Why You Unconsciously Make Japanese People Uncomfortable
In this video, we dive into the unspoken cultural differences that often make Japanese people feel uncomfortable around foreigners. From communication styles to social norms, there are many subtle ways in which our cultural backgrounds can clash and lead to misunderstanding. It's important to be aware of these differences and make an effort to understand and respect the local customs. Please learn why you may be unconsciously making Japanese people uncomfortable without even realizing it. Thanks for watching!
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■About me
Hi, I’m Nao. I was born in Yokohama and grew up in a Buddhist temple in the countryside of Hyogo prefecture. Life in urban and rural areas and unique experiences in a temple can bring other perspectives on Japanese things.
I love sharing Japanese things with you, so please always tell and ask me what kind of videos you want to see in the comments.
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Thank you for watching and comments😉 I knew this kind of video was a bit controversial, so sorry for some of you who feel uncomfortable!
Thank you for this insightful video! Most of these rules really speak to me and I wish they were as common where I'm from. For example, strong scents give me immediate headaches, so strong perfumes are an issue. Quiet public transport, respecting personal space and no need for interactions with strangers also sound amazing.
Thank you for watching🙌 All we need is to recognize we live and respect each other in public places😉
I’ve just finished a one-month long trip in China. Even though the Chinese government has been educating the Chinese to be polite for decades, every Chinese knows they should be polite. But most Chinese are not conscious that such and such behavior makes others uncomfortable even annoyed. They are just not conscious that they are rude.
I have been to Japan four times and in the beginning of this video, I was worried you might point out some serious mistake I have been making without knowing better. But to my relief most of these things would be considered common sense also in Finland and annoy us as well. This was a good video and I wish everyone traveling to Japan would bother to get some basic information before landing in Japan.
Something that surprised me the most was how long I could walk without passing a bench. I’d been prepared for the lack of trash cans and recognized quickly to be mindful not to block people walking behind me, but this one caught me unprepared. I’d walk laps and laps around a mall or go blocks down the street looking for a place to sit down to send a text message or tie my shoe or or whatever.
Westerners need the exercise. lol Japanese walk a lot. You need to understand that the rules of the society were made for Japanese, not you.
Thank you for your video I will be visiting your country for the first time in January definitely respect the Japanese culture:) Your English is very good
I would say leaving a mess around the toilet is unappreciated everywhere, not just in Japan.
Thank you for this important information. It really is important for foreigners to understand the culture of public space and public atmosphere being respectful and peaceful in Japan.
Thank you for watching🙌 We Japanese also need to be careful about these when we go outside Japan😉
These videos would be an amazing opportunity to share with and request to be shown on airlines arriving in Japan
Thank you for this video. There were a lot of things that seem obvious but that I hadn't thought about at all until now. During my second trip to Japan, I made an effort to step to the side if there was something I had to do on my phone, because it bothers me too when people just stop in the middle of everyone's way to text someone. But I remember taking a lot of photos around in Tokyo during my first trip to Japan, and now I wonder if I was ever in the way without even knowing it.
Great information, thank you.
Thank you for watching🙌
Almost all of these are practically universal rules though….. don’t be late, don’t block the way, don’t be gross in bathrooms, etc. that’s not really a Japanese only thing.
Yes I agree. And has this guy never seen Japanese tourists overseas?
@@paulw4259 this is pretty typical for “coming to Japan” videos though lol. They kinda just assume all non-Japanese are disgusting barbarians and everyone eats it up for some reason. Can’t be helped. It’s like how foreigners were banned from entering Japan for 2 years because of Covid when both times covid came to Japan was because of a Japanese tourist bringing it back home. Foreigners are just considered dirty and stupid. Logic doesn’t apply.
One more thing: DON’T speak perfect Japanese to the Japanese. They hate it when you speak their language, especially when you speak it flawlessly. It’s the opposite of Europe!
You're right but from my experience, unfortunately, these rules are not followed as scrupulously in Europe as they are in Japan.
Don’t block the way is common sense in a country like the US that talks about individual rights all the time? You came on here to deny that but obviously it’s a problem with foreigners and that’s why the poster talked about it.
Learning these methods for your trip to Japan 🇯🇵can really make a big difference!! Naturally I would want to be extremely respectful to the locals there while at the same time enjoying myself!! These tips are on point 👉🏽 and can make a huge impact on your stay there!! Good video and Thanks for Sharing💛🤍✨🤍💛
Thank you for watching🙌 Happy to meet someone like you who respects a lot to locals😊
@@JapanwithNao Thanks I appreciate that 🙏🏽
In my research for my trip to Japan, I have seen Japanese people breaking a lot of these rules. It makes me wonder just how real some of the rules are. For example, if thee is no seat where you want to rest, people put down a plastic bag under where they sit and then sit down. No-one is going to walk to the nearest park to sit when there is a perfectly serviceable ledge or railing!
I can agree to that. I visited Japan a year ago for the first time and I saw a lot of Japanese people, especially younger people, sitting in public places. For example next to the entrance of a konbini eating and drinking. So, I, too, start to wonder just how real some of these rules are. What's more, I had quite a few interesting conversations with strangers. Most of them in English, one in German. But it was always the other person who initiated the conversation, not me.
omg…PLEASE DONT BLOCK THE WAY! Don’t stop in the middle of the way for any reason, go to the side and then stop. Its literally dangerous
A Hawaiian flag behind you at 2:20. Mahalo for sharing
Thank you for watching and teaching me the flag😊 I didn't know that!
When I'm in the train station I am always mindful with the sign like the ones that says this side of the stairs is going up and the other going down. Also, I make sure I walk really fast on the stairs because behind me is a person who wants to catch his or her train. Even women on heels walk really fast. Also, inside the train, I always give my seat to an old lady or a student.
Thank you for watching🙌 That's so cool! You are so careful while you are on the train😊 I hope no one doesn't need to be careful match, though💯
Hi 👋 Nao, I agree with the points you mentioned besides the small talk or don't speak to strangers. I will do my best🫣
I wish people in USA would follow the perfume rule since quite a few people use it in lieu of showers quite a eye watering experience. That and taking off shoes in planes.
What do you mean?? Emptying 1 can of Axe spray each morning is completely normal...
@southcoastinventors6583 Thank you for watching🙌 Odor is a very difficult problem to point out, I believe...😰
I just wanna share. When I was in Tokyo walking, I was really confused on where to place myself. I was pretty sure to stay on the left lane while walking but some or quite a few of Japanese are walking directly at me so I keep on adjusting and thinking where should I really walk 😅 I thought to myself, am I doing it wrong? Correct me if I'm wrong. Overall I love Japan and the people are respectful 😍
Thanks for sharing these points -- I learned a lot of these through experience while living in Japan! How common is it to ask strangers to take your picture? I asked some Japanese people to take my picture when I was in museums and that seemed to be acceptable.
Thank you for watching🙌 I think it's really common to ask someone to take a picture, especially in tourist spots! When I was little, I had never heard a taking photo scam in Japan, but nowadays I've heard about that scam through media😰
i have also seen japanese people do just about everything in this video. oh, and if you're in the way in a crowded place, they have no problem bumping into you aggressively. in some countries, that's how fights start. yes, we should observe the customs and cultures when going abroad, but japan has some changing to do, too
I agree with you. Been out here ten years and the locals conduct these behaviours just the same. It’s unfair to say that it’s just tourists/foreigners doing these behaviours.
I'm going to Japan for the first time soon and I'm happy that I already knew and follow most of these rules, except for sitting in weird places haha but I won't do it there! People talking loudly, standing at the train entrances while looking in their bags, strong perfumes, PDA, WHY PEOPLE WHY. Maybe I was Japanese in a past life haha
Thank you for watching🙌 I hope you have a wonderful time in Japan! Have fun😉
I'm from Sweden, and I consider all those irritating. Especially people that stop in front of doors &c, as if no one else would want to pass through.
Thank you for watching😉
Why do I find most of these things common sense? At least for me 😅
My ex is Japanese and told me all these things but I did brush up on customs before I came to Tokyo and Kyoto. As an American I noticed other tourists doing things like walking with Starbucks at Meiji Jingu shrine or just walking around drinking and eating, but that rule seemed to change somewhat in Kyoto. And knowing what side of the escalator to stand on was another thing I noticed in Tokyo. I have loved my time here and don’t want to go home in a few days
Thank you for watching🙌 It's getting complicated, I guess..😲 Happy to hear that you had a good time in Japan, though😉
I would be respectful, but I think doing things unintentionally. It’s just something that’s going to happen and so be it.
2:52 I was taught by a Japanese friend to always sit down when using the toilet. Even when urinating. It makes it easier to clean especially if you are using the toilet of a friend's home or in a shared toilet of a hostel. 5:21 The Yamanote Line! Thank you for your tips. I really like your coat. It looks very fashionable.
Spray and pray
Thank you for watching🙌 I always sit on the toilet seat, even in my home😆 Haha, the coat saved me to survive while I filmed in cold winter😊
It’s ironic that people who need to learn this manners the most don’t even know about the existence of this kind of videos unfortunately
Thank you for watching🙌 As long as the video exists, there is a possibility that people will watch this😉
Oh bro, I’m an American living in Japan and all of this stuff annoys me just as much as it does you/japanese people. It isn’t cultural differences, it is just tourists disregarding everyone but themselves and being generally oblivious. It’s the same in America, China, etc. in Thailand I was recovering from a broken arm and some girl stopped suddenly at the bottom of an escalator to check her phone and I almost tripped over her and messed my arm up. Sadly, when the government opens up the floodgates to tourism, the citizens are going to have to deal with an absolute tonne of clueless tourists that don’t care about being a nuisance to others.
Very good video, thanks a lot! Watchers, please stop writing unfriendly comments. All these unwritten rules really apply in Japan and I wish they would do more so in other countries, too. I love Japan and really want to blend in the best way I can. There are always exceptions that prove the rule so it is naive to mention individual cases not following these rules. Moreover, many Western people mistake other Asian people for Japanese, wherefore I believe these rule breakers aren’t even locals ;).
I've stopped at entry gates a few times. Mostly just to get a better way to hold my luggage to pass by without bumping too much
Thank you for watching🙌 That's also respecting others😉
I have been in tokyo for a few days. English seems to make them uncomfortable 😅 thank you for teaching me sorry 😊 bow I knew, I just say sorry in english
I‘m just back from Japan and experienced groups of young people blocking the way on train platforms almost every day. Same goes for loud talking on trains. I guess this must be a disapearing generation thing.
I think he might’ve been thinking about the Chinese when he said those comments.
I wish more Japanese social etiquette rules were followed in America to this same high standard. These things just make things feel so much nicer for everyone else around.
Thank you for watching🙌 It's cool more people respect others for living comfortably together😊
I see quite a lot of these sort of videos that are focused on educating foreigners about etiquette in Japan. Can I also add one that Japanese people might want to think about. "Japanese people, please do not stare at black people; it makes us extremely uncomfortable."
Life is best lived feeling uncomfortable!
Then what about japan people siting or sleeping at flor etc? Or when drunk japan guy speaks to us in English or so. Not to tell i also don't feel the best when people talk to me in they language thinking i should understand, well i do try XD
All these rules seem to go out the door in shibuya/shinjuku. The ammount of youths just stopping to read their phones :) or chatting on the train ect. On a side note, i don't mind keeping trash as i take long walks and hate litter... but in major areas especially if they want to host international mega events, public trash bins should be available because eaven drunk japanese after work leave cans all over. I can imagine its more work on the shop owners to clean up instead of having bins.... but well if thats what works, who am i to comment. Oh and English...actually a lot more people speak simple daily english or more... except for a particular multiple prime location hotel right next to airport... if i can get basic help at a lawsons in a random beachtown... why not a major "luxury" hotel? A random cheaper hotel had basics and random moutain town ryokan had more than basic and shops asked how we end up where we are so far from center (following natire walks) yet chill to make simple orders through app... but not this one...heck they kinda panic when i pulled out the translation app.
People who don’t have spatial awareness is so annoying. It’s not just exclusive to Japanese people - if you’re blocking the way, you’re not thinking about others
Thank you for watching😉
I have seen a lot of young Japanese and drunk salarymen sitting, sleeping on the ground, and the outdoor smoking corners littered with trash. I guess some of these rules go out the window when alcohol is involved. And yes, anyone that can’t whip out their ticket and get through gates in one swift motion is annoying regardless of which country. Advice for foreigners who need a little more time to sort out their directions in a train station, especially like in Shinjuku, stand behind a pillar so as to not be in the way of the river of people.
Do the math. They were drunk. (>.
地元の人たちにとって、頭が空っぽの観光客は常にそうなのですが、それだけでなく、さまざまな国からさまざまな知性のレベルで人々がやって来ます =) 個人的に、日本を訪れるときに私を悩ませるのは観光客だけです。彼らの饒舌で大声で話す姿と音だけでなく、50メートル離れた香水の匂いでもわかります =) ロシアからこんにちは！
ご視聴ありがとうございます！そうですね、観光できているのでテンションが上がっているのもあるのでしょうがない部分もありますかね...😅 日本人も海外の観光地では気をつけないといけないな〜と改めて思いました😲
Thank you sir for being brave enough to post this. Some gaijin need to be educated. When in Japan do like the Japanese. Forget your western ways.
Thank you for watching🙌 Hope both locals and tourists spend comfortably in Japan😉
The comments declaring that Japanese break these rules is like kids looking to justify their poor conduct. "But HE did it first!" (^.^) THE RULES ARE REAL. Don't make the very common mistake of confusing ASIAN with Japanese. More than HALF of those visiting Japan are from OTHER ASIAN nations. When THEY break these rules it is not a signal that the rules are not true. And, yes, drunk salarymen break the rules... but is that REALLY what you want to use as your behavioral reference? (^.^) This isn't as difficult as many make it. Life isn't all about YOU. You are a GUEST in Japan. Be respectful of those around you. That's the basis of these rules. Narcissism is not a good foundation on which to make your argument (despite the fact KZhead has been built on that).
Very true what you say! Good comment! 😊
Hard work and efficiency is questionable but I will go to zoo instead of going to Japan.
Look, I'm 6'8", I make Japanese people uncomfortable by coming in the room. I lived in Okinawa for 2 years and had many friends.
😂 I agree! I’m not that tall but simply existing or entering a room makes some of them uncomfortable.
Thank you for watching🙌 Haha You are so tall😆 And Sorry for our low ceiling 😂
What’s the sense to make people who come to Japan to feel uncomfortable and guilty and confuse with so many rules. I don’t think as tourist worry all the time makes the time more memorable. If you are generally a person who can observe what others are doing, you will be totally fine in Japan. Stop watching videos like that and worry all the time „what to do wrong in Japan“. Japanese people are not like that !!
Before I finish watching this video, I was already thinking of asking you about body odour from wearing strong perfumes especially Singaporeans. Then suddenly you mentioned this.😂 Thank you very much! Japan is a best country in the world where people think about others before themselves. The perfume may smell nice to them, but they are choking others around them. Everyone needs to breathe air, but they ARE forcing others to breathe chemicals because of their selfish perspective. Covering your body odour with additional chemicals only makes it worst.
Thank you for watching🙌 Haha, I knew you were about to ask me about odor😂
Lol. #1, "Don't get in the way when using your camera". Please tell this to Japanese (and Chinese and Korean and EVERY OTHER nationality of tourists) when in foreign countries!!! It's universal inconsideration.
Thank you for watching🙌 That's true! We Japanese also need to recognize we do these in other countries😲
Is that graffiti I See...... Surprising😊
Thank you for watching🙌
My partner told me when he was staying in Japan he once interacted with a dog, later the owner chided and hit the dog for interacting with a stranger. (not abuse, just a light hit) I wonder what kind of culture that is... don't get me wrong I love Japan and have visited many times and understand their culture reasonably but that behaviour was quite shocking.
Thank you for watching🙌 I'm not sure if most Japanese are like that or if the owner was just like that, though. He could be so passionate about education😲
May just have been about the dog bothering random people rather than foreign strangers
@@ViolosD2I I was referring to the dog owner being unhappy with the dog bothering random strangers, not specifically towards foreigners. And even this I find the behavior unnecessarily hostile and unfriendly. Like how many people would actually get upset with that?