NOTIFICATION SQUAD: Which of these FOUR do you think is the biggest lie about Japan?! And WHAT did I miss? Let me know below. Now if you don't mind me, I must get back to my flying car. Also, the video starts at 27:29.
@XenMoto From what i heard from japanese people themself, most of the younger crowd is into it. Even it's more a normal, less Otaku extreme kinda way. Otaku itself is more a western word for it, in japan its less mentioned by "otakus" themself. But yeah, it is not a lie, most of them consume mangas. But that's because it's kinda a comic nation. Almost like france in a way. It's totally normal there.
@XenMoto hmm, maybw not otakus, but most young people seriously watch anime. But a small portion, that is still a big part, is really obsessed with it. But if you only would watch sora the troll, you would think everyone is obsessed. XD
Read *The China Study*! It’s the fatty food that is the problem. Carbs fill you up, and activity burns the calories. More vegetables equals more fiber. Meats and fish are garnishes.
4000 yen for that robot? In Korea it’s 70,000 kw = 7000 yen. One myth is how expensive Japan is. It is if you come from some places but I noticed over the years 2000 to 2010 between Canada and Japan, Canada was becoming more expensive. Don’t know now. I was going to go to Tokyo in Dec 2019 then decided to put it off to March 2020. You know what happened.
I asked an old man in Tokyo if he could help me find my way back to Yokosuka (very common question on the east coast where the Navy base is). I figured he'd point me on my way, but instead he got on the train with me and traveled the hour ride to make sure I got back safe. I'll never be able to thank him enough! It was definitely a shock finding out how ridiculously polite people could be. (Not to say I didn't also experience, anti gaijin sentiment/ general rudeness.)
@P Mwhite is a colour, not an ethnicity, it is very easy to tell if someone is white. The average Japanese person is as white as the average British person.
Having Japanese parents, growing up in Brazil, and living in Japan for 30 years, I can say that the kindness of Japanese people towards non-Japanese people is in this order. Europeans and Americans are No.1. Then come Africans, middle-east people > Southeast Asians > Chinese and Korean (Asians whose facial features are almost the same as Japanese) > foreigners of Japanese descent (who can't speak Japanese well but facial feature is exactly same). Conclusion: more similarity, more discomfort japanese feels. Easy to undestande, isn't it? It's not a matter of good or bad, it's a characteristic of Japanese people.
I am Japanese. I have lost my wallet several times in Japan. Wherever I lost my wallet, a few days later I got a phone call from the police that they had my wallet. Of course nothing was stolen out of my wallet. And every time I asked the police for the information of the person who had found my wallet because I wanted to thank him. However they would never tell me. They always told me that the person had said that he would be happy if my wallet would return to me. So I am determined to do the same thing when I find a wallet. But I have never found one yet😂
The observations about politeness and friendliness was spot-on. I've been in Japan for about 4 years and haven't made a single real Japanese friend. It can be very frustrating.
People in today's age have issues making friends in their own countries, let alone other countries. Its something that you must seek out these days, it doesn't just fall into our laps like it did in the past so much.
As a European.. I've friends who moved to my neighbour country, those friends are the most easy-going people you can imagine, and they gave up and moved back when none of them had managed to make a single friend after a year. Which matches with what others have said as well - nice and friendly, but if you want to know someone you have to know them already! From before!. In other words, this phenomenon is something that can be found in various places in the world. I do have friends in Japan, but that's because they are friends of friends and *that's* how you get new friends. And that's pretty universal, everywhere really.
I am a Japanese, and the same goes for Japanese also. I don't know how old you are, but in Japan, it is difficult to make friends with new people if you are between the age of 30 to 65, regardless of nationality.
The weirdest moment in Japan for me was when I gave a 2000 yen note to a 7/11 store clerk and he started to shake like it was a demon I have given him. He then went to his colleagues and started wondering is this real, what is this and then the senior team told him, yes it is. Then I was told in Osaka the note is extremely rare and I had like 10 notes on me. No wonder I had people look at me in amazement every time I gave them this note from Okinawa.
As a tourist the politeness is fantastic to experience. During one of our visits, my wife and I were wandering around a cold and wintery night in Hakone, trying to find a restaurant to eat. We had no idea where we were going. It was dark. Then suddenly a van pulled up beside us as we stood looking lost. The door opened and a kind mature man asked us if we were looking for food. to which we said yes!. He gestured us to get in the van and told us he would take us to a place to get food. We were desperately hungry and hesitantly got in the van. He took us to this very homely little restaurant and we had an incredible meal.
@Derp I love that! I’m truly so glad there are places in the world where you can trust and be safe while experiencing such amazing culture and adventures! I hope I can go someday and experience what you have!
@Grace When I went to Japan, I went to a sushi restaurant. Little did I know, it was almost a family setting - the sushi chef serving about 10 people joking, chatting, etc. The person next to me spoke serviceable English and spent the entire meal translating and teaching me Japanese customs. At the end, he apologized for possibly intruding, but he said he wanted us to get the most out of the experience by explaining everything that was going on. Honestly, truly hospitable people.
Statistically Japan has one of the lowest almost nonexistent kidnapping rates in the world. So some of these reponses to my story surprise me. It's a calculated risk in any country. The odds are in your favour in Japan though!
I got off a JR train at Shin-Yokohama. The train in the opposite direction was on fire with smoke and flames coming from underneath. All the doors were open, but no-one was getting off. Curious I stuck around. The fire service arrived and tackled the fire, all with the train completely full of people playing with their phones. No drama, completely cool with standing in a burning train. A few minutes later, the fire was out and the train carried on to the next station. Now that's some industrial grade stoicism.
That flying car effect was so cool! The fact that Chris was able to figure out to make that practical effect look so amazing just shows how great of a film maker he is.
@InfernosReaper that's what I said didn't I? Also I wouldn't say cgi would be more expensive, it depends on the amount of reshoots... Practical is cheaper initially compared to CG but if the director felt like a perfectionist then practical costs start adding up continuously while for cg the initial is already done and it's just a matter of tweaking parameters. Hence why I think it's common for studios to do but I do agree there are moments when CG is not needed in some shots.
@Yuneth Alwis and yet there are a *lot* of things where CGI is the less practical, worse looking, and more expensive option. It all comes down to the right tool for the job. The complaint about the over-use of CGI is valid. When it's 90% CGI or more, ya might as well just animate it 100%.
@Paula Seabee Dude, there are some things you cant do practical, Not only that CGI is highly customizable and easy to change in shots... A lesson to be learned by studios is to use Practical for simple scenes/plausible Scenes and CGI for impossible stuff for the real world. While i do agree that They do use CGI when its not needed.
One part-myth I was surprised about was Japanese efficiency. Public works things like transportation usually are very efficient. But without living there, you probably won't hear much about how insanely bureaucratic Japan is since it's a pretty boring topic. But sometimes just trying to get simple paperwork done is painfully convoluted. And workplaces as well. Of course, everyone knows about the long working hours in Japan, and one effect of that is that workers are often too tired to be very efficient.
Naa japan was never supposed to be efficient. It has always been effective though. No matter the amount of work and resources needed if japan wants something it happens just often at an incredible cost. Look at bonzai trees, traditional sports or the fukushima cleanup. If you want efficiency go to germany.
And no Chris, you are not the only one who struggled to create relationships (I have been here 10 years and my Japanese friends can be counted on one hand). And is it me, or do they (especially elderlies) also have this cultural habit of laughing whenever they are unsure what to say or feel out of place? Example: Last week my cat died and when the temple dude came to pick up the body, the old lady living nearby came to say hi to him (she is the one that introduced me to this temple and knows the dude). She smiled and almost laughed all the time while the dude and I were very seriously filling in the papers and putting the body in the car... it was so so awkward...
To be honest I laughed when I learned from the Police that my Dad had died but was very upset soon after, I was in shock. (Posting from just outside Glasgow)
Usually Japanese people laugh as they talk to show they're comfortable or relaxed around you, according to Sora the Troll. So that sounds to me like the elderly person may have done that as a force of a habit
I remember being stunned by seeing all the old technology still used in Japan the first time i visited in 2015. Was indeed expecting super hi tech all round. Yet it’s a wonderful country!
I had been working at a shipyard in Kyushu for over two months. The guys I had worked with invited me to a dinner and I paid for the dinner as a thank you for a kind and productive cooperation. One of them brought a square watermelon, and the guys all thought it as much of a novelty as I did. It was a fun night out, and well no one will ever say no to watermelon to square off a meal.. It was fun to see that no one there had really bought one of those before, and all thought it more of a novelty thing than anything else.
Chris, I have an impression that this difficulty of making friends in Japan is also closely related to their club/circle culture. Most of my wife's friends are just people she met in her musical circle during her college years.
I ended up making quite a few Japanese friends in my first month. I think I was fortunate to run into “my people” I found the punk scene quickly and got to know a few folks at a show who had studied abroad so I could communicate with them. Kind of anti establishment types, didn’t like Japanese work culture etc. Etc. Also met quite a few people in the LGBTQ+ area just near kabukicho and despite me being straight I made fast friends with them, as well as a few comedian/entertainer types in Okubo who were very inviting, after that it was a breeze. I’m indigenous so that little fact got people interested in me, but yeh it’s just a matter of going out and finding people you vibe with. Also I could’ve just been lucky
"Politeness and friendliness are two differents things", "High uncertainty avoidance" You resume very well what my experience in Japan is, Chris. I spend the last 10 winters (5 months each time) in Hokkaido as a ski and snowboard guide/teacher. If I compare to the others 6 countries I've lived and worked in I must say my Japanese friends are nice and funny until I need them to help me with something a bit demanding or challenging. Then they are like: " I could but....." and you realize that you more one your own that you woud think
I think people get the words “weird” and “cool” mixed up. I’d die to experience some of the cool places and experiences Japan has to offer! It’s just like how every country has a “weird” activity to get into, honestly more small towns than you think!
Yeah I experienced the politeness vs. friendliness thing myself. In larger cities everyone was very nice to me, at least on surface level. (Maybe aside for a few "Oh sorry I don't speak English" responses, when I tried to speak, admittedly broken, but still Japanese) But in a smaller town I went to for sight seeing purposes, when I tried to enter a restaurant I was politely stopped and a sign saying something "come back in 30 minutes" has been put right in front of me. I thought it was kinda strange, and I peeked inside and it didn't seem like they were full or anything. But I also wasn't in a rush so I just took the 30 minutes to shop and stroll around and came back to this same restaurant. Sign was gone, I saw other people come in, but the moment I tried to enter they, again, apologized and put the sign up. That was the "Oh" moment when I realized the sign was specifically for me, because I was a gaijin. It stung a little because I was really trying my best to follow all the customs I knew, be polite and speak Japanese to the best of my ability. Anyway, I just went to another restaurant in the same town and they were super nice to me, and they complimented my shitty Japanese a lot haha.
And on keeping to themselves - in a nation that does that en masse, it actually makes it very easy to pick out the rebels and befriend them being on common ground of openness about mere thoughts not being a big deal and that standing out is good to find your birds of a feather. Seems to me that people who end up without local friends just aren't looking in the right places hard enough.
Now I understand why it took quite a while to see new content, not just your UK trip, but damn, that new episode looks good. But please Chris. Never forget that most watching you are fully happy with usual regular production too. I’ve seen many KZcliprs just stopping entirely after they worked too damn hard. Don’t fall out of love with it! 🙂☺️
@Wod theHunter Speaking of Captain D: The ending certainy looks to be inspired by him since it is a) an ending gag where the host leaves the scene but fails and b) the destruction of the scene after tripping was used in the invisible box challenge video.
@Abroad in Japan I haven't visited Japan nor lived in Japan { as a official change of address } . As I was raised in Australia 🇦🇺 { where is where I'm watching from } I have a question about Japan from something in this video you said . 🙋 : What or which is the most popular sport in Japan that school children participate in ? ♑️✍️🇦🇺🇸🇯
@Che1seabluesdrogba11 If only people in other lines of work had the option to "not burn out." People are like, "take your time," and "take a break," but most people with far more stressful jobs don't have that option. If only we cared about them as much as we care about KZcliprs.
i feel that last one on a spiritual level. been living here for more than 6 years, came here for university initially, then started working, and i still don't have any japanese person that i can call friend. might just be a me problem, but yea, it felt really lonely at times
"Politeness and friendliness are two differents things", "High uncertainty avoidance" You resume very well what my experience in Japan is, Chris. I spend the last 10 winters (5 months each time) in Hokkaido as a ski and snowboard guide/teacher. If I compare to the others 6 countries I've lived and worked in I must say my Japanese friends are nice and funny until I need them to help me with something a bit demanding or challenging. Then they are like: " I could but....." and you realize that you more one your own that you woud think I don't have close Japanese friends, just friendsI don't have close Japanese friends, just friends
I just love so much the quality of this channel. I can't think of many other channels that continue to surprise me with crazy skits and quality. You can tell how Chris and his crew love doing their job and don't slack off. I genuinely think it was Chris's calling to become a youtuber/filmmaker and I wish him plenty of success. Channels like these make me love the platform despite it's flaws. I may sound like an old person here but I just can't help being sentimental with AiJ lol
1999 happened. Or rather, that was arguably Japan's worst year. Until that point, they'd largely been able to coast off of innovations and workers from before their economy crashed. But the bubble bursting in 89 and major companies enacting a decade-long hiring freeze (roughly 95 - 05) created the lost generation. The effects of that were hitting right around 99. They took another huge blow in 09 from the global financial crisis, and then covid.
While living and working in Japan I decided to go on a long adventurous hike. I walked from Ashikaga to Tokyo. People were very helpful and one woman even stopped her car and gave me an umbrella because of the hot sun that day. Beautiful people Beautiful place.❤️🇯🇵🇨🇦
Chris can you believe how far you’ve come? I remember watching you all the way back when you made that McDonalds fries video (Something about chocolate on fries) and now you’re in a flying car with a robot! How time flies. (But seriously, you really deserve all your success Chris, your videos never cease to keep on improving. Thanks for all the great videos over the years. I wish you even more success!)
I was born in Japan and lived there for a awhile until we went back to the US (I'm American). I didn't go back until I was in the Navy and visited again on my submarine at Yokosuka. This was the late 90s. I went again several times during my career in the Navy. At the time, a lot of things were futuristic. We would come home with armloads of MP3 players which went for cheap in Japan but still cost a small fortune in the US. They had flatscreen billboards all over Tokyo and sold flatscreen or plasma TVs in the Japanese malls. These were all things you could get in the US, but they were far too expensive in the US for a normal person to buy. So yes, it did seem like it was a futuristic place even then, well after the big economic collapse of the 90s. What little I remember from being a little kid other than my nanny who taught me Japanese and a few odd memories of what Japan was like in the 70s, I don't recall much in the way of a technological society....more like a mix between old traditional stuff and "modern" at the time. So I think the idea that Japan is like this bleeding edge of technology place has more to do with how quickly it advanced than that it is ahead of the game compared to the West. The Japanese worked pretty hard to do so, and the result is this reputation of being a technological superpower. The reality now is sort of meh. They're still generally at the edge of tech, and in some cases push the boundaries, but the West has caught up and in some ways exceeded Japan at this point. The last time I was there, I didn't see anything "amazing". And there is still an "old Japan" vibe if you look for it, as well as a bit of a push under the facade for emphasizing tradition.
The primary reason Japan has stagnated is because most of the people who were working in the 80's and 90's are the same 50-60 year old people still working today. They're also the same people who didn't make very many children. So in 20 years, when they're all in their 70-80's and retired, the burden of the smaller working generation will suddenly become very, very heavy. On one hand, though, it may very well be a necessary change so that the office spaces finally get rid of fax machines and floppy disks.
nowadays price are quite even with desindustrialisation, their own product are already imported from cheap workplace in asia, i didnt notice big differenc ebetween price between EU and japan, or japan and usa... for the modernity, i can notice that culture difference forbidde japan culture to be imported...mass train-->well in my country they find pay a fare is abnormal and theres lot of fraud, so few subway cosntructed in 40years despite everybody complain about jam and pollution..their high security make thing possible but not in my country, like freehand bagage in 24h all aroudn country for 15$..i wouldnt do it in my country ..stealer , late, strike etc, no culture of service....park your bycycle in street like in japan....lol in my country steal or freely destroyed in less than a month....robot who deliver thing? well they will be attacked in my country for sure... same goes for 24/7 buisness there would be probably too much drunk people or gunpoint steal if it happen.
I have to say I feel the same here in Norway when it comes to making friends. I studied here between 2014-2016 and had tons of Norwegians friends. Then I left due to work, came back and none seemed to want to stay in contact (those who lived in the same city as I did when I moved back in 2019). Then today even, I was discussing with a friend that when I think about it, I don't have one single Norwegian friends. And not for the lack of trying. And if I know any Norwegians who I can call 'friend' they are either one of the following: They lived abroad themselves, they are a second generation kid of first generation parents or adopted and grew up in Norway. They are kind people, but I do think it's a trend that locals keep to themselves in a way. They have their own friends here, they might be afraid investing time in foreigners because to some we MIGHT seem like a 'flight risk' (moving away) or think they might need to adapt their lifestyle to be friends with is. Just speculations of course
There are some similarities between Japan and Sweden, like the shyness, keeping to yourself, avoiding conflict and the overall conformism. Countries with a history of ethnic and cultural homogenity might display this. I can easily see how difficult it is as an outsider to get close to the locals because of cultural barriers.
Funny thing about square watermelons... I first heard about it from an American farm that just put cinderblocks around them as a test to see if it would work and... Just sorta became their schtick. Never even thought of it being the "OMG WEIRD JAPAN" thing
I once asked a train conductor whether I was about to board the right train, 5 minutes before the train was about to leave. It was not the right train, so to my horror the conductor got off the train, grabbed my hand and RAN a few platforms over to get me on the right train. I could have easily waited for the next train but no, I had now single handedly delayed a train in Japan. I truly hope the guy got to keep his job😅
@Kyoto Ben Well, there's a difference between deliberately delaying and this - it's not like I asked him to take me anywhere😅 Literally just asked "This is the Biwako line, right?" in Japanese and all this happened even if I tried to tell him multiple times it's okay and I don't need help!😅
Exceptional. Probably since it would take much longer to explain where to go he did that. By the way anyone that delays a train or bus will get a huge fine. Be careful.
I come back to this, channel every few weeks, and each time, you continue to impress with your set designs, storytelling skills, and generally entertaining demeanor
Traveling to Japan is like traveling to 1983 in many respects. Still loved it, eventually. Makes one wonder how the country would look today if it had been allowed to continue to develop in that breakneck speed that the bubble economy brought.
I was always curious about japan and its culture, and being on the other side of the world (Brazil) makes it difficult to travel and visit. Your videos are what quench my curiosity, thanks for your hard and great work.
I'm reminded of the time we asked a shop lady in Nakagawa up in Hokkaido for directions to a camp site we were looking for. She was so aghast at the idea that we would walk so far, and made her son drive us there in their pickup truck (it was almost a 15 minute drive). But you're right about the difference between being nice and being polite/hospitable, and I only had maybe 2 Japanese people I really felt I was close to, at all, when living there.
The first time I got paid in Japan freaked me out-- I got a giant envelope full of cash, as though I'd just assissinated someone instead of... repeating English phrases to junior high students.
@Bronson Luks cards are fake lol what? :D so is currency. Ive never had my card demagnetized and even if i did i can get new one for free. If you didnt know your cash gets stolen or lost youll never see it again XD do you even own a card?? all the things you mentioned are problem either for old ppl who cant use it properly or simply rare case that can happen with cash as well. Ive never lost my money (or anyone i know) because of card failure cash is pretty common to get damaged, disappear or as it was previously mentioned best way to collect germs from strangers. i dont really enjoy carring petri dish in my pocket most of the time. Cash will end one day maybe not in our life time but its definetly coming and yes its outdated ppl and services dont use it that much and its very common among old ppl
@Bronson Luks tbh, i don’t mind all that much because i wash my hands at the start of my breaks. when i first started out, i just never considered the fact people would hand me cash covered in blood, sweat, unidentifiable other liquids, ect; im just dumb like that! i think youre taking what i said too seriously…it’s okay! people hate their jobs sometimes, life’s like that! you don’t have to get so worked up over it and yea, i do wash my hands quite frequently. things are gross and dirty 💚
About the last point, something I've noticed in 8 years here too is that people tend to be polite when think they have to be. (Not always, of course) but i've seen countless times when someone slips in public or something and NO ONE budges, probably thinking that someone else will help them or "not it!" I feel like back in the west we are the opposite sometimes where we aren't polite when it's expected, but when someone is in trouble we rush to help. BIG exception is for disasters here. Everyone really pulls together to help out in an earthquake or flood etc.
Always wanted to visit japan ever since i was a child, now im older i have a massive issue with agoraphobia. Watching your videos gives me some awesome insights into what its really like there. Thank you
I lived in Japan for 18 months in '95-96 and what struck me was it was both really advanced, and not at all at the same time. For example, many people in rural Japan didn't have flush toilets, but the toilets in urban homes were heated and cleaned themselves and played music. I did make some good Japanese friends, but all of them had lived abroad, and while I was really interested in learning about Japan, they were often unable to answer my questions because they were really into other cultures.
I've made a dozen short trips to Japan over the years, and I have seen adult sumo guys and a sumo tournament with younger boys, about 12-14ish. I just stumbled upon the matches, and the adult sumo guys got on a train I was on. They took up an entire section of the car. I might have just completely been in the right place at the right time, though, haha.
When Chris brought out the sushi board, I thought it was fake food like his other fake food items in the studio, so when he popped the nori roll in his mouth...I almost had a heart attack.
@Abroad in Japan Maybe the sushi 🍣 in Australia 🇦🇺 is healthier ? You're more than welcome to visit & tell us on your channel weather Australian made Sushi { made by Japanese expatriates in Australia } is indeed healthier Or not . ♑️✍️🇦🇺🇸🇯
Does Japan have a tourism industry? If so, you should be sponsored by them. Your videos praise what you love about the culture, and it paints the country as a wonderful place to visit, especially being someone who was an outsider explaining the culture as an outsider who became an insider.
Note: There are countless variations in Japanese cuisine including home cooking.There are so many creative dishes.Minerals are also supplemented from things that can be harvested in the sea.They maintain their health by making the seasoning lighter, changing salt to rock salt or natural salt, and sugar to oligosaccharide.White rice is nutritious and good, but noodles made from wheat such as ramen and udon are not very healthy, so it is said that it is good up to two or three times a week in Japan.Also, in modern Japan, white rice is being reduced and brown rice and mixed grain rice are being consumed more.Eating a lot of sea food is important for health, but today's young Japanese prefer meat, oil, and strong-tasting ramen and junk food to fish.
As for overtime, depending on the company and the boss's policy, there are some jobs that don't have any work at all, and there are some that do a lot of overtime. Relationships are difficult because there are people who think overtime is good and people who think it's bad. In Japan, there is a law called 36 agreements, and companies will be punished if they repeat more than 45 hours of overtime a month six times a year.There are other detailed rules. Also, if we exceed a certain number of overtime hours, we must consult an industrial physician. However, I feel that there are many overtime hours set by this law. I want to solve this problem because small companies are forced to work for a long time with a small salary.
Great insight. As a local I can vouch this is all true. Food for instance, we didn’t eat much meet until like late 19th century, so naturally, we got our calories from carbs and fish. Japan never intended to make its food ‘healthy’. The result being as Chris tells us, not particularly healthy especially if you eat out. Having said that, the food is delicious!
after watching this video I think it'd be really interesting to see you go around exploring the healthiest staple foods/cuisines of Japan. sort of the antithesis of the first lie in this video
My Dad, actually DID lose a lot of weight over there. He just didn’t want to eat any of the food because most of it was too exotic for him. The family he stayed with, praised him for “eating like a Japanese”, as in not eating all that much.
@KaitouKaiju Of course Japanese eat fruit. With fruit, the portion size is limited and the fruit body contains fiber with regulates the fructose absorption. With juice, it takes many pieces of fruit to make one glass. No one would sit down and eat 8 oranges in a row, but that's what it takes for a large glass of orange juice. American food is sweet for the sake of being sweet. Even regular wheat bread has sugar added, and sweet bread is almost like cake. And of course the salsa packets at Taco Bell have sugar too!
10:47 The biggest reason why Japanese are not obese? NO FRUCTOSE SUGAR. While the video mentions how their diet is loaded with carbs, it has almost no fructose sugar. Only the liver can metabolize fructose, in exactly the same process as alcohol.
I lost weight in Japan and didn't even know it. At first I thought the scale was off. Same for my cousin. Japan is very friendly in a formal way. Friendliness is constrained to certain places, like bars or service workers. Nobody pays any attention to passersby. No hello or eye contact.
MY NEW FAVORITE CHANNEL! Pardon the all caps but I can't help it! This dude makes me laugh every time. And his videos are so informative. I just got back from a three week trip to Japan and have been enjoying these videos ever since.
My step-dad used to work for a sake importer, so he traveled to Japan for business regularly. Whenever he got back to the US he would spend several days eating mostly salads and grilled veggies, because it was near impossible to find vegetables in Japanese cuisine that weren't pickled, battered, or steeped in salty broth.
Excellent video, Gezza. I live in Thailand (for 8 years) and some of what you mentioned about "polite chatter" is true here too. Sometimes Thai people are too polite and don't express their true feelings perhaps because of culture or shyness similar to your Japanese experiences. This is problematic in all relationships at work, socially and in personal relations. But we continue to crack the code! Best wishes from Bangkok.
I've lived in Japan for almost three years, and can confirm the issue with obtaining real Japanese friends. I have two, and I think the only reason we are friends, is because both of them studied overseas and embraced Western relationship culture. They both get really excited when they tell you their actual opinion, and not hold anything back.
i think this is not necessarily a japanese issue. generally if you come to any country as a foreigner, there will be a "wall" between you and its inhabitants until they are able to recognize that you have a good grasp of how things work there socially, which means that they will stop having to tiptoe around you and finally have genuine interactions. not to mention there are the basic prerequisites of friendship, even between two locals i.e. similar interests and stuff, so without breaking through the first "wall" there's no way you will even see the second one. some people from some countries will claim that their locals are "frank" or "direct" compared to other countries but in my experience it is generally the same thing. there is a wall, but only the general attitudes on that superficial level beyond the "wall" vary.
I have to disagree, when I was living in Japan it was quite easy to make friends, friends that I still interact with even though it has been over a decade since I left. I simply believe it is where you are in Japan that matters. I found it near impossible in large cities to make any Japanese friends (only 2 of my Japanese friends came from a larger city Sendai), but since I mostly lived in a smaller, more rural area it was easier to interact on personal levels that let me make long lasting friends.
I will be a devil's advocate. You've gotta consider that you're coming as a foreigner and trying to put your same expectations to them. So because you don't 合わない it feels like an issue. Japan as any other country has got a range of all. There's those curious and outgoing folks, there's the quiet and private, and whatever other mixes in between. /Most/ folks' friends seem to be those who were part of their immediate environment. Such as classmates, coworkers, etc., Consider that people get grouped together such as when people start a job, and how 何年目の社会人 gets given relevance here. And without adding more, that's just how it is here, and whether they like it because it's the 当たり前 way to be, or because they don't know better, it's certainly not up to foreigners to suddenly (perhaps even unconsciously) impose their values on an already established culture. That's not to say that there aren't niches of folks here, and most foreigners mix better with those niche folks, so as with everywhere else you've just gotta look for like-minded folks. In a culture that's obviously different to the ones foreigners come here from, it's not hard to imagine how the odds to find such folks may be smaller. So find your niche of folks and don't expect to be a sudden change in a new environment as you wouldn't be either anywhere else Edit: 社会人
I am a new subscriber. I have always been fascinated with Japan and I do have plans on visiting . I was born in São Paulo Brazil and the city has the largest concentration of individuals of Japanese descent outside of Japan. Chris , I really enjoy watching your videos. Not only for the humor part , but also the quality content you put out.
For the "Japan is weird" one, I also always see those listicles that are like "Japan has such weird game shows!" and then 100% of the time proceed to list "game shows" that were segments of comedy specials and 100% not actually game shows.
Frankly the fact that Japan moves toward the future while still embracing things of the past (like paper and flip phones) is one of my favorite things about the country.
I think westerners think Japanese are very robotic and cold, which is a huge misconception from what I noticed. While work hours are very focused on order and efficiency in the streets, most shops close early and the locals let loose and enjoy themselves. I especially noticed this in Kyoto
@Litten Fire I am a bit of both an introvert and and Extrovert. (Note: I am diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome which is part of the Autism spectrum) I can be a bit uncertain at first with people, but once I find a connection I open up all the way.
It's also because Western culture values extroverts over introverts. So even in the US, if you're more reserved, and soft spoken, people can think of you as cold there too
In my opinion, Natsuki is the biggest gift Japan has ever given to Chris. He's like that eccentric character in every anime show that's used for comedic relief, and in Chris' vlogs, he makes every episode a hell of a lot better. If every foreigner had a Japanese friend like that, nobody would ever feel lonely in Japan.
Even not knowing all that much about actually living in Japan before, I never thought Japanese food was healthy based on going to Japanese restaurants.
Honestly, the way you've been utilizing your set is amazing. You've come up with such unique ways to use the space. I feel like it's a different place in each video. Well done.
Japanese food being pretty unhealthy is probably the reason why Japan is one of those places where I don't lose any weight during the trip there. Meanwhile I usually lose whole bunch of weight when I visit Greece, Italy and believe it or not: America. In greece it's because the food I tend to eat there is generally pretty good for you and I always end up swimming so much that it honestly doesn't matter what I'd eat, I have no bloody idea why I lose weight in italy even though I eat a lot of pasta whilst there and in America it's because I visit my mates in south which means almost all I eat is steak and protein heavy diets are great for losing weight.
I too lose weight in America.. simply because I have a hard time finding anything I can stomach actually eating! It's all greasy, processed, disgusting. So I starve. Take a.g. a Hilton hotel, with their expensive rooms and pay-for-everything attitude, super-expensive breakfast - the only food I can eat there is oatmeal. Paying a fortune. The rest is just.. ugh. In Japan I eat a lot and I stay slim - my wife's food making is healthier than what you get eating outside in general, and my own non-native cooking is also not bad if I say so myself, but we do (or did, we're not there at the moment) eat out regularly as well. But there's also the ease of getting around on a bicycle. Helps with staying in shape and probably with the body weight too.
The Japanese foods he shows are not eaten daily by Japanese. I worked at a Japanese school and we had a Japanese cook. We all had to buy the meal plan. Rice showed up at every meal.1/2 cup for women and 3/4 cup for men. There was also clear soup, usually miso based, boiled vegetable dishes, a dish with bits of meat or fish mixed with vegetables, and a few slices of fruit for "dessert". Everything was presented beautifully and well garnished. Portions were so small I thought I was going to starve to death. Great for weight loss. The meals were very seasonal. In cold weather we had stews too. There was never any tonkatsu or sushi or tempera. Occasionally we got a potato croquettes. The Japanese staff said her cooking was home style and reminded them of grandma's cooking. We ate 3 meals a day there. I absolutely hate fish taste and dashi is used so much in Japanese cooking!!! Even in things you'd never expect. I also hate natto's slimey texture and appalling aroma.
Also it is sad that we theorise to put robots as elder caretakers. Many seem keen to put their fathers and great grandfathers or mothers into homes and what not. My Great Grandmother is still alive today and can do everyday activities in her 90s. Grandmother, Mother and me close together like we used too. It is such a beautiful thing I feel being lost. Family/Ancestor love needs to be normalised.
Ramen used to be my favourite dish when I first tried it, but it was probably because of the new cold climate I moved in from my tropical homeland, I didn’t realise how salty it is. Years later I adjusted my diet to be low sodium, and for the life of me I can’t find a ramen shop that doesn’t go overboard with their salt. I resort to making ramen at home and have a better time there. I love tonkotsu ramen because of the meticulously cooked bone broth, and collagen is always good for you, but the mountain of salt will offset that. Cooking the dish at home allows me to reduce salt to my liking.
I live in Kyoto for some 5 years now & got to absolutely agree on what u say Chris. the first time I came here as a tourist, everything appeared so futuristic and shiny, not to say unprecedented. but coming back, having a fix job and my own family now, it's just as wherever else on the globe. except from the utter weirdness of television, which I probably will never get used to
Brilliant! Thanks. I lived in Japan from 1989 to 1993 and saw the maglev being developed where I worked for a time. Everything you said about the last ten years pertains to the time back then. I went on the idea I'd stay just two years, but I spent five.
I have never been to Japan but I love visiting Muji stores whenever I am in Europe and I always imagined that everyone lives this minimalist lives in earth and grey tones... but watching KZclip videos and some day time soapies I am always taken aback by the busy colours of the duvets and bedding and the furnishings in the homes. Like who buys Muji if everyone lives this Hello Kitty patterned life? I am still fascinated by Japanese aesthetics and symbolism with everything they do (unless this is also a lie of a misconception) and would one day like to visit Japan... thanks for a funny and insightful video
When we moved to Japan I fell in to the trap of thinking we were certainly moving to a country that was very much technologically advanced. I was surprised that we got hand written carbon copy receipts at my son’s school and for rent, and how many places didn’t accept credit/debit cards, including when paying bills.
I think I had a more realistic view of Japan. I never really saw it as futuristic more minimalistic way of living. But I am only planning to go to Japan because I want a job there and it pays very well in my industry and also I want to go to Suzuka and Fuji Speedway.
These are all such good points to bring up, I always find myself thinking this all the time especially the food and the technology points. People sometimes really have no idea. What I'm almost more interested in though is that flying car set. I actually couldn't believe that was practical and not CGI. It honestly looked like a professionally rendered scene put onto a greenscreen. It's almost confusing how good it was.
@rashkavar but they are balanced with other things. A japanese meal is always served with plenty of vegetables and protein. However I agree that sometimes atleast here in Europe they put too much rice and too little salmon on the sushi roll, so you end up with excess rice and too little protein. Thats not a really a problem in a buffet situation because you can fetch some extra protein. Ramen can also be unbalanced, they put too little protein and possibly noodles, and it becomes pretty much a fatty soup. What makes the diet better though than the typical western junk food one is the focus on fresh fish, vegetables, and I would say the probably drink more water too, whereas in Europe most people I see order extremely sugary coke etc instead of water. I also think they are less prone to alcoholism, junk food addiction and drug addiction, both illegal and legal (prescribed by doctors). I havent looked up the numbers for this but I have observed in my lifetime in Europe the staggering and ever increasing amount of degenerates and addicts in the general population. In western culture we do tend to celebrate and encourage degenerate behaviours. Add to this what he said about the daily exercise of Japanese people, however I would like to see an analysis that takes into account the grueling work hours of many Japanese.
@Leo B The point he was making was that they were not balanced with other things. A carb-heavy diet has health implications. So does a fat heavy or a protein heavy diet, they're just different ones. Same with salt - some salt is fine. Consuming the equivalent of a 2 inch sided cube of salt every day is... not a good idea.
CGI is supposed to be undetectable and so usually it should be bad if you can detect it. However, the look he was going for is "bad CGI" and he did it without CGI. It's truly a well crafted good "bad CGI" practical effect
Living in Tokyo is like any large city - hard to make friends. But in the country I had lots of Japanese friends. They have more time to chat and get to know you.
Really great video. It takes a lot these days to make me laugh. It's 2:41AM here and you totally robbed me of sleep, laughing through most of the video. You are hilarious.
I totally agree with this! I believe that the large population of elderly people keeps the companies (and country) from moving forward. The elderly aren't able to use smartphones or computers so companies need to keep archaic electronics to support them as well. Japanese people walk so much!!! They eat way less than us and don't snack much. I've gained weight in Japan 😓 the cakes here are too amazing 😩
Hello all! I was wondering if any of you had suggestions for good/supportive communities or forums for people wanting to move to Japan? I've come across a few but it looks like the gate keeping is something truly astonishing. 😅 I made a post in one about decision to move to Japan and I've never been so attacked in my life. 😂 What a toxic place!
JUST SUBSCRIBED ON THIS VIDEO ALONE. Your description of Tempura made me giggle and was spot on! Also, you "eating for illustration purposes" equally cracked me up. Very informative and funny. 5 stars! Can't wait to check out your other vids.
Trains. Wonderful trains. Once I bought a ticket for the 10:27 train (a regular train, not the subway), and waited at the right spot.. and a train showed up at 10:25. Hm, I thought.. is that the right one? It does say the correct destination on the sign.. Nah, I wait. It left, and two minutes later the 10:27 train came in, at the same spot, and indeed that was my train. At least as good is the Suica card that Chris briefly showed in the video. The gates normal position is *open* during rush time, so you just run or walk fast and tap the card for a millisecond and it's done! You can run all the way, no stopping, no waiting, not like elsewhere where it takes time to read the card (if it reads at all). The gate closes on you if there's not enough money.. more efficient than to wait for it to open.
As a North American, I remember thinking how much more efficient and on time trains were in Europe than in the US or Canada. I've never been to Japan, but I'm quite certain I'd be very jealous of the trains there.
Yes the trains here in UK are terribly unreliable. They will stop services if a bird so much as pooped on the front window. Also stupendously overpriced.
I had that exact thing happen to me, when I first went to Hiroshima I had trouble finding my hotel, and did the same thing I went into a small shop a clothing store and asked the lady there where I was missing it, she pulled out a pencil and paper and drew me a map I thought that was so cool!
I had the cash culture shock as well recently going to Germany. I forgot we're a bit weird in the UK with cards now (I can only remember in the last three or four months going to a cash only business while I can remember seing small businesses that were "Card Only" all over the place).
Just found your channel. LOVE the humor, sarcasm you are crazy funny. But you also do understand the culture quite well, which for me, being married to a Japanese national, makes it all the more funny. (Most experts on here don't know what the hell they are talking about.)
i think the one that surprised me the most was the, not how futuristic Japan is. or how retro it is. but the dichotomy of how much it is both. although, living in North America: should that really surprise me?
This was so cool! You're so much more than a click-baity channel with a few fun facts about Japan. I enjoyed watching this, and I hope you're doing well.
@Agent Hippo hahaha, no, I'm fully aware he's British, but I can imagine experiencing the culture you're from helps bring perspective to what ways japanese culture contrasts with it
I feel like having experienced British culture again gave him something to bounce off, I can imagine being in Japan for three years straight makes it harder to see the contrast with other societies
I saw square watermelon in a Ginza gift shop a long time ago. They were selling for an insane ¥75,000. But that’s the only time I’ve seen them in five years of visiting and 15 years of living in Japan.
Wait just a minute are you telling me that Japan is making a Bullet Train that goes from Tokyo to Osaka in 67 Minutes?! HOLY CRAP! I know they far behind in many things but that is honestly impressive.
Even though i watched this video to learn more about Japan, it was nice seeing him list off almost all of my childhood dishes in one go at the beginning lol
Retort: 1. I think what helps in light of Japanese diet is the immense time spent at work. 2 & 3. If anything I find Japan is like going back in time, some areas I had a feeling of being transported to the 70's. 4. I hear you, I had a varied response. Yakashuni memorial is a controversial but interesting place to go as a westerner, the best to see a perspective (not the only one) on history and being Japanese.
Regarding the "finding friends in Japan" I've always wondered if Chris just attracts weird people but with this explanation it might be that the only ones willing to open up to a foreigner in japan is someone offbeat and unusual.
Well the Japanese people have their Japanese friends. It's foreigners that don't have Japanese friends but only foreigners friends so it's nothing to do with their friendliness although they are quite introvert and just too different culture that not many foreigners could fit into theirs, especially when most of the foreigners there annoyingly don't even speak Japanese enough to get a job there despite living there for a quite long time.
I lived more 12 years in China, graduated there, done my master’s. Loved the country, culture and people. But than I moved on, and most of my foreign friends. And years back we, foreigners from China, realized that we didn’t had a single Chinese friend! How strange is that? I know, that while you’re studying in China you are separated from locals by your dormitory, your Chinese study course etc. But than a lot of us graduated, started work (mostly in western companies), living in a rented apartment in city. And still, by the end of day we were spending time with others like us.
Absolutely this.. when i visited Japan in 2017 it felt how people in the 80s thought the future would be. We could not even book a train ticket online. Had to be done on the till
Usually I prefer videos like these to be straightforward with no frills, because the humour used in other Japan channels often feels forced and cringey. But your jokes genuinely make me laugh throughout the day. Maybe it just appeals to me as a fellow Brit, but good job for achieving what I thought impossible!
I find it crazy how different Japan is compared to other countries like the United States. Here, specifically if I'm in Manhattan or Brooklyn, you often hear ALOT of things, and it's bustling with various people and cultures. So I'm used to being around various people and having friends from various backgrounds. Plus, I like talking to different people and expanding my horizons. That being said, I'd probably visit Japan... but I don't think I'd live there. Plus, I'm Hispanic with dark skin, I don't want to be constantly stared at.
That's actually super interesting about the "leaving food is rude". I've always thought it was the opposite, that if you ate all your food that it was an insult to the chef because you weren't served enough food. Interesting!
I always it all of the rice, anything else would be rude. It helps that a) it's Japanese rice (japonica), so it's round and a bit sticky, and b) you eat (and can eat) it with chopsticks. Which makes it easy to eat the last grain of rice, unlike with a fork or even a spoon.
Another misconception I had before going to Japan is how busy the big cities actually are: in Western media they keep showing over and over the same clips of Shibuya, Akibahara, Shinjuku or a few other hotspots like that overflowing with people, but in reality I realized after having walked around a lot, the vast majority of Tokyo and Osaka are actually very quiet.
And that's the thing: Cities aren't loud. Cars are loud. Japan has pedestrian-centric urban design, so their cities aren't as loud as the American equivalent would be.
I was in a small homey area of Tokyo for our Airbnb two week stay(can’t remember where) and while the main roads were usually people biking and walking up and down the streets the back roads were quiet as heck. I nearly got lost at one point. Thankfully found a train station and just rode to the one close to home. I went to shibuya(or wherever the robot restaurant was) and it was BUSY but not “can’t move” busy. Just normal city busy. Loved sitting on a ledge and just watching people go about their business.
? well, I suppose relatively quiet is subjective. I ASSUME you mean, "not so busy." Because even CRAZY crowded streets with millions of people are relatively quiet, because they both speak quietly, and very little in public. But if you mean "not so busy" I've lived in Tokyo and Osaka, and I wouldn't have come close to that description. However, they are easily manageable, and I certainly don't mean that everywhere is it shoulder to shoulder...... BUT..... always plenty / lots of people around.
So true about making friends. I’ve lived in Japan for over thirty years and can honestly say I’ve only had one real friend. Unfortunately he lives far away in another city with his wife and kids now and we haven’t met for over ten years. So basically I have no friends at all in Japan. I’m divorced and my kids live with my ex wife who won’t allow me to see them very often. That’s another thing about the culture, if you divorce don’t expect to see your kids again unless you’re very lucky. There are so many disadvantages being a foreigner in Japan that I definitely wouldn’t recommend coming here to live or work, even for a few months. It’s not worth it and there are plenty of other places in the world that would be far more rewarding to see.
I think that everybody have there suitable place... No country and nobody is perfect. Only the right place for the right people. Some place most people could said is a hell on earth but still somebody can live there mentally and physically happy
On quora (and youtube) if you try to tell the "truth" about it being hard to get "real friends" in Japan your posts will be deleted and moderated I swear, but maybe there is some problem with me that its so hard to make friends. Like Japanese are very friendly the first time you meet them, but they will become more and more colder. I remember back in 2015 making friends with Chinese seemed so much EASIER, but lately Chinese are a bit more xenophobic so I bet Vietnam & Indonesia is even better.
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NOTIFICATION SQUAD: Which of these FOUR do you think is the biggest lie about Japan?! And WHAT did I miss? Let me know below. Now if you don't mind me, I must get back to my flying car.
Also, the video starts at 27:29.
@XenMoto From what i heard from japanese people themself, most of the younger crowd is into it. Even it's more a normal, less Otaku extreme kinda way. Otaku itself is more a western word for it, in japan its less mentioned by "otakus" themself. But yeah, it is not a lie, most of them consume mangas. But that's because it's kinda a comic nation. Almost like france in a way. It's totally normal there.
Japan is safe
@Lore Bazemore I lost 70 within 6 months eating fat and protein only.
@XenMoto hmm, maybw not otakus, but most young people seriously watch anime. But a small portion, that is still a big part, is really obsessed with it. But if you only would watch sora the troll, you would think everyone is obsessed. XD
Read *The China Study*! It’s the fatty food that is the problem. Carbs fill you up, and activity burns the calories. More vegetables equals more fiber. Meats and fish are garnishes.
Unequivocally the flying car set was worth building, Chris, that looked incredible.
genuinely thought he was in some arcade driving booth or something lmfao
16:21 this is false for a variety of reasons that a simple google search can explain throughly
4000 yen for that robot? In Korea it’s 70,000 kw = 7000 yen. One myth is how expensive Japan is. It is if you come from some places but I noticed over the years 2000 to 2010 between Canada and Japan, Canada was becoming more expensive. Don’t know now. I was going to go to Tokyo in Dec 2019 then decided to put it off to March 2020. You know what happened.
That’s because it’s real.
@Bjarki Pálsson hmm....instead of chris biking and hiking everywhere....maybe he can use the flying car to randomly show up to his destinations?
I asked an old man in Tokyo if he could help me find my way back to Yokosuka (very common question on the east coast where the Navy base is). I figured he'd point me on my way, but instead he got on the train with me and traveled the hour ride to make sure I got back safe. I'll never be able to thank him enough! It was definitely a shock finding out how ridiculously polite people could be. (Not to say I didn't also experience, anti gaijin sentiment/ general rudeness.)
@P Mwhite is a colour, not an ethnicity, it is very easy to tell if someone is white. The average Japanese person is as white as the average British person.
Having Japanese parents, growing up in Brazil, and living in Japan for 30 years, I can say that the kindness of Japanese people towards non-Japanese people is in this order. Europeans and Americans are No.1. Then come Africans, middle-east people > Southeast Asians > Chinese and Korean (Asians whose facial features are almost the same as Japanese) > foreigners of Japanese descent (who can't speak Japanese well but facial feature is exactly same).
Conclusion: more similarity, more discomfort japanese feels. Easy to undestande, isn't it?
It's not a matter of good or bad, it's a characteristic of Japanese people.
@英語オタク ah, that is so nice! Can't say the same for lost wallets here in the USA but if I find a wallet, I'll definitely return it
I am Japanese. I have lost my wallet several times in Japan. Wherever I lost my wallet, a few days later I got a phone call from the police that they had my wallet. Of course nothing was stolen out of my wallet. And every time I asked the police for the information of the person who had found my wallet because I wanted to thank him. However they would never tell me. They always told me that the person had said that he would be happy if my wallet would return to me.
So I am determined to do the same thing when I find a wallet. But I have never found one yet😂
The observations about politeness and friendliness was spot-on. I've been in Japan for about 4 years and haven't made a single real Japanese friend. It can be very frustrating.
@The Creator i would believe most "friends' are online nowadays via phone
People in today's age have issues making friends in their own countries, let alone other countries. Its something that you must seek out these days, it doesn't just fall into our laps like it did in the past so much.
As a European.. I've friends who moved to my neighbour country, those friends are the most easy-going people you can imagine, and they gave up and moved back when none of them had managed to make a single friend after a year. Which matches with what others have said as well - nice and friendly, but if you want to know someone you have to know them already! From before!. In other words, this phenomenon is something that can be found in various places in the world. I do have friends in Japan, but that's because they are friends of friends and *that's* how you get new friends. And that's pretty universal, everywhere really.
I am a Japanese, and the same goes for Japanese also.
I don't know how old you are, but in Japan, it is difficult to make friends with new people if you are between the age of 30 to 65, regardless of nationality.
The weirdest moment in Japan for me was when I gave a 2000 yen note to a 7/11 store clerk and he started to shake like it was a demon I have given him. He then went to his colleagues and started wondering is this real, what is this and then the senior team told him, yes it is. Then I was told in Osaka the note is extremely rare and I had like 10 notes on me.
No wonder I had people look at me in amazement every time I gave them this note from Okinawa.
I didn't know they existed.. I've never seen one. Wikipedia says they were originally created to celebrate the year 2000.
I was in the USAF and stationed in Okinawa from 2005-2009 and I used to get ¥2000 notes out of a JPOST ATM in Mihama
As a tourist the politeness is fantastic to experience. During one of our visits, my wife and I were wandering around a cold and wintery night in Hakone, trying to find a restaurant to eat. We had no idea where we were going. It was dark. Then suddenly a van pulled up beside us as we stood looking lost. The door opened and a kind mature man asked us if we were looking for food. to which we said yes!. He gestured us to get in the van and told us he would take us to a place to get food. We were desperately hungry and hesitantly got in the van. He took us to this very homely little restaurant and we had an incredible meal.
@Derp I love that! I’m truly so glad there are places in the world where you can trust and be safe while experiencing such amazing culture and adventures! I hope I can go someday and experience what you have!
@Grace When I went to Japan, I went to a sushi restaurant. Little did I know, it was almost a family setting - the sushi chef serving about 10 people joking, chatting, etc. The person next to me spoke serviceable English and spent the entire meal translating and teaching me Japanese customs. At the end, he apologized for possibly intruding, but he said he wanted us to get the most out of the experience by explaining everything that was going on.
Honestly, truly hospitable people.
Statistically Japan has one of the lowest almost nonexistent kidnapping rates in the world. So some of these reponses to my story surprise me. It's a calculated risk in any country. The odds are in your favour in Japan though!
This sounds like the BIGGEST red flag in todays day in age but I’m glad the man was truly genuine! Thank God!
@Derp lol how absurdly naive.
I got off a JR train at Shin-Yokohama. The train in the opposite direction was on fire with smoke and flames coming from underneath. All the doors were open, but no-one was getting off. Curious I stuck around. The fire service arrived and tackled the fire, all with the train completely full of people playing with their phones. No drama, completely cool with standing in a burning train. A few minutes later, the fire was out and the train carried on to the next station. Now that's some industrial grade stoicism.
this is hilarious!!!!
@Drowning Merman 😂
That's pretty metal!
"Sir, the train is on fire!"
"Listen kid, I'm headed for a 12 hour shift, give me a break!"
That flying car effect was so cool! The fact that Chris was able to figure out to make that practical effect look so amazing just shows how great of a film maker he is.
youre kidding right? great film maker? yikes.
@InfernosReaper that's what I said didn't I?
Also I wouldn't say cgi would be more expensive, it depends on the amount of reshoots... Practical is cheaper initially compared to CG but if the director felt like a perfectionist then practical costs start adding up continuously while for cg the initial is already done and it's just a matter of tweaking parameters. Hence why I think it's common for studios to do but I do agree there are moments when CG is not needed in some shots.
@Yuneth Alwis and yet there are a *lot* of things where CGI is the less practical, worse looking, and more expensive option.
It all comes down to the right tool for the job. The complaint about the over-use of CGI is valid. When it's 90% CGI or more, ya might as well just animate it 100%.
I especially liked the futuristic glasses. Nice touch.
@Paula Seabee Dude, there are some things you cant do practical, Not only that CGI is highly customizable and easy to change in shots...
A lesson to be learned by studios is to use Practical for simple scenes/plausible Scenes and CGI for impossible stuff for the real world. While i do agree that They do use CGI when its not needed.
One part-myth I was surprised about was Japanese efficiency. Public works things like transportation usually are very efficient. But without living there, you probably won't hear much about how insanely bureaucratic Japan is since it's a pretty boring topic. But sometimes just trying to get simple paperwork done is painfully convoluted. And workplaces as well. Of course, everyone knows about the long working hours in Japan, and one effect of that is that workers are often too tired to be very efficient.
Naa japan was never supposed to be efficient. It has always been effective though. No matter the amount of work and resources needed if japan wants something it happens just often at an incredible cost. Look at bonzai trees, traditional sports or the fukushima cleanup.
If you want efficiency go to germany.
My wife took 2 hours to open a bank account in Japan, and she's a local. The bank gave her a roll of plastic wrap as a consolation.
Oh yea, the paperwork drives me nuts.
And no Chris, you are not the only one who struggled to create relationships (I have been here 10 years and my Japanese friends can be counted on one hand). And is it me, or do they (especially elderlies) also have this cultural habit of laughing whenever they are unsure what to say or feel out of place?
Example: Last week my cat died and when the temple dude came to pick up the body, the old lady living nearby came to say hi to him (she is the one that introduced me to this temple and knows the dude). She smiled and almost laughed all the time while the dude and I were very seriously filling in the papers and putting the body in the car... it was so so awkward...
@tacomn If not also enable and deflecting from the pain, when needing to grieve?
Yup all true experienced all of this
To be honest I laughed when I learned from the Police that my Dad had died but was very upset soon after, I was in shock. (Posting from just outside Glasgow)
Samuel Islam I must be an alien by that logic because I've never done that lol. I don't laugh when I feel awkward
Usually Japanese people laugh as they talk to show they're comfortable or relaxed around you, according to Sora the Troll. So that sounds to me like the elderly person may have done that as a force of a habit
I remember being stunned by seeing all the old technology still used in Japan the first time i visited in 2015. Was indeed expecting super hi tech all round. Yet it’s a wonderful country!
Like what?
I had been working at a shipyard in Kyushu for over two months. The guys I had worked with invited me to a dinner and I paid for the dinner as a thank you for a kind and productive cooperation. One of them brought a square watermelon, and the guys all thought it as much of a novelty as I did. It was a fun night out, and well no one will ever say no to watermelon to square off a meal.. It was fun to see that no one there had really bought one of those before, and all thought it more of a novelty thing than anything else.
Chris, I have an impression that this difficulty of making friends in Japan is also closely related to their club/circle culture.
Most of my wife's friends are just people she met in her musical circle during her college years.
This is correct
I'm glad Natsuki is classified as "Not playing by the book". He is an absolute legend.
"F**K is IMPORTANT" - The Legend
@ExcessCongruence Im doing it wrong...not Natsuki enough.
@Fox de Leon ha ha exactly 😅
I ended up making quite a few Japanese friends in my first month. I think I was fortunate to run into “my people” I found the punk scene quickly and got to know a few folks at a show who had studied abroad so I could communicate with them. Kind of anti establishment types, didn’t like Japanese work culture etc. Etc. Also met quite a few people in the LGBTQ+ area just near kabukicho and despite me being straight I made fast friends with them, as well as a few comedian/entertainer types in Okubo who were very inviting, after that it was a breeze. I’m indigenous so that little fact got people interested in me, but yeh it’s just a matter of going out and finding people you vibe with. Also I could’ve just been lucky
"Politeness and friendliness are two differents things",
"High uncertainty avoidance"
You resume very well what my experience in Japan is, Chris.
I spend the last 10 winters (5 months each time) in Hokkaido as a ski and snowboard guide/teacher. If I compare to the others 6 countries I've lived and worked in I must say my Japanese friends are nice and funny until I need them to help me with something a bit demanding or challenging. Then they are like: " I could but....." and you realize that you more one your own that you woud think
I think people get the words “weird” and “cool” mixed up. I’d die to experience some of the cool places and experiences Japan has to offer! It’s just like how every country has a “weird” activity to get into, honestly more small towns than you think!
Yeah I experienced the politeness vs. friendliness thing myself.
In larger cities everyone was very nice to me, at least on surface level. (Maybe aside for a few "Oh sorry I don't speak English" responses, when I tried to speak, admittedly broken, but still Japanese)
But in a smaller town I went to for sight seeing purposes, when I tried to enter a restaurant I was politely stopped and a sign saying something "come back in 30 minutes" has been put right in front of me. I thought it was kinda strange, and I peeked inside and it didn't seem like they were full or anything. But I also wasn't in a rush so I just took the 30 minutes to shop and stroll around and came back to this same restaurant. Sign was gone, I saw other people come in, but the moment I tried to enter they, again, apologized and put the sign up. That was the "Oh" moment when I realized the sign was specifically for me, because I was a gaijin. It stung a little because I was really trying my best to follow all the customs I knew, be polite and speak Japanese to the best of my ability. Anyway, I just went to another restaurant in the same town and they were super nice to me, and they complimented my shitty Japanese a lot haha.
And on keeping to themselves - in a nation that does that en masse, it actually makes it very easy to pick out the rebels and befriend them being on common ground of openness about mere thoughts not being a big deal and that standing out is good to find your birds of a feather. Seems to me that people who end up without local friends just aren't looking in the right places hard enough.
Now I understand why it took quite a while to see new content, not just your UK trip, but damn, that new episode looks good. But please Chris. Never forget that most watching you are fully happy with usual regular production too. I’ve seen many KZcliprs just stopping entirely after they worked too damn hard. Don’t fall out of love with it! 🙂☺️
@Abroad in Japan wtf, I just realised this is 26 minutes long :O
It felt like 8 minutes
Indeed. We care about chris's wellbeing as much as we do his content
@Wod theHunter Speaking of Captain D: The ending certainy looks to be inspired by him since it is a) an ending gag where the host leaves the scene but fails and b) the destruction of the scene after tripping was used in the invisible box challenge video.
@Abroad in Japan I haven't visited Japan nor lived in Japan { as a official change of address } . As I was raised in Australia 🇦🇺 { where is where I'm watching from } I have a question about Japan from something in this video you said . 🙋 : What or which is the most popular sport in Japan that school children participate in ? ♑️✍️🇦🇺🇸🇯
@Che1seabluesdrogba11 If only people in other lines of work had the option to "not burn out." People are like, "take your time," and "take a break," but most people with far more stressful jobs don't have that option. If only we cared about them as much as we care about KZcliprs.
i feel that last one on a spiritual level. been living here for more than 6 years, came here for university initially, then started working, and i still don't have any japanese person that i can call friend. might just be a me problem, but yea, it felt really lonely at times
"Politeness and friendliness are two differents things",
"High uncertainty avoidance"
You resume very well what my experience in Japan is, Chris.
I spend the last 10 winters (5 months each time) in Hokkaido as a ski and snowboard guide/teacher. If I compare to the others 6 countries I've lived and worked in I must say my Japanese friends are nice and funny until I need them to help me with something a bit demanding or challenging. Then they are like: " I could but....." and you realize that you more one your own that you woud think
I don't have close Japanese friends, just friendsI don't have close Japanese friends, just friends
I just love so much the quality of this channel. I can't think of many other channels that continue to surprise me with crazy skits and quality.
You can tell how Chris and his crew love doing their job and don't slack off. I genuinely think it was Chris's calling to become a youtuber/filmmaker and I wish him plenty of success. Channels like these make me love the platform despite it's flaws.
I may sound like an old person here but I just can't help being sentimental with AiJ lol
I was in Japan back in 1999. It was cool to see tiny cell phones, mini CD's, and Dance Dance Revolution. Now it's like, what happened?
1999 happened. Or rather, that was arguably Japan's worst year. Until that point, they'd largely been able to coast off of innovations and workers from before their economy crashed. But the bubble bursting in 89 and major companies enacting a decade-long hiring freeze (roughly 95 - 05) created the lost generation. The effects of that were hitting right around 99. They took another huge blow in 09 from the global financial crisis, and then covid.
While living and working in Japan I decided to go on a long adventurous hike. I walked from Ashikaga to Tokyo. People were very helpful and one woman even stopped her car and gave me an umbrella because of the hot sun that day. Beautiful people Beautiful place.❤️🇯🇵🇨🇦
Chris can you believe how far you’ve come?
I remember watching you all the way back when you made that McDonalds fries video (Something about chocolate on fries) and now you’re in a flying car with a robot!
How time flies.
(But seriously, you really deserve all your success Chris, your videos never cease to keep on improving. Thanks for all the great videos over the years. I wish you even more success!)
Chocolate on fried potatoes is unexpectedly amazing and it needs to catch on outside Japan.
@Abroad in Japan would love to see the come back of the cgi airplane lol
@Abroad in Japan can’t wait til we get that flying road infrastructure back home in the uk!
Well said
@Abroad in Japan a reply from Mr Affable himself 😃
I was born in Japan and lived there for a awhile until we went back to the US (I'm American). I didn't go back until I was in the Navy and visited again on my submarine at Yokosuka. This was the late 90s. I went again several times during my career in the Navy. At the time, a lot of things were futuristic. We would come home with armloads of MP3 players which went for cheap in Japan but still cost a small fortune in the US. They had flatscreen billboards all over Tokyo and sold flatscreen or plasma TVs in the Japanese malls. These were all things you could get in the US, but they were far too expensive in the US for a normal person to buy. So yes, it did seem like it was a futuristic place even then, well after the big economic collapse of the 90s.
What little I remember from being a little kid other than my nanny who taught me Japanese and a few odd memories of what Japan was like in the 70s, I don't recall much in the way of a technological society....more like a mix between old traditional stuff and "modern" at the time. So I think the idea that Japan is like this bleeding edge of technology place has more to do with how quickly it advanced than that it is ahead of the game compared to the West. The Japanese worked pretty hard to do so, and the result is this reputation of being a technological superpower. The reality now is sort of meh. They're still generally at the edge of tech, and in some cases push the boundaries, but the West has caught up and in some ways exceeded Japan at this point. The last time I was there, I didn't see anything "amazing". And there is still an "old Japan" vibe if you look for it, as well as a bit of a push under the facade for emphasizing tradition.
The primary reason Japan has stagnated is because most of the people who were working in the 80's and 90's are the same 50-60 year old people still working today. They're also the same people who didn't make very many children. So in 20 years, when they're all in their 70-80's and retired, the burden of the smaller working generation will suddenly become very, very heavy. On one hand, though, it may very well be a necessary change so that the office spaces finally get rid of fax machines and floppy disks.
nowadays price are quite even with desindustrialisation, their own product are already imported from cheap workplace in asia, i didnt notice big differenc ebetween price between EU and japan, or japan and usa...
for the modernity, i can notice that culture difference forbidde japan culture to be imported...mass train-->well in my country they find pay a fare is abnormal and theres lot of fraud, so few subway cosntructed in 40years despite everybody complain about jam and pollution..their high security make thing possible but not in my country, like freehand bagage in 24h all aroudn country for 15$..i wouldnt do it in my country ..stealer , late, strike etc, no culture of service....park your bycycle in street like in japan....lol in my country steal or freely destroyed in less than a month....robot who deliver thing? well they will be attacked in my country for sure... same goes for 24/7 buisness there would be probably too much drunk people or gunpoint steal if it happen.
I have to say I feel the same here in Norway when it comes to making friends. I studied here between 2014-2016 and had tons of Norwegians friends. Then I left due to work, came back and none seemed to want to stay in contact (those who lived in the same city as I did when I moved back in 2019). Then today even, I was discussing with a friend that when I think about it, I don't have one single Norwegian friends. And not for the lack of trying. And if I know any Norwegians who I can call 'friend' they are either one of the following: They lived abroad themselves, they are a second generation kid of first generation parents or adopted and grew up in Norway. They are kind people, but I do think it's a trend that locals keep to themselves in a way. They have their own friends here, they might be afraid investing time in foreigners because to some we MIGHT seem like a 'flight risk' (moving away) or think they might need to adapt their lifestyle to be friends with is. Just speculations of course
There are some similarities between Japan and Sweden, like the shyness, keeping to yourself, avoiding conflict and the overall conformism.
Countries with a history of ethnic and cultural homogenity might display this. I can easily see how difficult it is as an outsider to get close to the locals because of cultural barriers.
Your content is really awesome and fun to watch! I've been thinking a lot about visiting Japan. I can't wait to go one day.
Funny thing about square watermelons... I first heard about it from an American farm that just put cinderblocks around them as a test to see if it would work and... Just sorta became their schtick. Never even thought of it being the "OMG WEIRD JAPAN" thing
I once asked a train conductor whether I was about to board the right train, 5 minutes before the train was about to leave. It was not the right train, so to my horror the conductor got off the train, grabbed my hand and RAN a few platforms over to get me on the right train. I could have easily waited for the next train but no, I had now single handedly delayed a train in Japan. I truly hope the guy got to keep his job😅
Hero orgin story lol
@Kyoto Ben Well, there's a difference between deliberately delaying and this - it's not like I asked him to take me anywhere😅 Literally just asked "This is the Biwako line, right?" in Japanese and all this happened even if I tried to tell him multiple times it's okay and I don't need help!😅
Exceptional. Probably since it would take much longer to explain where to go he did that. By the way anyone that delays a train or bus will get a huge fine. Be careful.
Dang he's so dedicated
I come back to this, channel every few weeks, and each time, you continue to impress with your set designs, storytelling skills, and generally entertaining demeanor
Traveling to Japan is like traveling to 1983 in many respects. Still loved it, eventually. Makes one wonder how the country would look today if it had been allowed to continue to develop in that breakneck speed that the bubble economy brought.
I was always curious about japan and its culture, and being on the other side of the world (Brazil) makes it difficult to travel and visit. Your videos are what quench my curiosity, thanks for your hard and great work.
I'm reminded of the time we asked a shop lady in Nakagawa up in Hokkaido for directions to a camp site we were looking for. She was so aghast at the idea that we would walk so far, and made her son drive us there in their pickup truck (it was almost a 15 minute drive). But you're right about the difference between being nice and being polite/hospitable, and I only had maybe 2 Japanese people I really felt I was close to, at all, when living there.
“Love, peace, and rice”
The most Japanese thing here is that they removed the ‘happiness’ from the list 😂😅😭
The first time I got paid in Japan freaked me out-- I got a giant envelope full of cash, as though I'd just assissinated someone instead of... repeating English phrases to junior high students.
@Bronson Luks cards are fake lol what? :D so is currency. Ive never had my card demagnetized and even if i did i can get new one for free. If you didnt know your cash gets stolen or lost youll never see it again XD do you even own a card?? all the things you mentioned are problem either for old ppl who cant use it properly or simply rare case that can happen with cash as well. Ive never lost my money (or anyone i know) because of card failure cash is pretty common to get damaged, disappear or as it was previously mentioned best way to collect germs from strangers. i dont really enjoy carring petri dish in my pocket most of the time. Cash will end one day maybe not in our life time but its definetly coming and yes its outdated ppl and services dont use it that much and its very common among old ppl
@Bronson Luks tbh, i don’t mind all that much because i wash my hands at the start of my breaks. when i first started out, i just never considered the fact people would hand me cash covered in blood, sweat, unidentifiable other liquids, ect; im just dumb like that! i think youre taking what i said too seriously…it’s okay! people hate their jobs sometimes, life’s like that! you don’t have to get so worked up over it
and yea, i do wash my hands quite frequently. things are gross and dirty 💚
About the last point, something I've noticed in 8 years here too is that people tend to be polite when think they have to be. (Not always, of course) but i've seen countless times when someone slips in public or something and NO ONE budges, probably thinking that someone else will help them or "not it!" I feel like back in the west we are the opposite sometimes where we aren't polite when it's expected, but when someone is in trouble we rush to help. BIG exception is for disasters here. Everyone really pulls together to help out in an earthquake or flood etc.
Always wanted to visit japan ever since i was a child, now im older i have a massive issue with agoraphobia. Watching your videos gives me some awesome insights into what its really like there. Thank you
I lived in Japan for 18 months in '95-96 and what struck me was it was both really advanced, and not at all at the same time. For example, many people in rural Japan didn't have flush toilets, but the toilets in urban homes were heated and cleaned themselves and played music. I did make some good Japanese friends, but all of them had lived abroad, and while I was really interested in learning about Japan, they were often unable to answer my questions because they were really into other cultures.
I've made a dozen short trips to Japan over the years, and I have seen adult sumo guys and a sumo tournament with younger boys, about 12-14ish. I just stumbled upon the matches, and the adult sumo guys got on a train I was on. They took up an entire section of the car. I might have just completely been in the right place at the right time, though, haha.
You can't help but love how totally honest you were about the food your own place serves. Bravo. And it looked properly delicious btw too 💪🏼👌🏼
When Chris brought out the sushi board, I thought it was fake food like his other fake food items in the studio, so when he popped the nori roll in his mouth...I almost had a heart attack.
@Abroad in Japan I NEVER tire of food for the eyes especially when
A newbie orders what they think is Chocolate cake with chocolate syrup.
@Abroad in Japan Maybe the sushi 🍣 in Australia 🇦🇺 is healthier ? You're more than welcome to visit & tell us on your channel weather Australian made Sushi { made by Japanese expatriates in Australia } is indeed healthier Or not . ♑️✍️🇦🇺🇸🇯
Plot twist: it WAS fake and who had a heart attack was Chris
@Thomas Becker 😂
@Abroad in Japan 😂 that would definitely be suffering for content
Does Japan have a tourism industry? If so, you should be sponsored by them. Your videos praise what you love about the culture, and it paints the country as a wonderful place to visit, especially being someone who was an outsider explaining the culture as an outsider who became an insider.
Chris’s videos really have become so fantastic in terms of quality. Have been for a while. Nice job, as always.
Note: There are countless variations in Japanese cuisine including home cooking.There are so many creative dishes.Minerals are also supplemented from things that can be harvested in the sea.They maintain their health by making the seasoning lighter, changing salt to rock salt or natural salt, and sugar to oligosaccharide.White rice is nutritious and good, but noodles made from wheat such as ramen and udon are not very healthy, so it is said that it is good up to two or three times a week in Japan.Also, in modern Japan, white rice is being reduced and brown rice and mixed grain rice are being consumed more.Eating a lot of sea food is important for health, but today's young Japanese prefer meat, oil, and strong-tasting ramen and junk food to fish.
As for overtime, depending on the company and the boss's policy, there are some jobs that don't have any work at all, and there are some that do a lot of overtime.
Relationships are difficult because there are people who think overtime is good and people who think it's bad.
In Japan, there is a law called 36 agreements, and companies will be punished if they repeat more than 45 hours of overtime a month six times a year.There are other detailed rules.
Also, if we exceed a certain number of overtime hours, we must consult an industrial physician.
However, I feel that there are many overtime hours set by this law.
I want to solve this problem because small companies are forced to work for a long time with a small salary.
Great insight. As a local I can vouch this is all true. Food for instance, we didn’t eat much meet until like late 19th century, so naturally, we got our calories from carbs and fish. Japan never intended to make its food ‘healthy’. The result being as Chris tells us, not particularly healthy especially if you eat out. Having said that, the food is delicious!
after watching this video I think it'd be really interesting to see you go around exploring the healthiest staple foods/cuisines of Japan. sort of the antithesis of the first lie in this video
My Dad, actually DID lose a lot of weight over there. He just didn’t want to eat any of the food because most of it was too exotic for him. The family he stayed with, praised him for “eating like a Japanese”, as in not eating all that much.
@KaitouKaiju Of course Japanese eat fruit.
With fruit, the portion size is limited and the fruit body contains fiber with regulates the fructose absorption. With juice, it takes many pieces of fruit to make one glass. No one would sit down and eat 8 oranges in a row, but that's what it takes for a large glass of orange juice.
American food is sweet for the sake of being sweet. Even regular wheat bread has sugar added, and sweet bread is almost like cake. And of course the salsa packets at Taco Bell have sugar too!
@derek20la So do the Japanese not eat fruit? Because every fruit has fructose
10:47 The biggest reason why Japanese are not obese? NO FRUCTOSE SUGAR.
While the video mentions how their diet is loaded with carbs, it has almost no fructose sugar.
Only the liver can metabolize fructose, in exactly the same process as alcohol.
@sakana tengoku thank you so much for your detailed answer 🥰❤
I lost weight in Japan and didn't even know it. At first I thought the scale was off. Same for my cousin.
Japan is very friendly in a formal way. Friendliness is constrained to certain places, like bars or service workers. Nobody pays any attention to passersby. No hello or eye contact.
MY NEW FAVORITE CHANNEL! Pardon the all caps but I can't help it! This dude makes me laugh every time. And his videos are so informative. I just got back from a three week trip to Japan and have been enjoying these videos ever since.
My step-dad used to work for a sake importer, so he traveled to Japan for business regularly. Whenever he got back to the US he would spend several days eating mostly salads and grilled veggies, because it was near impossible to find vegetables in Japanese cuisine that weren't pickled, battered, or steeped in salty broth.
I love that you clearly haven't lost your British sense of humour
Excellent video, Gezza. I live in Thailand (for 8 years) and some of what you mentioned about "polite chatter" is true here too. Sometimes Thai people are too polite and don't express their true feelings perhaps because of culture or shyness similar to your Japanese experiences. This is problematic in all relationships at work, socially and in personal relations. But we continue to crack the code! Best wishes from Bangkok.
I've lived in Japan for almost three years, and can confirm the issue with obtaining real Japanese friends. I have two, and I think the only reason we are friends, is because both of them studied overseas and embraced Western relationship culture. They both get really excited when they tell you their actual opinion, and not hold anything back.
@RZT4
You visited sir
i think this is not necessarily a japanese issue. generally if you come to any country as a foreigner, there will be a "wall" between you and its inhabitants until they are able to recognize that you have a good grasp of how things work there socially, which means that they will stop having to tiptoe around you and finally have genuine interactions.
not to mention there are the basic prerequisites of friendship, even between two locals i.e. similar interests and stuff, so without breaking through the first "wall" there's no way you will even see the second one. some people from some countries will claim that their locals are "frank" or "direct" compared to other countries but in my experience it is generally the same thing. there is a wall, but only the general attitudes on that superficial level beyond the "wall" vary.
I have to disagree, when I was living in Japan it was quite easy to make friends, friends that I still interact with even though it has been over a decade since I left. I simply believe it is where you are in Japan that matters. I found it near impossible in large cities to make any Japanese friends (only 2 of my Japanese friends came from a larger city Sendai), but since I mostly lived in a smaller, more rural area it was easier to interact on personal levels that let me make long lasting friends.
Lived for 5..only hv 1..reason is..she need to practice english
I will be a devil's advocate.
You've gotta consider that you're coming as a foreigner and trying to put your same expectations to them. So because you don't 合わない it feels like an issue. Japan as any other country has got a range of all. There's those curious and outgoing folks, there's the quiet and private, and whatever other mixes in between.
/Most/ folks' friends seem to be those who were part of their immediate environment. Such as classmates, coworkers, etc., Consider that people get grouped together such as when people start a job, and how 何年目の社会人 gets given relevance here. And without adding more, that's just how it is here, and whether they like it because it's the 当たり前 way to be, or because they don't know better, it's certainly not up to foreigners to suddenly (perhaps even unconsciously) impose their values on an already established culture.
That's not to say that there aren't niches of folks here, and most foreigners mix better with those niche folks, so as with everywhere else you've just gotta look for like-minded folks. In a culture that's obviously different to the ones foreigners come here from, it's not hard to imagine how the odds to find such folks may be smaller.
So find your niche of folks and don't expect to be a sudden change in a new environment as you wouldn't be either anywhere else
Edit: 社会人
I am a new subscriber. I have always been fascinated with Japan and I do have plans on visiting . I was born in São Paulo Brazil and the city has the largest concentration of individuals of Japanese descent outside of Japan. Chris , I really enjoy watching your videos. Not only for the humor part , but also the quality content you put out.
I am always impressed with the production value of the videos when still being simple. You have great editing skills and eye for visual language!
For the "Japan is weird" one, I also always see those listicles that are like "Japan has such weird game shows!" and then 100% of the time proceed to list "game shows" that were segments of comedy specials and 100% not actually game shows.
And then proceed to ignore the weird shit on American tv like wife swap
Frankly the fact that Japan moves toward the future while still embracing things of the past (like paper and flip phones) is one of my favorite things about the country.
Ew no
You must not do a lot of paperwork in your daily life then.
@L1GHT D3M0N Precisely
Retrofuturism at its finest
I think westerners think Japanese are very robotic and cold, which is a huge misconception from what I noticed. While work hours are very focused on order and efficiency in the streets, most shops close early and the locals let loose and enjoy themselves. I especially noticed this in Kyoto
@Litten Fire I am a bit of both an introvert and and Extrovert. (Note: I am diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome which is part of the Autism spectrum) I can be a bit uncertain at first with people, but once I find a connection I open up all the way.
It's also because Western culture values extroverts over introverts. So even in the US, if you're more reserved, and soft spoken, people can think of you as cold there too
The Kansai region is generally seen as more loose and friendly in comparison to Kanto
My impression is that they’re just paralyzed by anxiety. Any time I needed help or interacted with anyone, that dropped and they really opened up.
In my opinion, Natsuki is the biggest gift Japan has ever given to Chris. He's like that eccentric character in every anime show that's used for comedic relief, and in Chris' vlogs, he makes every episode a hell of a lot better. If every foreigner had a Japanese friend like that, nobody would ever feel lonely in Japan.
@Kuzz Billington yeah, Ryotaro is great as well.
I agree, Natsuki is a national treasure.
Wonderfully put, man's a legend
You win the comment section.
Natsuki is awesome!
Even not knowing all that much about actually living in Japan before, I never thought Japanese food was healthy based on going to Japanese restaurants.
Honestly, the way you've been utilizing your set is amazing. You've come up with such unique ways to use the space. I feel like it's a different place in each video. Well done.
Japanese food being pretty unhealthy is probably the reason why Japan is one of those places where I don't lose any weight during the trip there. Meanwhile I usually lose whole bunch of weight when I visit Greece, Italy and believe it or not: America.
In greece it's because the food I tend to eat there is generally pretty good for you and I always end up swimming so much that it honestly doesn't matter what I'd eat, I have no bloody idea why I lose weight in italy even though I eat a lot of pasta whilst there and in America it's because I visit my mates in south which means almost all I eat is steak and protein heavy diets are great for losing weight.
I too lose weight in America.. simply because I have a hard time finding anything I can stomach actually eating! It's all greasy, processed, disgusting. So I starve. Take a.g. a Hilton hotel, with their expensive rooms and pay-for-everything attitude, super-expensive breakfast - the only food I can eat there is oatmeal. Paying a fortune. The rest is just.. ugh.
In Japan I eat a lot and I stay slim - my wife's food making is healthier than what you get eating outside in general, and my own non-native cooking is also not bad if I say so myself, but we do (or did, we're not there at the moment) eat out regularly as well. But there's also the ease of getting around on a bicycle. Helps with staying in shape and probably with the body weight too.
The Japanese foods he shows are not eaten daily by Japanese. I worked at a Japanese school and we had a Japanese cook. We all had to buy the meal plan. Rice showed up at every meal.1/2 cup for women and 3/4 cup for men. There was also clear soup, usually miso based, boiled vegetable dishes, a dish with bits of meat or fish mixed with vegetables, and a few slices of fruit for "dessert". Everything was presented beautifully and well garnished. Portions were so small I thought I was going to starve to death. Great for weight loss. The meals were very seasonal. In cold weather we had stews too. There was never any tonkatsu or sushi or tempera. Occasionally we got a potato croquettes. The Japanese staff said her cooking was home style and reminded them of grandma's cooking. We ate 3 meals a day there. I absolutely hate fish taste and dashi is used so much in Japanese cooking!!! Even in things you'd never expect. I also hate natto's slimey texture and appalling aroma.
Also it is sad that we theorise to put robots as elder caretakers. Many seem keen to put their fathers and great grandfathers or mothers into homes and what not. My Great Grandmother is still alive today and can do everyday activities in her 90s. Grandmother, Mother and me close together like we used too. It is such a beautiful thing I feel being lost. Family/Ancestor love needs to be normalised.
Ramen used to be my favourite dish when I first tried it, but it was probably because of the new cold climate I moved in from my tropical homeland, I didn’t realise how salty it is. Years later I adjusted my diet to be low sodium, and for the life of me I can’t find a ramen shop that doesn’t go overboard with their salt. I resort to making ramen at home and have a better time there. I love tonkotsu ramen because of the meticulously cooked bone broth, and collagen is always good for you, but the mountain of salt will offset that. Cooking the dish at home allows me to reduce salt to my liking.
Chris really outdid himself with the production value huh? What some imagination, projectors and editing can do, magical!
I live in Kyoto for some 5 years now & got to absolutely agree on what u say Chris. the first time I came here as a tourist, everything appeared so futuristic and shiny, not to say unprecedented. but coming back, having a fix job and my own family now, it's just as wherever else on the globe. except from the utter weirdness of television, which I probably will never get used to
Brilliant! Thanks. I lived in Japan from 1989 to 1993 and saw the maglev being developed where I worked for a time. Everything you said about the last ten years pertains to the time back then. I went on the idea I'd stay just two years, but I spent five.
I have never been to Japan but I love visiting Muji stores whenever I am in Europe and I always imagined that everyone lives this minimalist lives in earth and grey tones...
but watching KZclip videos and some day time soapies I am always taken aback by the busy colours of the duvets and bedding and the furnishings in the homes. Like who buys Muji if everyone lives this Hello Kitty patterned life? I am still fascinated by Japanese aesthetics and symbolism with everything they do (unless this is also a lie of a misconception) and would one day like to visit Japan...
thanks for a funny and insightful video
When we moved to Japan I fell in to the trap of thinking we were certainly moving to a country that was very much technologically advanced. I was surprised that we got hand written carbon copy receipts at my son’s school and for rent, and how many places didn’t accept credit/debit cards, including when paying bills.
I think I had a more realistic view of Japan. I never really saw it as futuristic more minimalistic way of living. But I am only planning to go to Japan because I want a job there and it pays very well in my industry and also I want to go to Suzuka and Fuji Speedway.
These are all such good points to bring up, I always find myself thinking this all the time especially the food and the technology points. People sometimes really have no idea. What I'm almost more interested in though is that flying car set. I actually couldn't believe that was practical and not CGI. It honestly looked like a professionally rendered scene put onto a greenscreen. It's almost confusing how good it was.
@rashkavar but they are balanced with other things. A japanese meal is always served with plenty of vegetables and protein. However I agree that sometimes atleast here in Europe they put too much rice and too little salmon on the sushi roll, so you end up with excess rice and too little protein. Thats not a really a problem in a buffet situation because you can fetch some extra protein. Ramen can also be unbalanced, they put too little protein and possibly noodles, and it becomes pretty much a fatty soup. What makes the diet better though than the typical western junk food one is the focus on fresh fish, vegetables, and I would say the probably drink more water too, whereas in Europe most people I see order extremely sugary coke etc instead of water. I also think they are less prone to alcoholism, junk food addiction and drug addiction, both illegal and legal (prescribed by doctors). I havent looked up the numbers for this but I have observed in my lifetime in Europe the staggering and ever increasing amount of degenerates and addicts in the general population. In western culture we do tend to celebrate and encourage degenerate behaviours. Add to this what he said about the daily exercise of Japanese people, however I would like to see an analysis that takes into account the grueling work hours of many Japanese.
@Leo B The point he was making was that they were not balanced with other things. A carb-heavy diet has health implications. So does a fat heavy or a protein heavy diet, they're just different ones. Same with salt - some salt is fine. Consuming the equivalent of a 2 inch sided cube of salt every day is... not a good idea.
Not all good points, carbohydrates are not unhealthy as part of a nutritious meal, neither is salt when its balanced with vegetables
Teach Chris how to bhop.
CGI is supposed to be undetectable and so usually it should be bad if you can detect it. However, the look he was going for is "bad CGI" and he did it without CGI. It's truly a well crafted good "bad CGI" practical effect
Living in Tokyo is like any large city - hard to make friends. But in the country I had lots of Japanese friends. They have more time to chat and get to know you.
Really great video. It takes a lot these days to make me laugh. It's 2:41AM here and you totally robbed me of sleep, laughing through most of the video. You are hilarious.
I totally agree with this! I believe that the large population of elderly people keeps the companies (and country) from moving forward. The elderly aren't able to use smartphones or computers so companies need to keep archaic electronics to support them as well. Japanese people walk so much!!! They eat way less than us and don't snack much. I've gained weight in Japan 😓 the cakes here are too amazing 😩
Hello all! I was wondering if any of you had suggestions for good/supportive communities or forums for people wanting to move to Japan? I've come across a few but it looks like the gate keeping is something truly astonishing. 😅 I made a post in one about decision to move to Japan and I've never been so attacked in my life. 😂 What a toxic place!
JUST SUBSCRIBED ON THIS VIDEO ALONE. Your description of Tempura made me giggle and was spot on! Also, you "eating for illustration purposes" equally cracked me up. Very informative and funny. 5 stars! Can't wait to check out your other vids.
As a Brit the trains do make me incredibly jealous of Japan, here you're lucky if it arrives at all nevermind on time
Trains. Wonderful trains. Once I bought a ticket for the 10:27 train (a regular train, not the subway), and waited at the right spot.. and a train showed up at 10:25. Hm, I thought.. is that the right one? It does say the correct destination on the sign.. Nah, I wait. It left, and two minutes later the 10:27 train came in, at the same spot, and indeed that was my train.
At least as good is the Suica card that Chris briefly showed in the video. The gates normal position is *open* during rush time, so you just run or walk fast and tap the card for a millisecond and it's done! You can run all the way, no stopping, no waiting, not like elsewhere where it takes time to read the card (if it reads at all). The gate closes on you if there's not enough money.. more efficient than to wait for it to open.
As a North American, I remember thinking how much more efficient and on time trains were in Europe than in the US or Canada. I've never been to Japan, but I'm quite certain I'd be very jealous of the trains there.
You can thank your Parliament for that. The high level of subsidization of British railways by your government makes them immune to consumer pressure.
@bemysty this i 110% agree with you. i was shocked.
Yes the trains here in UK are terribly unreliable. They will stop services if a bird so much as pooped on the front window. Also stupendously overpriced.
I had that exact thing happen to me, when I first went to Hiroshima I had trouble finding my hotel, and did the same thing I went into a small shop a clothing store and asked the lady there where I was missing it, she pulled out a pencil and paper and drew me a map I thought that was so cool!
I had the cash culture shock as well recently going to Germany. I forgot we're a bit weird in the UK with cards now (I can only remember in the last three or four months going to a cash only business while I can remember seing small businesses that were "Card Only" all over the place).
Just found your channel. LOVE the humor, sarcasm you are crazy funny. But you also do understand the culture quite well, which for me, being married to a Japanese national, makes it all the more funny. (Most experts on here don't know what the hell they are talking about.)
i think the one that surprised me the most was the, not how futuristic Japan is. or how retro it is. but the dichotomy of how much it is both. although, living in North America: should that really surprise me?
This was so cool! You're so much more than a click-baity channel with a few fun facts about Japan. I enjoyed watching this, and I hope you're doing well.
Glad to have Chris back. You can really tell how refresh he is since his trip to UK.
Refilled with sarcastic pessimism. "Lived in shoe box in middle O road"
@tripel7 it manifests mostly in "GIMME A FRY-UP" 🤣🤣🤣
@Agent Hippo hahaha, no, I'm fully aware he's British, but I can imagine experiencing the culture you're from helps bring perspective to what ways japanese culture contrasts with it
@tripel7 I think you guys forget he was born here and grew up here. Not some random American that was kept from his British dream for three years lol
I feel like having experienced British culture again gave him something to bounce off, I can imagine being in Japan for three years straight makes it harder to see the contrast with other societies
This production quality is actually insane. You have come so far my man. Always enjoy your content.
I saw square watermelon in a Ginza gift shop a long time ago.
They were selling for an insane ¥75,000.
But that’s the only time I’ve seen them in five years of visiting and 15 years of living in Japan.
Wait just a minute are you telling me that Japan is making a Bullet Train that goes from Tokyo to Osaka in 67 Minutes?! HOLY CRAP! I know they far behind in many things but that is honestly impressive.
Even though i watched this video to learn more about Japan, it was nice seeing him list off almost all of my childhood dishes in one go at the beginning lol
Retort: 1. I think what helps in light of Japanese diet is the immense time spent at work. 2 & 3. If anything I find Japan is like going back in time, some areas I had a feeling of being transported to the 70's. 4. I hear you, I had a varied response. Yakashuni memorial is a controversial but interesting place to go as a westerner, the best to see a perspective (not the only one) on history and being Japanese.
Regarding the "finding friends in Japan"
I've always wondered if Chris just attracts weird people but with this explanation it might be that the only ones willing to open up to a foreigner in japan is someone offbeat and unusual.
@03 dorata that was very helpful thank you 🙏
@03 dorata ohh i see, would they meet up in person if you make friends on sns though?
@03 dorata what is sns
Well the Japanese people have their Japanese friends. It's foreigners that don't have Japanese friends but only foreigners friends so it's nothing to do with their friendliness although they are quite introvert and just too different culture that not many foreigners could fit into theirs, especially when most of the foreigners there annoyingly don't even speak Japanese enough to get a job there despite living there for a quite long time.
I lived more 12 years in China, graduated there, done my master’s. Loved the country, culture and people. But than I moved on, and most of my foreign friends. And years back we, foreigners from China, realized that we didn’t had a single Chinese friend! How strange is that?
I know, that while you’re studying in China you are separated from locals by your dormitory, your Chinese study course etc. But than a lot of us graduated, started work (mostly in western companies), living in a rented apartment in city. And still, by the end of day we were spending time with others like us.
Absolutely this.. when i visited Japan in 2017 it felt how people in the 80s thought the future would be. We could not even book a train ticket online. Had to be done on the till
Usually I prefer videos like these to be straightforward with no frills, because the humour used in other Japan channels often feels forced and cringey. But your jokes genuinely make me laugh throughout the day.
Maybe it just appeals to me as a fellow Brit, but good job for achieving what I thought impossible!
I love your unhealthy food buzzer! And your food music is perfect for the "I just want to have fun" mindset needed to consume it.
Good job!
I find it crazy how different Japan is compared to other countries like the United States. Here, specifically if I'm in Manhattan or Brooklyn, you often hear ALOT of things, and it's bustling with various people and cultures. So I'm used to being around various people and having friends from various backgrounds. Plus, I like talking to different people and expanding my horizons.
That being said, I'd probably visit Japan... but I don't think I'd live there. Plus, I'm Hispanic with dark skin, I don't want to be constantly stared at.
That's actually super interesting about the "leaving food is rude". I've always thought it was the opposite, that if you ate all your food that it was an insult to the chef because you weren't served enough food. Interesting!
I always it all of the rice, anything else would be rude. It helps that a) it's Japanese rice (japonica), so it's round and a bit sticky, and b) you eat (and can eat) it with chopsticks. Which makes it easy to eat the last grain of rice, unlike with a fork or even a spoon.
In Jp especially leaving rice is bad. In China, your hosts may flood the table with food bc if you eat it all they probably haven't fed you enough
Another misconception I had before going to Japan is how busy the big cities actually are: in Western media they keep showing over and over the same clips of Shibuya, Akibahara, Shinjuku or a few other hotspots like that overflowing with people, but in reality I realized after having walked around a lot, the vast majority of Tokyo and Osaka are actually very quiet.
And that's the thing: Cities aren't loud. Cars are loud. Japan has pedestrian-centric urban design, so their cities aren't as loud as the American equivalent would be.
I mean Japan is aging fast so of course there’s going to be less people walking around over the years.
I was in a small homey area of Tokyo for our Airbnb two week stay(can’t remember where) and while the main roads were usually people biking and walking up and down the streets the back roads were quiet as heck. I nearly got lost at one point. Thankfully found a train station and just rode to the one close to home.
I went to shibuya(or wherever the robot restaurant was) and it was BUSY but not “can’t move” busy. Just normal city busy. Loved sitting on a ledge and just watching people go about their business.
RIght, LOL. Try getting on a subway or train at 8:30 am and let us know what's up!
? well, I suppose relatively quiet is subjective. I ASSUME you mean, "not so busy." Because even CRAZY crowded streets with millions of people are relatively quiet, because they both speak quietly, and very little in public. But if you mean "not so busy" I've lived in Tokyo and Osaka, and I wouldn't have come close to that description. However, they are easily manageable, and I certainly don't mean that everywhere is it shoulder to shoulder...... BUT..... always plenty / lots of people around.
So true about making friends. I’ve lived in Japan for over thirty years and can honestly say I’ve only had one real friend. Unfortunately he lives far away in another city with his wife and kids now and we haven’t met for over ten years. So basically I have no friends at all in Japan. I’m divorced and my kids live with my ex wife who won’t allow me to see them very often. That’s another thing about the culture, if you divorce don’t expect to see your kids again unless you’re very lucky. There are so many disadvantages being a foreigner in Japan that I definitely wouldn’t recommend coming here to live or work, even for a few months. It’s not worth it and there are plenty of other places in the world that would be far more rewarding to see.
I think that everybody have there suitable place... No country and nobody is perfect. Only the right place for the right people. Some place most people could said is a hell on earth but still somebody can live there mentally and physically happy
On quora (and youtube) if you try to tell the "truth" about it being hard to get "real friends" in Japan your posts will be deleted and moderated I swear, but maybe there is some problem with me that its so hard to make friends. Like Japanese are very friendly the first time you meet them, but they will become more and more colder. I remember back in 2015 making friends with Chinese seemed so much EASIER, but lately Chinese are a bit more xenophobic so I bet Vietnam & Indonesia is even better.
Honestly this channel is one of the few channels I enjoy and fully watch the videos.