When I was in a arcade in akihabara playing super dragon ball heroes a guy sat next to me on the other machine to play. I seen he had some cool hard sleeves for his cards and I wanted to know where he got them. So as respectfully as I could I asked in Japanese where to get those sleeves and he showed me on his phone where to get them but not only that he gave me an extra sealed pack he had. I still have that sealed pack just as a reminder of that kindness and I feel he appreciated that I at least attempted to speak Japanese. Best memory!
When I was in Japan last year, an older man noticed myself and my friends lost in one of the larger subway stations. He ended up walking us a considerably long way to where we were trying to go. I felt so bad, though, because, as an American, I expected him to ask for money at the end, and, because of that, was really standoffish to his actions. Turns how he just wanted to help us. It sucks that American culture has ingrained distrust in strangers.
@@jamieohjamie nearly the exact same thing happened to me. i was in tokyo station and some older man saw that i was lost, and without any english knowledge he led me to where i needed to go.
When I was in Osaka with some friends we wanted to get some takoyaki during early evening. There was a takoyaki shop on the corner, so we went there. The owner told us that they were busy closing for the day and apologised for that. We thanked him and walked on to try and find another place to get food. But when we were about a block away, one of the workers from the takoyaki place came running after us and gave us a small tray of takoyaki to apologise for them not being able to serve us.
People seem to focus on Connor's role on Trash Taste as "the British guy who complains about everything" to paint him in a bad light when the target audience for that podcast could not be further from the traditional Japanese citizen. It's friends having a blunt conversation about their "trash tastes/takes" and is targeted at casual overseas viewers. Whenever I see him interact with people outside of these settings he always seems super friendly and respectful and it makes me sad that people only consider the open personality he portrays on trash taste and not how he acts outside of that safe, controlled setting. As an individual who finds it difficult to leave his comfort zone I really look up to Connor.
@@Hinona. Honestly I can see it. He does a lot of complaining on many things and it comes off as ungrateful or rude. However, looking at IRL streams in Japan, he's much more respectful and loves showing off interesting or personally well-liked locations to his chat and Iron mouse. He's much more meaningful with his words, not as impulsive with his thoughts(where in trash taste it's pretty much the premise of the podcast), and shows off the better parts of Japan. This is one of the reasons I enjoy his IRL streams.
I noticed that as well.....however. even as a fan of both sports, I could not grasp Nobita's meaning lol Could you break it down for me?? In my experience going to both games, us fans are always rowdy and outgoing. My understanding is that Nobita was making a comparison between conversation style, but I just don't get the difference in the context of Western sports. Thanks so much for clarifying!
@@dannyVulture Baseball conversation is one person talks, everyone listens, then the next person talks, everyone listens. People wait until the person talking finishes, they don't interrupt. The batter can't suddenly run to first base before the pitcher even throws the ball. But in Hockey, once the buzzer sounds it's a free for all. Everyone talking and interrupting all at once.
@@dannyVulture it's not the fans, it's the actual game. In a game of ice hockey both teams will be switching between offense and defense constantly, whereas in baseball they take turns in a much more routine way.
What I like about Connor is his open mindedness, whenever he does his " a day as ..." series he does not go to these activities to mock or make fun because they may seem odd to foreigners, he's respectful and listen to what the people say about it.
@@ThornOfSociety most of the jokes are more in the vein of "this is harder than I thought oh, shit I really suck at this, I'm making a joke of myself" instead of the usual "haha weird thing funny, look how weird this people are"
@@krazy_dood_ a jojo reference? I finished Stardust Crusaders a long time ago but I've never seen any. Are we watching the same anime in the first place?
Connor must be feeling honored to be featured in your video once again😂. All jokes asides i do believe that he's respectful towards Japanese people in his own unique way. I've seen a couple of videos with him and Shinuya Kaho-san and they both seem to enjoy each other's company. That alone shows that if you can make someone feel comfortable around you, you can persuade people,especially the Japanese that not all foreigners are as bad and rude as they think. Thank you for another great video Nobita-san👍
This is such a great breakdown and honestly a great lesson for anyone visiting, or especially planning to live in Japan. Even after two years here, I still struggle with some of these things, especially how to show engagement without interrupting/speaking and following along conversations despite being able to speak Japanese; but it goes to show that so much of conversation and your interactions in Japan aren't really about what you say but rather, the little mannerisms and following conversation etiquette (or at least making the effort to).
this is actually true, communication is different in Japan and interactions come with little details or not so direct. I have good friends in Japan and I've come to understand how they show their appreciation for others however I come from America and I also like people who talk you directly and with emotion. Both sides are okay however you have to live with both.
I’ve been in Japan 28 years 1. Always use Masu/Desu forms (unless Keigo is required AND you know how to do it). 2. A good gaijin is a quiet gaijin. 3. Follow every single rule-social, school or work. It doesn’t matter. Follow the rules. These are ironically the reason a LOT of gaijin, especially Americans, can’t fit into Japanese society. There is one caveat-you won’t necessarily make Japanese friends (unless they have lived outside the country) BUT you will be the good gaijin and won’t get grief.
@@nozarashi4329 i have no knowledge besides what i know of the language and keigo but i would say only for japanese no, i believe say if you are close friends you can probably be more informal like saying its cold today ”今日寒いね” or when parting "またね” would probably be fine or anything like it but anyone else like acquaintances, strangers or especially people who are your superior or should be respectful to unless told otherwise use the proper "今日は寒いですね” and full sentences including proper grammar and desu instead of what i like to call shorthand as the meaning tends to be the same. anyone here can correct me and there are probably more formal words for things i dont know yet. but that is how i have interpreted it as i am still learning the language.
@@jito_ that makes sense, I was just wondering if it would be seen as "rude" for a foreigner to use overly casual language with a friend that normally only Japanese people use.
@@andiiiiiiiiii it’s cynical is what it is. But…after all these years here, and in four different jobs, is a good survival strategy. I’ve seen people come here and be outspoken at the wrong times and it’s only made them unhappy.
You're right. As somebody in the USA, in a state known for being "fast and rude," I am always scared I will never get a word in because the conversation topic disappears quickly, and I'm constantly interrupted when I say the wrong phrase instead of being politely corrected or asked what I really meant. As an artist, many people who have told me, "I suck at art," have never genuinely tried and never plan to, so my automatic reaction when someone says they're bad is something encouraging like, "Please try before you give up!". It might be how our culture is, but it would be nice if we were kinder and not encouraged to give up when we notice we are not immediately skilled at something or that it is okay to interrupt someone trying to talk.
I completely understand this, i'm very shy and every time i tried engage in a group conversation in my home, school or another place if i wait my time the topic would change, if i try to join in a talk fast when someone end its speak, another person will cut what i am saying and also join. This also makes me sad, because when i talk in groups about games, people usually like to talk with me or ask some help
I'm from Eastern Europe and upon going to the US, the supposed "rude" region of it (perhaps same as yours).... I found everyone to be so incredibly nice!! Imagine how bad it is here lmao.... Literally if you don't fight tooth and nail u can't get a word in.... my boyfriend from there commented on how I interrupt people too much even though I still do it less than the usual person at my place lmao, or maybe my poor reflexes make me end up interrupting cuz I can't seem to jump in as graciously as most people... I'm trying to unlearn it honestly.
As a fellow American who are these people you interact with? Am I just in the minority here where everyone I interact with in the US is generally an alright person? Or do people just zone in on the assholes and ignore genuinely good people?
How one shows respect depends on the culture:) that's why this video is so important and wonderful. It can help show us how to be respectful in a japanese way :)
I visited japan in may of last year and I loved it. I went as a solo traveler and always focused on being respectful and polite to everyone. I really enjoyed my time in Japan and I felt very welcome. I will be returning to Japan in October and I am really looking forward to seeing and experiencing more of the country and culture!
I just like Connor because he's bishonen with a sexy voice... But anyway, Connor seems like a cool guy anyone would like to hang out with. And I gotta bring up American Pete. In Connor's most recent crane game video, Pete gave a group high school kids his money to win some prizes. The kids actually came back with the prizes and the leftover money. Pete was really friendly to the kids, took a group picture with them and let them keep all the leftover money. It was Connor's money, but that was a really nice thing to do. I can't really imagine anything like that happening in a western country. American kids would just take the money and leave, never to return.
I think "playing the gaijin card" when you LIVE in Japan, is not a good excuse. I'm not talking about making a small mistake or not knowing a rule or something, I'm talking about continuously ignoring something and just saying "Ah yeah, I don't know that because I'm not Japanese~". If you LIVE there, you have a responsibility to learn the right way to act and behave. You should be able to be yourself, keep your culture and whatnot, but also adapt and be willing to accept change. It's a funny excuse to be able to use, and yes, for those little things, it's probably fair. But NOT for everyday things that should be picked up. Edit: I can't stress enough that being an asshole and completely disrespecting the country you live in, and disregarding any common sense whatsoever is absolutely not acceptable, living there, being a tourist, whatever, it's not at all okay. Never act like those idiot streamers, they are terrible rolemodels.
I get the feeling that the "Gaijin card" as you call it is the tolerance Japanese would have for Gaijin asking what the rules are in a given situation, rather than just blundering through and excusing everything you do on being a Gaijin. From everything I have seen over the years in videos like the ones e.g. Chris Broad posts, the Japanese are overjoyed when people come to their shores and actually ask them how they should behave. They seem joyous to want to teach you their customs and why they do what they do, especially to westerners. To use that tolerance to just do whatever you want and excuse it with being a westerner seems to me the height of narcissism if I'm honest.
Something interesting to note is that, as a Brit, I always recognised Connor's 'Japanese-esque' formalities that you pointed out in this video as British cultural habits. Of course, British people are not like this informally, but I find my peers and I often sell ourselves short and apologise excessively to strangers or superiors.
Yes it’s a good point. For example the only time I ever heard that you shouldn’t refer to someone who is present as « he » or « she », but instead by their name, was from a British person, which most English people don’t do but it does make sense. Teaching good manners is more common in Europe, especially in the UK.
I didn't know I could be so proud of someone who I don't really know at all lol. Seeing how Connor has grown through the years, not only in popularity but as a person, really fills my heart somehow.
I went to Japan in November 2019 and last year for my birthday. Being polite, respectful, mindful, and showing gratitude made my experience in Japan so amazing that I am going back this year for my third time. Thank you very much Nobita for your videos, I have learned a lot about Japanese customs, and culture.
@@BeetaroniPizzano travel agency. I booked the flights and do research on hotels. The trick is having a travel credit card. Put all your charges on your card and pay it off entirely. All my bills except rent, car payment, and cell phone are paid via my credit card. Over time I get enough points for either free flight or most hotels for free! The card I use is Capital One Venture X.
For me, when travelling, language is almost totally immaterial. So much of our behaviour is physical, the right smile at the right time, a simple bow or a simple local phrase used in a perfect moment. All confer respect in their own way. And even understanding the building blocks of the culture you are visiting, goes a long way more than being able to hold an entire conversation in a formal language.
The word 'respect' is overused. What you experience in Japan is gratitude and politeness. Real respect obviously exists too but never in a superficial level with mostly strangers.
I was in Japan last year and found it easier interacting with the locals after explaining that I wasn't American and that I was British, what I was told was that Americans loud nature made them more intimidating but Brits are very reserved much like the Japanese and that helped me a lot. Now my Scottish accent on the other hand, that was a problem
Confidence alone gets you *very* far in the US considering. Connor has been up there as one of my most favorite content creators, he's not only good with people in person, but good with a crowd online!
Thanks for making this video, it is nice to see a japanese perspective on his progress as you are not a biased source so it feels genuine as well. Interesting to realize how far connor has come in video format really
Connor Dog the VA really takes himsel out of his comfort zone, and though he complains about stuff on the podcast, he also praises the same amount if not more of the things that are in Japan.
I have to say, being respectful is just as important as being confident in the US, as a general thing. If you are disrespectful you will be shut out of a lot of things and potentially wind up in prison. Confidence can't really make up for this.
I would say it depends a lot on location, age, and gender. In the south and Midwest being generally respectful, especially to your parents and elders is important. But in big cities and gen z it's more overlooked I've found. Also, respectful doesn't generally include being quiet like in japan 😅
@@moxxibekk Haha yes, but not yelling at people either. Def not the quiet keep your head down respect from asian societies. I mean more be respectful or you will wind up in prison or dead, hahaha.
So nice to see Connor get some love. He really seems like a great guy. I'm so confused with all the recent gaijins visiting Japan and taking advantage of the people/culture. I deeply want to visit Japan in the near future. I just don't understand how they can visit Japan and not see it as the amazing beautiful place it is.
Great video! I want to say about one bit in No. 4, when Connor is saying that he can withstand cringe to a greater degree than other people, I don’t think he’s really saying he’s withstanding *other people* being cringe, but rather he himself feeling cringe for being outside of his comfort zone or doing anything unusual for him personally. Just wanted to mention this as calling niche hobbies and interests ‘cringe’ in english is an insult, and I don’t think that was his intention, while saying that you are “cringing” or feeling “cringe” is expressing personal embarrassment.
Very well made video Nobita san! We appreciate foreigners try to adapt to or respect other culture. It makes us want to help them more.😊 Thank you for your amazing video!☺️🙏
Connor is successful in Japan because he acknowledges Japan and its people as a nation and culture! Meanwhile so many of these steamers see Japan is nothing but a spectacle to profit from because it’s popular. Major MAJOR difference in approach!
When I am in Japan, I simply do what the Japanese would do. Bow and be respectful. Be thankful when served. Even using "Otsukaresama desu" to the staff and even coach drivers. Just that sentence coming from a foreigner makes Japanese staff feels appreciated and their hardwork is being respected. Be mindful, Be thankful. That is all to it.
We kinda do these things in the UK, I have noticed from my travels that there are similarities between how we respect eachother in both countries. Japan absolutely do it to a further degree than the UK dont get me wrong, but saying "nono im bad at this" is quite a common thing we do here to not come across as boasting, so a slightly different reason but its interesting to see the similarities. I also find Aussies do this too, maybe due to the UK and Aus having a close history, so it would explain Joey's expression (plus hes part JP too of course so yea)
ほんとに ありがとうございます I've not quite appreciated Connor-san the way he ought to be appreciated, but he does really pay attention and is giving his best to appreciate japanese culture. I've not really thought of it that way before. 感謝ています。
being someone who is well traveled, the biggest secret is that so long as you're trying to go with the culture, you will be respected and liked. You always get some wiggle room as a foreigner/outsider, and that's okay. It's okay if you do something wrong so long as people can see you are genuinely trying to not. You can just feel that 90% of people like you simply by trying.
To be fair, clout streamers shouldn’t be compared to foreigners, those are a new breed of people. As long as people watch their videos for ad money and they make hundreds of thousands of dollars, they won’t stop, Japan needs new laws to protect themselves from those types of streamers. Make examples of those clout streamers to stop more from invading. Connor isn’t a clout streamer, but he’s a voice actor, and an overall great guy, he also shouldn’t be compared to foreigners.
It's so embarrassing in the US how even in professional settings people will rudely interrupt others, like in the news clip you showed or even in our political debates. I know every country has issues, but there are definitely parts of Japanese culture that I'm so envious of. I wish my country was even half as polite!
You totally explain how a foreigner can learn to be keigo (or like you said, by using a respectful way to interact with Japanese) I learned all those points that you mentioned by observing the Japanese talk shows and some anime that show the daily lives of Japanese and also reading a lot of books about being keigo
The biggest reason I don't enjoy traveling is that I don't want to be a tourist. It feels so rude to go to another country with a different language and culture and have them to cater in any way to me. It's their home and I want to show that home the respect it deserves.
Well put together video as always, thank you! I watched a lot of Connor's video and also noticed he acts differently in front of Japanese people as compared to, for example, with the trash taste boys. You pointed out those key things which, for someone like me who just moved to Japan, are examples for us to learn from. As a side note, I think Connor's British background also helped him to get a grasp of the humble nature of Japanese culture. I lived in the UK for nearly 10 years before moving to Japan last year. When comparing the two cultures, what I realised is that both culture shares similar idea of being a decent person and not causing trouble to people around you (although some of acts of the younger generations and on the internet nowadays are questionable). In the UK, unless you are talking about football or politics, it is common that you don't confront people directly, even if you don't agree with them. British people often express their views indirectly when they disagree with you, and you need to know how to read between the lines, which I think it in a way similar to the Tatemae in Japanese.
That's why in English we've been thought to use "thank you", "welcome" and "please" Or why we address others by "sir" or "madam"; in asian countries, this has been adapted into "aunty" and "uncle" (even though said person is NOT your biological relative)
that actually explains a lot, I remember when he first started making videos like the bl cafe, I saw a lot of comments concerned about how he seemed so self deprecating and not confident, now I see that it was more so being respectful rather than putting himself down. of course part of it was just the cringe that he embraces, but mainly we viewers were not used to how he would act in front of japanese people as compared to his videos before he moved to japan
One thing I have to contradict Joey about. English does have formal speech, it's just not a whole second vocabulary like in Japanese. When showing respect to someone you're talking to you tend to focus more on how you're saying and what you're saying. In english "formal speech" is more with your tone. Sure there are words that we tend to use more and more with formal speech, but it's much less.
My 'moment' in Japan was when I was travelling on a train in Tokyo and an elderly lady boarded - there were no seats left, so I got up and offered my seat. At the next stop a seat again became available and I took that - only for another elderly lady to board and I again offered my seat - the two elderly ladies engaged in a conversation that was obviously about me and seemed to be along the lines of 'Oh what a nice man' sort of thing. I remained standing for the rest of my journey and at one point I glanced at a middle aged salary man, who nodded at me. As my wife and I got to our stop, the salary man also got off at the same stop - I naturally allowed him past to get off first and then on the platform he bowed and thanked me.
I’ve always wanted to visit Japan but I am also terrified of making a fool out of myself if I actually get to go. The last thing I want to do is offend someone simply because I don’t know the social rules and formalities. This video is definitely a big help in relieving some of that anxiety! Now I know some tools and a few things to be wary of.
Thank you for such an informational video. It does help me understand how conversations work. It also helps me understand how I'm to be more respectful if I ever get to go to Japan.
to be fair... i feel like us in the uk (more so the mid 20's+ age range) and japan are kinda similar in our attitudes, we try to be respectful, humble, we hate boasting, we won't complain to people about them or something they have done but by god we will to ourselves and others after, and self depreciating humour? the best, japan just feels like that but just magnitudes more prevalent.
Interesting. It took me some time to learn gratitude. Many people never do. It would make society more sociable. Maybe we don't have to go far as Japan, but we could definitely use more of it.
I think most people can understand when you are trying to be a good person, regardless of language barriers. What I experienced while studying both Japanese and Chinese and interacting with the natives of both cultures is that they just want you to try to be respectful and not take advantage of the benefit of the doubt they grant you as someone not as familiar with their way of life.
An absolutely magnificent explanation. Having been fascinated by the Japanese culture for a long time, and finally visiting the country just recently, I could easily spot many of these ideas you presented in the video. Me and my partner come from a Western country that has more in common with the Japanese mentality than, say, American, and I could feel that it put many locals at ease. Our hotel had this most adorable granny as the chef, and she always greeted us with a smile, probably because we greeted her with humble bow + "Ohayo gozaimasu!" and "Gozoosama desita!" when going in and out. It was a totally different vibe whenever this... let's just call them a "Walmart family", stepped in and signalled their presence to the world.
I really respect that idea of a "baseball" conversation. That's a really good observation. I find those hockey conversations really tiring and annoying, and you put my frustration into words.
Wonderful video, you really sold the point well and I appreciate it. Honestly what you described is basically my personality, so I feel like I would do GREAT in Japan. Thank you so much for sharing!
I think the fact he’s British shows. Whenever I go abroad, even if I don’t know the language much. The one word I always make sure to learn in “Thank You”. And I’m pretty sure lots of Brits are similar. In comparison to America I feel like we have a bit more of a culture of trying our best to be polite. Genuinely I think “Excuse me”, “Sorry” and “Thank you” are some of my most used phrases. So when I go abroad they are the first things I try to learn. That and “Hello” and “Goodbye”.
I used to study japanese in a japanese language school here in Brazil, which have this program that this company (don't recall the name right now), sent japanese teacher around the world to teach, which lead me to meet 2 teachers who tought me a lot and i became friends with them, failed n5 for 1 or 2 points and continued to study just like a hobby, because even thou my routine was kinda sucks at the time, i enjoyed being there and the most important thing i learned with then and my brazilian-japanese teacher is to listen more than to talk, treat people as you would like to be treated, that's the biggest thing in the world to me now, after all, be respectfull does not cost a penny and will never make you look "weak" like some asshole think. Now, years later, i want to go back and really study japanese properly, already buyed some books to get back in form before entering another language school and plan get ready for the jplt tests in the future, thanks for the video!
It costs nothing to be respectful towards people on a daily basis, going to visit a country like Japan - or any other - its worth learning even a few polite phrases and saying please and thank you to staff members. Seeing some "influencers" in Japan - as well as elsewhere going to a foreign country - and being outright disrespectful is annoying as it puts more negativity out there.
I worked for a large Japanese firm and my boss was Japanese. He used to kid me (over drinks) that I was two people. One when I spoke to fellow gaijin and another when I was speaking to the j-staff.
I think Chris Broad (who by the way is a friend and very often collaborates with cdawg) is even more respected by Japanese people.I think cdawg also has some disadvantage in being compared to Chris because Cdawg is part of the show Thrash taste wich as received some complaints from some people, especially Japanese, though i think the one to blòame the most for that is the main Host Joey.
Japanese don't think foreigners are allowed to complain about their way of life. But regardless, if you have lived in Japan for 5 years and pay taxes, then you should have every right to complain about certain things. But unfortunately, that's just Japan's xenophobic tendencies showing. Especially towards Joey. Dude is half Japanese. Speaks on the same exact level as a native speaker. And has spent half his life in Japan. But Japanese people refuse to see him as a Japanese person. It isn't their fault Japanese people are some of the most closed-minded people in the world.
Now I suddenly have more confidence haha A lot of the "good things" that you mentioned is totally looked down upon here in Norway. Like, if you aren't funny and confident, you get looked down upon (despite Janteloven, which states that you shouldn't think you're worth more than the person next to you) However, the typical habits I have that get me ostrasized here in Norway, including humor based on my own inadequacy, constant thank yous and sorrys and constantly saying things like "I'm not that strong", "I'm really jealous of you for *INSERT SKILL HERE*" and similar phrases. Seem to be positives in Japan, which feels good to know since I've already decided that I want to move to Japan somewhere in the future (at least by 2035). So yeah, this made my day haha. Hopefully it doesn't backfire in Japan as well though. I'm bad at reading people, so that might change my situation compared to Connor's situation. I'm still a bit worried, but at least a bit less now. Thank you for the video.
Thank for bringing up this. It´s so true. I try to better myself. And I hope to learn from Japan. have only been 6 times to Japan. But i Love to return. Had a Japanese cohab (almost same as being married in Sweden) for 9 years and i have learned so much from her about not only Japan and Japanese ways. I have made mistakes on my first trips to Japan. But Think i have learned so will not repeat the mistakes I made. Please continue making more videos. I do appreciate your videos. best regards from Sweden.
This is a really good break down of how to adapt and conform in Japan. Unless you livr in a bubble, it would be very hard to live here without doing these. (Unless you are a terribly selfish person.)
I agree so much about the "gaijin card" thing. I have a Chinese-Canadian friend who lived in South Korea for a time, and I'm going to work there. They often say things like "but that won't matter, because your white" or "no one will expect you to know that, because you're white," because they were expected to know how to behave due to being Asian (even though they are Canadian and didn't know any better than I would!). I get where they're coming from, but you put it into words perfectly: i feel like just failing by on people's willingness to forgive me just because I look foreign would be taking advantage of people who are trying to be tolerant and open minded. Isn't that basically just punishing the people you need the most when moving to or traveling to a foreign country???
Something worth mentioning about apologizing: In America apologizing is an admission of guilt. Its actually one of the larger and more important differences between the Canadian and American legal systems. Apologizing for something can be legally binding in America. If you bump into someone and say sorry, and they can prove it, they could actually sue you for damages because you admitted to damages by saying sorry. It's not likely to and may be a bit of an exaggeration, but it is why you will never hear any person representing a company directly apologize. They'll say something like "How can I improve your experience". Meanwhile in Canada its specifically in our legal code that apologizing is a polite or empathetic gesture, or even just a reflexive one. As the joke goes "You're Canadian if you trip and apologize to the ground".
To top it off, Connor being "British" is a sort advantage because they have 'manners' and much more "civilised" than the majority of countries in Europe and US. Not everyone in UK are 'polite' but even if they are from lower class background they still have some form of mannerisms like "sorry, mate" for bumping into someone or hold doors for strangers. That's why I sometimes see UK being similar to JP but westernised and open.
i dont see how in your eyes this doesnt apply to other countries in europe. (cant say about US because ive never been) i think thats just normal courtesy if you have been raised right. no matter what country in europe it is.
@@ValtielSmok For the most part I agree there is a normal level of courtesy which can be found all over Europe. However at the same time, there definitely are other European cultures that generally tend to be more direct and less overly apologetic than Britain. Not that one approach is better or worse than the other, but in this case the British/Japanese mannerisms are a good match.
@@ValtielSmok as an american, it's pretty normal courtesy here too. people probably won't look down on you if you don't do it, but granting minor courtesies to others isn't some foreign concept to us either
Yeah Connor is "cheating" because we are already considered a polite society, obviously not to the scale of Japan, and so we already apologies a lot even to inanimate objects.
@@ZainKaneko exactly. a lot of points in this video were taught to me by my parents. lived in america my whole life. just seems like common courtesy tbh. guess it doesn't really help that we export so much media out to the world that everyone thinks we all act like Logan Paul / other loud obnoxious influencers
The whole "Tokyo Creative Crew" Connor, Chris, Joey, Garnt, Emma & Sarah are Very Polite and So Wholesome and Fun to watch Also, Connor clearly Adores Japan and it shows which is why we adore Connor right back 🗾⛩🎎💚
Im british and i feel like the culture of being polite exists here, but to a lesser extent. Self deprecating humour is common because its seen as arrogant to even subtely brag, so you actually come across humble and self aware. Also, on connor's complaining, i think a lot of people dont understand that complaining is a form of small talk in the uk- people bond and relate over complaining, and it sounds kinda depressing in theory but its usually over light things like the weather. Because complaining is pretty normal its definitely used in more serious situations as a form of discussion, its used a lot in politics and societal topics ( such the state of the healthcare system etc ). It might come across whiny to some but its basically just a way to lead into certain topics- connor complains about certain aspects not to demonstrate his hate for japan but to lead into talking abt certain issues japan has ( in his eyes ). Also, tone is often exaggerated when complaining, so even if someone sounds really annoyed over something, theres a good chance theyre not actually that bothered and are just playing it up, or are willing to put up with it anyway. Basically- its not always that deep, lol
I only used the Gaijin card two times on purpose when I lived in Japan and that was when I got pulled over by the police for speeding and then in an encounter with Yakuza. I am sure that I was unintentionally disrespectful a few times but that was purely due to different cultures.
Dude, no thank YOU! 1.) Your English is way better than my Japanese and not hard to follow at all. Sure, there are some pronunciation things that indicate your Japanese but that actually makes up part of the charm. 2.) Your insights are so interesting, again I should thank you for your content. This is essentially free education.
Thanks for this I've been scared that if I tried to do something like this when I do eventually go to Japan that people might think I'm trying too hard to follow Japanese culture and it might come off as insulting
I think this pretty much falls under 4 and 5, but one thing I did learn in order to be accepted in Japan is to *appreciate their culture.* Don't mock their culture. Instead, embrace and indulge in it if you can. Japanese society takes great pride in their culture, so showing respect to their culture is a good way to get on their good side. Reminds me of a foreigner who wore a kimono in Japan and twitter Karens called them out on "cultural appropriation". But in reality, the Japanese do not find it offensive in anyway. Instead, they see it as a foreigner who is appreciating their culture by indulging in it.
in my experience basic kindness and respect come a long way in any culture. you dont even have to exploit the gaijin card, just show some basic human decency and act thoughtful and you'll be just fine without knowing all the details and rituals of a foreign culture
I think what also helps Connor, is that he is British. Respect, Politeness, and self deprecating humour is something prioritise in social situations too. It's not as much so as in Japan, as America has had a lot of influence on British culture in recent generations, but I think this helps Connor, Garnt, Chris and Joey (Australia shares many similarities culturally with Britain) stand out against the American's over confidence and selfishness you used as bad examples.
They're not less respectful because of the American influence, the British aren't individually respectful, that's why sarcasm is so popular. Not to mention, the British don't generally have strong community senses (something the US does better, and more in line with the Japanese way).
@@Mwuff7775 'the British don't generally have strong community senses ' Tell me you aren't British/live in London without telling me you aren't British/Live in London.
One of the biggest compliments I got during my time in Japan was the fact I was very respectful, I'm naturally respectful as is but I think everyone in Japan appreciated very much. At the time my Japanese wasn't very good ( It still isn't that great but definitely better than it was the first time I went ) but everyone was so supportive of me just trying to speak Japanese, be polite a please and thank you goes a long way! I actually made more Japanese friends while there than foreign friends, I am looking forward to visiting Japan again in the next few months !
Being humble is something positive, and I wouldn't want to be treated with the Gaijin card when I visit Japan. I'd rather someone try to speak up in English and try to explain what I did wrong even if it is something minor. But I do agree you should be polite when you visit another country just follow the most basic rules and don't be a nuisance to others. Thank you Nobita-san for another great video! :D
When I was in a arcade in akihabara playing super dragon ball heroes a guy sat next to me on the other machine to play. I seen he had some cool hard sleeves for his cards and I wanted to know where he got them. So as respectfully as I could I asked in Japanese where to get those sleeves and he showed me on his phone where to get them but not only that he gave me an extra sealed pack he had. I still have that sealed pack just as a reminder of that kindness and I feel he appreciated that I at least attempted to speak Japanese. Best memory!
When I was in Japan last year, an older man noticed myself and my friends lost in one of the larger subway stations. He ended up walking us a considerably long way to where we were trying to go. I felt so bad, though, because, as an American, I expected him to ask for money at the end, and, because of that, was really standoffish to his actions. Turns how he just wanted to help us. It sucks that American culture has ingrained distrust in strangers.
@@jamieohjamie nearly the exact same thing happened to me. i was in tokyo station and some older man saw that i was lost, and without any english knowledge he led me to where i needed to go.
When I was in Osaka with some friends we wanted to get some takoyaki during early evening. There was a takoyaki shop on the corner, so we went there. The owner told us that they were busy closing for the day and apologised for that.
We thanked him and walked on to try and find another place to get food. But when we were about a block away, one of the workers from the takoyaki place came running after us and gave us a small tray of takoyaki to apologise for them not being able to serve us.
wholesome
Wish arcades had that game here loved it on switch
People seem to focus on Connor's role on Trash Taste as "the British guy who complains about everything" to paint him in a bad light when the target audience for that podcast could not be further from the traditional Japanese citizen. It's friends having a blunt conversation about their "trash tastes/takes" and is targeted at casual overseas viewers. Whenever I see him interact with people outside of these settings he always seems super friendly and respectful and it makes me sad that people only consider the open personality he portrays on trash taste and not how he acts outside of that safe, controlled setting. As an individual who finds it difficult to leave his comfort zone I really look up to Connor.
I admit when I first saw Conner, it was on trash tasteband I did not like him at all
They need to watch his irl streams and how he does such nice things for IronMouse.
@@masterj2cool2000how come?
@@Hinona. Honestly I can see it. He does a lot of complaining on many things and it comes off as ungrateful or rude. However, looking at IRL streams in Japan, he's much more respectful and loves showing off interesting or personally well-liked locations to his chat and Iron mouse. He's much more meaningful with his words, not as impulsive with his thoughts(where in trash taste it's pretty much the premise of the podcast), and shows off the better parts of Japan. This is one of the reasons I enjoy his IRL streams.
@@celty228 Interesting! I was simply curious as a longtime Connor fan seeing as I am quite used to his antics and all.
Ice Hockey conversation vs baseball conversation. That's a damn good analogy.
I noticed that as well.....however. even as a fan of both sports, I could not grasp Nobita's meaning lol
Could you break it down for me?? In my experience going to both games, us fans are always rowdy and outgoing. My understanding is that Nobita was making a comparison between conversation style, but I just don't get the difference in the context of Western sports. Thanks so much for clarifying!
@@dannyVulture Baseball conversation is one person talks, everyone listens, then the next person talks, everyone listens. People wait until the person talking finishes, they don't interrupt. The batter can't suddenly run to first base before the pitcher even throws the ball. But in Hockey, once the buzzer sounds it's a free for all. Everyone talking and interrupting all at once.
@@dannyVulture it's not the fans, it's the actual game. In a game of ice hockey both teams will be switching between offense and defense constantly, whereas in baseball they take turns in a much more routine way.
Pretty much turn-based game vs real-time game
@@dannyVulture Baseball Ball-> bat: Where Hockey->->hit puck while getting slammed into a wall cause the other dude wanted to hit the puck
What I like about Connor is his open mindedness, whenever he does his " a day as ..." series he does not go to these activities to mock or make fun because they may seem odd to foreigners, he's respectful and listen to what the people say about it.
And what can come off as mocking is more him mocking himself in the situation rather than the act/job itself.
@@ThornOfSociety most of the jokes are more in the vein of "this is harder than I thought oh, shit I really suck at this, I'm making a joke of myself" instead of the usual "haha weird thing funny, look how weird this people are"
Uhmm, then you need to analyse him more. I wouldn't vote for Connor for being open minded.
I loved the part in the beginning where conner is "interacting" with japanese people and it's just him about to kiss a guy 😂
A normal day for a jojo fan
It's a jojo reference
@@krazy_dood_ I need to watch more jojo I guess 😂 so much anime, so little time.
@@maerosemary341oh your missing out. It’s great
@@krazy_dood_ a jojo reference? I finished Stardust Crusaders a long time ago but I've never seen any. Are we watching the same anime in the first place?
Connor must be feeling honored to be featured in your video once again😂. All jokes asides i do believe that he's respectful towards Japanese people in his own unique way. I've seen a couple of videos with him and Shinuya Kaho-san and they both seem to enjoy each other's company. That alone shows that if you can make someone feel comfortable around you, you can persuade people,especially the Japanese that not all foreigners are as bad and rude as they think. Thank you for another great video Nobita-san👍
This is such a great breakdown and honestly a great lesson for anyone visiting, or especially planning to live in Japan. Even after two years here, I still struggle with some of these things, especially how to show engagement without interrupting/speaking and following along conversations despite being able to speak Japanese; but it goes to show that so much of conversation and your interactions in Japan aren't really about what you say but rather, the little mannerisms and following conversation etiquette (or at least making the effort to).
Thank you for watching!
When you talk with Japanese you notice it’s more important how you talk than what you talk about.
this is actually true, communication is different in Japan and interactions come with little details or not so direct. I have good friends in Japan and I've come to understand how they show their appreciation for others however I come from America and I also like people who talk you directly and with emotion.
Both sides are okay however you have to live with both.
I’ve been in Japan 28 years
1. Always use Masu/Desu forms (unless Keigo is required AND you know how to do it).
2. A good gaijin is a quiet gaijin.
3. Follow every single rule-social, school or work. It doesn’t matter. Follow the rules.
These are ironically the reason a LOT of gaijin, especially Americans, can’t fit into Japanese society.
There is one caveat-you won’t necessarily make Japanese friends (unless they have lived outside the country) BUT you will be the good gaijin and won’t get grief.
Is there any situation that a foreigner could use more casual language than masu/desu, or would you say that's mainly reserved for Japanese?
@@nozarashi4329 i have no knowledge besides what i know of the language and keigo but i would say only for japanese no, i believe say if you are close friends you can probably be more informal like saying its cold today ”今日寒いね” or when parting "またね” would probably be fine or anything like it but anyone else like acquaintances, strangers or especially people who are your superior or should be respectful to unless told otherwise use the proper "今日は寒いですね” and full sentences including proper grammar and desu instead of what i like to call shorthand as the meaning tends to be the same.
anyone here can correct me and there are probably more formal words for things i dont know yet. but that is how i have interpreted it as i am still learning the language.
@@jito_ that makes sense, I was just wondering if it would be seen as "rude" for a foreigner to use overly casual language with a friend that normally only Japanese people use.
#2's wording is a little crazy lol. u sound like the uncle tom for jp ppl
@@andiiiiiiiiii it’s cynical is what it is. But…after all these years here, and in four different jobs, is a good survival strategy. I’ve seen people come here and be outspoken at the wrong times and it’s only made them unhappy.
You're right. As somebody in the USA, in a state known for being "fast and rude," I am always scared I will never get a word in because the conversation topic disappears quickly, and I'm constantly interrupted when I say the wrong phrase instead of being politely corrected or asked what I really meant.
As an artist, many people who have told me, "I suck at art," have never genuinely tried and never plan to, so my automatic reaction when someone says they're bad is something encouraging like, "Please try before you give up!".
It might be how our culture is, but it would be nice if we were kinder and not encouraged to give up when we notice we are not immediately skilled at something or that it is okay to interrupt someone trying to talk.
I completely understand this, i'm very shy and every time i tried engage in a group conversation in my home, school or another place if i wait my time the topic would change, if i try to join in a talk fast when someone end its speak, another person will cut what i am saying and also join. This also makes me sad, because when i talk in groups about games, people usually like to talk with me or ask some help
I'm from Eastern Europe and upon going to the US, the supposed "rude" region of it (perhaps same as yours).... I found everyone to be so incredibly nice!! Imagine how bad it is here lmao.... Literally if you don't fight tooth and nail u can't get a word in.... my boyfriend from there commented on how I interrupt people too much even though I still do it less than the usual person at my place lmao, or maybe my poor reflexes make me end up interrupting cuz I can't seem to jump in as graciously as most people... I'm trying to unlearn it honestly.
As a fellow American who are these people you interact with? Am I just in the minority here where everyone I interact with in the US is generally an alright person? Or do people just zone in on the assholes and ignore genuinely good people?
@@deletedwafflesyou got lucky, basically
This video should be mandatory training on the plane before arriving to Haneda or Narita for foreigners visiting Japan for the first time
Only those two airports? I'm landing in Kansai International next time so I don't have to be respectful. :P
:)
more like a guide for Westerners cos they be the ones making the ruckus
@@xxDxxism Mainly Americans, don't lump the rest of us Westies in with those yankee yahoos.
Especially Americans
Just be respectful. In Japan and help out It may take some time. Build friendship
How one shows respect depends on the culture:) that's why this video is so important and wonderful. It can help show us how to be respectful in a japanese way :)
I visited japan in may of last year and I loved it. I went as a solo traveler and always focused on being respectful and polite to everyone. I really enjoyed my time in Japan and I felt very welcome.
I will be returning to Japan in October and I am really looking forward to seeing and experiencing more of the country and culture!
respect isnt culture---it's common sense and courtesy, try it out on your neighbors.
@@Hay8137gRespect is their culture and I’m sure he is kind to his neighbors.
In my opinion I think that everyone should use this. This is a very nice video.
ありがとうございます！
I just like Connor because he's bishonen with a sexy voice...
But anyway, Connor seems like a cool guy anyone would like to hang out with.
And I gotta bring up American Pete. In Connor's most recent crane game video, Pete gave a group high school kids his money to win some prizes. The kids actually came back with the prizes and the leftover money. Pete was really friendly to the kids, took a group picture with them and let them keep all the leftover money. It was Connor's money, but that was a really nice thing to do. I can't really imagine anything like that happening in a western country. American kids would just take the money and leave, never to return.
I think "playing the gaijin card" when you LIVE in Japan, is not a good excuse. I'm not talking about making a small mistake or not knowing a rule or something, I'm talking about continuously ignoring something and just saying "Ah yeah, I don't know that because I'm not Japanese~".
If you LIVE there, you have a responsibility to learn the right way to act and behave. You should be able to be yourself, keep your culture and whatnot, but also adapt and be willing to accept change.
It's a funny excuse to be able to use, and yes, for those little things, it's probably fair. But NOT for everyday things that should be picked up.
Edit: I can't stress enough that being an asshole and completely disrespecting the country you live in, and disregarding any common sense whatsoever is absolutely not acceptable, living there, being a tourist, whatever, it's not at all okay. Never act like those idiot streamers, they are terrible rolemodels.
I get the feeling that the "Gaijin card" as you call it is the tolerance Japanese would have for Gaijin asking what the rules are in a given situation, rather than just blundering through and excusing everything you do on being a Gaijin. From everything I have seen over the years in videos like the ones e.g. Chris Broad posts, the Japanese are overjoyed when people come to their shores and actually ask them how they should behave. They seem joyous to want to teach you their customs and why they do what they do, especially to westerners. To use that tolerance to just do whatever you want and excuse it with being a westerner seems to me the height of narcissism if I'm honest.
Something interesting to note is that, as a Brit, I always recognised Connor's 'Japanese-esque' formalities that you pointed out in this video as British cultural habits. Of course, British people are not like this informally, but I find my peers and I often sell ourselves short and apologise excessively to strangers or superiors.
Yes it’s a good point. For example the only time I ever heard that you shouldn’t refer to someone who is present as « he » or « she », but instead by their name, was from a British person, which most English people don’t do but it does make sense. Teaching good manners is more common in Europe, especially in the UK.
I didn't know I could be so proud of someone who I don't really know at all lol. Seeing how Connor has grown through the years, not only in popularity but as a person, really fills my heart somehow.
I went to Japan in November 2019 and last year for my birthday. Being polite, respectful, mindful, and showing gratitude made my experience in Japan so amazing that I am going back this year for my third time. Thank you very much Nobita for your videos, I have learned a lot about Japanese customs, and culture.
Do you go through a travel agency or a group? Not sure what the word for it.
@@BeetaroniPizzano travel agency. I booked the flights and do research on hotels. The trick is having a travel credit card. Put all your charges on your card and pay it off entirely. All my bills except rent, car payment, and cell phone are paid via my credit card. Over time I get enough points for either free flight or most hotels for free! The card I use is Capital One Venture X.
For me, when travelling, language is almost totally immaterial. So much of our behaviour is physical, the right smile at the right time, a simple bow or a simple local phrase used in a perfect moment. All confer respect in their own way. And even understanding the building blocks of the culture you are visiting, goes a long way more than being able to hold an entire conversation in a formal language.
The word 'respect' is overused. What you experience in Japan is gratitude and politeness. Real respect obviously exists too but never in a superficial level with mostly strangers.
Connor is both a super-crazy guy and very respectful, He shows the right way to enjoy being in Japan!
I was in Japan last year and found it easier interacting with the locals after explaining that I wasn't American and that I was British, what I was told was that Americans loud nature made them more intimidating but Brits are very reserved much like the Japanese and that helped me a lot. Now my Scottish accent on the other hand, that was a problem
Confidence alone gets you *very* far in the US considering. Connor has been up there as one of my most favorite content creators, he's not only good with people in person, but good with a crowd online!
ありがとうございました
今年の 3 月に夫 (彼は日本人です) と一緒に日本に引っ越しますが、あなたのビデオがとても役に立ちます。 夫と一緒にいるとき、私はそれほど良い人ではありません。 改めて、本当にありがとうございました。 私の日本語でごめんなさい。
Thanks for making this video, it is nice to see a japanese perspective on his progress as you are not a biased source so it feels genuine as well. Interesting to realize how far connor has come in video format really
動画を作ってくださってありがとうございます。来日して、周りの人に真面目に会話したり、繋がったりするのは難しく感じたのでこの動画が凄く役に立つと思います。ありがとうございます。
Your bowing and showing gratitude at 6.13 made me tear up because it was so genuine and real. Keep it up! We're here to support you!
Connor Dog the VA really takes himsel out of his comfort zone, and though he complains about stuff on the podcast, he also praises the same amount if not more of the things that are in Japan.
I have to say, being respectful is just as important as being confident in the US, as a general thing. If you are disrespectful you will be shut out of a lot of things and potentially wind up in prison. Confidence can't really make up for this.
I would say it depends a lot on location, age, and gender. In the south and Midwest being generally respectful, especially to your parents and elders is important. But in big cities and gen z it's more overlooked I've found. Also, respectful doesn't generally include being quiet like in japan 😅
@@moxxibekk Haha yes, but not yelling at people either. Def not the quiet keep your head down respect from asian societies. I mean more be respectful or you will wind up in prison or dead, hahaha.
So nice to see Connor get some love. He really seems like a great guy.
I'm so confused with all the recent gaijins visiting Japan and taking advantage of the people/culture. I deeply want to visit Japan in the near future. I just don't understand how they can visit Japan and not see it as the amazing beautiful place it is.
Great video! I want to say about one bit in No. 4, when Connor is saying that he can withstand cringe to a greater degree than other people, I don’t think he’s really saying he’s withstanding *other people* being cringe, but rather he himself feeling cringe for being outside of his comfort zone or doing anything unusual for him personally. Just wanted to mention this as calling niche hobbies and interests ‘cringe’ in english is an insult, and I don’t think that was his intention, while saying that you are “cringing” or feeling “cringe” is expressing personal embarrassment.
Very well made video Nobita san! We appreciate foreigners try to adapt to or respect other culture. It makes us want to help them more.😊
Thank you for your amazing video!☺️🙏
@LemifromJapan Lemiさん、ありがとうございます! そろそろ「さん付け」をやめようよ!
@@TheJapanReporterごめんごめんのび太くん！😅Thank you for pointing that Nobita!😊
I wanna try my best to if I can get there Lemi-chan ❤
Connor is successful in Japan because he acknowledges Japan and its people as a nation and culture! Meanwhile so many of these steamers see Japan is nothing but a spectacle to profit from because it’s popular. Major MAJOR difference in approach!
When I am in Japan, I simply do what the Japanese would do. Bow and be respectful. Be thankful when served. Even using "Otsukaresama desu" to the staff and even coach drivers. Just that sentence coming from a foreigner makes Japanese staff feels appreciated and their hardwork is being respected. Be mindful, Be thankful. That is all to it.
We kinda do these things in the UK, I have noticed from my travels that there are similarities between how we respect eachother in both countries. Japan absolutely do it to a further degree than the UK dont get me wrong, but saying "nono im bad at this" is quite a common thing we do here to not come across as boasting, so a slightly different reason but its interesting to see the similarities. I also find Aussies do this too, maybe due to the UK and Aus having a close history, so it would explain Joey's expression (plus hes part JP too of course so yea)
UK respect culture ? Hahahahaha
bro i like your channel and the videos you post are awesome
I'm honored to hear that!
In Aussie and we have something very similar to this, stay humble, down to earth, it is a lot nicer to interact with someone with these manners.
ほんとに ありがとうございます I've not quite appreciated Connor-san the way he ought to be appreciated, but he does really pay attention and is giving his best to appreciate japanese culture. I've not really thought of it that way before. 感謝ています。
being someone who is well traveled, the biggest secret is that so long as you're trying to go with the culture, you will be respected and liked. You always get some wiggle room as a foreigner/outsider, and that's okay. It's okay if you do something wrong so long as people can see you are genuinely trying to not. You can just feel that 90% of people like you simply by trying.
To be fair, clout streamers shouldn’t be compared to foreigners, those are a new breed of people. As long as people watch their videos for ad money and they make hundreds of thousands of dollars, they won’t stop, Japan needs new laws to protect themselves from those types of streamers. Make examples of those clout streamers to stop more from invading.
Connor isn’t a clout streamer, but he’s a voice actor, and an overall great guy, he also shouldn’t be compared to foreigners.
Baseball conversation vs Ice Hockey conversation... that's such a good way to put it!
It's so embarrassing in the US how even in professional settings people will rudely interrupt others, like in the news clip you showed or even in our political debates. I know every country has issues, but there are definitely parts of Japanese culture that I'm so envious of. I wish my country was even half as polite!
He is a big Jojo fan, most bizarre anime ever
You can't show respect without love
He is a weeb, he loves japan deeply
You totally explain how a foreigner can learn to be keigo (or like you said, by using a respectful way to interact with Japanese)
I learned all those points that you mentioned by observing the Japanese talk shows and some anime that show the daily lives of Japanese and also reading a lot of books about being keigo
The biggest reason I don't enjoy traveling is that I don't want to be a tourist. It feels so rude to go to another country with a different language and culture and have them to cater in any way to me. It's their home and I want to show that home the respect it deserves.
At the end of the day they still want your money. As long as you don't act like a dick I doubt they care that much if you're a tourist.
Well put together video as always, thank you! I watched a lot of Connor's video and also noticed he acts differently in front of Japanese people as compared to, for example, with the trash taste boys. You pointed out those key things which, for someone like me who just moved to Japan, are examples for us to learn from.
As a side note, I think Connor's British background also helped him to get a grasp of the humble nature of Japanese culture. I lived in the UK for nearly 10 years before moving to Japan last year. When comparing the two cultures, what I realised is that both culture shares similar idea of being a decent person and not causing trouble to people around you (although some of acts of the younger generations and on the internet nowadays are questionable). In the UK, unless you are talking about football or politics, it is common that you don't confront people directly, even if you don't agree with them. British people often express their views indirectly when they disagree with you, and you need to know how to read between the lines, which I think it in a way similar to the Tatemae in Japanese.
LOVE this video thank you so much! It explains SO much!
That's why in English we've been thought to use "thank you", "welcome" and "please"
Or why we address others by "sir" or "madam"; in asian countries, this has been adapted into "aunty" and "uncle" (even though said person is NOT your biological relative)
This was very informative! Thank you. My dad and I are planning a vacation to Japan next year and I must make sure we'll be respectful as possible
that actually explains a lot, I remember when he first started making videos like the bl cafe, I saw a lot of comments concerned about how he seemed so self deprecating and not confident, now I see that it was more so being respectful rather than putting himself down. of course part of it was just the cringe that he embraces, but mainly we viewers were not used to how he would act in front of japanese people as compared to his videos before he moved to japan
Your video helped me realize that there are things that are better enjoyed from a distance.
One thing I have to contradict Joey about. English does have formal speech, it's just not a whole second vocabulary like in Japanese. When showing respect to someone you're talking to you tend to focus more on how you're saying and what you're saying. In english "formal speech" is more with your tone. Sure there are words that we tend to use more and more with formal speech, but it's much less.
My 'moment' in Japan was when I was travelling on a train in Tokyo and an elderly lady boarded - there were no seats left, so I got up and offered my seat. At the next stop a seat again became available and I took that - only for another elderly lady to board and I again offered my seat - the two elderly ladies engaged in a conversation that was obviously about me and seemed to be along the lines of 'Oh what a nice man' sort of thing. I remained standing for the rest of my journey and at one point I glanced at a middle aged salary man, who nodded at me. As my wife and I got to our stop, the salary man also got off at the same stop - I naturally allowed him past to get off first and then on the platform he bowed and thanked me.
I’ve always wanted to visit Japan but I am also terrified of making a fool out of myself if I actually get to go. The last thing I want to do is offend someone simply because I don’t know the social rules and formalities. This video is definitely a big help in relieving some of that anxiety! Now I know some tools and a few things to be wary of.
PARDON?? 0:41 That is some respectfulness right there, do you think Connor could show that sort of respect to me too?
Thank you for such an informational video. It does help me understand how conversations work. It also helps me understand how I'm to be more respectful if I ever get to go to Japan.
I love Connor!
(Love you as well Nobita!)
to be fair... i feel like us in the uk (more so the mid 20's+ age range) and japan are kinda similar in our attitudes, we try to be respectful, humble, we hate boasting, we won't complain to people about them or something they have done but by god we will to ourselves and others after, and self depreciating humour? the best, japan just feels like that but just magnitudes more prevalent.
Interesting. It took me some time to learn gratitude. Many people never do. It would make society more sociable. Maybe we don't have to go far as Japan, but we could definitely use more of it.
I think most people can understand when you are trying to be a good person, regardless of language barriers. What I experienced while studying both Japanese and Chinese and interacting with the natives of both cultures is that they just want you to try to be respectful and not take advantage of the benefit of the doubt they grant you as someone not as familiar with their way of life.
An absolutely magnificent explanation. Having been fascinated by the Japanese culture for a long time, and finally visiting the country just recently, I could easily spot many of these ideas you presented in the video. Me and my partner come from a Western country that has more in common with the Japanese mentality than, say, American, and I could feel that it put many locals at ease. Our hotel had this most adorable granny as the chef, and she always greeted us with a smile, probably because we greeted her with humble bow + "Ohayo gozaimasu!" and "Gozoosama desita!" when going in and out.
It was a totally different vibe whenever this... let's just call them a "Walmart family", stepped in and signalled their presence to the world.
I really respect that idea of a "baseball" conversation. That's a really good observation. I find those hockey conversations really tiring and annoying, and you put my frustration into words.
Wonderful video, you really sold the point well and I appreciate it.
Honestly what you described is basically my personality, so I feel like I would do GREAT in Japan. Thank you so much for sharing!
I think the fact he’s British shows. Whenever I go abroad, even if I don’t know the language much. The one word I always make sure to learn in “Thank You”. And I’m pretty sure lots of Brits are similar. In comparison to America I feel like we have a bit more of a culture of trying our best to be polite. Genuinely I think “Excuse me”, “Sorry” and “Thank you” are some of my most used phrases. So when I go abroad they are the first things I try to learn. That and “Hello” and “Goodbye”.
Connor is the only person ever who made me question my identity
I used to study japanese in a japanese language school here in Brazil, which have this program that this company (don't recall the name right now), sent japanese teacher around the world to teach, which lead me to meet 2 teachers who tought me a lot and i became friends with them, failed n5 for 1 or 2 points and continued to study just like a hobby, because even thou my routine was kinda sucks at the time, i enjoyed being there and the most important thing i learned with then and my brazilian-japanese teacher is to listen more than to talk, treat people as you would like to be treated, that's the biggest thing in the world to me now, after all, be respectfull does not cost a penny and will never make you look "weak" like some asshole think.
Now, years later, i want to go back and really study japanese properly, already buyed some books to get back in form before entering another language school and plan get ready for the jplt tests in the future, thanks for the video!
U can see the full respect when he's doing crane games. His "sumimasen" is impeccable! 😂
very insightful video! thank you for sharing
It costs nothing to be respectful towards people on a daily basis, going to visit a country like Japan - or any other - its worth learning even a few polite phrases and saying please and thank you to staff members.
Seeing some "influencers" in Japan - as well as elsewhere going to a foreign country - and being outright disrespectful is annoying as it puts more negativity out there.
great video! I learned a lot.
yesssss! connor and chris are great!
Connor is such a chill dude
I worked for a large Japanese firm and my boss was Japanese. He used to kid me (over drinks) that I was two people. One when I spoke to fellow gaijin and another when I was speaking to the j-staff.
I think Chris Broad (who by the way is a friend and very often collaborates with cdawg) is even more respected by Japanese people.I think cdawg also has some disadvantage in being compared to Chris because Cdawg is part of the show Thrash taste wich as received some complaints from some people, especially Japanese, though i think the one to blòame the most for that is the main Host Joey.
Japanese don't think foreigners are allowed to complain about their way of life. But regardless, if you have lived in Japan for 5 years and pay taxes, then you should have every right to complain about certain things. But unfortunately, that's just Japan's xenophobic tendencies showing. Especially towards Joey. Dude is half Japanese. Speaks on the same exact level as a native speaker. And has spent half his life in Japan. But Japanese people refuse to see him as a Japanese person. It isn't their fault Japanese people are some of the most closed-minded people in the world.
nice video. thank you for making it
Now I suddenly have more confidence haha
A lot of the "good things" that you mentioned is totally looked down upon here in Norway.
Like, if you aren't funny and confident, you get looked down upon (despite Janteloven, which states that you shouldn't think you're worth more than the person next to you)
However, the typical habits I have that get me ostrasized here in Norway, including humor based on my own inadequacy, constant thank yous and sorrys and constantly saying things like "I'm not that strong", "I'm really jealous of you for *INSERT SKILL HERE*" and similar phrases. Seem to be positives in Japan, which feels good to know since I've already decided that I want to move to Japan somewhere in the future (at least by 2035).
So yeah, this made my day haha. Hopefully it doesn't backfire in Japan as well though. I'm bad at reading people, so that might change my situation compared to Connor's situation.
I'm still a bit worried, but at least a bit less now.
Thank you for the video.
Showing Connor McGregor's picture is the thing that really got me
i have many of the necessary traits however i stumbled into my current behavior by chance because being respectful opens so many doors.
Thank for bringing up this. It´s so true. I try to better myself. And I hope to learn from Japan. have only been 6 times to Japan. But i Love to return. Had a Japanese cohab (almost same as being married in Sweden) for 9 years and i have learned so much from her about not only Japan and Japanese ways. I have made mistakes on my first trips to Japan. But Think i have learned so will not repeat the mistakes I made. Please continue making more videos. I do appreciate your videos. best regards from Sweden.
This is a really good break down of how to adapt and conform in Japan. Unless you livr in a bubble, it would be very hard to live here without doing these. (Unless you are a terribly selfish person.)
I agree so much about the "gaijin card" thing. I have a Chinese-Canadian friend who lived in South Korea for a time, and I'm going to work there. They often say things like "but that won't matter, because your white" or "no one will expect you to know that, because you're white," because they were expected to know how to behave due to being Asian (even though they are Canadian and didn't know any better than I would!). I get where they're coming from, but you put it into words perfectly: i feel like just failing by on people's willingness to forgive me just because I look foreign would be taking advantage of people who are trying to be tolerant and open minded. Isn't that basically just punishing the people you need the most when moving to or traveling to a foreign country???
Something worth mentioning about apologizing: In America apologizing is an admission of guilt.
Its actually one of the larger and more important differences between the Canadian and American legal systems. Apologizing for something can be legally binding in America. If you bump into someone and say sorry, and they can prove it, they could actually sue you for damages because you admitted to damages by saying sorry. It's not likely to and may be a bit of an exaggeration, but it is why you will never hear any person representing a company directly apologize. They'll say something like "How can I improve your experience".
Meanwhile in Canada its specifically in our legal code that apologizing is a polite or empathetic gesture, or even just a reflexive one. As the joke goes "You're Canadian if you trip and apologize to the ground".
WTF?
@@Mixi_HazbinAmerica is a very litigious society, we will sue whenever we can.
To top it off, Connor being "British" is a sort advantage because they have 'manners' and much more "civilised" than the majority of countries in Europe and US.
Not everyone in UK are 'polite' but even if they are from lower class background they still have some form of mannerisms like "sorry, mate" for bumping into someone or hold doors for strangers.
That's why I sometimes see UK being similar to JP but westernised and open.
i dont see how in your eyes this doesnt apply to other countries in europe. (cant say about US because ive never been) i think thats just normal courtesy if you have been raised right. no matter what country in europe it is.
@@ValtielSmok For the most part I agree there is a normal level of courtesy which can be found all over Europe. However at the same time, there definitely are other European cultures that generally tend to be more direct and less overly apologetic than Britain. Not that one approach is better or worse than the other, but in this case the British/Japanese mannerisms are a good match.
@@ValtielSmok as an american, it's pretty normal courtesy here too. people probably won't look down on you if you don't do it, but granting minor courtesies to others isn't some foreign concept to us either
Yeah Connor is "cheating" because we are already considered a polite society, obviously not to the scale of Japan, and so we already apologies a lot even to inanimate objects.
@@ZainKaneko exactly. a lot of points in this video were taught to me by my parents. lived in america my whole life. just seems like common courtesy tbh.
guess it doesn't really help that we export so much media out to the world that everyone thinks we all act like Logan Paul / other loud obnoxious influencers
Can't wait to put your tips to use, Nobita!
The whole "Tokyo Creative Crew" Connor, Chris, Joey, Garnt, Emma & Sarah are Very Polite and So Wholesome and Fun to watch
Also, Connor clearly Adores Japan and it shows which is why we adore Connor right back 🗾⛩🎎💚
Thank you for the entertaining and informative video!
Im british and i feel like the culture of being polite exists here, but to a lesser extent. Self deprecating humour is common because its seen as arrogant to even subtely brag, so you actually come across humble and self aware. Also, on connor's complaining, i think a lot of people dont understand that complaining is a form of small talk in the uk- people bond and relate over complaining, and it sounds kinda depressing in theory but its usually over light things like the weather. Because complaining is pretty normal its definitely used in more serious situations as a form of discussion, its used a lot in politics and societal topics ( such the state of the healthcare system etc ). It might come across whiny to some but its basically just a way to lead into certain topics- connor complains about certain aspects not to demonstrate his hate for japan but to lead into talking abt certain issues japan has ( in his eyes ). Also, tone is often exaggerated when complaining, so even if someone sounds really annoyed over something, theres a good chance theyre not actually that bothered and are just playing it up, or are willing to put up with it anyway. Basically- its not always that deep, lol
I only used the Gaijin card two times on purpose when I lived in Japan and that was when I got pulled over by the police for speeding and then in an encounter with Yakuza. I am sure that I was unintentionally disrespectful a few times but that was purely due to different cultures.
Dude, no thank YOU!
1.) Your English is way better than my Japanese and not hard to follow at all. Sure, there are some pronunciation things that indicate your Japanese but that actually makes up part of the charm.
2.) Your insights are so interesting, again I should thank you for your content. This is essentially free education.
There’s a point to where being respectful turns into being a total doormat
lol thats most japanese men
and thats how the west wants men to be
I think people should do the bare minimum because it seems like the xenophobia is rampant there.
Thanks for this I've been scared that if I tried to do something like this when I do eventually go to Japan that people might think I'm trying too hard to follow Japanese culture and it might come off as insulting
I appreciate your take on a person looking from the inside and breaking down reasoning and culture.
I think this pretty much falls under 4 and 5, but one thing I did learn in order to be accepted in Japan is to *appreciate their culture.* Don't mock their culture. Instead, embrace and indulge in it if you can. Japanese society takes great pride in their culture, so showing respect to their culture is a good way to get on their good side.
Reminds me of a foreigner who wore a kimono in Japan and twitter Karens called them out on "cultural appropriation". But in reality, the Japanese do not find it offensive in anyway. Instead, they see it as a foreigner who is appreciating their culture by indulging in it.
in my experience basic kindness and respect come a long way in any culture. you dont even have to exploit the gaijin card, just show some basic human decency and act thoughtful and you'll be just fine without knowing all the details and rituals of a foreign culture
I think what also helps Connor, is that he is British. Respect, Politeness, and self deprecating humour is something prioritise in social situations too. It's not as much so as in Japan, as America has had a lot of influence on British culture in recent generations, but I think this helps Connor, Garnt, Chris and Joey (Australia shares many similarities culturally with Britain) stand out against the American's over confidence and selfishness you used as bad examples.
They're not less respectful because of the American influence, the British aren't individually respectful, that's why sarcasm is so popular. Not to mention, the British don't generally have strong community senses (something the US does better, and more in line with the Japanese way).
@@Mwuff7775 'the British don't generally have strong community senses ' Tell me you aren't British/live in London without telling me you aren't British/Live in London.
One of the biggest compliments I got during my time in Japan was the fact I was very respectful, I'm naturally respectful as is but I think everyone in Japan appreciated very much. At the time my Japanese wasn't very good ( It still isn't that great but definitely better than it was the first time I went ) but everyone was so supportive of me just trying to speak Japanese, be polite a please and thank you goes a long way! I actually made more Japanese friends while there than foreign friends, I am looking forward to visiting Japan again in the next few months !
I cracked up at the interposed shot of Conor McGregor. Nicely done.
Being humble is something positive, and I wouldn't want to be treated with the Gaijin card when I visit Japan.
I'd rather someone try to speak up in English and try to explain what I did wrong even if it is something minor.
But I do agree you should be polite when you visit another country just follow the most basic rules and don't be a nuisance to others.
Thank you Nobita-san for another great video! :D
Japanese Gratitude is probably may favorite thing about Japan's culture.
To be fair, he is British ... complaining about everything is like their national passtime
Its because its not entirely a negative thing here, complaining about things is just a way to talk about them, not really to shit on them