What a Japanese Expat’s Wife Thinks About Singapore

Asking Riri from Japan her opinions of living in Singapore as a foreigner. Visit Kan Sushi to enjoy various viewer-exclusive promos!
🦪 FREE JAPANESE OYSTER!
Visit Kan Sushi (address written below) and tell the staff you watched Ghib Ojisan's video to redeem your free oyster from Iwate, Japan (1 per pax). Offer only available from 12th Oct to 12th Nov 2022.
🐟 BOOK THE TUNA-CUTTING EVENT NOW!
Date: 29, 30, 31 October ONLY!
Reserve now at Whatsapp [phone]
Reservation Time slot: 11:30am OR 1:30pm
each slot is only available for 60 people. Book fast!
Place: Kan Sushi Robertson Quay Outlet and Amazing Hokkaido outside tables
WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO!
1. Tuna Cutting Show
2. Enjoy the Tuna full course at $85++ after the tuna-cutting (6 courses)
3. Japanese Knives Sharpening Lessons (2pm to 3pm)
only available to the first 10 people who bought a knife and sharpening stone
get 30% off of Sakai Takayuki Japanese Knives (Exclusive promo ONLY during this event!)
4. Enjoy Sake & Shochu tasting at an affordable price
3 kinds of glasses of sake for $15
Sake bottle discount 15%
Kan Sushi address
Robertson Quay goo.gl/maps/wZ...
International Plaza goo.gl/maps/q1...
Thanks Riri / ririri_sgmemo for sharing your experience!
Brought to you by Kan Sushi
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[@GhibOjisan]

You can reserve the tuna cutting show via WhatsApp [phone]. Don't forget to get your free Japanese oyster when you visit too! Check out the description box for more info. Thanks guys!

[@LoveIsContagious]

Hi bro, I am curious to ask Japanese also pronounce this word ‘dialect’ as “ Hokkien “ sound???

[@SallehSalleh-k3j]

Singapore no . good

[@SallehSalleh-k3j]

Bro i like japanese and korea more batter

[@atman1173]

Riri is an excellent co-host. Let’s have a series of her and you enjoying the local food!

[@Towkeeyoh]

And add a Singaporean into the mix! That'll be fun! Since Ghib is already that middle ground!

[@AyaSatsuki]

8:39 recently experienced first hand how helpful Singaporeans can be! My colleague collapsed in a shopping mall during our lunch break. I thought that because we were a group of foreigners, nobody would pay attention to us but it is amazing and quite surprising how people immediately jumped into action helping with the first aid, calling an ambulance, NP, etc. some even called us back to check how my colleague is doing.

[@yhlee1085]

I think this is very much a Singapore culture, though Singaporeans may not be aware. It comes naturally that we will jump in to help anyone in trouble, and there is never a second thought about it. Personally, I have encountered a few times when people approached me and asked me about directions. I ended up just leading and bringing them to where they want to go., whether by walking with then or driving them there.

[@macrick]

Yeah sure. if it's a middle aged man. Noone gives a damn. NSF SCDF ambulance medic here. That man died about 18 years ago and he's local.

[@MDroid-bn6eb]

So happy to see Riri again!! There’s just something refreshing and sweet about her. Looking forward to the next collab on local exotic food. Great content Ghibby!!

[@Winstontangys]

Thank you Ojisan in a way acting as a host for SG by guiding and introducing SG to Japanese expats living here to feel more comfortable and at ease. 👍👍🙏🙏

[@おい小池-k7y]

こんなおいしそうなお寿司日本でも食べに行ったことない・・ 包丁もいいですね。いいもの１本持ってると料理するテンション上がります りりさん美人で上品でめっちゃ素敵ずら

[@crosbyong]

14:45 Actually, not so long ago, Singapore also had its own “hierarchical” work culture but I guess all the exposure to international expats have helped us to evolve. Always interesting to hear what others think of us Singaporeans.

[@Casual_INTP60]

I would beg to differ, there is still a hierarchy and ranking depending on where you work, for example in the SAF, I would think there is still a rank based culture (not totally, but it still exists due to military customs)

[@markloy2913]

@@Casual_INTP60 Hierarchy exists in any army. It is part of the military system. In the civilian sector, do not expect ladies who are not exposed to military customs to behave as if they are in the SAF.

[@yhlee1085]

I believe some form of hierarchy still exist, although it is certainly unlike what it is like in Japan. A hierachy system is still needed needed for an organisation to function but not to the extend of stifling creativity or productivity. Voices and opinions of all ranks must be allowed to be expressed and heard in an organisation. A friendly work environment do certainly add to one's job satisfaction as well as a higher productivity.

[@jjsamuelgunn1136]

You are giving international expats too much credit. I don't think you are aware of just how strict and formal the hierarchical culture is in Japan. Even at it's worst, Singapore is not so 'bad' compared to Japan.

[@tpt8476]

very relaxed and authentic interview!

[@simbeekuan4056]

Really enjoyed the atmosphere that you had with Riri

[@rjj3833]

Thank you for introducing the restaurant. Would love to try soon!

[@ivangim1]

Great guest you have for us, Ghib. A beautiful and pleasant one too. Smiles and laughs easily.

[@ckgoh]

Yes more of Riri Chan pls❤

[@JanetLeeLY]

This lady is right in a way. Singapore is safe for ladies. Can’t say the same for many countries.

[@DistortionJammer]

Amazing food! Thanks for the recommendation for proper authentic japanese food and the knives!!!

[@matsudarx8]

面白い！Ririko-san is very polite. I hope as shes stays here longer, she can be more frank on some of the not nice side of singapore, so that we can continue to make singapore better.

[@jaclee3594]

I hope Riri continue to enjoy her stay in Singapore. Singaporeans are very hospitable people!

[@Lalalalalelo]

it's entertaining to have japanese people try out singaporean experiences

[@chephrenchua2744]

yes, it would be fun to see riri eat local food, and please get her to reveal her real feeling about the food, I know most japanese are too nice to say bad thing about food or other people, but it's the real feeling that I like to watch on your channel.

[@ferdsbayas1116]

My Chinese is Cantonese. Sinced I live in Macau for more than 10 yrs. The funny thing learning their language is, I can bargain whenever I shop or in the market. I do speak and understand Arabic , when I work in the middle east.

[@theadventurer1602]

Riri-san looks like Japanese actress 上戸彩 ☺☺

[@markloy2913]

In the 60/70s, many Japanese companies came to Singapore to set up manufacturing plants (Sony, Toshiba, Sharp, Panasonic) and retail chains (Yaohan, Isetan). They brought along the Japanese way of management especially in the quality control area (TQM). Singaporeans who worked in Japanese companies adopted the hierarchical work culture. When the next wave of foreign investments mainly from the US came in during the 80/90s, people quickly adopted the more informal work culture. People became laid back, and chose to ignore unwritten rules such as punctuality.

[@Kelvin_Foo]

I think punctuality and regimentation still applies to the manufacturing sector, since there are clearly defined daily targets to meet, TQM, 5S etc. still have a strong foothold in those areas. For those creative and knowledge-based roles, it shifted to more of a US/Western European mentality of results focused outcomes, people can still come in around +/- 1 hour of official starting times, but they might end up working late or bring work home knowing they can also take an hour or two off to run family errands or child/elder care stuff.

[@petrushka2]

リリさんは笑顔が美しくて、本当に珍しい美人です。お旦那さんは幸せはずだ。

[@kookmania1405]

love this episode, will hope to drop by the restaurant soon

[@totorotororu]

Hi Riri San, I also like Fried Hokkien Mee ❤ If you are in the East, do try Geylang 29 Fried Hokkien Mee @ 396 East Coast Road. The satay there is also sedap (Malay for delicious) If you are in the Central area, you can try Hokkien Man Hokkien Mee @ Toa Payoh Lorong 7. There are other good ones too but these are my favorites. 🥰 And I’m not fond of durian too though my husband loves durian 😂

[@mich2511]

I am a singaporean, I used to work in a Japanese company, my colleague has always been punctual, he has been in the company for many years, he is a Malaysian, so he needs to cross the custom everyday. There was like once he was 3 mins late and he got a warning letter. He was pissed~ as hell! 😂

[@TheBoyboy321]

looking forward to the next video with Riri san!

[@1changi]

It is always expensive to feel the same way like living back in Japan. The food you ate are exquisite compared to what people normally eat daily. It is common for Japanese salarymen in Singapore to join locals to eat Cai Fan or Wanton Mee for lunch. Only in the evening, when there is a cause for celebration, then, an exquisite meal would be right for the occasion.

[@AmbientWalking]

Beautiful. Always such a pleasure experiencing life with you!

[@matthewong1953]

Yes. Would love to see how Riri takes to local food like rojak, laksa, etc

[@tangbridgette7172]

I would like to recommend a place near our main island where it only opens to public once a year. That is our Kusu Island. This year’s Kusu Pilgrimage Season (KPS) will take place from 26 September to 24 October 2022. It's a very beautiful place where you could visit. Take the MRT to Marina South Pier (Red Line) and get the ferry tickets once out of the station from the ferry ticketing counter.

[@kingskid935]

Thanks for the interesting video!

[@ming.k1656]

Ghib san, the unagi store right beside the sushi place you went is really good too! The grilled Japanese Oysters are so good. Go and try it!

[@danielwee31216]

Thanks for sharing. I enjoy watching your video.

[@b1zzarevan]

Always get a Terrace House vibe when I watch your videos with fellow Japanese!

[@angxiang3186]

Yes, I agree Japanese work culture is hierarchical ~ senior staff said n junior staff must agree n follow as per instructed. Singaporean way is to do the best effective/efficient way.

[@eliseww13]

Your video (on you being discriminated in JP) showed up on my feed and I watched a few others... I must say I really appreciate and enjoyed such videos on culture and sharing your life experiences in a foreign country (SG) and your personal observations between the two countries. Pros and cons, for sure. :) i love Japanese language and culture and I do hope when I visit Japan (soon) I'll not be discrimated and labelled.. as long as we are considerate to visiting country's culture, to be thoughtful tourists, there's nothing to be ashamed or conscious about. The ball is in their court! Thanks for sharing the Maguro.. Will definitely try the omakase ! 本当にありがとう！ And be punctual. 😅 I agree on the part where you mentioned Singaporeans may not look the part but we have kind hearts. Oddly many years back my Japanese friends here told me in singlish "Japanese outside good, inside not good". I didn't believe then as I've not witnessed that. Now that you've given such example I will start to look out for such behavior....

[@leroychang708]

Riri was my あだ名. Welcome to Singapore Ri chan

[@gazimonx5191]

Mother dancing away shocked me! Hahahaha. Maybe we don't care so much about seeing people wear yoga clothes or clothes that stand out... maybe because we are used to multi-racial and seeing different fashions? It was nice to have you Riri-san~! Thank you for sharing with us.

[@michaelseet9320]

yes..we would like you to bring Riri san to eat rojak and al the SG stuff!!!

[@chumi05]

Riri is so pretty & sweet.. Hope to see her more😉

[@VulcanworxSG]

Jepun Lang! Totally enjoyed that! Take Riri San for some satay n fried oyster pls!

[@jlgoh7996]

Yes. Riri is a lovely co-host. Love the way she enjoys the food. I hope she doesn't put on weight if you bring her to eat more stuff in Singapore.

[@ejsoh5291]

Lovely share again. Welcome to Singapore Riri san! Hope you enjoy your time here in our little red dot! Don't forget to check out the rest of Southeast Asia! :)

[@mobile8873]

I'm a Singaporean, I agree that there are some things we can learn from the Japanese, like punctuality

[@jl6735]

Driving habit as well, courtesy as well. Many ways. Singapore is a migration society, for instance sing chinese ancestry were from china . Those bad habits are similar.

[@Salty_Biscuitz88]

Yeah man, always gotta be late on purpose for 10 to 15 mins so that i don’t have to be the person waiting for others to arrive.haha

[@mobile8873]

@@Salty_Biscuitz88 I know what u mean. I have a friends that are always late for our meetup. No matter how we tricked them, they still late. Another pet peeved is the Chinese wedding at restaurants. If everyone arrived on time, can start the makan on time, right?

[@JeremyTanWY]

dont worry about the little thing brother

[@Mr008999]

Eating with your mouth close or covering your mouth and talk while eating is a good habit and manners!😊

[@theadventurer1602]

I am local Singaporean and now work at one of the MBFC Towers, and I have to agree with Riri-san that the hokkien mee at Lau Pat Sat is pretty good. Think they have two stalls at LPS. But I think locals may consider their prices a bit exp lah [OK for me though].

[@rizkytanrian6092]

it's fun to see Ghib Ojisan's English started to pick up local English accents and intonation, no not his Singlish, his proper English starts to pick up some distinct accents that locals made (>o

[@2seraya]

Hi absolutely love your videos. A lot better than Japan Hour on local TV😜

[@tohkenghoe]

I’m a local and I’m also surprised people are walking in yoga wear!

[@VegitoDestroyer]

Riri-san: so Zura? Katsura: Zura janai, Katsura da!

[@abcde0007]

i LOVE RIRI CHAN so pretty

[@KT-tx8eb]

Can Riri san share which is the language school that she's attending for her chinese lessons? Or maybe your next guests can do so! I think it's good to build up a resource point so those who are new to Singapore can cross share and learn

[@galroreem]

Pretty good vids and very entertaining.

[@sleepy_dobe]

5:49 The knives were the first thing that caught my attention earlier in the video. So amazing and such exquisite knives. I love them, because I like to cook. I only wish I can collect them all. I prefer Japanese hand-crafted knives than Western ones. And that first knife you used was blunt, that's why it didn't cut at the first slice. A blunt knife is actually more dangerous when preparing food than a sharp knive. That's why it's important to keep your knives sharp.

[@mikecheng9862]

Riri san is cute. Expecting more reaction video from her

[@philipwee4715]

Your last Hokkien sentence made me LOL🤣

[@jeremiah7491]

Thanks Bro, good job.

[@つよらっこ]

08:33〜 これさ、マイナスなこと言う人の意見を反映しやすいからっていうのもある。例えば、お年寄りに席譲っても一部の人は「老人扱いするな」てガチギレしてくるし、道で倒れてる女性も介抱したらあとあとセクハラだのなんだの言ってきたりっていうごく一部なアレの人の声をメディアとかが大きく取り上げ過ぎて、基本優しいけど小心者な傾向のある日本人は、それに引っ張られて「関わらない」を選択する。 あとマイナスに引っ張られるっていう意味では、新しい方法（電子化とか）の普及しづらさも同じ。 「できないっていう人」（マイナス意見言う人）を基準に運用構築しがち。FAXも紙も印鑑もまだ全然残ってる。なんで電子化しなきゃいけないんだ怒、うちはやらん怒っていう必ずいる年齢高めな人たちに照準をあわせがち。そういう人は高確率で怒ってて何が何でも新しい方法に馴染もうとしないけど、 電子化しないなら、色々できなくなっちゃいますよ〜頑張ってください、じゃなくて じゃあ電子化できない人のために従来のやり方残しておきますねってなる。 結果従来どおりで行けるなら、今後も従来どおりを選択する人が多くなる。過渡期はトラブル多くなるし、トラブルや不具合があるとまじで怒るひとが多いから、一部のガチギレ勢に焦点をあてて従来どおりにしてしまう。 いずれも小心者だからこそ、っていう部分が強くて、ガチなときにSPが動けなかったりもこういう根本的なところだと思う。小心者が「慎重」に傾いて良い結果につながることもあるけど、小心者が「臆病」に傾いて悪い結果につながることも多い。 でも先進国の中でこういう国民性ってレアな気がするから、日本ってやっぱりすごいって思っちゃう〜🤭

[@44jwong]

Looking forward to your next food (local) with Riri. Yeah, rojak review be nice.

[@williamleow7289]

@Ghib Ojisan. With regards to Riri’s bafflement on the clothing choices (yoga wear and bikinis), I would attribute it to the western influence where ppl are more casual. After all, Singapore is a predominantly English speaking country and most of us here watch a lot of western movies and dramas which inevitably leads to a certain amount of influence in our culture.

[@Casual_INTP60]

Western and Japanese cultures have more influence here.

[@YummYakitori]

Japanese society is very rigid in certain aspects.. So it wasn't too surprising to hear that Japanese would be aghast at people wearing yoga clothes or bikini around the condominium complex.

[@MaxJoseph999]

Wow Riri Chan looks like Nagasawa Masami from Proposal Daisakusen.

[@MaximSupernov]

This is the type of restaurant where the antagonist is having a bar fight with villains, and the chef will come to the rescue with fantastic knife skills.

[@matthewong1953]

I am a Singaporean. I think we can learn a lot from Japan. They have a wonderful work ethics and so polite. Riri has a beautiful smile...wish Singaporeans would learn to smile more often. It would be fantastic to introduce Riri to local food. Hope she learns to like local food.

[@weshz2429]

这位女士美丽优雅，正能量。 感谢带给我们这样的好视频👍👍👍

[@miyazakihiroshi2548]

結局お店の大将が一番🇸🇬在住のベテランやね🎵あと🇯🇵より遥かに給料が高くて人間関係が楽でフラットな🇸🇬が素直に羨ましく思うし🇸🇬とは逆の🇯🇵がどんどん没落してる理由が今日の動画の話しで凄くよく分かる‼️

[@blessedcheflim8579]

Riri is a sweet co host !! Pls create more videos wth her.

[@junhaoyap8095]

riri is cute

[@IZTheOne]

Singapore is pretty laid back in term of working culture. My colleagues come to work 5-10 minutes late but it's still acceptable by the manager as long the place is kept running well. Punctuality is still lacking but it depends on individual discipline, you can impose fines, etc. but ultimately, it's the choice of someone.

[@wendelynlee8544]

Welcome & do enjoy your stay in S’pore .😘

[@redwings1974]

Doesn’t matter where Fuji resides. Fuji belongs to Japan. Everyone should help preserve the beauty of Fuji.

[@sslee153]

Would be useful to have details below the video - name of restaurant, address, contact, operating hours, cost of your meal, etc. Thank you.

[@P53eud0nym05]

0:13 “I want to take her to try out a lot of local food” but ends up in Kan Sushi 🤪🤣 What happened to local food???

[@IZTheOne]

Local Japanese food lol

[@GhibOjisan]

I meant trying local food in the next video😆

[@MaxJoseph999]

Questions for Riri from your MIL???? Lol nice

[@xxxzzz9327]

haha, it's fine to complain about how hot it is in Singapore! 😆

[@alvaef8960]

lol the ending 😂

[@woshigepro2]

yes , bring her to try the local food

[@user-pz9ju5fc1f]

じぶおじさん。私は日本に住んでるけど こんなに美味しそーな寿司食べていないよ笑

[@odechan9659]

On the way to 300k!

[@dancingken6883]

Yes, like to see Japanese taking Singapore local food

[@ashley0423399993]

I used to live briefly in Singapore as an expatriate. I found it very hard to understand Singlish, and I still do. Humidity was another challenge. Other than that, 👌

[@solaris5655]

The host may not realize it himself, but he is speaking proper English when he makes the videos. Singlish may be fun and culturally relevant but forcing it on others is making communication difficult. The fun should come naturally.

[@TheARMYROCK]

shimshimi assuming it's one of the most difficult and ambigious way of description. 大根がただshimiteiru のです！

[@sujaniaslam2428]

Hi Ghib n リリさん,, btw Ghib my nick name is リリ　too,, 😅,, shimi shimi 初めて聞きました,,i hope riri san can make alot of friends here,, nice japanese food Ghib,, till d next vlog 👍😅🍣🍺😬,, saigo no jipun lang zao li u 🤣🤣🤣

[@crosbyong]

Very kind comments but how can we be sure she’s not just being a typical diplomatic Japanese? 8:50 I remember some years back in Amsterdam when I slipped and fell down a flight of steps. 2 kind Japanese female tourists helped me to get up without hesitation. I was extremely appreciative even though my ego was hurt. LOL

[@redcoffeemug7275]

I remember an old lady fell inside fairprice, everyone literally stop shopping and working and immediately all came to help her. One staff magically few seconds later with a stool for her to sit. Someone was already calling her family member. Few people around her offer all sort of help. Another staff came and offer her a drink which she paid by herself. I was pretending browsing things there waiting if i can help walk her back since she didnt want any of her family members to come and just need to sit a while. I didnt even have the chance, cause another auntie walk her back.... Singapore kindness is another level.

[@yu3465]

1st time hearing about yamanashi and shizuoka mountain rivalry ..lol.. but 'yamanashi' means no mountain right? kthxbye 🏃

[@philerup.youtube]

No it means mountain pear - 山梨

[@yu3465]

@@philerup.youtube if u notice, i wrote in romanji instead =)

[@cnlim3257]

😉🤗🤗 good..continue more 👏👏👏

[@chooteckseng3019]

I'm Singaporean and I live in Japan for 11 years . I still love Japan more then singapore .

[@chrislakatos7239]

so pretty

[@诚聘板主]

English courses would be more suitable in Singapore, because this is the working language of Singaporeans and suitable for communicating with all ethnic groups.

[@kennySg101]

Japanese has a very different culture. It is difficult for Singaporean to understand. I believe the guest would be able to integrate to local society in time to come.

[@thomaslee7276]

May I know what does “jippun lang zao liao” mean? 😅

[@anna_wong]

Next time bring your wife along when you meet Riri lah, so that she can train her Chinese language with your wife.

[@Bub2580]

In this video, do you guys agree that Riri-san looks more pretty and kawaii or is it just me. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@wendt4506]

Enjoyed this vid :)

[@lpericteo]

Very beautiful woman.

[@xxy5757]

How is 160 reasonable

[@sopek1427]

Shes pretty cute

[@kwask6062]

Ghib san why now never seen Jimmy your Singaporean friend?

[@Lancer21899]

Japan and Korea. Top tier DNA in Asia

[@mokkiemok]

11:04

[@xxl5712]

The chef is more frank than the guest.

[@peternelson583]

Arigato!!