20% want nothing to do with non-Japanese, not always for xenophobic reasons 20% seem fascinated by all things non-Japanese for various reasons 60% are indifferent, but will interact in a polite friendly manner if needs be. These statistics are subjective but based on 16 years of experience.
It's the same thing in Germany. I was so lonely in Berlin. Germans don't like small chat. They don't smile at you. Most of them are indifferent. And you have to pay to use public bathrooms. Water is not free in German restaurants.
We just finished a 27-day trip to Japan's Kanto and Tohoku areas. The Japanese people were fabulous. When we had a question there was always someone willing to answer or direct us in the right direction. What a trip and what a joy to meet and interact with the wonderful Japanese people! We will be back again..
I just returned from Japan, having visited Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. The Japanese people are pure class. They are the most polite and considerate people I have ever encountered.
Larrikin thank you so much for the tips! I leave to go to Japan this month and this helped a lot. Especially the country side video because I plan on going! Talk soon thanks 🙏
Nagoya 💜💜💜 We always stay here and take the bullet train to all the other major cities. It has all the creature comforts of the more popular cities like Tokyo and Kyoto but it’s way less crowed and people seem friendlier and less stressed.
I've noticed a huge change since I first went to Japan in 1988. Back then I was being stared at everywhere I went, even in Tokyo/Yokohama. Now, I'm amazed how little attention I'm given. It's a way more comfortable environment to be a gaijin in Japan than it was then.
@@larrikinjapan I will certainly be over in June 2026. Wife goes every year but I'm expected to stay here and fund it all. We are planning building our house now which should be finished by mid next year. I'll be pretty keen to visit once the house is complete so if I can organise it would love to be there later next year.
@@lizardears4861 It's not nonsense, I'm just relating my own experience, and not suggesting that Japan is not xenophobic. I'm talking a 35 year gap in time. In 1988 I didn't feel like going outside!
I've been learning a little Japanese, so when I visited Tokyo few months ago, I got to use some of it. Older people really seemed to appreciate it, even the simplest stuff. Younger people seemed indifferent, especially once it becomes apparent you aren't even close to fluent, which I obviously am not as I'm pretty sure I made several mistakes actually trying to speak it and understand it (mixing up "kau" with "kaeru" when I tried conjugating it for example). I did at least get a laugh out of a man and woman working at a sushi place though. I was tired of saying "arigatou gozaimasu" so I thought I'd mix it up by using "kansha shimasu" instead. Turns out "kansha" is, I dunno, way too formal I guess to say thanks for a glass of water 😂. Japanese is definitely an interesting language.
Went the first time Japan opened after Covid, first country I visited outside my own, I had basically no issues with Japanese people, some helped me, others didnt have any issue talking to me, even if it was because of the "Tatemae" thing, they werent disrespectful. I'm going back in 2 weeks, but this time I'm a little concerned because of the foreigners giving everybody else a bad reputation like dancing in the street / trains or doing the god damn tiktoks
Nice channel, really enjoying the clips. Just returned from Japan 🇯🇵 for the 3rd . The best advice l can give someone is to learn some Japanese ( even just the basics). My wife and l got by because l learnt enough Japanese to get by. I found the Japanese really appreciate tourists who go out of there way talking to them in Japanese. We watched some tourists come into a cafe or restaurant and order a drink 🥃 or meal 🥘 like they had just walked into a place back home and are a little taken aback when the server doesn’t understand. I found trying to talk Japanese to them always brought a smile to their face.
Languages- I try to know one or two words of many languages. Usually, I get a big laugh! Other will just ignore me or glare And, your right, most young people know a good bit of English. I start out with my few praises, then switch to English… they follow me. Haha
20% want nothing to do with non-Japanese, not always for xenophobic reasons
20% seem fascinated by all things non-Japanese for various reasons
60% are indifferent, but will interact in a polite friendly manner if needs be.
These statistics are subjective but based on 16 years of experience.
It's the same thing in Germany. I was so lonely in Berlin. Germans don't like small chat. They don't smile at you. Most of them are indifferent. And you have to pay to use public bathrooms. Water is not free in German restaurants.
We just finished a 27-day trip to Japan's Kanto and Tohoku areas. The Japanese people were fabulous. When we had a question there was always someone willing to answer or direct us in the right direction. What a trip and what a joy to meet and interact with the wonderful Japanese people! We will be back again..
I glad you had a great time
I just returned from Japan, having visited Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. The Japanese people are pure class. They are the most polite and considerate people I have ever encountered.
Sounds like you had a great time.
Larrikin thank you so much for the tips! I leave to go to Japan this month and this helped a lot. Especially the country side video because I plan on going! Talk soon thanks 🙏
Glad it was helpful!
Here in North Thailand, foreigners are walking ATM’s. I live here!
Lmao, that is hilarious
Typical foreigner. They didn't ask to be poor. Your undeserved position in the world won't last much longer anyway
It’s pay to play
Nagoya 💜💜💜 We always stay here and take the bullet train to all the other major cities. It has all the creature comforts of the more popular cities like Tokyo and Kyoto but it’s way less crowed and people seem friendlier and less stressed.
I like Central Park in Nagoya very relaxing.
I've noticed a huge change since I first went to Japan in 1988. Back then I was being stared at everywhere I went, even in Tokyo/Yokohama. Now, I'm amazed how little attention I'm given. It's a way more comfortable environment to be a gaijin in Japan than it was then.
You’re so right Murray. When are you coming over?
@@larrikinjapan I will certainly be over in June 2026. Wife goes every year but I'm expected to stay here and fund it all. We are planning building our house now which should be finished by mid next year.
I'll be pretty keen to visit once the house is complete so if I can organise it would love to be there later next year.
Sorry that’s nonsense I get stares everywhere I go. Thats most recently in Fukuoka and Nagasaki. Still a rather xenophobic society I reckon
@@lizardears4861 It's not nonsense, I'm just relating my own experience, and not suggesting that Japan is not xenophobic.
I'm talking a 35 year gap in time.
In 1988 I didn't feel like going outside!
@@lizardears4861based!
I've been learning a little Japanese, so when I visited Tokyo few months ago, I got to use some of it. Older people really seemed to appreciate it, even the simplest stuff. Younger people seemed indifferent, especially once it becomes apparent you aren't even close to fluent, which I obviously am not as I'm pretty sure I made several mistakes actually trying to speak it and understand it (mixing up "kau" with "kaeru" when I tried conjugating it for example).
I did at least get a laugh out of a man and woman working at a sushi place though. I was tired of saying "arigatou gozaimasu" so I thought I'd mix it up by using "kansha shimasu" instead. Turns out "kansha" is, I dunno, way too formal I guess to say thanks for a glass of water 😂. Japanese is definitely an interesting language.
It sure is an interesting language. Trying to communicate is the most import thing.
Went the first time Japan opened after Covid, first country I visited outside my own, I had basically no issues with Japanese people, some helped me, others didnt have any issue talking to me, even if it was because of the "Tatemae" thing, they werent disrespectful.
I'm going back in 2 weeks, but this time I'm a little concerned because of the foreigners giving everybody else a bad reputation like dancing in the street / trains or doing the god damn tiktoks
It’s bad I am going to make a video about it on the weekend
Ey Nagoya Station 😁
Yes it is
Nice channel, really enjoying the clips. Just returned from Japan 🇯🇵 for the 3rd . The best advice l can give someone is to learn some Japanese ( even just the basics). My wife and l got by because l learnt enough Japanese to get by. I found the Japanese really appreciate tourists who go out of there way talking to them in Japanese. We watched some tourists come into a cafe or restaurant and order a drink 🥃 or meal 🥘 like they had just walked into a place back home and are a little taken aback when the server doesn’t understand. I found trying to talk Japanese to them always brought a smile to their face.
You’re right if you try it goes a long way.
Cheers ma dude 8)
Nice
Thanks
Do you have to wear a mask everywhere you go?
I have not worn one for years I hate them. But many Japanese still wear them all the time.
@larrikinjapan yeah same here. I don't like to wear them, but I noticed almost everyone in the video was wearing one.
As someone who still makes an effort to wear a mask in America seeing so many still doing so in Japan is refreshing
Languages- I try to know one or two words of many languages. Usually, I get a big laugh! Other will just ignore me or glare
And, your right, most young people know a good bit of English. I start out with my few praises, then switch to English… they follow me. Haha
😎👍
Omg this is Nagoya. I hate that I know this because I live here. 😅
You are correct.