I like the format of walking and talking. I feel like I just got a nice lecture on Japanese culture. Thumbs up.
@Exjapter
16 күн бұрын
Thank you for commenting!
@johnlomax2502
6 күн бұрын
It really sounds as if Japanese people in general, have some serious self esteem issues.
@davidgaal5886
15 күн бұрын
Generally agree with your viewpoint and also would say that yes, Japan is very unique and special. However, when talking to a Japanese person about this topic I also make it clear that all countries and cultures are unique and special, so Japan in this sense is the same as everywhere else. Once heard that one sign of maturity is to show interest in the other person and ask questions and learn about their background, experiences and viewpoint.... after over 30 years here,I rarely find a person like this in Japan as they seem more determined to talk about Japan than have curiosity beyond their personal borders.
@lilyghassemzadeh
15 күн бұрын
I couldn't agree more. I don't really see anything special about the Japanese history and culture. Greece and Italy should be the proudest for their long, rich history and how they have influenced the whole world for cunturies, even millenia. Japan is put on a pedestal after the WWII because it's a close ally of America. Practically a colony.
@paulwally9007
15 күн бұрын
This is exactly the case in China now.
@Exjapter
15 күн бұрын
Maybe not MORE special, but indeed special.
@thadtuiol1717
15 күн бұрын
@@Exjapter If everywhere is special, nowher is special. Or are you saying some countrries/cultures are more special than others?
@Exjapter
15 күн бұрын
@thadtuiol1717 it' not a zero sum game. Perhaps unique is a better word?
@billyy777
15 күн бұрын
I moved here 4 months ago, for me the best thing here is the customer service. the biggest challenge is the language.
@Exjapter
15 күн бұрын
The language will come - the customer service will become completely normal in that you won't notice it any more, until you go back to your original country!
@GK-up6xz
16 күн бұрын
Japanese 'exceptionalism' and the foreigner aspect to propagating this idea is a really interesting topic. When I was living in Fukuoka I was taken to see a 30 storey building and was expected to marvel at it. Coming from a city with a skyline filled with buildings 2 to 3 times taller I have to say, I had to fake it 😂
@Exjapter
16 күн бұрын
LOL. "Look, we arent bumpkins. Tokyo has nothing on us!"
@thadtuiol1717
15 күн бұрын
Lame inferiority complex
@martian-sunset
16 күн бұрын
I have no illusions of being treated as anything but a foreigner in Japan only because [wait for it]....I'm a foreigner! I have no problem with that and actually enjoy being foreigner here. I know some people leave because they feel they didn't or couldn't "fit in". Culturally, socially, economically Japan has it's pluses and minuses and I appreciate both. I will say, personally, I have an overall greater sense of relief living here rather than back in the U.S.
@Exjapter
16 күн бұрын
Yeah, if standing out bothers someone, Japan probably isnt the greatest place to be.
@Shakyaman
15 күн бұрын
When ever I contemplate fitting in over here, I think N.Korea, then everything starts to make sense...ha
@shakenbacon-vm4eu
8 күн бұрын
@@ExjapterI’m Asian and I’ve lived in the US since I was 4 (I’m now 37). I’m still treated as a foreigner. I think the people who have a problem with the foreigner label in Japan are white westerners who were not only the racial ethnic majority of their country, but also the most powerful demographic in the world. The ‘normal person’ almost. I can understand how if you’ve always been on top your whole life and you never even knew it, then being not on top would bother you.
@Exjapter
8 күн бұрын
@@shakenbacon-vm4eu are you saying that being discrimnated against in the US doesnt ever bother you?
@shakenbacon-vm4eu
8 күн бұрын
@@Exjapteroh it does bother me. And it’s 100x more severe than anything in Japan. Which is why I want to move for a better life in Japan. Not a perfect life. Immigrants never move for a perfect life. They move for a better life. Now as a white westerner going to Japan? I think Japan is a step DOWN. An Asian American who has experienced US racism who goes to Japan? Japan is a step UP. A white American who has only known acceptance will be bothered by Japan. An Asian American who has for the first time felt accepted in Japan (me) will love Japan. It’s all relative. And I actually feel bad for white westerners who have lived their whole life at the top of the food chain, cuz they might not be able to fully enjoy Japan. Cuz relatively, it’s a step down:
@gameboi360
16 күн бұрын
So Vegeta from Dragonball Z encapsulates the general Japanese mindset 😅 Pride vs Inferiority. From an Australian perspective, Japan seems like one large magical theme park! You can't take 10 steps in any direction without seeing something amazing! And I mean that in the most respectful way possible.
@Exjapter
15 күн бұрын
Japan is indeed amazing, which is why I tried to emphasize that there is a reason for Japanese to be proud!
@Larindarr
16 күн бұрын
excellent points. I will add something. I think broadcasting the news on how great japan is asking foreigners is actually not so bad. If you compare it with how toxic divided and conflicted America is at the moment, where people do not feel proud and are literally throwing the baby with the bath water, we could learn form Japan in that sense. Because where attention goes energy flows, what you practice and choose to feed grows. This is no different than Manga and anime reinforcing Japanese cultural and societal values as well as critiquing what needs to be critiqued.
@Exjapter
16 күн бұрын
That's a really good point, and well articulated. I hadn't thought of it that way, thank you.
@thadtuiol1717
15 күн бұрын
There's no way Western countries could get away with what Japan does. If they tried to do it, immediately the 'waycist' card would be played, and being called 'waycist' is like kryptonite for your average huwhite normie.
@Hay8137g
10 күн бұрын
@@Larindarr the Japanese are special yes they grin and bear the heat, natural disasters, cute baby talk and long work hrs and collective society which amounts to stability. Japan itself is a special place of antiquity and modernity, backwards mentality and progressive thoughts sitting on a ring of fire ready to explode at any given moment.
@tocreatee3585
8 күн бұрын
these shows are called ホルホル番組. its a phenomenon from the fact japan losing its influence and stance in the world. many japanese are losing confidence. if you watch international news these days, japan the one always doing some wrong. japan is not doing enough to defending themselves, japan eating too much fish, japanese nationalism on the rise, japanese is rearming and the militarism on back etc... i don't know how japan is not spending enough to defence at same time spending too much on defence.
@Exjapter
8 күн бұрын
@@tocreatee3585 Where are you located that there is this much negative international news? I wasn't aware that this was happening! With the hordes of tourists and anime being so crazy popular, I thought Japan sentiments must be at an all time high right now.
@athrack
15 күн бұрын
I'm from Norway, and I can absolutely relate to the way the japanese media works. Our media can fall into the same trap. We seem obsessed with the opinions of foreigners on Norway. If it's some celebrity it's cranked up to 11. With us it's absolutely about an inferiority complex.
@Exjapter
15 күн бұрын
What do you think this stems from in Norwegian society?
@athrack
15 күн бұрын
We're a small country with a small population, but we're raised to believe that Norway is the best country in the world and that we're wealthy and influential. But after a while we realize that nobody really cares what Norwegians think or knows much about us at all. A lot of people don't handle that too well.
@thadtuiol1717
15 күн бұрын
@@athrack Lol, thank you for your honesty!
@flynomadic999
16 күн бұрын
Early on (after three or five years) when I began to have a reasonable grasp of the culture, suddenly it was an entirely different type of Japanese person who was interested in being in my orbit. Initially people seemed to enjoy the intrigue/novelty/transgression of spending time with a foreigner and relish the opportunity to translate the culture for me as they wanted me to perceive it. The narrative was not always congruent and differed quite a bit from person to person depending on which part of the country they were from their generation, socio economic status.. Equal parts, endearing, amusing, and annoying. There was definitely an imbalanced power dynamic going on there. After many years, my current relationships with Japanese are definitely more based on genuine human appreciation with little or none of the lay-ambassador role-play. I’ve noticed some Japanese are very intimidated by foreigners who are comfortable in their own skin and successfully navigating life here longterm. Which is kind of a shame. But ultimately, we should be grateful for having been adopted as “pet gaijin” in the early years. Annoying at times, but it came with a lot of sweet interactions, valuable information and (a few) longterm connections.
@Exjapter
16 күн бұрын
Yes, you describe the "pet gaijin" phenomena very well. Endearing, amusing, annoying and with some positive outcomes/memories is spot on, at least in my experience.
@GOATPoets
15 күн бұрын
As always - keen, no-nonsense insights about the reality of life here. Thank you for uploading
@Exjapter
15 күн бұрын
Thank you for commenting!
@Rorufuchan
13 күн бұрын
I have been living in a city in the south of Japan for over 10 years and have been married to a Japanese woman for a long time. There are practically no foreigners living in the city, so you get noticed very quickly. I have realized that it is much better to avoid talking about Japan with Japanese people. I ignore all questions about Japan by turning the conversation to other things. People's initial interest in me usually fades very quickly.
@Exjapter
11 күн бұрын
Thank you for the comment, it reminds me of my first 4 years in Japan when I lived in an area with few foreigners (which is now overrun with tourists, so it has completely changed). Back then I didn't know any better and played along with needing to be taught about Japan.
@chrislyon9885
10 күн бұрын
That’s sad in a way. It sort of reflects how insular Japanese people can be. They aren’t particularly interested about outside cultures and ways of thinking. I’m generalising of course but I’ve noticed it myself.
@Rorufuchan
10 күн бұрын
@@chrislyon9885 I agree with you. They just love to hear positive things about their country and traditions. Well, sometimes there are not only positive things to say. I get along best with Japanese people who have lived abroad for a long time and have shed their Japanese view of things. Even if they still fall back into tatemae mode from time to time, these are people who meet me at eye level.
@flookaraz
16 күн бұрын
Really love these videos, the environments you walk in help keep the attention and your voice is very clear. On the topic, I think this is an element that some people may find this pride to speak to "fresh" foreigners as sort of 'selfish' hospitality. They're not asking questions or showing you around because they deeply care, they really enjoy that affirmation for themselves and their national identity. It's sort of like when someone's new to your city and you're like "you HAVE to go to xyz restaurant and see abc monument!" - because you like those things and it would make you feel better if more people liked those things. About suggesting topics, could you talk about safety? I live in Canada and apparently Toronto is in the top 10 on a lot of lists which, as someone who lives here, baffles me. So I wonder just *how* safe is a place like Tokyo or even somewhat smaller cities like Kobe or Kagoshima? And what makes them safe? What elements do you as a resident factor into safety?
@Exjapter
16 күн бұрын
Your points about affirmation are pretty spot on, I agree that sharing things is a way of trying to validate your own preferences. Safety video? Sure, I can start brainstorming that topic.
@Shakyaman
15 күн бұрын
Safety: s a f e t y... safety factor in??? I don't understand yer meaning. Safety in that you got not one thing to worry about...not even a car honk! (though a drunken man might just chuck his beer can in yer direction...)
@italov7816
13 күн бұрын
Never been to China or Japan and my experiences with people from those places come mostly from immigrants or online and I can't put into words how shocked I am that you were able to describe some subtle perceptions I've had but never could elaborate them myself. The nationalism, the sense of pride and need for affirmation are things I've experience all my life being from a country with so many Japanese immigrants. And while I always noticed it as something "weird", you made the machinations behind it much clearer. Really good video, thank you.
@Exjapter
11 күн бұрын
I am from the US, and the US can be a very nationalist country, but it manifests in different ways. For example, you almost never see the Japanese flag except on specific occasions and on certain government buildings, but in the US you see flags everywhere.
@Hay8137g
10 күн бұрын
@@Exjapter I mean it’s literally a 🔴 bullseye. Who would?
@WorldsEliteDeatHaze
16 күн бұрын
Hi Paul great video as always, I was reading the other users comment about the last 10 seconds of the video and almost missed it! Got me thinking... your videos are very well spoken and longer format, perhaps it could benefit from adding some interesting and funny clips at the start of the video and throughout during transitions (not too many, but just a few to break things up, ie drinking water at konbini etc.) cheers!
@Exjapter
16 күн бұрын
Tell more of a story with my videos and break it up might not be a bad idea. I actually did more of that back in my very first videos, but have gotten lazy I guess since that means extra filming and editing - but all the super popular channels seem to do that so I will make more effort, lol. Thank you!
@scruffy2629
16 күн бұрын
Nice, just waiting for my sat morning education ,and it popped up! , hope the typhoon doesn't hammer Yokohama to much, stay safe! :)
@akina1053
15 күн бұрын
1:09. 8:16 Ohh I agree so much! Here's my take from another new perspective. When you ask an introduction from another Japanese person, usually Japanese people will definitely say like "私は日本人です。" But I noticed in Europe (living here), they don't really say their nationality... Like who cares if I'm from this country. It's a very interesting observation. Side note: I also used to say I'm Japanese when I'm introducing myself before because I thought it's important (proud of it too). But I stopped because the other person doesn't say where they're from (even though they're also proud of their nationality). So i thought it's irrelevant.😊
@Exjapter
15 күн бұрын
This is related to something I will talk about in Part 2. Stay tuned!
@akina1053
14 күн бұрын
@@Exjapter 楽しみにしています!
@xXxUrbanNinjaxXx
12 күн бұрын
Thank for this. As someone who lives here for 4 years , it’s refreshing to get some insights on some contradictions I’ve noticed. Do you have social media? I’d love to chat.
@Exjapter
11 күн бұрын
my IG is the same as this channel name
@evergreen2051
14 күн бұрын
Been here too long. Nothing phases me anymore.
@Hay8137g
10 күн бұрын
@@evergreen2051 whatever happened to bow 🦵 legged, fang tooth, armpit Sushi and bagel heads trends?
@metricstormtrooper
8 күн бұрын
New subscriber today, you've done a great job of explaining the subject in this video, i look forward to many more.
@Exjapter
8 күн бұрын
Thank you for the comment! I do a new video every week, but have a number of old vids I hope you will check out. Cheers!
@HaiTomVlog
15 күн бұрын
I recall hearing or reading a discussion where someone says that a foreigner will never be accepted in Japan, and the other person asked: “why would I want to?” At first I thought it was dumb because if you live in Japan, isn’t it good to be a part of the society? I’m going on my third year here now (plus two years back in the ‘80s), and I think I’m starting to see the other side a bit more now. Not in a negative way, just that it’s made my life easier not worrying about fitting in so much. What do you think about the idea, Paul?
@Exjapter
15 күн бұрын
I think everyone is going to have a slightly different feeling on this issue. For me, I fit in in a number of places and am just accepted. And I also just accept that everywhere else I am going to stand out and I don't let that bother me.
@HaiTomVlog
15 күн бұрын
@@Exjapter I think it’s a good attitude to have 🤙🏼
@letsreaditogether
15 күн бұрын
I've noticed that a part of Japanese society is about status. Who is in authority and you is subordinate, whereas in Australia, we see everyone as equal. The issue of not bothering anyone can be a negative thing. One time while changing trains, a woman getting off the train got the pram wheels jammed between the platform and the train. It was only me who dropped all my bags and umbrella to try to help her and her toddler by trying to free the pram, and at one point I was about to grab the toddler as I thought the train was going to take off. Fortunately I managed to free the pram in time and we both exchanged glances of relief but I noticed that no one came to help, but just watched me struggling with it. I think the education system of not questioning authority reduces Japanese people to have confidence in their own judgment and decisions. Hence they tend to do nothing. But I am a 'hafu" born in Australia but still need to come to Japan on a regular basis as it is my home too. So I am too Japanese to be an Australian and too Australian to be Japanese. The curse of many 'halfu" .
@Exjapter
15 күн бұрын
I have heard a number of anecdotes like yours, and other halfu with the same feelings. I think one of my video ideas I should do sooner rather than later is about the education system. Thanks for the comment!
@jamkp1685
13 күн бұрын
I think your perspective might be a bit biased. When Japanese people ask a lot of questions to foreigners who have just arrived or want to take them to various places, it comes from kindness and empathy. And this kind of behavior frequently happens even among Japanese people. As for Japanese media interviews with foreign tourists, while there may be some viewers who watch them to compensate for personal inferiority complexes rather than because they are Japanese, I believe most people watch them with a pure desire to see the visitors enjoy themselves since they've come all the way to Japan. Japanese people tend to prefer seeing others smile, as many have a high capacity for empathy, for better or worse. On the other hand, even if someone has a good character, people with a gloomy expression are often avoided. I speculate that this might be because, in Japan's Collaborative or Harmonious Society, those with higher empathy tend to adapt better to the culture and are more favored by the opposite sex, leading to the proliferation of such individuals over generations.
@Cunningstunts23
16 күн бұрын
Sweet, time to make some tea and enjoy this video 🙌🙏
@Exjapter
16 күн бұрын
Thanks!
@Jp-dn5xd
16 күн бұрын
I kind of got tire to see TV programs in Japan which show expressing "Japanese Pride" to foreigners who visit Japan. I'd like to know how such the thing come from. By the way I love to see the last 10 seconds of this video.
@Exjapter
16 күн бұрын
My bloopers? I don't usually include them and I am happy you made it that far! lol
@EvgenyUskov
16 күн бұрын
the biggest question might be in the very definition of a "foreigner", and consequently of a "japanese" although that would greatly complicate my ability to go to and be in the country of my origin, sometimes i have this devious idea of actually getting naturalized, and then pulling a japanese passport at every instance of being referred to as a ”外国人”
@Exjapter
16 күн бұрын
Actually I plan to talk about the "gaikokujin" concept in part 2 of this question, and what you say is very much related to what I am going to talk about.
@Its_just_me_again
15 күн бұрын
hmmm interesting handle on your observations. id never really thought about some of the things you mentioned but upon reflection some do ring true. on a totally different topic, i remember reading The Chrysanthemum and the Sword and learning about "on". shortly thereafter, a japanese teacher i had met once, reached out to me while he was on a school trip in sydney. i said we should catch up and he was delighted as he had mostly been hanging around his hotel. He said his principal, colleague and agency rep would like to come too. I arranged a harbour cruise with meals and alcohol - approx USD$500. they absolutely loved it and said it was the highlight of their trip. that was 5 years ago and i have never heard from them again :P perhaps the overbearing sense of burden is lightened with foreigners?
@Exjapter
15 күн бұрын
That's too bad you never heard from them again. I don't know what happened there, but to be honest that sounds unusual. That sort of enjoyment and treatment usually results in a long term respect and correspondance. Just my 2 cents.
@Its_just_me_again
15 күн бұрын
@@Exjapter hmmm yea i thought it was a lil unusual. thx for taking the time to respond - i enjoy ur content.
@TheMarnya
6 күн бұрын
NHK stopped me at Nagoya castle and asked me (on camera) what I like about Japan. Had no idea it was a thing. Too funny.
@fineartist7710
9 күн бұрын
I have visited Japan various times in the last twenty five years and have stayed a month or two on those visits. I first will say that all cultures in our world are unique, but some cultures are "special" to different people. I have lived in Paris, France and enjoyed living there in the 1980s and learned the language. I have visited many countries in the world and have found French and Japanese culture special to me and that is why I have lived and visited them often. Concerning the Japanese they are respectful people because they are prudent people and it takes time to get to know them. This is partly true of the French, although French culture has been changing demographically in the last 40 years while Japanese culture has remained homogeneous. The reasons I like Japan are more cultural because I am a professional artist and instructor. I write haiku, practice Ikebana and do ink brush painting with sumi. I also am a student of Zen Buddhism. So, these cultural and spiritual practices are of interest to me as well as they are special to me. I have had Japanese born and raised girl friends over the years in New York City and must say that like all women, they are a sweet mystery to understand but charming when they are in good spirits...Enjoyed the walk and listening to your commentary. Walking those streets brought back many fond memories of Japan. Keep up the great work. An idea for a topic to make a video would be the socio-economic reasons for the rapidly falling birthrate in Japan and the resulting "ghost towns".
@Exjapter
9 күн бұрын
Thank you for the detailed comment, I really enjoy reading about how others experience Japan. It's interesting you have so many artistic connections to Japan - what started that interest for you? Outside of ukiyoe, I don't have a lot of knowledge about Japanese art except for appreciating it aesthetically and trying to follow the practice of seasonal decoration in my home. I own a number of paintings for this reason, but could tell you very little about them!
@CT-qk4nr
9 күн бұрын
I agree with so much of u mentioned. I’m probably about ur age and have been living here over 2 decades. Agreed when ur young the first couple of years are amazing…. Then on the other hand get married… have children. learn the language and integrate and that’s actually when the fun stops…. It doesn’t matter how integrated you are most Japanese will never see you as an equal. I like the comment you made about tourists just thinking how kind and polite the Japanese people are…… here a couple of weeks and their experts. Being a PR and being a tourist are polar worlds apart. But I’m still here because I love Japan.
@Exjapter
9 күн бұрын
Yes - if you only enjoyed the tourist feeling but can't adjust to the mundane every day Japan, it would be hard to live here. But like you, I love the place and still have so much more I want to explore and learn.
@markosborne5100
12 күн бұрын
nihonjin aikawarazu ne. those uni subjects sound interesting - nice work.
@gregoryowain2073
10 күн бұрын
As a British person I am very used to an undercurrent of condensation 😁 On a more serious note, how often do you meet Japanese people who have a real interest in foreign countries and cultures beyond the superficial? Reading some of the comments below it seems that for the most part they have little enthusiasm but if you look back in history there were times like the early Meji era when Japan was desperate to learn as much as possible from the West. I get that sense that without external pressure Japan slips back into easy contentment. I'll be living in Japan for a year from later this month so it will be interesting to get an on-the-ground view.
@Exjapter
9 күн бұрын
There are quite a few Japanese I have met over the years who are incredibly well travelled, or are planning to travel the world and are just getting started, and who have genuine interests in experiencing the world. I even uni students who are more well travelled than I am! I think the comments are the way they are because they resonate with a lot of people due to similar experiences, but it is at the end of the day, a generalization.
@sdsddai
13 күн бұрын
As a Japanese person, I watched the video with interest. Thank you for the wonderful insights. First of all, from the perspective of a Japanese person, it's true that Japanese people are often filled with a sense of inferiority. There is a constant internal struggle between two aspects: the excessive inferiority complex that makes us believe that no one in the world knows or cares about Japan, and the pride in being an advanced nation that is noticed by the world. For example, when I was younger, watching anime itself was almost treated like a crime. However, after it was reported that Japanese anime had become popular overseas, its status dramatically improved, and now the government shamelessly proclaims "Anime Country, Cool Japan." …To Japanese people, Japan is synonymous with themselves. I don't know how people from other countries feel, but for Japanese people, the boundary between the group they belong to and themselves is very ambiguous. They feel that their family, alma mater, company name, and such are all extensions of themselves. Therefore, people outside the group they belong to become "guests." On the other hand, when the environment changes, they themselves become the guests. I suspect that when foreigners say they can't adapt to Japan, it's because they struggle to grasp this concept of "having no boundary between the group you belong to and yourself." This is also prominently reflected in the language, particularly in the use of humble language謙譲語. Humble language is used not only for oneself but also for the people in one's company or family. The entities to which one belongs are always considered lower than the other party. In other words, when someone asks, "How is Japan?" it is, for a Japanese person, like asking, "Is Japan (i.e., Japanese people = me) cool? From the perspective of the outside world, is the group I belong to not strange? Is it respected?" It's a way of confirming these things.
@yokkabai
11 күн бұрын
Regarding your point about “having no boundary between the group and yourself”, I theorize that this may be also related to why it is difficult to create and maintain deep friendships between foreigners and Japanese people in general. On the surface every Japanese person I have met is kind and welcoming. This is truly incredible and a hallmark of Japan and Japanese society. However, on the flip side, if everyone is essentially an “ambassador for their group” then there is a level of intimacy in relationships that can never be obtained. From the perspective of a foreigner visiting Japan, this behavior ensures an excellent experience in the short term. However if that same foreigner decides to live in Japan long term, there is the risk of never being able to develop truly deep friendships. (I must add lack of intimacy also protects one from negative experiences so you could say it is a fair trade-off.) Emotional support is important, so I think it critical that foreigners build their own group by creating a family in Japan or bringing their family to Japan. This will ensure they always have an emotional framework to support them while Japan consistently sees them as the “foreigner”. If however the trend continues of more immigration and declining Japanese population, I believe there will be a breaking point where Japanese people will have to consider immigrants as part of their group - or at least an extension of it. In that case, I hope it opens the door for more deep relationships between each other.
@Exjapter
11 күн бұрын
Yes, I was just having this conversation about how Japanese see themselves as an extension of a group, rather than as an individual in the way Americans do. Thank you very much for your comment, I find the idea very interesting and admit I still don't completely understand it even after living here for so long.
@Exjapter
11 күн бұрын
Very interesting comment. I would add that this same thing happens between Japanese themselves. I see again and again with my students and Japanese acquaintances that their strongest friendships tend to be very early bonds from Jr High and High school. And those friend groups (usually) DONT mix. Once these groups are formed, an outsider is rarely invited in. So as a foreigner, you end up being friends with unusual Japanese people, or you become part of a group that is either just starting or by it's nature welcomes new people (like taking lessons in something, for example).
@yokkabai
10 күн бұрын
@@Exjapter This is true! The one semblance of a Japanese same gender (male) friend I have is a unique person (for lack of a more precise word) also those people that I met in a swimming class. Also my wife has clear groups that don’t mix. There is almost an elegance and precision (安心感?) to how you are either in the group or not. Much like the clean streets, the punctual trains, the consistent customer service, etc. groups are just as much clearly defined and exist purposefully.
@maccody8022
16 күн бұрын
Another interesting video! I wonder whether the collectivist nature of Japanese society is a driving factor in the layered pride/inferiority attitude? On one hand, the individual wants to do their part in making Japan perceived as successful and positive - the 'pride' aspect. On the other hand, the individual also seeks affirmation that those efforts are successful - the 'inferiority' aspect. Maybe the long-term foreign resident doesn't receive the same level of 'attention' as a new-comer/visitor is because it is perceived by the Japanese that the 'PR campaign' has already been won?
@Exjapter
16 күн бұрын
Interesting point. I agree that it makes sense that both things are layered in the way Japan's cultural psyche works. I will have to give it more thought.
@AlisaFrelia
15 күн бұрын
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experience
@Exjapter
15 күн бұрын
Thank you for the comment!
@leooh3966
13 күн бұрын
I think it's a good analysis. Where the inferiority complex is coming from is probably the recent depreciation of the yen and the resulting drop in gdp. Even though it was once said that we would overtake the US, we were forced to sign the Plaza Accord because we are a vassal state. That was frustrating. In case you are wondering, the video praising Japan became a hot topic in Japan. The discussion has come to the same conclusion as your idea.
@Exjapter
11 күн бұрын
Yes, I understand there are foreign youtubers who are successful because they make videos for Japanese and it's all about how wonderful Japan is.
@murrayobrien9192
11 күн бұрын
I would concur with everything you said, as someone who spent 3 years in Japan form 1988 then spent 6 years in the Japanese tourism industry in Australia and have been back many times since, being married to a Japanese. I used to explain that men in particular, have a superiority/inferiority complex, more so than women.
@infopubs
14 күн бұрын
I like the blooper reel!
@BobtheMoneythedbr
9 күн бұрын
Can you talk about small inaka towns being strong armed by big Japanese companies? What’s the dynamic between these small depopulating towns and the rest of Japan ?
@Exjapter
9 күн бұрын
I could do a topic like that, especially as it pertains to the small town where I used to live. That said, I will need to do some research since I have a suspicion my old hometown is in a somewhat different position that is usual, so I will need to learn more for a comparison. Thanks for the suggestion!
@Jake-sb9bs
14 күн бұрын
Thank you for sharing your perspective with us. I'm considering moving to Japan, though I am a bit concerned about the threat of Earthquakes. I figure there are ways to make a house more stable, and also learning the language before arriving will help in emergency situations. Is there anything more we should consider before making a move to Japan for earthquake safety, etc.? Thank you
@Exjapter
11 күн бұрын
I have some emergency preparation videos, so I suggest going through my older content. Thanks for the comment!
@jm7578
11 күн бұрын
I only visited Japan on overnight stays. I can’t speak much Japanese. I do speak Chinese and I have lived in both Taiwan and Mainland China, if you speak Chinese they’ll like you better. The Japanese may feel the same about foreigners who speak their language….
@Exjapter
10 күн бұрын
What's funny though is the first reaction you'll get. In Japan, even if your Japanese is bad, they'll say "Your Japanese is so good!". In China, even if your Chinese is pretty good, you will still hear "Your Chinese is wrong, you should say ___________." :D
@CaimAstraea
16 күн бұрын
I feel they're very similar to Romanians in this sense.
@Exjapter
16 күн бұрын
Interesting. Never been to Romania, so I cant comment. Any other similarities?
@hangil94
14 күн бұрын
You are soooo right
@jeff__w
15 күн бұрын
The news stories asking “What do you think about Japan?” etc.: I’m not so sure I’d interpret that _necessarily_ as an indication of an _inferiority complex._ It could be that the underlying motivation is more like seeking affirmation of the specialness or uniqueness or the superiority of Japan-in other words, confirming a _superiority complex._ But, actually, I really think it’s really more of a meta-awareness kind of thing, i.e., “What do you think is positive about Japan that _we_ might not even _think_ about?” For example, one fairly popular Japanese YTer who interacts with his viewers _a lot,_ had been hearing very often that “Japan is _so_ clean!,” something he didn’t fully understand (or appreciate) until he visited the US this past July, saw LAX (rather a mess), and thought to himself, “Wow, Japan really _is_ clean.” (Another example: I’ve heard Koreans say that people in the US don’t seem to place them “in a box” in terms of status, higher or lower-Korea being _very_ hierarchical, maybe even more so than Japan-and that is very “freeing” for them, something that I think would not even occur to people in the US.) I think people really like to hear that sort of thing-it’s just interesting and illuminates something that they might not even be aware of.
@Exjapter
15 күн бұрын
Good points. The things we take for granted can become special or at least interesting once we have experienced the differences somewhere else, and finding that out is a good education in itself. Thanks for the comment!
@stoneyim9751
13 күн бұрын
Japanese care about what you think of there country because they have no confidence in there own country .
@Exjapter
11 күн бұрын
Sometimes true I suspect.
@MrTheWaterbear
15 күн бұрын
Man… I really love Japan, but it’s also a world of contrasts. Promoting the cultivation of goodwill towards Japan as much at home as abroad… is a huge red flag for me. As a person from a country that has hardcore small-country syndrome who grew up internationally, I can be personally proud of what my country has done to build a great society; but at the same time I don’t care at all what anyone thinks about Denmark. To go straight to my biggest contention with Japan, I don’t think you can be proud of your history if you don’t learn about the darkest parts. Personally, I with we would address the Danish colonial rule in Greenland more in schools. That have truly been our darkest moments. Let us reckon with them. Of course there will always be some dipshit Conservative party who believes that nationalism demands disregarding a sordid period of one’s history, despite being past it, and attempt to shoot down honest teaching about it on schools. But at least in Denmark we don’t elected those parties to a majority in the government.
@Exjapter
15 күн бұрын
I do think there is some misplace pride by some, due to lack of acknowledgment of the darker parts of the past. Like the museum curator in my Angels and Oddballs video...
@MrTheWaterbear
15 күн бұрын
@@Exjapter Oh, haven't seen that episode yet :) It came out when I was away on vacation (during which time I take breaks from the internet)
@eisu9202
11 күн бұрын
Japan, my country, is an incompletely and strangely colonized East Asian country. Nothing less, nothing more. This explains almost EVERYTHING either in good terms or bad terms. We’ve been colonized 3 times from ancient times: ancient China, the Western countries in an era of imperialism, and the post-ww2 US . Their influences easily traumatized the people. Our history can be described as a that of endless endeavors of reconciliation and failures of it😂
@Exjapter
10 күн бұрын
Colonized by new ideas, certainly. Although, I feel it was forced during Meiji and post WW2, but the ideas from ancient China were sought by Japan, rather than forced.
@eisu9202
10 күн бұрын
@@Exjapter I may be taking the definition of colonization too broadly. Still, I believe that the cultural influence of ancient China was not something that Japan actively sought, but something that was forced upon it.
@snowcountry322
7 күн бұрын
Colonized by the ancient China? Oh..c'mon, "influenced" by the Chinese culture and philosophy.
@eisu9202
7 күн бұрын
@@snowcountry322 use that word if you like.
@tatsumasa6332
16 күн бұрын
The topic tells me you have become one of us already.
@Exjapter
16 күн бұрын
Interesting...can you explain more?
@tatsumasa6332
16 күн бұрын
@@Exjapter talking about what others think of you.
Japan isn't inferior at all, but sometimes acts like it believes it is.
@inemuri203
15 күн бұрын
Thank you for this video! The pride and inferiority narratives were spot on - indeed, they are combined in the Japanese society and it is intriguing how they are expressed in everyday communication with foreigners. The next level of this talk should be perhaps the average capability of Japanese to discuss these topics. Namely the capability of Japanese to analyze their society and accept criticism (which doesn't mean negativity!). It tends to happen in the same way - once you have lost your naive face of a newcomer and really want to delve in the society issues of Japan - not very many Japanese people are willing to join you. Maybe because, again, you are not supposed to have your distinct opinion or you are not supposed to cause 迷惑 when you want to discuss something deep.
@Exjapter
15 күн бұрын
I don't know about older Japanese, but many young Japanese haven't deeply thought about their cultural and societal norms. It's not their fault, but I hope that uni courses like mine can continue to have a positive critical thinking effect on the next generations.
@ianpullman203
15 күн бұрын
Unrelated..I like that shirt!
@Exjapter
15 күн бұрын
Thanks!
@mehedyhasantanim
16 күн бұрын
English is a global language. Hence, it is taught all over the world. If Japan teaches English in universities, why do you think Japanese people learn English to show their pride.
@Exjapter
15 күн бұрын
It's a good question - there are many reasons, but the one I hear most from students is "to communicate with foreigners". One reason, is to shear their pride in their nation.
@yuiao4048
13 күн бұрын
This comment might be off the topic. You are working at educational field in Japan right. I personally think that education in Japan is kind of late. Students study because they've been told to. Students study so they can pass exams right. And sometimes some people are still ignorance even though they are graduates from well known University of Japan. See my English is not good. That's why I left a comment in Japanese at your previous video. I'm bit drunk now ,too. So forgive me.
@Exjapter
11 күн бұрын
Your English is fine. I plan to do a video about education soon, with some guests.
@yuiao4048
10 күн бұрын
@@Exjapter That's cool. I look forward to it.
@naturalspringwater.
16 күн бұрын
As a Japanese, I totally agree with you. If I can add something, it might be about an appearance. We Japanese have been wanting to become Westerners, especially white person, who has beautiful blue eyes, blonde hair, longer arms/legs and attractive body shape(feminine or muscular). In other words, we tend to have a strong inferiority for those aspects, which probably causes the fact that most of us really like to watch the interviews where the beautiful Westerners are making a compliment to Japan/Japanese.
@Exjapter
16 күн бұрын
I have always found that interesting, because I feel like that feeling is not necessary. Many Westerners view Japanese as being very beautiful and elegant, and are envious of the culture. I still think Japanese children are the cutest, which my wife has always thought is a crazy opinion. Its all part of being attracted to differences, I guess.
@Shakyaman
15 күн бұрын
If you teach kindergarten,etc. long enough, two things will happen to you: be enraged by the bastard boys and charmed by the remaining angels (this is how it feels to be eighty!)
@Exjapter
15 күн бұрын
@@Shakyaman I taught at a juku for 6 months and had elementary school age classes. There were indeed a few nightmare students. 😅😅😅
Sounds like imperialism, Even I came here because I fell for the 建前 (tatemae) 😅
@tocreatee3585
8 күн бұрын
Top 10 Most Patriotic Countries (YouGov): Percentage of respondents who believed their country was the best in the world. United States 41% India 36% Australia 34% Thailand 25% Saudi Arabia 25% Philippines 15% Indonesia 14% United Kingdom 13% Denmark 13% Malaysia 11% japan 0%🤣 no this is real.
@Exjapter
8 күн бұрын
It's just Japanese being humble, lol.
@Shakyaman
15 күн бұрын
I can't hear what exactly is being spoken...but I do recall back in college, my teacher of philosophy 101 asked us: how many people do you actually know or have met? So, grain of salt, folks... unless I say something like: every time someone spots me driving my car they ... Or every time I cross a lady at the store entrance, her expression is....or often I have observed this same bleedin' reaction to my presence..I hate to draw conclusions that are judgemental
@Exjapter
15 күн бұрын
I think many times we are inclined to read things that aren't there - the truth is most Japanese don't think about foreigners period, positively or negatively.
@Shakyaman
11 күн бұрын
I don't think Asians from Thailand or Vietnam for example are any different than the Japanese when talking about pride of national identity, etc .
@Shakyaman
11 күн бұрын
@@Exjapteryou might agree, but have to say i think the JET scheme is a joke. I mean to hand over a salary of five thousand US dollars to some pretty foreigner to mostly sit at a desk or stand and smile at the blackboard would be seen as treasonous!! Because 30man yen a month,to the average J. person basically is that much money...over 35 years now for the programme...a huge waste of money!
@Shakyaman
11 күн бұрын
@@Exjapteri did listen and i appreciate what you mean, but you know, we are all just projecting in a way....my point in my post above was that being seen around town can become oppressive...the equivalent back state side is a real authentic Martian walking into the mall ( pick yer favourite alien from MIB!) in my opinion longtimers should state outright the danger of over staying. Please, make this clear someday in yer walk and talks. Culture shock and reverse culture shock, okay, but that's on par with suffering a ten day cold virus... clinical depression is potentially life threatening. It's akin to feeling like you got mild heat stroke or feeling faint...for weeks on end! Living as an expat where citizens don't speak your language dor decades is not for the weak-minded or weak-hearted... My favorite analogy is to imagine being under house arrest in N. Korea...no internet, no books, just the local radio... My vicious old man neighbour (he is objectively vicious) who has got to be nearly 85, amazingly he still drives a tractor, but he can't walk. Another old guy in the other direction is a sweetheart, but he is desperately alone..so basically it can happen to you regardless of where live ..just saying be safe and be sane!
@Shakyaman
11 күн бұрын
@@Exjapter the proof is in the pudding, so to speak (my favorite expression this...) Imagine a life in The Philippines with a Christian wife and many relatives...or Ghana or Kenya...the point being THEY SPEAK our language!!!! I will still stand out in those countries, but i believe i would be happier and healthier, so life in Japan is like having an occupational hazard. I believe J kids are coddled so much is because J. society in general is kinda oppressive...
@DJigen3
14 күн бұрын
Pour connaître le Japon, il faut savoir se perdre !
@hydrogreen1111
16 күн бұрын
Everybody and their brother are making videos on Japan. Geesh.
@Exjapter
15 күн бұрын
Not many 20 year veterans though. Most have been here for a just a few years at most. (Actually I have noticed a lot of lifer channels get very few subscribers, since most casual youtubers want only surface level Japan, and most "Japan KZitemrs" came here specifically to KZitem.) Thanks for the comment. 😅
@TheShrededward
8 күн бұрын
1. I've seen this pride, but just laugh it off. Lots of people won't want to deal with us, but that's just how it is. You're partially wrong about the JET programme. It was instituted because Japanese language teachers couldn't actually speak English. They knew the grammar, the vocabulary, but they couldn't actually speak the language. This has proven to be a very flawed idea because foreign AETs (this is what we were called previously) ended up just coming over here and not understanding that you can't act like an ass. 2. Somewhat. I came here to marry my Japanese wife who I met in the states, so nobody really wanted to teach me about how wonderful Japan is. Basically, you're talking about people I've almost never met in my 34 years here. I've met them, but very very few. Been interviewed a few times, but never managed to make it out the cutting room floor.
@Exjapter
8 күн бұрын
Re #2, that's really interesting. One thing I have considered that might be an important variable is age as well. It could be that this sort of treatment gets focused more at young foreigners in Japan, given the age hierarchy. That could be the real reason I experienced it early but don't experience it now. If you don't mind me asking, how old were you when you moved here?
@Exjapter
8 күн бұрын
Re #1. You are right that there was a reason to think ALTs might help Japan with English, and that many Japanese teachers couldn't speak the language. My knowledge of the beginnings of JET comes from the book "Importing Diversity", which details the history of the program and its implementation. That's where I got the info that it all came from an initiative by the Foreign Ministry and they for the most part pushed it onto Monbusho.
@TheShrededward
8 күн бұрын
@@Exjapter Yeah, I know it because I knew (many have passed away) what they were thinking. Get some Native English speakers here, and give students a chance to speak English with a native speaker, instead of their teacher who couldn't order a big mac from mcdonald's
@paulwally9007
15 күн бұрын
I've lived in China for 13 years. I was thinking about moving to Japan. I had no idea the Japanese held the same, frequently frustrating, outlook towards foreigners as the Chinese. It gets really tiresome always being seen as an outsider constantly feeling pressured to praise the host society.
@Exjapter
15 күн бұрын
I don't think there is pressure to praise Japan, at least not after you have been here for a few years. Once you are "not interesting" any more as an obvious resident, Japanese tend to ignore you unless you are drinking together.
@paulwally9007
15 күн бұрын
@@Exjapter In a sense that's actually encouraging. Maybe 'old-timers' also unconsciously adopt behaviours that distinguish them from the 'fresh' Gaijin. I would say the worst thing about China is the nationalism, which is now much worse than when I arrived. It is unnatural in the sense that it is top-down, installed in the populace by the government, as a tool of public cohesion. The Chinese also have an intense hatred of Japan -which obviously has its roots in history, but which is manipulated by the government for social control.
@Exjapter
15 күн бұрын
@@paulwally9007 I have heard similar things from others living or who have lived in China. The government is very manipulative of public sentiment. I have heard of things like young children being shown how to attack Japanese soldiers. Is that true?
@paulwally9007
15 күн бұрын
@@Exjapter Unfortunately it is. I worked and lived in a large and quite famous university. Within its grounds was a middle and high-school for children of the teachers and I was asked to work there for a few hours each week. At the entrance to the schools was a large board with two sections. On the left section were photos of Japanese soldiers committing war crimes -truly horrific ones. On the other side were kindly photos of the early leaders of the Chinese Communist Party. It was designed to instill in the children exactly who the bad guys were, and who the good guys who saved China from the bad guys were.
@paulwally9007
15 күн бұрын
@@Exjapter My final job was at a kindergarten. On one day of the year there was a show in which every class performed an act in front of the whole school. One class dressed up as Chinese soldiers and their foreign teacher as a Japanese one. After initially getting the upper hand over them, the 'Japanese' teacher was defeated to rapturous applause. There are various parks across the country with a military theme, where the children can dress up as Chinese soldiers and bayonet Japanese lifesize dolls in military costume. I learnt from bitter experience never to mention Japan whilst living in China. My American friend had a Japanese friend visit her, and she told everyone he was Korean.
@snowcountry322
7 күн бұрын
Interesting take Japanese pride and inferiority complex. Critical yet funny! Make sure you don't trip over while shooting the video. :)
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