Why Are Singaporeans So OBSESSED With Japan??? | TDK Podcast

[@simplyshow98]

We decline the plastic bag when they charge in supermarket, but my mum bought a stack of new plastic bag just to throw our rubbish cuz we ran out of free plastic bag.

[@alui5362]

lmao the moment denise said she doesn't eat raw fish, that explained everything XD can see how it would be the case, yeah.

[@kevo5020]

I don’t know where Denise visited in Japan but there are definitely places that are very serene and tranquil. If one only stays in the big cities like Tokyo and does exactly what all tourists do then it’s hard to disagree. On another point, living in Australia, I don’t see where you are getting $2 for plastic bags from. In the major supermarkets, plastic bags made from at least 80% recyclable material is 15 cents per bag. These are much higher quality and bigger than than normal plastic bags. I just wanted to clarify because what was said wasn’t factual based on my experience.

[@elisetang5473]

honestly I feel w dan about the plastic bag for sweaty clothes, that's why I got those wet bags (meant for baby diapers) that are essentially waterproof reusable bags. just wash them each time and you are good to go!

[@squalolo]

I love japan because i'm in love with raw denim - japan is a denim heaven and it amazed me to see those japanese wearing cool jeans, and many shops selling all kinds of well crafted jeans

[@annew5380]

The toilets are clean, the food is good, the nature is beautiful, the people are so considerate, the onsen is beautiful and relaxing and the snacks are yummy. And now the exchange rate is so good. Whats there not to like! The umbrellas - some of my hotels provided at the door. So considerate! And all hotels provide nice toiletries.

[@linguisticbunny]

Hi, just to share some info about sushi chef from I've read years ago. In Japan, the title of head sushi chef is extremely prestigious, and as such, is not loosely awarded. Known as Itamae in Japanese, which translates to “in front of the board”. This apprenticeship can last several years, typically ranging from 5 to 10 years, depending on the master's requirements and the individual's progress. An apprentice will start as the cleaner, eventually graduating to the rice maker, before finally gaining your apprenticeship as a wakiita (which means ‘near the cutting board’). This is a significant event and after this, a student can spend years trying to reach a point where they are able to wield their own set of sushi knives (known as hocho in Japan). They need to learn various cutting techniques, such as slicing fish, filleting, and deboning. Achieving precision and consistency in these skills takes time and practice. Years of investment in practicing and training will eventually lead the student to become an Itamae, if they are deemed good enough. Rice Preparation: Sushi rice is a crucial element in sushi-making, and achieving the perfect texture and flavor requires extensive practice. Aspiring sushi chefs must spend a significant amount of time mastering the art of preparing and seasoning the rice properly. Fish Selection and Handling: Sushi chefs must develop an extensive knowledge of different types of fish and seafood, including understanding the best seasons for each fish and selecting the highest quality ingredients. Learning to properly handle and store fish to maintain freshness and safety is also a critical skill. Being a sushi chef in Japan is highly revered and honourable job and it is not to be taken lightly because mastery of sushi-making requires an understanding and appreciation of the cultural and historical aspects of sushi, which takes time to acquire and uphold. Overall, the lengthy training period for sushi chefs in Japan is a reflection of the dedication and commitment required to attain mastery in this culinary art form, ensuring that the highest standards are maintained in the preparation and presentation of sushi. On a side note, love to watch your podcasts. Interesting topics and entertaining interaction between your speakers.

[@imst3ph]

Singaporean living in the UK here. Supermarkets over here generally charge 30 pence (around 50 cents sgd) for a use-for-life "plastic" bag. Bring it the next time you shop, use it over and over, and when it is dying just bring it back and get a free replacement. It's usually some sort of thick-ish biodegradable material. If I had to pay for supermarket bags, I guess I rather pay for these thicker bags rather than the Asian default thin, fragile, disposable ones which tend to tear very easily just with cereal boxes or egg cartons. And the cheapo Singaporean in me really likes this use-for-life concept! I guess after you accumulate enough of these bags you paid for, you'll be more conscious about bringing one out with you all the time. Supermarkets also sell house brand reusable shopping bags, usually kinda like the Ikea bag material, if you don't want to get those "plastic" bags. They're not very expensive either, around 1-2 pounds depending on size, design and supermarket chains. Most supermarkets also sell thermal/cold bags. And yes this means we need to buy rubbish bags. We actually can't use random plastic bags for our trash anyway, because the rubbish collectors strictly only clear rubbish bagged in black bin bags. Ironically these bin bags are usually thin and fragile but that's another topic for another time.

[@lg2113]

Our Tampines Hub NTUC have a section outside the store where people can donate there reusable bags for people who forgot to bring their bags

[@s.7980]

I’m sure Singaporeans will eventually get used to bring your own bag. Many stores in the US charged around 10 cents per bag, and it help to reduce single use. Many low-income families are provided reusable grocery bags Foc.

[@jingyiliu7000]

actually it's very common in most countries outside of singapore for a very long time (when I was on exchange in france in 2012, plastic bags were already chargeable)! so common that when I travel, I always try to bring a reusable bag with me...like what dan said, it will just become a habit/norm a couple of years later.

[@timTHY96]

I remember the first time when i was in south korea with my family in 2003, they were charging us for plastic bags then

[@muuuaaachz1012]

I don’t agree with Denise statement on “Japan is a clean China”. First of all, China today is very different from how it was 10years ago. If you go to developed cities, it’s actually very clean and more high tech than Singapore. Japan on the other hand has very different attraction style as compared to China. So both should not be put together for comparison. It’s just a very beautiful country. I love them both.

[@Gexxo84]

Just in case anyone is interested, Muji has the biggest reusable bags I've ever seen.... and comes in 3 sizes, M size can probably fit a 32 inch TV and the L size, maybe a 42 - 50 inch TV

[@jennylee6205]

In Australia, some households have the garbage disposal unit that is electrically powered and installed under a kitchen sink

[@KeaneCJK]

Is it the 1 that blend everything at the drain of the sink?

[@khooym]

i came in for japan contents, then got led to plastics bags topics and realise only at the end of the video lol😂

[@anotation2669]

alright, i'm a chef here, not japanes cuisine but in michelin fine dining etc yada yada. regarding the chef 15 year thingy, yes, u need that, you are paying for their expertise to curate the best way to procure, prepare and present that food you are eating. The best raw fish contradictcally isnt fresh, its aged after ike-jime process. Sushi isnjust vinegar, rice, fish, sometimes seaweed. Its so simple yet so many layers and multiple differenciation. You either get it, or you dont. Even the highest level of traditional japanese cuisine require the highest level of palate and consumption, its art.

[@JonathanPaulSXW]

10:10 "Shock them with my own culture." is that not the best line?

[@AngleLoveStella]

haha are u laughing at ur own joke...

[@crabmeatsushi]

5 MINS IN AND I AM LIKING THIS VIDEO BECAUSE OF JOHN'S VIEWS ON OMAKASE CHEF FKIN HILARIOUS

[@Asdfgh681]

I think it just takes awhile to get used to bringing a recyclable bag wherever we go.. to me it’s habitual now.. at times if I forget and I’m only getting like a carton of milk or just a bottle of detergent.. I just carry them by hand. And yea.. we are late in getting used to this culture.. many countries have gotten used and is a norm since 5 years ago.. What I find most interesting is when people bag their groceries into plastic bags THEN put the bags into the recyclable bag🤨

[@KeaneCJK]

Which defeats the purpose 🤣😂

[@Ganesha6661]

Just a thought, plastic bags can be broken down to oil. However, maybe the alternative is bio degradable bag. For example, in Indonesia, there was a gent who created a food wrap using seaweed. Yes, it may be more expensive. However, if the world really wanted change it can be done. An example would be the usage of CFC. It has been banned due to its effects. So, it comes down to how hard is the hammer going for change

[@Ianlee1977]

Being in Australia not too long ago and going there quite often, most people will actually buy bin liners. I think slowly but surely Singaporeans will start bringing along their own tote bags for groceries ( the Muji ones are pretty good..btw). All we need to do is really limit the use of it or make it so expensive that people will start bringing their own. Example, look at how we are all standing to the left on escalators. When that started, people were complaining left,right and center about it but now we are doing it.

[@Stronghold1119]

First! Really agree with the cost of plastic bags not being a huge incentive for people to bring their own, I think $1 per bag is enough to make me go get my own bag haha

[@Lala_lalacllll]

NTUC used to give discount when u bring your own bag :) JB started no bag day few years ago

[@bell-o9o]

The plastic bags/paper bags bin's idea are from Khoo Teck Puat Hospital , they have been doin this for years

[@veenassa]

The food is the game changer. Haha sushi, sashimi, the fish market. 😂 also the people are very well mannered.

[@meowth27]

For the sushi.. rice is not hot. You cant make sushi with hot rice. For 15 years. Its everything. can you cut a fish with the exact same thickness, size and cut every piece? It takes years of training. Then are you able to produce that same flavour consistency based on this and that fish? I think its very difficult. Anyway japan is awesome. Crowded but clean, efficient, delicious food. Other than price, whats not to like?

[@dwbyzance5193]

The lululemon bag is so good

[@leewn2319]

The attractions of Japan are: Food, scenery, the cities, the traditions & traditional cultures, the finese of arts & skills in making things etc,

[@skummi5375]

Japan boasts world-class museums. If art is not your thing you can enjoy the level of craft they put into design and food. If you don’t like to eat, you can enjoy captivating sights like Mt Fuji, Lavendar fields & crystal clear seas in Hokkaido. While Nara is not for everyone,I don’t know where else you can come face to face with free roaming deer. The long queues are for hyped tourist experiences like Michelin-rated outlets. But you can choose not to partake in those experiences. If Japan is overrated what is she looking for in a travel experience?

[@joansbeef4035]

I am guessing that she stayed in city area for the most part..

[@Casual_Wanderlust]

On the note of plastic bags. Hot take: I dont support this (not because i dont support the movement of being greener) but this is more like a profit scheme for companies. -> thtere is no mandates for profits form this to give to charitable causes. (it would be fair if mandated my POV) its not as if the plastic bag fundss are being utlised for good. unless the funds used is for some green initiatives then fine. Although i like the fact that it is a good deterrence.

[@ChristenB-qd3tc]

Japan store mostly charge 3 yen for a plastic bag, which is about SGD 3 cents or less. In Japan, even 1-cent coins are used. In Singapore, 1 cent is not accepted in all stores and even 5 cent is not accepted in some stores. What sustainability is Singapore talking about beside profiteering objectives?

[@jaceeeee33333]

Do u even watch the video??

[@srlynetteconstance]

Some neighboring countries have specialty shops which do not sell with packaging. May consider that.

[@sparkblessedbe]

“So we are late….” 😂 you have no idea how late…but it’s never too late to start….we’ll get there eventually 👍

[@andyyang4872]

So actually right, as per what I know, the plastic bags were made because before we have them, we use to many paper bags which cuts the trees, so we humans did not forsee the plastic bag profileration in nature and the harm back then. So rather then going back to using paper bags, solutions such as (1) Dissolvable plastic bags (2) A "true" Biodegradable plastic (3) Reusable plastic bag.

[@pearlynlo8095]

😑 it’s boils down to habits. And we are spoilt. Singapore is truly lagging with BYO bags. Besides Europe , Australia,NZ and States, -Japan, Korea, HongKong, Taiwan and China’s big cities have been on the forefront with BYO bags, baskets and recycling. 😐

[@alui5362]

oh jon chua - the underwhelming omakase thing is because ur eating is all the mainstream money grab one. the uni ikura foie gras wagyu thing.... not legit. that's just a cheap way to get the lowest common denominator folk to enjoy. really good omakase chefs will take all the best regional dishes/foods/ingredients in japan and showcase it all. also, good sushi is damn difficult lah. the way you cut the ingredient, the temperature, etc. is not easy. when you taste enough bad sushi, u will know when someone legit knows what they're doing.

[@whitey1253]

Yes but other cuisines are difficult too (e.g. Chinese) but they do not market themselves like the Japanese chefs do. I have to applaud the amazing marketing Japan did over the decades and people really buy that.

[@xordinaryx]

Japan is really much cleaner, safer and polite than most countries.. And Japan even if you don't know Japanese, 50% of the words are in Chinese..

[@y3y13]

If one just follow the itinerary of regular guide book or influencers, then of course everything is overrated. By the way, have been to different parts of China and Japan for more than 10-15 times each, they have their own unique culture, sights and food, if one really knows how to appreciate them and do proper planning before travelling. I don't even dare to openly comment on both countries in term of what their tourism offered despite having travelled more than 60% of China's provinces and 90% of Japan's prefectures. There are really serene, quiet and peaceful and beautiful places in both China and Japan, if one knows how to do proper travel research.

[@weiyitan6035]

Nope JAPAN IS AWESOMEEEE!!!

[@CapDingo1975]

hmm heard about re-using bags but never did anything. This episode might just push me to do something different.

[@elilo5867]

How about those people who undergo Plastic Surgery ? Should they now transit to Paper Surgery ?

[@isaactan8614]

24:52 Dan's laughter HAHHAHAHAHAHA

[@jasonchua9112]

24:23 If your design has no design...😂😂😂

[@xinying9552]

I prefer using my reusable bag cos the handle is longer, I can carry it on my shoulder and be hands-free. A reusable bag is also typically bigger so I can just carry 1 bag instead of multiple plastic bags. Haven’t been taking plastic bags for years but still have bags for trash as we reuse bags from packaged food e.g. chips, dried food or bags from online shopping. And somehow the drawer at home is is still bursting with bags 😅😂

[@samiri6115]

i went to Inunaki village and The Aokigahara Forest very nice and relaxing place..i stayed there for 2 night...PS have to register with police first

[@shinobi11]

I feel that we prob reuse plastic bags the most. Which household in SG dont have a holder full of plastic bags? We use it for rubbish, carrying stuff etc...when you sick or drunk and want to vomit but cant find a toilet, u grab a plastic bag. But yah, its gonna take a while before everyone really becomes use to bringing your own eco-bag.

[@jk-er2zt]

Politicians: talk about sustainability Corpos: laughing their way to the bank selling trash for $. : You paid money for it but it's not even biodegradable: joke And nobody is trying to make biodegradable plastic mandatory either. Whatever happened to the edible disposable cups that is made from seaweed? (I saw that in one bank's mini videos series) Why are we not seeing that material more?

[@eeto_plays]

i feel called out from just the title

[@TerenceWong-q5e]

Singaporeans are over "manja" and complaint too much about having to pay for plastic bags in supermarkets being a developed country. Complaint complaint. In Indonesia still an undeveloped country, for all supermarkets they don't even provide any plastic bags period. Customers have to bring their own reusable bags for your groceries. If you don't have a reusable bag, you will buy one from them or you can have it packed in a carton box. Guess Singaporeans do not know how there are even poorer citizens in Indonesia than our poorer Singaporeans where we keep harping that it is not fair to the lower income. My POV 🤭

[@chriswlh99]

plastic bags are not free in Sarawak either. we bring our own grocery bags since before COVID

[@mattishidayeo]

The corporations are laughing their way to the bank. Somehow they managed to convince the gullible public into paying for a convenience that was free for a very long time, and make a profit from a derivative product thanks to this policy. What I would have done would be to escalate the development of biodegradable plastic bags. People still get to benefit from the convenience and you actually solve the issue of overconsumption of non biodegradable plastic bags in the future since those will be phased out by the biodegradable versions.

[@FusionSempai]

"15 YEARS ley" I choked on my rice.. 😆

[@kadajlim]

i predict Miss S hook is gonna be viral again~

[@h3llmag3]

Shot fired, it's me

[@jooopdeur1759]

you go tourism area mah.. long queues. u need to go sub-urban areas :)

[@srlynetteconstance]

Put reusable bags outside shops. This require time to educate.

[@vhalia]

nice harmony.....

[@priscillatan3]

How about instead of throwing plastic packaging and become trash, just clean it and recycle it. Hence, using smaller plastic bags for food waste.

[@chuaskh]

1) fair vs dark 2) polite vs outspoken 3) sexy vs ah lian 😅😅😅😅

[@HLhere]

konnichiwa, now I know who took my transparent umbrella.

[@richardting626]

Cleaner ver of China? Omg insult to the max.

[@blehmahn5694]

IKEA confirmed is pronounced ee-kay-uh

[@Justanotheruser345]

Go to the vege section to take the plastic bag for free 👀

[@JuzNicky]

It's just a habit... Tumblr for water another Tumblr for teh ping also a tote bag for small purchases A gardenia bread plastic bag for my umbrella for 6 months till the print are all rubbed off. All hanging off carabiners off my bag. Some ppl call me garang guni man some ppl just go o_0 but Idc dgaf I don't look glam but at least I save a lot of money... Save 50 cts here n there... now if some one can turn it into a style... Tell me plox...

[@ChristineTohXH]

Singaporeans just need to be more conscious and civilized, we had it too good and convenient in the past few years.

[@limsoonhwee4891]

I like to travel to Japan but not stay for long term.

[@fengningyeoh9986]

the reality for plastic bags is that we ARE really already eating our own plastic waste!

[@anthonyyeo3019]

Charging for plastic bags, end up more harmful to earth.. Cos cashier tends to give more or ppl tends to take more of their worth.. Cashiers scared if give too little, kena scolded..

[@sereneng7636]

If you need a plastic bag to store your dirty exercise clothes, may want to consider getting a wet bag. Something we use to store baby’s soiled clothes.

[@Nahduge]

Japan? That's yesterday's news. Now all the kids are obsessed with everything Korean.

[@DJNicShogun]

Kpop 😂 lol

[@alau672]

Starbucks give 50cent off for bringing your own cup/tumbler

[@melwu7954]

Cause japan has cheap food very clean water and fresh air

[@madelynn_18]

I love Japannn haha I think because I've been immersed in anime since young. But I also love drawing, art and also the food. However, I do agree that people hype Japan up TOO much. Despite there being many other beautiful places, I still love Japan the most out of all the other countries I've been probably due to all the influence I've had since young. For me, Paris is overrated but it could be the best place to someone else ^_^

[@madelynn_18]

And yes, as a Malaysian we are already using reusable bags and I love my cute tote bags to bring for shopping

[@matt9445]

I’ll walk back to my car which charges per min parking than pay for plastic bags.😂

[@melanielee9338]

🎉

[@dailup]

"Japan is like a cleaner China". Dude, massive L take.

[@atatur123]

I'm sure both PRC & Japanese people will be super happy to hear that 🤣

[@benwong2061]

Algooooooooooo

[@genechew8653]

We obsessed because Stockholm syndrome

[@joansbeef4035]

😂😂😂😂

[@seanjosephtan]

Lol if it’s Stockholm syndrome, then shouldn’t we be more in love with Singapore and just do staycation due to falling in love with our hostage holder? 🤣

[@atatur123]

Singaporeans obsessed with Japan meh? Thought it was Korea nowadays. SG's Japan obsession died ages ago IIRC.

[@tpt8476]

japan is no match for china. the variety of food, sceneries & sights, the scale and size of a continent, the history, modernity and the future.

[@joshuacwy2111]

Then what the fuck we gonna do with our trash, dump it down the chute? Buying trash bags just brings us back to square one except we’re paying to throw our trash.

[@moot8107]

Just BYOFB

[@tanchormay6447]

Yes!!! Japan is super overrated. There are too many tourists 😅

[@jeddjoseph237]

Ee-Kay-ya

[@koowaa]

Is TDK over-rated? oh snap

[@ChindianKing888]

Japan is definitely over rated. Many people posting their Instagram stories with numerous people in the background, no longer unique. More to mainstream

[@SwordSaint83]

anything can be over rated.

[@SGAndyAng]

Just... That... Close... To... Being... Cancelled... ;-p

[@hongweiteo]

woaw early

[@bdd3020]

Can't relate

[@yummy90the2nd]

lol I am pretty sure no one knows what's so special about Japan, they just go and complain lol

[@t-rx2921]

i thought typically everyone is obsessed with korea? cos its cheaper and there's the overrated kpop

[@Bucketstar263]

wheee 1st commenttt

[@gwendalyn256]

Couldn't agree more..like why would it take u 15years haha

[@meklavier4664]

Japan still have not apologised the atrocity they committed during world war 2.

[@dsignerer]

U guys missed the 贪婪, Lazy and self-centred side of the people.