I've only been watching your videos for about a year. . . .but I LOVE your posts. Plus, you're so handsome and sweet 💖 Thank you for sharing your culture w/us 🌈
itadakimasu -- Translates to "Let us eat". itadakemasu -- Translates to "receive". So, I think she's really saying the first, let us eat, and not the latter.
Thanks for this video (and all the others), very helpful. When I was in Tokyo a few years ago for work the hardest part about eating I found was figuring out which restaurant to go into and how to negotiate actually entering. The first place I tried had great reviews online, but when I arrived I needed a reservation. Since I was just wandering anyway I walked from Ebisu to Shinjuku and passed a number of places that were either empty (didn't seem like a good sign) or crowded with people outside waiting in groups, not what appeared to be a line. I ended up at a ramen place where I ordered from a machine outside, but didn't consider I needed to order a drink. (Which I know now from your videos and others. :) ) (I was also surprised by the push button automatic sliding door, when check was oddly satisfying.) I was wondering if you might do a video on entering different types of food or drink establishments for people with very limited Japanese. Not sure if you've already done this and I know you cover a bit in separate videos, but I was surprised this is what tripped me up since I'm generally willing to eat anything. Thanks again for the channel! Do you have a patreon I'm not finding?
The T shirt from a western perspective is actually awful. Sushi is generally associated with fish. To represent a girl as " fish" is a huge insult and vulgar.
My daughter is visiting Japan, in a week or so. She is allergic to all nuts, nut oils and seeds. How would she convey that in the restaurants? She only speaks English. Thank you for your assistance.
I keep saying the same thing Paolo you should organized a Private tour of at least 5-6 People (you can do more depending on how comfortable you are) and give a tour of all the food spots, places of Japan.
I have an upcoming trip to Japan and in researching places or things I might need, like Japanese sim cards, I've seen Paolo's videos linked on official pages to help explain or suggest stuff. It's great to see people recognizing his helpfulness and all the information he shares :D
I think hes earning alot of money through youtube and adverts Its probably not worth working in tourism. But i see your point. Hes amazing at explaining everything . I watch all his videos from beginning to end. ...which is very rare for me. Lol. He has me hooked . Ive never learnt so much ...hes so entertaining. Sadly i can't travel anymore, not even go outside my house , as i am very poorly and at end of life now. But i sure feel like im traveling to Japan in my dreams ..through all his videos. Ive loved every minute ! Maybe i will visit japan when im in heaven.😂 My long childhood friend who i went to college and lived with .. ...she is chinese , and moved to uk at 7 yrs old . I thought she was wonderful and loved her culture. She ended up being a great graphic designer . I miss her . Anyway i hope he never stops filming . The channel should live forever . 💚💚💚💚💙💙💙💙💙💜💜💜👍
Hands down it's one of the most useful videos about Japan has ever created!! I've been watching videos on youtube about Japan for the past 6 years, made by bloggers from Japan, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Latin America, Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, etc, including official tv shows on NHK channel. So I have heard about most of those tips, but NEVER in one video. Plus I have been wondering for some time about "checks being paid at the register" and "leaving the ramen broth not eaten". You are the only one who answered my questions. Great video! Highly recommend!
Regarding the slurping: I was taught that slurping Ramen or Soba Noodles was mostly in order slurp up as much of the broth as possible. Also it should aid to cooling down the noodles while eating them, because especially Ramen are very hot when you recieve them. By slurping you can eat them very fast without burning your mouth.
Another reason is that slurping allows one to take in more aroma from the ramen or soba. It was proven by detecting aroma stimuli from a Japanese study on slurping vs not slurping noodles, slurping them increased the aroma intake by over 30% as compared to not slurping.
I was taught “itadakimasu” is to show gratefulness towards the people who were involved in the process of growing and cooking the food. If it’s at home, it means thank you for cooking, mom. At least that’s how my family thinks.
"I will humbly receive" the words mean gratefulness for receiving something like food, but that doesn't mean that the person actually cares or wants to express it.
Dude you really helped me get through Quarantine these past months. Just seeing you and your wife makes me so happy idk why! From the way you talk and explain things plus your videos are so fun! Thanks and keep it up!
9:12 In the past 2 years or so I've noticed an interesting trend: the customer is expected to put the money on the tray, but the cashier places the change directly into the customer's palm in a very friendly manner (sometimes even cupping the back of the customer's hand). I was surprised the first time this happened but noticed it become more and more common.
I remember the first time a Japanese cashier handed me my card and receipt back to me like that. I was taken by surprise since it was a store in America but I just remember that it was so nice and it made my day. Felt so heart warming and wished that it happened more haha
My 3rd time coming to Japan was the first for my gf. She was quite shocked to know that we are always expected to finish all of our order and we gotta always get our own order. But as time goes on, it’s not a big problem, as Japanese food is either Good or Very Good. As for drinks, i shared beer with my gf, i know it might be a faux pas, but Japanese beer glass felt really big in my opinion, and being a rare alcoholic drinker, it’s quite wholesome. But i understand the principal concept of eating in Japan, it’s about being grateful for the food being served for you, as the food used to be a living thing that ‘sacrificed’ their lives for our own good. Anyway, great video Paolo!
pokcay. Cant be true. Westerners have the big portions, unnecessary extra drinks and over-eat - not the Japanese. This is why they are thinner! Jk of course. Actually, my experience has been that they eat and drink a lot more than I do.
I had the privilage of visiting w/ students a while back, & I wondered how they managed to stay so thin w/ all they ate ! o.O 😲🤔 they do tend to walk around more, very walkable cities. Also, generally healthier too? Maybe that stuff's part of it x) ~
@@aajohnsoutube Westerners are more overweight on average mostly because they eat unhealthy foods. That is the single biggest factor. Portions and lack of exercise are secondary.
Haha when it comes to food westeners are the most misinformed in the world. Some people don't even realize chicken nuggets are made of chicken. It's preposterous. Funny and sad at the same time.
Hi, Paolo! Didn’t include this tip: When ready to order, you need to call out “Sumimasen” so the waitstaff will come over and take your order. Thank you for this video! Good tips to know when eating in Japan!
I've seen vegetarian and vegan food being discussed before online, and the best tip I caught from that discussion was to order food that Budhist monks eat - that's how you can convey the idea or vegetarian food. But, veganism/vegetarianism as a "diet choice", does not make much sense in Japanese culture. Fish is a central element in near all cooking, so that's what you're gonna get if you order Japanese food. Another tip, is to eat non-Japanese food, like going to an Indian restaurant. That sort of defeats the purpose of going to Japan in the first place, so perhaps that's a bit disappointing. But, it was one tip I've heard from vegan/vegetarian foreigners talking about living in Japan for an extended period of time. It's one way to ensure you can order vegetarian options from the menu.
Thank you so much! This video is truly helpful. The first time my family and I were in Japan. Restaurant customs were a bit confusing for us. There was one time my sister and I wanted to eat at a restaurant that served omurice but our parents wanted to eat somewhere else and when they went there with us just for the sake of accompanying us, we were told that each person was required to order one meal. This was something we were unfamiliar with and we had to compromise. My sister and I ended up staying at the place while our parents went to eat at the other restaurant they wanted to go to. Thanks once again. This video really puts things into perspective!
First of all, thank you for taking the time to make these videos. We have just recently returned from a holiday to Japan. It was the most wonderful experience. The people, the food, the culture! All amazing. Its great to watch your videos and remind ourselves of the wonderful culture. x . thank you
Is it normal to say itadakimasu every time you are served something. Like if I were served first some drink, would I then say itadakimasu and also when I'm served appetizer, main dish and dessert. So should I say all 4 times itadakimasu
I'm glad you touched on food allergies. I've been to Japan 9 times and having an intolerance to wheat, pork, and soy is really difficult. Even with my Japanese friend most restaurants did not understand.
Cleaning up after oneself has become more popular in the USA in the past few years. I like it. Many places have a similar set up one bin for plastic one for paper and so on. Our society can learn a lot from yours. Thanks. Love your videos man.
I'm so glad you created this channel. I am teaching myself as well as kids about respecting other cultures and seeing how other people live out side of the U.S. I think others should follow your format. Very informative
In my experience, the tray thing extends to almost every situation when money changes hands (and when using credit cards). Someone told me that it was to make crystal clear the amount being tendered which is why clerks count and confirm with you upon payment and again when giving change. The no-touching thing is an interesting theory too.
Very useful video! I had stomach surgery and eat very very small ammounts, so usually I share food or order something very small, and if I cant finish it I take the leftovers home if I'm on my own, or friends/my partner eats what's left. Very informative to take many of these things into consideration. Thank you! I hope to visit japan someday
Man Paolo, this video is spot on (just like all your other informational vids)!! I've been to Japan 10 times in the past 8 years and I think of all of these food tips every single trip! Take away boxes, sharing, the money tray, and customizing are the topics I think visitors should definitely be aware of when visiting Japan. Thank you for making such great quality videos about Japan Paolo! Not sure if you agree but I've noticed a massive amount of visitors over the last 5 years or so. Japan has gotten so popular!
Might be tricky to eat in Japan. I had weight loss surgery. I never finish my meals and I share with others a lot. Asking for smaller portions might be the best tip ever. I’ll try using that here in the states too.
I think someone went there and thought that it was a disgusting habit compared to what they were used to in the west and so maybe a Japanese person embarrassed when asked made that up and the foreigner brought this idea with them back and spread it around.
I'm taking friends to Japan next year and was looking for informative vids when I came across yours. You are by far the best vlogger for visiting Japan. You don't waste time with inane chatter but you're funny and get the point across with professionalism. Keep up the great work.
We don't have to order a drink But we have to order a drink at the izakaya, pub which serves alcohol (*o*) And I heard Westerner & American have to order a drink at the restaurant After watching this vid, I understood it was disinformation (^_^;)
This is truly important article! Since I’ll go to Japan with my kids and you give me a new insight about where I can or can’t share food. Thank you so much Paolo ❤️
I usually think that youtubers seem a little conceited, but you just changed my perspective completely! I have been watching your videos since yesterday and I love them!! You seem so nice and are so knowledgeable. Thanks for sharing all this with us! :)
I think slurping the noodles one of the reason is it cools down the noodles before your tongue feels them. As well, slurping makes noodles looks more delicious to other people haven’t eaten yet. Moreover, slurping would help you to get more soup covering the surface of noodles compare to not slurping noodles which that soup covers the surface dripping down back to the bowl. So slurping helps to cool down the noodles and it’s a faster way to capture more soup to cover the surface of each noodle which actually makes your noodles more enjoyable
and its offensive in my culture. It indicates that you have no respect/plain rude for the people around you. Personally i get nauseous if people eat like that. Very bad Japanese habbit...same goes for eating with your mouth open.
Itadakimasu translates to I gratefully receive this gift, where the grateful and gift are implied. Just like any custom there are those who do it out of rote without any gratitude. At my sobo's (Japanese grandmother's) home we were expected to take a moment to reflect and to bow our heads to show gratitude. Those who may be religious Buddhists and Christians take more time to reflect longer to say a silent prayer or to remember.
Thank you very much for the videos. I think they are very good. I am from Guatemala and I had the opportunity back in 2007 to make a pleasant layover at Narita Airport on my way to Singapore to attend a Leadership Seminar that lasted over a month. From my early childhood I had always admire and respect Japan. Once again, thank you.
Visting Japan for the first time next month, was feeling slightly intimidated , however your helpful hints have put me at ease and am looking forward to my travels..Thank You !
Hello Paolo I am so glad that you talked about slurping. I am born raised in New York City. the way that I learned about Japanese culture was from a 1980s mini-series called "ShoGun". But it was based in the sixteen hundreds, (Japan ) it stated that slurping, burping and even farting ( I am so sorry ) at the dinner table was a sign that you enjoyed the meal. ShoGun, was the number one mini-series in America so most people of a certain age have seen it. Thank You Paolo I had a great watch time Shaun of NYC
I believe slurping noodles is a solution to a mechanical problem: How do you get those long noodles hanging below the hashi into your mouth without slurping? With pasta, you can twirl the noodles around your fork (and as a side note, Japanese don't slurp their pasta), but slurping uses the Bernoulli effect to get the ramen/udon/soba into your mouth. Also, if the soup is boiling hot, slurping cools the food down so you don't burn your mouth.
"How do you get those long noodles hanging below the hashi into your mouth without slurping?" - I guess you could just cut those long noodles with your teeth. I tried doing it once, I ran out of breathe just by slurping lol.
I watched all of Paolo's videos before I went to Japan, and they were so helpful!! I just started posting Japan vlog from my trip last year, thank you Paolo for your inspiration! 💖💖💖
You are so right. We were in Japan last year we discovered we couldn’t omit meats in certain dishes. My friend being Muslim had a bit of a hard time but in the end we always found a dish he could eat. Thanks for another great video 🙏👏👍🏼
And mostly restos who actually do take-aways will ask beforehand but then again as you said it’s rare cause their portions are just right even if it’s a one whole set meal. Thank you for covering these ups!
I do appreciate that he actually explains the reason which most people don't do. I knew this stuff but I know several people who have no idea. Also iv heard that ramen thing about showing appreciation but Iv also been told its to better aerate the food and a bunch of other stuff so idk.
The tip with putting your money on the tray reminded me of a situation I had some years ago working at an ice cream shop in Germany. We had tourists from the US eating there and when they finished their ice cream, the guy shouted "hey!" and literally threw his credit card across the room over the counter where I was standing. I was so shocked, I had no words.
100% have heard that slurping noodles is a must. That it's actually rude if you don't and that you're not allowed to bite off the noodles. You have to slurp them up whole. Also thanks for your awesome informative videos!!!
I wish I had seen this before we went this past December! As a fellow Asian (Asian-American) I’m quite cognizant of culture and rules, and did my best to study up on the language and customs. The one we didn’t know, despite being toured around by locals everywhere, was the take home rule. We ordered too much and asked for take home boxes 3x… only for our server to scold us in the middle of the izakaya as the elderly man next to us glared at us deep. I felt so bad for days!
Absolutely love your videos. They are very informative and gives great insight into the life and culture. Please keep making them. I love Japanese culture.
It's not required to order drinks in restaurants; it's okay to just ask for water, or in some cases tea, which is almost always free. In establishments that serves alcohol such as bars or izakayas, you are expected to order drinks. You don't need to finish your meal when you dine out. I was born and raised in Japan and I've never heard such thing.
Depends on the restaurant. There were a few we went to, especially theme restaurants, that required each person to order a drink. Definitely not everywhere tho.
@@thepersianqueen4995 Those themed cafes are mostly very expensive as well. If you go to a local restaurant water is mostly free and sometimes tea is as well.
Excellent information! The slurping thing I knew about but, it's sure good to know about not finishing food, doggie bags, sharing and not sharing. Very helpful. I really liked this video. Watched it 3 times.
Thank you so much for all of your videos! You have been helping my girlfriend and I through a very tough time. We love watching your content to unwind after a long day. We wish you and your family the best and we hope to use these tips when we eventually visit Japan!
Paolo, really interesting and helpful. Wish I had known this back in the 70s when i was stationed in Sasebo. I had to learn everything by watching them. The 3 years i lived there i learned a lot- #1 learn as much Japanese as you can and #2 don't be afraid to ask for help. I was treated like a princess there as i was teaching (#1 profession) conversational English to children and adults. I miss it very much.
I have a friend who was born in China, but moved to Japan at a fairly young age. Her and her family have always been either vegan or vegetarian. She said that it was common to mention a Buddhist style diet or dish to get the point across. She was usually understood.
In my country(Norway)we don’t tip eighter. At most restaurants you may leave your cuttlery and plate behind. But it is common to clear your dishes if you are staying at a cabin-inn. (Cabin hotels/inns are built along side roads surrounded by mountains so that people that want to hike and enjoy the nature for a little longer have a warm place to stay)
Thank you so much for sharing this! I really, reaaaallly appreciate getting information from a local - info is often scarce or (worse) wrong, and it seems, humanity has just started to open up, getting much more accurate info. I cross-reference sources from the internet with anyone I meet from the country, it's surprising to me how often it turns out to be correcr! Much, muuuuuch thanks, this really helps! Special thanks for the parts of veganisms, that is nice to know I can find soem veganisms in Japan - maybe in a decade or so, with more development, and once I have a baseline of the language down, I'll go on a little journey to Japan, stay a few months. Thanks!
In Japan now. Lots of rain and effects from a Typhoon are expected to hit Sunday. Use the bus from Narita and get the 72 hour subway passes. Use Google maps or Hyperdia for subway connections.
Molon Labe thank you for the heads-up! hopefully it wont be too bad on tuesday! i'll be landing in haneada which is closer to tokyo so hopefully i can get to my airbnb without too much trouble.
Great tips, man. Some of them I just never think about any more, but when I visited Canada last summer I remember looking for the cash tray at Walmart and asking the cashier where I should put the money ;) She said could just hand it to her... haha
2:40 Ouch, that is gonna suck really hard because we are extremely picky and dont even finish food we like half the time ... that's gonna be awkward ... Do they do to-go boxes there? 7:50 oh man that sucks >.< 5:10 my girlfriend is kosher. Is that gonna be a big problem? are there a lot of pork based broths? 6:35 for my health, I've only been drinking water. and we dont drink alcohol. hope its not too awkward ordering water. Never even thought about that before. =\ Man, this sounds like it's gonna be an rough trip food-wise xD
I believe most broth is fish-based. There are a lot of pork-based broth but you will know it. I don't know what restaurant Paolo is talking about, because the cheaper restaurant usually provide you with refillable tea for free (and he has talked about it before). Also, Japanese people rarely drink when eating. Are you okay with tea? I have been 2 times going to Japan, I never ordered a drink, ever. The meal usually come with a glass of tea. Maybe I also get a foreigner pass. It won't be awkward I assure you. It's a shame if you started getting afraid about food because food in Japan is awesome
The sharing rule is something that I've been wondering about. We want to taste so many food and are hoping we can sharing meals so we dont get full too fast. Thanks for this!
I went to coco curry for the first time and didn't realise how big the portion size was and left quite a bit. I felt really bad about it because my friend couldn't finish hers either and when we were leaving we saw the server shaking his head.... 😧
@@maxeenee in the restaurant i was in I'd say no. They were busy and had people lining up to get a seat bc there wasn't much space. I didn't expect the portions to be that large too. I felt bad but ate as much as i could 😔
ahh i see! this restaurant is in my country too but i've never been there bc i dont eat curry. hmm, food portion could be an issue for me if i go to japan since im a small eater!! (can't even finish a bowl of rice, i usually share my food with others)
Yes! back in middle/high school I was told that slipping was to shown respect! its crazy how such a rumor can spread like this in the 90s, before mainstream internet.
I think most sensible people can understand why these dining traditions came about. It's just the entitled citizens of a certain star system who'll kick up a fuss about not getting non-meat wagyu beef from a roadside izakaya.
Being going to japan for years and I had to find out all these things the hard way. This is a super useful video for newbies and wish I had this when I first went
That was what we were told for tip 7. Glad to know that it actually meant meant something else. The surprise tip for me was tip 9 as I usually just leave the bowl where it is instead of the counter as I had seen that was what most locals did. However at fast food and other tray returning places, I do return my tray etc.
love this! i always thought it was rude when you hand them money and they return ur money or card on the table or don’t hand it back into your hand when you have it out for them! Thank you for explaining that! i enjoyed all the tips.
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I've only been watching your videos for about a year. . . .but I LOVE your posts. Plus, you're so handsome and sweet 💖 Thank you for sharing your culture w/us 🌈
itadakimasu -- Translates to "Let us eat".
itadakemasu -- Translates to "receive".
So, I think she's really saying the first, let us eat, and not the latter.
Thanks for this video (and all the others), very helpful. When I was in Tokyo a few years ago for work the hardest part about eating I found was figuring out which restaurant to go into and how to negotiate actually entering. The first place I tried had great reviews online, but when I arrived I needed a reservation. Since I was just wandering anyway I walked from Ebisu to Shinjuku and passed a number of places that were either empty (didn't seem like a good sign) or crowded with people outside waiting in groups, not what appeared to be a line. I ended up at a ramen place where I ordered from a machine outside, but didn't consider I needed to order a drink. (Which I know now from your videos and others. :) ) (I was also surprised by the push button automatic sliding door, when check was oddly satisfying.)
I was wondering if you might do a video on entering different types of food or drink establishments for people with very limited Japanese. Not sure if you've already done this and I know you cover a bit in separate videos, but I was surprised this is what tripped me up since I'm generally willing to eat anything.
Thanks again for the channel! Do you have a patreon I'm not finding?
The T shirt from a western perspective is actually awful. Sushi is generally associated with fish. To represent a girl as " fish" is a huge insult and vulgar.
My daughter is visiting Japan, in a week or so. She is allergic to all nuts, nut oils and seeds. How would she convey that in the restaurants? She only speaks English. Thank you for your assistance.
you should publish your own book/guide
Thanks korling99! Good suggestion.
@@PaolofromTOKYO Thats what this is!
If you do, you'll be giving out a lot of misinformation to all the snowflakes out there.
facts
His presentation is all about clichés. When you go to a restaurant order for yourself instead of being a cheapskate and sharing a meal.
Just so you know, I came to Japan mostly due to your videos. You should be an official extension of the tourism board. Great videos
simo hayha? u wish, like i do ... nice to know that the king is not dead...LONG LIVE THE KING
I keep saying the same thing Paolo you should organized a Private tour of at least 5-6 People (you can do more depending on how comfortable you are) and give a tour of all the food spots, places of Japan.
I have an upcoming trip to Japan and in researching places or things I might need, like Japanese sim cards, I've seen Paolo's videos linked on official pages to help explain or suggest stuff. It's great to see people recognizing his helpfulness and all the information he shares :D
I think hes earning alot of money through youtube and adverts
Its probably not worth working in tourism.
But i see your point. Hes amazing at explaining everything .
I watch all his videos from beginning to end.
...which is very rare for me. Lol.
He has me hooked .
Ive never learnt so much ...hes so entertaining.
Sadly i can't travel anymore, not even go outside my house
, as i am very poorly and at end of life now.
But i sure feel like im traveling to Japan in my dreams
..through all his videos.
Ive loved every minute !
Maybe i will visit japan when im in heaven.😂
My long childhood friend who i went to college and lived with ..
...she is chinese , and moved to uk at 7 yrs old .
I thought she was wonderful and loved her culture.
She ended up being a great graphic designer .
I miss her .
Anyway i hope he never stops filming .
The channel should live forever .
💚💚💚💚💙💙💙💙💙💜💜💜👍
Hands down it's one of the most useful videos about Japan has ever created!! I've been watching videos on youtube about Japan for the past 6 years, made by bloggers from Japan, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Latin America, Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, etc, including official tv shows on NHK channel. So I have heard about most of those tips, but NEVER in one video. Plus I have been wondering for some time about "checks being paid at the register" and "leaving the ramen broth not eaten". You are the only one who answered my questions. Great video! Highly recommend!
Thanks for the ultra kind words Fukurou! I’m happy that you enjoyed this video.
Great comment bro!
Forgot to add the no eating and walking tip although he had mentioned it in another video.
Regarding the slurping: I was taught that slurping Ramen or Soba Noodles was mostly in order slurp up as much of the broth as possible. Also it should aid to cooling down the noodles while eating them, because especially Ramen are very hot when you recieve them. By slurping you can eat them very fast without burning your mouth.
Another reason is that slurping allows one to take in more aroma from the ramen or soba. It was proven by detecting aroma stimuli from a Japanese study on slurping vs not slurping noodles, slurping them increased the aroma intake by over 30% as compared to not slurping.
I was taught “itadakimasu” is to show gratefulness towards the people who were involved in the process of growing and cooking the food. If it’s at home, it means thank you for cooking, mom. At least that’s how my family thinks.
"I will humbly receive" the words mean gratefulness for receiving something like food, but that doesn't mean that the person actually cares or wants to express it.
Thank you Monica s
You know it well.
Thank you for the lives and the people who make our food.
もう一つ意味があります。生き物の命に感謝していただくという意味もあるのです。
Dude you really helped me get through Quarantine these past months. Just seeing you and your wife makes me so happy idk why! From the way you talk and explain things plus your videos are so fun! Thanks and keep it up!
9:12 In the past 2 years or so I've noticed an interesting trend: the customer is expected to put the money on the tray, but the cashier places the change directly into the customer's palm in a very friendly manner (sometimes even cupping the back of the customer's hand). I was surprised the first time this happened but noticed it become more and more common.
I remember the first time a Japanese cashier handed me my card and receipt back to me like that. I was taken by surprise since it was a store in America but I just remember that it was so nice and it made my day. Felt so heart warming and wished that it happened more haha
My 3rd time coming to Japan was the first for my gf. She was quite shocked to know that we are always expected to finish all of our order and we gotta always get our own order. But as time goes on, it’s not a big problem, as Japanese food is either Good or Very Good.
As for drinks, i shared beer with my gf, i know it might be a faux pas, but Japanese beer glass felt really big in my opinion, and being a rare alcoholic drinker, it’s quite wholesome.
But i understand the principal concept of eating in Japan, it’s about being grateful for the food being served for you, as the food used to be a living thing that ‘sacrificed’ their lives for our own good.
Anyway, great video Paolo!
pokcay. Cant be true. Westerners have the big portions, unnecessary extra drinks and over-eat - not the Japanese. This is why they are thinner! Jk of course. Actually, my experience has been that they eat and drink a lot more than I do.
I had the privilage of visiting w/ students a while back, & I wondered how they managed to stay so thin w/ all they ate ! o.O 😲🤔 they do tend to walk around more, very walkable cities. Also, generally healthier too? Maybe that stuff's part of it x) ~
@@aajohnsoutube Westerners are more overweight on average mostly because they eat unhealthy foods. That is the single biggest factor. Portions and lack of exercise are secondary.
It's okay Japan, I don't understand Western diets either.
Haha when it comes to food westeners are the most misinformed in the world. Some people don't even realize chicken nuggets are made of chicken. It's preposterous. Funny and sad at the same time.
As a Westerner myself, I am often confused as hell about much of what is considered part of western diet.
Western is not synonymous with American.
There are plenty of amazing European diets.
what the fuck is a western diet
Facts 😂
you're 1 of the top informational japan vlogger. like real specific culture stuffs. better than other japan *Tips* channel. :D
Thanks Lithianic!
Hi Lithianic, if you like Japan videos then maybe our channel could be of interest to you 😊
@@MillennialTravelConfessions Don't do this
Yeah such great tips
I've traveled and worked in Japan over many years, and I think you nailed this list perfectly! Nice job.
i love your doggie
Hi, Paolo! Didn’t include this tip: When ready to order, you need to call out “Sumimasen” so the waitstaff will come over and take your order.
Thank you for this video! Good tips to know when eating in Japan!
Ah! No wonder it's so difficult to get served when you shout "Oi! Garçon!"
@@JK_Clark Oui oui!
I've seen vegetarian and vegan food being discussed before online, and the best tip I caught from that discussion was to order food that Budhist monks eat - that's how you can convey the idea or vegetarian food. But, veganism/vegetarianism as a "diet choice", does not make much sense in Japanese culture. Fish is a central element in near all cooking, so that's what you're gonna get if you order Japanese food.
Another tip, is to eat non-Japanese food, like going to an Indian restaurant. That sort of defeats the purpose of going to Japan in the first place, so perhaps that's a bit disappointing. But, it was one tip I've heard from vegan/vegetarian foreigners talking about living in Japan for an extended period of time. It's one way to ensure you can order vegetarian options from the menu.
I was thinking that is the most practical.
Thank you so much! This video is truly helpful. The first time my family and I were in Japan. Restaurant customs were a bit confusing for us. There was one time my sister and I wanted to eat at a restaurant that served omurice but our parents wanted to eat somewhere else and when they went there with us just for the sake of accompanying us, we were told that each person was required to order one meal. This was something we were unfamiliar with and we had to compromise. My sister and I ended up staying at the place while our parents went to eat at the other restaurant they wanted to go to.
Thanks once again. This video really puts things into perspective!
First of all, thank you for taking the time to make these videos. We have just recently returned from a holiday to Japan. It was the most wonderful experience. The people, the food, the culture! All amazing. Its great to watch your videos and remind ourselves of the wonderful culture. x . thank you
Is it normal to say itadakimasu every time you are served something. Like if I were served first some drink, would I then say itadakimasu and also when I'm served appetizer, main dish and dessert. So should I say all 4 times itadakimasu
In early morning just wake up and found new video about japan culture, thank you for sharing paolo 😊
Thanks nurria apriyanti! Glad you like my Japanese culture related vids.
I'm glad you touched on food allergies. I've been to Japan 9 times and having an intolerance to wheat, pork, and soy is really difficult. Even with my Japanese friend most restaurants did not understand.
Should’ve just stayed home.
@@Lj-er8mo That's the spirit!
Just tolerate them bro, it isn't that difficult
@@elpollochileno I hope you never develop wheat and soy in tolerance.
@@simonedwards1963 why would I develop them? I'm not stupid
Thanks for all your great videos . Japanese culture is amazing and fascinating, I work as a server and love serving them. Magic in the culture
Cleaning up after oneself has become more popular in the USA in the past few years. I like it. Many places have a similar set up one bin for plastic one for paper and so on. Our society can learn a lot from yours. Thanks. Love your videos man.
you are literally the kindest and sweetest man ever :((
I'm so glad you created this channel. I am teaching myself as well as kids about respecting other cultures and seeing how other people live out side of the U.S. I think others should follow your format. Very informative
In my experience, the tray thing extends to almost every situation when money changes hands (and when using credit cards). Someone told me that it was to make crystal clear the amount being tendered which is why clerks count and confirm with you upon payment and again when giving change. The no-touching thing is an interesting theory too.
Very useful video!
I had stomach surgery and eat very very small ammounts, so usually I share food or order something very small, and if I cant finish it I take the leftovers home if I'm on my own, or friends/my partner eats what's left.
Very informative to take many of these things into consideration. Thank you! I hope to visit japan someday
Man Paolo, this video is spot on (just like all your other informational vids)!! I've been to Japan 10 times in the past 8 years and I think of all of these food tips every single trip! Take away boxes, sharing, the money tray, and customizing are the topics I think visitors should definitely be aware of when visiting Japan.
Thank you for making such great quality videos about Japan Paolo! Not sure if you agree but I've noticed a massive amount of visitors over the last 5 years or so. Japan has gotten so popular!
Might be tricky to eat in Japan. I had weight loss surgery. I never finish my meals and I share with others a lot. Asking for smaller portions might be the best tip ever. I’ll try using that here in the states too.
When i was in elementary school i remember reading a book and it said slurping your noodles is complimentary to the chef lmao LIES!
My father once said the louder you burp, the better is the quality of food lol
@@rohanghoshdastidar1047 That's China
@@rohanghoshdastidar1047 it was common everywhere something like 200 years ago
@@rohanghoshdastidar1047 I'm pretty sure I saw that in Shogun by James Clavell. But it's probably an antiquated thing by now
I think someone went there and thought that it was a disgusting habit compared to what they were used to in the west and so maybe a Japanese person embarrassed when asked made that up and the foreigner brought this idea with them back and spread it around.
I'm taking friends to Japan next year and was looking for informative vids when I came across yours. You are by far the best vlogger for visiting Japan. You don't waste time with inane chatter but you're funny and get the point across with professionalism. Keep up the great work.
06 - When I was at Japan I was always given a big container full of chilled water with ice in every restaurant. Maybe I was lucky.
We don't have to order a drink
But we have to order a drink at the izakaya, pub which serves alcohol (*o*)
And I heard Westerner & American have to order a drink at the restaurant
After watching this vid, I understood it was disinformation (^_^;)
Thx paolo, your video really help me when i'm in tokyo.. already miss japan.
Awesome! Glad you found the info useful charles anderson!
This is truly important article! Since I’ll go to Japan with my kids and you give me a new insight about where I can or can’t share food. Thank you so much Paolo ❤️
I usually think that youtubers seem a little conceited, but you just changed my perspective completely! I have been watching your videos since yesterday and I love them!! You seem so nice and are so knowledgeable. Thanks for sharing all this with us! :)
I think slurping the noodles one of the reason is it cools down the noodles before your tongue feels them. As well, slurping makes noodles looks more delicious to other people haven’t eaten yet. Moreover, slurping would help you to get more soup covering the surface of noodles compare to not slurping noodles which that soup covers the surface dripping down back to the bowl. So slurping helps to cool down the noodles and it’s a faster way to capture more soup to cover the surface of each noodle which actually makes your noodles more enjoyable
张峰 the slurping sound makes me feel disgust to the person (adult) 👉🏻👈🏻
Whenever I go to Japan and eat ramen, if I see foreigners eating quietly, I think to myself... "Must be noobs"🙄
@@roro2k lol
informative comment there, thx ~ 🍜
and its offensive in my culture. It indicates that you have no respect/plain rude for the people around you. Personally i get nauseous if people eat like that. Very bad Japanese habbit...same goes for eating with your mouth open.
Itadakimasu translates to I gratefully receive this gift, where the grateful and gift are implied.
Just like any custom there are those who do it out of rote without any gratitude.
At my sobo's (Japanese grandmother's) home we were expected to take a moment to reflect and to bow our heads to show gratitude.
Those who may be religious Buddhists and Christians take more time to reflect longer to say a silent prayer or to remember.
Thank you very much for the videos. I think they are very good. I am from Guatemala and I had the opportunity back in 2007 to make a pleasant layover at Narita Airport on my way to Singapore to attend a Leadership Seminar that lasted over a month. From my early childhood I had always admire and respect Japan. Once again, thank you.
Hi, Paolo
You didn’t mention about toilet yet...!
How works toilets in Tokyo...?!?
Thanks
Visting Japan for the first time next month, was feeling slightly intimidated , however your helpful hints have put me at ease and am looking forward to my travels..Thank You !
How did your trip go? Lovely time or a bit stressful?
Thanks for letting me know about sharing! I can’t finish my food so my husband and I share all the time but we get hungry fast too lol
Hello Paolo
I am so glad that you talked about slurping. I am born raised in New York City. the way that I learned about Japanese culture was from a
1980s mini-series called "ShoGun".
But it was based in the sixteen hundreds, (Japan ) it stated that slurping, burping and even farting ( I am so sorry ) at the dinner table was a sign that you enjoyed the meal.
ShoGun, was the number one mini-series in America so most people of a certain age have seen it.
Thank You Paolo I had a great watch time
Shaun of NYC
We’re in Okinawa now! Mainland next week! Your videos have been so helpful getting us back into the culture after so long!
Glad that my vids have helped. Enjoy the rest your trip in Okinawa.
Japan is the ultimate country, some many people in such a small space with so much consideration for eachother
I believe slurping noodles is a solution to a mechanical problem: How do you get those long noodles hanging below the hashi into your mouth without slurping? With pasta, you can twirl the noodles around your fork (and as a side note, Japanese don't slurp their pasta), but slurping uses the Bernoulli effect to get the ramen/udon/soba into your mouth. Also, if the soup is boiling hot, slurping cools the food down so you don't burn your mouth.
"How do you get those long noodles hanging below the hashi into your mouth without slurping?"
- I guess you could just cut those long noodles with your teeth. I tried doing it once, I ran out of breathe just by slurping lol.
I watched all of Paolo's videos before I went to Japan, and they were so helpful!! I just started posting Japan vlog from my trip last year, thank you Paolo for your inspiration! 💖💖💖
how much did you pay in total for your trip?
Everybody should know about these tips before travelling to japan xD well done Paolo!!
You are so right. We were in Japan last year we discovered we couldn’t omit meats in certain dishes. My friend being Muslim had a bit of a hard time but in the end we always found a dish he could eat. Thanks for another great video 🙏👏👍🏼
Hey, Paolo! With the rising trend of craft beer in Japan, do you think you could do a vid about the best craft beers bars/breweries?
is there a difference between CRAFT beer and just....beer ?
@@jinhunterslay1638 Yes
@@dado4352 ....well? what is it!
And mostly restos who actually do take-aways will ask beforehand but then again as you said it’s rare cause their portions are just right even if it’s a one whole set meal. Thank you for covering these ups!
Thanks for making great videos that helped me out on my trip now :3
I do appreciate that he actually explains the reason which most people don't do. I knew this stuff but I know several people who have no idea.
Also iv heard that ramen thing about showing appreciation but Iv also been told its to better aerate the food and a bunch of other stuff so idk.
Thank you, so informative and your vids are really nicely produced with loads of facts and humour! 👍🏻
The tip with putting your money on the tray reminded me of a situation I had some years ago working at an ice cream shop in Germany. We had tourists from the US eating there and when they finished their ice cream, the guy shouted "hey!" and literally threw his credit card across the room over the counter where I was standing. I was so shocked, I had no words.
That is so disrespectful. I am from the US and would be offended and annoyed if I saw someone do that.
i was definitely told slurping your noodles was a compliment to the chef 😂
100% have heard that slurping noodles is a must. That it's actually rude if you don't and that you're not allowed to bite off the noodles. You have to slurp them up whole. Also thanks for your awesome informative videos!!!
how to say some small key words like thank you and goodbye. To be polite..
I love your videos, I've almost finished watching all of them! Can you do some videos on speaking basic Japanese for food ordering?
Hi Paolo
今回のテーマは・・・
『日本人にも理解・ふまえて欲しいこと』
━─────━━
簡潔に､相変わらずテンポのいい
Paolo from TOKYO
────────次回ヲたのしみに☺
Thanks ツトム! Always appreciate your breakdown of the video.
I wish I had seen this before we went this past December! As a fellow Asian (Asian-American) I’m quite cognizant of culture and rules, and did my best to study up on the language and customs. The one we didn’t know, despite being toured around by locals everywhere, was the take home rule. We ordered too much and asked for take home boxes 3x… only for our server to scold us in the middle of the izakaya as the elderly man next to us glared at us deep. I felt so bad for days!
The 'sushi' restaurant with no waiters and a mini train that brings the food to you. DO THAT ONE!!!
Absolutely love your videos. They are very informative and gives great insight into the life and culture. Please keep making them. I love Japanese culture.
It's not required to order drinks in restaurants; it's okay to just ask for water, or in some cases tea, which is almost always free. In establishments that serves alcohol such as bars or izakayas, you are expected to order drinks. You don't need to finish your meal when you dine out. I was born and raised in Japan and I've never heard such thing.
You mosly get free water indeed! but it can be considered as rude if you dont finish your meal.
Depends on the restaurant. There were a few we went to, especially theme restaurants, that required each person to order a drink. Definitely not everywhere tho.
same
@@thepersianqueen4995 Those themed cafes are mostly very expensive as well. If you go to a local restaurant water is mostly free and sometimes tea is as well.
Good. Because my stomach is tiny .
awesome new intro, Paolo!
Excellent information! The slurping thing I knew about but, it's sure good to know about not finishing food, doggie bags, sharing and not sharing. Very helpful. I really liked this video. Watched it 3 times.
Love this video, Paolo! 😀👍
Wow Jade! You're on a roll. Always good to hear from you early.
Your guides are a great help! I recommend your videos to friends who are looking to take a trip to Japan. Thanks for your work!
Thanks for the tip, off to Osaka next week😍
Thank you so much for all of your videos! You have been helping my girlfriend and I through a very tough time. We love watching your content to unwind after a long day. We wish you and your family the best and we hope to use these tips when we eventually visit Japan!
#7 my late mom (from Kyushu) slurped ramen, soba and everything. 🤢 "it tastes better!" 🤣😂
Paolo, really interesting and helpful. Wish I had known this back in the 70s when i was stationed in Sasebo. I had to learn everything by watching them. The 3 years i lived there i learned a lot- #1 learn as much Japanese as you can and #2 don't be afraid to ask for help. I was treated like a princess there as i was teaching (#1 profession) conversational English to children and adults. I miss it very much.
I love the comment on slurping. "It's like using a steak knife in the states."
I have a friend who was born in China, but moved to Japan at a fairly young age. Her and her family have always been either vegan or vegetarian. She said that it was common to mention a Buddhist style diet or dish to get the point across. She was usually understood.
Do a video with your vegetarian friend and show us all her hit spots!
this could be interpreted incorrectly by some...like me.
In my country(Norway)we don’t tip eighter. At most restaurants you may leave your cuttlery and plate behind. But it is common to clear your dishes if you are staying at a cabin-inn. (Cabin hotels/inns are built along side roads surrounded by mountains so that people that want to hike and enjoy the nature for a little longer have a warm place to stay)
Nice intro! Amazing video!
I love it too!
Thank you so much for sharing this! I really, reaaaallly appreciate getting information from a local - info is often scarce or (worse) wrong, and it seems, humanity has just started to open up, getting much more accurate info. I cross-reference sources from the internet with anyone I meet from the country, it's surprising to me how often it turns out to be correcr! Much, muuuuuch thanks, this really helps! Special thanks for the parts of veganisms, that is nice to know I can find soem veganisms in Japan - maybe in a decade or so, with more development, and once I have a baseline of the language down, I'll go on a little journey to Japan, stay a few months.
Thanks!
all these cool tips literally 7 days before i go to japan for the first time! october 2nd cant come soon enough!
In Japan now. Lots of rain and effects from a Typhoon are expected to hit Sunday. Use the bus from Narita and get the 72 hour subway passes. Use Google maps or Hyperdia for subway connections.
Molon Labe thank you for the heads-up! hopefully it wont be too bad on tuesday! i'll be landing in haneada which is closer to tokyo so hopefully i can get to my airbnb without too much trouble.
Thank you for this vid!
I don't know now if I'll go because of this complication but thank you nonetheless. Best of luck!
Great tips, man. Some of them I just never think about any more, but when I visited Canada last summer I remember looking for the cash tray at Walmart and asking the cashier where I should put the money ;) She said could just hand it to her... haha
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😂😂🤗🤗🤗
This phenomenon is known as reverse culture shock.
@@williamjames212 that's cool. didn't kno that term, thx
Two questions:
1. How do they feel about splitting the check?
2. What’s generally the largest bill they don’t mind accepting in less expensive places?
THIS IS A GREAT CHANNEL.....HOPE YOU KEEP UP THE CULTURAL EXCHANGE....FROM SOUTH CAROLINA U.S.A.
Japan is my favourite country in the world. If I ever get a chance to visit I call you. Thank you the awesome videos and useful tips
Can you please please please do a video on halal restaurants please once again
In Portugal is normal to share in any occasion. You can ask almost anything to remove from a dish
"because they don't like being touched" lol
These are the best tips about Japanese life and culture, thanks Paolo from Australia 😀
2:40 Ouch, that is gonna suck really hard because we are extremely picky and dont even finish food we like half the time ... that's gonna be awkward ... Do they do to-go boxes there? 7:50 oh man that sucks >.<
5:10 my girlfriend is kosher. Is that gonna be a big problem? are there a lot of pork based broths?
6:35 for my health, I've only been drinking water. and we dont drink alcohol. hope its not too awkward ordering water. Never even thought about that before. =\
Man, this sounds like it's gonna be an rough trip food-wise xD
I believe most broth is fish-based. There are a lot of pork-based broth but you will know it.
I don't know what restaurant Paolo is talking about, because the cheaper restaurant usually provide you with refillable tea for free (and he has talked about it before). Also, Japanese people rarely drink when eating. Are you okay with tea? I have been 2 times going to Japan, I never ordered a drink, ever. The meal usually come with a glass of tea. Maybe I also get a foreigner pass. It won't be awkward I assure you. It's a shame if you started getting afraid about food because food in Japan is awesome
You sound fun
Then dont fucking go picky pricks
Go to your local Japanese town/Little Tokyo in your city.....and don’t come.
Like the saying goes... When in Rome, do as the Romans do. If you can't, best decision would be not to go. And they cover it boxes in the video too...
The sharing rule is something that I've been wondering about. We want to taste so many food and are hoping we can sharing meals so we dont get full too fast. Thanks for this!
I went to coco curry for the first time and didn't realise how big the portion size was and left quite a bit. I felt really bad about it because my friend couldn't finish hers either and when we were leaving we saw the server shaking his head.... 😧
filthy foreigners
@@ando1135 yep thats me bitch
it is possible to share it though? its hard to tell when u could share the food or not
@@maxeenee in the restaurant i was in I'd say no. They were busy and had people lining up to get a seat bc there wasn't much space. I didn't expect the portions to be that large too. I felt bad but ate as much as i could 😔
ahh i see! this restaurant is in my country too but i've never been there bc i dont eat curry. hmm, food portion could be an issue for me if i go to japan since im a small eater!! (can't even finish a bowl of rice, i usually share my food with others)
Yes! back in middle/high school I was told that slipping was to shown respect! its crazy how such a rumor can spread like this in the 90s, before mainstream internet.
I think most sensible people can understand why these dining traditions came about. It's just the entitled citizens of a certain star system who'll kick up a fuss about not getting non-meat wagyu beef from a roadside izakaya.
I'd say it's pretty close to European eating manners as well. Nothing particularly special.
07 - slurping : slurping helps releasing flavors making the taste of soba / ramen better. and also cool off :)
I doubt they give a damn about a tourist not slurping their noodles, or ordering a drink. Just don't be logan paul...That's the only advice you need.
All his videos are so satisfying to watch. So fascinated by the Japanese cukture. Would love to visit someday
The noodle slurping is so hard to watch. 🍜
Being going to japan for years and I had to find out all these things the hard way. This is a super useful video for newbies and wish I had this when I first went
"how to eat japan" damn you're getting me hungry here
That was what we were told for tip 7. Glad to know that it actually meant meant something else. The surprise tip for me was tip 9 as I usually just leave the bowl where it is instead of the counter as I had seen that was what most locals did. However at fast food and other tray returning places, I do return my tray etc.
Paolo: "Just like Westerner's use
steak knife to cut steak"
Me, a 14 year old western boy: "Dafuq is that"
love this! i always thought it was rude when you hand them money and they return ur money or card on the table or don’t hand it back into your hand when you have it out for them! Thank you for explaining that! i enjoyed all the tips.
He’s squatting in public SCREEEEECH