Do Japanese Elders Like Foreigners in Japan? | Street Interview
Vložit
- čas přidán 15. 06. 2024
- ► WHY we make these videos: • 👉 Hope You Get This Me...
► Watch extended version of this video: asianboss.io/programs/japanes...
► Watch our exclusive membership videos for FREE: asianboss.io/yt/123-exclusive...
► Join our exclusive membership for exclusive content and community: asianboss.io/
00:00 Intro
00:43 How common are foreigners in Japan?
01:40 How do they feel about foreigners?
02:23 Different perceptions based on nationality
04:38 Would they allow their child marrying a foreigner?
07:33 Should foreigners living in Japan learn Japanese?
08:59 Should Japan accept more immigrants?
10:48 Final advice
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in this video do not represent that of Asian Boss or the general Japanese public.
Follow us on social media:
TikTok ► / asianbossmedia
Instagram ► / asianbossmedia
Facebook ► / asianboss
X ► x.com/asianbossmedia
This was our top-voted video last month by the members of our Asian Boss community. Become a member at AsianBoss.io to have your say in selecting our next video topic and get access to all our early releases. We’ve also made several exclusive videos from our membership platform available for free, so enjoy: asianboss.io/yt/123-exclusivevideos
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.
@@Xtca223 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
@@Xtca223... 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?
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
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.
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
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 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
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
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.
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
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.
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!
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.
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!
This elderly people made me smile too much. Their views are so polite and constructive.
OUTSTANDING!
I've not enjoyed a video this much in a while. What refreshing, honest opinions.
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
I didn't expect such opinions from them and they were heart warming. Such a nice culture.
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.
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 lived in Japan for 5 years and it was a heaven to me. I never saw that much kindness and love other than my home country in any other country. Japan is my 2nd home.
7 years here. And it is still counting! It is indeed a home for me to return when I'm abroad now.
@@phunweng962 It caught my ear when he said the farmers are in trouble. I was like I'm a farmer and I want to move to Japan.
Maybe I could move to rural Japan and work at farm
WHO ASKED?
bro your name is wild can't believe someone named"giga niga" is commenting on an Asian boss video
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.
@@goutfromfriedokra3936
中国人の証言
僕の友達に南京の人がいる。
友達の親父も祖父も親戚も南京の人
でも誰も南京の事を聞いた事は無いんです。
誰も死んだ人もいない。
普通30万人も◯されたら誰かは死んでいるでしょう。
でも誰も◯んでいない。
もうそれで嘘だと分かる。
中国はずっと戦争してきたでしょ。
だから今でも遺骨が出る。
200年前の戦争の遺骨も出る。でも南京の親戚は誰も知らない。
はい中国人の証言です。
@@goutfromfriedokra3936
中国人の知識人の話
僕の友人に南京出身がいるの。
当然友人の父も祖父も親戚も皆南京にいる。
でも南京の事を誰も知らない。これでもう嘘って分かるの。普通30万人も◯されたら1人位は◯んでいるでしょう。
でも誰も◯んでいない。
この話はおかしいの。
中国は戦争ばかりしてたでしょ。そこから人骨が出るの、でも南京では出てない。
これ中国人の知識人の実話です。
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.
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 really like hearing these views of elders. They lived in Japan when it was a very different country, and they’ve seen tremendous change.
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.
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.
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 :)
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.
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
you picked a great group of elders to interview! I love this so much.
I travelled to Japan in 1987 and again in 1989. Sadly, I have not been back since then, but it is now on my list of priorities. My experience as a foreigner (Australian) to Japan was absolutely fantastic. Everyone we came in contact was polite, warm and welcoming. Didn't have a single bad experience.
Back in the 80's Travellers Cheques in $US were the preferred method of carrying money abroad. I remember 2 or 3 of us went into a bank to exchange some cheques into Yen, and when the bank teller had finalized the transaction we asked her for directions to a train station. She actually left the bank and walked with us for at least a kilometre to show where the station was, then returned back to the bank. That is the epitome of going beyond ones duties in customer service. That small gesture is something I have never forgotten, and still tell people to this day.
The biggest piece of advice I give to anyone travelling Japan, is be respectful. If you can't be respectful and polite, stay home. Nobody likes a loud mouthed, pain in the ass.
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 ****** .
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.
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!
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.😊❤❤❤
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!
Looks like a trip to Japan is going on my bucket list. The ppl in this clip comes across as very welcoming, kind and accepting which was great to see and hear. Thank you for posting this on UTube.
Mixed perspectives are so important, and I absolutely understand each of their views. Thank you for the video!
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
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.
The interviewees responses were very introspective and insightful. Thank you Asian Boss for another enlightening video.
This year is my first visit to Japan (おらんだじんです!), stayed for 3 months, and the amount of friendly people i met was overwhelming. I speak a very tiny bit of Japanese, which i really reccomend to anyone going to Japan. It really made the experience special, and i've had many very heartfelt talks and moments with total strangers. Japan feels welcoming in a way that really makes me wanna come back more and more, while also teaching myself more about the language and culture.
I love Japan
Really enjoyed this! Might be worth focusing on elders in other countries as well, from time to time.
I live in Korea and it’s really surprising and pleasant to hear responses like this, especially towards south East Asians
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.
This was a great video with some very good insights. They are increasing my will to learn more japanese before I visit Japan for the first time since it will be a much more enriching experience being able to have conversations with people
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 rarely care for these street questionnaires but I am pleasantly surprised and pleased how genuine and deeply thoughtful of their responses 👍
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.
Nice to see some overall positive feedback! These elders 🧓🏻👴🏻👵🏻seem to be a merry bunch! ❤You chose, just the right people to interview!🎤
Very authentic and high quality video - aspiring to make my interview-videos like this in the future!
Nice questions, sensitive topics handled well and better than usual translations. Thank you all for this interesting video.
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.
This was great. Thank you for showing us this perspective.
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.
@@Xtca223 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.
@@Xtca223 You kidding? I'm from Vancouver... No one gets treated better than an Asian in Vancouver.
How lovely are all these interviewed people!
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.
Very wise people, it’s these people who should be running the world sharing their life experiences and maturity
Very heartwarming. Beautiful people you interviewed
With age comes wisdom. Excellent topic. Glad to see older people being asked their opinions for a change.
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
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
@@Xtca223 I don't have an issue with it
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
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
Koreans and Japanese are completely deferent.
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.
A very insightful interview, the elders have experienced a lot and provided wise responses and advice.
What a great topic, and reactions. Definitely put a smile on my face.
Very interesting video so different from mainstream media 👏
I went to Japan from the US waaay back in 2017 when I was in my early twenties. Super happy I checked out Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo
Beautiful video. I learned a lot and look forward to visiting this country some day.
Another award deserving vlog. Love it.
Thank you Asian Boss! You guys have done an amazing job. I wish I have extra money to support this channel. This is the best channel
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
Absolutely wonderful interviews. Very sensible and open-minded.
That was a very interesting video with some quite revealing answers. Good work.
This video was so nice and refreshing to see. Usually, locals would say "Dont come here. Stay away from us. We dont like tourists." Thanks to this video and these very lovely folks, Japan is now on my radar to visit and learn about their culture. Thanks Asian Boss team!
dont visit korea though.
They don't usuaIIy say that, that is just an assumption or media narrative that is pushed
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.
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.
Stunning video. I could watch it many times. I believe curiosity, compassion, and compromise are the best solution to good relations between Japanese and foreigners (or between anyone!). It's very heart warming to see older folks who maintain their own sensibilities but recognize and give grace to others who are different or think different. The very kind and gentle man who said the most important thing is empathy is a very special person and I will remember his interview for a long time.
This is surprising yet encouraging and even heartwarming. ❤️ I’ve been to Japan a few times and due to visit again soon, but I always feel self-conscious and try to make myself as invisible as possible so that I won’t annoy the locals. 😅
I'm not surprised by their demeanor towards foreigners. They are well aged and wise. I'm half their age and I feel the same way. I want to learn Japanese but I'm not good at other languages. I so want to visit Japan one day just to their food and make friends and pick up any amount of their culture and language I can
I’m surprisingly shocked! They were all so kind and sweet about the interview. 😍💚
You went and found the nicest older people 🥺🖤
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
Everyone is so wholesome and sweet!
Great video 🎉 educative and inspiring. Thanks for sharing
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.
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.....
Something that I've appreciated more is that in some ways, they are more self-aware of their prejudices or why they feel a certain way. I think some feelings are just hard to ignore, but at least being able to acknowledge a need for more understanding is a great step from what I was used to where I was from originally.
Time has lent a hand in even helping my grandmother overcome her own prejudices, making up with her sister she hadn't talked to in decades.
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 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 ;)
Smart answers. Lots of wisdom
Some very interesting and honest opinions
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
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.