I didn't actually realize that people from Japan thought that way about us Americans. I don't feel like we are the top of anything. Actually I feel like our country is a mess right now. So even though I have never been to Japan i respect your culture. Japan has been a part of most of my life.
One commentor here said that Japanese say that they are "shy", but that it would be more accurate to say that many Japanese people actually have unfortunately low communication skills. I actually agree, and would be happy to (respectfully) receive any opinions on the matter, after I share mine here. For a minimum of context, I am American and I live in Japan. I am not Japanese at all, but can fortunately communicate very comfortably in Japanese with coworkers, neighbors, children, adults, everyone who crosses my path. 👇🏽 I loath to feel this way, but I do feel that Japanese people have very low communication skills. I also think that Japanese society does not encourage higher levels of communication skill. While social sensitivity is, yes, part of communication skills, absolutely, and Japanese do "take the cake" for that... it must be said that "social sensitivity" or "social harmony" does not necessarily help people to actually communicate clearly, i.e. without ambiguity, about deeper and more complex topics that require understanding various perspectives in order to make reasonable decisions. This seems a very unfortunate weakness of the Japanese general public. FYI This same weakness actually exists in a slightly different variant (low experience with people who are unlike oneself) more and more across the United States as well. 👇🏽 I offer an anecdote to illustrate why I, as a Japanese-speaking American who is largely accustomed to a normal Japanese daily life (as much as I might be able to not living with a Japanese family unit), feel like the communication skill is low. Many times each day I hear words that I don't know. Im not a native soeaker, so thats to be expected. And I, being curious and interested, will ask about those words: "Oh, what did you say? I didn't quite hear. No, the word you used before... I would like to hear it again, please." "Ah, this word, I don't quite know what it means. Can you explain it to me?" "Ah, this word, I think I understand it mostly... but what are the kanji? Can you think of another word that uses the same kanji?" Depending on the words, many times people will be able to explain it or offer examples. Many times, however, regardless of age people really struggle to explain what amounts to their own use of their own language. Now, this may not be unique to Japanese people thinking about Japanese and how it works and what the words that come out of their mouths mean... but it has been extremely revealing to me as a "foreigner" that many times I actually seem to know more and can explain more about common words or expressions that Japanese people can, and that many people around me (I live outside a major metropolitan area) default to 方言 and/or colloquial ways of saying things, and perhaps struggle to explain the words or terms they themselves are using in clear Japanese, instead stumbling over nuances and examples that don't really clarify things in a helpful way (for me, a Japanese speaker). Before, I've been in groups of Japanese people who, with regard to a word, all seem to understand it but collectively fail to provide examples or explanations that would be satisfying to someone who can largely understand them when they are speaking normally. This also, one might argue, points to a lack of intellectual rigor, which is a topic for another time...
I really like your English, I hope I can express myself as well in Japanese one day. Also your personality is really cool, I really like your expressive, straightforward and honest style.
I’ve been in Japan for about 20 years. I’m bored of people saying that “Japanese people are shy” or “Japanese people are quiet “it’s just Japanese culture.” Just admit that you’ve got really low communication skills, especially old people. “Atsuuuuui,samuuuui,oishiiiii,muzukashiiiii”
THIS. I am American and I live in Japan. I am not Japanese at all, but can fortunately communicate very comfortably in Japanese with coworkers, neighbors, children, adults, everyone who crosses my path... I loath to feel this way, but I do feel that Japanese people have very low communication skills and that Japanese society does not encourage higher levels of communication skill. Social sensitivity is part of communication skills, absolutely, and Japanese "take the cake" for that... but that does not help them to actually communicate clearly, i.e. without ambiguity, about deeper and more complex topics that require understanding various perspectives in order to make reasonable decisions. This seems a very unfortunate weakness of the Japanese general public. FYI This same weakness actually exists in a slightly different variant (low experience with people who are unlike oneself) more and more across the United States as well.
I offer an anecdote to illustrate why I, as a Japanese-speaking American who is largely accustomed to a normal Japanese daily life (as much as I might be able to not living with a Japanese family unit), feel like the communication skills are low. Many times I heard words that I don't know. I will ask about those words: "Oh, what did you say? I didn't quite hear. No, the word you used before... I would like to hear it again, please." "Ah, this word, I don't quite know what it means. Can you explain it to me?" "Ah, this word, I understand it mostly... but what are they kanji? Can you think of an example?" Depending on the words, many times people will be able to explain it or offer examples. Many times, however, regardless of age people really struggle to explain their own use of their own language. Now, this may not be unique to Japanese people thinking about Japanese and how it works, what the words mean... but it has been extremely telling to me as a "foreigner" that many times I know more and can explain more about common words or expressions that Japanese people can, and that many people around me (I live outside a major metropolitan area) default to 方言 and struggle to explain the words or terms they use in clear Japanese, stumbling over nuances and examples that don't really clarify things in a helpful way. I've been in groups of Japanese people before who, with regard to a word, they all seem to understand it but collectively they fail to provide examples or explanations that would be satisfying to someone who can largely understand them when they are speaking normally. This also, one might argue, points to a lack of intellectual rigor, which is a topic for another time...
Oh my goodness. This breaks my heart so badly. Noooo. You Japanese can’t think like that. Your culture is beautiful. And it makes sense, I went to Universe the other day & had my little kiddos with me & an older woman was smiling at my kids. I had the feeling that she wanted to get to know us but I couldnt communicate with her. I really would have loved to connect with her. Also, I came here from America bc I think the Japanese women are the most beautiful women in the world & your culture is great. I wanted to learn more.
This is not a given . It is just Terumis opinion , it could be true but there are a lot of other theories like Shogos about the behavior of japanese people . Terumi is the pollar opposite of the average japanese person cuz unlike her they are very collective , judgemental and groupists . So it makes sense that Terumi thinks like that . Clearly she came to greece and fell in love with the place so she decided to live here where its more easy going than japan and she is above all a japanese language teacher so staying in japan was not such a great idea . But if she were to stay in japan her point of view would be different cuz society is really strong in japan .
@@user-gc4xg9fp2f exactly I know a handful of Japanese like her where they are more open to ideas. Thinks individually. You nailed it Japanese are very group centric.
@@PinkuStyle yeah ive done my homework about this . She basically dissed "tatakae" and explained why japanese people resort to it , in her opinion of course .
@@user-gc4xg9fp2f well I was speaking more towards here having a personality and open mind more so than the average Japanese person. I don't dig to deep as overall I've been here in Japan 15 years and no one has ever impeded my fun
@@PinkuStyle yeah i meant "tatemae" actually . Either way we are taking about the same thing . They think that you must not stand out no matter what !!! To me its funny how clever they are when it comes to dealing with any occasion . Not only do they lie (tatemae) but if they say outta nowhere "do you want some more tea maybe ;" that means that they want you to leave XD !!!!! I adore their dexterity and culture and as a person i agree with many japanese behaviors .
I love this, I really wasn't sure where this was going after the 1st reason - I'd say the #Japanese people, Culture is more #Codependent than #Insecure -- but that #2) That you guys #RESPECT Others first, and TOTALLY don't think you are the BEST. Just how the opposite happens HERE in #America, #GreatBritain and all the damn #Western/#UK/#EU Countries we Own or Control Over. I'm SO Sick and Disgusted with America, the UK and want to MOVE out of here -- bc its SO Damn Arrogant in the Western #Societies. This growing up as an #AsianAmerican and BORN/LIVED in the US all My Life. Thank you for creating this, I appreciate your Young Honesty, #Truth and I guess #Bubbly attitude, that is very-NON Japanese, :D I feel. I feel like you are a younger version of me, and I say the F word a lot too.. [but trying to temper that down]. Bless you girl! -Samantha. 💕
I didn't actually realize that people from Japan thought that way about us Americans. I don't feel like we are the top of anything. Actually I feel like our country is a mess right now. So even though I have never been to Japan i respect your culture. Japan has been a part of most of my life.
One commentor here said that Japanese say that they are "shy", but that it would be more accurate to say that many Japanese people actually have unfortunately low communication skills. I actually agree, and would be happy to (respectfully) receive any opinions on the matter, after I share mine here. For a minimum of context, I am American and I live in Japan. I am not Japanese at all, but can fortunately communicate very comfortably in Japanese with coworkers, neighbors, children, adults, everyone who crosses my path.
👇🏽
I loath to feel this way, but I do feel that Japanese people have very low communication skills. I also think that Japanese society does not encourage higher levels of communication skill. While social sensitivity is, yes, part of communication skills, absolutely, and Japanese do "take the cake" for that... it must be said that "social sensitivity" or "social harmony" does not necessarily help people to actually communicate clearly, i.e. without ambiguity, about deeper and more complex topics that require understanding various perspectives in order to make reasonable decisions. This seems a very unfortunate weakness of the Japanese general public.
FYI This same weakness actually exists in a slightly different variant (low experience with people who are unlike oneself) more and more across the United States as well.
👇🏽
I offer an anecdote to illustrate why I, as a Japanese-speaking American who is largely accustomed to a normal Japanese daily life (as much as I might be able to not living with a Japanese family unit), feel like the communication skill is low.
Many times each day I hear words that I don't know. Im not a native soeaker, so thats to be expected. And I, being curious and interested, will ask about those words:
"Oh, what did you say? I didn't quite hear. No, the word you used before... I would like to hear it again, please."
"Ah, this word, I don't quite know what it means. Can you explain it to me?"
"Ah, this word, I think I understand it mostly... but what are the kanji? Can you think of another word that uses the same kanji?"
Depending on the words, many times people will be able to explain it or offer examples. Many times, however, regardless of age people really struggle to explain what amounts to their own use of their own language. Now, this may not be unique to Japanese people thinking about Japanese and how it works and what the words that come out of their mouths mean... but it has been extremely revealing to me as a "foreigner" that many times I actually seem to know more and can explain more about common words or expressions that Japanese people can, and that many people around me (I live outside a major metropolitan area) default to 方言 and/or colloquial ways of saying things, and perhaps struggle to explain the words or terms they themselves are using in clear Japanese, instead stumbling over nuances and examples that don't really clarify things in a helpful way (for me, a Japanese speaker). Before, I've been in groups of Japanese people who, with regard to a word, all seem to understand it but collectively fail to provide examples or explanations that would be satisfying to someone who can largely understand them when they are speaking normally.
This also, one might argue, points to a lack of intellectual rigor, which is a topic for another time...
I really like your English, I hope I can express myself as well in Japanese one day. Also your personality is really cool, I really like your expressive, straightforward and honest style.
Thank you so much!!
I’ve been in Japan for about 20 years. I’m bored of people saying that “Japanese people are shy” or “Japanese people are quiet “it’s just Japanese culture.” Just admit that you’ve got really low communication skills, especially old people.
“Atsuuuuui,samuuuui,oishiiiii,muzukashiiiii”
haha that's true!!
I lived in Japan for many years and am so tired of people saying that they are not racist when expats have experienced all sorts of racism there.
THIS. I am American and I live in Japan. I am not Japanese at all, but can fortunately communicate very comfortably in Japanese with coworkers, neighbors, children, adults, everyone who crosses my path... I loath to feel this way, but I do feel that Japanese people have very low communication skills and that Japanese society does not encourage higher levels of communication skill. Social sensitivity is part of communication skills, absolutely, and Japanese "take the cake" for that... but that does not help them to actually communicate clearly, i.e. without ambiguity, about deeper and more complex topics that require understanding various perspectives in order to make reasonable decisions. This seems a very unfortunate weakness of the Japanese general public.
FYI This same weakness actually exists in a slightly different variant (low experience with people who are unlike oneself) more and more across the United States as well.
I offer an anecdote to illustrate why I, as a Japanese-speaking American who is largely accustomed to a normal Japanese daily life (as much as I might be able to not living with a Japanese family unit), feel like the communication skills are low.
Many times I heard words that I don't know. I will ask about those words:
"Oh, what did you say? I didn't quite hear. No, the word you used before... I would like to hear it again, please."
"Ah, this word, I don't quite know what it means. Can you explain it to me?"
"Ah, this word, I understand it mostly... but what are they kanji? Can you think of an example?"
Depending on the words, many times people will be able to explain it or offer examples. Many times, however, regardless of age people really struggle to explain their own use of their own language. Now, this may not be unique to Japanese people thinking about Japanese and how it works, what the words mean... but it has been extremely telling to me as a "foreigner" that many times I know more and can explain more about common words or expressions that Japanese people can, and that many people around me (I live outside a major metropolitan area) default to 方言 and struggle to explain the words or terms they use in clear Japanese, stumbling over nuances and examples that don't really clarify things in a helpful way. I've been in groups of Japanese people before who, with regard to a word, they all seem to understand it but collectively they fail to provide examples or explanations that would be satisfying to someone who can largely understand them when they are speaking normally. This also, one might argue, points to a lack of intellectual rigor, which is a topic for another time...
@terumikajapan Maybe you have a comment about this, Mika-sensei.
Oh my goodness. This breaks my heart so badly. Noooo. You Japanese can’t think like that. Your culture is beautiful.
And it makes sense, I went to Universe the other day & had my little kiddos with me & an older woman was smiling at my kids. I had the feeling that she wanted to get to know us but I couldnt communicate with her. I really would have loved to connect with her.
Also, I came here from America bc I think the Japanese women are the most beautiful women in the world & your culture is great. I wanted to learn more.
This is not a given . It is just Terumis opinion , it could be true but there are a lot of other theories like Shogos about the behavior of japanese people . Terumi is the pollar opposite of the average japanese person cuz unlike her they are very collective , judgemental and groupists . So it makes sense that Terumi thinks like that . Clearly she came to greece and fell in love with the place so she decided to live here where its more easy going than japan and she is above all a japanese language teacher so staying in japan was not such a great idea . But if she were to stay in japan her point of view would be different cuz society is really strong in japan .
@@user-gc4xg9fp2f exactly I know a handful of Japanese like her where they are more open to ideas. Thinks individually. You nailed it Japanese are very group centric.
@@PinkuStyle yeah ive done my homework about this . She basically dissed "tatakae" and explained why japanese people resort to it , in her opinion of course .
@@user-gc4xg9fp2f well I was speaking more towards here having a personality and open mind more so than the average Japanese person. I don't dig to deep as overall I've been here in Japan 15 years and no one has ever impeded my fun
@@PinkuStyle yeah i meant "tatemae" actually . Either way we are taking about the same thing . They think that you must not stand out no matter what !!! To me its funny how clever they are when it comes to dealing with any occasion . Not only do they lie (tatemae) but if they say outta nowhere "do you want some more tea maybe ;" that means that they want you to leave XD !!!!! I adore their dexterity and culture and as a person i agree with many japanese behaviors .
Hi! I wanna ask how to write the name Hera in Japanese. (Hera as in the greek goddess)
I love this, I really wasn't sure where this was going after the 1st reason - I'd say the #Japanese people, Culture is more #Codependent than #Insecure -- but that #2) That you guys #RESPECT Others first, and TOTALLY don't think you are the BEST. Just how the opposite happens HERE in #America, #GreatBritain and all the damn #Western/#UK/#EU Countries we Own or Control Over. I'm SO Sick and Disgusted with America, the UK and want to MOVE out of here -- bc its SO Damn Arrogant in the Western #Societies. This growing up as an #AsianAmerican and BORN/LIVED in the US all My Life. Thank you for creating this, I appreciate your Young Honesty, #Truth and I guess #Bubbly attitude, that is very-NON Japanese, :D I feel. I feel like you are a younger version of me, and I say the F word a lot too.. [but trying to temper that down]. Bless you girl! -Samantha. 💕
Culture and tradition
The most interesting is when you watch a comedy in a japanese cinema. NOBODY laughs!
居酒屋はチョーうるさいけどｗ
その通りです。日本人はとても静かだ。
Japanese very bad in English . 2 they over respect their culture so they forgot to appreciate others. 😅