Yes. No country is perfect. Even in my country, Indonesia. Foreigners think that the people here are very friendly. Well, that's correct, I guess haha. But, many foreigners don't know that most people in Indonesia are also incredibly lazy. People here have to learn how disciplined Japanese people are.
Sir Lankans are mostly open and friendly for almost any person they meet (I mean the new age people like people that accepting the change.) Since some of old people have some doubts And some even scared of even very simple stuffs. But as said pros and cons.... It's balance I guess
I lived in Tokyo for 2 years. What I didn’t like about Japan is that ppl are so used to following orders that they lose their critical thinking skill. Eg. The teacher said this, or my boss told me to do this etc. also they seem to glorify suffering, like if you can suffer more, you are more noble. It’s quite strange. Love your channel
@@pl3120 I am Japanese. I completely agree with your opinion. I think a lot of the reason why Japanese people are often said to be kind and gentle is because they are very concerned about how they are perceived externally or by others.
Man, I’ve heard of all sorts of reasons to want to go to England, but I have _never_ heard someone say they want to go because of the Royal Observatory in Greenwich.
Same here mate, I had to do a double take because I wasn’t sure I heard it right. I’m in Japan on holiday and when they say they wanna go elsewhere for the pretty night scenery I’m thinking it doesn’t get any better than Tokyo so they’re gonna be so let down 😂
That's not how i understood her reason. I think she wanted to say that England is where the modern civilization started and japan has a longitude very remote from the origin...it was, i think, a poetic answer.
@@LeahUK I don’t think “industrial revolution” and “modern civilization” are interchangeable. In either case, considering the fact that Britain’s industrial revolution was entirely dependent on the pillaging of raw materials from its colonies (particularly the Caribbean and India), I find your statement rather rich.
thats because JP people crave something called 'skinship', meaning nonromantic/sexual gestures of affection or warmth. JP people do not express PDA nor is it encouraged. That's not to say that's bad, in fact that can be good, but they live in a near abstinent lifestyle that is devoid of a lot of the more 'direct' contact or communication other countries (most of the world) has.
It’s nice to see videos that aren’t constantly painting Japan as a utopia. There is negative and positive everywhere. It would have been nice if you could have interviewed older people as well to hear their opinions in contrast
@@ryerye6587 all the interviewees are students so that probably contribute to not getting the more serious problems, like karoshi work culture and the top suicide rate.
@@ryerye6587 I know some people who came back from Japan, and one of the reasons was the "politeness" which was mentioned in the video. They did something wrong in the workplace and some day they got an angry e-mail feedback from the boss, because a co-worker betrayed them. But if the co-worker not so "self-polite" and a bit more "friendly-polite" she would say to the mistaker what he could do better and not would tell to the boss everything secretly. Next day the co-worker was smiling on the person's face like everyday and like nothing happened. She tought she was polite because in Japan you should avoid the personal disagreement. Personally I think it is not politeness, this is betrayal, you are not polite to someone if you are mean to him. And this story was when I realized Japan isn't perfect after all.
@@ryerye6587 as someone from a poor country I like to watch videos like these from Japan, Western Europe, north America - where people complain about their countries, it's funny and also shows that people are never satisfied
As a foreigner who has lived in Japan for a few years before, I can definitely tell you the main thing that always bothered me was the fact that no one really thinks for themselves. It's great to see people being polite and having respect for each other by not speaking on the trains, being loud or disruptive, etc. Though, It's odd when you see a country just full of "rules" that everyone follows and people are so afraid to just be themselves. You do see younger people more open minded which is great, but I know for a fact that the politics and older generations have this very old-fashioned way of life and thinking and don't want to change anything. That's why the work ethic is so insane and Japan having one of the highest suicide rates due to crazy stress. Of course there are no perfect societies, but this is one thing that always baffled me.
>Japan having one of the highest suicide rates I would appreciate it if you could provide some data to prove this. I read your comments and in the end you are just forcing Japan to fit into the ideal image of the country you developed in your homeland and you are intentionally not dealing with the positive aspects of Japan.
@@Greenforrest7342 Why are you so upset over this? I'm just pointing it out that Japan has a high stressful atmosphere, especially in the workplace that drives people to suicide. If you want the data, you can look it up yourself. There are positive and great things about Japan, though there are major misconceptions that people think Japan is this amazing place and everything is perfect when in fact, it's not. Have you ever been to Japan before? Do you know about the work culture first hand and how social pressure is absolutely insane that everyone must do the same things or else you're looked down upon?
@@paulnone9984 you are making a claim, they just asked what makes you do so... why should they prove your claim? you go do it lol. Otherwise you just spouting nonsense
@@kittenmimi5326 It's quite easy to look things up to get proof as well. Why does it need to come from me? I'm not the source. If people really want to know something, try using your brain to research instead of just trusting what someone says. That's the point. Move on dude.
i agree with Paul. I have looked up alot of things about Japan. And suicide rate is definitely high in the country,children abuse, prostitution rate is also a thing but not many talk about it. Follow some other RUclipsrs who shows more about Japan than its beautiful side. Japan is not perfect like every other country but I don't see why someone would get offended over what Paul said. Because it's true. Do your own research before getting offensive.
When I first returned to Canada after several years in Japan the reverse culture-shock was weird. For a little while I couldn't tell if people were arguing or just having an energetic conversation.
I'm an Indian soo I don't have any problems related to this lol 😂, like it's really really obvious when Indians are having conversation or an argument lmao.
I love how people are concerned about social issues in their own country but the only reason that they want to move out is based on aesthetic aspects of foreign lands, which makes me think they don't dislike their homeland as much
@@byoshizaki1025 But I'm not sure if people outside the US know that. Heck, I knew Chicago had a crime problem but I didn't know the specifics until you told me and I'm assuming you live in Chicago. When people think of the US think of all the glitz and glamour of places like LA or New York, the tourist experience
@@maseoembry4165 I'm not American, but when I think about America, what comes up mostly is mass shooting, poverty, war crimes, McDonalds and good TV shows. We may not know the intricate details, but foreigners always have a grasp of stereotypes that obviously derivate from the truth. I think a lot of Americans wouldn't admit some of their country's fallings, which are deeply ingrained in their livelyhood, as much as most of my fellow countrymen wouldn't admit that they act like lobotomized uncultured swines, which contrast greatly with the great social policies still standing (I'm French).
People in Japan rarely say what they actually think, that's why they mostly gave the same socially acceptable answers as these are issues covered regularly on TV and in social media in Japan. They probably hate other things too but won't say it for fear of being ostracised for saying how they feel.
@@MxMoondoggie I'm not from Japan but if I'm asked the same question, I would answer the same as them. I don't want to go out of the house all guns pointed at me and the rest of the people is just watching.
Japan has always been a country I'd like to visit for holidays, maybe even every year or something, but living there has never sounded appealing to me.
its crazy how these people are young yet so humble, well spoken, well dressed, well behaved and also well looking. as for myself, i would like to live in japan. the culture seems appealing to me. but i cant speak japanese
Why don't you try learning it? You can use the *_"Jouyou kanjis"_* to learn the most used kanjis, and at the same time learning vocabulary. After that, I recommend you learning grammar, just the basic, and then start reading easy stuff to begin. Then you can do a progress like you want, now that you can defend yourself in japanese. If you have any questions, you can talk to me in this place, or anyone else.
@@StrawHatLuffy-wq8wh some of kids are not stupid to make change whatever they want.For example,some of Japan's laws on certain places is fcked up specially the old man can marry a kid based on the limit age and state.
@@satan8350 There's also their loose law on child p*rnography, only in 2014 it came to be but it's got a lot of loopholes and that made Japan the last country to form such law. Even if a person has been intimate with a minor they're not even gonna be in jail for no more than five years, it is also left up to the person to get rid of the child p*rnography. Either way there's a stigma that makes victims not want to come forward, also a lot of young women and girls are being assaulted but especially on trains.
I live in Canada, I am married to a Japanese and have travelled to Japan many times. It's an amazingly relaxing place to visit, despite the buzzing urban activity and environment. There is so much to love about the culture and people, but I would not have wanted to grow up in Japan for the reason you state at the end: you cannot fail; you cannot CHANGE your path and it's even difficult to MAKE your own life path in the first place; too much conformism; too many rigid school exams that determine your future before you are even an adult. More flexibility in education is needed. Too much talent is wasted because it cannot develop or express itself.
too much personal info . We dont care, really, all that crap about your living in Canada but married with a Japanese ... female solypsism at its finest
Welcome to every Asian culture... thats the difference between West and East.... though it isnt black and white comparison, it both give confort of the same level depending on your situation in life
I enjoy hearing all the cultural differences. Here in Texas, no one really cares what you do as long as you’re being respectful and not bothering anyone. It must be difficult for one to express themselves in Japan due to the society standards. I believe things will change overtime though, especially with the younger generations.
I like that thing about japan , nobody crosses the line , everybody moves in a group , it results in social harmony and a peaceful society . As humans its important for us to move in a group as we are herd animals , our growth is proportional to our cooperation .
@@jame254 I think individuality will come naturally as technology advanced forward. Just look what internet brings to humanity. I'm almost certain that the future question we should be asking is "how can we preserve the traditional customs so it would not fade away and die?".
Very informative! I do not like people who say any country is a utopia. Every country has flaws. Maybe the reason why westerners love Japan so much is that many societal issues in the west do not exist there, but they are replaced by a litany of societal issues westerners have never even considered.
Well this guy was being "too polite" also. He was supposed to get people to say what they HATE about Japan. Instead, he just managed to ask them what they "don't like"
The girl who wanted to go somewhere that it's ok to hug people was so heartwarming and wholesome!! Bit of advice: if you're coming to Europe for open minded & friendly people, Scotland is second to no-one :)
She is also the most stupid of all. You're not far off too, saying that Scots are open minded. Friendly yes, but not open minded at all, in my opinion. They would stick to their prejudice and wouldn't leave it under any circumstances. And a leading factor in the world of racism that isn't so visible because of friendliness. In the world of self-righteousness, Scots are second to none. They even managed to beat the English.
i'd argue that the southeast of the US is up there as well. if you become a regular customer ANYWHERE, they treat you like family and you BECOME family. whether it's a bar, pub, nightclub, corner store, you name it. you will eventually become their adopted human and they will smother you with hugs and they would give you the shirt off their back. i cant do "quick" vape shop runs because i end up staying for 3 hours just talking to the staff about nerd stuff. and when i visit my local bar, all the female bartenders stop what they're doing and hug the hell out of me lol. as someone who struggles with mental health, it really does make everything better knowing that there's people out there that're overcome with joy at the sight of my face. i love my extended family ^~^
I guess it is pretty universal to feel, "The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence". So much so that Japan has a similar phrase, "The grass next door is blue". It's human nature to want what we don't have, but others do. It's funny that some of the things that the Japanese folks interviewed didn't like are reasons many outsiders are attracted to Japan. I can understand not liking school uniforms and the desire to dress casually, but I also understand that, in school with casual dress, what you wear can affect how people view each other. Kids from poorer families become embarrassed because they can't afford expensive clothing that kids from better off families wear. I think it would have been interesting to have heard some older Japanese folks answer the same question. I'm sure their answers would have been much different from the answers that the younger folks gave.
School uniforms in general doesn't add anything other than expenses for students. Jesus, even college and universities here implement strict school uniform policies...
Its not really just the uniform. I don't live in Japan but there are also pretty strict rules on uniform in my country and I think it is a way to take individuality from the youth. Students are people. Kids don't even have a chance to be kids because of the immense pressure to be a certain way. But its great to see different perspective. Have a nice day. :))
@@yellomello6952 I don't think it's a long term solution to depends your individuality on your sense of fashion alone tho. Think of it as a mindset and a way of life. But, I think it still makes sense to implement free uniform in first world country bcs the avg household income is much higher than those in 3rd world country. But implementing it to 3rd world country will bring social gap higher between each student resulting even more bigger pressure on the student itself and his/her family. As if current social problems in school hasn't big enough :/
Nothing in life is all good or all bad. Videos like this help not romanticize any one location as "better". It is really just "different". I really hope to travel to Japan one day!
In my younger days I was like that but since then I have met many Japanese abroad and no, if the whole country is like those people, simply no. The world is big and I'm sorry but their obsession with kids in pop culture is also too much.
Agree with you. I live in North America and there is a tendency to romanticize places like Italy after a vacation. The belief is life is perfect with amazing benefits. I am in Italy annually and I talk to locals who are highly educated, can't get a job and have a different lifestyle. They even have one of the best maternal leave but that is redundant since many can't afford kids so do not have use for this. Also, North Americans want these benefits without paying the high taxes European taxes. It's not always green on the other side. There is good and bad everywhere.
@@SHONGA1974 It's just weebs gushing over Japan. People with so called yellow fever. Oh la la, Japanese are perfect. They have little bentos. And clean trains. And they have toilets which spray your butt. But guess what. You get two weeks of leave a year and you're only supposed to take one of those. Also the salaries in Japan are not that good. A nursing sister in the US earns much more than one in Japan, for example.
As a young black person who has lived in Japan it felt like absolute hell living there . As a vacation it was amazing but as I tried to settle down it just got worse...Japan is a great place but it's more than anime heaven
Why "hell" though? I'm curious to know on the aspects that made u feel like that... Also I'm curious to know if u personally experienced any racism there for foreigners
Asian countries are colorist, even against their own citizens who have darker skin. For example, in Thailand there is a smaller portion of the population that are Chinese Thai, as in their family has Chinese ethnicity, so they are paler and fit the beauty standard better than the majority who are ethnic Thai. Their families also tend to be richer. They stick together and don't associate much with most Thai people. My african coworker became bitter (not surprising) after working at a supposedly good school in Thailand because of how he was treated. People who visit Thailand see Thai friendliness, because you're not staying, but it can be a completely different story in a work environment. Many Asian people see darker skin as ugly, dirty and lower class. I also lived in Vietnam and if you're black, but have lighter skin, are good looking and charming you can date locals, they will like you. But if you have dark skin, they will friendzone you. I saw it happen to my coworkers. Most expats abroad are men, so I'm not sure about how bad it is for black women but I'm going to assume it's worse, because of the stereotypes men have about women from American media, they think women are more sexual and "open minded." If you're going to live in Asia I suggest Taiwan, they're some of the most friendly people you'll meet, and in Taipei they're a lot more international than people realize. They also have decent English, at least your coworkers will, and you have a lot more rights and benefits while working there, low taxes, great public transportation, reasonable rent and living expenses. Mandarin isn't as difficult to learn as people say, if you can speak some, Taiwanese people will be really friendly. Very little crime, not a party destination so I think foreigners are more welcome there. And while there is always going to be that barrier, because you are a foreigner, it's probably the least awkward you can get in Asia. Even better, you can get permanent residency after working there for 5 years. Definitely do NOT live in China, the way they treated black people during Covid is beyond awful. Supposedly they still pay English teachers well but they've been cracking down on foreigners in general for years.
I won’t lie I feel like this is a much needed video. Many people seem to see Japan as this perfect utopian wonderland filled with crazy cafes, anime and sakuras, lol
A lot of these things that are mentioned in this video are partly what makes Japan so unique and amazing to those outside of Japan. It's kind of a catch 22
I mean they aren’t wrong that’s the positive part about Japan but people overlooked the negative stuff about Japan. Overall I’ll say compare to other countries I’ve been to, as long as I behave and follow their rules. Japan is the most enjoyable place I’ve ever been to
@@brozors Absolutely. Doesn't matter if you live there your whole life, if you have a non-japanese face you'll never be accepted as a "true japanese" and they make sure to remind you of that. You can't live in Japan if you're not japanese descendant, period.
Healthy, but not very well tolerated in society. Sometimes it can be appreciated, but other times it can lead to ostracisation. You have to be very aware of honne and tatemae and not fuck it up.
@@Midnighter1886 I don't think it's that unique either. Many cultures have similar things. It's just that Japan seems to be particularly dense and aloof about it. So much, that it makes it special. Also reaction to open discussions there is still very unique and almost unvariating.
When I went to Japan to visit my wife’s family, I was both awestruck with how Japan operates, but also uncomfortable cause the idea of a white man marrying a Japanese women is still considered “taboo” so I was treated with a decent amount of hostility. My wife said that was one of the reasons she immigrated to America, she was tired of the strict social guidelines that she felt they’re “expected” to follow. She wanted to follow her own path
@@drakke125Channel i think theres more than that, the foreign husband too can have difficulty to live and work in japan, in addition the living cost for kids in japan is heavy. its like 6000€/month in tokyo for a couple+2kid. and many japanese woman can stop work when having kid in japan, can the husband afford it? like many thing its often a question of money.
My sister-in-law's Japanese and moved to the US to be with my brother who's Asian American (though not Japanese descent) and she's said in her experience how Japan still very much adheres to traditional gender roles, though it's a little different with the younger generation. Her mom was so pleasantly taken aback that my brother takes care of their newborn and the house as much as he does bc in Japan, that's not a thing that men do. (Edit: then my other brother also brought up the point that on the other hand, the typical Japanese salaryman is expected to work crazy long hours.) One of my cousins from a rural part of Vietnam also came here some years ago and her sister was so shocked when they were on the phone one time and my cousin brought up how her husband was washing the dishes in the background. Her sister was like, he's washing the dishes?! Sad how the bar is so low. Edited to add: This isn't AT ALL to say the West doesn't have its own patriarchal issues because ohhh it most certainly does! The bars are just set at slightly different levels.
After having lived in Japan for many years and having Japanese kids we all agree that while cultural conservatism aids civil and peaceful coexistence, it's really unnecessarily at the expense of individual creativity and expression. The formality of hierarchy vs merit is infuriating because holds back so much potential. It's so tiring having to go through all the rigmarole of meeting new people and tip toeing around just incase some seniors expectations of fealty are tread on. Japan could take down the manners intensity about 20 percent and still be the politest people in the world.
Yes I do agree with you. You absolutely know better than I do. Even where I am from, the manners and such things are lackluster. It is like wobbly chair , one time you'll not fall second time you will if you wobble enough in it or someone wobbles it for you. I don't know honestly that both Japanese and foreigners can be 1:1 idk if it would be fair or what would right word be but say if Japanese is 100%, Foreigner should be 95% a little different but mostly they get same treatment. It should be who does the work best and most productive and better for company and not who is Japanese and who isn't. That both work dillegently, proficiently and efficiently and to both have that ease when they are on their days off to holiday or whatever.
As a Japanese, I agree. Theres too much formality and certain phrases you must use for people of higher position/older age whereas in foreign countries, barriers between age generally doesn't affect ones relationship and easier to talk to in a more casual way.
The quietness (rule following) sometimes bothers me. For example, my Japanese husband will sometimes get annoyed at little kids being loud or young people getting a bit wild in public space. When I asked my husband why it bothered him he said I don’t know it’s because I’m Japanese 😭 As an american, I love it, it reminds me of home. But I realized the reason it stands out here is because no one else is doing it. In america, the chatter becomes white noise, everyone is loud so no one is loud, but here you stick out like crazy. My husband and I have been scolded twice for speaking (very quietly) on public transport and it’s a bit ridiculous to be scolded like kids as adults. The difference is, I will laugh it off while my husband will feel so much shame and get really upset. All in all I think the positives of our cultures have helped us become more balanced people.
That ‘white noise’ is a huge source of frustration for me living in the US. You have to understand that no one really listens to each other here. They’re just waiting to yell back in your face. I have to wear earplugs to social events. Restaurants here are so loud I once measured 110db! That’s getting up to a jack hammer. So give your husband some grace lol
@@TheDarkHour684 I do understand, as I said I’m an American. For me it doesn’t bother me. I’m sorry that it’s difficult for you, I guess it depends on the person. I have a different experience to my husband but I don’t need to “give him grace.” Of course I respect his feelings on the matter. I was simply explaining one of the cultural differences we’ve encountered.
@@TheDarkHour684some situations can be annoying, as in taking a bus (you have to) and a person talks loudly in the morning. . But if "you have to" wear ear plugs at social events I think the problem is you.
I think a lot of the things that many Japanese aren't fond of are starting to slowly change. It seems that as communication throughout the world increases and we start to interact with one another, those traditional rules and norms that people experience in Japan relaxes a little bit.
I visited Japan back in 2018, and I absolutely loved the culture shock, it felt like a different world (in a good way) to the UK. However I did get a peek into the strictness culture, when I left a club one evening and was sat on the sidewalk waiting for my friends to come out too. The bouncer of the club called the police and the police were asking me who I was, where I was from and for my passport (with the bouncer very roughly translating). Not being able to even read a letter of Japanese, let alone speak much, whilst being a little bit drunk, was pretty scary
I have thought for a long time that Japan is a beautiful country filled with deep history and culture. But considering how much it has been glorified and depicted as a utopian paradise (Mostly because of video games and anime), I always thought that it must be a place that is too perfect to be true and you would only want to be as a tourist. Thanks for pointing out what I was thinking.
I always hated how everyone praised it like some kind of heavenly place, especially weebs. I actually got really mad once or twice just seeing people think and behave like this.
I agree with you, Japan has this image of a friendly, warm culture but their internal issues created one of the most intense atmospheres among prosperous countries. even history-wise, the Japanese started wars, committed war crimes in China and their "president" is still visiting the memorials of war criminals. without anime they would've been remembered with a status close to North Korea or China
The older the get the more I realize I would never want to live in Japan. When I was young I thought I was meant to live there lol, it seemed so perfect to me. And sure, Japan is stunning, the people are great, the food is amazing but the cultural differences and bureacracy would be far too much for me. Switzerland is basically like Japan (clean, safe, very friendly/respectful/polite, beautiful scenery, ..expensive..) without all the downsides (for me personally!!) so I think I will stay here. The plus sides just aren't enough to motivate me to move there anymore. But I would love to stay in Japan for a prolongued time, like a few months.
As an Indian i want to settle in Switzerland after I retire (not that India isn't a good place to live it's actually very good) ... The place is one of the most beautiful countries I've seen (all on screen lmao).. the lush greenery, the waterfalls... Also seems like a friendly place for foreigners from most of what I've read or heard...beleive me you are lucky u were born there lmao i wouldn't wanna move anywhere If i was born in Switzerland
Same here! Japanese fashion is one of the reasons why I developed a passion for fashion. And the animes make me happy! But I dont ever want to live in Japan even though its one of my favourite cultures.....
It's interesting that every person sees problems related to their age and what they do in their life, u can see different points of view and I really liked it
That's why it would be interesting if he had interviewed someone really old, like 30 to 40 years old. Because most of these people were in the 16-20 range.
Except he didn't really have a variety of age groups at all? I also think he should've led with the question first so that the people had a few seconds to consider their answers. Of course you'll get boring answers like school uniforms lol
@@sieg-sandrodeshannon3035 You probably mean really grown up and adult. It's common for people in your age range to be tactless there (not because of your age, but because it's common in your generation, it wasn't before), and not reconsider your wording. It often sounds narrow minded when teens speak like this, neglectful how their wrong judgement affects people. So when you recognize your mistake, just fix it and chose a more neutral/positive wording.
This was a very cool interview! I love how respectful you kept the interviews while being honest about your questions and not holding anything back! Will definitely share your channel with my friends!
It made me chuckle when the young student gave her reason for wanting to go to England. I was bristling with pride - expecting her to mention our British culture/history/country side - but no she wants to go to the prime meridian. I pass through it around once a week in Peacehaven, Sussex. I personally prefer the 138.25 degrees east line. The food and sights are a lot nicer - a few arc seconds around there.
I remember filling out a health survey in 1989. The form was in English, and the nurse spoke English well, but she was Japanese. There were 100 yes/no questions. I put an X in the right box, but the directions said to put a check in the box. Of course I should have read more carefully, but I was shocked that the nurse asked me each question patiently, erased 100 Xs and replaced them with check marks. I was amazed by both her patience, and the rigidity of the system. I had a lot of great times in Japan, and learned a lot, but I am a very casual person and not good at following strict guidelines.
to be fair i don't know if it has changed but the Scottish ballot cards for Scottish parliamentary election specify you have to put a cross on the candidate/party
When I was in Japan last year I worked as a middle school English teacher and a lot of my students talked about wanting freedom when it comes to what to wear to school. Especially the girls, those that were okay with school uniforms wished that they could wear pants instead of skirts especially during the winter time but they know it’s not allowed. Another thing my students talked about was that they weren’t allowed to pierce their ears or wear their hair down if they had long hair, it always had to be neatly combed back and tied up. It was very interesting for me to hear their take on the rules and regulations.
@@cy6x.-884 surely though exceptions can be made for wintertime to allow girls to wear warm pants, it might help the economy to manufacture these winter-time pants. My private school had a dress code, and had a rule of only specific times skirts and shorts could be worn. You’re not a gangster for a change here and there.
@@cy6x.-884 That’s understandable, and not surprising you ended up dying your hair. People who do that are usually creative and fluid non their identity, and when they’re not allowed to do it when younger, it usually comes out at an older age.
I had several Japanese teachers that were living outside Japan permanently or for long periods. The oldest, a lady in her early 60's, complained about strict rules and what it was demanded from her as a woman or from her husband as a family man. The social/family pressure she faced to quit her job, have kids,... It was rather grim. On a funny note, the youngest one complained about the price of mussels being very high back in Japan, and kept telling stories about her trips to the local supermarket to buy all the mussels 'cause they were so cheap.
I’m glad there were more opinions from teenagers. Teenagers are very vocal these days, especially because of the internet they learn and see from different cultures thus more opinionated on their own.
Japan has always been one of my fav places to visit. I visited Kyoto in June and your videos helped me a lot in planning my trip! It’s interesting to watch this kind of topics bc it is hard to get to know a society if you are not a local. I love getting to know more about Japan through your channel!!
Thank you for this video. I really appreciate the last guy saying "if you make a mistake, people need to say it directly instead of beating around the bush". This is an essential aspect that Japan needs to adapt to. They want to be as polite as possible to the other person, but they don't understand how negatively it's going to impact the person if they don't give the correct feedback at the right time.
It's not an essential thing - this "beating around the bush" is a Kanto/Tokyo thing. If you go east, especially to Osaka, people are a lot more direct. Kansai people even make self-deprecating jokes and are a lot more expressive, hence why so many comedians adopt a Kansai dialect even if they're not from the region.
@@teamojesusss No. You should make the decision to respect your country based on its actual aspects. Not based on how indoctrinated you are to believe so. Free thinking is important.
@@mikaylaguiang2458 I am a free-thinker, that's why I get hate for what I believe (even in America, which isn't my country). But I would never be able to speak against my country, I would just say the things I don't like and would like them to change. That's it.
I don't know about foreigners in general compared to Japanese, but those Americans are about as friendly as you can get. Especially so if you go into the countryside of the United States. Those people will wave and smile and just randomly strike up a conversation with you as if you're an old friend. I've always had the impression that that doesn't happen in Japan.
Honestly, I’ve been too afraid to visit Japan on account that I’m afraid that I’d break one of their rules and disrespect someone. Not to mention the language barrier which I’ve researched that english is not a very common language there. So like, I feel like I’d struggle a lot if I were to choose to go to Japan. Of course I can just do my research for the first problem, but I’d need to always carry a notebook on me so that I remember all the do’s and do nots of Japan.
In my experience foreigners usually get a pass, Japanese people do know that you probably are unfamiliar with all its rules and will just turn the other cheek if you do make a mistake, so just go ahead and visit Japan its not like youre going to act like Logan Paul!!
I would say don't let it put you off going because Japanese people are apparently very kind and helpful and are used to tourists so they won't mind. They actually go out of their way to help people even though most of them can't speak English. I want to visit and I'll look up some basic etiquette so I don't make any major faux pas (like I would with any country) but it's not like you'll get arrested or something. There are a lot more scary and intimidating countries out there! All the people I know who have been to Japan absolutely rave about how much they loved it.
I agree. The language barrier is an issue. Its best to just be kind and understanding. Learning how to understand Japanese is a good thing to get under your belt. As far as being able to speak that is a lot harder but if you accomplish that you shouldn't have much of an issue. I recommend a going to Japan to work abroad. It tends to work out better because you have people that can help you out if you make a mistake or need some assistance not to mention your not alone since you have co workers who are probably in the same boat.
this was really interesting,kinda sad how the answers were similar even though the people asked were so different,seems like no matter if you fit the norm or not you feel a lil trapped.I hope all these lovley people get to travel where they want.thank you for this video!~
The issue is VERY minor, if these are the only things they are noticing, and where their hearts feel bad, it seems like there isnt really any problem(ofc maybe they are not noticing some things).
@@traveler8010 i think its the exact same issue rooted in them that they feel a bit scared to explain how hurt they are from being pushed into a mold. Can for sure see how major this is for them by how excited they are to have a platform like this
@@junedee Eh, the big issue they have is very low marriage rate and loss of omimai system where men and women meet for marriage purpose to see if they capable of marriage. The loss of that system made marriage very hard for them. Japan needs to bring back that system, but that will be hard...
@@junedee Another issue is that raising a kid is very expensive it seems, and government does not seem to help much regarding birthrate, so low marriage rate, which also impacts birth rate.
As an Australian who lived in Japan for six years I don’t like a few things about this country: two strict rules, people are too quiet and serious, too devoted to their work, not much of social life and fun, expensive maintenance, however I still love some nice and relaxing places. I have some Japanese friends in Australia but they are much different … I can say full of life!
The fact that stress levels are so high in Japan and its frowned upon to take a big holiday is really bad for the long term success of the country in my opinion.
A lot of people say that Japan is a place where you can't stand out and do new things but I don't totally agree with that. There are a ton of Japanese artists in all forms that are constantly innovating. Also I've noticed while watching interviews like these that Japanese people tend to be more accepting of other people's individuality in their interests and hobbies. I'm not saying that I think Japan is a totally free for all place where anything goes, but I don't think it's as conformist as some people believe.
Europeans reproach Japan for excessive conformism, and then go to watch porn with tentacles to reproach Japan for excessive promiscuity. And there is no dissonance in their minds.
my personal experience is that it’s not that they respect you but rather they try to avoid commenting on it. so in a sense it’s the “in between” that’s tricky. like you can conform and you’d be fine, or you can choose to stand out a lot, people will leave you alone. but if you have some slight quirks, whether this is by choice like you don’t want to put on makes as a woman, or something out of your control like you have depression, you ARE going to be judged and receive way less understanding than you would in some other countries. it depends on if you can ignore or can build up tolerance to these minor aggressions and ignorance. for me personally it was too much and I went to Europe instead
That's the issue though, Japanese artists/celebs are on a higher echelon of standards. They can get away with more. Its the same anywhere really. Having more fame or wealth is a privilege to let you get away with acting different. Like yeah, I watch live streams where people are more vocal and animated with how they act but that's because they're putting on a show for viewers. Walking down the street 100% they would not be acting like that.
The whole ‘kuukiyomi’ and ‘read between the lines’ thing really intimidates me, the more I learn about it. And I thought in the UK and in corporate settings I could deal with it 🤦🏻♀️ I can do polite, but anticipating what other are thinking like a chess game seems really hard
As a Japanese (half Canadian raised in Japan) the thing I hate the most and struggled with all my life is how close minded people are in general. There is a saying here 出た釘は打たれる(a nail sticking out will be hammered down) I would be criticized or insulted for something small as having curiosity about different topics or talking about dreams and visions.. I started to realize a huge difference when I talked to foreigners they would be curious and loved learning things and really valued knowledge, or when I talk about the things I would like to do they would respond with “go for it!” “Sounds fantastic!” Or “what’s stopping you?” Never had a negative response like I would get from Japanese people. It’s very sad because this is stopping our country and youth to grow as individuals and as a country, and I think it shows a lot in our society like people can’t have deep conversations and high suicide rates especially among the youth. So many people feel like they don’t have an identity feel isolated and alone. I’m in my 30s now and I’ve have been holding myself back for far too long, people tell me that I’m too old to be taking risks and learn new things but I don’t care about what people think anymore I am perusing my dream and visions because it makes me happy and it’s better late then never!
You will never get everyone's approval, if you wait for validation before you make a move, then you will be waiting your entire life. Life is short, nobody on their death bed ever went "I wish I had worked more hours at the office" or "I wish I had done less adventurous & exciting things in my life"! Your life is yours to live, so make the most of it :)
I'm on a similar path as you! I seem to have internalized that overly critical part of the culture and it's really holding me back in the Western world. It's frustrating, but as an adult, I realize I am responsible for unlearning unhealthy habits from childhood. Cheers to persuing our dreams ❤️🔥
An interesting video! Thank you for providing this point of view. I'm brazilian, and here we're commonly greet each other with hugs or cheek kissing. When I think about Japan, my thougths about it is that everyone has to endure the common feelings in social interaction, even so I comprehend that is a cultural social respect.
I lived in Brazil for a couple of months and I met a bunch of people from Japan or whose parents were from Japan. I found that extremely interesting because the cultures seem so opposite! I loved Brazil!
I grew up greeting people with hugs as well so it would be really hard for me to curb that instinct of hugging someone automatically even when meeting for the first time. Like it's not even a conscious gesture.
I didn't realize Japan was so strict a country. It must be difficult especially for the young people. Thank you, TAKASHii from Japan for your video. Very informative.
For Asians, Japanese discipline is commonplace. It's just the difference between West and East. I took advantage of the discipline very well during my student days and did not experience any discomfort. In addition, corporal punishment has disappeared these days, so only the advantages remain.
Love this type of content! For those that don’t know, he asks people many questions but only adds the same question to each video, therefore he can ask 20 people 20 questions and make 20 videos with each video consisting of the same wuestion. Just knowing that makes the videos better.
I lived in Japan for a few years and I loved the culture, the country, and the language. But the few things I didn’t like were: 1) Japan wasn’t as open minded as what I was used to growing up in the USA. 2) As someone who is on the ASD spectrum it was hard for me to read between the lines and understand what my classmates and coworkers meant. Because I need a direct comment or direction to understand, vagueness is hard for me. 3) Also, as someone who has a hard time in social situations, the drinking and going out culture was hard for me to do. I prefer a calm walk at a park alone (or with one other person) rather than going out for drinks with loud music and too many people.
@@shargianmaster6056 An unfortunate aspect of the world is that Murders do and will happen in any country, so despite the grim circumstance I wouldn't let that event sour any potential views you should have of Japan. Japan is one of the most strict countries in the world when it comes to gun control (The killers weapon was home made) and the shooting itself was purely politically motivated. I'm sure it's still safe :)
As a foreigner I am very much in love with the rich and refined culture of Japan. Japan gracefully blend the west into east without losing her identity and tradition. This is a lovely channel as we get to hear from the younger generation Japanese about their thoughts in which culturally they are taught to suppress and not to be outspoken. I have many Japanese friends living in my country for decades and they really love Singapore as my country is very welcoming and easy for the Japanese people to work and stay. Welcome to Singapore 🇸🇬
@@FS-me8mj true but japan’s culture has a much much longer history and it was once like the strongest countries in asia in the past so it might be influenced from there?
I was born and raised in Japan and I so relate to what they were talking about. Japan is a very safe country, but everyone has very safety conscious, so if you do anything that might bother the people around you even a little, you will be warned immediately. It makes me feel a bit uncomfortable to live here...😵
@@ashu.213 For real. I'd take the strict regulation over my neighborhood here in the U.S. People blast music till 2 in the morning. Cops don't even bother showing up anymore.
Wow Takhashii I must say: I really love your Channel. In my whole life it would not be possible to talk to so many people and ask them about their thoughts and opinions. Very well done Greetings from Austria
Thank you this was very helpful! One thing I would love to see is interviews from older folks too, in their mid - late 20s or early 30s! Since it’s hard to relate to folks who haven’t had much work experience, speaking as a 31 year old from US excited to learn more about Japan!
I taught as an ALT from 2013-2016. I tried to encourage my students to make mistakes. When you make a mistake, you can learn from it. I believe that people never stop learning. I thought that some teachers were too strict about doing things wrong. I hope my former students are kind to themselves when they make mistakes. 私は 2013 年から 2016 年まで ALT として教えました。 私は生徒たちに間違いをするよう励まそうとしました。 間違いを犯したとき、そこから学ぶことができます。 人は学ぶことを決してやめないと私は信じています。 一部の教師は間違ったことをするのに厳しすぎると思いました。 私の元生徒たちが間違いを犯したときに自分自身に優しくしてくれることを願っています。
This is exactly how I feel living as a foreigner in Japan now. I lived in California for six years and London for five years. It's my fourth month in Japan. I really feel uncomfortable when people like to use their own standards to judge me or control me. In the U.S.A or UK I felt I have much more freedom to do whatever I want and say whatever I want to speak. So, I'm dying to go back now.
How did you even get in, I’ve been waiting for ever with my foreign exchange due to covid and the borders and what not. Also it is pretty known that Japan is a better tourist country then living unless your rich or don’t mind the customs
America is so liberated that's why there's a lot of mafia nigga and the crime rate is so high. Some Americans black or Caucasians are rude and racist towards asians
I have a cousin who works as an engineer for Toyota. 5 years ago he was proposed to work in Japan. He took some Japanese lessons before going and went there. He came back after two years only because he thought it was "a toxic country with toxic people who spit venom all the time". I'm using his words.
I think that the grass is always greener on the other side! As a Singaporean, I hope to see Japanese traveling here! 歓迎します! I also want travel to Japan again in the future! 日本にまた行きたいです！！
@@takashiifromjapan Ahhh do you mean the Merlion? I hope you do visit! I remember there was a Japanese commercial about Singapore with Merlion as well haha
Japan stands out in the international community as a country with values and culture. I understand the desire to travel and see other countries, but your country is certainly a country to be proud of.
7 years ago when I started learning Japanese I never thought I would be able to understand even fragments of this video. But here I am :) Still have a long way to go lol, its hard to keep up
Seeing people getting success in those things whom they are giving their time and energy really makes me happy I am happy for u :) Sorry for my rubbish english!
Would have definitely like more adults in the video. While I think it was interesting to see how the younger generation feels about Japan, it would feel a lot better if you could hear from people who have been working in Japan for some time, and have experienced the real bs of Japan. With students, it feels like they have some level of comfort and dependence, so if Japan is really unforgiving, they won't really be able to attest to that.
I do believe in cultural differences and every country has its own pros and cons but I still can't get over how those youngsters look so good and mature.
Thank you for this. My brother's really into South Korean pop culture and Japanese anime and culture and I think he tends to hold their cultures on a pedestal like they're some utopia. The only reason I know he knows they're not perfect is because he's aware of the societal pressures like conformity, emotional repression aka bottled up feelings and urges, perfection in academics, crazy work hours, which can lead to things like high suicide rates. All places have their pros and cons, no matter how good a picture they paint. One country might do better in one aspect, but more than likely there's another issue that comes right along to take its place. For example, I completely understand the appeal of good manners towards strangers and elders, but underneath that might be an extremely strict and confining social system in place.
Most people who like kpop/jpop/anime know about the downsites of those societies. Especially kpop and jpop fans since they can see irl how much their idols suffer from the strict norms.
@@Necromediancer Definitely most kpop fans . Kpop fans in my country always be like: ''We just love music and idols, not their people🤣''. They criticize korean all the time
It's always interesting to see how people feel about their homeland, especially young people. The feelings on restrictions and communication speaks to something I think. I wonder if they'll grow out of it or if a new age is on the horizon for the nations future. Assuming of course that, unlike America, the old don't have a stranglehold on the power. I'd love to see them travel too, to see if they become more attached to Japan or less.
Interesting interview. Would have been interesting to hear from people from different generations. Hearing about their answers to where they want to go was really interesting too.
it was nice to know what the Japaneses tell what they don't like in Japan. My older brother who studied in Japan in 1965 also said about the way Japanese work in the workplace, and staying after work to socialize together, even work late on the day or in weekend.
@@SvengelskaBlondie I live in the US, and I used to hangout with my coworkers after a lot of shifts including 15 hour ones. It depends on how close you are to your coworkers. We had a tight crew there at the time
Great follow up questions and interesting to hear different perspectives, but I really would've like to have heard the difference of opinion with different age groups (teens, young adults, adults, older)!
very cool, I learned a lot. so endearing to see people deciding what they're going to say, not used to being asked their feelings on these things. and the girls who were giggling at each other's answers, real best friends.
One thing I enjoy about the culture that I think others take for granted is the respect for others and quietude. I moved to the US 20 years ago from UK and the noise level here is unbelievable. I’ve been to social events where people are literally yelling in my ear to be heard. And I’m not even talking a big group. I bought noise reduction earplugs for social gatherings. And if you’re not yelling at the top of your lungs then they constantly ask you what’s wrong. I once measured the decibels at a restaurant here and it was pushing 110! Just from talking. O.o Americans are so dang loud. Why??? Also their attitude here towards their children is frustrating. It borders on child worship. Children always go first to eat (did not grow up with this rule!) children aren’t disciplined at all if being loud and rude. I’m not advocating children should be seen and not heard. But it’s too far the other way here.
Americans are kind of an international meme for being loud, nobody knows why. I live in Germany and people are neither loud nor quiet just...medium and I can always spot an American because you hear them from miles away lol. I usually don't mind besides finding it funny but one time some guy was in a museum and while it's not expected for you to be super quiet over here in a museum he was literally on FaceTime calling his gf who was eating super loudly on speaker phone. Funny thing was he didn't even take the time to look at anything just ran from room to room.
That's interesting: One thing I noticed is that the German-heritage Americans tend to be the most boisterous and loud Hermann Goering types lol. Italians are loud too! I think everyone is loud here because they all had to be understood coming from different backgrounds and languages. @@mjrhmekssh
I am a foreigner but I do feel its a bit too rigid in Japan sometimes. I notice someone in the comments here said that being vague is a problem because they are on the spectrum. I don't have ASD but I still have to agree because sometimes it's considered rude to even say "no" to someone which is confusing! I remember when I was in Japan I realized that even expressing that you're 'tired' is considered complaining which is considered impolite. again this is coming from someone in the U.S. The U.S culture is just different is all. In the US you can tell someone casually that you're a little tired from work but in japan if you say that you're seen as complaining and everyone might feel that they need to accomodate you, whereas in America thats just how we talk. we're open about a lot of things really. obvioiusly straight up trauma dumping isn't cool but saying small joking things like "ugh i can't stand my boss" or "damn my teacher is too strict" are normal complaints to make so no one judges. In Japan you can't do that. theres a beauty to everyone wanting to keep harmony though. I absoulutey adore how polite japanese are becauses that means when I visit I always feel safe and welcome. when you go to Japan PLEASE study the language and culture as much as you can! trust me it's worth it. as long as you respect the culture of Japan your experience will be fine!
My coworkers in Japan wouldn't shy away from saying they were tired. But teachers are sort of weirdos. And they were definitely overworked. Club activities need to be reigned in hard... I honestly liked the fact that people weren't mindlessly complaining, though, or talking crap about other people. I find the US to be rather childish sometimes, obsessed with drama to make life more interesting.
@@wilhelmbeaston8003 Huh? I never once experienced this. Maybe in the case of people who are extremely fluent, N1 level or so, and know more kanji than the average Japanese native. I've heard of that. "Foreigners shouldn't be able to speak Japanese that well!" But that's just insecurity. Generally, Japanese people (outside of Tokyo) speak to you in Japanese and expect you to understand and speak it at least a little. Because by and large they don't speak English, despite learning it for 6 years in school. Don't be afraid of speaking Japanese in Japan; that's a misconception I think
My heart was warmed by the young lady that said she wanted to work in Africa in the future because she learned about Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at school. The Sustainable Development Goals are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. God bless her and I hope she does it :-).
Yeah that girl was a breath of fresh air versus the US where the goal for young girls like them is either a career to make money (just like the guys) or hurry and get married to a provider.
As person from Sweden I just wanna say that it's not as cold as people think. It's actually suprisingly warm most of the time because of the gulf stream that brings a lot of warmth. It's just that it's a bit colder than other countries during wintertime but overall the climate is pretty mild.
@@gordonfreeman2634 yeah that's true though. In Kiruna for exemple it's very cold. But then like you said most people live in the South. And that's quite a large majority.
These young people are Japan's treasure. I wasn't aware high school girls cannot wear makeup or dye their hair. Safety trumps any other concern and these students live in safety. I appreciate this video.
i've heard the rules are very strict. in some cases if your hair isn't black (so brown or whatever) you have to dye it black, or if you don't have straight hair you need to straighten it. i think in college you get a bit more freedom, but after that when you get a job, most jobs require you to follow the norm as well when it comes to hairstyles.
An ALT I know was asked to hold a female student while the Japanese were spraying her hair black. He refused, so two teachers hold both of her arms and her head while a third was spraying temporary black hair dye on her... Yikes
Nice, this was interesting! I actually went to Japan two years ago and it was pretty fun. But I did see a lady crying on the train there so that was sad...
Thank you for making these videos. I've heard from some friends who had visited Japan as a very modern, clean, tidy, respectful and interesting country, almost as a perfect place to be. These videos don't make me think bad about Japan, but to think and contrast this idea of perfect country from their own people.
I'm Korean and I lived Engalnd & Philippines for a year. I used to travel to Japan also. In my opinion. Japan and Korean society is quite similar in the way "patriarchal society". It leads to the man to not be "oshaberi" in some way also leads to be strict atmosphere when you work when you meet older people in some way. They can not be friendly in each rule. It's not easy but complex. I think some Asian country need try to be more open-minded not in strict way
its crazy to think how different cultures might be, never thought TOO hard about it but like, imagine a japanese person getting hugged by their online friend who lives overseas when they meet them LOL
I like many things about Japan, and I'd like to try living there for some time. At the same time, you provide valuable insights about your country, so I can keep a realistic view of it. ありがとうございます！
Interesting video! I think the school response at 1:16 is related to Japan as a whole - a lot is based on things like age and length of time versus ability. It's often this way in the corporate world at large Japanese companies. I think your response at the end is great because doing RUclips is kind of going against the grain of what society would want you to do - good for you.
Seniority can be good but also very detrimental. It should not govern everything... As an employer I am looking at who is getting results and not how long they've been there. I respect long term (or older) employees but that will not get in the way of me promoting someone younger or less experienced if they are getting results..
@@tommyo2450 Definitely. There are a lot of factors that should be considered instead of just looking at one or two… experience, ability, adaptability, and I also think soft skills like patience and empathy are often overlooked.
TOKYO GUIDEBOOK
takashifromjapan.com/tokyocompleteguide
Love watching the second guy be like
“👉🏼👈🏼” while talking about what he dislikes about japan 😆
Yeah right lol
uwu
@@takashiifromjapan JAJAJAJAJA
Yeah dude, a lot of anime xD
@@darianmorat no creo que tenga algo que ver el anime, solo parecia un poco timido y nervioso
This will make you realize that no country is perfect. Every country has its own pros and cons. Very good and interesting topic. 💪
That’s what I wanted to say !!!!
Yes. No country is perfect. Even in my country, Indonesia.
Foreigners think that the people here are very friendly. Well, that's correct, I guess haha. But, many foreigners don't know that most people in Indonesia are also incredibly lazy. People here have to learn how disciplined Japanese people are.
@@coretanhartbeast3829 same here in the Philippines man, also lack of discipline here and self responsibility (not all, but it's common)
@@coretanhartbeast3829 Exception for foreigners from china.
Sir Lankans are mostly open and friendly for almost any person they meet (I mean the new age people like people that accepting the change.) Since some of old people have some doubts And some even scared of even very simple stuffs. But as said pros and cons.... It's balance I guess
I lived in Tokyo for 2 years. What I didn’t like about Japan is that ppl are so used to following orders that they lose their critical thinking skill. Eg. The teacher said this, or my boss told me to do this etc. also they seem to glorify suffering, like if you can suffer more, you are more noble. It’s quite strange.
Love your channel
Masochists in see...
IM SORRY I HAD TO-
Masochists in see...
IM SORRY I HAD TO-
Having said that, I met many kind Japanese who are ready to help strangers and Japanese are very conscientious in general.
@@pl3120 I am Japanese. I completely agree with your opinion.
I think a lot of the reason why Japanese people are often said to be kind and gentle is because they are very concerned about how they are perceived externally or by others.
@@user-cp3yn5nl6p それが悪いことだとは思わないけど、気にしすぎるのもよくない
Man, I’ve heard of all sorts of reasons to want to go to England, but I have _never_ heard someone say they want to go because of the Royal Observatory in Greenwich.
Same here mate, I had to do a double take because I wasn’t sure I heard it right. I’m in Japan on holiday and when they say they wanna go elsewhere for the pretty night scenery I’m thinking it doesn’t get any better than Tokyo so they’re gonna be so let down 😂
That's not how i understood her reason. I think she wanted to say that England is where the modern civilization started and japan has a longitude very remote from the origin...it was, i think, a poetic answer.
@@henriaboukrat579 “England is where the modern civilization started.”
LMAO
@@alahiri2002 He likely means the industrial revolution, so he isn't exactly wrong
@@LeahUK I don’t think “industrial revolution” and “modern civilization” are interchangeable.
In either case, considering the fact that Britain’s industrial revolution was entirely dependent on the pillaging of raw materials from its colonies (particularly the Caribbean and India), I find your statement rather rich.
It’s really sweet that girl said she appreciated how other countries hug people you just meet. It’s little things that make us happy
thats because JP people crave something called 'skinship', meaning nonromantic/sexual gestures of affection or warmth.
JP people do not express PDA nor is it encouraged. That's not to say that's bad, in fact that can be good, but they live in a near abstinent lifestyle that is devoid of a lot of the more 'direct' contact or communication other countries (most of the world) has.
Makes me want to hug her❤️
It makes me appreciate how Americans like myself, its casual to hug.
In india we practice this as a greeting. It was gr8 to here people like this way of greetings.
As a Brazilian, I'd definetely just hug her when she said it just to give her the gift she wanted... It wouldn't cost me anything!
It’s nice to see videos that aren’t constantly painting Japan as a utopia. There is negative and positive everywhere. It would have been nice if you could have interviewed older people as well to hear their opinions in contrast
@@ryerye6587 Say me just one: u lived in Japan or not
If yes, you are genius, because all foreigners feel it here.
@@ryerye6587 all the interviewees are students so that probably contribute to not getting the more serious problems, like karoshi work culture and the top suicide rate.
@@ryerye6587 I know some people who came back from Japan, and one of the reasons was the "politeness" which was mentioned in the video. They did something wrong in the workplace and some day they got an angry e-mail feedback from the boss, because a co-worker betrayed them. But if the co-worker not so "self-polite" and a bit more "friendly-polite" she would say to the mistaker what he could do better and not would tell to the boss everything secretly. Next day the co-worker was smiling on the person's face like everyday and like nothing happened. She tought she was polite because in Japan you should avoid the personal disagreement. Personally I think it is not politeness, this is betrayal, you are not polite to someone if you are mean to him. And this story was when I realized Japan isn't perfect after all.
I don’t know much about Japan but all I know as a woman, other countries seem to be very sexist so I avoid them.
@@ryerye6587 as someone from a poor country I like to watch videos like these from Japan, Western Europe, north America - where people complain about their countries, it's funny and also shows that people are never satisfied
I've heard a lot of people say they want to go to England for many different reasons. It being on the prime meridian is a new one.
That was literally the best reason I've ever heard! I cracked up! 🤣
I thought that was galaxy brain of her
Yeah lol normally people are like “Harry Potter” “Big Ben” “London Eye” “Old castles”
Then she’s like “the time reference of all time zones”
That one absolutely killed me lol, hilarious
London 🤮
Greenwich Mean Time 😍😍😍
This giy always asks the most interesting unbiased questions, love his stuff
As a foreigner who has lived in Japan for a few years before, I can definitely tell you the main thing that always bothered me was the fact that no one really thinks for themselves. It's great to see people being polite and having respect for each other by not speaking on the trains, being loud or disruptive, etc. Though, It's odd when you see a country just full of "rules" that everyone follows and people are so afraid to just be themselves. You do see younger people more open minded which is great, but I know for a fact that the politics and older generations have this very old-fashioned way of life and thinking and don't want to change anything. That's why the work ethic is so insane and Japan having one of the highest suicide rates due to crazy stress. Of course there are no perfect societies, but this is one thing that always baffled me.
>Japan having one of the highest suicide rates
I would appreciate it if you could provide some data to prove this.
I read your comments and in the end you are just forcing Japan to fit into the ideal image of the country you developed in your homeland and you are intentionally not dealing with the positive aspects of Japan.
@@Greenforrest7342 Why are you so upset over this? I'm just pointing it out that Japan has a high stressful atmosphere, especially in the workplace that drives people to suicide. If you want the data, you can look it up yourself. There are positive and great things about Japan, though there are major misconceptions that people think Japan is this amazing place and everything is perfect when in fact, it's not.
Have you ever been to Japan before? Do you know about the work culture first hand and how social pressure is absolutely insane that everyone must do the same things or else you're looked down upon?
@@paulnone9984 you are making a claim, they just asked what makes you do so... why should they prove your claim? you go do it lol. Otherwise you just spouting nonsense
@@kittenmimi5326 It's quite easy to look things up to get proof as well. Why does it need to come from me? I'm not the source. If people really want to know something, try using your brain to research instead of just trusting what someone says. That's the point. Move on dude.
i agree with Paul. I have looked up alot of things about Japan. And suicide rate is definitely high in the country,children abuse, prostitution rate is also a thing but not many talk about it. Follow some other RUclipsrs who shows more about Japan than its beautiful side.
Japan is not perfect like every other country but I don't see why someone would get offended over what Paul said. Because it's true. Do your own research before getting offensive.
When I first returned to Canada after several years in Japan the reverse culture-shock was weird. For a little while I couldn't tell if people were arguing or just having an energetic conversation.
@Zorba Apollo Australia dude. It's like the polar opposite with general interactions.
I'm an American, and I have that problem never having left.
I'm an Indian soo I don't have any problems related to this lol 😂, like it's really really obvious when Indians are having conversation or an argument lmao.
Worst thing about Canada...
Justin Tradeau!!!!!
There are no word available that express how awful that boy is...
Except for the "never saying anything directly." That's exactly the same here.
I love how people are concerned about social issues in their own country but the only reason that they want to move out is based on aesthetic aspects of foreign lands, which makes me think they don't dislike their homeland as much
I mean, I think that’s common for a lot countries. We live here, so we know all of its issues because we have to live through them
@@byoshizaki1025 But I'm not sure if people outside the US know that. Heck, I knew Chicago had a crime problem but I didn't know the specifics until you told me and I'm assuming you live in Chicago. When people think of the US think of all the glitz and glamour of places like LA or New York, the tourist experience
@@maseoembry4165 I'm not American, but when I think about America, what comes up mostly is mass shooting, poverty, war crimes, McDonalds and good TV shows.
We may not know the intricate details, but foreigners always have a grasp of stereotypes that obviously derivate from the truth. I think a lot of Americans wouldn't admit some of their country's fallings, which are deeply ingrained in their livelyhood, as much as most of my fellow countrymen wouldn't admit that they act like lobotomized uncultured swines, which contrast greatly with the great social policies still standing (I'm French).
People in Japan rarely say what they actually think, that's why they mostly gave the same socially acceptable answers as these are issues covered regularly on TV and in social media in Japan. They probably hate other things too but won't say it for fear of being ostracised for saying how they feel.
@@MxMoondoggie I'm not from Japan but if I'm asked the same question, I would answer the same as them. I don't want to go out of the house all guns pointed at me and the rest of the people is just watching.
Love this stuff. Here in North America where many of us grew up on japanese products, there is a HUGE appetite for understanding Japan and its quirks.
Japan has always been a country I'd like to visit for holidays, maybe even every year or something, but living there has never sounded appealing to me.
same, i think i want to live abroad when im older but working in japan sounds very strict and difficult, def want to visit in the future tho
Same with me
You should read about their history the old political system no one is free to choose
It's great if u work from home as a freelancer or just ahve enough money to not work anymore
I’ve never seen someone who doesn’t like anime but is interested with japan 😹
its crazy how these people are young yet so humble, well spoken, well dressed, well behaved and also well looking. as for myself, i would like to live in japan. the culture seems appealing to me. but i cant speak japanese
Why don't you try learning it? You can use the *_"Jouyou kanjis"_* to learn the most used kanjis, and at the same time learning vocabulary.
After that, I recommend you learning grammar, just the basic, and then start reading easy stuff to begin.
Then you can do a progress like you want, now that you can defend yourself in japanese.
If you have any questions, you can talk to me in this place, or anyone else.
@@Shydau Hello there. I'm very much interested in learning the language. Could you suggest any sites to start learning kanji?
@@sneha8502 Yo, I don't know what happened, but looks like yt deleted my comment. Tomorrow I'll come back to write it, so don't worry.
@@Shydau That's alright, thanks.
I'm interested in learning Japanese as well ^^ Thank you
I agree with the people who say the younger generation should make the change they want.
Yeah me too !
Woah!!! dont ruin a country bc of kids suggestions leave it to the grown ups dont want it ending up into a playground
@@StrawHatLuffy-wq8wh some of kids are not stupid to make change whatever they want.For example,some of Japan's laws on certain places is fcked up specially the old man can marry a kid based on the limit age and state.
We all can, old and young, Japanese or normal.
@@satan8350 There's also their loose law on child p*rnography, only in 2014 it came to be but it's got a lot of loopholes and that made Japan the last country to form such law. Even if a person has been intimate with a minor they're not even gonna be in jail for no more than five years, it is also left up to the person to get rid of the child p*rnography. Either way there's a stigma that makes victims not want to come forward, also a lot of young women and girls are being assaulted but especially on trains.
The interviews are very interesting.
Love the candid comments.
I live in Canada, I am married to a Japanese and have travelled to Japan many times. It's an amazingly relaxing place to visit, despite the buzzing urban activity and environment. There is so much to love about the culture and people, but I would not have wanted to grow up in Japan for the reason you state at the end: you cannot fail; you cannot CHANGE your path and it's even difficult to MAKE your own life path in the first place; too much conformism; too many rigid school exams that determine your future before you are even an adult. More flexibility in education is needed. Too much talent is wasted because it cannot develop or express itself.
too much personal info . We dont care, really, all that crap about your living in Canada but married with a Japanese ... female solypsism at its finest
Welcome to every Asian culture... thats the difference between West and East.... though it isnt black and white comparison, it both give confort of the same level depending on your situation in life
I wanna move to japan
But you're treated like that too despite being a stranger?
I wonder if this rigid life has any bearing on suicide rates in their country.
I enjoy hearing all the cultural differences. Here in Texas, no one really cares what you do as long as you’re being respectful and not bothering anyone. It must be difficult for one to express themselves in Japan due to the society standards. I believe things will change overtime though, especially with the younger generations.
Yeah society doesn’t let you do what you want to do.
Force you to do what others do
I like that thing about japan , nobody crosses the line , everybody moves in a group , it results in social harmony and a peaceful society . As humans its important for us to move in a group as we are herd animals , our growth is proportional to our cooperation .
@@shukrantpatil you tend to lose individuality though. i think their should a balance of both not to much either.
@@jame254 I think individuality will come naturally as technology advanced forward. Just look what internet brings to humanity. I'm almost certain that the future question we should be asking is "how can we preserve the traditional customs so it would not fade away and die?".
Texas, the best state in the whole US. Florida is ok too.
Very informative! I do not like people who say any country is a utopia. Every country has flaws. Maybe the reason why westerners love Japan so much is that many societal issues in the west do not exist there, but they are replaced by a litany of societal issues westerners have never even considered.
Thank you !
Thats right
@@devinanair5549 uP
This is what I wanted to explain.. Anyway, took my words out of my mouth
Such accuracy
Thanks so much for sharing this! I'm fascinated by what people in Japan are thinking about life
This video is what I've been looking for. Anyway Japan is one of my favorite countries to visit 💜
Well this guy was being "too polite" also. He was supposed to get people to say what they HATE about Japan. Instead, he just managed to ask them what they "don't like"
Yay
Say hello to hangure and yakuza
@Khotton Tton True, around the world and at some point, you gonna encounter the problemtic and malice doing people.
I'm Russian, I confess. But how I love Japan! Especially their language caresses my ears, so fast frisky, cute and interesting.
The girl who wanted to go somewhere that it's ok to hug people was so heartwarming and wholesome!!
Bit of advice: if you're coming to Europe for open minded & friendly people, Scotland is second to no-one :)
She is also the most stupid of all. You're not far off too, saying that Scots are open minded. Friendly yes, but not open minded at all, in my opinion. They would stick to their prejudice and wouldn't leave it under any circumstances. And a leading factor in the world of racism that isn't so visible because of friendliness. In the world of self-righteousness, Scots are second to none. They even managed to beat the English.
I love how SCOTTISH AS HELL your name is 😂
Maybe she’d like Latin America although people are maybe too closey when introducing themselves.
Specially in Argentina, men kiss on their cheek
i'd argue that the southeast of the US is up there as well. if you become a regular customer ANYWHERE, they treat you like family and you BECOME family. whether it's a bar, pub, nightclub, corner store, you name it. you will eventually become their adopted human and they will smother you with hugs and they would give you the shirt off their back. i cant do "quick" vape shop runs because i end up staying for 3 hours just talking to the staff about nerd stuff. and when i visit my local bar, all the female bartenders stop what they're doing and hug the hell out of me lol. as someone who struggles with mental health, it really does make everything better knowing that there's people out there that're overcome with joy at the sight of my face. i love my extended family ^~^
Only problem with Scotland is nobody can understand what you're saying lol
I guess it is pretty universal to feel, "The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence". So much so that Japan has a similar phrase, "The grass next door is blue". It's human nature to want what we don't have, but others do. It's funny that some of the things that the Japanese folks interviewed didn't like are reasons many outsiders are attracted to Japan. I can understand not liking school uniforms and the desire to dress casually, but I also understand that, in school with casual dress, what you wear can affect how people view each other. Kids from poorer families become embarrassed because they can't afford expensive clothing that kids from better off families wear.
I think it would have been interesting to have heard some older Japanese folks answer the same question. I'm sure their answers would have been much different from the answers that the younger folks gave.
School uniforms in general doesn't add anything other than expenses for students. Jesus, even college and universities here implement strict school uniform policies...
Its not really just the uniform. I don't live in Japan but there are also pretty strict rules on uniform in my country and I think it is a way to take individuality from the youth. Students are people. Kids don't even have a chance to be kids because of the immense pressure to be a certain way.
But its great to see different perspective. Have a nice day. :))
@@yellomello6952 yeah that too..... it's just very impractical ¯\_ಠ_ಠ_/¯
青い can also mean "green"
@@yellomello6952 I don't think it's a long term solution to depends your individuality on your sense of fashion alone tho. Think of it as a mindset and a way of life. But, I think it still makes sense to implement free uniform in first world country bcs the avg household income is much higher than those in 3rd world country. But implementing it to 3rd world country will bring social gap higher between each student resulting even more bigger pressure on the student itself and his/her family. As if current social problems in school hasn't big enough :/
Nothing in life is all good or all bad. Videos like this help not romanticize any one location as "better". It is really just "different".
I really hope to travel to Japan one day!
In my younger days I was like that but since then I have met many Japanese abroad and no, if the whole country is like those people, simply no. The world is big and I'm sorry but their obsession with kids in pop culture is also too much.
Agree with you. I live in North America and there is a tendency to romanticize places like Italy after a vacation. The belief is life is perfect with amazing benefits. I am in Italy annually and I talk to locals who are highly educated, can't get a job and have a different lifestyle. They even have one of the best maternal leave but that is redundant since many can't afford kids so do not have use for this. Also, North Americans want these benefits without paying the high taxes European taxes. It's not always green on the other side. There is good and bad everywhere.
@@SHONGA1974 It's just weebs gushing over Japan. People with so called yellow fever. Oh la la, Japanese are perfect. They have little bentos. And clean trains. And they have toilets which spray your butt. But guess what. You get two weeks of leave a year and you're only supposed to take one of those. Also the salaries in Japan are not that good. A nursing sister in the US earns much more than one in Japan, for example.
@@homeybaloney1059I have two passports.
Okay. Soo do you like India?
Guy at 3:13 is probably the first actual human being I've ever seen do the 👉👈 thing
tht was cute
Reminds me of hinata from naruto
hes cute
I think he was high 🥴😂
3:44
As a young black person who has lived in Japan it felt like absolute hell living there . As a vacation it was amazing but as I tried to settle down it just got worse...Japan is a great place but it's more than anime heaven
Can you elaborate on this?
I'm also curious
Why "hell" though? I'm curious to know on the aspects that made u feel like that... Also I'm curious to know if u personally experienced any racism there for foreigners
Probably because you still don’t speak there language… like me
Asian countries are colorist, even against their own citizens who have darker skin. For example, in Thailand there is a smaller portion of the population that are Chinese Thai, as in their family has Chinese ethnicity, so they are paler and fit the beauty standard better than the majority who are ethnic Thai. Their families also tend to be richer. They stick together and don't associate much with most Thai people. My african coworker became bitter (not surprising) after working at a supposedly good school in Thailand because of how he was treated. People who visit Thailand see Thai friendliness, because you're not staying, but it can be a completely different story in a work environment. Many Asian people see darker skin as ugly, dirty and lower class.
I also lived in Vietnam and if you're black, but have lighter skin, are good looking and charming you can date locals, they will like you. But if you have dark skin, they will friendzone you. I saw it happen to my coworkers. Most expats abroad are men, so I'm not sure about how bad it is for black women but I'm going to assume it's worse, because of the stereotypes men have about women from American media, they think women are more sexual and "open minded."
If you're going to live in Asia I suggest Taiwan, they're some of the most friendly people you'll meet, and in Taipei they're a lot more international than people realize. They also have decent English, at least your coworkers will, and you have a lot more rights and benefits while working there, low taxes, great public transportation, reasonable rent and living expenses. Mandarin isn't as difficult to learn as people say, if you can speak some, Taiwanese people will be really friendly. Very little crime, not a party destination so I think foreigners are more welcome there. And while there is always going to be that barrier, because you are a foreigner, it's probably the least awkward you can get in Asia. Even better, you can get permanent residency after working there for 5 years.
Definitely do NOT live in China, the way they treated black people during Covid is beyond awful. Supposedly they still pay English teachers well but they've been cracking down on foreigners in general for years.
I won’t lie I feel like this is a much needed video. Many people seem to see Japan as this perfect utopian wonderland filled with crazy cafes, anime and sakuras, lol
A lot of these things that are mentioned in this video are partly what makes Japan so unique and amazing to those outside of Japan. It's kind of a catch 22
I mean they aren’t wrong that’s the positive part about Japan but people overlooked the negative stuff about Japan. Overall I’ll say compare to other countries I’ve been to, as long as I behave and follow their rules. Japan is the most enjoyable place I’ve ever been to
@@shoonseikiYeah, those unique things are government propaganda to attract tourists in order to earn more money.
@@edthecrazyboy If you try to live there, the negative stuff can absolutely crush foreigners way worse than natives.
@@brozors Absolutely. Doesn't matter if you live there your whole life, if you have a non-japanese face you'll never be accepted as a "true japanese" and they make sure to remind you of that. You can't live in Japan if you're not japanese descendant, period.
I love the beautiful temple gardens. So well cared for.
I think it's healthy for Japanese people to discuss these issues openly together.
Healthy, but not very well tolerated in society. Sometimes it can be appreciated, but other times it can lead to ostracisation. You have to be very aware of honne and tatemae and not fuck it up.
@@MJ-uk6luvery poetically put.
That itself is the problem. They don't discuss those things openly. Trained from kindergarten to not express opinions and not to rock the boat.
agreed
@@Midnighter1886 I don't think it's that unique either. Many cultures have similar things. It's just that Japan seems to be particularly dense and aloof about it. So much, that it makes it special. Also reaction to open discussions there is still very unique and almost unvariating.
When I went to Japan to visit my wife’s family, I was both awestruck with how Japan operates, but also uncomfortable cause the idea of a white man marrying a Japanese women is still considered “taboo” so I was treated with a decent amount of hostility. My wife said that was one of the reasons she immigrated to America, she was tired of the strict social guidelines that she felt they’re “expected” to follow. She wanted to follow her own path
So she chose America of all places, lol. A third world country?
this is why you see jp people (esp women) never go back to JP. Patriarchy is a real thing there, not the west.
@@drakke125Channel i think theres more than that, the foreign husband too can have difficulty to live and work in japan, in addition the living cost for kids in japan is heavy. its like 6000€/month in tokyo for a couple+2kid.
and many japanese woman can stop work when having kid in japan, can the husband afford it?
like many thing its often a question of money.
My sister-in-law's Japanese and moved to the US to be with my brother who's Asian American (though not Japanese descent) and she's said in her experience how Japan still very much adheres to traditional gender roles, though it's a little different with the younger generation. Her mom was so pleasantly taken aback that my brother takes care of their newborn and the house as much as he does bc in Japan, that's not a thing that men do. (Edit: then my other brother also brought up the point that on the other hand, the typical Japanese salaryman is expected to work crazy long hours.)
One of my cousins from a rural part of Vietnam also came here some years ago and her sister was so shocked when they were on the phone one time and my cousin brought up how her husband was washing the dishes in the background. Her sister was like, he's washing the dishes?! Sad how the bar is so low.
Edited to add: This isn't AT ALL to say the West doesn't have its own patriarchal issues because ohhh it most certainly does! The bars are just set at slightly different levels.
@@Lofi.z34 don’t generalize a group of people bruh not everyone acts the same
After having lived in Japan for many years and having Japanese kids we all agree that while cultural conservatism aids civil and peaceful coexistence, it's really unnecessarily at the expense of individual creativity and expression. The formality of hierarchy vs merit is infuriating because holds back so much potential. It's so tiring having to go through all the rigmarole of meeting new people and tip toeing around just incase some seniors expectations of fealty are tread on. Japan could take down the manners intensity about 20 percent and still be the politest people in the world.
Yes I do agree with you. You absolutely know better than I do. Even where I am from, the manners and such things are lackluster. It is like wobbly chair , one time you'll not fall second time you will if you wobble enough in it or someone wobbles it for you. I don't know honestly that both Japanese and foreigners can be 1:1 idk if it would be fair or what would right word be but say if Japanese is 100%, Foreigner should be 95% a little different but mostly they get same treatment. It should be who does the work best and most productive and better for company and not who is Japanese and who isn't. That both work dillegently, proficiently and efficiently and to both have that ease when they are on their days off to holiday or whatever.
Japanese here, I agree wholeheartedly.
It's great if you're going their as a tourist you can walk around with your guard down quite a bit. Only got to watch out for some scams ...
As a Japanese, I agree. Theres too much formality and certain phrases you must use for people of higher position/older age whereas in foreign countries, barriers between age generally doesn't affect ones relationship and easier to talk to in a more casual way.
how about the technicality there? banking system is still that bad? ppl still required hanko stamps on every paper?
The quietness (rule following) sometimes bothers me. For example, my Japanese husband will sometimes get annoyed at little kids being loud or young people getting a bit wild in public space. When I asked my husband why it bothered him he said I don’t know it’s because I’m Japanese 😭 As an american, I love it, it reminds me of home. But I realized the reason it stands out here is because no one else is doing it. In america, the chatter becomes white noise, everyone is loud so no one is loud, but here you stick out like crazy. My husband and I have been scolded twice for speaking (very quietly) on public transport and it’s a bit ridiculous to be scolded like kids as adults. The difference is, I will laugh it off while my husband will feel so much shame and get really upset. All in all I think the positives of our cultures have helped us become more balanced people.
That ‘white noise’ is a huge source of frustration for me living in the US. You have to understand that no one really listens to each other here. They’re just waiting to yell back in your face. I have to wear earplugs to social events. Restaurants here are so loud I once measured 110db! That’s getting up to a jack hammer.
So give your husband some grace lol
@@TheDarkHour684 I do understand, as I said I’m an American. For me it doesn’t bother me. I’m sorry that it’s difficult for you, I guess it depends on the person.
I have a different experience to my husband but I don’t need to “give him grace.” Of course I respect his feelings on the matter. I was simply explaining one of the cultural differences we’ve encountered.
@@TheDarkHour684some situations can be annoying, as in taking a bus (you have to) and a person talks loudly in the morning. .
But if "you have to" wear ear plugs at social events I think the problem is you.
Coming from a dude with a topless guy for an avatar, I think the problem isn't with me lol@@pagodebregaeforro2803
Your poor husband :(
I think a lot of the things that many Japanese aren't fond of are starting to slowly change. It seems that as communication throughout the world increases and we start to interact with one another, those traditional rules and norms that people experience in Japan relaxes a little bit.
Well put my friend.
It sounds nice!
i love the ''👉👈'' while he was nervous,
so cute! ❤❤
adorable! I wanna give him a big hug but maybe Japanese don't like that haha
@@loopyfrog yeah, according to 1st interview 😂
I visited Japan back in 2018, and I absolutely loved the culture shock, it felt like a different world (in a good way) to the UK. However I did get a peek into the strictness culture, when I left a club one evening and was sat on the sidewalk waiting for my friends to come out too. The bouncer of the club called the police and the police were asking me who I was, where I was from and for my passport (with the bouncer very roughly translating). Not being able to even read a letter of Japanese, let alone speak much, whilst being a little bit drunk, was pretty scary
The great thing about this channel/these videos, it shows perspective, and it shows that really, deep down, people are the same everywhere.
This
I have thought for a long time that Japan is a beautiful country filled with deep history and culture. But considering how much it has been glorified and depicted as a utopian paradise (Mostly because of video games and anime), I always thought that it must be a place that is too perfect to be true and you would only want to be as a tourist. Thanks for pointing out what I was thinking.
I always hated how everyone praised it like some kind of heavenly place, especially weebs. I actually got really mad once or twice just seeing people think and behave like this.
I agree with you, Japan has this image of a friendly, warm culture but their internal issues created one of the most intense atmospheres among prosperous countries. even history-wise, the Japanese started wars, committed war crimes in China and their "president" is still visiting the memorials of war criminals. without anime they would've been remembered with a status close to North Korea or China
The culture of fitting in with the others, of not standing out, can backfire spectacularly. Just thinking of the case of Junko Furuta…
@@lShowSpeed 何言ってんの？靖国神社を訪問するのは当たり前のことでしょ？そこには戦争犯罪者として処刑された人だけでなく、それ以外の日本の為に戦った大勢の英雄達が眠っている。天皇陛下の為に彼らは死力を尽くして戦ったのに、お前みたいな外国人の批判の為に、天皇陛下は40年間一度も靖国神社を訪れていない。大統領くらい訪れても許してあげてよ。戦争犯罪者も全員死刑になって罪を償った。原爆を落としても、東京大空襲で民間人を皆殺しにしても、誰一人として罪に問われなかったアメリカとは違う。靖国に眠っているのは戦争犯罪者だけではなくそれ以外の多くの英雄がいることを覚えておけ
@@lShowSpeed if america didn't help rebuild after ww2 it would be completely different
The older the get the more I realize I would never want to live in Japan. When I was young I thought I was meant to live there lol, it seemed so perfect to me. And sure, Japan is stunning, the people are great, the food is amazing but the cultural differences and bureacracy would be far too much for me. Switzerland is basically like Japan (clean, safe, very friendly/respectful/polite, beautiful scenery, ..expensive..) without all the downsides (for me personally!!) so I think I will stay here. The plus sides just aren't enough to motivate me to move there anymore. But I would love to stay in Japan for a prolongued time, like a few months.
BRUH SWITZERLAND IS LITERALLY ONE OF THE BEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD why you wanna move
Switzerland is my dream country, I want to go to that one gun range next to a highway
@@halamadruuid2380 📸
As an Indian i want to settle in Switzerland after I retire (not that India isn't a good place to live it's actually very good) ... The place is one of the most beautiful countries I've seen (all on screen lmao).. the lush greenery, the waterfalls... Also seems like a friendly place for foreigners from most of what I've read or heard...beleive me you are lucky u were born there lmao i wouldn't wanna move anywhere If i was born in Switzerland
Same here! Japanese fashion is one of the reasons why I developed a passion for fashion. And the animes make me happy! But I dont ever want to live in Japan even though its one of my favourite cultures.....
It's interesting that every person sees problems related to their age and what they do in their life, u can see different points of view and I really liked it
That's why it would be interesting if he had interviewed someone really old, like 30 to 40 years old. Because most of these people were in the 16-20 range.
Except he didn't really have a variety of age groups at all? I also think he should've led with the question first so that the people had a few seconds to consider their answers. Of course you'll get boring answers like school uniforms lol
@@sieg-sandrodeshannon3035 I mean 30-40 isn’t “really old” lol
@@ehh5812 Poor choice of words, yes, but my point still stands.
@@sieg-sandrodeshannon3035 You probably mean really grown up and adult. It's common for people in your age range to be tactless there (not because of your age, but because it's common in your generation, it wasn't before), and not reconsider your wording. It often sounds narrow minded when teens speak like this, neglectful how their wrong judgement affects people. So when you recognize your mistake, just fix it and chose a more neutral/positive wording.
As a total foreigner, thanks for making these videos! Really interesting and much appreciated! Keep up the good work!
This was a very cool interview! I love how respectful you kept the interviews while being honest about your questions and not holding anything back! Will definitely share your channel with my friends!
Thank you for sharing !
It made me chuckle when the young student gave her reason for wanting to go to England. I was bristling with pride - expecting her to mention our British culture/history/country side - but no she wants to go to the prime meridian. I pass through it around once a week in Peacehaven, Sussex. I personally prefer the 138.25 degrees east line. The food and sights are a lot nicer - a few arc seconds around there.
😂
the last place I will go is UK. not much culture...boring fish n chips... japan,china,korea...4000 years civilisation
@@kohteehock9020 but, but, but what about our prime meridian?
@@johnwilson3918 seriously...what is prime meridian?
@@kohteehock9020 You do know that UK has two millennia of culture and civilisation, right?
I remember filling out a health survey in 1989. The form was in English, and the nurse spoke English well, but she was Japanese.
There were 100 yes/no questions. I put an X in the right box, but the directions said to put a check in the box.
Of course I should have read more carefully, but I was shocked that the nurse asked me each question patiently, erased 100 Xs and replaced them with check marks. I was amazed by both her patience, and the rigidity of the system.
I had a lot of great times in Japan, and learned a lot, but I am a very casual person and not good at following strict guidelines.
to be fair i don't know if it has changed but the Scottish ballot cards for Scottish parliamentary election specify you have to put a cross on the candidate/party
damn, that is completely insane
some people would kill their children just because some rule would say it
@@dp271 i think u mean china
My friend was born in China and adopted. She's anti-abortion because of it.
This does not surprise me.
Really cool insight, thank you. I appreciate the honesty, it's refreshing and paints a fuller picture. がんばってください❤
When I was in Japan last year I worked as a middle school English teacher and a lot of my students talked about wanting freedom when it comes to what to wear to school. Especially the girls, those that were okay with school uniforms wished that they could wear pants instead of skirts especially during the winter time but they know it’s not allowed. Another thing my students talked about was that they weren’t allowed to pierce their ears or wear their hair down if they had long hair, it always had to be neatly combed back and tied up. It was very interesting for me to hear their take on the rules and regulations.
What are your opinions on the rules and regulations, then?
@@cy6x.-884 surely though exceptions can be made for wintertime to allow girls to wear warm pants, it might help the economy to manufacture these winter-time pants. My private school had a dress code, and had a rule of only specific times skirts and shorts could be worn. You’re not a gangster for a change here and there.
@@cy6x.-884 So by your logic, the rest of the worlds schools are filled with gangsters?
@@cy6x.-884 What defines "look like a student"?
@@cy6x.-884 That’s understandable, and not surprising you ended up dying your hair. People who do that are usually creative and fluid non their identity, and when they’re not allowed to do it when younger, it usually comes out at an older age.
I had several Japanese teachers that were living outside Japan permanently or for long periods. The oldest, a lady in her early 60's, complained about strict rules and what it was demanded from her as a woman or from her husband as a family man. The social/family pressure she faced to quit her job, have kids,... It was rather grim.
On a funny note, the youngest one complained about the price of mussels being very high back in Japan, and kept telling stories about her trips to the local supermarket to buy all the mussels 'cause they were so cheap.
Japan is a very sexist country. I don't think it is quite as bad as it used to be but women are almost considered second class citizens.
I’m glad there were more opinions from teenagers. Teenagers are very vocal these days, especially because of the internet they learn and see from different cultures thus more opinionated on their own.
That's why China implemented its Great Firewall.
Much to everyone's disdain
@@Poodle_Gun The people who maintain the horrific status quo dislike when others critique it. Shocking.
Japan has always been one of my fav places to visit. I visited Kyoto in June and your videos helped me a lot in planning my trip! It’s interesting to watch this kind of topics bc it is hard to get to know a society if you are not a local. I love getting to know more about Japan through your channel!!
Thank you for this video. I really appreciate the last guy saying "if you make a mistake, people need to say it directly instead of beating around the bush". This is an essential aspect that Japan needs to adapt to. They want to be as polite as possible to the other person, but they don't understand how negatively it's going to impact the person if they don't give the correct feedback at the right time.
Feedback is important because it is where we can improve. And it is necessary.
It's not an essential thing - this "beating around the bush" is a Kanto/Tokyo thing. If you go east, especially to Osaka, people are a lot more direct. Kansai people even make self-deprecating jokes and are a lot more expressive, hence why so many comedians adopt a Kansai dialect even if they're not from the region.
They are being polite because that’s how they’re taught in their society, but their heart and mouth don’t say the same.
Though it's strict and expensive, I still love Japan because the country is clean and the people are polite. Love from your neighbor 😊✨🇰🇷
I love Korea too !
I went there 2 years ago and that was my favorite trip
Squid game person???!!?!?
@@wyattalfonsodebelen3387 Just because someone is Korean doesn't mean they're from Squid Game...
@@Libbylibu Wrong. Everyone knows every Korean participated in Squid Game.
@@kyleangelocruz8547 the joke is overused and it’s not funny, gtfu
Such articulate young people. They express their thoughts so diplomatically and honestly without disrespecting their own country.
That's how they were raised to be.
@@mikaylaguiang2458 Which is good.
@@teamojesusss No. You should make the decision to respect your country based on its actual aspects. Not based on how indoctrinated you are to believe so. Free thinking is important.
@@mikaylaguiang2458 I am a free-thinker, that's why I get hate for what I believe (even in America, which isn't my country). But I would never be able to speak against my country, I would just say the things I don't like and would like them to change. That's it.
@@teamojesusss Same. As long as we aren't forced to believe that.
I don't know about foreigners in general compared to Japanese, but those Americans are about as friendly as you can get. Especially so if you go into the countryside of the United States. Those people will wave and smile and just randomly strike up a conversation with you as if you're an old friend. I've always had the impression that that doesn't happen in Japan.
Honestly, I’ve been too afraid to visit Japan on account that I’m afraid that I’d break one of their rules and disrespect someone. Not to mention the language barrier which I’ve researched that english is not a very common language there. So like, I feel like I’d struggle a lot if I were to choose to go to Japan.
Of course I can just do my research for the first problem, but I’d need to always carry a notebook on me so that I remember all the do’s and do nots of Japan.
外国人観光客も多いから観光客に対しては寛容ですよ！日本に住むならそうはいかないかもしれないですが、あまり心配しなくても大丈夫だと思います！
In my experience foreigners usually get a pass, Japanese people do know that you probably are unfamiliar with all its rules and will just turn the other cheek if you do make a mistake, so just go ahead and visit Japan its not like youre going to act like Logan Paul!!
@@GCS88 lmao
I would say don't let it put you off going because Japanese people are apparently very kind and helpful and are used to tourists so they won't mind. They actually go out of their way to help people even though most of them can't speak English. I want to visit and I'll look up some basic etiquette so I don't make any major faux pas (like I would with any country) but it's not like you'll get arrested or something. There are a lot more scary and intimidating countries out there! All the people I know who have been to Japan absolutely rave about how much they loved it.
I agree. The language barrier is an issue. Its best to just be kind and understanding. Learning how to understand Japanese is a good thing to get under your belt. As far as being able to speak that is a lot harder but if you accomplish that you shouldn't have much of an issue. I recommend a going to Japan to work abroad. It tends to work out better because you have people that can help you out if you make a mistake or need some assistance not to mention your not alone since you have co workers who are probably in the same boat.
3:48 and his little finger taps I’m crying🥺 all these interviews were so interesting very much liked
this was really interesting,kinda sad how the answers were similar even though the people asked were so different,seems like no matter if you fit the norm or not you feel a lil trapped.I hope all these lovley people get to travel where they want.thank you for this video!~
The issue is VERY minor, if these are the only things they are noticing, and where their hearts feel bad, it seems like there isnt really any problem(ofc maybe they are not noticing some things).
@@traveler8010 i think its the exact same issue rooted in them that they feel a bit scared to explain how hurt they are from being pushed into a mold. Can for sure see how major this is for them by how excited they are to have a platform like this
Plus,feeling like your every move could make you a public enemy is not minor at all.it creates the fear or being yourself and its a lose lose
@@junedee Eh, the big issue they have is very low marriage rate and loss of omimai system where men and women meet for marriage purpose to see if they capable of marriage. The loss of that system made marriage very hard for them. Japan needs to bring back that system, but that will be hard...
@@junedee Another issue is that raising a kid is very expensive it seems, and government does not seem to help much regarding birthrate, so low marriage rate, which also impacts birth rate.
when the second guy said he wanted to come to Singapore I was so happy ! Glad more people are wanting to visit my country :))
As an Australian who lived in Japan for six years I don’t like a few things about this country: two strict rules, people are too quiet and serious, too devoted to their work, not much of social life and fun, expensive maintenance, however I still love some nice and relaxing places. I have some Japanese friends in Australia but they are much different … I can say full of life!
The fact that stress levels are so high in Japan and its frowned upon to take a big holiday is really bad for the long term success of the country in my opinion.
what would you say you liked about living in japan compared to australia?
Maybe this excessive strictness explains why Japan has one of the highest suicide rates in the world
Japanese love to live in australia but australian will hate living in japan....i personaly want to visit australia way more than japan
Why you discriminate quiet and serious people?
A lot of people say that Japan is a place where you can't stand out and do new things but I don't totally agree with that. There are a ton of Japanese artists in all forms that are constantly innovating. Also I've noticed while watching interviews like these that Japanese people tend to be more accepting of other people's individuality in their interests and hobbies. I'm not saying that I think Japan is a totally free for all place where anything goes, but I don't think it's as conformist as some people believe.
I think it's more in school and work that people are more rigid in their ways.
Europeans reproach Japan for excessive conformism, and then go to watch porn with tentacles to reproach Japan for excessive promiscuity. And there is no dissonance in their minds.
my personal experience is that it’s not that they respect you but rather they try to avoid commenting on it. so in a sense it’s the “in between” that’s tricky. like you can conform and you’d be fine, or you can choose to stand out a lot, people will leave you alone. but if you have some slight quirks, whether this is by choice like you don’t want to put on makes as a woman, or something out of your control like you have depression, you ARE going to be judged and receive way less understanding than you would in some other countries. it depends on if you can ignore or can build up tolerance to these minor aggressions and ignorance. for me personally it was too much and I went to Europe instead
That's the issue though, Japanese artists/celebs are on a higher echelon of standards. They can get away with more. Its the same anywhere really. Having more fame or wealth is a privilege to let you get away with acting different. Like yeah, I watch live streams where people are more vocal and animated with how they act but that's because they're putting on a show for viewers. Walking down the street 100% they would not be acting like that.
The whole ‘kuukiyomi’ and ‘read between the lines’ thing really intimidates me, the more I learn about it. And I thought in the UK and in corporate settings I could deal with it 🤦🏻♀️ I can do polite, but anticipating what other are thinking like a chess game seems really hard
Try moving to Yorkshire you will be left in no doubt what we think.
As a Japanese (half Canadian raised in Japan) the thing I hate the most and struggled with all my life is how close minded people are in general. There is a saying here 出た釘は打たれる(a nail sticking out will be hammered down) I would be criticized or insulted for something small as having curiosity about different topics or talking about dreams and visions.. I started to realize a huge difference when I talked to foreigners they would be curious and loved learning things and really valued knowledge, or when I talk about the things I would like to do they would respond with “go for it!” “Sounds fantastic!” Or “what’s stopping you?” Never had a negative response like I would get from Japanese people. It’s very sad because this is stopping our country and youth to grow as individuals and as a country, and I think it shows a lot in our society like people can’t have deep conversations and high suicide rates especially among the youth. So many people feel like they don’t have an identity feel isolated and alone. I’m in my 30s now and I’ve have been holding myself back for far too long, people tell me that I’m too old to be taking risks and learn new things but I don’t care about what people think anymore I am perusing my dream and visions because it makes me happy and it’s better late then never!
Don't let other people decide your path. Do your thing. You can do what ever you want! Let's go!
@@adamlorden5666 thanks Adam :)
You will never get everyone's approval, if you wait for validation before you make a move, then you will be waiting your entire life.
Life is short, nobody on their death bed ever went "I wish I had worked more hours at the office" or "I wish I had done less adventurous & exciting things in my life"!
Your life is yours to live, so make the most of it :)
Go for it. 😜
I'm on a similar path as you! I seem to have internalized that overly critical part of the culture and it's really holding me back in the Western world. It's frustrating, but as an adult, I realize I am responsible for unlearning unhealthy habits from childhood. Cheers to persuing our dreams ❤️🔥
An interesting video! Thank you for providing this point of view.
I'm brazilian, and here we're commonly greet each other with hugs or cheek kissing. When I think about Japan, my thougths about it is that everyone has to endure the common feelings in social interaction, even so I comprehend that is a cultural social respect.
Thank you so much !!
Yeah right but I prefer the way foreigners communicate, and I think I’m not the only one who prefer it in Japan !
I lived in Brazil for a couple of months and I met a bunch of people from Japan or whose parents were from Japan. I found that extremely interesting because the cultures seem so opposite! I loved Brazil!
I absolutely loathe hugs and kisses so Japan, here I come!
I grew up greeting people with hugs as well so it would be really hard for me to curb that instinct of hugging someone automatically even when meeting for the first time. Like it's not even a conscious gesture.
That's interesting, us Asia doing that will be considered a bit rude or awkward if we are not close enough
I didn't realize Japan was so strict a country. It must be difficult especially for the young people. Thank you,
TAKASHii from Japan for your video. Very informative.
The culture is very old and the rules are very ingrained!
For Asians, Japanese discipline is commonplace.
It's just the difference between West and East.
I took advantage of the discipline very well during my student days and did not experience any discomfort. In addition, corporal punishment has disappeared these days, so only the advantages remain.
As people age they give up, does not mean it's not hard on them either, or even more so. Younger people have more options and time.
Love this type of content!
For those that don’t know, he asks people many questions but only adds the same question to each video, therefore he can ask 20 people 20 questions and make 20 videos with each video consisting of the same wuestion. Just knowing that makes the videos better.
I lived in Japan for a few years and I loved the culture, the country, and the language.
But the few things I didn’t like were:
1) Japan wasn’t as open minded as what I was used to growing up in the USA.
2) As someone who is on the ASD spectrum it was hard for me to read between the lines and understand what my classmates and coworkers meant. Because I need a direct comment or direction to understand, vagueness is hard for me.
3) Also, as someone who has a hard time in social situations, the drinking and going out culture was hard for me to do. I prefer a calm walk at a park alone (or with one other person) rather than going out for drinks with loud music and too many people.
I 100% agree especially with the last one
Japanese are more open-minded and warm than Americans esp compared to black Americans.
Sometimes solitude is a sweet delicacy.
Well to me, I thought Japan was safe. But then prime minister of Japan literally got assassinated so now I feel like Japan is not safe
@@shargianmaster6056 An unfortunate aspect of the world is that Murders do and will happen in any country, so despite the grim circumstance I wouldn't let that event sour any potential views you should have of Japan. Japan is one of the most strict countries in the world when it comes to gun control (The killers weapon was home made) and the shooting itself was purely politically motivated. I'm sure it's still safe :)
As a foreigner I am very much in love with the rich and refined culture of Japan. Japan gracefully blend the west into east without losing her identity and tradition. This is a lovely channel as we get to hear from the younger generation Japanese about their thoughts in which culturally they are taught to suppress and not to be outspoken. I have many Japanese friends living in my country for decades and they really love Singapore as my country is very welcoming and easy for the Japanese people to work and stay. Welcome to Singapore 🇸🇬
Honestly some aspects of Japan are very similar to life in Singapore.
@@FS-me8mj true but japan’s culture has a much much longer history and it was once like the strongest countries in asia in the past so it might be influenced from there?
The "younger" generation is over represented, it's better to hear from all age groups.
I was born and raised in Japan and I so relate to what they were talking about. Japan is a very safe country, but everyone has very safety conscious, so if you do anything that might bother the people around you even a little, you will be warned immediately. It makes me feel a bit uncomfortable to live here...😵
U guys don't know how cursed are other countries 🖤
@@ashu.213 For real. I'd take the strict regulation over my neighborhood here in the U.S. People blast music till 2 in the morning. Cops don't even bother showing up anymore.
@@TyTimeIsAwesome I wish people would find balance between the two extremes.
For people living in USA, it must be a heaven.
@@TyTimeIsAwesomeyou should find a better place to live
Wow Takhashii I must say: I really love your Channel. In my whole life it would not be possible to talk to so many people and ask them about their thoughts and opinions.
Very well done
Greetings from Austria
Thank you this was very helpful! One thing I would love to see is interviews from older folks too, in their mid - late 20s or early 30s! Since it’s hard to relate to folks who haven’t had much work experience, speaking as a 31 year old from US excited to learn more about Japan!
子どもが産まれてから、通りすがりのおじちゃんやおばちゃんと世間話することが本当に増えました。電車やバス停、エレベーター内などで毎日のように話しかけられています。東京で、子どもは2才。子どもがいない時は全くといっていいほど話しかけられないので、独身の時は知らない優しいあたたかな世界線が日本にもあったことに驚いています。コロナで孤独にならずにいられたのは話しかけてくれたおじちゃんおばちゃん達のおかげ。学生の頃はおばちゃんてすぐ話しかけてくるよねってあるある言ってたのに、こうやっておばちゃんが出来上がるんだなと身をもって体験中です😂最高
True. Kids can connect adults. Having kids made me much more socialized.
4:07 "It's so boring 👉👈☹️"
💀💀😭
I taught as an ALT from 2013-2016. I tried to encourage my students to make mistakes. When you make a mistake, you can learn from it. I believe that people never stop learning.
I thought that some teachers were too strict about doing things wrong. I hope my former students are kind to themselves when they make mistakes.
私は 2013 年から 2016 年まで ALT として教えました。 私は生徒たちに間違いをするよう励まそうとしました。 間違いを犯したとき、そこから学ぶことができます。 人は学ぶことを決してやめないと私は信じています。
一部の教師は間違ったことをするのに厳しすぎると思いました。 私の元生徒たちが間違いを犯したときに自分自身に優しくしてくれることを願っています。
This is exactly how I feel living as a foreigner in Japan now. I lived in California for six years and London for five years. It's my fourth month in Japan. I really feel uncomfortable when people like to use their own standards to judge me or control me. In the U.S.A or UK I felt I have much more freedom to do whatever I want and say whatever I want to speak. So, I'm dying to go back now.
How did you even get in, I’ve been waiting for ever with my foreign exchange due to covid and the borders and what not. Also it is pretty known that Japan is a better tourist country then living unless your rich or don’t mind the customs
Japan is very overrated
America is so liberated that's why there's a lot of mafia nigga and the crime rate is so high. Some Americans black or Caucasians are rude and racist towards asians
I have a cousin who works as an engineer for Toyota. 5 years ago he was proposed to work in Japan. He took some Japanese lessons before going and went there. He came back after two years only because he thought it was "a toxic country with toxic people who spit venom all the time". I'm using his words.
Oh man, i lived in cali for 4 years and i was excited to go to japan for a job...
3:32 the teenager doing the shy fingers is so adorable!
Ikr can't stop looking at his smol fingers
And u can see his ears are red 🥺he was shy
I think that the grass is always greener on the other side! As a Singaporean, I hope to see Japanese traveling here! 歓迎します! I also want travel to Japan again in the future! 日本にまた行きたいです！！
Yeah that’s true !
Actually I really want to go to Singapore and see the lion there lol
@@takashiifromjapan Ahhh do you mean the Merlion? I hope you do visit! I remember there was a Japanese commercial about Singapore with Merlion as well haha
Japan stands out in the international community as a country with values and culture.
I understand the desire to travel and see other countries, but your country is certainly a country to be proud of.
7 years ago when I started learning Japanese I never thought I would be able to understand even fragments of this video. But here I am :)
Still have a long way to go lol, its hard to keep up
That’s so cool, keep it up! p.s. I like your name haha
Seeing people getting success in those things whom they are giving their time and energy really makes me happy
I am happy for u :)
Sorry for my rubbish english!
Would have definitely like more adults in the video.
While I think it was interesting to see how the younger generation feels about Japan, it would feel a lot better if you could hear from people who have been working in Japan for some time, and have experienced the real bs of Japan.
With students, it feels like they have some level of comfort and dependence, so if Japan is really unforgiving, they won't really be able to attest to that.
I do believe in cultural differences and every country has its own pros and cons but I still can't get over how those youngsters look so good and mature.
The second guy seems like such a cute soul. Hope he finds his ways 🥰
Thank you for this. My brother's really into South Korean pop culture and Japanese anime and culture and I think he tends to hold their cultures on a pedestal like they're some utopia. The only reason I know he knows they're not perfect is because he's aware of the societal pressures like conformity, emotional repression aka bottled up feelings and urges, perfection in academics, crazy work hours, which can lead to things like high suicide rates. All places have their pros and cons, no matter how good a picture they paint. One country might do better in one aspect, but more than likely there's another issue that comes right along to take its place. For example, I completely understand the appeal of good manners towards strangers and elders, but underneath that might be an extremely strict and confining social system in place.
Most people who like kpop/jpop/anime know about the downsites of those societies. Especially kpop and jpop fans since they can see irl how much their idols suffer from the strict norms.
@@unloo definitely not most lmao
are you and your brother from japan 🇯🇵 or korea? 🇰🇷 🇰🇵
@@Necromediancer Definitely most kpop fans . Kpop fans in my country always be like: ''We just love music and idols, not their people🤣''. They criticize korean all the time
@@cleverjames3715 in your country. meanwhile here in Hong Kong I don't hear of that very often
It's always interesting to see how people feel about their homeland, especially young people. The feelings on restrictions and communication speaks to something I think. I wonder if they'll grow out of it or if a new age is on the horizon for the nations future. Assuming of course that, unlike America, the old don't have a stranglehold on the power. I'd love to see them travel too, to see if they become more attached to Japan or less.
The old very much have a stranglehold on power there. :(
The old do not have a stranglehold on America at least socially
Interesting interview. Would have been interesting to hear from people from different generations. Hearing about their answers to where they want to go was really interesting too.
So fun! watching from Norway🇳🇴
it was nice to know what the Japaneses tell what they don't like in Japan. My older brother who studied in Japan in 1965 also said about the way Japanese work in the workplace, and staying after work to socialize together, even work late on the day or in weekend.
that sounds utterly horrifying, why would you want to spend more time with your coworkers when you already are spending 12+ hours with them every day.
@@SvengelskaBlondie It is Japanese culture, not us who are living in the U.S.,
@@th51bis Regardless, it's not a culture I have any desire to partake in.
@@SvengelskaBlondie I live in the US, and I used to hangout with my coworkers after a lot of shifts including 15 hour ones. It depends on how close you are to your coworkers. We had a tight crew there at the time
Great follow up questions and interesting to hear different perspectives, but I really would've like to have heard the difference of opinion with different age groups (teens, young adults, adults, older)!
very cool, I learned a lot. so endearing to see people deciding what they're going to say, not used to being asked their feelings on these things. and the girls who were giggling at each other's answers, real best friends.
One thing I enjoy about the culture that I think others take for granted is the respect for others and quietude. I moved to the US 20 years ago from UK and the noise level here is unbelievable. I’ve been to social events where people are literally yelling in my ear to be heard. And I’m not even talking a big group. I bought noise reduction earplugs for social gatherings. And if you’re not yelling at the top of your lungs then they constantly ask you what’s wrong. I once measured the decibels at a restaurant here and it was pushing 110! Just from talking.
O.o Americans are so dang loud. Why???
Also their attitude here towards their children is frustrating. It borders on child worship. Children always go first to eat (did not grow up with this rule!) children aren’t disciplined at all if being loud and rude.
I’m not advocating children should be seen and not heard. But it’s too far the other way here.
Americans are kind of an international meme for being loud, nobody knows why. I live in Germany and people are neither loud nor quiet just...medium and I can always spot an American because you hear them from miles away lol.
I usually don't mind besides finding it funny but one time some guy was in a museum and while it's not expected for you to be super quiet over here in a museum he was literally on FaceTime calling his gf who was eating super loudly on speaker phone. Funny thing was he didn't even take the time to look at anything just ran from room to room.
That's interesting: One thing I noticed is that the German-heritage Americans tend to be the most boisterous and loud Hermann Goering types lol. Italians are loud too! I think everyone is loud here because they all had to be understood coming from different backgrounds and languages. @@mjrhmekssh
I am a foreigner but I do feel its a bit too rigid in Japan sometimes.
I notice someone in the comments here said that being vague is a problem because they are on the spectrum. I don't have ASD but I still have to agree because sometimes it's considered rude to even say "no" to someone which is confusing!
I remember when I was in Japan I realized that even expressing that you're 'tired' is considered complaining which is considered impolite.
again this is coming from someone in the U.S. The U.S culture is just different is all. In the US you can tell someone casually that you're a little tired from work but in japan if you say that you're seen as complaining and everyone might feel that they need to accomodate you, whereas in America thats just how we talk. we're open about a lot of things really. obvioiusly straight up trauma dumping isn't cool but saying small joking things like "ugh i can't stand my boss" or "damn my teacher is too strict" are normal complaints to make so no one judges. In Japan you can't do that.
theres a beauty to everyone wanting to keep harmony though. I absoulutey adore how polite japanese are becauses that means when I visit I always feel safe and welcome.
when you go to Japan PLEASE study the language and culture as much as you can! trust me it's worth it. as long as you respect the culture of Japan your experience will be fine!
I've heard some Japanese people get upset at foreigners speaking Japanese like it's culturally off limits or something. Sounds like you can't win lol.
My coworkers in Japan wouldn't shy away from saying they were tired. But teachers are sort of weirdos. And they were definitely overworked. Club activities need to be reigned in hard...
I honestly liked the fact that people weren't mindlessly complaining, though, or talking crap about other people. I find the US to be rather childish sometimes, obsessed with drama to make life more interesting.
@@wilhelmbeaston8003 Huh? I never once experienced this. Maybe in the case of people who are extremely fluent, N1 level or so, and know more kanji than the average Japanese native. I've heard of that. "Foreigners shouldn't be able to speak Japanese that well!" But that's just insecurity. Generally, Japanese people (outside of Tokyo) speak to you in Japanese and expect you to understand and speak it at least a little. Because by and large they don't speak English, despite learning it for 6 years in school. Don't be afraid of speaking Japanese in Japan; that's a misconception I think
@@wilhelmbeaston8003whoever said that is wrong
Haha. Stay in your original country bro
My heart was warmed by the young lady that said she wanted to work in Africa in the future because she learned about Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at school. The Sustainable Development Goals are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. God bless her and I hope she does it :-).
I agree with what you said 100%, man
Those two girls were adorable, and I agree with what you said. It warmed my heart
BBC
Same here, was amazed! 😊
Yeah that girl was a breath of fresh air versus the US where the goal for young girls like them is either a career to make money (just like the guys) or hurry and get married to a provider.
As person from Sweden I just wanna say that it's not as cold as people think. It's actually suprisingly warm most of the time because of the gulf stream that brings a lot of warmth. It's just that it's a bit colder than other countries during wintertime but overall the climate is pretty mild.
I have some bad news about that gulf stream.
@@ZyilxX climate change?
@@daylight_xd3467 what else?
It depends where you live, most swedish ppl live in the south which is not as cold
@@gordonfreeman2634 yeah that's true though. In Kiruna for exemple it's very cold. But then like you said most people live in the South. And that's quite a large majority.
0:45 lmao the intro 😭😭 i love it
These young people are Japan's treasure. I wasn't aware high school girls cannot wear makeup or dye their hair. Safety trumps any other concern and these students live in safety. I appreciate this video.
i've heard the rules are very strict. in some cases if your hair isn't black (so brown or whatever) you have to dye it black, or if you don't have straight hair you need to straighten it. i think in college you get a bit more freedom, but after that when you get a job, most jobs require you to follow the norm as well when it comes to hairstyles.
An ALT I know was asked to hold a female student while the Japanese were spraying her hair black. He refused, so two teachers hold both of her arms and her head while a third was spraying temporary black hair dye on her... Yikes
safety trumps all? please tell me you aren't american or i'll throw up.
@@jownbey Those who would sacrifice an ounce of freedom for security deserve neither. To paraphrase Benjamin Franklin.
That’s horrible
Nice, this was interesting! I actually went to Japan two years ago and it was pretty fun. But I did see a lady crying on the train there so that was sad...
@@basiliskdoor nobody cares about you
@SYMX2399 I was planning to work in Japan, but after few researches I guess I will never work there lmao...
Bro, you will see girls crying in every country in the world. And not just girls but also boys, women, men and dogs, this world is a valley of tears.
@@andacomfeeuvou Yeah, I was like “if you came to New Zealand when I was going through a bad time, you’d have seen it here too 😶”
❤i love this video❤ knowing how Japanese people think is so interesting
Thank you for making these videos. I've heard from some friends who had visited Japan as a very modern, clean, tidy, respectful and interesting country, almost as a perfect place to be. These videos don't make me think bad about Japan, but to think and contrast this idea of perfect country from their own people.
Most videos i see make it like japan is perfect so I'm glad this video exists
I'm Korean and I lived Engalnd & Philippines for a year. I used to travel to Japan also. In my opinion. Japan and Korean society is quite similar in the way "patriarchal society". It leads to the man to not be "oshaberi" in some way also leads to be strict atmosphere when you work when you meet older people in some way. They can not be friendly in each rule. It's not easy but complex. I think some Asian country need try to be more open-minded not in strict way
What about china? it's the same case too?
its crazy to think how different cultures might be, never thought TOO hard about it but like, imagine a japanese person getting hugged by their online friend who lives overseas when they meet them LOL
yeah but they don’t do that. We dont do that. We just shake hands
@@chin_obata Japanese don’t even shake hands
I like many things about Japan, and I'd like to try living there for some time. At the same time, you provide valuable insights about your country, so I can keep a realistic view of it.
ありがとうございます！
Interesting video! I think the school response at 1:16 is related to Japan as a whole - a lot is based on things like age and length of time versus ability. It's often this way in the corporate world at large Japanese companies. I think your response at the end is great because doing RUclips is kind of going against the grain of what society would want you to do - good for you.
Yeah I do what other don’t do that’s the key of the success I think !
@@takashiifromjapan I agree! We all need to learn to live our lives according to how we want to! 👍
Seniority can be good but also very detrimental. It should not govern everything... As an employer I am looking at who is getting results and not how long they've been there. I respect long term (or older) employees but that will not get in the way of me promoting someone younger or less experienced if they are getting results..
@@tommyo2450 Definitely. There are a lot of factors that should be considered instead of just looking at one or two… experience, ability, adaptability, and I also think soft skills like patience and empathy are often overlooked.