This really is a nice collection of human experiences and perspectives you are collecting w/ these podcasts. You have been putting in work for some time and it shows! Much appreciated.
Great interview! I can relate so much with lots of the things that was discussed. I remember my non-Japanese ex-college mentioning once that the company placed our (mixed and non-Japanese staff) desks in office's front house to serve as pandas in a zoo. Another said we were like trophy wife... I had so many bosses who would spend the day snoring loudly on their chair or pretend to be looking at screen but on closer look they were deeply asleep, or fighting hangover by drinking multiple vitamin charge bottles bought at combini. I used to hate the unproductiveness of Japanese companies where it was common to have 3-4 two-hour meetings per week where nothing was practically discussed, progressed or decided, and everyone was on their laptops chatting on apps or emailing while the bosses spoke nonsense - in hindsight it must have been a way to kill time and demonstrate work is being done. Alex's comment on work strated after lunch is so true! It all meant that ppl stayed behind after hours to make up for the half day wasted, which was why no one went home until 10pm or last train home. Then the repeat of vicious cycle... The smoker comment is interesting! Where I worked, it was a big no-no to ever take a break, even for coffee, but the smokers were exempted to take a smoke break and literally they took 15-30min break every hour. They were always the ones working overtime...
This video was hilarious! I’m moving to Japan next year to teach English lol everyone’s telling me not to because I’m black and may have a different experience but it is what it is🤷🏾♀️ I had fun when I visited and everyone was nice even if some is 建前 as they say😂
Appreciate the support Getting comments like these or people always letting me know they enjoy it make me know it’s worth it. I’m in it for the long haul🙏
Yup, thats why i enjoyed being in Osaka when i was visiting japan. Yes they are more chill than being in Tokyo area. I also went to Hokkaido in winter yes very cold but beautiful. People are very nice there as well. Also remember to respect the country's laws and try to learn the mannerisms.
Max, it'd be cool if you interview @Kainihon. He's half Japanese, half Venezuelan but raised in Spain since he was 3 years old. He's living in Tokyo currently.
Osaka is definitely a different vibe. I live and work in Tokyo for a few years now (games company) and man the stuff they are mentioning is so true I did not even realize that I realized the same stuff. Even the side lining someone to make them leave. Happening right now with one of our lead guys I think. Even talked to me in secret about some problems with him and me maybe taking over some part. Or people just falling asleep at their desks and shit. I was shocked when I saw people literally falling asleep for minutes while sitting at the PC Work cleaning I'm glad we only do at the end of the year all together. The company in general is more non traditional and I'm glad but compared to Germany it's still strange
It was nice feeling to hear that I am not the only one dealing with the first name calling. I have a Japanese last name. But "EVERYONE" including medical clinics when calling your name will use my first name - san. WTF!!! So I feel this is Yobisute style. I sometimes play the game to not respond if someone calls me using my first name. They try 2 or 3 times....I do not respond...then they try using my last time and suddenly I respond very quick. It sucks but that is the world I have to live in.
The funny thing is that many don't know is, Osaka is the true original capital of Japan Tokyo's true name is Edo they changed it to Tokyo and made Tokyo the capital of Japan. Osaka is the true big city of Japan tokyo is somewhat a artificially made city/capital.
Okay. Yeah. I also have a Japanese last name as well, but also everyone calls me by my American first name. Everyone else is called by their last name. So I take it as I get more leeway than everyone else. I treat my job as casually as they treat me.
47:17 Capcom? Before Street Fighter 6 was released I recall a very cringey video with the art team describing the process for designing Kimberly. I couldn't help but think WTF?!
Oi you need to interview people who work for good firms and have a good job , educated to get their perspective too,.also One can work for a foreign firm in Japan , or be more selective to where you work and what job you get so you get a better experience and career there. . The fall of Japan is tied to generational workers like this,. And the aging of its society. It’s sad that the cultural and historic pride which propelled japan to greatness in the past is gone,..if educated and really smart most Japanese learn they will make more money abroad so there’s a brain drain in Japan too.
Please bring Alex back. This has been a wonderful, informative ride with fabulous conversation between the two of you.
This might be my favourite video ever of all time….!
Not as good as a kfel video... oh wait!!
If you liked this episode, make sure to hit the like button, subscribe, and comment if you have any thoughts about work culture in Japan!
wrong instagram link (forgot one more _ at the end)
Bring back Alex to the podcast!! We gotta hear more tea about the working culture in Japan!
This really is a nice collection of human experiences and perspectives you are collecting w/ these podcasts. You have been putting in work for some time and it shows! Much appreciated.
This guest is one of the coolest ive listened to in a while.
As somebody who works with japanese people on a daily basis, this is very helpful in giving me insight on why they are the way they are
Great interview! I can relate so much with lots of the things that was discussed. I remember my non-Japanese ex-college mentioning once that the company placed our (mixed and non-Japanese staff) desks in office's front house to serve as pandas in a zoo. Another said we were like trophy wife... I had so many bosses who would spend the day snoring loudly on their chair or pretend to be looking at screen but on closer look they were deeply asleep, or fighting hangover by drinking multiple vitamin charge bottles bought at combini. I used to hate the unproductiveness of Japanese companies where it was common to have 3-4 two-hour meetings per week where nothing was practically discussed, progressed or decided, and everyone was on their laptops chatting on apps or emailing while the bosses spoke nonsense - in hindsight it must have been a way to kill time and demonstrate work is being done. Alex's comment on work strated after lunch is so true! It all meant that ppl stayed behind after hours to make up for the half day wasted, which was why no one went home until 10pm or last train home. Then the repeat of vicious cycle... The smoker comment is interesting! Where I worked, it was a big no-no to ever take a break, even for coffee, but the smokers were exempted to take a smoke break and literally they took 15-30min break every hour. They were always the ones working overtime...
This video was hilarious! I’m moving to Japan next year to teach English lol everyone’s telling me not to because I’m black and may have a different experience but it is what it is🤷🏾♀️ I had fun when I visited and everyone was nice even if some is 建前 as they say😂
Super insightful conversation! Would love to hear more from you and Alex.
Alex and I are close friends, so would love to have him back again!
Damn. This should hit a million views to get real exposure in the media
just want to say i appreciate the work you put into your videos bro
Appreciate the support
Getting comments like these or people always letting me know they enjoy it make me know it’s worth it. I’m in it for the long haul🙏
This guy is literally so funny
Osaka has rubbed off on him
Yup, thats why i enjoyed being in Osaka when i was visiting japan. Yes they are more chill than being in Tokyo area. I also went to Hokkaido in winter yes very cold but beautiful. People are very nice there as well. Also remember to respect the country's laws and try to learn the mannerisms.
Favourite episode so far, this guy is crazy entertaining
I bet this Alex guy has a lot more insane stories to share!!
This podcast was funny and educational at the same time! I’m definitely looking forward to another video with Alex ☺️
The best interview that I have seen on your channel. Outstanding rapport between the two of you.
Max, it'd be cool if you interview @Kainihon. He's half Japanese, half Venezuelan but raised in Spain since he was 3 years old. He's living in Tokyo currently.
I’ll check him out!
@@MaxDCapo great. He speaks Japanese, English, and Spanish.
Osaka is definitely a different vibe.
I live and work in Tokyo for a few years now (games company) and man the stuff they are mentioning is so true I did not even realize that I realized the same stuff. Even the side lining someone to make them leave. Happening right now with one of our lead guys I think. Even talked to me in secret about some problems with him and me maybe taking over some part. Or people just falling asleep at their desks and shit. I was shocked when I saw people literally falling asleep for minutes while sitting at the PC
Work cleaning I'm glad we only do at the end of the year all together. The company in general is more non traditional and I'm glad but compared to Germany it's still strange
It was nice feeling to hear that I am not the only one dealing with the first name calling. I have a Japanese last name. But "EVERYONE" including medical clinics when calling your name will use my first name - san. WTF!!! So I feel this is Yobisute style. I sometimes play the game to not respond if someone calls me using my first name. They try 2 or 3 times....I do not respond...then they try using my last time and suddenly I respond very quick. It sucks but that is the world I have to live in.
Brilliant! Don't answer to anything you do not wish to be called.
The funny thing is that many don't know is, Osaka is the true original capital of Japan Tokyo's true name is Edo they changed it to Tokyo and made Tokyo the capital of Japan. Osaka is the true big city of Japan tokyo is somewhat a artificially made city/capital.
So interesting! thanks guys
alex is harping about how osaka is supposed to be funny and how it's a stereotype, but he gives me a funny kind of person, fun to be with kind of vibe
This interview is fantastic! Haha Love it!! 😂🧡🧡
22:41 I swear to GOD I heard something else and was like "my guy at least use the a form and not the hard er!!!" LMAOOO
Okay. Yeah. I also have a Japanese last name as well, but also everyone calls me by my American first name. Everyone else is called by their last name. So I take it as I get more leeway than everyone else. I treat my job as casually as they treat me.
47:30 I'm almost willing to bet my 401k it was not just Square Enix, but Tetsuya Nomura.
Wow this guy is very interesting and funny and can survive anywhere in Japan.
Alex is a computer " TOSHIBA" LOL! At least it wasn't Toyota. LOL.
WTF....😅 i thought i had to deal with BS working in the states, but hell, this is above and beyond anything here😆
12:45 - I think its the same in the US or at least that's What I've heard from my friends and family members who were unfairly fired
New generation vid.
47:17 Capcom? Before Street Fighter 6 was released I recall a very cringey video with the art team describing the process for designing Kimberly. I couldn't help but think WTF?!
いとさん is cool
Manzai culture combined with merchant history makes them more outgoing direct etc. funny. Honmakaina,. Their comedy can be a bit harsh though,.
Oi you need to interview people who work for good firms and have a good job , educated to get their perspective too,.also One can work for a foreign firm in Japan , or be more selective to where you work and what job you get so you get a better experience and career there. . The fall of Japan is tied to generational workers like this,. And the aging of its society. It’s sad that the cultural and historic pride which propelled japan to greatness in the past is gone,..if educated and really smart most Japanese learn they will make more money abroad so there’s a brain drain in Japan too.
Invite Kate Williams itll boost your views bro
Chorei people fall asleep while leader is talking
Such a hottie bro
This is complete BS. I have witnessed Japanese get fired right in front of my eyes at a Japanese company (tech company).
Japan should learn from Korea and China.
he barely has an accent in English. how is his Japanese?
As someone who’s like conversational in Japanese I would say it’s definitely fluent level. Makes sense considering he’s spent so much time in Japan
@@outsideskippy1997 His japanese is perfect.
You should interview @sillyyerba