Thank you for sharing such helpful information in your video. As a Japanese person, I personally agree with your views. Your perspective is valuable in dispelling common myths about Japan. On the other hand, it would be appreciated if tourists visiting Japan didn’t find it strange that a certain number of Japanese people wear masks as part of their daily routine.
@@gotakazawa408 yeah I always feel grateful for mask wearing Japanese people. It’s the deafening explosion sneezing osans that I prefer to distance myself from.
Regarding these three rules: 1) I'd wear sunglasses because my eyes are blue and I have a family history of cataracts. Got to protect those peepers! That being said, I remember reading or hearing somewhere that the Japanese read facial expressions more through the individual's eyes, compared to westerners do. Wearing sunglasses infers that the wearer is hiding something. Is that true? 2) While wearing shorts or revealing more skin might not be a problem, I would think that the situation would dictate what one would wear. It is ultimately a matter of respect overriding comfort. 3) If others wear tattoos, that is their thing, although some certainly go overboard with them, I think. That is their choice. As for me, no thanks! Enjoyed the brief video and I hope to see more 'myth-busting videos'!
It’s true that Japanese people often read emotions through someone’s eyes, and there’s even an old proverb related to this. In contrast, I’ve heard that people in the West tend to interpret emotions from mouth movements. In that sense, I believe there’s a similar relationship between Westerners wearing sunglasses and Japanese people wearing masks. However, as Paul mentioned, very few Japanese people would find it strange for a Westerner to wear sunglasses. Similarly, please don’t feel concerned if you see Japanese people wearing masks.
What's funny is that none of these "rules" are originally unique to Japan. It's more like they became less significant over time in other countries. For instance, up until recently, all Disney Parks employees had to cover up their tattoos, and they can only wear non-opaque sunglasses such that the eyes are visible. While it's pretty extreme by today's standards, the policies stem from an era where these things mattered more.
An impression I get about sunglasses is that it's really about group signifiers. Sunglasses and Hawaiian shirts are a kind of uniform for organized crime, and when a Japanese person dresses that way it's usually because they want to be seen that way. I didn't know about the Hawaiian shirt association, so when I wore my nice aloha shirts to my English teaching job, I got a comment that I looked like a yakuza, which really confused me. I think a lot of it really comes down to whether people think you're doing it on purpose to mess with them, or if it's just the way you are. And the gray area between that pretty much encompasses the ambiguity of whether or not it's "okay" to break these rules.
All of that is true - I lived there for 4 years. Now, in the workplace, not so much. If you're just visiting, go for it. Try exposing your tattoos in a traditional ALT position, etc. I say that because being an ALT or working as a teacher at one of the McEnglish Eikaiwa schools will absolutely not allow it and is most likely what you're doing if newly living in Japan as a Westerner. Try wearing your sunglasses out on the playground with the kids during recess, watch what happens. Some companies - I worked for one - will hold you to that standard even outside of the workplace. For example, if one of your students sees you at the Mall smoking a cigarette outside with your tattoos showing, well... roll the dice. I had a co-worker get fired over that followed by a huge announcement to everyone as to why he was fired. Yes, you can be fired. You're not in Kansas anymore, Toto. Your complaints will be met with polite: "Ahh, sou sou... I see." Followed by your last paycheck.
Yes, when it comes to work that's an entirely different story. I have co-workers who have tattoos, but you would never know it because they can't be seen, including a guy who has to wear long sleeves all summer during "cool biz". A Japanese friend told me that his company banned sunglasses en route if you are traveling to meet a client. So yeah, be ready to play by the rules of your workplace!
Last week you were in Nagae, Zushi. Today you are in FujiYoshida. No sunglasses, no tatoo, and dress more modestly, I think most Japanese agree with these three things.
Sunglasses are not "prohibited" even for Japanese people. However, if a Japanese person wears sunglasses on the street, they are often seen by those around as "someone who is overdoing it on how cool they are." However, even for Japanese people, it is common to wear sunglasses to protect the eyes when playing golf outside all day, and I fall into that category too. By the way, enjoy your trip to Japan.
I've never heard of the sunglasses thing before. Tbh I think it's better to not have tattoos in general, mostly because there's certain thing I just don't want other people to see/know. Even with cars I don't like ricing them out anymore, the cops see them, crazy people see them, it's not always fun.
It’s true that Japanese people often read emotions through someone’s eyes, and there's even an old saying: 'The eyes speak as much as the mouth.' However, as Paul mentioned, we understand cultural differences, so tourists don’t need to worry about this.
This is a very good point - and that is one reason why Japanese are not uncomfortable with others wearing masks. They are very good at reading someone's eyes, and the covering of the rest of the face isn't concerning. Americans feel uncomfortable not being able to see someones face, as they are not as used to it and generally show more facial expression than Japanese.
There's this temple in Fukuoka (where the Big Buddha lies) where there's a dress code which can be remedied by a simple sweater or shawl or pants but other than that yeah I agree you can dress comfortably in shrines most of the time.
This was the first time hearing about the sunglasses “rule”, wild. I did see recent videos from influencers behaving questionably, though. People making TikTok dance videos on the Shinkansen and even one fitness influencer hanging off of Tori gates and doing exercises on various monuments, very saddening
It’s true that Japanese people often read emotions through someone’s eyes, and there’s even an old saying: 'The eyes speak as much as the mouth.' However, as Paul mentioned, we understand cultural differences, so tourists don’t need to worry about this. Regarding the influencer, I feel the same sadness as you do.
@@gotakazawa408 it is nice to be reminded that we can be our own biggest critics. I hope the Japanese patience and welcoming nature can withstand the loud minority of tourists who don’t care for respecting culture or laws. Thank you
3:39 I agree with the first 2! But as a woman who's been living here long term, in regards to showing skin, we have to be very careful of upskirt photos, especially on escalators or stairs; also, showing chest will get you stares for sure.
Never heard about the sunglasses thing, before some foreign influencers mentioned this. My wife is working as model and no one in her industry leaves the house without sunscreen and sunglasses. I was a member of a track & field team here in Japan for many years and guess what most of them were wearing during practice. Marathon and hiking is very popular here, which are 2 activities every one would advise to conduct without sunglasses. So I really wasn’t aware that sunglasses were bad…
I don’t understand. Where I live we should not show our skin in a church or a temple or a mosque. It’s just basic respect for a place of worship. Why do you think we don’t need to show such respect for a shrine or temple in Japan?
If showing skin bothers the kami of the shrine that's really between you and the god. Some goddesses are famously jealous, so you could bring unwanted misfortune for showing skin in the wrong place, but other than that it isn't really seen as insulting by the Japanese people. I also think part of it may be that you can rarely actually go inside shrines, you pray on the outside. If you are inside a shrine or temple, it is usually for a ceremony where you would be dressed more formally anyways. That said, there are some large temples in Kyoto that you can enter, but even there it doesn't seem like something anyone worries about. Different religious beliefs and customs.
I always wear my UV Ray-Bans when I go out. It's not something I ever think or care about. I do it to protect my eyes. I'm not a tattoo/inking person so that's not an issue. This past oppressively hot summer I practically lived in my Muji shorts outside. Again, I don't worry about it.
I have a lot of tattoos and was recently in Japan and had no problems. But I think the internet /youtube makes more of a big deal about Japan and tattoos than this really is. Yes, I understand the history and as far as Japanese looking at other Japanese and how this history applies, but these days looking at outsiders I'm not so sure if it's a big deal. I mean really, do they associate foreigners with Yakuza? I can understand the uneasy feeling but again, more so in the past than today. After all they are surely familiar with America and most of the country is tattooed. These days it should be expected. Other countries are heavily tattooed these days as well and I'm sure Japan is well aware of this. They may not like it but they understand it I'm sure and it should no longer be such a shock to them. How about their connection to Hawaii? I was recently there (actually stopped there for a few days on the way home from Japan) and Hawaii was full of Japanese people. They even use Japanese kana in their writing there. There is a strong connection between Japan and Hawaii. C'mon now, can you get anymore covered in tattoos than Hawaii? Japan doesn't seem to have an issue with them. I don't know. Maybe "WE" make more of this than it really is in modern times. So , I can understand Japan and the Japanese people having rules concerning tattoos, based on their history, that apply to their culture and other Japanese people; but as far as foreigners these days? I'm not sure how big of a deal it is. Following the rules? Yes I understand (onsen etc). But being looked at in a bad way ? Not so sure in 2024. Just my opinion. Thanks for a great (realistic) video. Reply
I lived in Yokohama 25 years ago and the sunglasses were associated with the yakuza. But my friends thought they were cool on me.. and so I wore them for the protection of my eyes. No one stared at me as I am American. Interestingly enough my friends started wearing them as well. As for the shorts, I think more people are wearing them than before. But for the older generation, like my mom in law, who is 83, she associates it with Americans and she tells us that we can get away with wearing them because we are from America.😂✌️
😂 Sunglasses are glued to my face during Japanese summers. I do notice a very slight difference in the people around me when I forget to take them off on the train, but, otherwise, nobody seems to care. Nanzoin Temple in Sasaguri is the only temple I’ve been to where they have signs asking for modest dress. However, that is the most uptight temple I’ve been to, by a long shot. They also forbid photography, for some obscene reason. Regardless, virtually everyone was breaking the rules and they had no chance of enforcing it or they would have to turn half the people away for immodest dress and the other half would be kicked out for taking photos. Then, their beloved lounging Buddha would fall into disrepair for lack of funds!
I lived in Japan 35 years ago and certainly wore shorts a lot with no negative consequences, except that being blonde they were interested in the colour of the hair on my legs. There were. certainly lots of young men like me wearing shorts as well. Maybe Japan has become more prudish?
Not prudish, and people wear them for practical reasons, but they arent considered very fashionable.
หลายเดือนก่อน +2
I wear my sunglasses at night…jk. But, I wear sunglasses when it’s sunny and I am driving. But, Japanese don’t really care…maybe, only inside(but, that could be said about most countries). I’ve been kicked out of onsens a handful of times cause of my tattoos. Once during a power outage after strong earthquake.(which upset me cause 1. There was a young Japanese man with scarier tattoos in there and 2. Power was out for 3 days…one would think there would be more compassion). Once I got kicked out of Jozankei View Hotel pool cause of tattoos. I think some places think I am just a tourist if I visit onsen once or twice…the issue normally arises if I go many times and they recognize I’m not a tourist or if another person complains about them. I have seen younger generations hiking up their school skirts and wearing jeans with holes around the bottom of their read ends. Recently like you said in hotter weather I’ve seen crop tops becoming popular.
I always thought the sunglasses rule was just not to wear them when indoors and/or when talking to people. It’s unspoken etiquette to not wear your sunglasses in these situations in America too even though many people are oblivious to this. Even when ordering food from a drive through window, I will take my sunglasses off when receiving the food. It’s just pretentious and rude to leave them on.
I own more than a dozen high end shades...the highest! Not bragging, if you live here you will wear sunglasses... just because!, A portion of J. folks are buying them and they can be seen for sale all around (not cheap). Some may only be wearing them while brushing their teeth, but they are being bought...
31 years ago, but I was told to lose the sunglasses when I walked to work at a juku- “bad image for the school”. It was 30 years ago, in a provincial town…
@@Exjapter Yes. I wear sunglasses now of course (need them, with blue eyes), but the sunglasses thing was just the tip of the iceberg. You are right, this was in an area known for its conservative nature.
Cool looking location. Where? I was amazed at the high level of fashion, particularly in urban areas, and felt under-dressed in my shorts and t-shirt. However, it was so freaking hot my semi-embarrassment quickly faded. I do believe that you're absolutely correct in saying that a lot of social norms only apply if you are Japanese. If you are Asian (non-Japanese) many of their social conventions are already familiar because they are common across Asia.
I almost never wear shorts any more because of this - I feel a bit self conscious about being so casual! The location is Fujiyoshida, in Yamanashi prefecture. If it hadn't been cloudy Mt Fuji would have been visible.
I have heard about all these rules and I abide with all of them. Why bother the local people. But one amazing thing that nobody talks about in tourist context is a perfume harassment ( スメハラ ) of foreigners. There seems to be one particular odor that just knocks you off when some guy wearing it passes by on the street. 😟 Please don't overuse aftershaves, deodorants, etc.
Exactly. People go to an entirely different culture and are like: "wHaT dO yOu MeAn I cAn'T "x" or "y" ?" If you wanted to be in the same environment you came from, then why did you leave?
The perfume harassment is a good one to be aware of. People don't use perfume very much here. The reason why I talk about the three rules I chose is because these particular ones don't actually bother (most) local people.
Hi Paul. I never knew there was a rule against wearing sunglasses. This might explain why I was told when taking students on field trips in the summer and wearing sunglasses that the students probably felt scared . I never realized wearing shorts and a tank top was ‘frowned upon’. I live in a very hot area in Southern Shikoku that often reaches 105F in summer, so I figured wearing less clothing was to be expected. I still wear shirts, T-shirts and flip flops in summer, but I suspect the local Japanese may not respect me for it (?).
I think "frowned upon" is too strong. Shorts are seen as being less fashionable. Tank tops...I havent really come across anything specific about those, so I dont know to be honest. Maybe similar to shorts in that they are seen as too casual to be cool (despite keeping you cool in that weather, yikes!)
Tokyo local here. 1) Educated locals would know white people's eyes are more sensitive to UV rays than us. So, no problem. Your well-being is the most important. 2) We would have no problem tourists with tattoo walking around and enjoying themselves peacefully. Do we want to invite them to dinner at home? My mom will scream and say "What did you do with your beautiful skin? Didn't your mother cry?" , and starts crying. 3) Crop top with shorts and sandals at shrine? Well, it is true our shrine gods are more forgiving than those scary ones in Vatican and Mosque, but you probably won't see locals in such attire. I guess, it is your choice.
Thank you for your detailed comment. I certainly agree that you won't see locals in shorts and sandals at a shrine, (except at beachside ones, like Morito Jinja in Hayama.) I agree with your your mom, I am not really a fan of tattoos myself. But live and let live.
Most Japanese are intimidated by tattoos because (rightly or wrongly) tattoos are associated with criminality. It's their country, so why rock the boat? It's good manners to cover up rather than make folks feel uncomfortable.
I think most Japanese can recognize a foreigner and have enough information that in many foreign countries tattoos are normal. It is 2024 not 1960. Times have changed, people have changed and are much more knowledgeable. Especially some people have tattoos on their face or hands for example, but I don't see any reason why they should put on some band-aids just to please others. Also I've seen several Japanese walking around with visible tattoos. Just yesterday in a grocery store I saw a lady with a tattoo on her arm and walking around with her husband and kid. I think people need to learn to be less pressuring and judging :)
Wait! I'm a Brit in Japan since '99! Why has nobody told me this before?? I've been taking hot spring baths in full business attire!! Now you tell me! ;)
Makes sense about sunglasses but what I don't get is, how do local sunglass stores stay in business in Japan? Are they meant to only get business from Japanese who plan on wearing them outside the country?
Walking down the streets and alleys of Fujiyoshida 4chome... I think the sunglasses thing has more to do with them not being able to "read" your expressions, as the eyes are usually the part of the face where most Asians look when trying to understand what the person in front of them is feeling. Westerners tend to look more towards the mouth. This is true even with emoticons. Typical western emoticons: :-) :-( :-/ :-O (all eyes are the same). Typical Asian emoticons: (^ ^) (T T) (°_°) (°O°)
Even in America, cops wear sunglasses to appear more intimidating and so you can't see exactly where they are looking. But yes - there are even studies out there showing the differences in showing emotions. That's my favorite neighborhood in Fujiyoshida!
Not illegal! Just stigmatized and can often get you barred from certain places where you could display them like gyms, pools, and hot springs. No one is going to arrest you or get in your face about them, though.
It's a double edged sword. While it's good to be an informed tourists, I found these "things not to do in Japan" to cause unnecessary stress, always worrying about doings things right. The bottom line, especially for tourists, is common sense. Don't be an a-hole. Do what makes you happy. You can learn about victimless "mistakes" as you go.
Agree completely - I even made a video about that about a year ago, calling out how all these rules videos make Japan seem scarier than it actually is.
I work at a fairly high level private university in Kansai and I see sunglasses, tattoos and (weather permitting) a fair amount of bare flesh of all varieties. Your take on these things is 100% correct. The YTrs spouting otherwise are only after clickbait which is quite misleading for anyone with no real knowledge of Japan.
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Thank you for sharing such helpful information in your video. As a Japanese person, I personally agree with your views. Your perspective is valuable in dispelling common myths about Japan. On the other hand, it would be appreciated if tourists visiting Japan didn’t find it strange that a certain number of Japanese people wear masks as part of their daily routine.
I agree. Respect for differences goes both ways.
@@gotakazawa408 yeah I always feel grateful for mask wearing Japanese people. It’s the deafening explosion sneezing osans that I prefer to distance myself from.
I don’t think you can control what you find strange though mate. Especially if you’re a tourist coming for only few weeks.
I saw this back in 1983
I was wondering about this, thanks for posting!
Being in Tokyo I felt in total peace with social harmony.
Thankyou for your intelligent informative approach. It is refreshing amongst youtube presenters. Cheers, Muffy from Australia.
Thank you for the comment!
Regarding these three rules:
1) I'd wear sunglasses because my eyes are blue and I have a family history of cataracts. Got to protect those peepers! That being said, I remember reading or hearing somewhere that the Japanese read facial expressions more through the individual's eyes, compared to westerners do. Wearing sunglasses infers that the wearer is hiding something. Is that true?
2) While wearing shorts or revealing more skin might not be a problem, I would think that the situation would dictate what one would wear. It is ultimately a matter of respect overriding comfort.
3) If others wear tattoos, that is their thing, although some certainly go overboard with them, I think. That is their choice. As for me, no thanks!
Enjoyed the brief video and I hope to see more 'myth-busting videos'!
It’s true that Japanese people often read emotions through someone’s eyes, and there’s even an old proverb related to this. In contrast, I’ve heard that people in the West tend to interpret emotions from mouth movements. In that sense, I believe there’s a similar relationship between Westerners wearing sunglasses and Japanese people wearing masks. However, as Paul mentioned, very few Japanese people would find it strange for a Westerner to wear sunglasses. Similarly, please don’t feel concerned if you see Japanese people wearing masks.
What's funny is that none of these "rules" are originally unique to Japan. It's more like they became less significant over time in other countries.
For instance, up until recently, all Disney Parks employees had to cover up their tattoos, and they can only wear non-opaque sunglasses such that the eyes are visible.
While it's pretty extreme by today's standards, the policies stem from an era where these things mattered more.
An impression I get about sunglasses is that it's really about group signifiers. Sunglasses and Hawaiian shirts are a kind of uniform for organized crime, and when a Japanese person dresses that way it's usually because they want to be seen that way. I didn't know about the Hawaiian shirt association, so when I wore my nice aloha shirts to my English teaching job, I got a comment that I looked like a yakuza, which really confused me.
I think a lot of it really comes down to whether people think you're doing it on purpose to mess with them, or if it's just the way you are. And the gray area between that pretty much encompasses the ambiguity of whether or not it's "okay" to break these rules.
American guy living in Tokyo. I wear sunglasses when it's sunny outside.
As do I, although I have never found sunglasses comfortable while running so I actually DONT wear them then.
The sunglasses thing is good to hear because Chris Broad just made a video and said not to hahaha
He said they were a no no? haha - Chris Broad got it wrong! Wait, I mean... Chris, you're a legend, let's collaborate.
I never suck up... people might be wicked....
Risottoro wears shades. Just don't do it indoors or when speaking with someone.
@@flookaraz Are we supposed to have heard of some local you name? Who the heck is that? ( I'm not really asking, so don't bother to enlighten...)
All of that is true - I lived there for 4 years. Now, in the workplace, not so much. If you're just visiting, go for it.
Try exposing your tattoos in a traditional ALT position, etc. I say that because being an ALT or working as a teacher at one of the McEnglish Eikaiwa schools will absolutely not allow it and is most likely what you're doing if newly living in Japan as a Westerner. Try wearing your sunglasses out on the playground with the kids during recess, watch what happens.
Some companies - I worked for one - will hold you to that standard even outside of the workplace. For example, if one of your students sees you at the Mall smoking a cigarette outside with your tattoos showing, well... roll the dice. I had a co-worker get fired over that followed by a huge announcement to everyone as to why he was fired.
Yes, you can be fired. You're not in Kansas anymore, Toto. Your complaints will be met with polite: "Ahh, sou sou... I see." Followed by your last paycheck.
Yes, when it comes to work that's an entirely different story. I have co-workers who have tattoos, but you would never know it because they can't be seen, including a guy who has to wear long sleeves all summer during "cool biz". A Japanese friend told me that his company banned sunglasses en route if you are traveling to meet a client. So yeah, be ready to play by the rules of your workplace!
@@Exjapter Oh wow, "cool biz." I think I know who you work for, actually heh.
I’ll be leaving for Tokyo on Friday, with my Ray Ban sunglasses!!!
Enjoy, cheers
Thank you. This is good to know this information. I like wearing sunglasses. It doesn't matter if it's cloudy or sunny.
Last week you were in Nagae, Zushi.
Today you are in FujiYoshida.
No sunglasses, no tatoo, and dress more modestly, I think most Japanese agree with these three things.
Sunglasses are not "prohibited" even for Japanese people. However, if a Japanese person wears sunglasses on the street, they are often seen by those around as "someone who is overdoing it on how cool they are." However, even for Japanese people, it is common to wear sunglasses to protect the eyes when playing golf outside all day, and I fall into that category too. By the way, enjoy your trip to Japan.
Also, many Japanese wear sunglasses for driving, and that's totally normal.
I've never heard of the sunglasses thing before. Tbh I think it's better to not have tattoos in general, mostly because there's certain thing I just don't want other people to see/know. Even with cars I don't like ricing them out anymore, the cops see them, crazy people see them, it's not always fun.
It’s true that Japanese people often read emotions through someone’s eyes, and there's even an old saying: 'The eyes speak as much as the mouth.' However, as Paul mentioned, we understand cultural differences, so tourists don’t need to worry about this.
This is a very good point - and that is one reason why Japanese are not uncomfortable with others wearing masks. They are very good at reading someone's eyes, and the covering of the rest of the face isn't concerning. Americans feel uncomfortable not being able to see someones face, as they are not as used to it and generally show more facial expression than Japanese.
There's this temple in Fukuoka (where the Big Buddha lies) where there's a dress code which can be remedied by a simple sweater or shawl or pants but other than that yeah I agree you can dress comfortably in shrines most of the time.
This was the first time hearing about the sunglasses “rule”, wild. I did see recent videos from influencers behaving questionably, though. People making TikTok dance videos on the Shinkansen and even one fitness influencer hanging off of Tori gates and doing exercises on various monuments, very saddening
It’s true that Japanese people often read emotions through someone’s eyes, and there’s even an old saying: 'The eyes speak as much as the mouth.' However, as Paul mentioned, we understand cultural differences, so tourists don’t need to worry about this. Regarding the influencer, I feel the same sadness as you do.
@@gotakazawa408 it is nice to be reminded that we can be our own biggest critics. I hope the Japanese patience and welcoming nature can withstand the loud minority of tourists who don’t care for respecting culture or laws. Thank you
@@Cunningstunts23
Respect and manners should be required.
3:39 I agree with the first 2! But as a woman who's been living here long term, in regards to showing skin, we have to be very careful of upskirt photos, especially on escalators or stairs; also, showing chest will get you stares for sure.
Never heard about the sunglasses thing, before some foreign influencers mentioned this. My wife is working as model and no one in her industry leaves the house without sunscreen and sunglasses. I was a member of a track & field team here in Japan for many years and guess what most of them were wearing during practice. Marathon and hiking is very popular here, which are 2 activities every one would advise to conduct without sunglasses. So I really wasn’t aware that sunglasses were bad…
It's too bad, and rather ironic in a country that is rather obsessed with not getting a tan. The same UV rays damage your eyes, too....
I don’t understand. Where I live we should not show our skin in a church or a temple or a mosque. It’s just basic respect for a place of worship. Why do you think we don’t need to show such respect for a shrine or temple in Japan?
If showing skin bothers the kami of the shrine that's really between you and the god. Some goddesses are famously jealous, so you could bring unwanted misfortune for showing skin in the wrong place, but other than that it isn't really seen as insulting by the Japanese people. I also think part of it may be that you can rarely actually go inside shrines, you pray on the outside. If you are inside a shrine or temple, it is usually for a ceremony where you would be dressed more formally anyways. That said, there are some large temples in Kyoto that you can enter, but even there it doesn't seem like something anyone worries about. Different religious beliefs and customs.
@@Exjapter "famously jealous"
Hera: And I took that personally
Shorts and sunglasses all summer long! 😆
Do what you want!
I always wear my UV Ray-Bans when I go out. It's not something I ever think or care about. I do it to protect my eyes. I'm not a tattoo/inking person so that's not an issue. This past oppressively hot summer I practically lived in my Muji shorts outside. Again, I don't worry about it.
I have a lot of tattoos and was recently in Japan and had no problems. But I think the internet /youtube makes more of a big deal about Japan and tattoos than this really is. Yes, I understand the history and as far as Japanese looking at other Japanese and how this history applies, but these days looking at outsiders I'm not so sure if it's a big deal. I mean really, do they associate foreigners with Yakuza? I can understand the uneasy feeling but again, more so in the past than today. After all they are surely familiar with America and most of the country is tattooed. These days it should be expected. Other countries are heavily tattooed these days as well and I'm sure Japan is well aware of this. They may not like it but they understand it I'm sure and it should no longer be such a shock to them. How about their connection to Hawaii? I was recently there (actually stopped there for a few days on the way home from Japan) and Hawaii was full of Japanese people. They even use Japanese kana in their writing there. There is a strong connection between Japan and Hawaii. C'mon now, can you get anymore covered in tattoos than Hawaii? Japan doesn't seem to have an issue with them. I don't know. Maybe "WE" make more of this than it really is in modern times. So , I can understand Japan and the Japanese people having rules concerning tattoos, based on their history, that apply to their culture and other Japanese people; but as far as foreigners these days? I'm not sure how big of a deal it is. Following the rules? Yes I understand (onsen etc). But being looked at in a bad way ? Not so sure in 2024. Just my opinion. Thanks for a great (realistic) video.
Reply
Thanks for the detailed comment!
In Kansai tons of jp folks wearing sunglasses, guess, they’re all yamaguchi guys :) I had also seen people with tattoos but not as much
I lived in Yokohama 25 years ago and the sunglasses were associated with the yakuza. But my friends thought they were cool on me.. and so I wore them for the protection of my eyes. No one stared at me as I am American. Interestingly enough my friends started wearing them as well. As for the shorts, I think more people are wearing them than before. But for the older generation, like my mom in law, who is 83, she associates it with Americans and she tells us that we can get away with wearing them because we are from America.😂✌️
Exactly!
😂 Sunglasses are glued to my face during Japanese summers. I do notice a very slight difference in the people around me when I forget to take them off on the train, but, otherwise, nobody seems to care.
Nanzoin Temple in Sasaguri is the only temple I’ve been to where they have signs asking for modest dress. However, that is the most uptight temple I’ve been to, by a long shot. They also forbid photography, for some obscene reason. Regardless, virtually everyone was breaking the rules and they had no chance of enforcing it or they would have to turn half the people away for immodest dress and the other half would be kicked out for taking photos. Then, their beloved lounging Buddha would fall into disrepair for lack of funds!
Interesting. I have seen certain rooms or statues where photography is prohibited, but not an entire temple complex.
I lived in Japan 35 years ago and certainly wore shorts a lot with no negative consequences, except that being blonde they were interested in the colour of the hair on my legs. There were.
certainly lots of young men like me wearing shorts as well. Maybe Japan has become more prudish?
Not prudish, and people wear them for practical reasons, but they arent considered very fashionable.
I wear my sunglasses at night…jk. But, I wear sunglasses when it’s sunny and I am driving. But, Japanese don’t really care…maybe, only inside(but, that could be said about most countries). I’ve been kicked out of onsens a handful of times cause of my tattoos. Once during a power outage after strong earthquake.(which upset me cause 1. There was a young Japanese man with scarier tattoos in there and 2. Power was out for 3 days…one would think there would be more compassion). Once I got kicked out of Jozankei View Hotel pool cause of tattoos. I think some places think I am just a tourist if I visit onsen once or twice…the issue normally arises if I go many times and they recognize I’m not a tourist or if another person complains about them. I have seen younger generations hiking up their school skirts and wearing jeans with holes around the bottom of their read ends. Recently like you said in hotter weather I’ve seen crop tops becoming popular.
Yes - the cover up idea seems to be upper body only, while short skirts are totally normal.
I always thought the sunglasses rule was just not to wear them when indoors and/or when talking to people. It’s unspoken etiquette to not wear your sunglasses in these situations in America too even though many people are oblivious to this. Even when ordering food from a drive through window, I will take my sunglasses off when receiving the food. It’s just pretentious and rude to leave them on.
I like the way you think, and agree this sounds like a polite norm that should be...the norm!
I own more than a dozen high end shades...the highest! Not bragging, if you live here you will wear sunglasses... just because!, A portion of J. folks are buying them and they can be seen for sale all around (not cheap). Some may only be wearing them while brushing their teeth, but they are being bought...
31 years ago, but I was told to lose the sunglasses when I walked to work at a juku- “bad image for the school”. It was 30 years ago, in a provincial town…
Still a very conservative time and place, with not much experience with foreigners, I suspect.
@@Exjapter Yes. I wear sunglasses now of course (need them, with blue eyes), but the sunglasses thing was just the tip of the iceberg. You are right, this was in an area known for its conservative nature.
Cool looking location. Where? I was amazed at the high level of fashion, particularly in urban areas, and felt under-dressed in my shorts and t-shirt. However, it was so freaking hot my semi-embarrassment quickly faded. I do believe that you're absolutely correct in saying that a lot of social norms only apply if you are Japanese. If you are Asian (non-Japanese) many of their social conventions are already familiar because they are common across Asia.
I almost never wear shorts any more because of this - I feel a bit self conscious about being so casual! The location is Fujiyoshida, in Yamanashi prefecture. If it hadn't been cloudy Mt Fuji would have been visible.
I have heard about all these rules and I abide with all of them. Why bother the local people. But one amazing thing that nobody talks about in tourist context is a perfume harassment ( スメハラ ) of foreigners. There seems to be one particular odor that just knocks you off when some guy wearing it passes by on the street. 😟 Please don't overuse aftershaves, deodorants, etc.
Exactly. People go to an entirely different culture and are like: "wHaT dO yOu MeAn I cAn'T "x" or "y" ?" If you wanted to be in the same environment you came from, then why did you leave?
The perfume harassment is a good one to be aware of. People don't use perfume very much here. The reason why I talk about the three rules I chose is because these particular ones don't actually bother (most) local people.
Hi Paul. I never knew there was a rule against wearing sunglasses. This might explain why I was told when taking students on field trips in the summer and wearing sunglasses that the students probably felt scared . I never realized wearing shorts and a tank top was ‘frowned upon’. I live in a very hot area in Southern Shikoku that often reaches 105F in summer, so I figured wearing less clothing was to be expected. I still wear shirts, T-shirts and flip flops in summer, but I suspect the local Japanese may not respect me for it (?).
I think "frowned upon" is too strong. Shorts are seen as being less fashionable. Tank tops...I havent really come across anything specific about those, so I dont know to be honest. Maybe similar to shorts in that they are seen as too casual to be cool (despite keeping you cool in that weather, yikes!)
Tokyo local here.
1) Educated locals would know white people's eyes are more sensitive to UV rays than us. So, no problem. Your well-being is the most important.
2) We would have no problem tourists with tattoo walking around and enjoying themselves peacefully. Do we want to invite them to dinner at home? My mom will scream and say "What did you do with your beautiful skin? Didn't your mother cry?" , and starts crying.
3) Crop top with shorts and sandals at shrine? Well, it is true our shrine gods are more forgiving than those scary ones in Vatican and Mosque, but you probably won't see locals in such attire. I guess, it is your choice.
Thank you for your detailed comment. I certainly agree that you won't see locals in shorts and sandals at a shrine, (except at beachside ones, like Morito Jinja in Hayama.)
I agree with your your mom, I am not really a fan of tattoos myself. But live and let live.
I agree with the less skin thing, even here in the states. There’s a lot of skin that needs to be covered
Most Japanese are intimidated by tattoos because (rightly or wrongly) tattoos are associated with criminality. It's their country, so why rock the boat? It's good manners to cover up rather than make folks feel uncomfortable.
This sounds like a good interview topic.
I think most Japanese can recognize a foreigner and have enough information that in many foreign countries tattoos are normal. It is 2024 not 1960. Times have changed, people have changed and are much more knowledgeable. Especially some people have tattoos on their face or hands for example, but I don't see any reason why they should put on some band-aids just to please others. Also I've seen several Japanese walking around with visible tattoos. Just yesterday in a grocery store I saw a lady with a tattoo on her arm and walking around with her husband and kid. I think people need to learn to be less pressuring and judging :)
Wait! I'm a Brit in Japan since '99! Why has nobody told me this before?? I've been taking hot spring baths in full business attire!! Now you tell me! ;)
LOL
Makes sense about sunglasses but what I don't get is, how do local sunglass stores stay in business in Japan? Are they meant to only get business from Japanese who plan on wearing them outside the country?
A lot of Japanese wear them for driving, as well as cycling, and other outdoor sports/summer activities like going to the beach.
Walking down the streets and alleys of Fujiyoshida 4chome...
I think the sunglasses thing has more to do with them not being able to "read" your expressions, as the eyes are usually the part of the face where most Asians look when trying to understand what the person in front of them is feeling. Westerners tend to look more towards the mouth. This is true even with emoticons. Typical western emoticons: :-) :-( :-/ :-O (all eyes are the same). Typical Asian emoticons: (^ ^) (T T) (°_°) (°O°)
Even in America, cops wear sunglasses to appear more intimidating and so you can't see exactly where they are looking.
But yes - there are even studies out there showing the differences in showing emotions.
That's my favorite neighborhood in Fujiyoshida!
😮SUNGLASSES?!?!
Get rid of'em you!
I had no idea tattoos were illegal in japan.
Not illegal! Just stigmatized and can often get you barred from certain places where you could display them like gyms, pools, and hot springs. No one is going to arrest you or get in your face about them, though.
It's a double edged sword. While it's good to be an informed tourists, I found these "things not to do in Japan" to cause unnecessary stress, always worrying about doings things right. The bottom line, especially for tourists, is common sense. Don't be an a-hole. Do what makes you happy. You can learn about victimless "mistakes" as you go.
Agree completely - I even made a video about that about a year ago, calling out how all these rules videos make Japan seem scarier than it actually is.
On sunny days, I often see women carrying umbrellas. Would it be unusual if I, a European-looking man, also carried an umbrella?
It would probably get noticed, yes.
I work at a fairly high level private university in Kansai and I see sunglasses, tattoos and (weather permitting) a fair amount of bare flesh of all varieties. Your take on these things is 100% correct. The YTrs spouting otherwise are only after clickbait which is quite misleading for anyone with no real knowledge of Japan.
I long believed tattoos in Japan were rare, until I starting living in the Shonan area. Lots of beach people with tatts (who are not gangsters).
I think shorts look dumb, regardless of Japanese norms or not. Trousers made of linen is an alternative
I only wear shorts for running and running errands. I agree, I have been here too long to accept them as fashionable (on myself at least)
#4 no no is: fornication...big no no! This means leaving the ladies alone.... biggest no no
Wait, I thought Japan was going to import foreign guys to help with the falling birthrate! lololol
@@Exjapter well, meaning well taken I'm sure ( by you). Western Guys should go over to Malaysia and try out their antics...end up in jail really quick
I wear shorts, sunglasses, AND show my tattoos in Japan often....AM I COOKED?!?!?! Haha.
Dunzo. Immigration won't let you back.
...and we can "grab'em by their
ねこ !" ...
USA! USA! USA!!! 🐈
🤌