r/AskAJapanese

If I look at the internet for "why local Japanese avoid foreigners" the result most likely will say "they can't speak English so it is better for them to avoid foreigners to avoid any upcoming problems".

The thing is, I visit Japan quite often and it does seems like this "myth" are starting to cease.

Back in 2014 it was quite rare for me to find someone who can speak English, even broken English. So it was quite a challenge for me everytime I had to communicate with locals.

However on my several recent trips I found lot of Japanese who can understand English, and can communicate even with broken English.

At one time I met a kid who were crying at a park because he couldn't find his mom. To my surprise he said "I am looking for my mom!"--exactly like that. And his pronounciation were good!.

I was also helped by a dude when I was trying to buy yakisoba, and he guided me using English.

And numerous times when I went for hiking in the rural areas, met locals and we talked a bit using English. The staff at local restaurant now also can speak English although limited. Which quite surprising since I wasn't in a big touristy city like Tokyo or Osaka.

Not to mention now I've met lot of salesperson who can speak English very well. (One time at a department store I met an ojiisan who has "Specialized in English" title on his name tag which is very cool!)

So... Are Japanese now better at English?

We - 2 dads and 2 kids (10 & 12) - are on our second vacation in Japan as a family (we feel very fortunate and obviously love visiting the country). Apart from the immigration officer asking if we were brothers when we arrived with our kids (!) most folk haven’t batted an eyelid wherever we have been. I am mindful we are, still, a relatively rare family unit in Japan - and acutely aware of the lack of recognition of same sex relationships here or ability to adopt etc for LGBTQ people. I suppose I am genuinely interested to know what, if anything, the average Japanese person thinks about LGBTQ families. Are most likely to be confused/assume we aren’t same sex parents as per the immigration guy at Haneda? Are folk just being polite because it’s Japan? Are people interested or don’t care? Thanks in advance ☺️

What is your opinion or general opinion on Sony Xperia and Sharp phones in Japan nowadays?

As the title says, my long-term goal is to become a professor in Japan.

My main academic interest is the Japanese language, followed by education and second language acquisition. Since it would probably be unusual for a foreign professor to teach native Japanese students about their own language, I'm more interested in researching how languages work, universal methods of language learning, and helping international students (留学生) overcome their language-learning struggles. So mostly about 教育side of the language.

Is anyone here pursuing a similar path, or do you know someone who is? It would be a huge help if a professor, or someone familiar with Japanese academia, could share their experience or advice.

For some background, I'm a soon-to-be university student from Sri Lanka. For my university entrance exams, I'm studying Japanese, Business, and ICT, and I'm quite confident about my results.

I already have JLPT N1. I spent about five years of my childhood in Japan before returning to Sri Lanka during elementary school. Even after coming back, I continued studying Japanese because I genuinely love the language.

A big reason for that was my best friend's grandmother, who gave me the Japanese edition of 赤毛のアン (Anne of Green Gables) along with several other novels. Those books made me fall in love with Japanese literature. I'm also deeply grateful to my 国語 teacher, who gave me a strong foundation that allows me to continue learning Japanese on my own today.

I truly love the Japanese language and the people.

On the personal side, because I grew up in Japan, I've always wanted to live there again. I think it's largely because of the culture and the environment I was used to.

After returning to Sri Lanka, I found it difficult to make friends. Many people made jokes about my accent. The only thing that really protected me from bullying was doing well academically.

Looking back now, I realize how many people in Japan cared about me—my teachers, friends, my friends' parents, neighbors, and especially the kind elderly ladies in my neighborhood. They always treated me warmly.

When I lived there, I was often too anxious to appreciate those things. Only recently have I realized how fortunate I was and how much kindness I received from the people around me.

I really miss Japan.

...and I also miss Japanese food. I can't handle spicy food at all, so Sri Lankan cuisine has been a challenge for me. 😅

Thank you for reading.

Any help is appreciated.

Howdy! I'm from northern Spain, and I will be travelling to Japan in august. I intend to do a couple (as in two) of free tours (the you-pay-travel-fare-and-food only kind), since I've heard good things about the volunteers. I've been told tipping is both unnecessary and not wanted, so I was thinking of bringing them a souvenir to show my appreciation.

I thought a souvenir from my country would be both fun and special, so I was hoping for some input. What's appropiate here? Cheese? (spanish cheese is *so good*) Olives? Polvorones? I've been told food is good.) A fan in the typical colors? Those are pretty stereotypical here and I know they're different from the traditional japanese ones.

Thank you!

Edit: Also, unfortunately cured meats are a no-go, it's super forbidden :(

I’ve heard many anecdotes about American or other western media in Japan, one of my favorites is the King of the Hill sub vs dub debate, but not much about what makes them popular. Some things are easy to understand, like Snoopy having a similar appeal to Japanese mascots, or Mickey Mouse being influential, but I’m interested to learn what people find cool.

I remember I was waiting at a train station after long day of walking (20k steps), and my thighs were killing me. I waited in line and just squatted so I could give my legs a quick rest, given there were no seats nearby.

An old man begins to just stare at me, with a bad expression and I he doesn’t look away. I stare back at him but he doesn’t care and is still staring at with me like the judgmental look on his face (I’m Asian, so idk if he think I’m a Chinese tourist).

Anyways, just curious if squatting is frowned upon in public?

I’ve been in Japan for two weeks, and multiple times a group of boys will pass and I smell the same scent. I want to know because I really like it. It’s kind of clean smelling and not too strong but still smells masculine. I was thinking it must be something trending since I smelled it on like 3 different people.

Hi everyone,

I'm from the UK and I'm currently staying with my Japanese girlfriend and her parents in Kumamoto for around two months before I start work back in Leeds in September.

I studied at Waseda as an exchange student 2 years ago and it was amazing, some of my fondest memories. I also met my girlfriend in Tokyo while I was there too! I've travelled around Japan too and absolutely loved it, but this is my first experience actually living in a Japanese household, and I'm finding it much harder than I expected.

One of the biggest things has been the food. Every meal has been made from frozen or ready-made packets. For example, frozen ebi chilli, frozen pari pari yakisoba, processed ham, frozen vegetables, etc. I was expecting more home cooking from fresh ingredients, but so far that hasn't really happened. I don't mean convenience food occasionally, I mean almost every meal. Perhaps this is just a fairytale image I have of Japanese households.

I also struggle with the house itself. It's much messier than I'm used to, and there is stuff everywhere, it's very overstimulating. I understand sometimes a messy house can't be helped from time to time, but 24/7 is too much, I'm a firm believer that your house is very much like your mind, and when it's cluttered and messy it's hard to think and opperate properly. The kitchen smells strongly of cooking oil since things are rarely washed, things are usually cooked in oil quickly and then just wiped with a paper towel since next time they'll just be used with oil again, so I don't really enjoy being in there. It also makes it difficult to feel motivated to cook myself some food that I would enjoy - or even cooking for everyone if it means better quality food is made.

Another thing I've noticed is the lifestyle. Both of her parents only work a couple of days a week, and when they're home they spend the day watching TV or scrolling on their phones. They don't really seem to have hobbies or interests outside that. Family meals aren't eaten together, and I rarely hear meaningful conversations like "How was your day?" or questions that show interest in each other's lives.

My girlfriend's mum is also very protective of her, even though she's an adult, and sometimes extends that protectiveness towards me too. It can feel a little overbearing at times.

I kind of had this image of spending summer in Japan, spending time to get to know her parents, cooking some great Japanese food with her mum and spending some time in the kitchen bonding, but it's totally not like that at all, my life is very lackluster when my partner is at work. Furthermore, we're stuck in the outskirts of Kumamoto, and there's no decent public transportation that's affordable so I can go out and do things, especially given that we're in tsuyu, so I'm finding it hard to find things to do with my time.

I'm aware that I'm only seeing one family, and I don't want to assume this represents Japan as a whole. At the same time, it's making me question whether my expectations were unrealistic.

I suppose my questions are:

• Is this fairly typical of Japanese households, or is this more specific to one family?
• If you grew up in Japan, does any of this sound familiar to you?
• Any suggestions of how I can adjust?

For context, I don't think my frustration is only about the family. I'm also in an awkward period of life, I've finished university, I'm waiting to start work in September, my girlfriend is working most days, and I have a lot of unstructured free time. I suspect that's amplifying how I feel.

I'd really appreciate honest perspectives, I'm genuinely trying to understand whether this is simply one family's way of living or whether my expectations are very different.

PS - my Japanese level is completely fine and I have no problem communicating with them, so there's no language barrier.

Edit - I think some context is needed. I have a job in London starting in September as an investment banker, so I'm not living here full time. I finished university a month ago, and I figured that it would be an interesting experience to spend my summer with my girlfriend in her hometown, and of course I really wanted to see her again.

During the Rugby World Cup played in Japan, i had read in several newspapers that rugby players from all over the world had been asked to cover their tattoos during their stay, except during matches.

Subsequently, i had also read some articles saying that seeing tattoos on so many legendary players had started (or at least contributed) to opening a small breach in Japanese culture regarding the socio-cultural opinion on tattoos.

Yesterday i watched the rugby match between Italy and Japan: in this regard, congratulations to the Brave Blossoms who absolutely deserved the victory against us.

During the match, i noticed several tattooed Italian players but this is normal, instead i was surprised to see a tattooed player of the Japanese team (think i also saw a second one).

Since from what i know rugby is a sport whose popularity is increasing in Japan, i wondered if the extreme widespread presence of tattoos in the world of rugby could somehow be contributing to a change in the Japanese perception of the tattoo itself understood as a symbol

PS: what is the actual true current state of rugby's popularity in Japan ? Some sources say that it peaked during the World Cup but then there was a decline, other sources claim that the sport is nevertheless slowly growing in popularity and that it could soon become the third most played team sport in Japanese schools after baseball and soccer

Since last year, I've been trying to be more fashionable and expand beyond Uniqlo. Some clothes that I've purchased from include: Studio D'artisan, Kapital, Engineered Garments, Porter, Momotaro, Taiga Takahashi, etc. While more expensive, I want to have better quality clothing that I can wear for several years.

The brands that foreigners aim for in Japan sometimes differ from Japanese people. So I'd like to know about any recommended men's clothing. Or social media accounts for inspiration.

For example…

https://www.instagram.com/sleepyboy_zzz/

https://www.youtube.com/@sleepyboy_/videos

Thank you!

I've been wanting to visit or live in Japan for a while, but have had difficulty thinking of what my name would be in Japanese.

I feel like Bjorn (pronounced beorn) would be kinda odd, and from what I've heard, decently awkward for locals to pronounce. I've seen people say it would be pronounced byo-run but I'm not sure.

The most obvious answer for me is to use Kuma as its a direct translation from my Danish name - but would this be accepted as a name in Japan? Or would people think I'm weird?

This is an extremely controversial topic over there and I know it. I mean no disrespect, and I'll be only too honest with everyone here... I don't expect this will go over well for that matter. I'm not looking for any hateful comments either. Should there be one, please save it for another post.

For starters, I'll say I don't know enough of Japan's History. Nothing before 1570 when Nobunaga first united a feudal Land, and very little of the events that took place until the Perry expedition of 1854, then, I can fill in the gaps of history a bit better.

I'm trying to study more now, and learn up some. If anything I'm impressed with Japan's ability to fend off many foreign invaders over the centuries.

But unfortunately, being washed through your Nation's educational system can warp your views of history. Only, American teachers tend to spotlight certain events mostly US centered. While tending to overlook others entirely.

If foreigners should find Americans to be self centered and conceded?

At least when it comes to the opinions they hold of their own Nation... this could be why. Let me say, I as an American, I hold no ill will towards my own Country only admiration. I'm looking for a Japanese perspective, with similar feelings towards their Land.

Just I don't trust a lot of the history I was taught, or read to be honest. A lot of it's written by Revisionist Historians trying to tell their own tale. In my opinion, in an attempt to shift the course of history in a direction they'd prefer. So instead of listening to a Professor's lecture, I seek out other knowledge had elsewhere

I'm after a story a Happy tale or an Unpleasant one perhaps one told to you, by your Parents or Grandparents.

However, I do know extensively of Imperial Japanese history, from say 1905 to 1950, from many World sources.

I know many of the exploits of the Imperials from this time period. That said, unlike my Grandfather and the stories he'd tell. Myself, I can find respect for Honorable men. Such as, Isoroku Yamamoto, while knowing perfectly well what he did. I'll save my disdain for others in history. I feel he in particular was mostly just trying to defend his own, and I've read most of his writings too.

There will always be wolves at the gates, As such, there will always be a need for Shepherds as well... These are my words, and not his.

Oh, and I've chose the word "Honorable" only because I feel it apt, though I understand I don't fully know what it means to you. I've chosen all my words very carefully.

You'll find me a student of history.

To be honest, I want to see if I can get to understand men such as him, and others. Possibly try to put myself in their shoes, see things as they saw it. I wanna know, The feelings, the thoughts, emotions, and Ideals that led to the decisions they made, or actions they took.

Unfortunately, other than this time period I know very little of Japanese culture. Admittedly so.

Now with the Ideals, opinions and storys my Grandfather instilled upon me... From his time in the Pacific Theater. He wouldn't be too happy with me today. But I don't believe these views, or feelings should transcend Generations.

This combined is why I'm here. I'm trying to change this. Nowadays I'm trying to better understand Japanese culture, as I absorb more of its history.

In other words, I want to get to understand the Culture. So I can so I can better understand the History. Then, perhaps I could come to know the Japan of today.

"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." -George Santayana

Should you only find me offensive?

Let me say as a foreigner. I can Respect your people's practice of paying homage to the Shrines Honoring your Nation's fallen. I only wish something like this was more common among my own.

"The only true wisdom is knowing you know nothing" -Socrates

After all it's been 85 years now, and I think about it's time for us to heal from this wound

So If your Japanese, and you've an experience from those day to share, Please...

Tell me a Story... the longer the better, Thank you.

I've been interested in the Japanese metal scene for some time now: been getting into Dir En Grey and ikd-sj over the past few months. But I'm curious which bands are well-known to the general Japanese public who don't listen to metal

In the West for example, anyone will recognize names like Metallica and Iron Maiden even if they've never heard a metal song in their life, and thanks to social media Slipknot has become really prominent in public consciousness as well. I wonder what the equivalent heavyweights are in Japan right now

Hello everyone !

This summer, I am finally going to Japan, which has been my dream for a long time ! I am so excited to be honest 😊. But one thing that make me doubt, it’s that I will be alone during my trip (it’s my first big trip and first solo trip too). Of course I will go to the most famous cities (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Fukuoka). And I would like to know if it’s possible to make some Friends during my stay at Japan. Of course this question concerns Kyoto, Osaka, or Fukuoka more Because there are the liveliest cities. By friend, I mean people with I can go out (day or night) for doing activities like karting or game room the night (baseball, basketball…) or even Karaoke. I am a little scared because basically I am a little shy (even if i improved a lot) and I don’t speak Japanese (i mean fluent, just some sentences for introduce myself and asking something) but i speak English not bad.

I am from France by the way and I am M25. Of course, I plan to go out in the evenings to bars or izakayas to try and meet people, but I don't know if it's frowned upon or how to be respectful to approach people 😅. I will stay one week at Tokyo, 6 days at Osaka and 4 days at Fukuoka.

So if it’s possible to make some Friends, I will be happy to have some advices or help if it doesn’t bother you of course ☺️.

Thanks you very much in advance and I can’t wait to visit Japan 😁 !

ありがとうございます !

Recently, there's been talk in Japan about Kurds causing problems. However, I've researched this from many different sources online, and they all claim there are between 2,000 and a maximum of 3,500 Kurds in Japan. But yes, this population is concentrated in a small number of regions. It seems very strange to me that such a small community is making headlines. Even if many of them are very problematic, how much difference can 2,000 or 3,000 people make in a country of 120 million?

This week, Sony announced that they will be ending disc production for PlayStation games on January 2028. It’s been spreading everywhere on social media, and tbh I am angry about it too, because I was about to get into physical media. How do you guys feel about this? I was wondering how Japan thinks about this, because I am aware that physical media is very popular there (Movies to CDs, Vinyls, etc) but consoles not so much (Other than Nintendo)

So, Summer Yukata Season is pretty much upon us, so I've got a couple Questions about what should or should NOT be worn with (MEN'S) Yukata as "casualwear":

1. Tabi - Yes/No? It seems that Tabi are far more commonplace on Women's feet than Men's except for More Up-Dress situations.
2. Juban - Yes/No? Do men wear Juban under Yukata? I mean, *I* typically DON'T, but I'm pretty Casual with my Wafuku.

I'm planning to attend the Obon Festival at my local Japanese Garden in August, and want to make sure that my Kitsuke is Correct, or at least close to it. I just got a new "fancy" Yukata for this year's Festival (after the Festival, it goes into regular rotation) and a Kaku Obi that both matches and contrasts. It was a $150 cash-outlay, but am willing to spend more if I can find some 29cm "golden-yellow" tabi to wear with my waraji (if you've got an Online Source for colored Tabi other than Black or Navy, please let me know). I'd like to be More Certain than I am that I'm doing things Right. I don't mind breaking a convention or 2 here or there, but I prefer to do it consciously than ignorantly...