What to expect when you're sick in Japan

We all have weird talents. Mine happens to be getting sick.
As someone who has been hospitalized on every continent where I've set foot (currently 5 continents) - I have a bit of experience about getting sick outside of your home country.
If you're worried about getting sick while you're travelling around (or living in) Japan, here's what to expect:
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[@soschadao]

no wonder you love him, he makes you laugh every day. laughter is said to keep you young forever

[@TexaninTokyo]

Thanks! I try :) (Ryosuke)

[@waryaaheedheh6110]

How about giving your husband a chance to speak.

[@factoidfirefly7798]

I love how he's being totally silly and distracting but she's just used to it. XD That's love right there. #goals

[@julesv_]

Dr. Ryosuke is very enthusiastic xD

[@blueberrymuffin1242]

Jimcrv He looks more like a nurse imo haha

[@innos3ntCrim3]

You're so blessed to have such a guy in your life. Ryosuke seems to be perfect dorky husband material.

[@AzureHeartSong]

I wish that people in the U.S. Would wear masks when sick. It would make a big difference.

[@velvetskitty5099]

I've seen people do that in America.... But they are always Asian so I'm assuming they are visiting or used to live in another country because that is not really apart of our culture

[@auroraborealis675]

How so

[@Vanillakimchi]

Me too! I hardly see people even attempt to cover their mouths it's so gross. Doesn't help my germphobia. I become a hermit during flu season for this very reason. If people actually were consideratenof others then it would be easier.

[@Altysay]

+AzureHeartSong I started wearing a mask, at least during allergy season and because of all the fires we had this year. I have asthma and they really help.

[@AliCatDarling]

Sadly, we have a stigma about masks. One woman was kicked off a plane for wearing a medical mask. She had cancer, but people assumed she had a communicable disease and wanted her off the plane. As someone with an autoimmune disorder, I wish people wore masks too. I get a cold almost any time I leave the house because people don't do anything to prevent spreading their colds.

[@WizardlyMagicks]

Ryosuke "I'm a doctor" made me laugh. You guys are adorable.

[@susiesmith7694]

I'm glad stumbled upon your videos. I'm a mother of 3 grown daughters with 5 grandchildren so your following base isn't just for the young. 😉. You two are so adorable.

[@TexaninTokyo]

Thanks!

[@sanchopanza2024]

Hahahaha, even though I am a man a found your husband cute! He seems many times making his own video, hahahah! Loved it when he wear the mask and said, "Doctor, hi!"

[@TexaninTokyo]

Basillisk11 Haha thanks!! I like being CUTE :D yaaay for me (Ryosuke)

[@bio2020]

Texan in Tokyo you are lucky, your wife is very pretty, congratulations!!!!!!

[@CodyWalsh87]

Ryosuke and Grace are such an adorable couple. You can tell by watching their videos that the love that they have for each other is so, so strong. Thanks for making your videos and I wish you guys all the best in the future! :)

[@TexaninTokyo]

Cody Walsh Awww Thanks for being so sweet! I just love her so much :D (Ryosuke)

[@jacoblandrew5729]

The guy just kept on making me laugh doing all those random stuff in the background😂

[@TexaninTokyo]

Glad we bring little laugh to you! yay

[@christinagreen6539]

I literally thought you said "Sick Virgin" at the start lmao. I had to re-play 3 times before I heard Sick Version.

[@wynwilliams6977]

me too I was like WTF they are married :D

[@the_number_one]

Ecchi

[@meg-k-waldren]

😂😂😂😂

[@renoa0heartilly]

it's the illness in Tokyo show! COFF!!

[@heykyu5892]

Nice intro haha

[@dacasman]

am I the only one that just kind of deals with it when I get sick?

[@ellu...]

Same, I avoid medicine as much as possible.

[@sushi777300]

I also want a Ryosuke in my life

[@markoneill3719]

sushi777300 same

[@censusgary]

I haven't even seen those patches that cool your head. That seems like a good idea.

[@LadyOfGreen]

I lost it when your husband put the mask on his head and smiled at the camera.

[@TexaninTokyo]

LadyOfGreen I am a doctor!! haha (Ryosuke)

[@TheLoneHaranger]

Awww, what a cute couple. And it's also nice that you 'like' doing everything or 'like' saying everything. Liking what you do is important.

[@maddyjane677]

Your husband so freaking adorable, I want to pinch his cheeks type of adorable lol. I couldn't help but laugh the whole video!

[@yellowdiamonddoesntapprove6632]

I seriously wish this was a global thing. I found it super bizzare when I saw asian people wearing masks in the underground of the UK but now I think it's ingenius to prevent yourself and others from getting sick.

[@aisera1986]

I think, both are adorable (not just the man) and make such a good couple. Wish you all them best, to keep your love and just to have a good time together ;)

[@aisera1986]

*the best.

[@WhoIsTheIncredibleK]

Really helpful video! Definitely will alleviate some fears people have, especially those prone to getting sick! Glad to see that you're feeling better too

[@wanderingcreative2151]

I hope you'll get better soon! It sucks to be sick, but thank you for all the info (and Ryouske is really adorable as always). Greetings from sunny London, by the way!

[@sallylee4924]

Fun fact: Surgical masks (like the one Grace is wearing) does very little in preventing spread of respiratory pathogens. Surgeons wear them during surgery to avoid spitting into a patient's insides. What you really need is a N95 mask/ respirator.

[@toddbod94]

Sally Lee once surgical masks get damp from your breath there might as well be no mask.

[@unboxinginsweden]

came for this. watched her put on that silly patch ang i though wtf that not healthy doesn't the Japanese know how to cure a fever

[@Pendragon667]

I know; the company i'm working for are selling these (and almost every other thing; kinda like the amazon of b2b). I prominently remember the last Swine Flu back in 2009: almost every supplier went out of stock in a matter of days, regarding these masks. It was hilarious. Problem is and was back then the media (TV, tabloids and radio stations) who told people that these masks offer protection (and only much later "some degree" of protection). And the people totally fell for it. Luckily our customers also bought alcohol-based hand disinfection which would be the better protection.

[@judithhuling-cadieux1700]

ahhh no...surgical tech and nurse...no..masks are worn in surgery to prevent the spread of pathogens...to the patient...the patient doesn't wear a mask. We wear PPE for our protection and the patients..

[@jamiecox2817]

Sally Lee no....we wear them in surgery to avoid respiratory droplets from contaminating the sterile field. our goal is to not put anything in the patient that wasn't originally there (microbes wise.) Our breath doesn't cause strike through contamination (contamination caused by fluid.) Why do people feel the need to talk about things they have no idea about?

[@woojacky]

To Ryosuke sensei, Always treat sick people with ice cream ONLY.. From Jacky Sensei Grinz

[@MrsKrisSeipel]

Wishing you well! Take care Grace. Sending healthy vibes your way~~~~~~~~

[@MariusLePaul]

I'm taking a trip to Japan in April and I was looking for stuff like this and this channel is actually perfect

[@wolverineminer]

They're not joking about it being cheap. As an American I was extremely worried about going to the hospital when I broke my finger, but it cost like 30 dollars to do a damn x ray.

[@vocaeien]

I'm so glad I clicked on this out of curiosity last night >< I woke up really sick early in the morning and if I hadn't seen this I wouldn't have known Pocari or Green Dakara were recommended for sickness. The Green Dakara drink is very refreshing and I feel a lot better, thank you for making this video!

[@rttakezo2000]

another interesting note is that Japanese body temperature (on average is low); they consider 36 normal and 37.5 serious this has created odd situations where my children were considered to have fevers, but they were perfectly fine

[@TexaninTokyo]

Huh, I hadn't thought of that. But yeah, I can see that happening.

[@rosiejackson7574]

Your eyes look amazing in that light, Grace!

[@TheOnlyAutumnGirl]

So good to see you are feeling better!

[@klarastern5597]

I like watching you two... always makes me feel better :)

[@MidnightLoveTSUKI]

I'm so glad when Grace said general doctor that Ryosuke said what it is in Japanese (内科). I had been wondering if internal medicine was a general doctor, because recently, the rules changed regarding sick leave where I work in Japan. So, it's nice to know I can go to the clinic near my place now if I get sick.

[@darkchocolate59]

Wow, thank you so much! It is reassuring to know what to expect while I am studying abroad in Japan and I've been a bit worried since I tend to get sick often.

[@StephFuses]

Thank you for making these videos! I know it's more than a year old, but I love watching your videos.

[@tristanbaverstock5803]

Awww friend, I'm so sorry you're sick! I got sick A LOT when I was in college and you know what was a game changer for me? Drinking green tea every morning instead of coffee. I still would have coffee at different points during the day, but I am telling you, the green tea made such a difference in my immunity!

[@faylinameir]

I hope you get to feeling better soon Grace

[@SArdenBarlow]

I wish we had those adhesive cold compresses! Maybe we do and I just don't know?

[@SundaysChild1966]

I agree .. have never seen them here in Canada, maybe I need to look in the baby section or ask for them (a behind the counter kind of thing?).

[@PeachWookiee]

Try an Asian specialty store. I'm going to look at my local Asian store for those!

[@unboxinginsweden]

why? they are bad for you if you have a fever (if the fever is not to high).

[@Pendragon667]

I'd rather go with a and / or a cold leg compress. It sure isn't that easy to handle but still works. :-) And it's better for the environment when it comes down to producing trash / waste :-)

[@WhisperTraining]

It looks like the kind of thing they sell at Walmart of the grocery store for muscle pain relief with cooling menthol. I wonder if its exactly the same or not. I never thought about using them for a fever. I always just use a cool cloth.

[@cherengland3905]

I wish they would wear masks here in the states. We started homeschooling our kids because they got sick so often because other parents sent their kids to school sick. I don't get sick often but I have M.S. so if I get sick I get VERY sick. If people would just wear masks it would help so much.

[@jaycee3177]

Not even just school, either. You can catch the flu just going to Walmart nowadays. It's mildly horrifying to be behind a lady in line, and the lady in front of you comments that she's there for flu medicine because everyone in her family has caught it.

[@RegretsyRebetsy]

It's because if you keep your kid at home they get in trouble because you cannot have too many out days. As a person who got sick a ton at school and got bullied I became homeschooled too. I get sick less now but my immune system is crap so i was sick at least twice a month in school!

[@animefanatic1186]

Because schools are starting to get pissed that some kids miss school too much, and not only that, but you have the stupid parents who don't understand the concept that sick kids get other kids sick. If your kid is sick, KEEP THEM HOME AND LET THEM GET BETTER. I hate inconsiderate parents who don't care if other kids get sick, as long as their kid gets that A+ though.

[@AliceHiraeth]

Anime Fanatic I wish my parents understood that. I was really sick once to the point I coughed so harshly that it had a bit of red in my handkerchief. When I asked them to stay home, they said I'd already missed too much school (which was one day and it was an excused absence anyways) and made me attend.

[@RegretsyRebetsy]

Anime Fanatic It sucks, I almost had to repeat a grade because I was out "too much" I missed 15 days off school (mind you this was the end of the year.) but I was a straight A student. They told me if I where to miss two more days of school that my parents would have "child neglect" put on their perm. record and I would be suspended and have to repeat. I was pissed but thats the school system for you

[@YosoyMariana]

It's nice to hear you are feeling better! Oh, and those cool patches are really awesome :)

[@jameslaidler4259]

No over the counter ibuprofen? What do people there take for headaches and muscle pain?

[@maritta2504]

I assume they go to the doctor and get a prescription.... This way you can also kinda prevent substance abuse, I guess. At least I suppose that's the idea behind that.

[@jameslaidler4259]

Potential liver damage aside in extreme cases, ibuprofen is hardly a dangerous drug. I'd be screwed there with my sinus headaches.

[@maritta2504]

James Laidler well, but your body can get used to any medication if you take it to often, especially if it's pain killers. You would steadily need a higher amount of pills to cure your pain and at some point you are over the maximum dosis for a day but you don't feel any relief.

[@jameslaidler4259]

Ibuprofen is an anti inflammatory though. Not a pain med. Though I do try to take it easy considering the internal bleeding and liver damage risks etc. People don't exactly become hooked on the stuff. I see why they do it though. We have enough kids here in the West getting high from the medicine cabinets in their parents' bathrooms etc.

[@toddbod94]

James Laidler ibuprofen isn't so bad for your liver as paracetamol/acetaminophen

[@amyrrhielle]

Glad you're feeling better!

[@DeathAngel1029]

Can I just like... have your eye color Grace? haha, on a serious note, this is really helpful thanks alot :)

[@brielle8383]

Sorry you were so sick Grace, hopefully you are doing much better by now. Thank you so much for the information, it is very different than the states here. Even doing a video about being sick, you both are still so kawaii; especially Dr Ryosuke :)

[@TexaninTokyo]

brielle8383 Haha thanks!! (Dr Ryosuke)

[@gs5181952]

So glad you are feeling better, Grace.

[@ksub91]

In Sweden the medical journal is all digital, so the doctors put the information in their database and then if you go to another doctor they just open the database to see your previous encounters with doctors. Also, these journals are (since just some years) partly open for you to read (but you need a login which you can get at your bank, yes, bank) which is really nice if you go for treatment for something once in a while, then you can just login to see what you did there the last time or if you forgot something the doctor said about the medication or such.

[@Pinkswimma]

The thing that I like the most about (stereotypical) Japanese people is how they are so considerate of others. We have quite the individualistic mind set encouraged in North America (stereotype). I wouldn't mind wearing a mask in public if it meant someone wasn't going to get sick. I think there are many Japanese customs we could adopt. In Japan, I think they should be open 24 hours at Hospitals. That sounds dangerous not to have them open. Cold medication should be sold over the counter. Also on a different note the bank machines should also be 24 hours. I think it's inconvenient that they are not. The package you sent me with the 3rd book was super cute; I appreciated the Marvin drawing and post card. Thanks

[@velvetskitty5099]

Omg I would totally wear a face make I love the look of them so much and I could sport something cute like a panda on it

[@m.e.c.1007]

So glad I stumbled across your videos. Practical and informative, and of course the two of you are super cute! My daughter and I are planning a trip to Japan (I have friends that live there in several places) and the insight of the every day you give is great! Thank you!

[@littlellamazing]

Legit I adore these videos even if you guys are done making them! I wish my hubby and I could be friends with you!

[@Neithie]

I'm recovering from extreme flu... nearly a week and still funny... and that tip about sports drinks helped so much. especially seeing as I live in my own without a personal doctor. Thankyou!

[@beccie1608]

you both are freaking sympathetic and cute. I really enjoy your videos. thank you

[@ttwedt]

Feel better Grace! I get sick a lot too, its never fun. Last time I was in Japan for a long time, I got the flu twice in a 5 month stay. Though I never had the energy to go to the doctor. Hope your on the mend.

[@RaingKatana]

at first I also thought Ryosuke is somewhat weird, BUT later on as I watched more videos I realize at least on camera he is genuinely playful and that took the oddness away, something I envy but cant do.

[@FranyLacey]

I am glad to hear you are better!!

[@Younes07770]

6:45 Looks awesome, Dr. Ryosuke.

[@Beffinee]

Hope you're feeling better now Grace! I'm currently bed ridden with the flu (✖╭╮✖) I'm so spoiled by having the NHS in the UK, I'd probably just be really stingy and not go to a doctor hoping to get better on my own haha.

[@TexaninTokyo]

Beffinee Feel better soon!! Flu is a tough one...

[@mehakverma7043]

I love how Ryosuke is just vibing while she is explaining important information lmao

[@Laurdette]

you are Both SO lovely and so funny. Thank you so much for this vid and I really hope you feel better

[@MadhuNTHBetterToDo]

when I get colds my mum fills a small tub with hot water and pours a few drops of medicated oil, and then I have to cover myself and the tub with a blanket and inhale the hot vapor before coming up for air XD

[@ashleybrewer2258]

He is just so cute! I need my own Dr. Ryosuke. You are both absolutely adorable and I thank you both for existing.

[@gaijinhakase1575]

Thanks for sharing! Thankfully, I don't get sick easily (I only get a cold once every 2 yrs or so, and I've had the flu only twice). But it's good to know how it works when I move there :-) Glad to see you're doing better, Grace!

[@stevensummers2030]

I love all your videos my wife and I are going to Japan next year and this is really helpful.

[@TexaninTokyo]

Steven Summers yaaay! I hope you guys would have such amazing time here :D

[@bladeofSteele]

They are so adorable~~! Also, he started singing Star Wars at the end?!?? What?!

[@prtank]

Thanks for all the great info! Get well soon!

[@3DJapan]

Glad you're better now! Did you ever remember what Number 8 was?

[@holl3iemarie]

Glad you are feeling better :)

[@Dorlinedainwen]

Goodness, I would have my parents mail me the biggest bottle of ibuprofin they could find lol

[@noodle2790]

You're husbands very cute! I like how enthusiastic he is :D

[@kimandersen3423]

Ryosuke you crack me up with your antics!

[@fordictionclass]

That medical booklet looks like a coloring book. XD

[@ej3016]

fordictionclass who cares what it looks like - its the medical history inside that matters -

[@fordictionclass]

...? I just meant that it's cute.

[@MsSunny9]

Hope you get well soon Grace!

[@lordblazer]

there are home remedies for colds too. like mineral oil and cod liver oil. the mineral oil you're going to put on your neck and chest, and wear a shirt you don't mind getting dirty. now layer it. There was some other stuff like mint or peppermint oil, and basically drink hot tea with honey and go to sleep. should be fine the next day. I did a lot of home remedies when I was living in Japan when I was sick. I'm from oklahoma btw.. another good home remedy is to get cheap wine and an orange. pour some of the wine in a pan and peel the orange and put the pieces in with the wine. heat the wine until it boils. let it cool, and out in a warm mug. drink and eat the fruit.. Also another good remedy if you don't got time for any of it is a shot of whiskey then go to bed. do two shots a day and eat soups. avoid fried foods during this time.

[@ChantelleFerguson422]

I'm so glad to see that you're mostly better! I was really worried about you. :>

[@ramaaowidah2944]

Can you buy painkillers over the counter? If not me and my period are so screwed

[@viktoria.zigraiova]

I thought so too :D

[@Avrysatos]

You can. I get migraines during my period. I would have died otherwise.

[@knifeyonline]

migraines are best treated by lavender or peppermint oil massaged into the temples anyway....

[@Avrysatos]

Joseph Stott yeah those don't work on me. caffeine and aspirin and cool wash cloth works best. Trust me you don't have t o tell me what migraine cures are out there I've tried all of them at least a dozen times.

[@knifeyonline]

AmaranteStryfe that sounds like anything that thins the blood works for you i.e. you don't drink enough water.

[@bunsawad9874]

I hope you get well soon ♡ thank you both for the video~♡

[@joshdaniels2363]

I can confirm that healthcare costs, even without insurance, are incredibly low in Japan, from an American perspective. I injured my foot the first time I stayed there and thought I had broken it, so I went to the hospital. I had a reimbursement-only travel insurance policy at the time, so I spent much of the time wondering how screwed I would be when they gave me the final bill. I was sort of stunned and disbelieving when I got it: I got X-rays, meds (pain/anti-inflammatory) and was seen by a specialist, and the total bill was only about $117. It wasn't even worth putting the claim in when I got home, since the policy had a $100 deductible.

[@cassandrathomas6015]

It might be cheap in comparison to other countries, but the concept of paying for health care is so strange to me since I've lived all my life in a country where it's free for everybody. It's so strange to me that in some countries somebody could be dying and they would have to pay 1000's for treatment.

[@sabinacroarkin4603]

Agreed, I feel pretty lucky to live in the UK. We certainly aren't perfect in many respects but at least we have free healthcare. Although wait times can suck

[@shanghainoon7829]

Cassandra Thomas it's the same for China. You only pay for specialised healthcare. Any emergency or standard healthcare is free. The sad thing is that for countries where there is no universal healthcare, the disadvantaged have to "Tough it out" at home instead of seeking professional care.

[@dreadogastusf3548]

Shanghai Noon Don't I know it. I live on the good old U.S. of A. where our healthcare is the gold standard! No gold? No healthcare.

[@lucienlachance2476]

Yea, I know. It blows my mind ^^'

[@GeoAl09]

Cassandra Thomas That blows my mind considering how terrible it is in the U.S

[@cevindevy]

I like that drink! Its like Pocari Sweat but its better cuz its lighter and more refreshing.

[@TexaninTokyo]

cevindevy Yeah! I like Green dakara!

[@bradburchnell2341]

That was incredibly helpful! Thank you

[@syrenawebb2605]

I found cold compress pads in a dollar store here in MI, pretty relaxing just to use if you have a headache or are tired.

[@XxAmayaSanxX]

A medical booklet system would be good to inplement in the US, since many people dont remember things on their records, what mesicine they are taking, or that some things (like birth control) are medication, and a doctor needs to know.

[@Digi-Navi]

Green Dakara is amazing! I drank so much of that when I visited Japan earlier this year!

[@GregLam]

Glad to hear you're starting to feel better.

[@serenam.9266]

I find it hilarious that KZbin recommended this video right now cause I've got a terrible case of sinusitis.

[@DasPingu]

Another informative vid! :D Aww, poor Grace. :x Getting sick always sucks but I bet you'll be feeling 100% in no time with the help of Dr Ryosuke haha~ x)

[@Teenoutreach117]

You guys make the most helpful videos!

[@rickyp2287]

Moving to Tokyo in two weeks. The thought of getting really sick in Japan gives me an anxiety attack. :( Thanks for making the videos concerning something as important as illnesses in a foreign country.

[@PoptartKid]

Thanks for sharing, this was a very useful video! Get well soon Grace!!! :D

[@JennaNoManga]

You have been sick for a long time ! I hope you will get better soon :) I was scared to go doctor alone with daughter and was right after they sent me to another hospital and she needs surgery :( I would not have understand everything ...

[@TexaninTokyo]

Cutejapanvids It is very scary going to see doctor when you don't speak their language... I got so scared when we went to a hospital in peru (neither of us spoke Spanish) (Ryosuke)

[@MeggieKay]

This is good information to know. Though I rarely get sick and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I stay this way.

[@CheshireCesare]

Ryosuke, omg!! I was toggling between trying to write down these tips and laughing at what he was saying/doing hahah xD

[@gabbeanie5276]

"I'm a Doctor" "I don't trust you.."

[@ArchOfWinter]

People in some hotter regions that sells the head stick thingy use them during really hot weather to help them cool off.

[@deannaworley9849]

The fact that you can't get medicine is over the counter was really surprising, I think those stick on cool packs are amazing I wish we had them in Canada

[@DSON89]

Thats good that your getting back in health :D I know how it is to be sick, I hate being it.

[@margaretbakly7810]

Your husband is cute that was wonderful when he put the mask on and was like doctor hi

[@HustleRoseXO]

so basically getting sick on a friday night is the worst ever

[@TexaninTokyo]

Lenora Crown Pretty much

[@kich6172]

New to the channel...the husband cracks me up! LOL

[@chaos9494]

Glad you're feeling better! I just woke up sick today too. Getting sick in the summer sucks the most because it's way too hot to wear those masks. Also, I'm jealous! Your health booklet thing is way cuter than mine! XD

[@jennb5833]

That cooling patch that goes on your forehead would be great for headaches. I wonder if I could get those here in the USA.