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I went to Japan for the rugby World Cup in 2019 and I tried to be as respectful as possible to the elderly Japanese, I’m 6’ and covered in tattoos so I tried to avoid them so as to not make them feel uncomfortable or intimidated etc. understanding the negative connotations they have about people with tattoos. I was on the train from the airport into Shinjuku and I could tell the younger people were avoiding me, an elderly Japanese women came and sat right next to me and in broken English asked to see my tattoos and spoke to me the whole way, we didn’t understand each other very well but it was very wholesome
@@matuiyo2000 I have an enormous amount of respect for Japanese culture and I really try to adhere to customs when in Japan, I cover up as much as I can. I have a trip booked for 2025 and I cannot wait to return, I’ve been learning Japanese so I can try and speak to more people.
Many Japanese are extremely afraid of being talked to and fail to reply in foreign language (especially English), that’s the #1 reason they avoid foreigners. So if you can speak even just a few basic phrases and words, their invisible barrier will crumble off I’m sure. Japanese are very curious and many secretly want to interact with people from other cultures. You only need to break the ice. Wish you good luck in Japan! I want to visit there soon again too
@@adamf894 Trust me man, once you start speaking Japanese, the locals will become 10 times friendlier to you. And they will stop being scared of your tattoos because they know that since you're a foreigner you're definitely not a yakuza.
No doubt. They’re much more open minded and accepting than many western elders. There’s a lot of hate in the west. I don’t know if it’s our class system or the government or what but it never seems to get better.
Last year my wife and I traveled to Japan with our 1 year old. Japanese elders were incredibly nice and welcoming to us. I lost count the number of times an elderly Japanese woman smiled or giggled and said “kawaii” and tried to talk/interact with us. Many smiles and nods from gentlemen as well. We’re well traveled and did not experience this in other countries with a toddler.
The people in India (especially the elderly) are also very kind if you are traveling with a toddler. They are very patient with young children. Even so I wouldn't recommend it, because little kids from the west often get sick there.
@@Eccruh it’s not racist if it’s a fact…kids have a much different immune system than adults, get sick more often in general, and can react more intensely to different foods, water etc, and let’s be real India is not known for hygiene restrictions or clean water supply
I was approached by many old Japanese people on the street asking for directions, places and help. I don’t look like Japanese much. My Japanese is not very fluent. But they still decided to approach me whenever they need help. I always thought it was because my face is approachable (kind looking). One time my husband (non Japanese) helped an old man almost collapsing on the street. We even asked the police to double check the old man welfare a few hours later. That old man told the police that even Japanese would not bother to help him on the street and he is very grateful for our concerns. After watching the video, I think Japanese old people notice the kindness of non Japanese living in Japan. That’s the spirit I like living in Japan.
As an asian american, I remember I gave the priority seat in a busy train to an elderly japanese couple and they were SO SURPRISED and thankful. Because a lot of times the japanese do not even give up their seats to elderly like they are supposed to!
@@HipHopTheme honestly, giving up a seat for an elderly person is such a no-brainer for me, their reaction, their smiles and apreciation keep me going for weeks after it, definitely worth having to stand for a short train ride.
The Japanese woman who had the upsetting experience with an American when she was a child made me tear up a little bit telling her story. I know she said that there are good and bad people everywhere but gosh... my heart goes out to her. She was only 8 years old and a person couldn't put the war behind them to take care of an innocent child's well-being.
Was just thinking that I can't blame her for her perception. She understands that there are good and bad people everywhere, but what happened to her personally is still such a lasting experience.
This went a lot better than I had expected it to go. I'm warmed by their responses. Even the "iffy" ones had some merit to them, like the woman who painfully admits to being prejudiced against America because she was emotionally scarred by some Americans once. Being human can be a very fragile experience, and not everyone is strong enough to beat their past. I want to visit Japan now...
An incredible country with some of the most outstanding countryside and wildlife. If you ever plan on touring the country, foreigners can buy a JR rail ticket which allows them to travel the entire country by bullet train. One for the bucket list for sure!
My grandmother was in a Japanese prison camp where people were beaten and starved, she has a reason to dislike. Getting your hat tossed on the ground, I don’t know…
@@itsmederek1lol right. For all we know he could've walked by and accidentally bumped it off. Seems like a stupid thing to hold onto for almost 80 years.
You found some really interesting people to interview! The ladies whose kids both married foreigners, the well-spoken woman who had a bad experience with an American after the war and realized she shouldn’t generalize but still thought it was hard not to, and the man who said he had considered adopting foreign children (very creative solution to the birthrate problem!)… I enjoyed hearing their perspectives
Japanese people are very polite. But I think that your attitude as a foreigner is also important, especially if you learn the language people will react in a more positive way, because it shows respect for the culture.
I feel that goes for every immigrant to every country. At least try, I understand not being able to learn but for me personally it’s what must be done. We live in a more open world now and are more connected but I feel that the preservation of culture and language is extremely important.
@@fuahuahuatime5196 thats all countries with immigrants tbh, just like the woman who went through war said. "There are good Americans and bad Americans, good Japanese and bad Japanese." America is far far far more aggressive from my own experience
We have a saying in Sweden "take the custom where it comes" if you visit here or any other countries. If I would visit Japan i would try to obey most of the rules, and if I decide to become a resident i would make sure I would take Japanese classes just to be able to read and speak Japanese.
When I was in Japan I felt like throwing up because of the heat, idk what happened to me that day but I remember that I sat down on a bench and an elderly man came to me asking if I was ok and told me to drink water 😂 I was surprised that there was someone who cared about me, a foreigner lol And btw he spoke in Japanese to me, luckily I can speak the language 😂
Don't come to Asian countries in the summer, bro. The humidity makes it HELL. I've seen an interview of an African person who came from an equatorial region, and he was saying that Japan feels hotter than his country. LOL
@@MIZZKIE It makes sense that Japan might have higher humidity than some parts of Africa because Japan is a narrow archipelago of land surrounded by water on all sides. You're never very far from the ocean in Japan. In the summer heat, the water continuously evaporates off the surface of the ocean and creates high humidity over the area. Some parts of Africa are very far from any large body of water so there isn't as much water available to saturate the local atmosphere.
After hearing young Japanese complain that the elderly in Japan have too much power and too inflexible, these seniors sound really sweet and open to new possibilities.
@@ChristopherCricketWallace Every young person says that, I used to say that a few years ago. But we are all very foolish and naïve when we are young. Old and young need to listen to each other. Young people sometimes have great ideas, But many of them the older generation has already tested out and can tell you why they don't work. Older people are also less likely to perform harmful actions or promote harmful polices for social media cred.
elderly in Japan have too much power, because a lot of Japanese youth preferred to be laidback, thus, the "Yutori" generation was born. A lot of them don't even vote, the voter turnout is so low among their generation so the old ones were able to retain their power
So interesting. I remember my grandmother telling me in the 90s that they all really liked my girlfriend but advised me not to marry her because she was Asian (Canadian). My grandmother’s rationale was that it would be very difficult because her values were be so different from ours. This seemed ridiculously old fashioned, particularly since everyone in our family seemed to disagree about so many things. It also seemed ridiculous and continued to seemed that way since my parents had come from the same culture and same city and divorced after just a few years, and all my siblings would eventually come to divorce and remarry too. Ultimately, I married a Japanese woman from Japan and we’ve been together for a couple decades. It sometimes feels that the differences we have are the strengths. It makes us think more carefully about things and listen to each other’s perspective, rather than make assumptions that create problems down the road.
It says that they are comfortable with their prejudices if they acknowledge them and do nothing about them.... it means that really it's a case of 'legitimising the reality'.
before i watch this video, i thought Japanese elders are very conservative and traditional thoughts. But after watching it, I was smiling the whole time. I was not expecting they are so opened and welcome the foreigners, not only white ppl, but the SEA region too
Japanese people are usually extremely kind too foreigners and very interested in us. Many old people will love to talk to you and find out about where you're from and take huge delight in seeing you engage with and learn about their own culture. But I worry this might change in a few decades if immigration becomes too high and they realize they risk losing their country and culture, Which is what happened in my country.
@@Cha4k yeah Swedistan, Canadaistan i haven't seen a white person in 2 weeks in canada, trash on the streets, high crime, single white moms in my dms with mixed children don't fall like canada
2:15 I (UK) got up to let an elderly couple sit down on a Ginza line train. They were so appreciative. Happened a couple of times over my trip. And they always appreciated the gesture. At the end of the day I'm a guest in their country. I should behave accordingly.
When I first visited Japan in 2017, I met a granny buying the same Ebiken as mine. Later, I found her next to my seat. I don't know how to properly eat that Ebiken that time. The package is so beautiful and I don't wanna ruin them so I watched her unbox her Ebiken and follow her step. Then she noticed that I'm not Japanese but Gaijin lol but she smiled at me and she showed me how to eat it properly (there were various packs of sauces). After we finished she asked me like "anata ... anno..." and then circled her finger around like wanna ask where I came from. We had a great time, a little chit-chat and she also gave me an orange + a candy. That's my first impression of an old Japanese lady. Such a lovely experience.
I have high admiration for how well spoken and respectable these elderly japanese are. They are very polite and kind hearted. And it is so amazing to hear a woman speak about something that happened to her during/after world war 2. Its unbelievable to see a person that has experinced this time period
Asking the wrong question. Japan started a visa program for Southeast Asians to come and work 3 years in nursing homes. Japan Times did a poll of 2000 elderly all around Japan and 80% said they were opposed to the program.
@@rabbit251 The education in SEA is factually, significantly sub-par compared to Japan, why would they want lower standards of healthcare? Not to mention, language barrier? Seems you're more interested in looking for facts that confirm your pre-existing ideas about them instead of coming with an open mind to learn more about them. We have a word for that, racesm.
I left Japan just a week ago. I was there for a little over two weeks. I was on the train one day, and was lucky to have a seat before it filled up at the following stop. Then this older Japanese couple (older man and woman) got on. I noticed the man had a cane, and thought maybe someone would offer their seat to him. There weren't any priority seats near them, but still.. I really thought someone would do it. I waited a bit, but no one offered their seat, so I did. My Japanese is very very elementary. I know hiragana, katakana, some kanji here and there but my conversational skills are subpar. Still I tapped him on the shoulder and asked motioned to my seat and said "koko ni swatte kudasai." He seemed to hesitate a moment before taking me up on the offer. He thanked me, and then the lady that was with him did too. They were so cute! I just have a soft spot for older people since I have no grandparents. The whole interaction really made my day and I hope I made theirs a little better. Also I noticed a lot of older Japanese people are so strong and resilient! Sometimes I felt bad asking someone if they wanted my seat because they looked kind of offended haha. Gomennasai!
I’m Japanese, and it's true that Japanese people often don't offer their seats on the train. The main reason isn't that we don't want to give up our seats, but rather that we're not used to talking to strangers. Speaking to someone we don't know draws attention from others around us, and that can be very embarrassing. I think this is a habit that needs to change. When the train isn't crowded, I sit in the priority seats, but if someone in need boards, I'm the first to offer my seat.
Foreigners are fine in every country i guess, as long as those Foreigners follow the rules, customs, respect the local people and cultures, don't try to change them
This answer should be the standard. You can come to any country, as long as you follow it's rules. If not, deported. No racism, no xenophobia, just a plain understanding of not being ungrateful for the country and it's people. If you don't like the culture, go to another country that suits your taste. 💜
nah if go to India and Africa those foreigners are to be scammed, followed, harassed, that's such a L take 90% of the world isn't safe. Japan is safe for everyone. This coming from a immigrants son you won't last 2 weeks in India if you're white or Japanese
When I was in japan, one time I was speaking at a store for my friends in japanese and this kind old lady started conversing with me and even gave me some compliments. Before I spoke any japanese she was just looking apprehensively, and this is something I noticed with most of the people there, they would be a bit more apprehensive until I spoke their language, once they saw I spoke japanese they typically brightened up. Note, myself and my friends aren't the most approachable, mostly being a mixed background, majority are 6'+ men, and I'm a fairly intimidating looking guy, with scars on my face, a resting scowl and a big beard. Their kindness really caught me by surprise, they largely seem like curious, kind people. I think it's understandable that they normally play with a bit of caution.
Do you have any idea why is language so important to so many locals? I personally don't expect any foreigner to learn my country's language before visiting, especially since, just like Japanese, it's a difficult language for most outsiders to learn. I am actually trying to learn some key words/phrases wherever I go, in order to show my kind intentions towards the locals, but I'm already speaking multiple languages and wouldn't have time to learn an entire new one, also with a new alphabet, for just a 2 weeks vacation.
It’s certainly encouraging to hear how considerate and honest Japanese elders feel about foreigners coming to Japan. I especially appreciated that they pushed for the language to be learned so there can be better understanding between one another! Communication is key for business and casual travel! ♥️
It is a simple courtesy that people who settle in a country should learn the language. However, 'Good morning, please and thank you' are sufficiently courteous if you are travelling on business or holiday, surely!
The lady at 4:00 - I truly empathise and feel your sentiment. As someone that has extensively studied WWII and had the honour of visiting the Hiroshima and Nagasaki A-bombs sites, it’s really difficult to put your feelings aside and look at it from the America, 1945’s perspective. Japan, however has become a great and broadly envied country since then. The Japanese people is by a long stretch the kindest I have ever encountered and I feel immensely grateful to all for your heartwarming hospitality. Nihon ga daisuki desu! 🇯🇵 ❤
Perhaps if that old lady learnt how Japanese soldiers tortured common people before killing them, she might let go of her hate. One of the torture technique was to put hoses into mouth and rectum to pump in water, why do such things before killing ???? Really inhumane. But their govt shielded such information from their own citizens, so many of them are not aware of the atrocities.
My Japanese is fluent and I understand the Japanese mentality. I am surprised to find mainly good comments here although I tend to be more careful with what I hear. I feel that many Japanese people wouldn’t mind foreign nationals as long as they learn the language, culture and customs rather quickly. They wouldn’t mind to see more people get married if they have children who in the long run would help to increase their population, as well as helping out in the country side with an ever dwindling number of labor. They would also like to be taken care of themselves because their own children won’t. I recommend people to live in Japan if they are absolutely willing to fulfill some of those expectations, they would always find a job. But someone with other priorities in life would feel a little bit challenged.
I think if all we immigrants were this way there would be no problems. But when there are too many too fast there is no incentive to integrate or learn the culture, And society becomes unstable. I'm very against people who do not integrate, But I have to be honest and say that if there was an abundance of people from my country then I might just choose the easy option and stay in an ethnic enclave and never integrate either. So I don't entirely blame other migrants for doing this, Its the governments job to tightly control the flow and ensure that integration is sustainable, And voters to make sure they elect leaders who will do so. Which is not what has happened in western countries.
@@Cha4k ,agreed. Let me just point out to you the changes in recent years, stemming from a decline in wealth of the Japanese supposed economic superpower. Let’s say I am an independent business owner who wants to benefit from this supposed wealth. I wouldn’t be welcome, I would never get approval from a rival Japanese company, I would never get a business license nor independent funding from the Japanese government. But, if, for example, I were a well trained nurse from the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, etc., there would be no shortage of available opportunities. But….and this a big but, most of these applicants would face a bureaucratic hell. They would most willingly be offered jobs outside of legality, never could own homes or climb the ladder of economic success. And they would also face deportation at any given moment since no one would be responsible. In the light of the recent Ishikawa earthquake, many Nepalese and otherwise Asian residents were found among the survivors. I doubt they’d receive the same coverage as Japanese citizens would. I only say this because I have experienced countless hardships as a European citizen trying to obtain independence in my business whilst competing with Japanese companies. I would highly recommend legal procedures with the help of your own country’s legal system, before I’d ventured out into a labyrinth of Japanese government restrictions. Nothing can beat your own independence and financial security, God Bless
@@omniyambot9876 , I am not an anthropologist and I won’t be writing a book about it, but taking the context in consideration,I would certainly say that the Japanese are traditionalists
Great video. I have always found Japanese people very warm and welcoming when visiting their country. It’s important to respect their culture as it is very different to our outspoken Western ways. And speaking even only a little Japanese makes a very good impression!
Kei you've aged well but glad the passion in Asian Boss still lives. AB was the first street interview channel on society topics I watched. Still love it. Have a gd year ahead!
I used to take walks in the neighbourhood and this old woman came and started talking to me. What I can definitely say is that the people in Japan are very respectful even if not everyone is kind so you won’t have to face rowdiness that you face in other countries. You can come here and expect safety. I’ve met travellers who feel ignored by the locals so if you come from a country where people strike up friendly conversations, you might not like it here. But Japan is beautiful, safe and amazing, you would not regret coming here for a visit 😊
My wife and I recently had a baby, and this kind old lady walked up to us at the park to tell us how cute she was, saying she a grand baby like her. She was so sweet. 😊
I was surprised by the conclusion. When I lived in Japan 42 years ago, older Japanese people weren't always so receptive of foreigners. But the younger Japanese were fascinated by them. But I remembered that the older people on this video are the same younger people I remember.😊❤❤❤
Loved this video ❤️ when I was visiting Kochi Prefecture on Shikoku Island. I meet some of the most friendliest and helpful Japanese people that left a lasting impression on my heart. ❤️ Me being Native American, I have noticed a lot of my mannerisms I’ve learned from my elders carried over well in Japan.
what a wonderful perspective you've shared for us all. As a Japanese, Shintoism felt very close to Native American spiritual beliefs, respecting the spirits of animals and nature. Thank you for sharing :)
Older generations can always be more closed, but those interviewed are quite reflective, but at the same time the idea of some parts is a bit vague or simply intuitive.
9:20 this gentleman is absolutely right. I married a lovely Japanese lady from the countryside. (I love the countryside so much more than the cities) BUT all the farms there are run by elderly people. I see them climb up ladders to pick fruits in harvest season. They are all above the retirement age. Japan will have a huge problem with the farming sector in the next 20 years or so. I already see it happening in my wife's hometown where some fields just lie abandoned. I plan to live in the countryside in Japan after my own retirement but I don't see myself standing on those ladders day in day out. It's sad.
The population issue will resolve itself within a decade or so. For very obvious reasons :P It might turn out to be a natural thing that happens when human populations reach a certain size. I dont think its a good idea for people to go meddle with mass immigration trying to fix it and likely causing far greater social issues.
@@Cha4k that might be the case but it will still mean the end of all those farms. Which would mean they would have to import food that they grow locally right now.
@@dankfarrik8376 would be nice if younger people could take over the farms, that would be a better solution than to import food to compensate for farms not being used.
@@SvengelskaBlondie absolutely, but that's the whole problem in Japan. Not enough young people. And the farmers that do have kids, a lot of them go to school and go do something else.
The fashionable elderly gentleman may seem a bit strict about immigration policies at first glance, but as Australian that has also lived in Sweden and is now living in Japan, let me tell you that he is absolutely 1000% correct. Immigrants need to be background checked. At one point in my life I wanted to live in Sweden and couldn't get a visa because they were prioritizing humanitarian visas at that time and professional visas were almost impossible to obtain because of the EU's hiring policies. Now Sweden is experiencing record levels of crime year after year and all my Swedish friends lament what the government has allowed to occur.
I live in Sweden and yeah it is necessary if you have committed a crime you shouldn't be allowed entry. That's what I want for this country, but sadly I'm starting to wonder if I should move once my daughter turns 19. It will only spiral further down when you have idiots for politicians.
Sadly, this just used to be common sense. You wouldn't let just anyone into your home, so why should a country just allow anyone in without seeing if they're a dangerous individual first? Then that puts the general population at risk. Wish American politicians would have a brain, instead of allowing thousands and thousands of people to literally walk through our border.
@@tryphenarose384 The United States is currently experimenting with admitting illegal immigrants. I think the results will come soon, the United States may be divided, I predict there will be chaos.
Living here, what people say to your face and behind your back are different. But based on my treatment, elderly Japanese people and really young ones are open minded for the most part. I find its people in the middle who are more uptight, but it also depends on city vs rural area
i was a bit scared to visit japan due to the "conflict" between korea and japan that the media has been portraying. they were incredibly polite people, very orderly, and friendly. some restaurants even gave us extra food. my current roommate is japanese, and we get along very well
A lot of honesty from these elders, who hold onto a lot of prejudice and biases because of their life experience (understandably). The one grandma who came to tolerate, and accept, her Nigerian son-in-law is a great example of what happens when we can open our minds and hearts to learn about others despite our own prejudice. And like another one of these elders pointed out, there are good and bad people all over the world.
I’ve been living here in Japan for 32 years and experienced a lot of racial discrimination. Most elderly people here don’t mind foreigners as long as they keep to themselves. They don’t trust foreigners and would rather they weren’t in their communities. Try renting an apartment or office in Japan by yourself, or try applying for jobs other than teaching English, it’s almost impossible to find anyone who’s willing to even give you an interview. When I was living in Saitama I would often get rejected by taxi drivers, they’d say “gaijindame!” directly translated “foreigners bad!” And on the trains coming home in the evenings men around me would often say “gaijinkirai” meaning “I hate foreigners”. I’d get pushed and elbowed even when there was plenty of space. Even nowadays, if I sit on a bench seat in the local train nobody will sit next to me, even though the seats are full. There are so many instances I could write a book about it. Then people say, why don’t you just leave Japan then? That’s like telling an Asian American to go back to their country. There are a lot of nice people here, but like they say, there’re good and bad and downright evil people everywhere. If you live here you have to be strong minded and thick skinned to survive.
I've lived in Osaka and Kanagawa for 10 years and I've never experienced the gaijin seat tho. And it's understandable, given their circumstances, that they don't want to rent their homes to foreigners.
Japan is one of the most culturally exclsive countries in the world. One thing most westerners don't understand is how Japanese don't tell their true feelings, not even to their "friends" for many years, not to mention " on camera" + "to total strangers". Foreigners think interviewing some random Japanese people in the street with a camera pointing to their faces will show you what Japanese people really think? Think again.
I had none of these experiences, a Black American, i held jobs at Japanese tech companies, and pretty much went about my life for years in Japan. Stop caring what people think of you, then again I am pretty tall and fit, i doubt someone would say " i hate foreigners near me" - yea i did experienced the Gaijin bubble on train sometimes...meh.. more space for me lol
Having visited Japan several times I find the country so fascinating and these older people are so inspiring, reasonable , accepting and so nice....I wish my own country men were this way.
@@alvinsmith3894 Good? Japan should only let high iq developed countries immigrants in if they get invaded by Syrians, war torn countries immigrants Japan will fall like Sweden. Culture integration matters more than anything. Indians, Africans are the opposite of Japanese people. The ones who are similar are from western countries and grew up in a developed system
So much respect for these elders in this video to actually say what they think. They seemed more honest than in some other videos that I have seen where they are too polite and seemed hesitant to say anything negative.
At 10:44 the man effectively summarized my views on immigration policies. Europe, for example, can provide us with valuable lessons on how things have unfolded.
Nobody in their right mind is gonna say no to a well behaved and experienced engineer or doctor with no criminal background and who knows the native language.
he just basically described current japanese immigration policy (a bit of a stricter version too). if he wants skilled workers to migrate to japan, he should be advocating for better working conditions and for laws that actually entice foreign workers like offering more international scholarships while funding national universities, or offering social assistance/assurances or other incentives for immigration. this would incidentally also help native japanese workers too
@@Depreuz Lmao, but that's not really the case, is it? Most developed countries also have difficulties filling out the jobs no one wants to do like construction, plumbing and hospitality. Low income labour. Lower class labour. The problem with the European countries that are messing up is that they have made no concrete effort to assimilate and provide a path for integration of foreign immigrants. They've just housed them either in districts reserved just for them or scattered them about in random neighbourhoods (Why? Probably because they only aligned pro-immigration as a political gain and didn't really care about the aftermath?). Not the way to go. Could learn from places like Singapore and such, and apply intelligent social engineering.
Japan must learn from Europe. Don't do the same mistake. Limitation, check background. Studies level. Integration. Knowledge about Japan. If foreigners put other culture outside of them house in Japan.... it's going to be bad. For restaurant it's ok. But that's all.
Be cautious, Japan. Watch closely the problems that come from having too many foreigners, in the west. You don't want that, I promise. It's a dangerous path which could lead to the loss of your values, and your people's security. Please don't make the same mistakes as us.
Lived in Japan 17 years (I'm a white male for what it's worth). Married a local. The number of interactions with older Japanese who don't like foreigners make up maximum 2% of the interactions, the majority of the time retired people are very positive / open-minded / sweet.
Probably polite. And should be. Had Japan won WW2 they would have decimated Asia. US won WW2 and now Japan is No 3 economy and a magnet for weebs. Old people in general tend to be laid back and more reserved. As people age, psychologically and physiologically changes occur which make them get less angry.
@@Eccruh My original country? It was one of the most tolerant countries in Europe. Japan destroyed whole industries in various countries. They should be happy that any foreigners visit. We helped Vietnamese and Koreans too in the 20th century. Please don't make light of the Japanese genocide of various Asian peoples. And now Japan complains when other countries create monuments to Korean comfort women. Can it get more real. Imagine the Germans complaining when the Brits commemorate the Blitz or something or the Holocaust.
@@peterc4082 Europe advertises tolerance, but practices intolerance . Japan advertises intolerance and practices intolerance. None of these wite males in Japan would switch places with an As'an dude in their country, if it was really better, then they would.
As a migrant myself, living permanently and calling Australia home, for a foreigner, it is absolutely IMPERATIVE to learn to a fluent standard the local language. That HAS to be your first priority if you plan on moving abroad, be that wherever it is. Only that, will provide you with the confidence and meaningful interactions with the locals, which will ultimately result in feeling a sense of belonging.
I've lived in Japan for roughly 13 years of my life (I've permanently lived here for almost half a decade), and I 'm a scholar of the study of Japan culture. I must say that this is a useful crosssection of views maintained by elderly Japanese people. Of course, it's presumably the Tokyo area, and answers would vary a bit by region, but it's a useful general set of elderly Japanese' impressions of non-Japanese.
Great questions were asked and answered. tysm for the video, Asian Boss; it's really great to hear the voices and opinions of those on the other side of the world.
As for the Japanese population problem - I guess immigration might solve it - but ultimately it'll be down to a culture change - either by themselves or more likely forced on them when immigration levels become high enough. Personally to me it looks like Korea all over again - why on earth would people want children in such a work driven culture, with what appears to be pretty much out of balance work/life, and the high pressure education system, academies etc. They really want children to live under that pressure? How much of that is actually used when they finally get a job - or is it just used as a weapon to fight others for a mediocre job? There seems little incentive to have children (I did hear of some farcical incentive of a few thousand dollars - I can see that going well - try 100,000 or better yet - change yr culture somewhat) and the current self absorbed culture we all put up with ceertainly isn't helping(not a lot they can do about that I think or anyone else). Having seen the results of mass immigration in many other countries (and I don't mean from a racist perspective or any of those tired old arguments) - I think Japan would do well to try and fix this before they end up like many of us - to me Japan has an almost unique culture and it would be a shame to see it end up being like some other countries, where you can almost stand in the capital and not know even what country you're in - and be shamed for not liking it.
I just wanted to let you know that I absolutely love your videos. Your content is both entertaining and informative, and I can't get enough of it. I've already subscribed to your channel and eagerly look forward to more amazing content from you. By the way, I'm originally from Singapore but currently living in Saigon, Vietnam. Your videos have become a delightful part of my routine, and they make me feel connected to the online community even when I'm far from home. Keep up the fantastic work, and thank you for brightening up my days with your awesome content!
What an amazing set of Japanese citizens who demonstrate open-mindedness, progression and kindness. As one said, "There are good ones and bad ones." That's the real world.
If you travel to ANY foreign country. 1. Have respect for their culture. 2. Learn their language. 3. Learn their rules/laws. These 3 alone will help tremendously.
I grew up with a father in the US army and we moved a lot. We spent 4 years in Germany and I remember him telling us you are not representing yourself you are representing your country.
Agreed however learning an entire language just to travel away is quite a stretch... imagine needing to do that just to go on vacation somewhere for a week or two, like nah nobody is gonna do that.
This is silly. How old are you? If you travel to a foreign country- 1. OBEY the law. That's it. Definitely don't have to learn language. If you're wanted by a Japanese business and you're valuable they will make the effort to communicate with you. If you're not valuable, to anyone, don't apply. If you're a tourist, you definitely should not have to learn any local language. Tourists spend money and the Japanese government is on a tourism promotion drive. They want tourists and ordinary street Japanese and weebs should close their mouths.
Met some very nice elderly lady in Hiroshima. We were eating at a restaurant and was about to leave when they suddenly started a conversation in Japanese. Me, who only understand few japanese told them "Nihongo Wakaranai" , they told me "Gambatte" as we were smiling. I can feel their genuine intent to strike a conversation and the encouragement to learn. So far my experience with them as a gainjin has always been positive. This was also the case in Tokyo and Fukuoka when we were on a bus.
i am a korean who lived in japan throughout my high school years, uni and went on to be a “salary man,” making it 10 years there. the elderly japanese people referring to “gaijinan(foreigner)” here are white caucasains. as a korean, i often got called “chosenjin” “bakachon” etc which are racist terms for koreans. i wouldn’t say all of them, but a lot of them are racists.
As a Canadian I'm sorry for your experience in Japan many Korean people I know have suffered this racism and even Chinese people have suffered it in fact according to the United Nations Japan is most racist against its neighbors. For some reason they love the white skin but it is the same white people that committed genocide against them in Hiroshima Nagasaki and Tokyo during the war. Japanese people don't think logically most of the time.
Japanese elders from cities are more open-minded and have more exposure to foreigners than inaka elders. I wish all the Japanese elders I've met were this positive and refreshing, if only.
i always found it a little frustrating when i met elderly people on previous visits to japan, on because there was always a desire to interact but my japanese skills were just not adequate enough to really communicate on that deeper level.. i had so many questions i wanted to ask about their lifes in japan prior to the widespread modernization of the country etc and just get a better insight into the soul of the country through conversation. im still trying to learn the language so maybe on a future visit i will have more luck with it yeah ;)
i visited Japan last summer, people my age were so stand offish and some downright rude. I was surprised that the nicest people and most friendly were the elderly and the young.
Very reasonable takes on immigration. Not what's viewed from a Western perspective of "crazy right" or "crazy left". But well reasoned. We should take notes haha.
Last year I did visit Hiroshima, Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo: It changed my live. There is such an unbeleievable beauty in this culture that you can only feel and experience once you've been there. I remember I was at a shrine in Tokyo and I saw someone lost his wallet and it was laying on the entrance of the Tori of the Shrine. I am from Holland and wanted to pick it up and bring it to the police. No, no.. My son said to me (He studied in Tokyo) just leave it there dad.. Ok. I leave it there. An hour later we left the shinto shrine and it was still there laying in front of the tori!!!! For us Western people this is surreal! This will never ever happen in my country. I am so happy to see these eldererly beautiful people respond so beautiful to all the questions asked from the reporter........ Can not wait to go back to Japan!!! Konnichiwa!!!
There is a HUGE difference between foreigners that are in Japan on vacation / business trip for a short period of time and will leave after, and MIGRANTS that come and stay, draining the budget.
This was very surprising. When I visited Yokohama about 20 years ago, we were thrown out of an electronics store, and many restaurants had “Japanese only” signs in the windows. Lovely if things has changed, I would like to visit Tokyo some time.
There is a reason for that. There're many U.S. military bases in Kanagawa Prefecture, and American soldiers stationed there're often in the news for getting drunk at nearby bars and Izakaya, damaging property and assaulting customers. (Although not in Yokohama, there was even a car theft last year) Such signs can still be seen because even though the police are notified, Japanese law does not apply if the perpetrators flee to the U.S. military base.
my husband spent a lot of years growing up in Japan. He's a white boy, his Dad was US A.F. He spent his 1st birthday on a troop ship to Japan. People in Japan would stop, take pictures, touch him and otherwise treat him like an object (this was 1955-1971) He had white blond hair and very white skin. It was such a rarity in those days. He also learned Japanese and English at the same time. He loved Japan and still misses it today.
As a Japanese American translator, i don't understand why yall chose to inaccurately translate some parts and drive the incorrect narrative.... not egregious, but some parts are just sloppy....
Really interesting perspectives. I've had quite a few nice encounters with the elderly in Japan. It's always a good day when we're lucky enough to learn something from the older generations
Hope to move there in the near future. Just got back from my trip and it was fantastic. I realize that I saw the good things and not many bad but every country has bad and good things, compared to America tho I prefer japans issues. Rather overwork than fear going to a supermarket.
We recently returned from a holiday to the amazing country which is Japan. I advised to kids to show the upmost respect to the people of Japan. They are beautiful people
I had the same thought. After all, they are Japanese. They wouldnt really tell you point blank to avoid being called out or they just want to be diplomatic about it.
As a foreigner living in Japan myself, I would wager that every one of them was honest in their answers. The attitudes depicted here are very much the norm amongst the elders living in my area -- Japanese elders are just generally very kind and welcoming souls, I've found! Comes from living in a culture all their lives that values kindness, comfort, and neighborliness. Even the most hard-hearted person would likely become a lot more sympathetic and gracious toward those around them after living in this environment for even a short amount of time. Japan is a wonderful place to live.
very positive thinking. In Canada, although they say it is a great multiculturism, when something happens overseas, the white majority takes the wrong side that causes and they come first who are they? Christians, jews, Muslims or Buddhist communists leftists, etc. see the Gaza war, most Western nations govt in favor of the colonial rule, and occupation supporters, but not the majority people in some countries.
4:29 it's kinda ironic hearing that old lady talk about how she disliked americans based on her WW2 experience. smacking her hat on the ground? what do you think the japanese soldiers did to the civilians of the countries they invaded. if this is how you feel then can you see the POV of other people?
it's also kinda ironic that Americans are seen as the "good guys", especially after they discovered what they really did in Europe (look up why allot of germans have american "heritage").
They should take more pride in their people. It’s not worth radically changing your national character, political system, language, physical appearance… basically everything for the sake of cheap labor and higher pensions. There are reasons why different ethnic groups think and act differently. They have Europe and America to look to as examples of what results from lax immigration policy, and the Japanese, who are unaccustomed to having any notable crime rate at all compared to the rest of the world, will suffer the more from this than Europe or America ever have.
Ok... I'm part Japanese, my great grandfaher was a Samari, from the south west of the country in Japan. He came to Australia and married a Caucasian lady...The Bride Vases are around 8" tall... I , female, handed them onto the second eldest, of the eldest, of the eldest son. This young man, I know will cherish them and the traditions and values of this part of his heritage....I always wanted to go visit to see where my family came from.....it was difficult for all of us due to the War and predicted difference in heritage. Now days it is better excepted mixed marrages, about time too..... Blessings darlings.....
I had only 1 bad experience with an elder once 20 years ago but nothing extreme, but for the rest elders I've met I loved them all ❤ they were so nice with me
It's incredible that people don't learn Japanese and they live there. It seems bonkers to me. I'm learning Japanese and I love it so much. I wish I had someone to speak it with!
Unfortunately some people do not move to countries because they love the people and culture and want to be apart of it. Some people are simply opportunists looking to exploit social welfare programs or take advantage of high trust societies to make a quick buck. There are also people who are modern day missionaries, Especially Muslims and less so Christians. But their goal is to basically colonize other cultures. And then there are people who are just lazy. Which is how I used to be when I first moved here.
Unfortunately some people do not move to countries because they love the people and culture and want to be apart of it. Some people are simply opportunists looking to exploit social welfare programs or take advantage of high trust societies to make a quick buck. There are also people who are modern day missionaries, Especially Muslims and less so Christians. But their goal is to basically colonize other cultures. And then there are people who are just lazy. Which is how I used to be when I first moved here.
As I said in other comments, they come there with the mindset of "What can Japan do for me?", instead of "What can I do for Japan?". Whatever mindset you come with is easily spotted by society, and you will be treated according to your attitude.
I agree with one elderly man who said they should accept immigrant but not everyone. At least need to check their background like criminal record. I’m one of a foreigner who want to move to Japan. I like some of Japanese culture and their society e.g the safety. so I don’t want immigrant to destroy that. But overall I’m glad that mostly they welcome foreigners.
The interviewer seems mixed race, or at least not entirely Japanese, despite being fluent. Considering their culture of keeping things positive in public, you can guess😅
My son lives in Japan. He loves the life he shares with his beautiful Japanese wife, Misaki and baby Luna. His Japanese is getting better everyday. I love listening to these wonderful people. I apologize to the gentleman at 4:20 for cruelty he suffered from the Ugly American.
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make video about do korea hate india or clear about this assumption thank you
The Japanese media is mostly multi-racial and globalist. However, the average Japanese person dislikes foreigners living in Japan.
But not in korea
Have you say?
@tingtingbell9431 The whole world dislikes India or they would if they knew how India intends to treat them…
I went to Japan for the rugby World Cup in 2019 and I tried to be as respectful as possible to the elderly Japanese, I’m 6’ and covered in tattoos so I tried to avoid them so as to not make them feel uncomfortable or intimidated etc. understanding the negative connotations they have about people with tattoos. I was on the train from the airport into Shinjuku and I could tell the younger people were avoiding me, an elderly Japanese women came and sat right next to me and in broken English asked to see my tattoos and spoke to me the whole way, we didn’t understand each other very well but it was very wholesome
that's wholesome AF, true that.
As a Japanese,I respect your behaving in Japan.
I hope I were like you in different cultures.
@@matuiyo2000 I have an enormous amount of respect for Japanese culture and I really try to adhere to customs when in Japan, I cover up as much as I can. I have a trip booked for 2025 and I cannot wait to return, I’ve been learning Japanese so I can try and speak to more people.
Many Japanese are extremely afraid of being talked to and fail to reply in foreign language (especially English), that’s the #1 reason they avoid foreigners. So if you can speak even just a few basic phrases and words, their invisible barrier will crumble off I’m sure. Japanese are very curious and many secretly want to interact with people from other cultures. You only need to break the ice. Wish you good luck in Japan! I want to visit there soon again too
@@adamf894 Trust me man, once you start speaking Japanese, the locals will become 10 times friendlier to you. And they will stop being scared of your tattoos because they know that since you're a foreigner you're definitely not a yakuza.
They’re all surprisingly nice and welcoming towards foreigners, which made me realize that I had some wrong stereotyped image for Japanese elders.
You and me both
Yeah cuz they are there for a week, they don’t give Foreigners citizenships
I think people of big cities in Japan are more familier with foreigners, therefore they don't against them
@@AlanLin1995 fair point
No doubt. They’re much more open minded and accepting than many western elders. There’s a lot of hate in the west. I don’t know if it’s our class system or the government or what but it never seems to get better.
Last year my wife and I traveled to Japan with our 1 year old. Japanese elders were incredibly nice and welcoming to us. I lost count the number of times an elderly Japanese woman smiled or giggled and said “kawaii” and tried to talk/interact with us. Many smiles and nods from gentlemen as well. We’re well traveled and did not experience this in other countries with a toddler.
The people in India (especially the elderly) are also very kind if you are traveling with a toddler. They are very patient with young children. Even so I wouldn't recommend it, because little kids from the west often get sick there.
@@shalini_sevani As an Indian who lived in Japan can confirm this is true.
@@GigaNiga483 lma0, he just said something racest against you.
@@Eccruh it’s not racist if it’s a fact…kids have a much different immune system than adults, get sick more often in general, and can react more intensely to different foods, water etc, and let’s be real India is not known for hygiene restrictions or clean water supply
@@Eccruh... it's only racist if the information is used against you; and it is not racist if something is a fact.
I was approached by many old Japanese people on the street asking for directions, places and help. I don’t look like Japanese much. My Japanese is not very fluent. But they still decided to approach me whenever they need help. I always thought it was because my face is approachable (kind looking). One time my husband (non Japanese) helped an old man almost collapsing on the street. We even asked the police to double check the old man welfare a few hours later. That old man told the police that even Japanese would not bother to help him on the street and he is very grateful for our concerns. After watching the video, I think Japanese old people notice the kindness of non Japanese living in Japan. That’s the spirit I like living in Japan.
you just like being worshipped as a foreigner. Pls stop this stupidity and lies
Sounds like Finland.
As an asian american, I remember I gave the priority seat in a busy train to an elderly japanese couple and they were SO SURPRISED and thankful. Because a lot of times the japanese do not even give up their seats to elderly like they are supposed to!
@@HipHopTheme honestly, giving up a seat for an elderly person is such a no-brainer for me, their reaction, their smiles and apreciation keep me going for weeks after it, definitely worth having to stand for a short train ride.
Major respect & love to you for treating the elderly as they should be treated.
I treat them the same way!❤
The Japanese woman who had the upsetting experience with an American when she was a child made me tear up a little bit telling her story. I know she said that there are good and bad people everywhere but gosh... my heart goes out to her. She was only 8 years old and a person couldn't put the war behind them to take care of an innocent child's well-being.
I liked her perception that there are good and bad ppl. But America has ingrained hatred still
She truly grew up at a really bad time in history
Was just thinking that I can't blame her for her perception. She understands that there are good and bad people everywhere, but what happened to her personally is still such a lasting experience.
Wait I thought that was a bloke? There's no in-between for someone that age.
@@Lucavon Did you just assume whamen can't have wives?
This went a lot better than I had expected it to go. I'm warmed by their responses. Even the "iffy" ones had some merit to them, like the woman who painfully admits to being prejudiced against America because she was emotionally scarred by some Americans once. Being human can be a very fragile experience, and not everyone is strong enough to beat their past. I want to visit Japan now...
An incredible country with some of the most outstanding countryside and wildlife. If you ever plan on touring the country, foreigners can buy a JR rail ticket which allows them to travel the entire country by bullet train. One for the bucket list for sure!
"Being human can be a very fragile experience, and not everyone is strong enough to beat their past." I'm using that one.
My grandmother was in a Japanese prison camp where people were beaten and starved, she has a reason to dislike. Getting your hat tossed on the ground, I don’t know…
@@itsmederek1everyone feels their own pain
@@itsmederek1lol right. For all we know he could've walked by and accidentally bumped it off. Seems like a stupid thing to hold onto for almost 80 years.
You found some really interesting people to interview! The ladies whose kids both married foreigners, the well-spoken woman who had a bad experience with an American after the war and realized she shouldn’t generalize but still thought it was hard not to, and the man who said he had considered adopting foreign children (very creative solution to the birthrate problem!)… I enjoyed hearing their perspectives
Japanese people are very polite. But I think that your attitude as a foreigner is also important, especially if you learn the language people will react in a more positive way, because it shows respect for the culture.
I feel that goes for every immigrant to every country. At least try, I understand not being able to learn but for me personally it’s what must be done. We live in a more open world now and are more connected but I feel that the preservation of culture and language is extremely important.
@@SonetsKonjam - It was made by a Danish cartoonist as comment to how covid-19 started.
@@fuahuahuatime5196 thats all countries with immigrants tbh, just like the woman who went through war said. "There are good Americans and bad Americans, good Japanese and bad Japanese."
America is far far far more aggressive from my own experience
We have a saying in Sweden "take the custom where it comes" if you visit here or any other countries.
If I would visit Japan i would try to obey most of the rules, and if I decide to become a resident i would make sure I would take Japanese classes just to be able to read and speak Japanese.
@@agamersinsanity "When in Rome..." You'd think these sorts of things would be common sense - but it appears not!
When I was in Japan I felt like throwing up because of the heat, idk what happened to me that day but I remember that I sat down on a bench and an elderly man came to me asking if I was ok and told me to drink water 😂 I was surprised that there was someone who cared about me, a foreigner lol
And btw he spoke in Japanese to me, luckily I can speak the language 😂
すごく素敵なエピソードですね。ホッコリしました😊❤
Don't come to Asian countries in the summer, bro. The humidity makes it HELL. I've seen an interview of an African person who came from an equatorial region, and he was saying that Japan feels hotter than his country. LOL
@@MIZZKIE It makes sense that Japan might have higher humidity than some parts of Africa because Japan is a narrow archipelago of land surrounded by water on all sides. You're never very far from the ocean in Japan. In the summer heat, the water continuously evaporates off the surface of the ocean and creates high humidity over the area. Some parts of Africa are very far from any large body of water so there isn't as much water available to saturate the local atmosphere.
After hearing young Japanese complain that the elderly in Japan have too much power and too inflexible, these seniors sound really sweet and open to new possibilities.
But did they vote?
@@ChristopherCricketWallace Every young person says that, I used to say that a few years ago. But we are all very foolish and naïve when we are young. Old and young need to listen to each other. Young people sometimes have great ideas, But many of them the older generation has already tested out and can tell you why they don't work.
Older people are also less likely to perform harmful actions or promote harmful polices for social media cred.
Seniors in tokyo who are down for a random interview are probably more open than your average senior tho
Its not the everyday sernior citizens you meet on the street thats the problem, it always has been the government/politicians
elderly in Japan have too much power, because a lot of Japanese youth preferred to be laidback, thus, the "Yutori" generation was born. A lot of them don't even vote, the voter turnout is so low among their generation so the old ones were able to retain their power
So interesting. I remember my grandmother telling me in the 90s that they all really liked my girlfriend but advised me not to marry her because she was Asian (Canadian). My grandmother’s rationale was that it would be very difficult because her values were be so different from ours. This seemed ridiculously old fashioned, particularly since everyone in our family seemed to disagree about so many things. It also seemed ridiculous and continued to seemed that way since my parents had come from the same culture and same city and divorced after just a few years, and all my siblings would eventually come to divorce and remarry too. Ultimately, I married a Japanese woman from Japan and we’ve been together for a couple decades. It sometimes feels that the differences we have are the strengths. It makes us think more carefully about things and listen to each other’s perspective, rather than make assumptions that create problems down the road.
They're so wonderful. The fact that they acknowledged their own prejudices (where present) says a lot about them.
It says that they are comfortable with their prejudices if they acknowledge them and do nothing about them.... it means that really it's a case of 'legitimising the reality'.
@@occamraiser How do you know they did nothing? Did you have a camera crew following them?
Japan is their home, at the end of the day, the foreigners should adjust. They're too old to tolerate tourists.@@occamraiser
before i watch this video, i thought Japanese elders are very conservative and traditional thoughts. But after watching it, I was smiling the whole time. I was not expecting they are so opened and welcome the foreigners, not only white ppl, but the SEA region too
Japanese people are usually extremely kind too foreigners and very interested in us. Many old people will love to talk to you and find out about where you're from and take huge delight in seeing you engage with and learn about their own culture.
But I worry this might change in a few decades if immigration becomes too high and they realize they risk losing their country and culture, Which is what happened in my country.
@@Cha4k yeah Swedistan, Canadaistan i haven't seen a white person in 2 weeks in canada, trash on the streets, high crime, single white moms in my dms with mixed children don't fall like canada
2:15 I (UK) got up to let an elderly couple sit down on a Ginza line train. They were so appreciative. Happened a couple of times over my trip. And they always appreciated the gesture.
At the end of the day I'm a guest in their country. I should behave accordingly.
When I first visited Japan in 2017, I met a granny buying the same Ebiken as mine. Later, I found her next to my seat. I don't know how to properly eat that Ebiken that time. The package is so beautiful and I don't wanna ruin them so I watched her unbox her Ebiken and follow her step. Then she noticed that I'm not Japanese but Gaijin lol but she smiled at me and she showed me how to eat it properly (there were various packs of sauces). After we finished she asked me like "anata ... anno..." and then circled her finger around like wanna ask where I came from. We had a great time, a little chit-chat and she also gave me an orange + a candy.
That's my first impression of an old Japanese lady. Such a lovely experience.
That's so wholesome
I have high admiration for how well spoken and respectable these elderly japanese are. They are very polite and kind hearted.
And it is so amazing to hear a woman speak about something that happened to her during/after world war 2. Its unbelievable to see a person that has experinced this time period
I have my full respect and admiration to the Japanese elderly.
the chinese in NANJING would NOT feel that way
Asking the wrong question. Japan started a visa program for Southeast Asians to come and work 3 years in nursing homes. Japan Times did a poll of 2000 elderly all around Japan and 80% said they were opposed to the program.
@@rabbit251 The education in SEA is factually, significantly sub-par compared to Japan, why would they want lower standards of healthcare? Not to mention, language barrier? Seems you're more interested in looking for facts that confirm your pre-existing ideas about them instead of coming with an open mind to learn more about them. We have a word for that, racesm.
I left Japan just a week ago. I was there for a little over two weeks. I was on the train one day, and was lucky to have a seat before it filled up at the following stop. Then this older Japanese couple (older man and woman) got on. I noticed the man had a cane, and thought maybe someone would offer their seat to him. There weren't any priority seats near them, but still.. I really thought someone would do it. I waited a bit, but no one offered their seat, so I did. My Japanese is very very elementary. I know hiragana, katakana, some kanji here and there but my conversational skills are subpar. Still I tapped him on the shoulder and asked motioned to my seat and said "koko ni swatte kudasai." He seemed to hesitate a moment before taking me up on the offer. He thanked me, and then the lady that was with him did too. They were so cute! I just have a soft spot for older people since I have no grandparents. The whole interaction really made my day and I hope I made theirs a little better. Also I noticed a lot of older Japanese people are so strong and resilient! Sometimes I felt bad asking someone if they wanted my seat because they looked kind of offended haha. Gomennasai!
I’m Japanese, and it's true that Japanese people often don't offer their seats on the train. The main reason isn't that we don't want to give up our seats, but rather that we're not used to talking to strangers. Speaking to someone we don't know draws attention from others around us, and that can be very embarrassing. I think this is a habit that needs to change. When the train isn't crowded, I sit in the priority seats, but if someone in need boards, I'm the first to offer my seat.
OUTSTANDING!
I've not enjoyed a video this much in a while. What refreshing, honest opinions.
Foreigners are fine in every country i guess, as long as those Foreigners follow the rules, customs, respect the local people and cultures, don't try to change them
This answer should be the standard. You can come to any country, as long as you follow it's rules. If not, deported. No racism, no xenophobia, just a plain understanding of not being ungrateful for the country and it's people. If you don't like the culture, go to another country that suits your taste. 💜
@@TK-tn7bcthat’s a nice way of looking at it
nah if go to India and Africa those foreigners are to be scammed, followed, harassed, that's such a L take 90% of the world isn't safe. Japan is safe for everyone. This coming from a immigrants son you won't last 2 weeks in India if you're white or Japanese
@@TweekSamaand that’s how you deflect criticism kids
thats right
When I was in japan, one time I was speaking at a store for my friends in japanese and this kind old lady started conversing with me and even gave me some compliments. Before I spoke any japanese she was just looking apprehensively, and this is something I noticed with most of the people there, they would be a bit more apprehensive until I spoke their language, once they saw I spoke japanese they typically brightened up. Note, myself and my friends aren't the most approachable, mostly being a mixed background, majority are 6'+ men, and I'm a fairly intimidating looking guy, with scars on my face, a resting scowl and a big beard. Their kindness really caught me by surprise, they largely seem like curious, kind people. I think it's understandable that they normally play with a bit of caution.
Do you have any idea why is language so important to so many locals? I personally don't expect any foreigner to learn my country's language before visiting, especially since, just like Japanese, it's a difficult language for most outsiders to learn. I am actually trying to learn some key words/phrases wherever I go, in order to show my kind intentions towards the locals, but I'm already speaking multiple languages and wouldn't have time to learn an entire new one, also with a new alphabet, for just a 2 weeks vacation.
It’s certainly encouraging to hear how considerate and honest Japanese elders feel about foreigners coming to Japan. I especially appreciated that they pushed for the language to be learned so there can be better understanding between one another! Communication is key for business and casual travel! ♥️
It is a simple courtesy that people who settle in a country should learn the language. However, 'Good morning, please and thank you' are sufficiently courteous if you are travelling on business or holiday, surely!
The lady at 4:00 - I truly empathise and feel your sentiment.
As someone that has extensively studied WWII and had the honour of visiting the Hiroshima and Nagasaki A-bombs sites, it’s really difficult to put your feelings aside and look at it from the America, 1945’s perspective.
Japan, however has become a great and broadly envied country since then. The Japanese people is by a long stretch the kindest I have ever encountered and I feel immensely grateful to all for your heartwarming hospitality.
Nihon ga daisuki desu! 🇯🇵 ❤
Perhaps if that old lady learnt how Japanese soldiers tortured common people before killing them, she might let go of her hate. One of the torture technique was to put hoses into mouth and rectum to pump in water, why do such things before killing ???? Really inhumane. But their govt shielded such information from their own citizens, so many of them are not aware of the atrocities.
My Japanese is fluent and I understand the Japanese mentality. I am surprised to find mainly good comments here although I tend to be more careful with what I hear. I feel that many Japanese people wouldn’t mind foreign nationals as long as they learn the language, culture and customs rather quickly. They wouldn’t mind to see more people get married if they have children who in the long run would help to increase their population, as well as helping out in the country side with an ever dwindling number of labor. They would also like to be taken care of themselves because their own children won’t. I recommend people to live in Japan if they are absolutely willing to fulfill some of those expectations, they would always find a job. But someone with other priorities in life would feel a little bit challenged.
I think if all we immigrants were this way there would be no problems. But when there are too many too fast there is no incentive to integrate or learn the culture, And society becomes unstable.
I'm very against people who do not integrate, But I have to be honest and say that if there was an abundance of people from my country then I might just choose the easy option and stay in an ethnic enclave and never integrate either.
So I don't entirely blame other migrants for doing this, Its the governments job to tightly control the flow and ensure that integration is sustainable, And voters to make sure they elect leaders who will do so. Which is not what has happened in western countries.
@@Cha4k ,agreed. Let me just point out to you the changes in recent years, stemming from a decline in wealth of the Japanese supposed economic superpower. Let’s say I am an independent business owner who wants to benefit from this supposed wealth. I wouldn’t be welcome, I would never get approval from a rival Japanese company, I would never get a business license nor independent funding from the Japanese government. But, if, for example, I were a well trained nurse from the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, etc., there would be no shortage of available opportunities. But….and this a big but, most of these applicants would face a bureaucratic hell. They would most willingly be offered jobs outside of legality, never could own homes or climb the ladder of economic success. And they would also face deportation at any given moment since no one would be responsible. In the light of the recent Ishikawa earthquake, many Nepalese and otherwise Asian residents were found among the survivors. I doubt they’d receive the same coverage as Japanese citizens would. I only say this because I have experienced countless hardships as a European citizen trying to obtain independence in my business whilst competing with Japanese companies. I would highly recommend legal procedures with the help of your own country’s legal system, before I’d ventured out into a labyrinth of Japanese government restrictions. Nothing can beat your own independence and financial security, God Bless
what is japanese mentality
@@omniyambot9876 , I am not an anthropologist and I won’t be writing a book about it, but taking the context in consideration,I would certainly say that the Japanese are traditionalists
Go to Kyoto and interview the locals there. Go on. I dare you.
This elderly people made me smile too much. Their views are so polite and constructive.
I didn't expect such opinions from them and they were heart warming. Such a nice culture.
Great video. I have always found Japanese people very warm and welcoming when visiting their country. It’s important to respect their culture as it is very different to our outspoken Western ways. And speaking even only a little Japanese makes a very good impression!
Kei you've aged well but glad the passion in Asian Boss still lives. AB was the first street interview channel on society topics I watched. Still love it. Have a gd year ahead!
Nonsense, he still looks 30
I used to take walks in the neighbourhood and this old woman came and started talking to me. What I can definitely say is that the people in Japan are very respectful even if not everyone is kind so you won’t have to face rowdiness that you face in other countries. You can come here and expect safety. I’ve met travellers who feel ignored by the locals so if you come from a country where people strike up friendly conversations, you might not like it here. But Japan is beautiful, safe and amazing, you would not regret coming here for a visit 😊
WHO ASKED?
My wife and I recently had a baby, and this kind old lady walked up to us at the park to tell us how cute she was, saying she a grand baby like her. She was so sweet. 😊
I was surprised by the conclusion. When I lived in Japan 42 years ago, older Japanese people weren't always so receptive of foreigners. But the younger Japanese were fascinated by them. But I remembered that the older people on this video are the same younger people I remember.😊❤❤❤
Loved this video ❤️ when I was visiting Kochi Prefecture on Shikoku Island. I meet some of the most friendliest and helpful Japanese people that left a lasting impression on my heart. ❤️ Me being Native American, I have noticed a lot of my mannerisms I’ve learned from my elders carried over well in Japan.
what a wonderful perspective you've shared for us all. As a Japanese, Shintoism felt very close to Native American spiritual beliefs, respecting the spirits of animals and nature. Thank you for sharing :)
Older generations can always be more closed, but those interviewed are quite reflective, but at the same time the idea of some parts is a bit vague or simply intuitive.
9:20 this gentleman is absolutely right. I married a lovely Japanese lady from the countryside. (I love the countryside so much more than the cities) BUT all the farms there are run by elderly people. I see them climb up ladders to pick fruits in harvest season. They are all above the retirement age.
Japan will have a huge problem with the farming sector in the next 20 years or so. I already see it happening in my wife's hometown where some fields just lie abandoned.
I plan to live in the countryside in Japan after my own retirement but I don't see myself standing on those ladders day in day out.
It's sad.
The population issue will resolve itself within a decade or so. For very obvious reasons :P
It might turn out to be a natural thing that happens when human populations reach a certain size.
I dont think its a good idea for people to go meddle with mass immigration trying to fix it and likely causing far greater social issues.
@@Cha4k that might be the case but it will still mean the end of all those farms. Which would mean they would have to import food that they grow locally right now.
@@dankfarrik8376 would be nice if younger people could take over the farms, that would be a better solution than to import food to compensate for farms not being used.
@@SvengelskaBlondie absolutely, but that's the whole problem in Japan. Not enough young people.
And the farmers that do have kids, a lot of them go to school and go do something else.
I really like hearing these views of elders. They lived in Japan when it was a very different country, and they’ve seen tremendous change.
The fashionable elderly gentleman may seem a bit strict about immigration policies at first glance, but as Australian that has also lived in Sweden and is now living in Japan, let me tell you that he is absolutely 1000% correct. Immigrants need to be background checked. At one point in my life I wanted to live in Sweden and couldn't get a visa because they were prioritizing humanitarian visas at that time and professional visas were almost impossible to obtain because of the EU's hiring policies. Now Sweden is experiencing record levels of crime year after year and all my Swedish friends lament what the government has allowed to occur.
I live in Sweden and yeah it is necessary if you have committed a crime you shouldn't be allowed entry.
That's what I want for this country, but sadly I'm starting to wonder if I should move once my daughter turns 19.
It will only spiral further down when you have idiots for politicians.
Sadly, this just used to be common sense. You wouldn't let just anyone into your home, so why should a country just allow anyone in without seeing if they're a dangerous individual first? Then that puts the general population at risk. Wish American politicians would have a brain, instead of allowing thousands and thousands of people to literally walk through our border.
Sweden lost because women got power, liberalism is the cancer destroying every white country.
@@tryphenarose384 The United States is currently experimenting with admitting illegal immigrants. I think the results will come soon, the United States may be divided, I predict there will be chaos.
I just love talking and listening to my elders. You can learn so much from them.
Thanks for sharing. Please post more if you can.
Living here, what people say to your face and behind your back are different. But based on my treatment, elderly Japanese people and really young ones are open minded for the most part. I find its people in the middle who are more uptight, but it also depends on city vs rural area
Your country does the same to foreigners, the 1st sentence
@@Eccruh I don't have an issue with it
i was a bit scared to visit japan due to the "conflict" between korea and japan that the media has been portraying. they were incredibly polite people, very orderly, and friendly. some restaurants even gave us extra food. my current roommate is japanese, and we get along very well
対立しているのはわずかな一部の人々
So glad to hear their welcoming attitudes towards foreigners! Definitely disproves existing stereotypes.
Its a double edge sword. You dont want Japan to be infested by **** and ****** .
A lot of honesty from these elders, who hold onto a lot of prejudice and biases because of their life experience (understandably). The one grandma who came to tolerate, and accept, her Nigerian son-in-law is a great example of what happens when we can open our minds and hearts to learn about others despite our own prejudice. And like another one of these elders pointed out, there are good and bad people all over the world.
I’ve been living here in Japan for 32 years and experienced a lot of racial discrimination. Most elderly people here don’t mind foreigners as long as they keep to themselves. They don’t trust foreigners and would rather they weren’t in their communities. Try renting an apartment or office in Japan by yourself, or try applying for jobs other than teaching English, it’s almost impossible to find anyone who’s willing to even give you an interview. When I was living in Saitama I would often get rejected by taxi drivers, they’d say “gaijindame!” directly translated “foreigners bad!” And on the trains coming home in the evenings men around me would often say “gaijinkirai” meaning “I hate foreigners”. I’d get pushed and elbowed even when there was plenty of space. Even nowadays, if I sit on a bench seat in the local train nobody will sit next to me, even though the seats are full. There are so many instances I could write a book about it. Then people say, why don’t you just leave Japan then? That’s like telling an Asian American to go back to their country. There are a lot of nice people here, but like they say, there’re good and bad and downright evil people everywhere. If you live here you have to be strong minded and thick skinned to survive.
Absolutely agree with you
I've lived in Osaka and Kanagawa for 10 years and I've never experienced the gaijin seat tho. And it's understandable, given their circumstances, that they don't want to rent their homes to foreigners.
Japan is one of the most culturally exclsive countries in the world. One thing most westerners don't understand is how Japanese don't tell their true feelings, not even to their "friends" for many years, not to mention " on camera" + "to total strangers". Foreigners think interviewing some random Japanese people in the street with a camera pointing to their faces will show you what Japanese people really think? Think again.
I had none of these experiences, a Black American, i held jobs at Japanese tech companies, and pretty much went about my life for years in Japan. Stop caring what people think of you, then again I am pretty tall and fit, i doubt someone would say " i hate foreigners near me" - yea i did experienced the Gaijin bubble on train sometimes...meh.. more space for me lol
At the end of the day it doesn’t sound very problematic to you since you’ve been in Japan for 32 years
Having visited Japan several times I find the country so fascinating and these older people are so inspiring, reasonable , accepting and so nice....I wish my own country men were this way.
I was bummed about the immigration opposing elder stereotype since I want to live in Japan one day, but this video was encouraging for me. Thank you!
He said nothing wrong. They should only let GOOD people in. If you're a good person you have nothing to worry about.
@@alvinsmith3894 Good? Japan should only let high iq developed countries immigrants in if they get invaded by Syrians, war torn countries immigrants Japan will fall like Sweden. Culture integration matters more than anything. Indians, Africans are the opposite of Japanese people. The ones who are similar are from western countries and grew up in a developed system
i love the way people coddle the racist Japanese mentality, if it was America you would be screaming @@alvinsmith3894
So much respect for these elders in this video to actually say what they think. They seemed more honest than in some other videos that I have seen where they are too polite and seemed hesitant to say anything negative.
At 10:44 the man effectively summarized my views on immigration policies. Europe, for example, can provide us with valuable lessons on how things have unfolded.
Nobody in their right mind is gonna say no to a well behaved and experienced engineer or doctor with no criminal background and who knows the native language.
he just basically described current japanese immigration policy (a bit of a stricter version too). if he wants skilled workers to migrate to japan, he should be advocating for better working conditions and for laws that actually entice foreign workers like offering more international scholarships while funding national universities, or offering social assistance/assurances or other incentives for immigration. this would incidentally also help native japanese workers too
I liked that guy the most. He is realistic. I hope they don't just accept anyone like europe did
especially highly religious people with vastly different values
@@Depreuz Lmao, but that's not really the case, is it? Most developed countries also have difficulties filling out the jobs no one wants to do like construction, plumbing and hospitality. Low income labour. Lower class labour. The problem with the European countries that are messing up is that they have made no concrete effort to assimilate and provide a path for integration of foreign immigrants. They've just housed them either in districts reserved just for them or scattered them about in random neighbourhoods (Why? Probably because they only aligned pro-immigration as a political gain and didn't really care about the aftermath?). Not the way to go. Could learn from places like Singapore and such, and apply intelligent social engineering.
Japan must learn from Europe. Don't do the same mistake.
Limitation, check background. Studies level. Integration. Knowledge about Japan.
If foreigners put other culture outside of them house in Japan.... it's going to be bad.
For restaurant it's ok. But that's all.
Be cautious, Japan. Watch closely the problems that come from having too many foreigners, in the west. You don't want that, I promise. It's a dangerous path which could lead to the loss of your values, and your people's security. Please don't make the same mistakes as us.
Lived in Japan 17 years (I'm a white male for what it's worth). Married a local. The number of interactions with older Japanese who don't like foreigners make up maximum 2% of the interactions, the majority of the time retired people are very positive / open-minded / sweet.
Probably polite. And should be. Had Japan won WW2 they would have decimated Asia. US won WW2 and now Japan is No 3 economy and a magnet for weebs. Old people in general tend to be laid back and more reserved. As people age, psychologically and physiologically changes occur which make them get less angry.
For what it's worth too, you probably get treated better there than the equivalent As'an male would get treated in your original country.
@@Eccruh My original country? It was one of the most tolerant countries in Europe. Japan destroyed whole industries in various countries. They should be happy that any foreigners visit. We helped Vietnamese and Koreans too in the 20th century.
Please don't make light of the Japanese genocide of various Asian peoples. And now Japan complains when other countries create monuments to Korean comfort women. Can it get more real. Imagine the Germans complaining when the Brits commemorate the Blitz or something or the Holocaust.
@@peterc4082 Europe advertises tolerance, but practices intolerance . Japan advertises intolerance and practices intolerance. None of these wite males in Japan would switch places with an As'an dude in their country, if it was really better, then they would.
@@Eccruh You kidding? I'm from Vancouver... No one gets treated better than an Asian in Vancouver.
3:35 I think I hate America because of Logan Paul and Johnny Somali…
Nice to see some overall positive feedback! These elders 🧓🏻👴🏻👵🏻seem to be a merry bunch! ❤You chose, just the right people to interview!🎤
As a migrant myself, living permanently and calling Australia home, for a foreigner, it is absolutely IMPERATIVE to learn to a fluent standard the local language. That HAS to be your first priority if you plan on moving abroad, be that wherever it is.
Only that, will provide you with the confidence and meaningful interactions with the locals, which will ultimately result in feeling a sense of belonging.
you picked a great group of elders to interview! I love this so much.
I've lived in Japan for roughly 13 years of my life (I've permanently lived here for almost half a decade), and I 'm a scholar of the study of Japan culture. I must say that this is a useful crosssection of views maintained by elderly Japanese people. Of course, it's presumably the Tokyo area, and answers would vary a bit by region, but it's a useful general set of elderly Japanese' impressions of non-Japanese.
Great questions were asked and answered. tysm for the video, Asian Boss; it's really great to hear the voices and opinions of those on the other side of the world.
As for the Japanese population problem - I guess immigration might solve it - but ultimately it'll be down to a culture change - either by themselves or more likely forced on them when immigration levels become high enough. Personally to me it looks like Korea all over again - why on earth would people want children in such a work driven culture, with what appears to be pretty much out of balance work/life, and the high pressure education system, academies etc.
They really want children to live under that pressure? How much of that is actually used when they finally get a job - or is it just used as a weapon to fight others for a mediocre job? There seems little incentive to have children (I did hear of some farcical incentive of a few thousand dollars - I can see that going well - try 100,000 or better yet - change yr culture somewhat) and the current self absorbed culture we all put up with ceertainly isn't helping(not a lot they can do about that I think or anyone else).
Having seen the results of mass immigration in many other countries (and I don't mean from a racist perspective or any of those tired old arguments) - I think Japan would do well to try and fix this before they end up like many of us - to me Japan has an almost unique culture and it would be a shame to see it end up being like some other countries, where you can almost stand in the capital and not know even what country you're in - and be shamed for not liking it.
Really enjoyed this! Might be worth focusing on elders in other countries as well, from time to time.
as what elon musk said. jp will seize to exist soon.
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What an amazing set of Japanese citizens who demonstrate open-mindedness, progression and kindness. As one said, "There are good ones and bad ones." That's the real world.
If you travel to ANY foreign country. 1. Have respect for their culture. 2. Learn their language. 3. Learn their rules/laws. These 3 alone will help tremendously.
I grew up with a father in the US army and we moved a lot. We spent 4 years in Germany and I remember him telling us you are not representing yourself you are representing your country.
Agreed however learning an entire language just to travel away is quite a stretch... imagine needing to do that just to go on vacation somewhere for a week or two, like nah nobody is gonna do that.
This is silly. How old are you? If you travel to a foreign country- 1. OBEY the law. That's it. Definitely don't have to learn language. If you're wanted by a Japanese business and you're valuable they will make the effort to communicate with you. If you're not valuable, to anyone, don't apply. If you're a tourist, you definitely should not have to learn any local language. Tourists spend money and the Japanese government is on a tourism promotion drive. They want tourists and ordinary street Japanese and weebs should close their mouths.
Very interesting video so different from mainstream media 👏
I live in Korea and it’s really surprising and pleasant to hear responses like this, especially towards south East Asians
Europe should send them theirs migrants to see if they change theirs minds .................
With age comes wisdom. Excellent topic. Glad to see older people being asked their opinions for a change.
Met some very nice elderly lady in Hiroshima. We were eating at a restaurant and was about to leave when they suddenly started a conversation in Japanese. Me, who only understand few japanese told them "Nihongo Wakaranai" , they told me "Gambatte" as we were smiling. I can feel their genuine intent to strike a conversation and the encouragement to learn. So far my experience with them as a gainjin has always been positive. This was also the case in Tokyo and Fukuoka when we were on a bus.
Very wise people, it’s these people who should be running the world sharing their life experiences and maturity
I rarely care for these street questionnaires but I am pleasantly surprised and pleased how genuine and deeply thoughtful of their responses 👍
i am a korean who lived in japan throughout my high school years, uni and went on to be a “salary man,” making it 10 years there.
the elderly japanese people referring to “gaijinan(foreigner)” here are white caucasains.
as a korean, i often got called “chosenjin” “bakachon” etc which are racist terms for koreans.
i wouldn’t say all of them, but a lot of them are racists.
As a Canadian I'm sorry for your experience in Japan many Korean people I know have suffered this racism and even Chinese people have suffered it in fact according to the United Nations Japan is most racist against its neighbors. For some reason they love the white skin but it is the same white people that committed genocide against them in Hiroshima Nagasaki and Tokyo during the war. Japanese people don't think logically most of the time.
Japanese elders from cities are more open-minded and have more exposure to foreigners than inaka elders. I wish all the Japanese elders I've met were this positive and refreshing, if only.
i always found it a little frustrating when i met elderly people on previous visits to japan, on because there was always a desire to interact but my japanese skills were just not adequate enough to really communicate on that deeper level.. i had so many questions i wanted to ask about their lifes in japan prior to the widespread modernization of the country etc and just get a better insight into the soul of the country through conversation. im still trying to learn the language so maybe on a future visit i will have more luck with it yeah ;)
i visited Japan last summer, people my age were so stand offish and some downright rude. I was surprised that the nicest people and most friendly were the elderly and the young.
なんか、変な感じ。仕込みじゃない? 一般の意見とは少し違うと思う。
Very reasonable takes on immigration. Not what's viewed from a Western perspective of "crazy right" or "crazy left". But well reasoned. We should take notes haha.
no one noticed the interviewer was not japanese - so the responses might have been more PC .
10000%
Last year I did visit Hiroshima, Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo: It changed my live. There is such an unbeleievable beauty in this culture that you can only feel and experience once you've been there. I remember I was at a shrine in Tokyo and I saw someone lost his wallet and it was laying on the entrance of the Tori of the Shrine.
I am from Holland and wanted to pick it up and bring it to the police. No, no.. My son said to me (He studied in Tokyo) just leave it there dad.. Ok. I leave it there. An hour later we left the shinto shrine and it was still there laying in front of the tori!!!! For us Western people this is surreal! This will never ever happen in my country. I am so happy to see these eldererly beautiful people respond so beautiful to all the questions asked from the reporter........ Can not wait to go back to Japan!!! Konnichiwa!!!
Xenophobia is too complex to be defined by the word “Foreigner”. People from different origins can be treated differently.
There is a HUGE difference between foreigners that are in Japan on vacation / business trip for a short period of time and will leave after, and MIGRANTS that come and stay, draining the budget.
This was very surprising. When I visited Yokohama about 20 years ago, we were thrown out of an electronics store, and many restaurants had “Japanese only” signs in the windows. Lovely if things has changed, I would like to visit Tokyo some time.
There is a reason for that.
There're many U.S. military bases in Kanagawa Prefecture, and American soldiers stationed there're often in the news for getting drunk at nearby bars and Izakaya, damaging property and assaulting customers.
(Although not in Yokohama, there was even a car theft last year)
Such signs can still be seen because even though the police are notified, Japanese law does not apply if the perpetrators flee to the U.S. military base.
Some groups of foreigners are more desirable than others.
my husband spent a lot of years growing up in Japan. He's a white boy, his Dad was US A.F. He spent his 1st birthday on a troop ship to Japan. People in Japan would stop, take pictures, touch him and otherwise treat him like an object (this was 1955-1971) He had white blond hair and very white skin. It was such a rarity in those days. He also learned Japanese and English at the same time. He loved Japan and still misses it today.
As a Japanese American translator, i don't understand why yall chose to inaccurately translate some parts and drive the incorrect narrative.... not egregious, but some parts are just sloppy....
Really interesting perspectives. I've had quite a few nice encounters with the elderly in Japan. It's always a good day when we're lucky enough to learn something from the older generations
The bogeyman that is developing countries... ooOoooOh~~
Hope to move there in the near future. Just got back from my trip and it was fantastic. I realize that I saw the good things and not many bad but every country has bad and good things, compared to America tho I prefer japans issues. Rather overwork than fear going to a supermarket.
You might have received less biased responses if the interviewer wasn't mixed race herself.
We recently returned from a holiday to the amazing country which is Japan. I advised to kids to show the upmost respect to the people of Japan. They are beautiful people
They are not telling what's on their mind. It's 100% fake.
Now the real question, how many of them were honest in their answers and not just trying to be diplomatic?
I had the same thought. After all, they are Japanese. They wouldnt really tell you point blank to avoid being called out or they just want to be diplomatic about it.
or how many of the interviews that gave a bad outlook on foreigners were cut off? This seems like propaganda to me!
I reckon it's cause the interviewer looks South East Asian (but it's hard to tell from the angle)
If they're honest, you'll call them racest, if they say what you want to hear, you'll say they're not honest, there's no pleasing you.
As a foreigner living in Japan myself, I would wager that every one of them was honest in their answers. The attitudes depicted here are very much the norm amongst the elders living in my area -- Japanese elders are just generally very kind and welcoming souls, I've found! Comes from living in a culture all their lives that values kindness, comfort, and neighborliness. Even the most hard-hearted person would likely become a lot more sympathetic and gracious toward those around them after living in this environment for even a short amount of time.
Japan is a wonderful place to live.
very positive thinking. In Canada, although they say it is a great multiculturism, when something happens overseas, the white majority takes the wrong side that causes and they come first who are they? Christians, jews, Muslims or Buddhist communists leftists, etc. see the Gaza war, most Western nations govt in favor of the colonial rule, and occupation supporters, but not the majority people in some countries.
4:29 it's kinda ironic hearing that old lady talk about how she disliked americans based on her WW2 experience. smacking her hat on the ground? what do you think the japanese soldiers did to the civilians of the countries they invaded. if this is how you feel then can you see the POV of other people?
it's also kinda ironic that Americans are seen as the "good guys", especially after they discovered what they really did in Europe (look up why allot of germans have american "heritage").
germans are different from german americans@@SvengelskaBlondie
They should take more pride in their people. It’s not worth radically changing your national character, political system, language, physical appearance… basically everything for the sake of cheap labor and higher pensions. There are reasons why different ethnic groups think and act differently. They have Europe and America to look to as examples of what results from lax immigration policy, and the Japanese, who are unaccustomed to having any notable crime rate at all compared to the rest of the world, will suffer the more from this than Europe or America ever have.
私は日本人です。
私もあなたと同意見です。日本人のお年寄りの多くが、TVや新聞などのメディアによって移民や異文化を受け入れることは素晴らしい事であると思わされています。ですが若い世代はそれが大変危険な事だと少しずつ気がついています。
現在この政策を推し進めている与党は支持率を急激に落とし、日本は変化しようとしています。
日本に愛のある忠告をありがとう❤️
Ok... I'm part Japanese, my great grandfaher was a Samari, from the south west of the country in Japan. He came to Australia and married a Caucasian lady...The Bride Vases are around 8" tall... I , female, handed them onto the second eldest, of the eldest, of the eldest son. This young man, I know will cherish them and the traditions and values of this part of his heritage....I always wanted to go visit to see where my family came from.....it was difficult for all of us due to the War and predicted difference in heritage. Now days it is better excepted mixed marrages, about time too..... Blessings darlings.....
3 million foreigners are not a lot of people. In Turkey just Syrians are 3 million just them
I had only 1 bad experience with an elder once 20 years ago but nothing extreme, but for the rest elders I've met I loved them all ❤ they were so nice with me
It's incredible that people don't learn Japanese and they live there. It seems bonkers to me. I'm learning Japanese and I love it so much. I wish I had someone to speak it with!
Unfortunately some people do not move to countries because they love the people and culture and want to be apart of it.
Some people are simply opportunists looking to exploit social welfare programs or take advantage of high trust societies to make a quick buck.
There are also people who are modern day missionaries, Especially Muslims and less so Christians. But their goal is to basically colonize other cultures.
And then there are people who are just lazy. Which is how I used to be when I first moved here.
Unfortunately some people do not move to countries because they love the people and culture and want to be apart of it.
Some people are simply opportunists looking to exploit social welfare programs or take advantage of high trust societies to make a quick buck.
There are also people who are modern day missionaries, Especially Muslims and less so Christians. But their goal is to basically colonize other cultures.
And then there are people who are just lazy. Which is how I used to be when I first moved here.
As I said in other comments, they come there with the mindset of "What can Japan do for me?", instead of "What can I do for Japan?". Whatever mindset you come with is easily spotted by society, and you will be treated according to your attitude.
I agree with one elderly man who said they should accept immigrant but not everyone. At least need to check their background like criminal record. I’m one of a foreigner who want to move to Japan. I like some of Japanese culture and their society e.g the safety. so I don’t want immigrant to destroy that. But overall I’m glad that mostly they welcome foreigners.
I have the impression that the interviewees were cherry-picked. I hope I'm wrong.
The interviewer seems mixed race, or at least not entirely Japanese, despite being fluent. Considering their culture of keeping things positive in public, you can guess😅
My son lives in Japan. He loves the life he shares with his beautiful Japanese wife, Misaki and baby Luna. His Japanese is getting better everyday. I love listening to these wonderful people. I apologize to the gentleman at 4:20 for cruelty he suffered from the Ugly American.