home from work one day to our whole 10 foot by 5 foot kitchen island covered with Sushi... Would have cost thousands in a restaurant! I love Japanese people and their culture. Very admirable...

[@nomadraby]

It is such wonderful and thoughtful culture! I loved it and also your explaining by your heart that is beautiful and honest. Thanks!

[@komori841]

Thanks for leaving your message ;D Just happy to know you want to come to Japan !

[@alohakakahiaka]

Thank you very much. Because you are making these videos, we can learn how to get along with your country and culture. Very informative! Again, Thank You Very Much! :-]

[@brzozowski5]

I am American grew up in the mid-west and my ethnicity is Polish and Mexican. The only exposure I have ever had was when I was little and I took karate classes with a dojo that was really traditional. The sensei was an older Japanese man who had moved to the States. His ways of doing things were very respectful and he made a lasting impression on me. I would think that if I knew the language that I would have no problem living there. The culture seems to be fitting to my personality.

[@komori841]

@TheKenrid Thanks for you kind invitation;D In Japan, I love to eat ,Sushi of course, and UNAGI, have you ever heard?

[@BelloBudo007]

I have some lovely Japanese friends in Tokyo & Kumamoto that I know through the Martial Arts, and I often wonder to myself 'what do they really think' of this or that idea. But they are so reluctant to express their opinion at first. I have found over the years that beer & whisky tends to relax them. Obviously though this is not perfect. So I think I will take your advice and 'ask them directly' from now on. Thank you so much for attempting this difficult subject. Good job!

[@Cardinal724]

こもりさんは英語が大変堪能です！こもりさんのビデオを見るのはこれが初めてですが、日本人の心理や調和の大切さ等をよく説明していただいて、とても有益だと思います。私はしばらくの間日本に住んでいたもので、自分の体験はご説明の通りです！他の投稿したビデオを見たくなりました！ありがとうございました。＊私の間違いだらけの日本語をお許しください。笑。

[@PaopuPow]

I know! isnt it!? I love learning about it so much. There are so many things to take from them and to improve yourself on.

[@oota-qi6vr]

Great Video! Thank you for sharing , i have a better understanding of your culture. You explained it better than anybody else, even with broken English. You are beautiful and please keep making those videos, I find them very educational

[@MyMannequinRomance]

This was so interesting! I've met so many young Japanese students in my Australian school, they are always so, so polite and quiet and are so much more inclined to be at school to learn and observe unlike Australian students who are noisy and are their for the social part. Btw, your accent is so adorable and your English is brilliant! xx

[@eloraleigh4306]

You described my own habits exactly. (By the way, I'm American). When I was younger I was extremely shy and soft spoken. Always afraid of imposing on anyone or inconveniencing them. I made it my priority to stay in the background. But I wasn't necessarily sad or down on myself; I just thought it was a polite way to be. When friends would ask: "Where do you want to go for lunch?" my typical response would be "Anything is fine. Whatever you want." I think I probably annoyed people sometimes because I never said what I thought. A lot of people in the US might mistaken a quiet person as being stuck up, or may think that a person who "hides" their feelings and thoughts just don't like you. Maybe this is my cue that it's time to relocate!

[@komori841]

+Amanda Moser Hi! Thanks you for showing your younger's day experiences. How kind a child you were. I like the person like you. There should be someone like you even in America, people does have their own unique character naturally, and it should be respected.

[@SC2Drmayo]

There are many people like this the U.S., but you're right that they're viewed, generally, as negative traits. I think it also depends quite a bit on your family's background (social class, ethnicity) and the region you are from.

[@b.r8539]

haha.. same here although I live in Africa.. people here think you are arrogant if you are quit... and its hard to make friends.. was thinking the same , I should definitely relocate too.

[@redko79]

Interesting description of the Japanese mentality. There is enormously to learn of this very former and so attractive culture. Thank you from France ^^

[@aramroshani6197]

You have really a wounderful manner and culture and there is huge difference between your culture and others

[@GerardGodin]

Thank you for sharing this. I am very curious about Japanese culture, and many others. You,re a very good teacher :)

[@marymagh]

That's nice I'm American and I feel when someone is kind enough to do something for me I will agree with them no matter what .

[@DickBuykys]

I fucking love Japanese culture. Putting others before themselves even when someone is putting them before themselves. So respectful.

[@111abc222abc]

Thank you for sharing such wonderful advice !!!

[@nh8444]

このビデオをアップロードしてくれてありがとうございます！　まだ日本語と日本の文化事を勉強しています。　説明はすごいだと思います。　発音も上手です！　またありがとうございます。

[@kaoruhonjou]

This is all about etiquette in japan. No negative gestures/behavior and always positive.

[@gwendolynhulteen7506]

I am American. I appreciate this way of thinking so much- HARMONY. This world with all of its chaos needs harmony. But I teach Conversational English and have many Japanese women in my class, I am trying to understand the culture so I can teach them better. I try to encourage them the way I would an American and I probably make them uncomfortable. Your video will help me be more appropriate with my praise. thank you so much.

[@vanillacaffelatte]

thanks so much for this explanation, it helped me to understand that behaviour so well!

[@Æ2000k]

I am exactly the Japanese behavior as you speak of, I'm quiet, shy, and very polite. I have been told that I have a soft spoken voice, well first of all, I am born half-Japanese in America. People don't really understood why I was so quiet, it not like I hide my true feelings it's just the way I am, that my mind already processes. I am made this way I do presume. Thank you for the video. Komori Sama! Arigatou Gozaimasu.

[@EstherMaquillage23]

Yeah right? ! I'm totally like that too, and I kind of have hard time being like that... I live in Brazil, my Obatyan and Odityan came from Japan in the 1945 ish ... So I guess you don't feel fully an American from inside, like I don't feel like a Brazilian. .. hehe

[@Æ2000k]

Esther May My grandma on my mom side, her dad or mom came from japan during the refuge camp here, and must to to have got married, and had my grandma then they broke up, and she had more fathers after that, but they were mexican or hispanic, so my grandma got influnce to the language and heritiage, my grandma dosn't really like to talk about it tho, but how i know, i look asian lol, my grandma marriage photo, she appear asian also, with my farmer hispanic grandpa

[@EstherMaquillage23]

Ohhh I see! Great family history you have! 😊

[@Æ2000k]

yours too. my grandpa from my dad side,came from spain, idk which part.

[@EstherMaquillage23]

Ohh nice!!

[@komori841]

Thanks for your information, "restraint"! I learn new word today. Thanks very much.

[@88koko66]

Thank you for explaining it to everyone in English!! I'm a typical Japanese and I appreciate your action!!これからも応援させていただきます：）

[@kyonatamagotchi2475]

Eh... well, never knew this. they don't teach you this stuff in america... I AM SO GLAD YOU PUT THIS UP HERE!!!! it helps alot!!! i am learning japanese writing and language.. is it shameful in japan to still be writing in Hiragana? i kind of find it easier though. I need to watch more of your videos!! you're very nice for puting thesde up here!! Domo arigato-kozaimas!!! :3

[@BeulahLips]

Very interesting! I have had a JP GF for 12 yrs. and in all this time she could never explain this to me as clearly as you just have. She's far less expressive than you are, and I come from a freely expressive family. Before your explanation, the best way I could describe or understand their behavior, would be as socially, emotionally, and verbally constipated. They would make me feel like someone needed to squeeze them really hard to make what was inside, come out. THANK YOU! :)

[@SensaiMan]

Japanese people are very polite, and never like to stick out. That's what makes Japan so unique. Nice video.

[@SensaiMan]

A good question, I feel generally Japanese people tend to think of others, and are kind by nature. And in my opinion, that's why Japan has much less crime than Countries in the West. Whenever I have been to Japan, I have been overwhelmed by the kindness shown to me.

[@tipi999]

全ての日本人に当てはまるとは思わないけれど、正解と言っていい日本人のスタンダードな感性の部分を英語で説明し発信してくれるあなたのような存在は多くの日本人にとって本当に貴重な存在だと思います。 感謝の意を籠めて。

[@MajinSayon]

This was really informative, thank you a lot!

[@giybetcikodu5592]

I love japanese, theyre so kind ppl, through our world.

[@LiilaCck]

Without knowing about this kind of behaviour in particular, I acted like that more than once when I was at a restaurant in Tokyo, ahah! It was very japanese, indeed... I think I really feel close to your kindness and politeness most of the times

[@Domingo12754]

Thank you for the explanation. In my traditional culture it is the same. But slowly American Culture has begun to take over. In short when praised we were taught to deny the compliment to show humility. We also do not give eye contact when reprimanded or corrected by Elders to show our respect. We find it difficult to say no when invited to events if we really don't want to go we say we will try to be there.

[@lamialina7006]

Japan is a very refined culture that revolves around respect. Everything that you do that includes interacting with other people revolves around showing utmost respect to them, and I think that is a bit confusing to Americans/other cultures, because they don't really care. If you offend someone in America, you offend someone, no big deal. Its their fault, not yours. However in Japan if you offend someone it sort of forces you to take responsibility for that- because you offended someone and thats not nice, unlike in America if you offend someone it is the other persons problem, in Japan it is now your problem. Like not expressing your emotions- has to do with not wanting to bother people with your emotions. Like she said, its all about harmony and it all boils down to respecting your peers. But this is why I love Japan so much because in other cultures respect is taken so lightly and just tossed around, however in Japan its a daily thing to show respect to each other and it makes me happy there are still intelligant people left on this world. -_- After all the YoloSwag crap ive seen everywhere. I'm Italian and I've been many places and I love studying different cultures and languages, and Japanese was always my favorite.

[@brindlebriar]

In America, we respect each other enough to tell each other the truth. It's not lack of respect. It IS respect. You lie to people who you can't trust with the truth. You don't give them the benefit of the doubt to be able to handle it, because you don't respect them enough for that. So you take the 'safe' rout by being super polite and delicate with your words. Imagine two cowboys are sitting around a campfire eating the beans that one cowboy cooked, but very badly, so that they taste bad. The cook asks the other cowboy, how do the beans taste? IF the one who cooked them is crazy and violent and dangerous, OR if he is not dangerous but is instead a weak crybaby who gets upset too easily, the one eating them may say "they are just fine." He doesn't respect his partner enough to trust him with the truth, because he is either violent or weak. But if they are friends, and trust each other, and the beans are bad, he will say, "these beans taste like pig shit, god damnit. How come you cain't cook?" There is innocence in truth telling, and you trust the people you respect to discern that innocence in you, the nobility of your intentions. He and his friend probably constantly insult each other and neither of them takes it personally. That's part of how men learn to really trust each other. You poke a bit, until to learn the other person's boundaries. And then you back off. And then you know. Then you don't need to be polite anymore, because you trust each other. When, in Japan, you don't tell each other the truth, for fear of hurting each other's feelings, you think you are respecting each other. But you are disrespecting each other. That's not what real respect looks like. It's what cowardice and fear look like.

[@paulaohsi]

I agree that when you are invited somewhere you don't pick whatever you want. Usually, I pick something equal to what they are eating or anything less expensive. It's a way of not being rude and taking advantage of the fact that they are paying for you, therefore, your own opinions are secondary during these circumstances. Politeness.

[@simplythebest286]

very well mannered 👍👍👍

[@abub21]

Beautiful and very useful video. You give honest and good insight about the japanese way of living...I love it!! ciao

[@wiaka]

Ohh, I learned some new things. ありがとうございます！

[@kenchimarius]

I am from Lithuania, but I usually do the same as Japanese, to make everything stay in harmony. It is not common in my country, but that is how I was raised. Thank You for Your nice videos.

[@Justhuman128]

Thank you for saying why! I was raised there and also know "the nail that stick out will be hammered down." I know this as I stuck out I guess was bad harmony for me! I have to say you are very pretty and your husband is a very lucky man. I hope life is good. Aloha

[@viewfromheavenn]

I wish people think like this in my country . I love the respect you have !

[@waltera4448]

I've heard of Japanese being very considerate and it took me time to wrap my head around the concept. Back when I was in college, I had a classmate from Japan who was like that. I could have used this video back then to help explain what was going on.

[@Cr18AAzy]

My Japanese sensei told the class that the biggest difference between Japanese and English cultures is that Japan is very group oriented, while American is very individually oriented. Your video helped me understand that concept better. Thank you for taking time to explain this.

[@maishi]

Her voice and accent remind me of Olga Kay back when she was new to the USA. Thanks for this information.

[@cuteVeila]

Wow, this video explains the behaviour of the exchange students i recently met. Thanks for the advice! :)

[@komori841]

Thanks for sharing your feeling!

[@SoundInWhisper]

This video is great! Thank you so much for this information. It helps foreigners understand better the Japanese society. :)

[@itubeyoublah]

natural beauty she is; In order to keep the harmony, people hide *their* real *thoughts*

[@Joyful_Irina]

waaa...it's very nice of you for explaining us these manners.....I'd like to hear more.....you are so cute and so honest and so friendly...

[@Hitakari]

You make realy good and important movies, thank you for your explanathions about Japaneese behavior.

[@shanaynaywild]

This was very informative! Thank you.

[@DillonJThomas]

Thank you for explaining these behaviors. I love your accent.

[@jeffshubert]

I'm grateful for your explanation. I studied Japanese for 2 years and spent a some time with Japanese people, but some of the behavior was difficult to understand. Thank you!