In case you didn't see until the end, Yamamoto Sensei (山本先生) said that we talked a lot about Japanese food etiquette, but please don't worry too much. She'd like you to enjoy eating food in Japan. Except for passing food between two sets of chopsticks or sticking your chopsticks straight up into rice (which are associated with funerals), I don't think any of the stuff will really get you into any trouble if you don't do them. Also, for those with special food diets, there are links in the description to help you out, including a link to a website that you can use to print out phrases (point-and-speak cards).
Hey I just wanted to point out that the behind the scenes you put up at the end always intrigues me. It'll be really awesome if you could put up behind the scenes vidoes or make a second channel or something you know. I don't know if you would read this but just an opinion. Cus I have seen other channels do that and it's really fun. Watching bloopers and what it's actually like in real life then it is in the videos. I think it makes the viewers more close and its always fun to watch. Thanks for all the hard work you put it. Awesome family and love you all. ( waiting for your wife's face reveal) 😁
@@mr.moasunepimchen4907 He actually does have a second channel! ua-cam.com/channels/nOo8dtBgwJbdwl4HxqPHwg.htmlvideos It has less formal/more vloggy style yet still extremely well produced vids!
@@mr.moasunepimchen4907 I do have an X channel :-) ua-cam.com/users/lifewhereimfromx. Although, I don't post much behind-the-scenes stuff there. The place where I do that the most is Patreon (but honestly, I don't post bloopers there that much either, but I do sometimes do behind-the-scenes, director's commentary, and discussions) www.patreon.com/lifewhereimfrom
@@LifeWhereImFrom It was just a suggestion but thank you for replying 😁. I'll surely support the channel but I'm pretty sure there will be many people among your viewers who won't like to spend, so for them it'd be kinda cool if you could do a bloopers kind of compilation or something like that you know, here in the main channel. Always excited to see vidoes from your channel. Thanks again for all the hard work you put in. Good luck.
array s while i agree with your point i also think that the way one must behave and speak is like walking on eggshells and causes ungodly levels of stress and made me borderline suicidal - someone who lived with Japanese relatives and has lived in japan
imagine eating sushi with friends and you tell them they broke their chopstick the wrong way and they ask why and you just pull out a slick note from under the table like whats up
One of the things I find interesting about restaurants in the US is that they ask you how the food is. I've never figured out if I'm I supposed to give them an honest answer or polite answer. What if I said something like, "The meat is underseasoned and the vegetables aren't fresh. Overall, I'd give it 2 out of 5 stars"? I don't remember if they do that in Canada as often, though.
It sort of depends on if you want the restaurant to do something or not. If you tell the server it's not great, most restaurants would try to offer a refund or to remake the dish. If the food is bad but you still want to eat it, and you don't want a refund or anything, it's probably best to just be polite and say it's fine.
I find to always give a polite, honest answer. If there's something wrong with your dish, you can tell the server, and they'll return with a new dish and perhaps a complimentary item as well. If the food is good, then you say everything is great, and go on with eating your dish. It's also alright to ask for a refill, another drink, or more napkins or something, if you want to, if the server comes to check in on you.
You should give an honest answer. Often if they learn that your food is not good, they will lessen your bill. Sometimes people will send their food back to the kitchen if they don’t like it and ask for something else. You can do that but I wouldn’t recommend it. There has been many cases of workers spitting into a rude customers food here in America, I wouldn’t chance it.
Yeah i understand what you mean. Basically in America when the wait staff comes to ask "is everything alright?" in whatever manner. Just remember that roughly translates to "Is the food good enough to eat happily or do you want to complain and have the food remade or your bill lessened/cancelled" So even if the food is not 100% amazing, if it's good enough, just say "Yeah, everything is great!" and they'll usually leave you alone for most of the meal.
I love the no tipping rule- not because I’m frugal, but because the tipping system is extremely unfair. Employers should pay fair and regular wages, so staff won’t have to worry whether or not they can receive enough tips for this month’s rent. While one person might have a relative relaxing job in a fancy, expensive place and get’s high tips by few customers, someone else might work in a cheaper and extremely busy place, where they have to serve rude people, clean up after messy children and their parents, all while getting less tips than the person in the expensive restaurant. And most importantly, if eating out in a group, tips can be a demonstration of power by showing off who can give the highest tip. It can also be a sign of looking down on the waiter, that they are at your mercy of giving them extra money. For this reason, tips should never been given and waiters should be payed fairly.
It just won’t work in the US. The healthcare here is extremely expensive, and public transportation sucks, whereas in Japan healthcare is universally affordable and ppl don’t rely on driving their own cars as much. The Japanese servers usually get paid minimum wage and still can afford to live a normal life, but average American servers can barely survive with 20% tips. If you still want the employer to cover the tips amount then expect to pay 20% more when dining out.
@@@TheAerialgreen// dining out in Merrica is extremely expensive and you have to leave the restaurant as soon as you have finished your meal. In Germany dining out is not even 2/3 the price, the waiter is paid regularly and over the minimum wage and he will get tipped only for good service. You stay at your table after dinner, sipping another glas of wine, chatting with your friends or getting romantic with your date. The waiter will only bother you if you wave the waiter to your table. A good life is possible if greed is not the only motive in life.
@@TheAerialgreen I actually know restaurant owners in the US. The money goes to managers and owners. I don't really see why some managers should continuesly get bonuses while other's don't even get minimum wage. The entire social system of the US is terrible- it begins with education, continues with health care and in a way it all ties down to people thinking of themselves with a capitalized I. People still belive that somehow they might be able to work their way up and once they managed they are too selfish to improve things for others. Rather than saying "Hey, I made it this far by going through all these hurdles. Now I can use my knowledge to help others live healthier and happier lives" people want people to have the same tough experience they had. The American dream has long ago turned into a nightmare. People need to realize that in a world with so many people you have to work together and make compromizes. Rather than buying a second home for vacations, people should pay their staff fairly so they don't have to worry about sleeping on the streets the next month. Also, universal healthcare does not mean people don't have to pay anything. People still have to pay for insurance and medicine. in Japan. Eating out is often less expensive than eating out in the US (at least from my experience). The tips in the US are extra. For example in Japan you can get a decent bowl of Udon for 600 yen. It should be the governments job to make sure citizens can life decent lives. Americans unfortunately voted their way into a highly capitalistic society with extremes between rich and poor and very little social support.
9:10 "can't you just roll it up like this, and use it as a rest?" * confused look * "What do you mean? (Why would you want to be so vulgar (in comparison to the elegant method I've just shown you)?) " :) beautiful
That moment when you and famous youtuber have the same Japanese teacher! My jaw dropped when I saw this video and Yamamoto-sensei! She was one of my teachers when I was in Japan this January. What a small world !
I've been going to Japan for 20+ years and 30 trips in. What I've learned from locals is you can eat food anyway you want AS LONG as you're not being a slob and rude to other people & customers at an establishment. BUT do your absolute best to learn the best way to eat & enjoy specific foods. Easiest way is to see how everyone else is eating.
I had some worries to before I went to Japan two years ago. But if you have a basic idea of how to behave properly it will be OK. Many Japanese don't follow the rules because they (perhaps) are a bit lazy. If you just look at others around you and avoid the big no nos you will be fine. 😊 👍
@@Ebhen1 Oh yea, exactly this. I currently live here now and I was surprised how many of the "rules" I read and heard about were not followed by locals. Some older people can be a bit picky about the social rules, but for the most part many people don't care. If you can manage to be a semi courteous human being you'll get by.
Usually they give you hot towelette in bars. So mostly people put the oshibori on their face to freshen up. Then use to wipe their hands. But you can not do that in restaurants.
Great, now I'll be deported from Japan for breaking my chopsticks incorrectly & I didn't even make it to the first course. I guess I'll just dine on all the variations of KitKats. Or do those need to be broken in a particular manner?
@@froz3ncat But how do you hold the Kit Kat during the breaking process? Vertically? Horizontally? Face up or face down? And ya know the wrapper will have a special purpose too. 🇯🇵
GREAT lesson. I almost bypassed it but, I am very glad that I watched it and KNOW that someone like you two both put THIS together. I wish ALL cultures were available, like this😊
Or well, natural seems a bit exaggerated - hard to describe. When eating with a person I don't know well I try to respect everything in a way, like not eating one plate empty before moving on to next one. And many of these guidelines seem hygienic ( chopsticks off table) and efficient (paying at the cashier). Though here we often pay beforehand for lunch, when ordering!
Lol one thing that seems to be the same across many cultures: the grandparent types (even if they aren't literal grandparents) get to do what they want. They paid their dues lol
Yamamoto Sensei seems like a great teacher! I love learning about manners in other cultures so enjoyed this video very much. Although I knew most of this already, I even learned something new. 😁 Also, the idea of someone whipping out a packet of seasoning in the middle of a restaurant made me laugh! 😅 The drawings were great, and your drawing is definitely improving too!
I love these practical tips, Greg, but also the reassurance that if I get it wrong it won't be the end of the world (mostly). Yamamoto Sensei is so cool, she seems interested in not only imparting Japanese sensibilities but also learning about how other cultures function. Would it be possible to do a video on ice hockey in Japan?
This was such a lovely video to watch that goes beyond so much more than learning about Japanese culture.. The interaction between your Sensei and you is such a model for the art of conversation. If we all focused on learning and appreciating the rich diversity between our countries, religions, class and generations, the world would be such a better place.
Great video! The ONE thing you forgot to mention is how to ask for the bill. When i went to japan, i noticed people would take two fingers and cross them into an “x”, and the waiter would then bring them their bill. I tried it once, and i didn’t even have the chance to say “okaikei onegaishimasu (bill please)” before the waiter would be rushing over with the bill. Japan life hack for foreigners!
I absolutely LOVE your food videos! This was incredibly helpful, we’re trying to cook more Japanese food in our home in the states so this helps us know eating manners a lot! 🙌🏻
Definitely one of the best episodes for someone that knows a bit about Japan. I feel the UA-cam/media space it getting crowded with basic info and not delving a bit deeper.
Reminds me of the movie "Tampopo", in which director Juzo Itami really took a good shot at poking fun at some of Japan's fuzzy culinary etiquette. It shows that while we try to respect the culture, some Japanese people don't agree with the rules themselves :)
I love watching your videos, they're so informative. I've actually been living in Japan now for almost a year, and your videos had a big impact on my decision to come here instead of any of my other options. Your videos took a lot of stress and worry away, and gave me a lot of knowledge and information before my move. Always looking forward to your videos, you made life where you're from so interesting I had to come see for myself!
The table service is the same in Australia. We have wait staff/waiters. Some do have certain tables but you can call over any member of staff if you need something whilst you're eating. One time, in a busy casual restaurant I had about 5 different staff checking in with us and waiting on us, it got very confusing. (I think it was during a shift change.)
It is annoying when I go to the US as an Australian to feel like nobody wants to help/serve me without the incentive of a tip on offer. North Americans need to get rid of the barbaric old-fashioned habit of tipping and get businesses to pay full wages to staff like we do in Australia and Japan. Tips should just be the extra thank you for exceptional service, not the 10% that you have to give everybody.
Thank you for this nice video. It had a lot of useful information. Thank you also for saying a little about different diets and leaving links for vegans/vegetarians :) Happy Cow is great and I added a restaurant to the website. The owner is very kind and when he found out he made beautifully, hand drawn menus. Maybe you could make an extra video about vegetarianism/veganism in Japan. It is tricky to find things in rural areas but the topic is also very interesting from a historical perspective. Shoujin ryouri is really delicious too :D
This is like the only Skillshare Ad embedded in a video that I really enjoyed while watching, and didn't "put me off" the video (I cant find a better term). I literally laugh out loud, great job Greg!
@Leopold Food allergies are surprisingly common in Japan, even for things we wouldn't think could cause reactions. (apples? lobster?) But most of the time they aren't as immediately life threatening as peanut allergies, and it's considered the responsibility of the person with an allergy to keep themselves away from food that affects them. Most people are fine with this. Fortunately a lot of packaged foods have allergy warnings now.
@Leopold "VERY common" was exaggeration. Edited since it sounds like I was saying every other person is allergic to something. I meant lots of very specific allergies relative to other places. Maybe they just talk about it more. Outside Japan I never hear about anything except fatal peanut allergies.
It’s strange because if you go to underdeveloped countries. People are seldom allergic to anything, though it could just be that allergic babies got “naturally selected” out of adulthood.
Even in developed western countries, the rise of fatal allergies to something as common as peanuts is a strange phenomenon we are only seeing in the recent decades. It's theorized that it's due to the way we restrict infants/pregnant mothers' exposure to common germs and things in the environment and by the time infants finally come into contact with those substances their body overreacts to it, causing allergic reactions.
Thanks for this informative video and respect to Yamamoto for taking the time to explain the etiquette of the "right" way to eat in Japan and what not to do. I am learning about Japanese culture as I am planning to visit Japan in the next couple of years or even sooner.
The dynamic between the host and Yamamoto Sensei in this video is brilliant because it perfectly blends teaching with humor, which makes the lessons very memorable.
I always find this topic fascinating because lots of people think that there are a lot more rules of table etiquette in Japan, but my impression has always been that they simply take following the rules more seriously than in the West. The rules laid out here are almost identical to those of British table etiquette, the problem is that our etiquette is not commonly taught and normally not followed, I was brought up on rules like this and was expected to follow them, but in my adult life, I find it rare to find anyone who even knows the rules, let alone follows them, which is a real shame.
I really enjoyed this type of video you made with your sensai. Can you make more like this? It´s soooo great if you´re learning japanese!! It´s more like a real experience you can remember everything better.
I wonder, if Japanese actually follow this, cuz from what I've seen, they kinda don't and considering even she has to research this stuff before this video seems to imply this isn't common practice. Seen plenty of guys just rest chopsticks on the bowl, longitudinally instead of using a chopstick rest. I don't think anyone is going to scold you if you eat your food "out of order". I've also ate nigiri with my hands, I don't recommend it, they provide you chopsticks, just use em. It was also kinda odd, I asked the chef about it, and he kinda chuckled in a "w/e floats your boat" kinda way, as it's not very common. As you know, usually Japanese, Chinese, Korean family dining tables are a lot smaller than western dining tables, so you don't really gotta say "pass x" as it's usually within arm's reach. Using the back end of the chopsticks is a Chinese thing to give food to other people. If you are serving yourself, you meticulously pick out what you want, and touch only that piece of food.If you need to move something, you continue using the back end of the chopstick. if it is something loose, like salad, you use the spoons they provide you.
@@kiavra1789 No he didn't say it. He just kinda amusingly chuckled and said "it's ok" when I asked "hand ok?" This was in Japanese. I was the only guy eating with my hands, was honestly awkward.
She is teaching proper table manner which is always good to know. They are of course never followed 100% (people are sloppy) and no one will sold for you for not following them (why would you care about a total stranger not following table manner, especially if he/she is a costumer).
I kinda agree, but I guess it's the same like in western culture 🤷♀️. Like, it's impolite to have your elbow on the table or your hand underneath the table while eating, but no one (aside from your mom) would scold you about it 😅
@@CorruptedDogg I know I love that stuff! Maybe it’s just inappropriate to bring it to a restaurant, it’s fine to eat it in the privacy of your own home lol
Cool. I love how Japan really embraces cleanliness and politeness. Some of the eating etiquette I knew of and some I wasn't aware of until now. And you're going great with your drawing Greg. I like the newer one of your cat better. Keep it up. And Ms. Yamamoto is really nice.
This video was perfect! I have been looking for a video exactly like this because I am going to Japan in July 2020. Thank you this video and others like this one. I have learned so much about the Japanese culture and these videos have allowed me to plan and prepare my upcoming trip. Thank you@ thank you! And thank you again for all of your help, support and knowledge! My understanding of the Japanese culture has grown because of you and your family. 💕👍😊
I consider Japan a country of many cultural norms. The Japanese mindset of "don't bother others" and "follow cultural ettiquete to the norm" has its ups and downs. Clean streets, no robbery are just a few things that pop up in my mind when thinking about positives. Unfortunately, I observed that Japanese people tend to lack the ability to speak their mind, express their emotions openly and honestly and stand up for themselves. From my personal experience, that's an unpleasent place to be in. Also, recently, I met an Asian woman who, for the first time in her life, could express herself freely during a meditation workshop. Therefore, i recommend being less polite to others and more polite to yourself. Listen less what cultural norms say, question them, and listen more what your own personal needs are. That's what I recommend based on my own's life journey.
Many opportunities for naughty behavior appear. "Do not stab your food." Me: But what if it's moving? As always, that was great. A lot of little lessons. Delicious looking food. Where I'm from, the noodles we use in soup tend to be shorter, probably because that way there's no slurping.
this is very helpful, however now im only thinking about the times i've been at a Japanese restaurant and might have done something impolite .-. since forever i've heard that it's disrespectful to the chef to NOT slurp ramen noodles or finish the soup, i can only hope that the chefs in america can forgive me for not slurping lol, i just can't..i'm very sensitive about table manner's and eating noises
Thank you thank you very very much for this video. I travel from time to time to Japan and learned a lot about ordering and eating through this video. Thanks!
Thank you very much for this! I have a few major allergies to peanut, tree nuts, seafood/shellfish/fish, and sesame. I have been told it would be easier to look for Buddhist (vegetarian) meals as they are primarily steamed vegetables. I would like to try other foods in Japan. Thank you very much again for the allergy phrasing. Very helpful!
In case you didn't see until the end, Yamamoto Sensei (山本先生) said that we talked a lot about Japanese food etiquette, but please don't worry too much. She'd like you to enjoy eating food in Japan. Except for passing food between two sets of chopsticks or sticking your chopsticks straight up into rice (which are associated with funerals), I don't think any of the stuff will really get you into any trouble if you don't do them. Also, for those with special food diets, there are links in the description to help you out, including a link to a website that you can use to print out phrases (point-and-speak cards).
Hey I just wanted to point out that the behind the scenes you put up at the end always intrigues me. It'll be really awesome if you could put up behind the scenes vidoes or make a second channel or something you know. I don't know if you would read this but just an opinion. Cus I have seen other channels do that and it's really fun. Watching bloopers and what it's actually like in real life then it is in the videos. I think it makes the viewers more close and its always fun to watch. Thanks for all the hard work you put it. Awesome family and love you all. ( waiting for your wife's face reveal) 😁
@@mr.moasunepimchen4907 He actually does have a second channel! ua-cam.com/channels/nOo8dtBgwJbdwl4HxqPHwg.htmlvideos It has less formal/more vloggy style yet still extremely well produced vids!
@@mr.moasunepimchen4907 I do have an X channel :-) ua-cam.com/users/lifewhereimfromx. Although, I don't post much behind-the-scenes stuff there. The place where I do that the most is Patreon (but honestly, I don't post bloopers there that much either, but I do sometimes do behind-the-scenes, director's commentary, and discussions) www.patreon.com/lifewhereimfrom
@@LifeWhereImFrom It was just a suggestion but thank you for replying 😁. I'll surely support the channel but I'm pretty sure there will be many people among your viewers who won't like to spend, so for them it'd be kinda cool if you could do a bloopers kind of compilation or something like that you know, here in the main channel. Always excited to see vidoes from your channel. Thanks again for all the hard work you put in. Good luck.
@@Doseplays1 hey I didn't know bout it. Thank you.
i love how she just randomly picks up notes from underneath the desk
It's a low-key super power.
Ben Bisogno mhmmm
Hi
A good teacher is ALWAYS prepared.
IT makes me think of that new scientists in love anime though.
Thanh Vu Hoang 😂😂😂
I love that so many things are only 'acceptable' because Ojisan
They probably slaved most of their lives licking their corporate superior's asses.. let them have their way now xD
@@asit6947 nobody complaint about that bru
Because ojisan (lol)
Old people are set in their ways and you are not going to teach these old dogs new tricks so just let them be..
greek grandparents are the same too
for me it's gotten more endearing as i've gotten older. lolol
She's probably the most direct Japanese person I've seen. She really tells it like it is.
Japan needs more people like her
array s while i agree with your point i also think that the way one must behave and speak is like walking on eggshells and causes ungodly levels of stress and made me borderline suicidal - someone who lived with Japanese relatives and has lived in japan
Deserve Not Desire you ignore an insiders perspective to fit your opinion, typical
I love saba
I wonder if she is from Osaka?
2:53 “ Can I actually eat?” Yamamoto Sensei is so polite, what a cute and funny question
She was being professional, since the original intent was for them to film.
You never know with video shoots, but I can completely imagine the worry as she felt her empty stomach and low blood sugar :)
It wasn't communicated to James May when he was in Japan.
ua-cam.com/video/hHCRP63LvLg/v-deo.html
@@opethharvest yeah haha. That was funny.
@@Nynke_K tepqu
imagine eating sushi with friends and you tell them they broke their chopstick the wrong way and they ask why and you just pull out a slick note from under the table like whats up
One of the things I find interesting about restaurants in the US is that they ask you how the food is. I've never figured out if I'm I supposed to give them an honest answer or polite answer. What if I said something like, "The meat is underseasoned and the vegetables aren't fresh. Overall, I'd give it 2 out of 5 stars"? I don't remember if they do that in Canada as often, though.
It sort of depends on if you want the restaurant to do something or not. If you tell the server it's not great, most restaurants would try to offer a refund or to remake the dish. If the food is bad but you still want to eat it, and you don't want a refund or anything, it's probably best to just be polite and say it's fine.
I find to always give a polite, honest answer. If there's something wrong with your dish, you can tell the server, and they'll return with a new dish and perhaps a complimentary item as well. If the food is good, then you say everything is great, and go on with eating your dish. It's also alright to ask for a refill, another drink, or more napkins or something, if you want to, if the server comes to check in on you.
You should give an honest answer. Often if they learn that your food is not good, they will lessen your bill.
Sometimes people will send their food back to the kitchen if they don’t like it and ask for something else. You can do that but I wouldn’t recommend it. There has been many cases of workers spitting into a rude customers food here in America, I wouldn’t chance it.
hi yuta!!!!!!!
Yeah i understand what you mean. Basically in America when the wait staff comes to ask "is everything alright?" in whatever manner. Just remember that roughly translates to "Is the food good enough to eat happily or do you want to complain and have the food remade or your bill lessened/cancelled" So even if the food is not 100% amazing, if it's good enough, just say "Yeah, everything is great!" and they'll usually leave you alone for most of the meal.
“So what does that mean”
Her: **pulls poster from out of her pocket** well you see-
Yamamoto sensei : Dont do thi-
Dad : *Does every single taboo*
But it helped me to understand what the meanings of the words are ^^ And it was very funny!
Dogen: Yamamoto-san~
I love the no tipping rule- not because I’m frugal, but because the tipping system is extremely unfair. Employers should pay fair and regular wages, so staff won’t have to worry whether or not they can receive enough tips for this month’s rent. While one person might have a relative relaxing job in a fancy, expensive place and get’s high tips by few customers, someone else might work in a cheaper and extremely busy place, where they have to serve rude people, clean up after messy children and their parents, all while getting less tips than the person in the expensive restaurant. And most importantly, if eating out in a group, tips can be a demonstration of power by showing off who can give the highest tip. It can also be a sign of looking down on the waiter, that they are at your mercy of giving them extra money. For this reason, tips should never been given and waiters should be payed fairly.
I agree my dad used to have to scrape together all he could from tips
It just won’t work in the US. The healthcare here is extremely expensive, and public transportation sucks, whereas in Japan healthcare is universally affordable and ppl don’t rely on driving their own cars as much. The Japanese servers usually get paid minimum wage and still can afford to live a normal life, but average American servers can barely survive with 20% tips. If you still want the employer to cover the tips amount then expect to pay 20% more when dining out.
@@@TheAerialgreen// dining out in Merrica is extremely expensive and you have to leave the restaurant as soon as you have finished your meal. In Germany dining out is not even 2/3 the price, the waiter is paid regularly and over the minimum wage and he will get tipped only for good service. You stay at your table after dinner, sipping another glas of wine, chatting with your friends or getting romantic with your date. The waiter will only bother you if you wave the waiter to your table. A good life is possible if greed is not the only motive in life.
@@TheAerialgreen I actually know restaurant owners in the US. The money goes to managers and owners. I don't really see why some managers should continuesly get bonuses while other's don't even get minimum wage. The entire social system of the US is terrible- it begins with education, continues with health care and in a way it all ties down to people thinking of themselves with a capitalized I. People still belive that somehow they might be able to work their way up and once they managed they are too selfish to improve things for others. Rather than saying "Hey, I made it this far by going through all these hurdles. Now I can use my knowledge to help others live healthier and happier lives" people want people to have the same tough experience they had. The American dream has long ago turned into a nightmare. People need to realize that in a world with so many people you have to work together and make compromizes. Rather than buying a second home for vacations, people should pay their staff fairly so they don't have to worry about sleeping on the streets the next month. Also, universal healthcare does not mean people don't have to pay anything. People still have to pay for insurance and medicine. in Japan. Eating out is often less expensive than eating out in the US (at least from my experience). The tips in the US are extra. For example in Japan you can get a decent bowl of Udon for 600 yen. It should be the governments job to make sure citizens can life decent lives. Americans unfortunately voted their way into a highly capitalistic society with extremes between rich and poor and very little social support.
Muc SALTO it all depends on where you dine. Compared to Europe, it’s still reasonably priced I think.
9:10 "can't you just roll it up like this, and use it as a rest?"
* confused look * "What do you mean? (Why would you want to be so vulgar (in comparison to the elegant method I've just shown you)?) " :)
beautiful
That moment when you and famous youtuber have the same Japanese teacher!
My jaw dropped when I saw this video and Yamamoto-sensei! She was one of my teachers when I was in Japan this January. What a small world !
I've been going to Japan for 20+ years and 30 trips in. What I've learned from locals is you can eat food anyway you want AS LONG as you're not being a slob and rude to other people & customers at an establishment. BUT do your absolute best to learn the best way to eat & enjoy specific foods. Easiest way is to see how everyone else is eating.
3:36 日本人の私でも割り箸を横に割ってた・・
I am Japanese
But the chopsticks
I was split sideways😂
I am Japanese too and have never heard and seen of the right way of splitting the chopsticks that way.
I found this really informative and clear, Would love to see more of these video formats!
I'm heading to Japan just after the Olympics wrap up, and oh-mah-GAHD. This vid cured around 90% of my mannerism-related questions. Arigato gozaimasu!
I had some worries to before I went to Japan two years ago. But if you have a basic idea of how to behave properly it will be OK. Many Japanese don't follow the rules because they (perhaps) are a bit lazy. If you just look at others around you and avoid the big no nos you will be fine. 😊 👍
@@Ebhen1 Oh yea, exactly this. I currently live here now and I was surprised how many of the "rules" I read and heard about were not followed by locals. Some older people can be a bit picky about the social rules, but for the most part many people don't care. If you can manage to be a semi courteous human being you'll get by.
Sorry about the plans buddy :(
Sorry about your plans.
Yeeeah, 2020 did not go exactly to plan. *holds up worlds biggest middle finger to wherever Fate may be hiding *
anyone notice that polite Japanese cringe when he wiped his face with the hand wipe?
I cringed too.
Usually they give you hot towelette in bars. So mostly people put the oshibori on their face to freshen up. Then use to wipe their hands. But you can not do that in restaurants.
Great, now I'll be deported from Japan for breaking my chopsticks incorrectly & I didn't even make it to the first course. I guess I'll just dine on all the variations of KitKats. Or do those need to be broken in a particular manner?
KitKats? Horizontally it is.
@@froz3ncat
But how do you hold the Kit Kat during the breaking process? Vertically? Horizontally? Face up or face down? And ya know the wrapper will have a special purpose too. 🇯🇵
r/woosh
@@jaydibernardo4320 Just give it up. Your deportation papers are on the way. 😂
Biting into more than bar of a kitkat at a time will result in being pushed out of a plane at altitude.
Loool She was in pain as she watched him pull the bowl with his chopsticks.
GREAT lesson. I almost bypassed it but, I am very glad that I watched it and KNOW that someone like you two both put THIS together. I wish ALL cultures were available, like this😊
i love teachers who are willing to learn from their student
I love this, I live in a rather reserved culture (Finnish) and on top of that I am somewhat socially anxious. All the rules seemed natural to me.
Or well, natural seems a bit exaggerated - hard to describe. When eating with a person I don't know well I try to respect everything in a way, like not eating one plate empty before moving on to next one. And many of these guidelines seem hygienic ( chopsticks off table) and efficient (paying at the cashier).
Though here we often pay beforehand for lunch, when ordering!
didnt kno finnish were isolated
We're not.
@@steve00alt70 "Reserved" is different from "isolated."
Yeah, I can agree as a Finn to what you’re saying. 🇫🇮 (Onko tässä pakko sanoa torilla tavataan/suomi perkele...?)
Yamamoto-sensei: It is rude to do that, don't do it.
Oji-san: Yes, but actually no
Lol one thing that seems to be the same across many cultures: the grandparent types (even if they aren't literal grandparents) get to do what they want. They paid their dues lol
She is literally so humble and pleasant.
Your videos are always nice to watch - slow paced & relaxing, & not to forget interesting. Keep it up!
Aww.. that was so sweet how she asked, "Can I actually eat?" ;)
Man, I swear you got THE BEST videos. So informative and mostly importantly *clear*. Congrats! You're doing an awesome job.
Yamamoto Sensei seems like a great teacher! I love learning about manners in other cultures so enjoyed this video very much. Although I knew most of this already, I even learned something new. 😁 Also, the idea of someone whipping out a packet of seasoning in the middle of a restaurant made me laugh! 😅 The drawings were great, and your drawing is definitely improving too!
I love these practical tips, Greg, but also the reassurance that if I get it wrong it won't be the end of the world (mostly). Yamamoto Sensei is so cool, she seems interested in not only imparting Japanese sensibilities but also learning about how other cultures function.
Would it be possible to do a video on ice hockey in Japan?
I noticed that sensei put the food into her mouth a different way, with her palm under her chin to catch any possible drops. So graceful.
You seriously have the BEST Videos of all the JVloggers / Content Producers... greetings from Canada.
One day I will get to do my dream of an in-depth gastronomic tour of Japan. This video starts my research!
Are the captions done by Greg's wife? The "I told you so" was funny lol :D
That was literally what my wife said as she was filming (she said it quietly, but if you replay the part, you can hear her say it).
@@LifeWhereImFrom that was an interesting translation of "hora!" Probably more like "seeeee?" Or "Aha!" But your subtitle put it in more context!
@@benfsinger Yeah, it would be more literally like "see", but the implication is "See, i told you so" ほら言ったじゃん
Which part
@@LifeWhereImFrom That cracked me up 😄
I love how the teacher is also learning from him! ❤️ great informative video! Thank you
Been living in Japan for 3 months now and definitely needed this!!
This was such a lovely video to watch that goes beyond so much more than learning about Japanese culture.. The interaction between your Sensei and you is such a model for the art of conversation. If we all focused on learning and appreciating the rich diversity between our countries, religions, class and generations, the world would be such a better place.
I learn something new every day, the more you know
*the more you know*
Hmm I have heard that somewhere...
So happy to see another of your tip videos again. These are so practical. Thanks!
Good video - I've seen a few videos on this topic but today I've learned things from this one that I've not seen before 😄
Great video! The ONE thing you forgot to mention is how to ask for the bill. When i went to japan, i noticed people would take two fingers and cross them into an “x”, and the waiter would then bring them their bill. I tried it once, and i didn’t even have the chance to say “okaikei onegaishimasu (bill please)” before the waiter would be rushing over with the bill. Japan life hack for foreigners!
How does this not have any likes!? Super important.
Most of these social rules seems to exist due to respect to others. I love it!
Please make more videos with Yamamoto sensei! Learned a lot from this video!
Can I actually eat?
Yeah!
*No*
This video is so informative. Thank you. I cannot wait to go to Japan!
I absolutely LOVE your food videos! This was incredibly helpful, we’re trying to cook more Japanese food in our home in the states so this helps us know eating manners a lot! 🙌🏻
Definitely one of the best episodes for someone that knows a bit about Japan. I feel the UA-cam/media space it getting crowded with basic info and not delving a bit deeper.
Reminds me of the movie "Tampopo", in which director Juzo Itami really took a good shot at poking fun at some of Japan's fuzzy culinary etiquette. It shows that while we try to respect the culture, some Japanese people don't agree with the rules themselves :)
Couldnt help but think of Tampopo when she said "dont slurp spaghetti" haha
The only reason why I'm giving this video a thumbs up is because of Sensei . I believe she is quite skilled at what she does.
I love watching your videos, they're so informative. I've actually been living in Japan now for almost a year, and your videos had a big impact on my decision to come here instead of any of my other options. Your videos took a lot of stress and worry away, and gave me a lot of knowledge and information before my move. Always looking forward to your videos, you made life where you're from so interesting I had to come see for myself!
That's so nice to hear!
I love there's pop up for the words in this video. Never seen them in the others. Wish they were.
Sweetly, she said, "Can I actually eat?"
That was so cute haha😊
These videos are so great in the way they help to understand the Japanese culture a bit better. Thanks so much for doing what you are doing!
The table service is the same in Australia. We have wait staff/waiters. Some do have certain tables but you can call over any member of staff if you need something whilst you're eating. One time, in a busy casual restaurant I had about 5 different staff checking in with us and waiting on us, it got very confusing. (I think it was during a shift change.)
It is annoying when I go to the US as an Australian to feel like nobody wants to help/serve me without the incentive of a tip on offer. North Americans need to get rid of the barbaric old-fashioned habit of tipping and get businesses to pay full wages to staff like we do in Australia and Japan. Tips should just be the extra thank you for exceptional service, not the 10% that you have to give everybody.
16:22. Family skills go into the video...! Good job...! Such talented people...! 👏🙂
I find your videos super interesting, keep up the great work!!!
Greg's face with the fancy the origami chopstick holder was fantastic! I thought it was fancy too.
Thank you for this nice video. It had a lot of useful information. Thank you also for saying a little about different diets and leaving links for vegans/vegetarians :) Happy Cow is great and I added a restaurant to the website. The owner is very kind and when he found out he made beautifully, hand drawn menus. Maybe you could make an extra video about vegetarianism/veganism in Japan. It is tricky to find things in rural areas but the topic is also very interesting from a historical perspective. Shoujin ryouri is really delicious too :D
This is like the only Skillshare Ad embedded in a video that I really enjoyed while watching, and didn't "put me off" the video (I cant find a better term). I literally laugh out loud, great job Greg!
Thanks!
FINALLY SOMEONE ADDRESSED THE PEANUT ALLERGY
@Leopold Food allergies are surprisingly common in Japan, even for things we wouldn't think could cause reactions. (apples? lobster?) But most of the time they aren't as immediately life threatening as peanut allergies, and it's considered the responsibility of the person with an allergy to keep themselves away from food that affects them. Most people are fine with this. Fortunately a lot of packaged foods have allergy warnings now.
@Leopold "VERY common" was exaggeration. Edited since it sounds like I was saying every other person is allergic to something. I meant lots of very specific allergies relative to other places. Maybe they just talk about it more. Outside Japan I never hear about anything except fatal peanut allergies.
It’s strange because if you go to underdeveloped countries. People are seldom allergic to anything, though it could just be that allergic babies got “naturally selected” out of adulthood.
Even in developed western countries, the rise of fatal allergies to something as common as peanuts is a strange phenomenon we are only seeing in the recent decades. It's theorized that it's due to the way we restrict infants/pregnant mothers' exposure to common germs and things in the environment and by the time infants finally come into contact with those substances their body overreacts to it, causing allergic reactions.
@@Yusuke_Denton westerners have more allergies n has weak immune system compared to South Asians..
Everything in Japan is so organized....love that
Perfect for traveling!
Thanks for this informative video and respect to Yamamoto for taking the time to explain the etiquette of the "right" way to eat in Japan and what not to do. I am learning about Japanese culture as I am planning to visit Japan in the next couple of years or even sooner.
Sooo ahhh, That "night time snack for Adults" Looks suspiciously like a condom ahahahahah
and i though it's a condom lol.
no, its seasoning
🙄😱😁😁😁
Seasoning for the sausage...
😏😏😏😏
The dynamic between the host and Yamamoto Sensei in this video is brilliant because it perfectly blends teaching with humor, which makes the lessons very memorable.
So you married your Japanese wife only to find out years later that you’ve been doing so many things wrong... lol
Inspir3d he’s purposely doing things wrong for the video’s narration purpose
Lizzy Welcome to marriage
Wrong. He is doing it wrong for the viewers to understand.
Appreciate that you show us that you actually did a skillshare course instead of just promoting skillshare
I always find this topic fascinating because lots of people think that there are a lot more rules of table etiquette in Japan, but my impression has always been that they simply take following the rules more seriously than in the West. The rules laid out here are almost identical to those of British table etiquette, the problem is that our etiquette is not commonly taught and normally not followed, I was brought up on rules like this and was expected to follow them, but in my adult life, I find it rare to find anyone who even knows the rules, let alone follows them, which is a real shame.
I really enjoyed this type of video you made with your sensai. Can you make more like this? It´s soooo great if you´re learning japanese!! It´s more like a real experience you can remember everything better.
Yikes, I have been doing some of the no nos but thankfully I am Ojisan :D
Now I’m thinking to visit Japan
Because you educate us(viewers) so thanks all of that learning.
She asked him “Can I actually eat?” 🥰♥️ slim ladies who love to eat many foods 🍚 🥢🍣🍜🥟🍤🍶
I love her so much more!!!
This thinking itself is sexist in a way. I don't like the wording.
I’m loving your videos, Greg. Thanks for giving us an insider’s view of Japanese daily life.
She is like an anime charachter - teacher, who just pulls out posters out of nowhere in order to help her student
I'm getting addicted to your channel. I would love to travel to Japan 1 day. Your videos are very informative. And this lady is so nice
I wonder, if Japanese actually follow this, cuz from what I've seen, they kinda don't and considering even she has to research this stuff before this video seems to imply this isn't common practice. Seen plenty of guys just rest chopsticks on the bowl, longitudinally instead of using a chopstick rest. I don't think anyone is going to scold you if you eat your food "out of order". I've also ate nigiri with my hands, I don't recommend it, they provide you chopsticks, just use em. It was also kinda odd, I asked the chef about it, and he kinda chuckled in a "w/e floats your boat" kinda way, as it's not very common. As you know, usually Japanese, Chinese, Korean family dining tables are a lot smaller than western dining tables, so you don't really gotta say "pass x" as it's usually within arm's reach.
Using the back end of the chopsticks is a Chinese thing to give food to other people. If you are serving yourself, you meticulously pick out what you want, and touch only that piece of food.If you need to move something, you continue using the back end of the chopstick. if it is something loose, like salad, you use the spoons they provide you.
@@kiavra1789 No he didn't say it. He just kinda amusingly chuckled and said "it's ok" when I asked "hand ok?" This was in Japanese. I was the only guy eating with my hands, was honestly awkward.
She is teaching proper table manner which is always good to know. They are of course never followed 100% (people are sloppy) and no one will sold for you for not following them (why would you care about a total stranger not following table manner, especially if he/she is a costumer).
I kinda agree, but I guess it's the same like in western culture 🤷♀️. Like, it's impolite to have your elbow on the table or your hand underneath the table while eating, but no one (aside from your mom) would scold you about it 😅
Especially if you're a foreigner they won't care that you don't follow all the rules. It's expected.
From my experience in Japan, no one follows these so-called “rules”, or even know they exist.
Thanks for all, after so many times in Japan never learned before all those interesting tips, Greetings
"Furikake is more for kids."
😳
I love furikake and bukakke udon. 😎
@@Yusuke_Denton i saw what you did there
just like Gummibären and lollipops and having fun!
Every word has 2 meaning, if you like only slang parts then you are the problem.
@@CorruptedDogg I know I love that stuff! Maybe it’s just inappropriate to bring it to a restaurant, it’s fine to eat it in the privacy of your own home lol
This answered all of questions! ありがとございまづ!
Hi Greg can't wait to watch this video!
Cool. I love how Japan really embraces cleanliness and politeness. Some of the eating etiquette I knew of and some I wasn't aware of until now. And you're going great with your drawing Greg. I like the newer one of your cat better. Keep it up. And Ms. Yamamoto is really nice.
Wow, she sounds like Rie from the Tasty videos 😁
This video was perfect! I have been looking for a video exactly like this because I am going to Japan in July 2020. Thank you this video and others like this one. I have learned so much about the Japanese culture and these videos have allowed me to plan and prepare my upcoming trip. Thank you@ thank you! And thank you again for all of your help, support and knowledge! My understanding of the Japanese culture has grown because of you and your family. 💕👍😊
Japanese dinner is a minefield. REALLY~!
You mean you're eating actual mines? Scary!
@@benfsinger That's silly. What he/she meant was that Japanese people like eating dinner in a minefield.
madhavyu r/whoooosh
The drawings were so cute! Great job!! This video was helpful and fun! I loved Yamamoto Sensei's board with the hirigana phrases! Very helpful!
I consider Japan a country of many cultural norms. The Japanese mindset of "don't bother others" and "follow cultural ettiquete to the norm" has its ups and downs. Clean streets, no robbery are just a few things that pop up in my mind when thinking about positives. Unfortunately, I observed that Japanese people tend to lack the ability to speak their mind, express their emotions openly and honestly and stand up for themselves. From my personal experience, that's an unpleasent place to be in. Also, recently, I met an Asian woman who, for the first time in her life, could express herself freely during a meditation workshop. Therefore, i recommend being less polite to others and more polite to yourself. Listen less what cultural norms say, question them, and listen more what your own personal needs are. That's what I recommend based on my own's life journey.
Thank you for all of your amazing videos!
Many opportunities for naughty behavior appear.
"Do not stab your food."
Me: But what if it's moving?
As always, that was great. A lot of little lessons. Delicious looking food.
Where I'm from, the noodles we use in soup tend to be shorter, probably because that way there's no slurping.
I really enjoyed watching this video!! Thanks!!! 😁😁😁
this is very helpful, however now im only thinking about the times i've been at a Japanese restaurant and might have done something impolite .-. since forever i've heard that it's disrespectful to the chef to NOT slurp ramen noodles or finish the soup, i can only hope that the chefs in america can forgive me for not slurping lol, i just can't..i'm very sensitive about table manner's and eating noises
Loving that this is two people from famously polite cultures discussing table etiquette.
So like...what if i just... *pull out my own fork-*
Thanks for the vid. It’s really gonna come in handy when I go to Japan next year. ありがとございます！
"hello world" as a coder that kinda made me giggle a little
omg same!!!!! i kinda got a cringe :D
I really enjoyed the addition of the drawings done by your wife and daughter. cute personal touch :)
I swear the first time she picked up the notes I started laughing, looked like something out of "the office"
Thank you thank you very very much for this video. I travel from time to time to Japan and learned a lot about ordering and eating through this video. Thanks!
i thought at first his wife finally make an appearance...
Sensei has been on many times before.
I think the wife was in the ramen restaurant skit episode, very funny!
@@hitachicordoba Don't forget her appearance as a ninja in the convenience store skit!
I thought so too and was so happy for a second. Sighs
Thank you very much for this! I have a few major allergies to peanut, tree nuts, seafood/shellfish/fish, and sesame. I have been told it would be easier to look for Buddhist (vegetarian) meals as they are primarily steamed vegetables. I would like to try other foods in Japan. Thank you very much again for the allergy phrasing. Very helpful!
Nighttime snack for adults: Contains "catnip"
Thank you! This was the most useful and comprehensive video on eating and ordering etiquette in Japan.