12 Things NO-ONE Tells You About Japan | Feat. @CDawgVA
Summary
TLDRThe video transcript discusses various lesser-known aspects of Japanese culture and lifestyle, highlighting the prevalence of English words in Japan with altered meanings, the complexity of asking for help, the acceptability of napping at work, the challenges of waste disposal, the high cost of fruit, the popularity of point cards, the reluctance to wear strong fragrances, the persistence of in-person and paper-based transactions, the general avoidance of speaking English, the potential misconceptions about healthiness in the Japanese diet, and the utilitarian architecture of many towns. The discussion also touches on cinema etiquette, particularly the custom of staying for the credits.
Takeaways
- 🌊 The Eye of Sauron in Shirahama symbolizes the city's love for Lord of the Rings and its quirky approach to observation decks and towers.
- 🏨 Japanese hotels may have peculiar names for common concepts, like 'biking' for buffet, due to the integration of foreign words into their language.
- 🍔 Mispronunciation and bastardization of foreign words is common in Japan, leading to amusing and sometimes confusing situations for both locals and foreigners.
- 💬 Asking for help in Japan can lead to overly enthusiastic assistance, sometimes causing more inconvenience than intended.
- 😴 Napping at work is an accepted practice in Japan, reflecting the culture's work ethic and understanding of the need for rest.
- 🚯 Dealing with trash in Japan can be challenging, with strict disposal rules and the need to carry waste until proper disposal is possible.
- 🍉 High-quality fruit is expensive in Japan, turning simple purchases like a melon into significant gifts.
- 🍵 The sakura snack box is a great way to experience traditional Japanese snacks and support local artisans.
- 🔖 Point cards are prevalent in Japan, offering rewards but also causing clutter in wallets due to their sheer number.
- 💼 The reluctance to use deodorant in Japan can lead to cultural misunderstandings and discomfort in close social settings.
- 📚 Japanese culture values avoiding mistakes, which impacts interactions with foreigners and the use of English.
- 🏥 Paperwork and in-person procedures are still heavily relied upon in Japan, despite advancements in technology.
- 🍟 The convenience store food in Japan is becoming increasingly unhealthy, with larger portions of fried food.
- 🏙️ Outside of major cities, Japanese towns often feature utilitarian architecture, lacking the traditional charm found in some areas.
- 🎥 Staying for the credits in cinemas is a norm in Japan, reflecting a cultural respect for the filmmakers' hard work.
Q & A
What is the significance of the 'Eye of Sauron' mentioned in the script?
-The 'Eye of Sauron' is a metaphor used in the script to describe a prominent and possibly intimidating structure or landmark that the speakers see from their hotel room. It is a reference to the symbol from the Lord of the Rings series, representing Sauron's watchful and malevolent gaze.
How does the script describe the use of English words in Japan?
-The script highlights that Japan uses thousands of English words, often with a Katakana accent, which might be incomprehensible to native English speakers. These words are often adapted or 'bastardized' to fit into Japanese culture and language, sometimes losing their original meaning or pronunciation.
What is the cultural practice regarding asking for help in Japan as described in the script?
-The script suggests that asking for help in Japan can lead to lengthy and sometimes uncomfortable interactions, as people are often eager to assist to the point of exceeding one's comfort zone. It implies that there is a cultural tendency to go out of one's way to help others, even at personal inconvenience.
What is the common perception about Japanese architecture outside major cities?
-The script implies that outside of major cities, Japanese towns and buildings can appear utilitarian and lack aesthetic appeal. Traditional architecture is being replaced by more functional, pre-fabricated structures that prioritize earthquake-proofing and practicality over aesthetics.
How does the script describe the Japanese approach to cinema credits?
-The script notes that in Japan, it is customary for the audience to stay for the entire credit sequence, showing respect for the filmmakers. This practice can be problematic for those who wish to leave the cinema promptly, as it is considered impolite to exit before the credits finish.
What is the significance of point cards in Japanese culture?
-Point cards are very popular in Japan, with almost every service or purchase opportunity offering a card. They provide rewards and discounts for loyal customers, but can also lead to a large accumulation of cards, making it difficult to carry them all in a wallet.
What is the script's comment on the healthiness of Japanese food?
-While Japanese food is often perceived as healthy due to its emphasis on fish, rice, and vegetables, the script suggests that this is not always the case. There is a prevalence of fried and salty foods, and a lack of calorie or fat consciousness, which can lead to overeating or unhealthy choices.
How does the script describe the experience of working in Japan?
-The script mentions that napping at work is culturally acceptable in Japan, especially in positions that require physical or mental exhaustion. Teachers, for example, might take naps during the day without being seen as lazy, but rather as a way to recharge for their demanding roles.
What is the script's view on the disposal of trash in Japan?
-The script describes the process of disposing of trash in Japan as complex and challenging. Even small items like a stool require a detailed process, including measuring, purchasing specific stickers, and waiting for a scheduled pickup date, which can be frustrating for residents.
What is the script's take on the use of deodorant in Japan?
-The script humorously notes that the use of deodorant in Japan can be a sensitive issue, with some individuals applying too much, leading to strong odors. It suggests that cultural differences in body odor and sweat may influence the need for deodorant, and that being mindful of one's scent is important in social situations.
What is the script's perspective on the price of fruit in Japan?
-The script acknowledges that fruit in Japan is expensive, particularly high-quality varieties like certain strawberries. However, it also notes that the high cost has led to fruit becoming a valuable and appreciated gift, with beautifully presented options available for purchase.
Outlines
🌊 The Sea of Misunderstood English in Japan
This paragraph discusses the prevalence of English words in Japan, often used with a Katakana accent, leading to misunderstandings. It highlights examples such as 'Uh biking' from the Swedish 'smorgasbord' and the bastardization of words like 'mansion' and 'alor'. The speaker shares experiences of confusion with these adapted terms and the cultural tendency to adopt foreign words without fully understanding their origins.
🤔 The Curious Case of Japanese Assistance
The speaker shares anecdotes about the Japanese custom of offering excessive help, often leading to awkward situations. From navigating train stations to finding places within buildings, the willingness to assist can sometimes overstep personal boundaries. The speaker also touches on the cultural aspects of napping at work, the challenges of disposing waste, and the high cost of fruit in Japan.
🎁 Gifting Delights: Japan's Expensive Fruits and Snack Boxes
This section focuses on the high prices of fruit in Japan and how it affects gift-giving practices. Despite the high costs, the quality of produce is celebrated. The speaker also introduces a Japanese snack subscription box, 'sakuro,' which supports local snack makers and offers a curated selection of traditional treats, providing a unique way to experience Japanese culture.
🏢 The Unseen Rules and Working Solitude in Japan
The speaker discusses the unspoken rules in Japan, such as the use of deodorant and the subtle ways of communicating criticism. The paragraph also explores the cultural norm of not working alone and the challenges faced by individuals like the speaker who prefer solitude. The conversation highlights the contrast between personal preferences and societal expectations in a Japanese work environment.
💳 The Point Card Predicament in Japan
This paragraph delves into the ubiquity of point cards in Japan, used for various purchases and services. The speaker expresses frustration with the sheer number of cards accumulated, reflecting on the cultural attachment to these reward systems. Despite initial resistance, the speaker acknowledges the benefits of point cards, especially for frequent customers, and the social interactions they facilitate.
🏥 The Red Tape and Inefficiencies of Japanese Bureaucracy
The speaker criticizes the Japanese bureaucratic system, particularly its reliance on paperwork and physical processes. From banking to healthcare, the speaker recounts experiences of dealing with outdated and inefficient systems. The paragraph also touches on the slow adoption of online services and the frustration it causes for residents, contrasting the positive experiences of tourists who can bypass these issues.
🗣️ The Reluctance to Speak English in Japan
The speaker observes the hesitance of Japanese people to use English, even when they possess knowledge of the language. This reluctance stems from a fear of making mistakes and the cultural emphasis on avoiding risks. The paragraph explores the classroom dynamics that reinforce this behavior and the impact it has on communication between locals and foreigners.
🍱 Misconceptions About Japanese Health and Diet
Contrary to the common belief that living in Japan leads to a healthier lifestyle, the speaker challenges this notion by discussing the prevalence of fried and salty foods. Despite this, the speaker notes that portion control and a higher average of daily walking among Japanese people contribute to maintaining a healthy weight. The paragraph also mentions the changes in convenience store offerings and the potential impact on public health.
🏠 The Aesthetic Decline of Japanese Towns
The speaker laments the utilitarian architecture that dominates many Japanese towns, particularly outside major cities. The paragraph discusses the loss of traditional buildings and the rise of pre-fabricated, featureless structures. While acknowledging the practical reasons behind this architectural shift, the speaker expresses a desire for more aesthetically pleasing designs that could blend functionality with cultural heritage.
🎥 The Cinema Experience in Japan: Credits and All
The speaker shares cultural insights about the cinema-going experience in Japan, where it's customary to stay for the credits. The paragraph highlights the contrast with other countries where audiences exit promptly after the film. The speaker humorously discusses personal discomfort with this practice and advocates for a more balanced approach that respects filmmakers without causing inconvenience to the audience.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Katakana accent
💡Observation decks
💡Asking for help
💡Napping at work
💡Trash disposal
💡Expensive fruit
💡Point cards
💡Utilitarian buildings
💡Reluctance to use English
💡Health perceptions
Highlights
Japan's unique use of English words with Katakana accents, which can be difficult to understand for non-Japanese speakers.
The Swedish smorgasbord concept in Japan has been adapted into 'biking', a term used for buffet-style dining.
Asking for help in Japan can lead to overly enthusiastic assistance, sometimes causing awkward situations.
Napping at work is an accepted practice in Japan, even in professional settings.
The challenge of disposing waste in Japan, including the meticulous process of throwing away larger items.
The high cost of fruit in Japan, due to a focus on quality and domestic market protection.
The popularity of point cards in Japan, which can offer good value but can also lead to a bulky wallet.
The cultural aversion to working alone in Japan, with a preference for group collaboration.
The reluctance of Japanese people to use English, even when they have knowledge of it, due to a fear of making mistakes.
The ubiquity of paper and in-person processes in Japan, despite advancements in technology.
Contrary to common belief, Japan's diet does not necessarily lead to weight loss, with a focus on fried and salty foods.
The utilitarian architecture of many Japanese towns, which often lacks aesthetic appeal.
The custom of staying for the credits in Japanese cinemas, out of respect for the filmmakers.
The phenomenon of 'bastardized' English words in Japan, which have been adapted to fit Japanese phonetics and meanings.
The cultural expectation in Japan to not snack between meals, leading to healthier eating habits.
The contrast between traditional and modern architecture in Japan, with a loss of traditional styles in favor of functional buildings.
The impact of earthquake-proofing requirements on the design and construction of buildings in Japan.
Transcripts
is there such a thing as too much Sea
Dog VA we're about to find out because
he's here that's a really precarious
thing to start with in a hotel room is
there too much C we'll find out tonight
it's a pretty shady backdrop this one
yeah well we're on another one of our
adventures so you know we have to make
do well I say too much Connor cuz we've
had you in the cycon there's been a
wacky weekend now this can't get away
from the guy alas we're here today guys
in a room and outside the window we've
got the eye of Sauron overlooking us car
oh you not take a look at that so
this is we're in shipi at the complete
end of honu right at the far tip and the
people of shipi thought what better way
to commemorate that than building the
eye huge fans of Lord of the Rings
really Talen was truly ahead of his time
it's kind of cool like Japanese cities
love to go overboard with observation
decks and Towers they're like we have
the biggest one we have the the biggest
ball at the top of our observation tower
they do like really quirky things to try
stand out and that one I don't know what
I was trying to do but I quite like it
at night it looks cool it lights up
which is nice but uh maybe the roads
could be a little bit better it's fine
it's fine he needs a good raid when you
can have a tower anyway today we're
going to talk about 12 things nobody
tells you about Japan some of the Lesser
known stuff and you know con you've been
here almost 5 years now yeah yeah when
we first met you were the new kid in the
Block in the
block you sound so out of touch this new
kid on the Block the Youth of today what
do they believe in but you and knew
right and we we you came on the channel
we talked about overrated things in
Japan and underrated things they been
there 5 years had a breath of experience
to draw from I think it should be quite
interesting I think the more I st ja the
more I like Japan actually that's
interesting cuz I want to talk about
that cuz you find most people they hit
this point about four or five years in
where the magic sort of fad and Japan's
a bit like oh take my stamp to
stamp things the handker stamp whenever
you do paperwork you got to stamp things
things started great on you but let's
share some things that you might not
know but I'm sure you might know some of
them but let us know how many you know
down below indeed and the first one
starting with me okay okay is Japan
actually uses thousands of English words
but nobody here will understand it
unless you use a Katakana accent yeah
yeah that's true yeah so like you know
everybody knows comini comedian store uh
McDonald's Mac Asam ma morning
McDonald's but it gets a bit complicated
and like it's quite interesting seeing
how these things come about the links
right but like some of them have been so
bastardized that it's kind of difficult
to know where the Genesis came from okay
do you have any examples at the top of
your head so you go to a hotel right and
you have the morning Buffet you know
what that's called oh ah I I I
recognized that if you told me I'd know
it it's called Uh biking biking wait no
I've never heard of that you don't know
this biking it means like uh so it's
really complicated and weird but the
Imperial Hotel in Tokyo back like the
1950s they wanted to have like a oh you
can eat buffet and they wanted to use a
smus board the Swedish concept of a smus
board okay and they were like wait a
minute smus board little bit too
difficult to say yeah yeah what Sweden
known for Vikings is it and that's and
so now it's just bking and when I first
found that out I was like I don't I
don't get it was were Swedish people
Vikings I thought there was many Danish
we don't get we don't question it yeah
but I mean there is I've actually never
heard really if you go to like a
business hotel right now let's go I want
I'm going to go down right now and ask
theming bking anyk bking any a Swedish
man with a sword will come out and chop
your head off it's a good point there
because sometimes when I don't know a
word I'll just throw a ha Mary and say
it in a cat kind accent and then
sometimes I'll be like yeah sometimes
I'll be like what the like oh we
get you like when I went for I went to
Coffee Beans I didn't know the word for
grind they asked me for that I wanted
the grinds I was like grind I know oh
and they went oh W oh W yeah they were
like yeah yeah I hate saying cold brew
coffee in Japanese can you say that in C
and it's like called the Blue K but if
you say C blue coffee they'll be like
what yeah you have to get it right right
that's the big one I first when I when
you as a tourist you come here you try
and get a latte you be like latte what
latte you feel like an idiot but that's
that's how that's most of the time
that's how they know it because they
learn guig or foreign bored words but
they don't learn like the English word
so but yeah a few other examples of like
bastardized words that don't make sense
Manion it doesn't mean like a big house
it means a big apartment well that
actually comes from the French word
Mansion knowledge so where Mansion just
means like any building yeah yeah but
then there's also Al other words like
Alor which is German for for work which
they use only as part-time which I found
really confus it's like but they
wouldn't know any of this context so
it's really odd knowing what words
picked up but I suppose we do that in
English as they don't know the atmology
of the word right they just know the
word and also a snack snack yeah right
it doesn't mean like a snack it means
like an actual bar a snack bar yeah it's
very OD to when it's applied and when
it's not it's very unusual it also means
ryack because that's that's how they say
his name the prime minister of the UK
he's known as snack
s he loves a good snack oh Rich it got
really confusing I was watching like a
political show and they're like snack
this snack summer and I was like snack s
what is that some sort of provocative
snack bar no it's rushi Sak well that's
rushy Sak aside what about the second
thing people don't tell you about Japan
maybe this is controversial but I think
that asking people for help is more
trouble than it's worth 99% of time uh
picture this you you're at a train
station you could pull out your phone
and try and figure it out uh or just
take a guess if you ask someone what
will probably happen is a long- winded
transaction of conversation and maybe
them helping you a little too much out
of your comfort zone I I'll walk you to
here I'll take you all the way like no
no no it's fine the other day I was in
the gym and I asked the guy where do I
put my umbrella cuz it was soaking wet
and I didn't want to put it in the
locker and I didn't want to make a mess
and he's like oh I'll show you it was
like a Willy Wonka Factory tour we
walked like five and I was like
seriously man it's you really don't have
to follow me like I feel better he's no
no but he's got he has doesn't have a
t-shirt on he's wearing he's he was
changing just wanted to be your I was
like please get please leave he's like
no no those you those you I was like no
no I really really don't think you
should help me anymore I can figure this
out and this happens a lot where you'll
often ask someone for help and what will
happen is just this comical kind of
interaction that just goes on for far
too long and you feel bad cuz you're you
feel like they feel burdened to help you
people are so willing to help their own
detriment at times in Japan where I
really don't want to trouble people un I
really feel like I have no other option
um that's good advice things get very
awkward very fast when you ask for help
Point number three napping at work is
completely acceptable why would you mean
I do that all the time well you have a
proper job you're a streamer it you're
one of these YouTube streamer people it
really yeah did you do that a lot did
you take advantage of I did did you when
I was a teacher um teachers during the
day would just disappear where they
going secret room at the back yeah and
he'd go in and there was a Tatam M floor
in the staff room and they just sleeping
on it what and I always felt a bit bad
doing it I was like you know sometimes I
did turn up a little bit hung over you
know she shouldn't do don't don't drink
bad it's wrong never do and I got you
know I'd get to work and i' be like I'm
wrecked I'm ruined and I'd be like but
wait a minute I can have a nap and I'd
sneak off and like nobody's like oh
Chris say you're a lazy bastard they're
kind of like oh you know he's working so
hard he's he needs that nap CU he's he's
helping he's doing so much great stuff
there were people in the staff room who
were like just napping at their desks
but that's kind of annoying cuz the
staff from I used to work at had about
120 teachers and you just
hear Suddenly It's you my God I mean a
culture way you need to up at work
raises some questions as
well trash trash is a big big thing you
to consider it's something you have to
always think about in Japan because you
can never get rid of it um not even just
as a tourist where you always have to
carry around
kind of are kind of the inpan when
you're traving if you have a sandwich or
oniri good luck trying to get rid of
thater the next 5 years of your life
you'll be carrying it till the airport
till you touch down I mean I remember
Pete got angry at me once cuz I told him
his pockets were like waste dis and he
was like pockets on of garbage
incinerator he like he had layer rubbish
in his pocket one I I refuse to put
trash in my pockets I'll just hold onto
it I I can't I hate the feeling plastic
rappers so Pete doesn't he loves it I'll
go out of my way to find a comeni
yeah he's going to kill me he's going to
kill me but not only that but living in
Japan throwing away anything is an
absolute nightmare um the other day I
wanted to throw away a small stool not
not not not like a big item a stool like
this big but it's just over the limit of
like what you can reasonably throw away
why do you want to throw away a small
store oh I just didn't have room for it
and guess what guess the process which I
had to do I had to go to the online uh
the online website the the uh the
government I had to measure the chair
first of all and it give the dimensions
of it so they can fit in the TRU do that
then go to the comini buy two stickers
two specific type of stickers A and C
you to get the right one buy the right
amount put them on and then it was 4
weeks away until they came and collected
I wasn't allowed to put it at the area
to be taken out for disposal until the
day before Jesus so just an absolute
process to throw away a stool I mean I
just keep rubbish in my
house like a while back Chara bought a
what I jumped on it it broke in and
rather than get rid of it we were like
oh it's so much effort the through a
jrpg quest to get rid of the bloody
thing well it makes so much sense to
them why people are so considerate of
what they buy because they know at some
point the danger of throwing away is not
worth the effort fruit in Japan is
phenomenally expensive worryingly so it
is I mean like it's very high quality
make no mistake you have fruit in Japan
you can't go back to my British quality
fre it's just it's not there Savage
Wilder berries and strawberries I don't
need every melon to be Mass on You by
masamoto I don't need to pay
$500 but the one thing I will say is
that is it makes it really easy to buy
gifts to people in Jaan well I mean you
just buy a melon yeah they they gift
wrap you know $200 melons you got I had
tried a $50 strawberry one time gift
wrap like gold Frankin said M strawberry
like it's so good like it's delicious
but the price is formidable and it's
because like there's not enough Supply
in Japan right yeah also they getting
out priced by other you know poorer
Asian countries that were making fruit
on such a larger scale they they were
flooding it so Japan realized oh let's
just make really high quality fruit so
that we have our own Market here that's
domestic and it worked Ian it's famous
now everyone knows the bloody
strawberries that are bloody
strawberries $10 a bite but they are
good but it does mean like eating fruit
for fun it's well it's not like a world
gamechanging event or like you're buying
a present it does mean it's kind of
pricey not very good value for money
I'll tell you what is good value for
money the sakuro snack box this month
sakuro is a monthly Japanese Artisan
snack box that supports local Japanese
snack makers around the country with
each box packed full of 20 traditional
authentic treats including unique
Japanese te's and even special table
wear and this month's theme is yours
akura where you can experience the
enchanting beauty of Japan's cherry
blossom under the moonlight the Box
begins with this beautiful stylish
design featuring a booklet containing
the stories of every snack dish and
ingredient featured within the box and
the Box ends as always in my mouth
starting with strawberry muu a luscious
milk bun with strawberry jam inside from
Japan as well now that is genuinely
delightful well most things in the box
of suckur in this month this is the Wild
Card option roasted soy sauce flavor
corn snack
puffle oh hell yeah good God God is
there anything better than butter soy
sauce puffle might be my new favorite
thing and what better way to wash down
all that sweet tasty goodness than with
the blueberry hibiscus tea that comes
with the box in the sakuro glasswar look
at that
Charming so delicate refined like the
man holding the
glass what better way to experience the
joys of Japan from your very own home
whether you're grabbing a sucker a CO
box for a very good friend or gruy
keeping it all to yourself treat
Yourself by grabbing a box of Sakura Cod
Linked In the description box
below Point number six what you got
Japan loves and I mean loves Point cards
every single thing that you can imagine
has a point card I hate them so much cuz
my wallet I can't physically fit the
well actually yeah well you know a lot
of YouTubers they they have these like
really Sleek wallets that are just cards
and they have no
cash this is my wallet what is that this
is I won't show the cards cuz
I'm that's thicker than the Bible my God
how many have you got a lot a lot a lot
of wallets I have I uh a lot of wallets
the problem is though when you go to a
supermarket convenience store anything
they always go like point card like
poter card or Mard and I'm always like
no and they're like what why you're just
wasting money but like I I cannot
physically carry all these cards make it
stop it's annoying because I was really
against the idea I was like I'm not
getting a point card it's dumb cuz in
the UK we have Point cards and you get
you get one fif of a penny every time
you spend
50 it's not worth it but I kind of got
converted slowly CU I go to my local
coffee shop and they're like well every
10 coffees get a free coffee and I was
like that's pretty good and also I kind
of really like the interaction that we
have cuz we go there lo and they know
that I go there that desperate for
interaction C but I love talking to the
coffee man about my I I really like
having I really like having that kind of
report and I feel like the point card in
a way it's kind of like a way of like
it's like a proof it's like I'm com here
a lot these some of these Point cards
are pretty good and before you know it
you that's by the way my wallet's full I
can't carry any more cards that's the
biggest wallet that I can buy this is
this is huge a Ferrari of wallets I
can't ridic you need a bag Al has like a
special bag to carry his wallet around
I'm not even joking show the bag Connor
yeah I like no this is what point cards
du to you have to buy like a billion
dollar I get made fun of whenever I go
to the UK and I pull out my wallet
they're like what is that what m i
beat you up like but like yeah
Point cards are necessarily evil perhaps
I'm not converted 12 years good value
for money and they love them get them if
you're going to be here for a while they
are good Make It Stop Point number seven
oo point point seven points three away
from a three
one sorry Point number seven what is it
Chris people here in Japan don't work
alone yeah it's true I'm I'm one of
those people too why that's why you
smell like garbage disposal like
yeah I mean to be honest I remember when
I used to wear at school like nobody
told me this thing right and often when
you're breaching rules in Japan nobody
tells you that you're breaking the rules
do I'll tell everyone but you they all
talk about you breaking the rules and
like I remember like teachers were walk
past me like and I was like do I smell
like like a more on do I sell yeah do I
smell like a sewage Farm or something
I'll put more on so I'm putting more on
then they're like what is that and like
I remember one time I went through the
classroom and like u a girl student was
like and I was like d job but she was
like no good or smell and I was like but
is it really cuz often when people
praise you in Japan it's actually like
they s of telling you something subtly
tough line you know and uh but no people
don't wear it as much here I've met like
businessmen in Tokyo who do put a little
bit on I was drowning myself in it was
like Jo of AR if somebody thrown a match
at me it would have been flame
they're fortunate they don't in
obviously when you are Asian you're you
sweat less you do sweat it doesn't smell
as bad as white people how unfair is
that so we need it but like yeah be wary
of that don't be me don't put a one on I
think it's all about like impeding on
other people like and if you walk into a
bar and you smell like a like a French
fact French clone Factory then people
like oh that's not fun so don't do it
just be mindful of that all right Point
number eight you might know that Japan
loves their fact machines and paper but
you don't probably realize just the
extent of how much everything needs to
be done in person or with
paper um and it's just a nightmare for
no reason um there is kind of a refusal
to adopt online system yeah do you
remember when they tried to phase out
the hker stamp about two years ago when
you do banking right you need this
really annoying stamp and literally just
six months ago I was uh going to Canada
I forgot my hanger stamp and they would
not let me like withdraw money and I was
like what I need the money or I can't go
and they were like no no no and they
like consulted with managers you could
see like four people was like no you
need your stamp so I had to like travel
all the way across the city get this
little tiny stamp and be like on the
paper it's so ridiculous can we use a
signature can we use face ID like
anything just not the stamp but anyway
what's what's really impressive as a
tourist when you come here you almost
get to avoid all of that all the bad
stuff yeah because you can use all the
suer on your phone you can use all of
the kind of swanky Tech stuff that they
have implemented that are beneficial and
really easy to use um but whenever you
live here you just kind of realize
oh everything else is awful Antiquated
yeah everything even remotely related to
your residency or any kind of healthcare
document everything needs to be done in
person there's nothing you can do online
but they are trying to get better but
it's so so slow for a country that's
very good at doing things when it
decides to do something like yeah this
is one area they've really screwed and
often when they would do stuff online
it's so poorly implemented because the
websites are so bad that it is quicker
to then go in person the sites look like
they've been conjured up on Microsoft
Paint like it's really really
unspeakably it's like playing zor
from like the80s you're like I'm like um
I would like the website to file you
didn't type in the correct s word I like
okay it's a sad day when Dick duck and
Pac-Man are bet the most Japanese
websites made in the year 2022 Well
Point number nine even though most
people here know rudimentary English
they're very reluctant to use it yeah
I'd say most people don't want to use it
unless they are really fall to there's a
real fear of like making mistakes
looking a bit silly um but they take it
too far and like I often feel that
there's preemptive fear when you walk
into a place and how I feel would you
walk through the door preemptive fear
it's like no nothing has even happened
yet they don't even know if I speak
Japanese or English or whatever but I
you can tell that fear has been struck
into them because they're like oh God I
might have to speak English yeah yeah
absolutely and even when you sometimes
even when you speak Japanese there's
kind of like a what's going on here like
they're trying to figure out what
they're like what this Japanese or this
this's odd interaction that can happen
even when you speak Japanese that people
will almost not reciprocate they're like
ah I don't want to deal with this I mean
really I guess the point here is that
people inan are shy and they're just
very afraid of making mistakes that's
something that's like kicks off in the
classroom I remember whenever whenever I
asked a question students used to be
really reluctant to put their hands up
yeah the whole culture is risk averse
yeah and my God if they got it wrong
they were destroyed by all they like you
know all the classmates would laugh even
the teacher like and it's just like
don't make mistakes don't ever make
mistakes and like it's it's I think it's
it's good and bad because things don't
seem to go wrong as much here and things
always work people check things things
don't simp to go wrong as much but it
can go both ways I mean and like you
said a minute ago with um even when you
speak Japanese right as a foreigner um
in a lot of cases people will not ackn
knowledge that you're speaking Japanese
and it happened literally just today I
was at a taxi in Kushi and um like I
gave a location and I started trying to
direct the guy I was like uh
uh like turn left right he was like he
didn't reply did these hand signal and
he just wouldn't acknowledge that I was
speaking Japanese opposite there people
who are so willing to talk and very
excited but I feel like it's that's more
of the rare side for sure and that's
something you'll find maybe if you ask
for help yeah will be I think that's a
problem and I think
I wish they taught that in the classroom
like making risks is like a big part of
language learning anyway what's your
next point though Mr dog number 10 and
I'm sure we have been uh proof of this
Japan is not as healthy as you might
think oh my God low hanging fruit car
well I I I think that the common
perception that I get from uh people and
they even visit or come to live here
they be like wow you're going to lose
weight when you go to ja I I thought
that every everybody thinks and it
hasn't quite worked out it's it's veg
Fish and Rice the occasional little bit
of rice but it's always rice fried food
it's grilled foods and you know often
getting a ton of vegetables is not what
you normally get I mean you often get
grilled food grilled fish a lot of it's
very salty sounds make excuses for your
own Fitness habits listen that's I I
have to I have to go out my way to to
stay thin here I feel like it's so easy
to let yourself go there's not a very
like calorie or
fat conscious like mind so people often
don't care what's in the food like
that's true just don't e too much of it
there's a lot of preservatives and
whatnot but like yeah I feel like when
you compare it to something like LA or
something that's like the complete polar
opposite like everything needs to be
documented in the food every ounce of
this food needs to be accounted for how
many calories is it and here it's like
oh yeah I don't know eat it it's f it
yeah and so often it's so easy to
overeat or eat too much of some foods
that you're like oh it's probably
healthy it's Japan but you're like
maybe 15 guas for starter is not that
healthy actually that's true yeah but
despite all this like people are magic
and I just don't get fat in Japan people
are very uh people just eat normal
portion sizes here well I think it's
because people here don't snack yeah
they don't they don't snack snacker they
don't like Wishy snack they walk a lot
as well more on average than like
Americans um
probably the average like the average
like steps is really high in Japan I
think compared to other countries so
people don't stack as much people walk a
bit more and that kind of offsets the
fact that yeah and then the Staples of
the diet are often generally a bit
healthier like you know I mean one thing
about rice is obviously quite carb heavy
but keeps you full yeah and that's
another reason people don't snack as
much on crap like whereas I'm like I
think I could do with a Kit Kat right
now even even then when they do snack
right it's dried squared it's not
exactly the kind of the appetizing Kit
Kat or Les that you might go for but
they do have those very and the comini
is I think the comini actually I feel
like is slowly getting more unhealthy
with every passing year the fried food
counts it gets bigger and bigger and
I've noticed like they used to have Oden
the um kind of like boiled food you
might not like it but like it's kind of
healthyish it's that's why I don't like
it I don't it and like they got they
sort of got rid of that it's like let's
just make the fried food bit a bit
bigger and I'm
like it's interesting how it's changing
yeah but yeah what's number 11 my last
point point number 11 and this is quite
bold one most Japanese towns look
awful because utilitarian yeah I mean
buildings my God right and we're going
to find this out when our cycle we go
across honu like outside of major cities
like most towns of Japan they look the
same they're the same amenities but the
buildings my God you know we have these
image of like oh castles oh
Ka roof like actually no most kind of
traditional buildings are being
demolished for each passing year people
are getting these utilitarian homes that
look like they're made out of plastic
and wood got no discernible features
other than functionality right yeah
you'll see it a lot in Tokyo as well
when you go out to more of the more of
the residential areas you'll see these
like two three story buildings that look
cookie like kind of cookie
cutter cookie cutter they're like these
kind of like like Lego type houses that
are just pre-fabricated I I think that a
lot of the architecture people come to
love about Japan it's kind of gone in
there and obviously you can't expect
people to have that every day but it is
kind of sad to see it slowly going I
mean it's it's it's good and bad like
Japan doesn't have a housing problem
like whereas like the UK the us nobody
can afford anywhere Japan they have a
lot of Apartments there's always
apartments and so the price is lower so
they're thinking a bit from that
perspective and also of course they have
to factor an earthquake proofing because
there's lots of earthquakes here yeah
that's the main reason why a lot of the
older buildings end up getting
demolished because they're just not up
to the code nowadays and it has its
reasons right but at the same time I
wish they could like try and find a way
of making them look nicer we driving
through this town sheim it's really bad
is is hideous you know it really is the
eye of Sauron they spent all their money
on that clearly which does look kind of
cool yeah but the rest of the Town look
just awful I remember having this debate
on trash taste
with G and Joey were like one side and
on the other yeah it's not that I don't
love Japanese architecture I do and I
love like taking photographs of it and
whatnot filming it but just be prepared
that it might not be quite what you've
been sold in the pamphlets the broches
or on CG VA yeah yeah exactly so Point
number 12 all right maybe it's a boring
one it's about Cinemas again now you
know that I love my Cinemas and I always
want people to go to them uh cuz I think
it's a lot of fun and in Japan they they
have some unique touches which I quite
like but but one thing that they do
which I especially nowadays with with
this being a problem is that they always
stay for the credits they do yeah and
they they don't turn the likes on so the
credits roll and people wait and you
don't stay for the credits I don't stay
for the credits he's a busy man he has
to get out he has to go do a stream
place I'm I think that after credit
scene should be illegal I think that
they are annoying don't make
through it you won't be saying that when
cor of the movie comes out you thing
it'll be a trailer but I it's one aspect
of the cinema going experience that
always gets me a little awkward cu the
movie WS up everyone sits and I'm like
sorry sorry sorry Sor in the UK right
the moment the film finishes put the
lights on everyone walks out in Japan
I'm also the same usually I've sat there
like June right yeah I sat there like 3
hours watching and I was like I need the
toilet and the credits start rolling and
nobody's moving I'm like oh God please
please you know and I was like
H this game it's uh it's a problem
especially nowadays with credits credits
I so the reason why is because they want
to show respect to all the filmmakers
who put all their hard work into it but
also I want to go to the
Twilight I watched The Godfather
recently in cinemas credits no 30
seconds it was gone it was done in like
1 minute tops and then I watched I think
it was one of the recent Marvel movies
and it never ended oh yeah they were
like oh we filmed one scene on location
here is every single man who we spoke to
man woman and child in that area yeah I
I need to go pee clearly a very sore
point for Conor but yeah there you go
when you're in a cinar Japan nobody's
going to move don't feel bad don't feel
bad I feel like I'm the lazan G when I
step up and they all step up with me
people actually do leave when I leave I
noticed occasionally some guy was set up
and he I I walked past this one guy and
he looked at me like and then he
followed me I was like
come we can all leave the cinema
together you Mak it sound like you're a
prophet I I feel like I was and I I was
like you can leave the cinema we can
leave it all together right now my God
the world they can't stop us the world
shittest but thank you much Connor as
always 12 things that nobody tells you
about Japan some of those points were
good but let us know what you think were
good let us know what you think you
missed I hope you're here hope youen
walked out the credit sequence but uh
for now guys play the credits 20 F we'll
see you soon on another wacky weekend
have yourselves a good one and uh bye
for them bye to the eye of
[Music]
s you can leave the cinema we can leave
it all together right
now
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