What Do Japanese Guys Envy About Foreigners?

[@takashiifromjapan]

TOKYO GUIDEBOOK takashifromjapan.com/tokyocompleteguide

[@azabujuban-hito-dake]

I came from Switzerland with a Dutch-German background. Appearance aside, many of my Japanese friends said to me that what they envy about westerners is the fact that we can say what we think or feel in a blunt, direct manner instead of taking the longer, indirect way of speaking.

[@harissetiawan7159]

I think most of Asian aren't really blunt to each other and more likely to talk behind their back. Gossip are more popular here I think. Especially in Indonesia

[@priestrat]

even though we swiss people aren't really known for being blunt, we still aren't on the same level as japanese people 😅

[@leiajones852]

I would really like to visit Switzerland I saw a picture of a building there and I was like “is this the real life Candy-land” it looks so pretty over there.

[@DLTdragon]

@@harissetiawan7159 any brown country

[@ccl1195]

My best friend growing up was Japanese. It took him almost 20 years of refusing snacks and food at my family's home to tell me that we had to ask him twice. Once if if he wanted the food, gift, or whatever, so that he could politely refuse. And then twice so that he could politely accept it without seeming rude. What a shock that was. My parents thought of him growing up as some type of martyr or saint. No- he was hungry the whole time. It only took him 20 years to explain the custom. 🙄

[@shawnyepes2389]

The thing I envy about Japan is that they have such a great public infrastructure 😭I wish we had that in America. The safety is also on another level, I wish we had that too.

[@triarb5790]

Demand it. You get nothing for nothing. Lobby, agitate, get involved, vote.

[@kendoman3150]

America will never get a decent transportation system as long as most people want a single family house with a large yard.

[@spicy_xinger]

Ya a lot of North American cities are so car dependent

[@aaademed]

I've read once that the US has a strange zoning law which strictly forbids to open small shops in the residential area. So the American have to use their car instead of just walking in order to do some basic stuff like buying groceries or going to school. Personally I don't have a driving license and I have never felt urge to get one, but in America the thing can be different

[@МаруЦубе]

japan is not a safe country, especially for women

[@brianadams8832]

As a foreigner, what I appreciate about Japan - cleanliness - Public Transit/safety - Punctuality - Respect for personal space.

[@Anonymous-up7zg]

yeah let’s look up the sexual assault and r@pe cases there and come back to me .

[@brianadams8832]

@@Anonymous-up7zg what glass house are you commenting from?

[@qqqhv8777]

@@brianadams8832 Ask that yourself

[@brianadams8832]

@@qqqhv8777 I don't think you understand what I'm asking the anonymous poster, or why

[@ipfv8331]

🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲

[@blm4791]

It may sound silly, but the thing I envy most about Japan is the access to relatively affordable and healthy convenience food. I literally think about this all the time. In the U.S., it's really, really hard to eat well when you're poor and working all the time, and our major fast food chains take advantage of that. Edit: If you’re the kind of person who is for some reason angered by my completely innocuous comment about greater accessibility to healthy food in America, please refrain from posting your incoherent rant below. I’m not interested in reading it. Maybe search for compassion in your heart instead?

[@ld_laser]

Food in Japan isn't cheap either. Because most grains and fruits are imported from China and Southeast Asia

[@TheQueenofMaggots]

Or if you want to eat late at night. Jealous of those shops that open at midnight, where I live mcdonalds is literally the only option after 1

[@rolandaustria7926]

@@ld_laseryou can get complete meals AT RESTAURANTS for just $3.50 called “One-Coin” sets because they’re just ¥500.

[@indulgentenhydra5997]

It is significantly cheaper than most places in America. @@ld_laser

[@maryrooster8737]

But it's also the choices people are making. You can put an Urban Plates (a healthy fast food chain) and a Burger King in a small town but which restaurant do you think people will choose? It's not the Urban Plates even if it's as cheap as the Burger King. People are responsible for their own food choices and making the right choice to eat healthier. Of course, government does need to contribute to educating the public about making the right food choices.

[@jonathankozenko]

Second guy: "I envy how easy it is for Western people to build muscle when they exercise." People in America: "I envy how Japanese people don't have to worry about getting fat when they don't exercise." I just found it funny as this is an interesting, but true, dichotomy.

[@azathoth4473]

Haha

[@FullMetalFan4life]

It's not true Americans are just fat and lazy Japanese walk/bike everywhere and their food is way more filling for smaller portions. They just eat less.

[@WuzzupWhitey]

American food is poisoned, that's why they easily become fat

[@CptBlaueWolke]

and both aren't even much different biological wise. It's just that in japan there is not enough space for cows and other animals to feed all people with meat everyday and therefore much better food is served. On the other hand the lack of fat and proteins leads also to less muscle buildup.

[@mylescasey8914]

@@CptBlaueWolke was just gonna comment this; it definitely has something to do with diet, as you said. compound that same lifestyle over multiple generations and you get a kind of soft evolution

[@Jordan-inJapan]

This is related to what a couple of the interviewees said, but I’ve been told by Japanese friends that they really envy how foreign people in Japan can just strike up a conversation with a stranger. “If tried that”, one friend told me, “people would just think I’m weird or creepy”. (Making small talk isn’t really that common here, especially if we have no existing connection with someone.) But somehow, foreign people like myself can be excused for such socially ‘abnormal’ behavior (for Japan) because, well… we’re foreign, so are expected to behave a bit differently. 😆

[@koffiegast]

I can assure you that striking op a convo in North Europe is also awkward/shy. Heck, in Japan Im more eager to talk to strangers cuz I have to and I know I wouldnt get looked at funny unlike in my own country...

[@goutfromfriedokra3936]

Talked with a few Japanese men..They all uniformly said they admire our BIG D....

[@cottoncandykawaii2673]

sad that strangers can't interact with eachother, a lot of missed relationship opportunities

[@Jordan-inJapan]

@@verrealI guess it’s one situation where I’m okay with playing that card. Most of the time I follow the rules. 😅

[@Jordan-inJapan]

@@koffiegast that’s really interesting… I wonder if Japanese people actually do the same thing. (I’m guessing yes.)

[@Amins88]

The part about being able to speak your native language anywhere is the realest. I always feel super privileged and a bit guilty that I can just speak with anyone in the world and have them pretty much understand me. It's still fun to learn other languages, though.

[@liseschaller9593]

That's true but I don't like how Japanese often think the mothertongue of all western looking people is English. I find it super weird, as if I would assume all Asian looking people in my country have fun talking Chinese with me.

[@Amins88]

@@liseschaller9593 Yeah, I was thinking that too. Most of the time it seems when they think "Foreigner" they think "American". But to be fair, most Americans just lump all Asians together as well. People gonna stereotype no matter where you're from.

[@skyyangv]

Aww, I wish I was like you ahah, languages is hard for me, but I really want to speak many languages. I never travel another country, not money, but I thought like: if I want go Japan, I want know Japanese. And well, when your first language is english it's much easier travel everywhere without good *other country* language (　；∀；)

[@Anonymous-td9fl]

@@liseschaller9593 At least most westerners can speak english comfortably, and can mostly learn English with ease due to the similarities between languages. Asia doesnt really have that, although most westerners(americans) seem to think asia=china

[@liseschaller9593]

@@Anonymous-td9fl I totally agree with you. But I still feel uncomfortable sometimes. English is my third language and sometimes even after I told people I speak French and Gernan, they forget it after 1 hour and go on with "oh you could sing the next English solo!" It's okay, I accept it, but it still feels wrong ;)

[@JeffreyStrader]

I speak Japanese and I'm an American. I have 3 Japanese grandchildren, so I must be able to speak Japanese. Never be ashamed or feel you are less of a person. The Japanese are GREAT PEOPLE!

[@Fred_lost]

U got drip in ur pfp

[@alinn.4341]

They said they can't build muscle like other races, not that they are lesser...

[@allen.9]

@@alinn.4341 he means that they shouldn't think on it too much.

[@alenaduplantier4505]

Whats up batousai the samurai did you already beat shishio😂😂😎😎

[@guerlainse8613]

no allbody and noallthings. Japanese people are neurotic, and very introverted, and anxious, it says a lot that Japan has the highest number of suicides in the world, together with Korea. The Japanese are not what they seem. thank you

[@marcojacinto824]

Foreign guy here. What I envy about japanese people is how orderly and organized everything seems and how clean and safe your streets are. I also kind of envy your fashion sense and your delicious foods that are so aesthetically pleasing too.

[@FuntimeAG]

I envy all that too, but mostly their manners and their educational system. Maybe this is a bit based, since I'm from Bulgaria, where our system is outdated and VERY out of tact. We literally learn our own language's grammar for 12 years. What do we learn? Nothing! We munch on the same stuff over and over again and we don't even learn how to write essays or reports. You gotta take private lessons to get that knowledge or practice it on your own. Japan has a unique take on education which I really like. It disciplines kids early on without even forcing them. That's the reason they don't even have school cleaners, the students are the cleaners themselves. I'm planning to move to Japan to get my bachelor's degree there and hopefully manage to make some kind of a change no matter how small it is. I love both Japan and my own country and even though both countries have their own flaws which outnumber many countries, I would love to see them both improve mutually. Sorry for the long yap, have a nice day!

[@xXxjjTHEjetPLANEXxXx]

As an American, what stood out to me is that almost everyone you interviewed had traveled to a foreign country. Most people I know haven't ever left the country. Where I'm from, it's seen as a major luxury to be able to travel internationally. I really want to travel abroad but I don't know when I'll be able to afford to.

[@666narutomanfan]

Yea I've only ever been to Mexico but even that is very different, I can't imagine overseas. It's just that we have everything in the US. We have beaches, lakes, mountains, forests, deserts, monuments, cold areas hot areas, dry areas, humid areas. We have everything in the spectrum so there's no real "need" to leave the country to have a unique experience

[@starminoui]

As an American I think it’s because our country is so huge. I think Europeans have a major advantage over us in that regard, they can easily travel from one country to the next.

[@Smallahz]

I agree I wish to visit more, however it think it comes to down to economics more. Wealth inequality in the us is some of the worst in the western world and as a result, many families rarely travel, I know this is true for my family and many friends I have, with a few exceptions where some of my friends have traveled a lot.

[@жизненный_опыт]

Get creative and you'll find a way. The only way you'll be stopped is if you don't try

[@MrLoobu]

@@666narutomanfan That's just the ground, tells you nothing about other people and cultures on the planet earth.

[@Kleptide]

I think Americans have no problems expressing their opinions and individualism! However, we are taught that not everyone cares about your opinion or truth. Life moves on regardless of what we all think. Great video Takashii!!!

[@xdeftonesx]

@@verreal truth

[@xdeftonesx]

But some peoples opinions are pretty messed up

[@spicy_xinger]

While it’s a good thing overall the last decade has shown how extreme opinions can become. It’s a dangerous path to just open the floodgates

[@Wolfy39565]

your words made me laugh. thank u

[@marcstein2510]

What nonesense. It is important to know what others think and their opinions. Adolf had some opinions in 1933 and look what he brought to the world because people like you just don’t care…

[@aharanjunglizmyahawahandya7566]

What I envy about Japan, is how The Streets are so clean. You don't have to worry about PPL stealing from You. You don't have to worry about getting robbed,Shot,or assaulted too. Pro & Cons to all Countries,but a Place where murder,assaults etc.are so low is where I need to be😌

[@daebak7370]

Why do I feel like only east Asian countries have a culture of respect and consideration? Almost all(if not all) the westernized countries are toxic af and you have to worry about the things you mentioned.

[@elixieliza]

Apparently sexual assault/harassment is a big issue and is just not reported :( it’s mainly directed towards men for being safe (in certain cases)

[@ithrowgrandmasdownstairs7620]

Sexual harassment is a problem there sadly

[@magnarcreed3801]

Hahaha you must be a man.

[@RJsChurr]

Assault and sexual assault is normal here as well. It is everywhere. But the rate here is high but not usually reported to police

[@hevxhev]

This was so fun! Aw to the guy who said he likes Migos, R.I.P. Takeoff 🕊. Loved the last guys answer!

[@shostysboo]

I thought it was so cute! When he said Migos I was like “what he know about some Migos?” Hopefully he enjoys more of what Atlanta has to offer

[@Randomdude1979]

Guess he went blastoff

[@sunmisy]

@@Randomdude1979haha 😐

[@rachels5741]

The respect you show for each other. The reverence you have for older people. The sense of duty to community. Your clean streets and fast trains. Your ability to innovate and fast. Your hard working ethos, look how quickly you built a world economy post WWII. Your education system and infrastructure. Your beautiful gardens and culture around planting. The way you bow and avoid too much eye contact. I think it's a really beautiful culture you guys have and the Shogun, Samurai and feudal history is fascinating. As far as democracies go and standards of living, Japan is a huge success story. Love from Scotland!

[@viablue8143]

I’m not Japanese, I’m Hungarian, and I can relate to the “speaking their native language and be understood anywhere” aspect. My country is little, and my language isn’t that well-known. I can probably get by in neighbouring countries, especially close to the border, but the further I go, the less chance I have of finding anyone who speaks Hungarian. I sometimes wonder what it would be like to travel without having to worry about being understood, because my language is so widely spoken that I can start speaking it and someone will understand me. Most businesses have at least one person who speaks English, or even a stranger can help with translating because they just know it. But there is something cool about not being a native English speaker as well. You grow up and live knowing and accepting that your language isn’t widely spoken, and you have no way of communicating with people of various countries using it. And then you learn English, and suddenly endless doors that were previously closed for you open up, and it’s fascinating. I, a Hungarian, can talk to a person from Iran, not because I speak their language or they speak mine, but because we both speak a third language that we can use to communicate. It’s pretty cool!

[@oscarumana5859]

Soon in the near future, it won't be neccesary to learn English, French, Spanish or Chinese. The tecnology will let people talk in their native language, and be understood by a person of a totally different one, and vicecersa.

[@chris4484]

I've thought the same as well! My first and only language spoken is English, which I am lucky to have knowledge of given that it's so widely spoken across the globe now. However, part of me really does wish that I grew up learning a different language since I'd probably have learned English in school anyway if I were in a different country than the US, and knowing multiple languages is really useful and allows you to be more culturally aware (in a sense). Also, growing up learning two languages is great because it's much easier to learn a language when you're younger! The number one thing on my bucket list at the moment is to learn a second language and become somewhat fluent in it, but now it's hard to find the time for that at an older age. We'll see !

[@BadDubII]

You should be happy that you can you speak your own countries language. The British nearly made the Irish language extinct. I'd love it if that never happened and I was fluent in Irish.

[@viablue8143]

@@BadDubII It is not a competition. Every nation had their struggles, and it’s not a competition of “who had it worse”. Besides, this isn’t even what my comment is about. Complain all you want, compare traumas, but then don’t get offended if you don’t get the reaction you’re hoping for.

[@viablue8143]

@@chris4484 I think you should go for it, Chris! It’s never too late to learn. If you have the passion, you can do it. I don’t know your age, but I think the older you are, the more important it is to keep learning- it keeps you young, it keeps your brain going. I always found it fun to learn languages, and it feels so rewarding to communicate with someone in a foreign language knowing that this is all the fruit of your labor, that the thing making this possible is your hard work. I hope you get to experience the same joy! I really recommend you give it a go, and give it your best, even when it’s hard! :)

[@Genny-Zee]

It’s cute seeing Takashii perk up when the people start talking about Thailand and New York knowing that he’s been to those places. 😊

[@cleodello]

I like how considerate people in Japan seem to be of others. Like being quiet on the transit system, wearing masks to protect others, etc. I also like how much they care about nature. This is something that Japanese and Canadian people share.

[@1Thunderfire]

Wearing masks all the time isn't going to do their immune systems any good. And never being able to see another person's face because of a mask just seems very unsociable and extra paranoid, as if everyone else is some sort of plague rat.

[@RonPaul42069]

@Taotl It's called liberalism.

[@misterRDF]

Lol mask... still beating that drum? Virtually no one wears a mask in this country and hasn't in over a year. We're still alive, our kids go to school and are happy, and it's been shown over and over masks don't work. Japan has long been Asia's biggest plastic packaging waste producer.

[@n.b.3521]

@@misterRDF That depends where in Canada you live. There are still a lot of people wearing masks in Toronto, particularly on public transport. And it's not all about Covid-19 - some of us have also noticed how nice it's been to not have 2-3 colds a year etc.

[@misterRDF]

@@n.b.3521 I'm talking about Europe. And you think you're doing yourself a favor? As far back as a year ago, the findings were published in Emerging Infectious Diseases, the journal of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, everyone's immune system is being depleted who insist on mask-wearing. This is in particular hitting children hard when they're forced to wear masks because their immune systems are not getting the chance to build up immunities as years go by. This is where the term "super cold" has come from. Anyway, your choice obviously but I'd suggest looking at the science a bit more. In particular in Norway where they studied this issue without the ridiculous political agendas attached to it.

[@philinator71]

As an Australian, what I evny about Japan is their amazing public transportation and how convenient convenient stores actually are. I love that it's such a safe society where you can leave stuff on a table and it won't get stolen and the streets are very clean. Japanese people are beautiful.

[@IAmAwesomeRocker]

As a foreigner I'm jealous how respectful Japan is especially the environment. There is so much green to see in Japan with also the blend of future and past when it comes to architecture!

[@IAmAwesomeRocker]

When I was at Japan I would walk out at night just to see the night life. Where I live this is kind of hard to do because there are times that you feel like there will be a lurking danger. So it was such a culture shock that I would just walk around a night and just feel safe. Part of it could just be how like how well lit and a lot of people were in the streets at the time, but it just felt safe just to walk at night.

[@Hekeda]

@@moonriver.its a dystopia if you take a good look

[@PuffMan.]

I agree with the first guy about how they interact with people of different ages. I'm from the U.S and have been interested in Japanese culture for a long time, and one thing I'm grateful for is how we can be casual with people older than us. In America people tend to be happier when you treat them like a friend. I talk to people 20-50 years older than me all the same way, all by their first names. Obviously common curiosity is important and conversation topics of each age group vary, but being able to speak naturally without worrying about upsetting the hierarchy is something I'm appreciative of.

[@SLisaPizza]

As someone from the UK living in Japan who is very into weight training, I want to mention that perhaps one of the reasons Japanese men don't seem to "gain muscle as easily as foreign guys" is because of diet. I noticed meat here is packaged into much smaller quantities here, and much more expensive than in the UK. Also bad exercise form is shockingly prevalent in gyms here (I go to Gold's Gym). Perhaps it is not as easy to consume enough protein here in Japan as it is abroad, and gyms aren't doing enough to spread correct exercise info.

[@veroniquendambo3242]

In a country where the medical insurance premium is commensurate with one's waistline, how can one build muscles? People are being suggested that the more food ingestion the more one puts on weight, which could result in diabetic, cardiovascular and cancer diseases. Moreover, those who are struggling to lose weight are labelled as having psychological disorders and forced to consult to fight their addiction to food, especially those working in the private sector. This could have devastating consequences in one's life in a society of hard workers. People are obsessed with staying lean and healtly, and working to retire at a ripe age.

[@philinator71]

I also think it's because taller people have a larger bone structure so therefore can fit more muscle.

[@jeriji6592]

i am asian american and have no problem putting on muscle. i am small in stature but i probably have one of the highest muscle to weight ratio out of my friends

[@Pike737]

@@jeriji6592 are you from South East or South Asia? If you might have different genetics than East Asians.

[@sunnyisson90]

Ikr . I heard that korean people grew to like proteins especially meats so much because they want to grow taller and bigger than their ancestors. Japan should do the same thing

[@takashiifromjapan]

Thank you so much for watching! I tell my opinion at the end of this video, so please watch until then! Right now, I’m editing the video about life of foreign students in the countryside in Japan. Stay tuned!

[@ankitatripathy3938]

It will be amazing 😍

[@whatdaro]

While I agree with your final opinion that not caring what others think is good, but there needs to be balance. Not worrying about what others think is fine as along as your way of life is not negatively impacting others around you and in your family. Many people from the west tend to forget that, they do what they want but sometimes go overboard and don't care who they are affecting. But again like you said in Japan, caring too much to a point of only doing what everyone else does is not good also, so balance is best.

[@morganplayaaaaaa]

Takashii!! You rock dude!

[@elenakursteiner4729]

Well done,Takashi!To compare with videos from earlier: You Methamorfosis is Great! Good Job! It was Interesting 🙂:)Yes,it was!

[@TheKnightXavier]

Sounds like another great video Takashi! I enjoyed hearing your opinion about the cultural differences at this video's end as well, very fitting considering what many of the interviewees told you, hahaha. Good to feel comfortable respectfully telling people how you feel about something!

[@nimdailoth8115]

As a Mexican person, I really envy the order and discipline in Japan, and the respect they have for each other 🥺. I really want to visit Japan one day!!!

[@Smallahz]

As I chicano I agree. Mexicos biggest issue is order and stability and I hate to see a country where my roots are from in such discord.

[@LocalSeetheProvider]

yerp, it'll probably never be fixed either.

[@indiana47]

​@@SmallahzAnd a perfect and easy to observe example of it is their traffic.

[@corporatedemocrat]

The respect they have for each other? There is no such thing in Japan. You totally misunderstood them and this video.

[@linooliva3965]

Best way to stabilize Mexico is to set their money up on the gold standard, increase stem work, reduce cheap labor and to reduce the United States influence on their drug market.

[@stacyokuda7133]

I LOVE these videos. I'm half Japanese and half Spanish. My great-grandparents were born in Okinawa, Japan. I've visited twice in 10 years, and I'm planning my third visit this year. I love the self-awareness that Japanese people have. The people's respect for the sound and physical space of all is something I really enjoyed since some people in the U.S. tend to be rude and feel their needs are more important than the greater group. I also think the public transport is amazing and greatly appreciate the harmony of people getting in and out of the trains and going up an escalator.

[@francisissleepy5300]

I'm Australian and I envy Japan for how respectful everyone is, cleanliness, beautiful sounding language, and fashion. also honestly? I've always thought Japanese people are really pretty too. You guys are so cool.

[@hyperplayability6290]

oz accent goes hard bro

[@IWantToStayAtYourHouse]

I'm japanese-australian haha, so I got a mix of both cultures

[@xxkissmeketutxx]

​​@@hyperplayability6290 which one? The bogan accent or everyone else lol

[@MrShem123ist]

There a saying, "You can't have it all." A country envies another one for something and vice versa. What I envy about Japan is how clean, organized, and disciplined the people are. Of course, the transportation system is so advanced compared to what we have here. Hoping to visit Japan very soon, as well as South Korea. Great video, Takashi-san!

[@stoicphysicalist]

I envy about Japan those same things, Lorenzo. I have even wished to live in Japan (I know that would be very hard for a foreigner) because of those same reasons. I like it here in Houston, but I think I would prefer any city in Japan.

[@theSupercasa]

Also, “everything has a price”. The fact that Japan is clean, organized and disclipined comes at the price of lacking individualism, the strong power of peer pressure and high depression/suicide rates. I’m not trying to drag them or anything, I’m just saying, like you did, “you can’t have it all”

[@MrShem123ist]

@@theSupercasa true, on the other hand, too much sense of individualism could lead to lack of discipline and other bad things. Just like in economics and like what you have said, everything has a cost.

[@relleonidaalbia8846]

She would think you are jacob lorenzo.

[@relleonidaalbia8846]

Bro i can't sleep he compares the latin american & mestizo i can even tell my mother's face.

[@fidebagwell5697]

I can definitely understand the envy for less formality/hierarchy, and speaking one's mind more openly. I don't think I could possibly memorize how to address different people depending on a variety of factors like in Japan. And we're all just people. Why should we always put other people on pedestals? Although honestly I think we speak our mind more openly partly because sometimes we can be incredibly oblivious to other peoples' hints. And sometimes you just have to say what you want to say and get it over with, so you're not wasting time. It's also not healthy to constantly bottle up emotions. It's good to find healthy ways of acting on certain emotions without hurting other people, too.

[@soulslasher]

I love the broadness of “foreigners” because different people have different countries they think of when they hear it 😊

[@s70driver2005]

My Wife and I were just in Japan in Sept/Oct and saw a bunch of other Gaijins besides Americans, although we usually tend to think as Americans being the usual "bad" example of Gaijins. lol

[@jaredf6205]

I’m American, I think I usually think of countries like France and Germany first when I think of foreigners.

[@educationforblind6362]

They mainly think about "white" americans.

[@triarb5790]

@@s70driver2005 Out of curiosity how did you know the people you say were American, were in fact American?

[@orionvassi]

@@triarb5790 Whenever I'm in Tokyo or Bangkok it's easy to tell where westerners are from usually just by glancing at them. I make a game of it and talk to people for confirmation. One thing I notice with Europeans is that their clothing is very well fitted. Etc.

[@erchanel]

Can i just say how surprising it was to hear you talk about Brooklyn, my hometown, in JAPAN? I also loved hearing everyones perspective. From all the interviews Ive seen, It seems like the young japanese population has travelled more, either in real life or via the internet and you all seem to agree that japan can stand to be a bit more open with opinions and thoughts and not so shy. I feel like its up to all of you to break that cycle for the future generations of Japan. You can be the first generation that showers your kid with "i love you" :). I agree with you about everyone being allowed to be themselves here in America. I love that as well because I am quite different than my family and community and cant imagine if i had to give a damn!

[@Србомбоница86]

How about you westerners try to change to fit the east ?? Like you want them to change to fit your world ,the arrogance in your comment is unbelievable

[@AidanLaGrasta]

I've always wanted to visit Japan. What I envy most about Japan is their public transportation, how their cities are built for people instead of cars, and how overall calm and respectful everyone (seems) to be. I have yet to see it all for myself but all 3 of those that the US is rather lacking in.

[@maryjohnston7995]

I am quite shy for a person from Australia, yet I think I would probably seem extroverted to someone from Japan. I feel I would be comfortable visiting Japan because I am shy. I would like to meet new friends but I find it difficult to express myself and act friendly until I have known someone for a while.

[@rachelcookie321]

I’m British/kiwi and I’m also quite shy. I have pretty bad social anxiety and get stressed in social situations easily. That’s something I like a lot about Japan. In New Zealand you will be at the mall and random people will randomly start talking to me, in that situation I just freak out and don’t know what to say. But that doesn’t really happen in Japan, people keep to themselves more so I don’t have to worry about getting in that situation in Japan. I like that Japanese people all are quite shy because I am too so that environment is more comfortable for me. The problem is though because I am shy I’m not good at talking to people myself and often need other people to talk to me first to start an interaction. But Japanese people don’t really do that which means making friends in Japan will probably be a lot harder.

[@Deeznuts4]

@@rachelcookie321 ur a kiwi bird!?!

[@louispayne1291]

Google INTP personality type, mate! You never know..? If you are then you'd love it over there and should visit as soon as you can. If not, you would still love it.

[@ritaa1359]

@@Deeznuts4 yes he is a kiwi bird

[@ritaa1359]

Someone tell That guy to not move to Australia trust me it’s no better, like other than the crime rate which is bad it’s so expensive u won’t survive to live alone anywhere or even with someone ur rent is weekly pay and it’s expensive not just rent but mortgage too it’s weekly it’s more expensive here than America it’s cheap there also and traffic is bad

[@alexvargas1007]

Takashii your English is getting quite good man, I love your videos, thank you for showing us Japan and your culture. Keep it up!

[@OmniCheeksss]

It's always been pretty good tbh

[@Neopulse00]

💯

[@Gurugurustan]

Thanks the guy for liking Singapore! Yes Singapore is kinda in between western and Eastern in terms of expressing yourself vs thinking about others.

[@kellyhaines764]

I am American and Love my home but we have a terrible problem with violence in our country. Sometimes speaking your mind is not NOT a good thing. It is rude and inconsiderate of others. There is not any respect for your elders. I do admire your respect for older people. If you lose that it is a down hill fall to disorder, chaos, and the violence we now have in America. No respect for the law. No manners or loose manners is NOT A GOOD THING.

[@vajawulaia4743]

Idk man I really love USA from Georgia, sakartvelo, history and military both are grate and these are what I love. I like your Appreciation of veterans. Hard working people. No matter what you do bad people still gonna exist, sometimes eaven miracles can happen so what if there are times when you can not speak your mind, its just normal, it happens everywere. Very nice country KZbin through it's in a bad shape at the moment but with time I think american people have what is nececery to stay at the top, N1 superpower.

[@csdsa]

This is really sweet lol. I want y’all to know there is SO much about Japan culture that we envy too 😭 How clean it is, quiet/respectful, polite, efficient, and safe it is is UNREAL. I do like what one of these guys said; it opened up my eyes abkht my privilege as someone born and raised in an English-speaking country because it makes international travel easier - I can speak my first language (Eng) and generally be understood, whereas Japanese is really only spoken in Japan. Just made me a lot more grateful that I was able to travel to Japan and soooo many local folks knew even basic English to communicate with me and help me, whereas a Japanese person who only speaks Japanese would have a hard time communicating w locals in the US. 🥺 Just opened my perspective. Also, makes me thankful for Google Translate to help these barriers! Love your videos, arigatou gozaimasu Takashi-San!!

[@chrisgraal7319]

I felt that too, it's real plus having the current thing as your native language. I never really thought about it that way before.

[@politicallyincorrect2564]

Yes, we envy yhe suicide rates and the stress that the society provides to them.

[@csdsa]

@@politicallyincorrect2564 ? That’s a very distasteful comment. No one here is saying Japan (or any culture) is perfect.

[@politicallyincorrect2564]

@@csdsa facts are not disrespectful, they hurt but are not disrespectful.

[@csdsa]

@@politicallyincorrect2564 Nah. Mentioning things like suicide rates and harsh work culture in another culture is not distasteful in itself - rather, it’s your shitty sarcastic tone about it. Of course no one is envious of it. No one said the culture or any culture is perfect. But don’t throw a sarcastic tone towards suicide, prick.

[@francy80]

Very interesting video. All the people interviewed were very honest and I think that the new generations will be able to gradually change the current reality and become more free to express themselves without too many filters and without fear of the judgment of others. However, one of the boy interviewed made me smile a lot when he said that he envies foreigners who speak English and can communicate anywhere while Japanese can only be spoken in Japan. It's the same thing I said and I keep saying about the Italian language: we can only speak in Italy! 😂 Thanks for sharing this video Takashii and see you soon! 🤗

[@rachelcookie321]

That guy said about how English speakers can use your first language in other countries but Japanese is only spoken in Japan. I have often thought about that. It seems like traveling abroad when your first language is not English would be quite hard. You would probably have to resort to speaking English and that can be hard when neither person is fluent in the language. It seems like travelling would be a lot more stressful.

[@helenemaja0912]

It's not hard when you are from Europe. Most people in Europe can learn English fairly easily there are exceptions though. In my country we have English from 1 grade till 9 and you also have it in high-school. But I think if you are from an Asian country English is a lot harder to learn. Just as an English speaking person would have a harder time to learn an asian language

[@holliswilliams8426]

I still think it's beneficial to learn other languages if possible. I work in a math department in England and 90% of the foreign students from Europe don't speak that much English (they are from Denmark, Spain, Germany, Poland, Italy and other countries). I mean it's enough to give a presentation but trying to converse with them is difficult.

[@crosslink1493]

The only country I've been to that doesn't (or doesn't want to) speak English is Argentina. I asked a Kiwi guy I met in buenos Airies and he said they (argentinians) are somewhat egotistical and see themselves as the 'upper class' of South America, and they associate more with the aristocratic hierarchy of Europe than their neighboring countries. Best language (besides Spanish) to use there is Italian, as their Spanish has a lot of Italian words mixed into it. I can speak English, Spanish, and understand a lot of French.

[@SivaramVelauthapillai]

Without English, you would be limited to traveling in groups and only using package tour companies. Also some parts of the world would be totally inaccessible because tour companies don't operate there. Having said that, free translation software and gps maps stone summer of these problems nowadays.

[@lunalagamer55]

I believe that the egotistic Argentinians are just the adults! I am a young teenager from Capital Federal (Buenos Aires City) and I speak both English and Portuguese! I wouldn't generalize, a lot of young Argentinians I met can speak English very well. Well, you either met the wrong people.. or I am the only one who loves learning languages and cultures, haha!

[@khletus9061]

I really wanna say how much I appreciate your follow-up questions. Multiple times I felt like there was more to answer to some questions, and you followed with the right questions to satisfy my curiosity ! Thank you !

[@ChaposShoota]

I’m from Atlanta and been saying for a while how much influence we have on the world, made me a lil proud ❤

[@army_dreamer_8088]

This video is about Japan, not the whole world so don't flatter yourself too much.

[@ChidiebereOnwuka-nh3eb]

Why are u complaining?radarada!​@@army_dreamer_8088

[@mastadutch117]

It's so cool to hear kids in Japan talking about Atlanta rap! When I was a kid growing up in the 90s, southern hip-hop was a very niche sub-genre. Glad that it's reached as far as it has.

[@areebah8297]

as a singaporean, hearing that one guy praise us was really nice. hope to go to japan soon! love from sg :)

[@TheMissCareless]

same here! so nice to hear sg being mentioned in such videos 😊

[@louispayne1291]

I'm from the UK, have visited Japan before and am returning in less than two weeks time. As some one from a liberal English speaking multicultural society, I actually like the rules and conformity that can be experienced in Japan. To me it's a breath of fresh air that people in Japan behave in such a decent and respectful manner. But I've not been conditioned by your culture and have not been subjected to the pressures or expectations that are concomitant with being so. I am a ' Westernised liberal ' so, fortunately for me, I can experience the best of both worlds and I don't have to take life too seriously! Lucky me! Keep up the good work, mate. I enjoy your videos and your questioning of other peoples perspectives. Peace.

[@ashgeary3078]

Great commentary at the end, @TAKASHii! My daughter told her sister this morning, "Don't be #1. Be the only 1." It's so important to be true to yourself. I wish more Japanese were that way because I believe Japanese have so much to offer the world.

[@JL-go3]

I have a good friend from Japan. He moved down here to New Zealand to play Top side , Club Rugby. Quite a courageous thing to do. It's like if I move to Japan to learn and fight in Kendo, with Japanese who have been doing it their whole lives.

[@jayblaine555]

ART. The thing that most people in world, especially Americans envy about Japan is the art. Japanese culture/people have a strong legacy and intuition about visual art. From traditional art, to calligraphy, manga/anime illustration to modern contemporary art. Japan is an art powerhouse.

[@tanfe]

That guy that mentioned he was a fan of Migos 😔🕊️🙏🏾

[@doloresg6]

I enjoy your perspective, questions and diversity. So glad you made it to both coast of the US. I much appreciate hearing what those visiting and living in your country have to say is refreshing.

[@shyrory]

I'm a Singaporean and really nice to hear that Japanese boy had a good time here! As he said, we have a lot of people of different races here, including a lot of Japanese. It's never about skin color, we distinguish people by our values here and I think we all have a lot of good values we can learn from each other's upbringings. Love and peace from Singapore!

[@carolewarner101]

As an American, I can say there can be a downside to being too opinionated when it's combined with a very egocentric and righteous perspective. There is a difference between having your own opinion and yet respecting that of others' vs believing ONLY your opinion is the right one. One of the things I've loved most about traveling is the humility it has cultivated in me. There are MANY different people and cultures who are fascinating and have many creative ways about thinking about and doing things. Often the way other people do things is better than the way we do things here...more productive, more respectful of the whole community, more efficient, etc. Americans can become arrogant, self centered and righteous if we are not careful. It has been such a privilege to travel to many different countries and learn that there are MANY ways people think and do things, not just our way. It has also made me realized what a wealthy society and lifestyle we have. Sometimes I don't think Americans realize just how privileged our lives are in the US. I have always respected the way the Japanese believe in taking care of the community over any one individual's wants or desires. This was extremely evident during the terrible impact caused by the huge Tsunami about 10 years ago. Everyone in Japan worked together to help each other recover and made whatever sacrifices they needed to make in order to completely take care of each other. I admire the Japanese people.

[@roachies4242]

Yes! Traveling is fascinating and adding to the fact that we’re so different because each language can shape or alter you brain!

[@IAmAwesomeRocker]

There's a train that is Pokémon Themed that is the only one that was rebuilt after the tsunami. It is known not only for the anime but as a way to rebuild the community after the horrible event

[@SephirothWaifu]

They have their pros and cons too. Some of them do not take so well to foreigners as well as places where foreigners are not allowed. It's interesting but still it's questionable no matter the reasons and then some minor offenses as to those who actually dislike foreigners-depends on where you go. I enjoy watching a lot of personal video clogs of various race of people to see their experiences, the good and bad. Every country has its pros and cons and what ignorance that does exist in Japan like any country is simply due to the fact that they are a homogenous people are there is actually a VERY low percentage of foreigners there-where they did a statistic account and asked the locals as to how many foreigners, they believed lived in Japan and many believed it was a fairly large percentage but it's not at all true. I both love and then have some problems with Japan. I can't imagine living there because I love different ethnic race of people and use to living around different ethnic people ^.^ Another con for me is that their humane and care treatment of animals. Unfortunately, esp. animals of the sea. Yeah, I've seen enough to make me more than upset. They seem quite callous seen enough anime exemplifying that they have a brutal projection of the nature of animals that are for food and its disturbing. (There are proper ways of dispatching an animal and well when you watch enough of Gorden Ramsey to learn how to cook, I respect humane treatments even towards animals that are used for food then to suffer.) I'm not going into detail because I'll get upset but also as a cancer survivor, I know how it feels to suffer for long periods of time and so I appreciate and respect life more so than ever and connect pain and suffering this way. I hate it and it's traumatizing feeling and affect. Also, I realized how ridiculously superficial they are and not a fan of how overly shallow their cultures are as to media and beauty standards-although that's everywhere, but it stems from a lot of issues. Yeah, our species of ridiculously vain and it puts a lot of pressure on anyway to conform just the same as many other factors they have in order to feel the need to conform to their societal status. One of many reasons why there are more suicides in Japan vs. a lot of other countries-same with Korea I've just heard, and J-pop is not as what people think. Vanity is truly an ugly curse and vice. Talent should never have anything to do with looks and starving yourself to death and committing suicide. So that guy brining up K-pop...No. But otherwise, I absolutely love Japan, the language VERY much, -why I usually hate a lot of dubbed Anime and movies (Some are good though, not many in this generation nor a lot of anime titles..sorry. I love the 90s anime and late 20th century) I enjoy the culture and love how they people have a CIVIL disposition-although, again do your research, Japan has a lot of issues like any other country. I've come across a lot of eye-opening reality documentaries and one where I found myself relating so much to an issue that their people have that's heart breaking. We are very much human no matter where we come from. All countries are truly fascinating and beautifully and can't say one is better than another because their view is so conceptually different due to their heritage.

[@oh_my_gauze]

As a foreigner, when I visit Japan I would change my personality a bit try to blend in as much as possible too. Different society, culture and everything.

[@aokookello5564]

You don't need to. I live here and would change nothing about my personality.

[@Anon1370]

nah thats just playing someone else for a week or two lmao being an actor without getting paid

[@JS-hw9mf]

I live in japan no matter what you do you can’t it’s too difficult

[@Anon1370]

@Karl with a K it won't catch on they are quiet people compared to USA and uk

[@markanon5581]

@@Anon1370 I've seen it 'catch on' with quite a few of the gaijin there though.

[@akiraackerman4780]

What I love about Japan is the unique things that come from there. The food, the media, the fashion, etc. Japan has so many different and interesting things that we don't have in America. I especially love everything that's considered "kawaii". Clothes, plushies, desserts and other things from Japan that you can't really find everywhere else. I have been obsessed with those things since I was a kid. I would love to visit Japan one day to see it for myself

[@agamersinsanity]

I think it's great to visit other countries just to get some new experiences. For my part I would love to see Japan just to get some new perspective, but it's also a destination I always wanted to see and experience. If it's Osaka, Tokyo or Kyoto doesn't matter for me.

[@maverickwatchreviews]

Here's what Americans like about Japan: 1. You respect your elders and the family unit. 2. Low crime rate no matter where you go in Japan. 3. Japanese are hard workers. 4. You don't suffer from "wokeness" like the West. 5. While you have personal cars, your mass transit is the best in the world 6. You have a stunningly beautiful country. 7. All of the technology. Ex: TV's, video games, cellphones, watches(my fav), appliances, robots, etc. 8. You're very kind to foreigners. 9. Very clean country. 10. Wagyu beef!

[@fwmbqueez7056]

The people you interview are some of the greatest people …Much Respect from a Black man from Florida

[@IRIS4962]

I'm learning Japanese as we speak no pun intended but I'm really enjoying learning the language and i honestly can't wait to live abroad in Japan for a while. while i appreciate the fact that you guys envy us in the U.S i want to point out that there are a lot of us in America that envy all of you in Japan, Japanese culture is rich and tranquil, but it can also be fast paced and stressful much like most other countries but what i think a lot of foreigners like about Japan is the scenery, the style and the people but as for me i love it so much i want to live there so don't give us foreigners all the credit you guys are just as amazing.

[@savannah7375]

There were some really interesting people in this one! I love that someone talked about my hometown Atlanta and it's Artists! I hope he can visit one day and go to a show at The Tabernacle :) I also want to say, and this may be controversial, but a lot of westerners muscle mass is not natural. There is heavy use of steroid drugs here. It's also proven that body builders have a considerably shorter life expectancy. The thing I appreciate about the US is the mindset of being true to yourself and not caring what others think. I'm kinda like that but I have many friends who are not that way at all lol we sometimes call them "people pleasers" but it's not normally a nice term.

[@imuraf-h8285]

I am half Australian🇦🇺 (Dad) and half Japanese🇯🇵 (Mum). I love both countries and the different and unique cultures they both have.e I live in Australia and visit Japan every year to see my grandparents and travel. ✈🚆 I love how considerate and kind Japanese people are as well as their unique culture with festivals, traditions, history and people. I love the cuisine their and have been to many places including Hokkaido, Hyogo, Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo, Fukushima, Ehime, Hiroshima, Fukuoka and more. 🍜🍡🍣🍘🍱🎏🎍🎎🍙🍢🎋🎑 I love how multi-cultural Australia is and how people are so open and friendly with each other regarding their age. The way Australians respects their traditional owners of the land, the Aboriginal people and how often we show and acknowledge their traditions, makes me very proud of being an Australian. 🦘

[@20001born]

🇦🇺

[@ksy4747]

The last guy is my spirit animal. I also love experiencing different cultures (especially food and music). That's why I'm on this video. I want to see how other people think and feel.

[@es001]

Grass is greener on the other side of the cultural fence, especially when we aren't raised in it. There's a big contrast between American and Japanese culture and thankfully we can appreciate both.

[@shouyagami141]

What i envy to japan is...they are discipline, especially with time. I think environments affects life.

[@zodeaxplaysmc]

well said

[@cupofcoco8948]

@@deathblowout Kind of ignorant of you to say. You’re stereotyping a country of over 85 million people. Not a kind thing to do. If you’re basing your observation off of past events, then it would be impossible to find a country without a racist history

[@shouyagami141]

Love japan from indonesia

[@nBasedAce]

They regularly beat their children. Teachers beat the children. Even people who live in your neighborhood will beat your children.

[@ThePeacePlant]

@@deathblowout It actually seems really commom in most Asian countries. Just saw a video today of a black and Asian Mixed girl who grew up in China

[@shannoncallahan7614]

Believe it or not, the culture in LA and NYC totally embrace what is unique. Every person on your show today would be celebrated in those two cities as being distinctive and not the traditional American look. Japan should really embrace its refined culture and not reject it. Most trends are passing, but respect, dignity and order will always be highly revered.

[@Marsiii.]

Agreed. I got to school in NYC and we literally have culture day lol

[@crystaladmin2632]

Celebrated is an interesting way to say Robbed or assaulted.

[@stielimusterman3066]

Pseudo individuality is supported in the US, while actual individuality is heavily suppressed...

[@beandispenser6971]

@@willmuny9201 But you made the idea?

[@healingandhappy9262]

Well said 👏👏

[@K_8T]

I hope that lil man made to Australia 🇦🇺 We'd love to have him, even Biripi would love him.

[@jamfilledjars]

The comment about having a language (English especially) that can be used pretty much universally is an absolute gem of a comment. That right there is the exact reason I’m considering making it a life goal to eventually become a polyglot. Not only for the joy of learning another culture in its most pure form, but also to be able to communicate with people of said culture with their own dialect.

[@ccl1195]

Hi Takashi, this was a really great video! And the interviewees were really thoughtful. It is so interesting, our cultural differences (I'm from USA). To be honest, I think we idealize you as much as you idealize us- however I will say, you Japanese are lucky, standards there are pretty high, education is good (ours has declined a lot in the last 20 years), eye for detail and artistic appreciation is generally much higher in Japan than in the average US citizen. Anyway, the feeling I get from many of these types of videos is that Japanese, especially younger, have a desire for a greater level of interpersonal openness among Japanese, and they envy that in Westerners. From our side, even if it is superficial, I think we envy the Japanese respect for order, the politeness, the formality- it makes you appear like some amazing fantasy society we dream to be a part of. The longer I live and the more I learn about Japan, I have also seen the dark underside of Japanese culture- loneliness, isolation, mistrustfulness, gossip, spite, etc. It's a very complicated equation to be sure. We say in the West "The grass is always greener on the other side of the pasture," meaning that you always see the best things that you don't have, in the lives of others. Whether that is 100% accurate or not. Anyway Takashi, great video, thank you, much love from USA. 🤝💟

[@SenpaiXcore]

If I was asked what I like the most about japanese people I think It would be their respect toward people, opinions and such. To me it seems that the interest in peace and harmony is well kept and I really like that. I myself am very open about my opinions but at the same time I also like to hear other opinions, thought processes and the like. Understanding a person really comes down to communicationg and hearing what they think helps quite a lot.

[@user-fw1hj3vv2k]

The thing i envy about Japan is they are able to preserve their culture in this age. It's something to be proud of.

[@jims664]

Well said! very true

[@spaceintuity9194]

Something to be proud of? You realize we all die and none of this matters

[@loreelaiii]

its tricky because "american culture" is just racism lol. we've only been around 300 years and the past 100 has been the industrial revolution. that's pocket change in comparison to other countries, that's like what, 4 generations? that's not enough time for a "culture" to even begin.

[@hfhfffhfhf]

@@spaceintuity9194 deep mate!!1

[@sporepics]

@@loreelaiii it's easy to hate huh?

[@sweetnowara877]

I envy Japanese girls that they have Japanese men who are widely known they are honest and also handsome.

[@garycooper9207]

I am Nordic and live in Finland. What I love about Japanese culture it is politeness. Maybe us Finns got common that we are shy too and reserved, well until you get to know us.

[@Roger-jh9hs]

Japan should have a takashii day. He bridges the gap of understanding between Japanese and non Japanese peoples ideas, cultures, experiences and personal beliefs. What He's doing brings the people in this world closer to acceptance of their fellow man, that's the good fight

[@sparkymularkey6970]

I am envious of Japanese culture's focus on community and being considerate of other people. It can be something as simple as cleaning up after yourself in public to something as substantial as having healthcare for all. From my perspective, we're lacking a lot of that here in the United States.

[@virtualjayna]

I live in Hawaii, and that first interview is absolutely accurate! A big part of Hawaii’s local population is Japanese, so Japanese tourists get “special treatment” in a way. Many tourist attractions are catered towards Japanese tourists!

[@vinitabyrne3528]

I really enjoy your videos. I live in the UK and people are reserved here too and we don’t always speak how we feel. Being sensitive towards others is not a bad thing. I find Japanese culture inspirational in many ways.

[@marynaaaaaaaa]

Awh! I wish I could give these men a glimpse of what they would like to see! Foreign countries have so much more than America does, they are built different as in communication, respect, demeanor and engagement. I’m American, but Cambodian descent and my parents have bought me back to Cambodia a few times and how I can say it bought back a whole new view and humbleness when I came back to the states. You really evaluate your life and I can tell you whenever I do anything in my life from buying clothes to making decisions I always go back to my memories I’ve had back there. If you haven’t visited another country I would say to go do it and spend at least a month there ! I spent a total of 4 months in Cambodia and I would do so again!

[@robertoangileri6151]

Lol, it's always true that The neighbour's grass is always greener

[@AngelaSealana]

My belief is that we can all learn from each other and benefit from other cultures. This is why I enjoy your videos. Thank you for your hard work, Takashii-san.

[@jacquelynjones6364]

Hello from 🇨🇦! In North America, citizens have a lot of freedom to be who they want to be. But that can be a double-edged sword. Because some people in society choose to be jerks and there isn't strong pressure not to do that.

[@Jordan-inJapan]

That sums it up well. As a Canadian who’s spent the last 20 years in Japan, I honestly can’t say which is better. I do kind miss that ‘free feeling’ that I had in Canada. But after living in a society where people know how to suppress their own immediate desires (opinions, etc) for the greater good, it’s kind of hard to go back.

[@n.b.3521]

Yes! I lived in Japan for 8 years and my biggest complaint now that I'm back in Toronto is all the litter, which I see is a result of jerky behaviour. The loudest, most annoying groups always also leave a mess behind, and the number of people who have flicked their cigarette butt AT me because they didn't look is astounding.

[@DJNeiloSF]

Great video 👍 Greetings from Ireland 🍀 Absolutely right - you don't have to worry too much about what others think - be yourself! In Ireland, we admire Japan. It is a great country that produces high quality products.

[@Chroniclilskip27]

Similar to the last guy you interviewed, I met a lot of Chinese people in college who also said they like how the US is much more relaxed than where they were from. The slower pace is what made them want to stay and work in the US after graduation

[@boppins]

About Hawaii -- as an American I didn't realize how important Japanese were to hawaiian culture until I visited there myself. Pretty fascinating back story, especially considering Pearl Harbor.

[@santeriabanks2930]

The Japanese has nothing to do with Hawaiian culture. The people of Hawaii are Polynesian and not Japanese. The Japanese however, has moved in and took it over. Our silly government allowed them to do it because of the contributions that they made to the American entertainment back in the 80's and 90's.

[@boppins]

@@santeriabanks2930 Culture is a living, evolving thing. You can't say that today's hawaiian culture has nothing to do with Japanese, regardless of how or why they got there. Just try visiting there and not seeing the enormous influence.

[@Orvvv200]

@@santeriabanks2930 Japanese people had an important presence in Hawaii way before the 80s… People of different ethnicities living together in one place is not “taking over” well that is unless they colonize the land and drive the people out which is obviously not the case here.

[@jaydenslaptop]

@@santeriabanks2930 What about Okinawa?

[@pugilist102]

@@santeriabanks2930 Actually, the Japanese moved there to work the sugar plantations before WWII. Not just Japanese but other Asians as well. Their cultural influence on the islands is what made present Hawaii. You clearly know nothing of Hawaii.

[@ew4645]

I really enjoy hearing Japanese people's thoughts on things! What I'd like to ask from both men and women is how they view people who work out a lot/muscular body types/ Japanese gym and exercise culture/ body building etc. You've touched upon it briefly in a few videos but I'm still not sure what the general vibe is 🤔

[@SomyHeartcanBeat]

I have the same question! would love to see a video on this :)

[@psychopompous3207]

Agreed.

[@HenryYoungx]

Also, it was mentioned a couple of times in the video that "foreigners seem to have bigger builds and gain muscle more easily." I wonder how widespread the knowledge is that the problem lies in diet more than anything? I don't think Japanese people are really aware of this. Japanese people simply don't eat that much meat compared to Westerners. You can't build strong, athletic bodies when you're living on little portions of rice, radishes, fish and miso soup. The skinny person who said that he lifted weights for example: there's no secret, this person is simply not eating very much, and the stuff that he eats probably isn't that good for muscle growth either. There's not much more to muscle-building than "eat, train, sleep, repeat." If the "eat" part of the equation is out of balance, it doesn't matter how much you train, your body just doesn't have the building blocks to add more muscle on your body. It's not about "he's a foreigner, therefore he gains muscle more easily." It's: "he eats like a foreigner, therefore he gains muscle more easily."

[@HenryYoungx]

Examples abound of foreigners coming to Japan and magically losing a bunch of weight even though they don't feel like they're eating much less than they used to. If you're wondering why Japanese people are so much skinnier than other countries' populations, look no further than what they're putting in their mouth... And if you're a Japanese person trying to gain muscle, try changing your diet.

[@seres-de-luz]

I’m south American and l admire Japanese sense of beauty and esthetics in pretty much everything.

[@mystery62668]

There are a lot of things I envy about Japan as well. People are quite respectful, it is clean and always easy to get around because of the good infrastructure. As someone who collects music, cds are easier to find in Japan (I think). I'm so happy to live in Australia, but I would love to visit again some time!

[@sandraesterm8894]

As a european person, what I envy about Japan is the rich culture, like so many beautiful temples, and like nice little cozy cafes and restaurants, it seems people really care about things and appreciate them

[@Србомбоница86]

Europe has much richer culture and very diverse

[@kuyahkudey3217]

I love your channel. I just want to share what I learned online about Japan because I have never been there. Japan has many things that we wish we has in the USA . Japan is safe and clean. Plus your country has less homeless people.

[@kuyahkudey3217]

* I meant to say, we wish we had in the USA.

[@ronperez2306]

i love Japan for being so advanced but yet the culture is so intact!

[@themoderndaygamer637]

What I envy about Japan is the fact that they have such reference for everything in life. It’s safe, they have beautiful nature, they have some cool companies as well

[@cheerful_crop_circle]

Which are those cool companies?

[@juliaburrell2398]

Takashi Thank You so much for your very eye opening and interesting interviews with Japanese ppl. I actually grew up from the time I was 7yrs old with a woman from Okinawa and her family (neighbors at first but we ended up adopting each other as families💞 ) so I am familiar with a lot about Japanese culture & food but hearing today's views (as Asako hasn't been back home to Japan since 1970) is very educational for me. I recently subscribed to Viki Rakuten for streaming Asian tv/movies bc they seem much better than anything America has been producing which has led me to want to learn more about Japan as well as South Korea and more countries. I wish the world was even more global and accepting of each others cultures than it is now (even though it's come a long way from the past already). We are all unique and beautiful in our own way and I am saddened by the way hate has begun to lift its ugly head especially here in America. Bc it is definitely NOT the same country I grew up in during the 60's & 70's. The racism is breaking my heart and even though I am a young 61 yts old have also even thought maybe living abroad would be better (my love of and ancestry from Ireland would be my choice of where I would want to live having visited there twice now). Who knows how the world will comtinue to change but I do love and appreciate the Japanese ppl and culture and everything they have brought us in our lives..great chefs/food, art & artists bith musical & written/painters, etc. Where would the world be today if the Japanese hadn't influenced us all in some way. Please be proud of your nation and know that there are many ppl who genuinely love & appreciate you all!💗💜💞

[@K3ROKO]

What I envy about Japan and Japanese people is that their infrastructure and societies take into account other people. Everything seems to work well and on time (like public transit) and people are considerate of other people. It's not always about "me, me, me, me" like it is in many western cultures. Even though individualism is also important and Japan lacks in that department a lot.

[@scanspeak00]

I am Australian who has visited Japan (Tokyo) and also had a Japanese girlfriend at one time. What I like about Japan is how they preserve so much of their traditional culture, they are well mannered, well dressed, and I like their slim appearance, eyes and dark hair. The sound of Japanese speaking is music to my ears, maybe my favourite of all in the world. Japan feels safe, people are polite, the trains are so well run, streets beautiful, clean, delicious food, and well organized. I was surprised to see few foreigners there compared to my own country. As an engineer I have great envy for Japan's manufacturing industry, especially electronics and cars. Based on your economic situation, aging population and low population growth I think you will see more immigration in the future. I have learned some basic Japanese language and will definitely travel there again some day.

[@alastairtheduke]

The funny thing is that Americans admire the creativity and style of Japanese young people

[@maskedgamer7565]

The grass is always greener, you know. People always seem to like things other people have. I would love japanese culture. They are respectful, friendly, calm and I like that. In Europe and the US, everything seems to go so fast and nobody really enjoys spending time with eachother anymore

[@alastairtheduke]

@@maskedgamer7565 I agree

[@ly776]

I appreciate that all the people you interviewed were so well spoken, dressed nicely, and had an interest in the world. In the US, it would be more difficult to do random interviews like this and have people be knowledgable about other cultures - except in the larger cities on the East and West coasts

[@KylaTalks]

I always think about people who are from countries where their language isn’t spoken widely worldwide and how frustrating that must be. I watch a lot of K-dramas and Korean is blowing up internationally, so it has to be frustrating to be a Korean who can’t speak English because Korean (and Japanese) are so limited. - What I envy about Japan is how clean y’all are and how serious y’all actually take pandemics. Lol. Y’all was wearing masks and using hand sanitizer before COVID even happened and I just love that.

[@malemaline]

I envy Japanese people's great food and focus on quality!

[@gauravj6543]

I envy Japanese people. They never age.

[@juliancate7089]

The reason that individualism is more common among countries of European origin is because European culture is a trust-based culture. Cultural norms revolve around trust and the keeping of trust. Conformity dominates in Oriental nations because Eastern culture is a shame-based culture. Everything revolves around avoiding shame, which breeds conformity and strict social rules.

[@kulolal]

The West has shame too. What's the difference?

[@juliancate7089]

@@kulolal The difference is stated in the post. Perhaps you should re-read it. And no, the West has no shame from the perspective of culture. If you doubt that, you should attend the next Pride parade in your area. Or just go shopping at your local Wal-Mart and observe the people there.

[@kulolal]

Thank you for your reply~ I was just curious. I don't have the opportunity to personally shop at a local Wal-Mart in a western country, what would I observe assuming I went there? In the East, I feel like we usually discourage being yourself. At what age you are, you do what you do and dress what you should. Instead of thinking about what you want to do and whether you can afford to do it, we put a lot of weight on "what will other people think" and "will other people laugh at me". If you insist on being yourself, then the people around you will use "shame" as a weapon to "magically attack" you. I wonder if there is anywhere else in the world where this is not the case?

[@dandelobo9284]

Thank you, great video and I like your channel! I just came back from Japan which I visited for one week for the first time. I stayed in one nice hotel in Chiyoda-ku very close to Akihabara central gate. I liked Japan! I'm living in Germany for a very long time. In a second day of my stay I went to Ueno station where there is inside a lovely Japanese cuisine vegan restaurant. I was given a menu and was sitting for a little while trying to decide what should I take and I didn't know. Suddenly one elder Japanese woman with a kind face came to me and started give me advice in English about what I can take as a main dish and what I can order alongside. First I thought she was somebody from the restaurant personell but she was self a client, she was just as myself eating there. I was so glad and even happy about it and said it to her a bit later as she came to ask me if I liked what I have eaten. This experience was my the most important impression from Japan. I understood: something like this is impossible in Germany and may be in the whole western world. I can imagine it somewhere else, but not in Germany and not in the West and I was happy to meet in in Japan. As I arrived to Narita I was not sure if I wouldn't get disappointed from Japan, which I was interesting already since my childhood. But after this woman's help my inspiration with Japan was saved. And during 7 days I felt about 4 times a kind of warmth, something more than just neutrality towards myself -- a completely unknown person. I can not remember something alike happening even in 30 years in a land I'm living in: yes good things, but not the warmth. And believe me, this is much more important than anything else like different opinions etc. (You may have your own opinion in the West but nobody would be truly interested in this opinion and in that you have it. There is always an "other side".) So I would say: we always think, that we could be better if we would be different, but in reality every single moment we are already perfect --- absolutely perfect for this moment, perfect for something. If we forget it and will think that we are yet not good enough we will not use this, we will wait, we will not act, we will not have a self confidence. “As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live.” ― Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

[@R0CK0Nbaby]

Excellent video Takashii! I love that in this day and age most people can learn so much about most places around the world, we can all learn from each other and be inspired by each other's lifestyles, philosophies, etc. I think there's much value to find a balance both within yourself and within society of living for yourself and living for the collective. Through your video it gives me so much hope and optimism to see that the younger generations are seeing the positives of different perspectives/mindsets of other cultures. We all can learn from each other :)

[@ashfahtamanna]

The fact that we Bangladeshis envy about Japan. Bangladeshis are always curious about Japan. I think most of the citizen at least want to go Japan once in a lifetime. The attractive thing is that Japanese culture that we envy about being Japanese.

[@libfuzzy4629]

I love how healthy Japanese food are. In america the FDA is a joke there's so many harmful chemicals and way too much sugar added into the food.