What is overpriced in Japan?

[@bobdobb1088]

imported from Canada syrup might be actual maple syrup, which is very expensive anywhere.

[@pinkymeme]

syrup prices dont seem unreasonable. i live in canada, and real maple syrup is not something cheap even when its a local product

[@AndrewHaddow]

In Canada it costs about 14$ after tax for an adult admission, but we have started doing VIP theaters where the seats are larger and you can have alcohol served to you, which costs closer to 18-20$ I believe. Also 3D movies are more expensive...but you have gotta love half price Tuesdays!

[@lilypond1547]

Great video -- how cool you will be celebrating your 10th year there soon. Take care

[@MikesUltimatum]

The concert ticket prices sound about the same as in the US. I cringe at fruit prices in Japan. That is one of the few things I have learned through my research that I might really not like about Japan. High fruit prices, and the whole bathroom situation (although I understand that can vary from place to place).

[@vhun05]

I lived in Sasebo and there's an u.s. naval base there so I use to buy most if my groceries at the Commissary and maybe a few fun, different items at Japanese grocery. I found beef expensive in Japanese grocery stores and fruit as well. Luckily the movie rental there, no matter how old school movie rentals are these days, was great! Great post

[@moremileyplease4387]

It's really hard buying takeout or delivery pizza after moving from a military town. They sell so much pizza around military bases that the pizza is half-priced compared to anywhere else.

[@noraeinjapan]

As other people said, movie tickets aren't overpriced anymore. They're more expensive in North America now. The theater near here has 12$ adult, 9$ kids for normal movies (+taxes). 3D is 15$ for adult, IMAX 18$. And we seem to be cheaper than other places in Canada. Plus let's say 1 pop corn and a drink will get you to close to 15-18$ more... Peanut butter is really expensive and from places like Morioka, we needed to get it from the import store in 2010-2011. Small concerts can be affordable, but you usually need to pay a 500 yen drink ticket (which can cover a beer, a drink, a coke, or a water bottle... ) Bigger concerts can be more, but it's the same here as far as I can tell. Concert for the next month here in the next months range from 50 to 200$ for 1 ticket. I agree that CD and DVD can be super expensive in Japan. I remember paying 10-18$ for singles with 2-4 songs on them. Can even get a CD with a single songs at small concerts for 500 yen. I remember from when I was in Japan that out of season fruits are expensive. In season fruits are ok. We barely had any cheese at all in the stores close to where I lived. Transportation can be quite expensive as well. Taking a bus where I live at the moment is a set fee of 2.50$ or so per trip. In Morioka, taking the bus will have a price that will go up depending on the amount of stops away you get dropped off. So it's a usual thing to have a 10-15$ round-trip to the mall by example.

[@HorizonReverie]

Are movie theatres monopolized in anyway in Japan? In Canada, Cineplex Theatres are pretty much a monopoly since they bought out rainbow cinemas and AMCs (which did not last very long) so we don't really have much choice in theatres. Tickets for an adult are usually $14 and you'd add $3 for 3D and like 8 bucks for IMAX. And I think food in general is just cheaper in the states than anywhere else. Pizzas are usually around 20 - 30 bucks delivery where I live as well.

[@silverkitsune]

It seems like the Marvel or maybe the Disney released movies seem to come out in Japan at competitive times with the rest of the world whereas some other things aren't released until months later

[@mshara1]

Pizza is expensive in Japan for the same reason that sushi is expensive in Canada. Its specialty ethnic cuisine.

[@sdushdiu]

mshara1 Yeah, this selection confuses me as well. OF COURSE 'specialty' food is going to be expensive! Duh! I wonder...is an Authentic Dallas Mavericks jersey expensive as well? Who is surprised or even cares if imported or non-native goods are more expensive! The news would be if they were cheaper!

[@robertbush7282]

+mshara1 But I wonder also if Japanese people are lactose intolerant...can't remember if that's Japanese or Chinese...they tend not to eat cheese and then can't digest it very well. That would make cheese be something that would be more expensive because relatively few people eat it. Thus, very few people would order pizza...just those who are willing to pay the price for a specialty, ethnic cuisine. However, in America, "Chinese food" or "Japanese food" can be very inexpensive even though it's specialty ethnic cuisine. It depends on the type of restaurant, though.

[@mshara1]

Robert Bush A llot of Southern Italians are lactose intolerent. Cheese is easier than milk for most mid lactase intolerant.

[@shoushikochou]

japan makes their own version of pizza of i recall recurrently

[@60frederick]

If Cheddar cheese is already expensive how much will a good Swiss cheese cost? Thank you for sharing your video, Jason!

[@MyargonautsJason]

Swiss cheese is even more rare to find and also very expensive

[@okayliza]

Skippy is the peanut butter brand you were thinking of, literally just bought the tiny jar you were describing.

[@AlKameido]

Blu rays are really expensive. 9000 yen for many of the anime titles. But as some people said in the comments its all relative, some countries are more expensive and some are cheaper.

[@KevinHeaven9]

How common is it for Japanese theaters to have "retrospectives" of old directors (e.g., Ozu, Kurosawa), or are theaters that show older films, kind of like "art house" theaters in the US?

[@mrsquishyboots]

worked at a cost plus world market. Japanese students came in and found candy from home. Then they found the real maple syrup. they bought all of it.

[@chromehearts88]

Yea fruits and toll is super expensive here. a pack of strawberries that contains 15 berries would cost you 5USD. But I have to say the quality of strawberries here are better in comparison to the strawberries that only cost 3USD over in the USA. Same goes for apples and other fruits. Another thing you should consider is the amount of allowance ppl have in comparison to the people over in the US. People here do not have to worry about paying insurance (Which also covers dental), my rent is like 600USD for a 1 bedroom apartment, I dont need a car because I live in Tokyo. Therefore, that 2USD difference isn't too bad. Source: I live in Tokyo and I use to live in Hawaii/California.

[@zippypenny]

I agree the fruit and vegetables in Japan are very very tasty! They all taste like they were home grown by my father. After eating these foods in Japan you never be satisfied with ones mass produced in USA... even farmers markets can't touch Japans Produce. If you go to Japan, be sure to buy some produce for snacks, those that just eat at restaurants are missing out!

[@Andr3wco7]

Very good topic. Thanks for the video.

[@BMXhunterWOW]

What is Overpriced in Japan?

[@hannah60000]

Maybe things have changed, but I've bought golden syrup at Aeon for under 300yen and the bottle is a decent size!

[@sammunoz1342]

After reflecting on the credit card question. I am curious if most people use Credit/Debit cards, due to robbery. It is very frequent where I live.

[@MrBCorp]

Oh god don't come to Australia. You'll die! I went to Japan last year (2014) and found everything reasonably priced. Cheap even!!

[@nickmasterx]

Funny that renting CDs and DVDs is still so popular in Japan and in the US that market for the physical version is dead. Thanks for your videos they've been helpful for me to finally get into the JET Program after my third time to apply.

[@flamedrag18]

most syrups are made from brown sugar, as you should know, sugar isn't a big thing in Japan, they've turned more to sugar alternatives for their sweeteners, so anything sugary is expensive since it's specialty.

[@ChibiNanner]

Congratulations on your happy can! I've never heard of anything like that before!

[@tokyo_taxi7835]

I randomly managed to find an imported peanut butter in Gyomu Super. I think it was around $2.50. It was really delicious and I miss it even though I'm back in America.

[@eurostar0711]

The cake isnt too bad, Its expensive but not too crazy. At grocery stores where i live (in the USA) they are 20 bucks for a small birthday cake. There are some elaborate Tuxedo cakes or Carrot cakes that cost 15 dollars and are smaller, or 3 dollars per slice. Prices have skyrocketed in the US, and companies say its because since gas prices went up, transportation cost is higher but when gas prices go down, they dont lower the prices.

[@mirinakirina8371]

I can't get over the fact that the things you mention are overpriced seem to cost pretty much the same where I live as in Japan.... To me it doesn't seem that expensive but where I live things usually have pretty high prices compared to the rest of the world. I think in a sense it's a good thing because it teaches people at a young age to spend their money with at least some care and such. But it would be nice if things were a little cheaper....

[@shoushikochou]

Is the syrup authentic? Here in American where I live the cost for maple syrup is $15-$20 for 16oz.

[@solacola359]

The department stores in Japan have some really damn expensive housewares. One plate would cost like $10, and it doesn't even look that special. The clothes were expensive in those buildings too. Cheapest shirt in the women section was still like $30. I was at Ginza and saw Abercrombie. I didn't go in but it must've been expensive as hell. I guess America just have some really good priced clothes here.

[@reneej7241]

is it that the eggs are expensive there? I should come there and open a bakery.

[@emberleighmontgomery1479]

I've found all things are pretty relative. What is expensive in one place is cheaper in another and vice verse.

[@robjapan]

Did you ever see the Judge Dredd remake? That was awesome, check it out if you haven't!

[@MyargonautsJason]

I do want to see it - will have to seek it out.

[@johnmcroberts2610]

Yes, Dredd is amazing!

[@animallvr682]

I have a question. Some of these things that are overpriced in Japan, such as peanut butter and syrup, and come in really small amounts, is it possible to order some of those things on like Amazon and have them shipped to you in Japan? I am curious because I have a great desire to join the JET program when I finish my degree. So I'm wondering if these things can be mail ordered.

[@WachdByBigBrother]

Are there taxes, tariffs, or duty that keep you from taking advantage of buying online?

[@robjapan]

For example in the UK it costs on average 1400yen to see a movie, some places are a bit more expensive at 1700yen though.

[@Kenji123]

That seems about right here. Most of my American friends always tell me the prices of things over there and when I convert it to pounds, it really is cheaper than here.

[@patsybob]

It really varies depending on where you live in a country that influences pricing. In NI I can go see a film for about 1022 yen (£6 per adult) and there is discounts every Tuesday in my area that means you can get in for 597 yen (£3.50 per adult).

[@CaptainLeFrog]

lol, maple syrup is also expensive in Canada to

[@vhun05]

You should talk about what's cheaper or more convenient in Japan than America/elsewhere

[@atmark666]

anything labor intensive product is relatively expansive in japan. fruits are very labor intensive and there is no cheap labors in japan.

[@1youngoyaji]

Agree with most, the fruit and appliances is a bit deceiving. You can buy a 3000 yen rice cooker or you can buy a 100,000 rice cooker. Same with the fruits, you can buy strawberries for a couple hundred yen, or you can buy 1 strawberry for 500 yen. Japan has some of the best appliances/high market fruit in the world. Those who can appreciate paying 500 yen for the most delicious strawberry you will ever eat will not say its expensive (its the same as buying a LV bag) its a luxury not something you buy everyday.

[@ダニエルジュニア]

I also noticed that here! Nice topic!

[@ExilerZero]

if on highway to hiroshima is expensive... what if you try a train to hiroshima...how much will it be?

[@CaptainNimo]

Good information's. Can you give some tips for people like me who's going there with government scholarship? As far as I can see the apartments are narrow beyond imagination and expensive! I wonder if I grow old to your age and still fascinated with captain America or Spiderman?

[@NyantasticRainbows]

A movie ticket in California here is about $14 and if you want IMAX of 3D it's like $16-$18.

[@furrijen28]

oh man movie tickets are somewhere between $9-12 here in tampa idk about imax or 3d but it depends on where you go

[@NyantasticRainbows]

I live in Temecula it's kinda overpriced here to be honest but there is also a discount theater where the tickets are around $5.

[@norcofreerider604]

If it's genuine 100% pure maple syrup, $10 for 250ml isn't uncommon here in Canada.

[@robjapan]

Are you sure that America isn't just REALLY cheap? Japanese stuff tends to be reasonably priced but of course imported stuff is expensive.

[@robjapan]

dogsitter68 So for me, Japan seems pretty normal in prices because I'm from the UK but for my American friend he thinks a lot of things are really expensive...

[@luketobin4074]

I'm in Australia and Japan seems cheap

[@hannah60000]

+robjapan I agree as someone from the UK, especially coming from London. Japan is reasonable, I think.

[@hannah60000]

UK has its own oil in the North Sea, so unlike Japan it's not over-reliant on oil imports like Japan, even though it's an 'island'.

[@Radeo]

CD's that are price-fixed via Saihan Seido, Blu-Ray discs for a similar non-market reason. A transportation monopoly and an abundance of toll roads ensures people are taxed on top of their tax that was supposed to pay for those things. Energy use is also ridiculously expensive, (even prior to the 3/11 quake) due to a system of appearing to have competition but is in reality is just private names labeled over proxy government control. Yet, land is the absolute worst: www.thejapanfaq.com/FAQ-Prices.html

[@markgarcia1187]

So Netflix, Hulu Plus, or Crackle aren't available in Japan yet? Are they also high priced or do you have a data cap on your internet service?

[@w3llplayedMTL]

I just use a VPN so that i can watch american netflix

[@TheMitochondrie]

interesting video. that said all the prices you quoted seems reasonable compared to what we pay here in switzerland. z☺

[@ZAPPABABURUUU]

True Detective, SO worth it. Most movie to me are usually rather "meh" seen it, don't need more of it. But there are a lot of pretty good series these days.

[@andreamoboe]

Great topic :)

[@kalmykdude]

I'm guessing the highways are so expensive because of the unnecessary construction projects to keep unemployment down. Also, I did not like the new captain America but people seem to enjoy it.

[@Waniwa]

Interesting. Non of these seem all that expensive to me. Cake and the tickets are around that price here, movie tickets can cost even more(during weekends). No idea about pizza. I'm trying to think of things that felt more expensive to me when I visited Japan, but everything seemed to be around the same price or less. Food at least was way cheaper in Japan. (except for some fruits etc)

[@stirlingfromla]

Jason, Silly question but why do you film in 4:3 (size) format rather than the Standard (today) 16:9 format? (it's just a setting change)

[@MyargonautsJason]

If I use the camera on the back-side of my iPad or iPhone, then it comes out 16:9, but if I use the front camera so I can see myself and the elapsed time while filming, it comes out 4:3. For simple talking-head vlogs I don't mind 4:3.

[@TheloniousMock]

Interesting video, Jason. Do you think you could do a response to this video on things in Japan that are inexpensive or a good deal?

[@timhortons2625]

i think we all know things are expensive in japan i think you should make a video about what are cheaper there comparing to the US

[@OwlSensei]

Because I'm rather poor I found clothing very expensive in Japan, I can't really afford anything over Primark (cheap UK clothes store), I can hardily afford Primark lol so when I had to buy a pair of shorts and the cheapest I could find was about £14 (maybe $20?) that was expensive for me. I agree pizza is expensive... do you think it is the lack of ovens in apartments? We only had 2 hot plates and I think the new place is two hot plates again and a microwave... so we'd pay more for oven food I guess... but we don't need pizza often, just for a treat, so it's not too much an issue... CD in Japan, DVD in Japan, super expensive! So expensive!! lol UK can have super cheap CD's and DVD's yup lol Games and gaming stuff too... PS Vita are like £40 a game lol... PSP still has a lot of games and like £20+ a game ... Ds games are still like £20 + lol Fruit? ... In UK fruit are less than £1 each and Japan seemed to be higher... Other than that... the main expensive for me are Gaming things and clothing, as that's my most wanted or needed things... I have PSP and about 5 games as that's all I can afford... and a Ds lite still lol with some games about 5 again as that's like all I can afford lol

[@flame7766]

100yen stores are actually 108yen after tax

[@candace6873]

Is it possible to visit a library and borrow CD's and DVD's for free? I rip CD's all the time for free from the public libraries. Sometimes I'm lucky and it's a new release. Also thank you, now I have some ideas of what to indulge in before I leave for Japan and what to bring with me. If only Quebec cheese would fare the long flight, it's incredible.

[@jsombf]

Why is everything so expensive?

[@tokuafol5355]

The unhealthy food is expensive. So what are some cheap foods?

[@nexchap7090]

Hello Jason, I am extremely interested in traveling to Asia to teach. It appears that South Korea discriminates with regards to age. I am wondering how difficult is it to land a teaching job in Japan with regards to age? Also, aside from the JET program how can I apply for a position? Directly through the school or via recruiter??? Hoping that you can recommend a recruiter or list of good schools. Greatly appreciate your help. New Chap

[@MyargonautsJason]

do to sites like ohayosensei(dot) com and jobsinjapan and gaijinpot and you'll get an idea. I don't think age is a major factor at language schools.

[@WachdByBigBrother]

I think it's funny that he mentions there's a crisis of there not being enough Japanese being born in one video, yet there's no space, it's horrendously overcrowded, Japan doesn't have enough space to produce it's own food, and then mentions how expensive food is. "Among developed nations, Japan is one of the countries with the lowest rate of food self-sufficiency." (WiseGeek-How Much Food Does Japan Import?) Maybe it's time to have fewer people in Japan after getting over the hump of caring for the elderly so Japan can grow more food. Especially after Fukushima. I think Japan needs to think more about becoming self sufficient and self sustaining so some prices can go down. And there are 500 dairy farmers in Fukushima that can't employ many people or sell their milk now on top of everything else that's been affected.

[@TimmyME]

Japan is cheap compared to Europe. Movies, clothes and food is much more expensive in Europe. It's funny to see an American talking about what in Japan is expensive when everything in America is cheap. By the way... in most Europe you can't get a pizza delivered, no matter what you would pay.

[@AHMEDGAIUSROME]

Rent the movie "Watchmen" if you haven't seen it yet

[@violinasama]

I actually thought the rice was quite cheap ! (well, compared to canada). I was usually buying rice just for myself so I'd buy a 5kg bag and it was like 950 yen ? (I was buying the regular kind of cheap one and not the high quality one cause I can't see the difference haha) And here a 500g bag is like 3$ ;__;

[@Nocturnia]

I agree. I've been reading everywhere that Japan is an expensive place to live. But frankly it seems pretty similar to Canada, or even cheaper in some cases (*cough*internet*cough*). I think people from the US may be a little bias because the US has such a plethora of extremely cheap items. Of course, minimum wage in the US is also ridiculously low, so those cheap prices may seem expensive relative to that, but if you look at prices outside of the context of wages, the prices are really low. I can't comment on quality though.

[@violinasama]

***** exactly. In fact, like mostly everywhere, if you buy local and seasonnal, it really isn't more expensive than anywhere else. You can even eat for quite cheap. :)

[@kingbrat7124]

Why dont u just download the movies from the internet, like the whole U.S do???

[@Zak.f]

Hey you should invest in a better camera :)

[@JoachimderZweite]

Oh no - big FACE again.

[@aria8928]

ha ha ha importing syrup from Canada, good job japan