Tip 8: Learn Japanese to pick up Japanese boys & girls ;) tryrosettastone.com/SHUNchan-1

Why you exposing me like that😭

This video was actually super helpful! Definitely not like the majority of other videos on this kind of topic where they repeat the exact same content 95% of the time. You actually touched upon different facets of living/interacting with Japanese people that most foreigners like myself would have had no idea about. You really included so many new tidbits that I had to watch to the end, please make more of these kinds of videos! The part regarding apocrine glands was really good advice. Also those ice breaker questions were wild, I'd love a video on questions to ask Japanese people as ice breakers and such.

Every time I watch videos like this I always feel like Sweden and Japan are surprisingly similar, especially in being mindful of others, not cause a scene or discomfort in others, and being hard to break the ice to make friends - unless you are drinking. Some families in Sweden raise their boys to sit when peeing as well since it's cleaner but I don't know whether sitting or standing is the majority. We also share the no shoes indoors rule. Just so many similarities and it helps me understand why Pewdiepie feels at home in Japan. I live in the US and the culture difference of being more friendly is often exhausting.

I started sitting down after I got to Japan. Warm seats, automatic flushing when you stand, general politeness, etc. A trick for smelling is layers. Having a second layer really helps when weather pemits (ie; not mid summer). Obviously you need to shower and apply deodorant but it's also sensible to just make it harder for the smell to escape once it starts. If it's 30C outside this advice sucks though. I also shop at Lawson but because it's the closest konbini. I've also had no trouble making friends here, I just meet people compatible with me. As for Japan being safe - it is safe enough for me. I only leave what I'm willing to lose at the table and keep my wallet, phone, keys, etc, with me at all times. In London I also would take the bag though since it was definitely getting stolen if I left it at a pub unattended.

in regards to the convenience store comparisons, i think its more like 7/11 is so globally recognised, to MOST foreigners it basically like going into a familiar shop from back home, so for tourists going into something less globalised like Lawson or FamilyMart gives the unique "now i'm really in Japan" vibes, if that makes sense😂

You know, I started to watch the video thinking I'd hear a lot of the things I've seen on KZfaq before, but I was pleasantly surprised. You did a great job going over different subjects and being more in depth on them also. I actually watched the video all the way through. Great job on the video! :) Very informative.

Love your sense of humor and cadence of your delivery! Feels like listening to a friend talk, rather than a list video.

Defamation in Japan is a bit complicated. There are cases where it is defamatory and cases where it is not. If you look at the requirements for defamation in Japan, you can't openly say something that degrades someone's social status. Besides, defamation law in Japan is there to protect people's privacy. For example, let's say there was a woman who was a prostitute in the past, and she hides it but if someone says out loud, "She's a bi*ch! she was a prostitute!" in public. Even if she was a prostitute, there is no need to say so publicly right? Even if this is true, if the fact is deemed not to be in the public interest, then defamation charges apply. On the other hand, if it's true that a company is being dishonest, it's not defamatory, because it's in the public interest to expose corporate wrongdoing. Looking at past precedents in Japan, most defamation cases are simply cases of slander against an individual or a company. Hold a trial instead of saying it openly, the public interest is served by saying the facts, and it is not mere slander. If you observe these three points, you are unlikely to be charged with defamation.

Okay making a lot of comments here but a list of questions to ask a Japanese person would be killer. I have a Japanese student coming to stay with me for a year and the drive home from the airport will be the hardest part.

At lasttttt! I found someone who's honest about Ichiran Ramen. But I get it why foreigners think Ichiran tastes great. They're English friendly while the other local ramen are not. Aside from that, I have to say as a female traveller some great shops also has discouraging atmosphere. There were few times I had to step back from the entrance after I realized all of the patrons were men/ salarymen -_-; Somehow I felt out of place? Great and thoughtful advices in the video. Thank you. I'm really looking forward to visit Japan for hikings!

I'm a native from Tokyo but haven't been back in a long time so excited to see what's changed. You provide a really grounded and honest assessment which I think many will appreciate.

Yes! It's totally worth knowing what kind of research to do for the "making Friends" thing... I think It would be nice to see a video of you talking about the colture!

I've found that knowing a Japanese that already been living outside Japan, its easier to make friend with them rather than make friends with Japanese people that are overseas for working or in their early weeks out of Japan. But I think thats a common thing on many people enclosed in their own culture for all their existence.

Definitely appreciated the unique approach to helping out travelers and tourists and not going over the same things that I’ve seen in other videos. I’m trying to build the courage to visit Japan and South Korea, but as an Indian American the cultural barrier is a bit intimidating, so I’m trying to absorb all the knowledge I can get! New subscriber!

shunchan, the video quality and type of content you make and provide for us is just getting better. keep it up!!

I had several great Japanese friends in college. 35 years later I am still in contact with one of them. I learned so much from them and gained an incredible interest in Eastern culture

Shun! The Japanese conversation tip, that makes so much sense! Please do a video of normal conversation topics or tips when getting to know someone. Why is a question relevant? What are the (general) assumptions/boxes for certain answers? Japanese cultural topics that are best to research. Any body language, cues, etc. to look out for or even perform to show engagement/interest or the opposite. Usually the content I see related to Japan on KZfaq is from a foreigner, so I really value your channel!

I can confirm after a few years here, Japanese people have Excel sheets in their minds. And that's how they work. Anything spontaneous or non-linear can cause Windows to freeze for a moment. But you'll be fine.

This has to be actually one of the most useful videos I have ever seen related to traveling anywhere. Huge congratulations, I am very impressed by how real these tips were

Finally! A video with the REAL information I need as I plan a trip to Japan with a bunch of my high school students. Thank you Shun for being honest! I appreciate your time in sharing with us all. Can't wait for more content!

Fascinating, Shun, and only minutes old to me! You cram in so much info with your wonderfully dry but sometimes comical humor. One of several amazing things is the value of going to a 7-11. Here in the US that store is more like a desperation stop. I laughed so much at the BBC bit too!

The emergency section is a good one. On my last trip to Tokoyo, my travel buddy lost his passport. We got to go on an adventure that included filling out a police report at the local station and a trip to the US embassy. Not what I had planned for the day but now I've been to a Japanese Police station!

I really love your content. The two videos where you visited your grandparents are really sweet. Would love to see a few more like that in the future

I’m so excited to go back! I went about 6 years ago. I loved it! I’m going back next July with my bothers, husband and a couple friends. This is a huge deal to them as Japan is a bucket list destination for them and I’m just happy to go back! Thank you for the advice. I knew some and learned some!

This video is super helpful! I've known about some of the phone numbers to call for emergencies but definitely not all the ones you listed. Japan definitely feels a lot safer in general than most places I've been too, but that doesn't mean there's no crime. I had a scary experience going to a bar in Japan where some drunk guy tried to follow me into the bathroom and I had to hide in a locked stall until he finally gave up and left.

That shoe thing is real! I had a pair of shoes die on me in Tokyo (thankfully it was Tokyo and not somewhere rural) and the only size 12 shoes I could find were a pair of old school Air Force 1's...which made for a very comfortable walk the rest of my trip but I felt bad for creasing them so fast lol

Can’t wait to come see Japan and this really helped with knowing what to expect in Japan

Thank you for this! Brutally honest and informative. I’ve been watching a lot of videos on Japan in preparation for our November trip. You provided great insight and I’m looking forward the next video!

Damn this video was brutally honest, and it's amazing. Too many people are afraid and just sugar coat reality but I definitely trust what you said l

The defamation law is actually super important for journalists and people that work in public relations/communication, it basically limits our work so much we can't write or say anything unless someone else is willing to take the fall for us. It's tough.

You had the most authentic personality of all the videos on this topic. Thanks!

Always love your videos!!

I would love to see a second video about questions to ask to make friends! I will be moving to Japan in about 4 months, and my Japanese isn’t really all that good so I’m worried making friends will be harder for me. I’d love to hear some of your advice on this! Also I can relate a lot to the cultural differences you brought up! Even being someone who lives in America, I don’t know what zodiac sign I am 😂 I don’t know what blood type I am either so I’m sure I’ll be drained when I get to Japan as well 😂

Would love that video for questions 🔥

Thank you for this video! You're extremely entertaining to watch!

I'm visiting Japan for the first time next month and I loved everything about this video, thank you for sharing this information!

Making friends is challenging anytime people move from one place to another, even within their home countries. Japan isn't the only place in the world where individuals are closed to outsiders. There are also levels of friendship, and the closest ones can take a great deal of time and invested energy to establish. Naturally, people are not going to make an effort if they think someone trying to befriend them is going to up and leave as there is emotional pain in such loss. If people recognize those things before moaning about how hard it is to "make Japanese friends" it may make them more grateful for any interpersonal connections they can develop within the limits inherent in cross-national and cross-cultural relationships. While travelling and living (for short periods) in Japan, I have also accepted that any relationships formed are fluid. They may or may not last beyond the time that I am in Japan. When they do, I'm grateful, but brief relationships are also valuable, gratifying and a source of joy. In Japan I have found those in various ways: joining an organization or club to share an activity, speaking to a neighbour in the elevator, becoming a regular at a restaurant, taking my real estate agent out for a drink for their service to me, seeing the same massage therapist or hairdresser regularly--just as I would in my own hometown. A few have become true friends. Others make my return more special simply because they recognize and value me. It doesn't matter that it's as a great client rather than a great friend.

Great video! I wholeheartedly agree with the 7-11 thing compared to Family Mart. I got used to a 7-11 because it was connected to the Prince Shinagawa hotel that we were staying in and it was amazing in terms of selection and then another time we stayed at an AirBnB and the closest thing was a FamilyMart.. which was fine, but just wasn't as good as the7-11.

your "things to know before coming to japan" series might be one of the most informative on KZfaq, tysm Shun

I’ve lived here for 10 years and I still learned some new stuff. Awesome video as always. Thanks for bringing a unique perspective to the conversation.

Please make that video about Japanese conversation starters!!! I would love to study that before I next go to Japan!!

We walked the entire city of Shibuya and got over 30,000 steps, so when he says walking a lot, that's an understatement. Also, pack baking soda for your shoes because they'll smell from all that walking.

Traveling Japan has always been my dream get away. After watching thousands of videos, besides all the other reasons ive wanted to go..... The 711s, food, and Daiso made me want to go so much more. The 711s excite me so much

One of the most useful videos ever seen, ty so much for this.

please make that list of questions to ask Japanese people !! I currently live in Osaka and go to Kansai Gaidai so I’m always meeting with Japanese students but they’re the ones always asking me questions. I personally have had an easy time making friends at the University, but I have been struggling a little with making friends outside of University. I’m literally 10 years older than the Japanese students here, but I’ve made some real friends from HelloTalk luckily 😅

In regard to safety, in some buildings, one literally needs to watch their step. In some of the buildings I visited in Akihabara and on Takeshita street in Harajuku, the shop floors are uneven, and sometimes you'll need to step up, or step down into the shop. Also, unlike department stores in the U.S where you can pay at the front register, when you buy something, you need to pay for your purchases in that particular department. Shun, I think you can probably explain this better than I can.

Another great video! Thanks for all the time and effort you put in

Dude, you are the best. The thing about the emergency numbers is NEVER mentioned by anyone. That is amazingly helpful. Thanks so much!

Nice video thank you:) A few ideas for future videos, - I would love to know a few bathhouses (and hotstrings though not sure if tattoos are an issue there) that allow people with tattoos - 1-3 easy to reach but worth seeing shrines to visit when visiting Japan - a nice place to try a tea ceremony - generally cool old architecture worth seeing for tourists Enjoy and keep up the fun content:)

SHUNCHAN MAKE THE CONVERSATION VIDEO!!! Please 🙏 ❤

This was super helpful and fun to watch!!

So useful for international travelers! Thank you for sharing those tips with us!

I totally agree with you about the "1ran ramen", almost all my friends and family really wants to go there, and their price is a bit too expensive for me for a "OK" ramen. I just went there twice in Shibuya and Shinjuku but, almost all the customers are foreigners

Here's my tip for everyone coming to Japan as someone who has been living in Japan as a student for about 3 months. When you fly to Japan, keep in mind the process of coming through customs is very time consuming I missed my flight in Tokyo when I got here and 4 out of 5 people who I have asked also missed their flight once arriving. 2 of those people including myself could not catch a later flight and had to stay in a hotel over night. So when you plan your flight if you have to fly domestically immediately after arriving leave yourself at least a few hours to get through customs and even that may be pushing it!

Thank you for this, Shun!

This was so good! thank you!

We need that list of natural conversation starters ... please!

I'm heading to Japan in about a week. Thank you for all your videos and helpful advice! Hopefully studying Japanese for the past year pays off!

I’m in Japan right now and your video is very helpful. Great tips for all who are planning to visit soon. Thank you 👍🏽

8:07 ive watched wayyy too many of these videos in the last decade, and i think this is genuinely the best advice ive seen

Chris from Abroad in Japan is the man who hyped up foreigners on family mart. He’s probably the sole factor

How to break the ice with Japanese people That would be an awesome video really look forward to what you have to say love your channel keep up the great work.

Thank you for this informative and entertaining video Shun-san! ♥️

Great video. The vibe is there. Excited for Japan now.

Shun I am here on my knees begging to make a video about the "friend questions" in Japan. Please I beg u

As an American in Japan, I think my conbini top 5 ranking is like... Natural Lawson's, Ministop, Famima, Lawson's, 7/11. 7/11 mostly ranks low because of the vibes more than anything else. Lighting is usually yellow (feels old), there are somehow always flies somewhere in every store, the staff regularly looks like it's angry to be there, and their karage game is WEAK. My closest conbini is a 7/11 but I will walk the extra 2 minutes to Famima because the staff is really nice, I can actually see what I'm buying in normal lighting, and the hot food is a lot better. I think 7/11 also just gets a bad wrap because I'm from America and 7/11 always feels like... gas station food, you know? It feels like early Sundays being forced to go to church with my parents and watching the hotdogs spin around while my mom stands in line to put 20 on pump 4.

Legit, I'm actually glad I came across your videos.. you tell it like it is as compared to other KZfaqrs. My wife and I are planning our first-ever trip to Japan in the next few months, so it's nice to get a different perspective on everything 👍💪💪

Love your channel! This is amazing!

Please Shun! Make the culture cheat-sheet for us foreigners　お願いします！I've been studying japanese for 3 1/2 years and I need to find someone to talk to and make the step forward on learning a language!

I thought I had a job all lined up in Osaka and was so excited about finally moving to Japan, but the company kinda wigged out and changed plans, so now I’m stuck in the States for a while. Oh, well, I’ll use your helpful tips one of these days. :/

Love you! Very helpful!!

So much better than ALL the other tips from foreigners in Japan. Straight from the horse’s mouth! Loved it. Thank you!!

October 2023. 2 years waiting for the travel restrictions to lift so I can finally take my long-awaited trip; it's finally here! Thank you for the very helpful tips Shun! I had no idea about the defamation law, and while I don't usually even write reviews, I'll make sure to simply keep my opinion to myself if I encounter any service that wasn't up to my standards. The love hotel option is interesting to me, as I plan to spend as little time as possible sleeping, so I just need a safe place to rest for a few hours before going out again. Though my trip is heavily geared towards geeking out in Akihabara (life-long weeb, so yeah), my ultimate goal is to see Japan as a Japanese person does, so I'll definitely make a point to visit 7/11. I have to see with my own eyes how this works. Cheers!

Thank you for bringing awareness to the "sitting down to pee" issue. For too long have we toilet sitters been shamed!

Loved your review and Japan is amazing can’t wait to revisit

This was so helpful!!! I am studying abroad for a semester in Japan and have been trying to find some real, authentic information and i really enjoy your tips

I would like to visit, but I'm just a broke college student

Great video thanks!

Appreciate the warnings !

Sitting down while peeing is the most unmasculine thing a man could ever do. The mentality to think that's the norm speaks volumes about the masculinity of Japanese men. At least in America, if you ever get caught sitting to pee you will live your life a single man forever, not to mention being mocked by everyone.

WoW! I never heard about these details from Japan before this video. Thank you for your honest tips!

As always, your contents about the life in Japan are very interesting. Keep up the good work.

The thing about finding friends usually is that you need at least something in common so the easiest way would be to join a sports club or whatever kind of hobby thing there is ... I visited a Table Tennis Club the first time I visited Japan and got to know a lot of people (mostly older people though which isn't a problem for me) and the second time they took me to other clubs and public gyms so that I got to know even more people. Not that I am friends with everyone but I do have lots of people I can go to an Izekaya with and play some Tabletennis as well as ask for help ... so yeah close enough that they even all came together to help me when I went to Japan on Working holiday to arrange everything I needed like a gas cooker and table wear and such.

I thank people like you that give insight to foreigners wanting to see Japan. Like for me Japan and Korea are bucket list items for me.

Omg, I am Japanese and I CANNOT agree more!!! People, it is hard to find people who can analyze Japanese culture at this level.

This was fresh and had things I didn't know about that are relevant with a great dash of humour. Thank you!

Thanks for making this❤.

Thanks mate. Great information. Cheers

Very helpful, thanks for the video!

Thank you for your honesty in your advice. I see so many "tip" videos that are just like, "be sure to take your shoes off when entering someones house!!" and literally nothing else. Obviously manners are important, but you need to be prepared for situations other than accidentally tipping the waitstaff or something!

Great advice. I'm hoping to start a business in Japan, so yeah, always good to get a heads up. Thanks Shun.

This is super helpful man

thanks for making this video - so helpful! :)

OMG so helpful I loved it thank you!

Thank you for the information! I'm learning Japanese because I want to go to Japan one day, and you helped me a lot with this 💛

Thanks for the tips! I'm not going any time soon but definitely when I have the money

The list of conversation starters sounds like a super interesting topic! Would love to see a video on it.

I am late but I'm happy I found your video! It was genuinely informative and useful, thank you!

Great tips! Especially on making friends