57 Minutes Simple Japanese Listening – Things I Struggle with in Japanese Culture #jlpt

57 Minutes Simple Japanese Listening – Things I Struggle with in Japanese Culture #jlpt

What I don’t like about Japanese culture. This time, let’s study Japanese while learning about “things that Japanese culture is weak at.” The speed of this video is a little slow in the first half, and the kanji have “furigana”. The second half is slightly faster (+20%), and there are no furigana for the kanji. Please use it for your study. ■Self-introduction. My name is Alice. I was born in a large city called Chicago, USA. I currently live in Tokyo, Japan. The reason I came to Japan is because I really like Japanese culture. I’ve always been interested in Japanese anime, manga, and Japanese food. When I was a university student, I began to want to study Japanese and live in Japan. Since coming to Japan, I have been surprised by many things every day. Japanese cities are very clean and everyone is punctual. And there are many rules and manners. That’s a great thing, but as someone from a foreign country, I sometimes think it’s difficult. For example, being strict about time and etiquette at meals. At first, I thought, “Why are there so many rules?” However, as I watched Japanese people’s lives, I gradually began to understand why. Now I want to know more about Japanese culture. From now on, I will talk about the “things I don’t like about Japanese culture” that I feel like. However, I have had some experiences that I thought I was not good at, but have now turned into something I enjoy. There were many things that made me feel like I had grown as a result of being exposed to Japanese culture. I would be happy if everyone could know about my experience. ■Time sense of “acting 5 minutes ago”. In Japan, it is considered bad to be late for an appointment or scheduled time. In fact, Japanese people think it’s “normal” to arrive a little earlier than scheduled. This idea is called “acting 5 minutes in advance.” For example, if you have an appointment at 9 o’clock, Japanese people try to be there by 8:55. When I first came to Japan, I was very surprised by this 5 minute behavior. In America, no one cares if you’re a little late. However, in Japan, “being on time” is a very important manner. This is because there is a feeling of not being rude to the other person. In Japan, “punctuality” is firmly taught in elementary and junior high schools. The teacher says, “Be ready 5 minutes early.” Children will be instructed to follow this rule every day. “5 minutes early” is normal for school classes, club activities, work meetings, etc. The first time I met up with a friend, I was a little late. At that time, my friend was smiling, but said, “You should come a little earlier.” My friend wasn’t upset, but I thought, “I have to be careful.” Understanding Japan’s five-minute behavior may be difficult at first. But you can also have fun with this. For example, use an alarm on your phone to make you leave the house a little earlier. Also, if you arrive early at the meeting point, you can enjoy your time by reading a book or listening to music while you wait. Now, I am able to “act 5 minutes in advance” a little. When I arrive on time, I think, “I’ve grown, too.” I felt that being punctual leads to a feeling of valuing others. The Japanese sense of time may be difficult at first, but it will definitely benefit you. ■Meal etiquette. “Make noise” and “leave no sound”. Eating etiquette in Japan is a little different from other countries. In particular, many foreigners are surprised by the etiquette when eating noodles. In Japan, it is common to make noises when eating ramen, soba, and udon. This is also a manner to express the feeling of “delicious”. When I first came to Japan, I just couldn’t make a noise at a ramen restaurant. In America, making noise while eating is considered bad manners. However, in Japan, on the other hand, eating quietly can sometimes seem less delicious. When I went to eat ramen with my friend for the first time, my friend was making a loud “zuzu” noise while eating. At first, I was surprised and said, “Huh?”, but she told me, “This is normal in Japan.” After that, I also tried my best to make some noise while eating. Then, the ramen tasted even better. By making the noise, the aroma of the soup will spread in your mouth. Also, in Japan, it is important etiquette not to leave food behind. This is because there is a concept called “Mottainai”. “Mottainai” is the feeling of valuing food and things. It includes the feeling of “thank you” to the person who prepared the meal and the food. There were times when I couldn’t eat enough. However, my Japanese friend told me that it’s okay to eat a little at a time. Since then, I’ve started thinking about how much I can eat when ordering food. And I feel happy when my plate is clean after a meal. Now I enjoy making noises when eating ramen. Japanese “dining etiquette” may be difficult at first. However, by enjoying cultural differences, Japanese food becomes more delicious and enjoyable. ■Japanese “appearance” and cleanliness. In Japan, appearance and cleanliness are very important. Appearance refers to clothing, hairstyle, and keeping one’s body clean. Japanese people are concerned about the impression their appearance leaves on people around them. For example, schools have a lot of dress rules. In junior high and high schools, there is a dress check, in which teachers check to make sure that students are wearing their uniforms correctly and that their hair is not too long. Most schools do this. The same goes for work; many companies require people to wear neat suits and keep their shoes polished. Also, many people are careful about smells and dirt on Japanese trains and shops. Especially in the summer, we sweat a lot, so we all carry handkerchiefs and towels. It is also considered bad manners to wear too much perfume on the train or at school. Japanese people are careful not to cause trouble to the people around them. So how can we adapt to Japanese cleanliness? First of all, it is important to check your clothes and shoes every day to make sure they are clean. And if you sweat, it’s a good idea to use a handkerchief or towel. Also, if you apply only a small amount of perfume, it will create a scent that is just right for Japanese people. Now, I am also more careful about my appearance. When your clothes are clean, you also feel good about yourself. Also, the people around you will think that you are a decent person. Japanese people’s cleanliness and appearance may seem difficult at first. However, if you become aware of it little by little, your life in Japan will become more enjoyable. ■”Too shy Japanese” and the English language barrier. One of the first things that surprised me when I came to Japan was that Japanese people are very shy. Shyness means being embarrassed to speak in public or not expressing your feelings right away. Even if Japanese people can speak a little foreign language, they often don’t try to speak it. I think the reason for this is that there is a strong feeling of being embarrassed if I make a mistake. At Japanese schools, we study English. However, Japanese people don’t practice speaking very often. That is why many people feel that even if they understand English, it is difficult to speak it. For example, if you say “Hello!”, Japanese people may be surprised. However, Japanese people are actually very kind. Even if I can’t speak English well, I want to help foreigners. For example, when I got lost, I asked, “Excuse me, where am I?” The person said, “This way,” and guided me to my destination. Even though I could only understand a few words, I felt very happy. When speaking to Japanese people in English, it’s a good idea to try using some simpler Japanese. For example, just remembering to say “excuse me” or “thank you” will put the other person at ease. When talking to Japanese people, if you speak slowly and smile, you will be able to have a conversation little by little. Nowadays, I like how Japanese people value feelings more than words. If you try talking to them little by little without worrying about their mistakes, you will notice the kindness of Japanese people. ■ Taking a bath with a stranger. Japan has a culture of hot springs and public baths. Hot springs are places with warm water, and there are many of them in tourist destinations. A sento is a bath that local people take near their homes. In both cases, you take a bath with someone you don’t know. In foreign countries, many people are surprised by this culture because they often bathe alone in their own homes. When I first came to Japan, I decided to go to a hot spring. When my friend said, “Let’s all go to a hot spring!”, I felt very embarrassed. I thought, “I can’t take a bath with someone I don’t know!” But my Japanese friend said, “It’s okay! The hot springs feel really good!” When we arrived at the hot spring, everyone took off their clothes and took a big bath. I mustered up the courage to enter as well. At first, I felt embarrassed, but once I got into the hot water, it felt really good. The water in the bath was warm and the fatigue in my body seemed to disappear. There are rules for hot springs and public baths. First, wash your body in the shower before entering. Also, avoid putting hair or towels in the hot water. Japanese people place great importance on using hot springs cleanly. By following these rules, everyone can feel comfortable entering. Now I love hot springs. I was embarrassed at first, but by taking a hot spring I was able to make friends. Hot springs warm not only your body but also your soul. When you come to Japan, be sure to take a dip in a hot spring or public bath. I’m sure you’ll be able to experience how good it feels for the first time. ■Japan is a country that speaks the same language. In Japan, most people speak Japanese. For foreigners who have just arrived in Japan, this can be very surprising. This is because other countries often use several languages. For example, Chicago, where I was born and raised, is a cosmopolitan city with many immigrants, so you hear many different languages. For example, Spanish, Chinese, Polish, Arabic, etc. Chicago has a multicultural community where each culture and language is valued. In my home, we spoke two languages: my parents’ native language and English. My parents are from Poland, so we often spoke Polish at home. However, at school I used English with my friends and teachers. For me, this was normal. I speak Polish at home and English outside. So, from an early age, I was able to use these two words naturally. At first, I thought, “It’s amazing that everyone speaks the same language.” But after a while, I sometimes felt very alone if I didn’t understand Japanese. For example, I couldn’t understand what people around me were saying on the train or at a store, or I couldn’t read signs. At that time, I realized how difficult it is not to be able to understand the language. For example, when you’re shopping at a store, you can’t find what you want, so you decide to ask the store clerk. However, I was having trouble because my Japanese wasn’t communicating well. At that time, I felt strongly that I had to work harder on my Japanese. Now that I can speak a little Japanese, I have made more friends. By talking with Japanese people, I was able to learn more deeply about Japanese culture and ways of thinking. At first, I thought Japanese was difficult, but now I’m starting to think that learning Japanese is fun! I enjoy places like Chicago where you can hear many different languages, but I think Japan’s culture of “everyone speaking the same language” has a special charm. It is difficult for foreigners to learn to speak Japanese right away. However, just learning a few simple words will make your life in Japan easier. For example, you can communicate with Japanese people by using short phrases such as “excuse me,” “thank you,” and “please.” Also, Japanese people will be very happy if you can speak a little Japanese. I feel happy when someone says, “Your Japanese is good!” And I started to want to get along better with Japanese people. ■First time experiencing Japanese culture. I didn’t like it at first, but now I love it. After coming to Japan, I was surprised by the many cultural differences. At first, I thought, “I’m not good at it,” but as I learned the reasons little by little, I realized how interesting and enjoyable Japanese culture was. I will tell you about my experience. The first thing that surprised me was the “appetizer” served at restaurants even though I hadn’t ordered it. When you go to a Japanese izakaya, the food is served to you on a small plate before you order. At first, I wondered, “Why would they come if I didn’t ask for it?” However, a friend of mine told me, “Otoshi is like a restaurant service.” But you need to be careful. Otoshi may be seen as a service, but there may be a fee. Since many things are not written on the menu, you may be confused at first and think, “Is it free?” Some restaurants may offer appetizers in lieu of seat or table charges. Otoshi often costs around 500 to 800 yen. The cost of the appetizer is included in the total price when you check out, so you may wonder, “I didn’t order anything, but I’m still paying for it?” However, this is the normal system in Japanese izakayas. It may seem a little strange at first, but otoshi is a part of Japanese food culture. The small dishes are filled with the restaurant’s thoughtfulness and seasonal feel. When you go to a Japanese izakaya, be sure to enjoy the otoshi. The second thing I was not good at was paying in cash in Japan. In my country, we mostly use cards and smartphone payments, and we don’t often use cash. However, there are still many shops in Japan that do not accept cards. At first, there were many times when I panicked and thought, “What? I can’t use my card?” After that, I got into the habit of carrying coins. Nowadays, I think it’s very Japanese when I have a lot of coins in my wallet. I was also surprised by Japan’s traffic rules. Japan has strict rules for pedestrians, bicycles, and cars. At first, I was a little confused, thinking, “Why is it so detailed?” However, thanks to these rules, I realized that Japanese traffic is very safe. Now I can naturally walk according to Japanese traffic rules. Another small thing that surprised me was that when you shop at convenience stores in Japan, you receive towels and bags. Wetting your hands with wet towels is very convenient. I also felt very comfortable when the staff at convenience stores and shops always smiled and said “Thank you”. Now, I have come to love Japanese culture, which I thought I didn’t like at first. Detailed rules such as “appetizers” and “cash payments” also have a very Japanese feel to them. There are many things in Japanese culture that may surprise you at first. However, by knowing the reason, you will be able to understand, “I see, that’s what it is!” When you come to Japan, you may find it difficult at first. However, there is a lot to discover and enjoy in Japanese culture. ■For those who want to enjoy Japanese culture from now on. When I first came to Japan, I was confused by many cultural differences. However, as I continued to live in Japan, I began to find the differences interesting. Even if you thought you weren’t good at Japanese culture at first, once you understand why, you’ll start to love Japanese culture. For example, Japan has many detailed rules and etiquette. Customs in other countries are slightly different, such as being on time “5 minutes early”, washing your body before taking a bath, and “eating noodles while making noise” during meals. It may be difficult at first, but once you understand that there is a reason for this in Japan, you will be able to enjoy the culture. The key to enjoying life in Japan is to “enjoy the cultural differences.” In Japan, detailed rules and etiquette are created to make life more convenient and to respect the people around you. For example, when a restaurant serves “appetizer”, it is a gesture of hospitality to make the customer as satisfied as possible. Also, in Japan, if you speak Japanese slowly when you are in trouble, many people will help you. When I got lost or had trouble shopping at a store, they kindly guided me. Japanese people are often willing to help even if they are not good at speaking English. Therefore, it is important to try using Japanese little by little without worrying about mistakes. And there are many wonderful experiences within Japanese culture. You can enjoy the four seasons that are unique to Japan, such as cherry blossoms in spring, fireworks in summer, autumn leaves, and hot springs in winter. I still can’t forget the beauty of the cherry blossoms I saw in spring. At that time, I truly thought, “I’m glad I came to Japan.” At first, you may feel that you are not good at it or that it is difficult. However, Japanese culture and customs have important meanings and reasons. By learning this little by little, your life in Japan will become more enjoyable. By enjoying Japanese culture, you may discover something new about yourself. It’s okay if you think you’re not good at it. Please enjoy the cultural differences little by little and discover the charm of Japan. I’m sure new discoveries and wonderful encounters are waiting for you. What do you think about the “things you don’t like about Japanese culture”? Please let everyone know what you think in the comments section. Thank you for your hard work in the first half. From this point on, the reading speed will be 20% faster. Let’s start the second half. What I don’t like about Japanese culture. This time, let’s study Japanese while learning about “things that Japanese culture is weak at.” The speed of this video is a little slow in the first half, and the kanji have “furigana”. The second half is slightly faster (+20%), and there are no furigana for the kanji. Please use it for your study. ■Self-introduction. My name is Alice. I was born in a large city called Chicago, USA. I currently live in Tokyo, Japan. The reason I came to Japan is because I really like Japanese culture. I’ve always been interested in Japanese anime, manga, and Japanese food. When I was a university student, I began to want to study Japanese and live in Japan. Since coming to Japan, I have been surprised by many things every day. Japanese cities are very clean and everyone is punctual. And there are many rules and manners. That’s a great thing, but as someone from a foreign country, I sometimes think it’s difficult. For example, being strict about time and etiquette at meals. At first, I thought, “Why are there so many rules?” However, as I watched Japanese people’s lives, I gradually began to understand why. Now I want to know more about Japanese culture. From now on, I will talk about the “things I don’t like about Japanese culture” that I feel like. However, I have had some experiences that I thought I was not good at, but have now turned into something I enjoy. There were many things that made me feel like I had grown as a result of being exposed to Japanese culture. I would be happy if everyone could know about my experience. ■Time sense of “acting 5 minutes ago”. In Japan, it is considered bad to be late for an appointment or scheduled time. In fact, Japanese people think it’s “normal” to arrive a little earlier than scheduled. This idea is called “acting 5 minutes in advance.” For example, if you have an appointment at 9 o’clock, Japanese people try to be there by 8:55. When I first came to Japan, I was very surprised by this 5 minute behavior. In America, no one cares if you’re a little late. However, in Japan, “being on time” is a very important manner. This is because there is a feeling of not being rude to the other person. In Japan, “punctuality” is firmly taught in elementary and junior high schools. The teacher says, “Be ready 5 minutes early.” Children will be instructed to follow this rule every day. “5 minutes early” is normal for school classes, club activities, work meetings, etc. The first time I met up with a friend, I was a little late. At that time, my friend was smiling, but said, “You should come a little earlier.” My friend wasn’t upset, but I thought, “I have to be careful.” Understanding Japan’s five-minute behavior may be difficult at first. But you can also have fun with this. For example, use an alarm on your phone to make you leave the house a little earlier. Also, if you arrive early at the meeting point, you can enjoy your time by reading a book or listening to music while you wait. Now, I am able to “act 5 minutes in advance” a little. When I arrive on time, I think, “I’ve grown, too.” I felt that being punctual leads to a feeling of valuing others. The Japanese sense of time may be difficult at first, but it will definitely benefit you. ■Meal etiquette. “Make noise” and “leave no sound”. Eating etiquette in Japan is a little different from other countries. In particular, many foreigners are surprised by the etiquette when eating noodles. In Japan, it is common to make noises when eating ramen, soba, and udon. This is also a manner to express the feeling of “delicious”. When I first came to Japan, I just couldn’t make a noise at a ramen restaurant. In America, making noise while eating is considered bad manners. However, in Japan, on the other hand, eating quietly can sometimes seem less delicious. When I went to eat ramen with my friend for the first time, my friend was making a loud “zuzu” noise while eating. At first, I was surprised and said, “Huh?”, but she told me, “This is normal in Japan.” After that, I also tried my best to make some noise while eating. Then, the ramen tasted even better. By making the noise, the aroma of the soup will spread in your mouth. Also, in Japan, it is important etiquette not to leave food behind. This is because there is a concept called “Mottainai”. “Mottainai” is the feeling of valuing food and things. It includes the feeling of “thank you” to the person who prepared the meal and the food. There were times when I couldn’t eat enough. However, my Japanese friend told me that it’s okay to eat a little at a time. Since then, I’ve started thinking about how much I can eat when ordering food. And I feel happy when my plate is clean after a meal. Now I enjoy making noises when eating ramen. Japanese “dining etiquette” may be difficult at first. However, by enjoying cultural differences, Japanese food becomes more delicious and enjoyable. ■Japanese “appearance” and cleanliness. In Japan, appearance and cleanliness are very important. Appearance refers to clothing, hairstyle, and keeping one’s body clean. Japanese people are concerned about the impression their appearance leaves on people around them. For example, schools have a lot of dress rules. In junior high and high schools, there is a dress check, in which teachers check to make sure that students are wearing their uniforms correctly and that their hair is not too long. Most schools do this. The same goes for work; many companies require people to wear neat suits and keep their shoes polished. Also, many people are careful about smells and dirt on Japanese trains and shops. Especially in the summer, we sweat a lot, so we all carry handkerchiefs and towels. It is also considered bad manners to wear too much perfume on the train or at school. Japanese people are careful not to cause trouble to the people around them. So how can we adapt to Japanese cleanliness? First of all, it is important to check your clothes and shoes every day to make sure they are clean. And if you sweat, it’s a good idea to use a handkerchief or towel. Also, if you apply only a small amount of perfume, it will create a scent that is just right for Japanese people. Now, I am also more careful about my appearance. When your clothes are clean, you also feel good about yourself. Also, the people around you will think that you are a decent person. Japanese people’s cleanliness and appearance may seem difficult at first. However, if you become aware of it little by little, your life in Japan will become more enjoyable. ■”Too shy Japanese” and the English language barrier. One of the first things that surprised me when I came to Japan was that Japanese people are very shy. Shyness means being embarrassed to speak in public or not expressing your feelings right away. Even if Japanese people can speak a little foreign language, they often don’t try to speak it. I think the reason for this is that there is a strong feeling of being embarrassed if I make a mistake. At Japanese schools, we study English. However, Japanese people don’t practice speaking very often. That is why many people feel that even if they understand English, it is difficult to speak it. For example, if you say “Hello!”, Japanese people may be surprised. However, Japanese people are actually very kind. Even if I can’t speak English well, I want to help foreigners. For example, when I got lost, I asked, “Excuse me, where am I?” The person said, “This way,” and guided me to my destination. Even though I could only understand a few words, I felt very happy. When speaking to Japanese people in English, it’s a good idea to try using some simpler Japanese. For example, just remembering to say “excuse me” or “thank you” will put the other person at ease. When talking to Japanese people, if you speak slowly and smile, you will be able to have a conversation little by little. Nowadays, I like how Japanese people value feelings more than words. If you try talking to them little by little without worrying about their mistakes, you will notice the kindness of Japanese people. ■ Taking a bath with a stranger. Japan has a culture of hot springs and public baths. Hot springs are places with warm water, and there are many of them in tourist destinations. A sento is a bath that local people take near their homes. In both cases, you take a bath with someone you don’t know. In foreign countries, many people are surprised by this culture because they often bathe alone in their own homes. When I first came to Japan, I decided to go to a hot spring. When my friend said, “Let’s all go to a hot spring!”, I felt very embarrassed. I thought, “I can’t take a bath with someone I don’t know!” But my Japanese friend said, “It’s okay! The hot springs feel really good!” When we arrived at the hot spring, everyone took off their clothes and took a big bath. I mustered up the courage to enter as well. At first, I felt embarrassed, but once I got into the hot water, it felt really good. The water in the bath was warm and the fatigue in my body seemed to disappear. There are rules for hot springs and public baths. First, wash your body in the shower before entering. Also, avoid putting hair or towels in the hot water. Japanese people place great importance on using hot springs cleanly. By following these rules, everyone can feel comfortable entering. Now I love hot springs. I was embarrassed at first, but by taking a hot spring I was able to make friends. Hot springs warm not only your body but also your soul. When you come to Japan, be sure to take a dip in a hot spring or public bath. I’m sure you’ll be able to experience how good it feels for the first time. ■Japan is a country that speaks the same language. In Japan, most people speak Japanese. For foreigners who have just arrived in Japan, this can be very surprising. This is because other countries often use several languages. For example, Chicago, where I was born and raised, is a cosmopolitan city with many immigrants, so you hear many different languages. For example, Spanish, Chinese, Polish, Arabic, etc. Chicago has a multicultural community where each culture and language is valued. In my home, we spoke two languages: my parents’ native language and English. My parents are from Poland, so we often spoke Polish at home. However, at school I used English with my friends and teachers. For me, this was normal. I speak Polish at home and English outside. So, from an early age, I was able to use these two words naturally. At first, I thought, “It’s amazing that everyone speaks the same language.” But after a while, I sometimes felt very alone if I didn’t understand Japanese. For example, I couldn’t understand what people around me were saying on the train or at a store, or I couldn’t read signs. At that time, I realized how difficult it is not to be able to understand the language. For example, when you’re shopping at a store, you can’t find what you want, so you decide to ask the store clerk. However, I was having trouble because my Japanese wasn’t communicating well. At that time, I felt strongly that I had to work harder on my Japanese. Now that I can speak a little Japanese, I have made more friends. By talking with Japanese people, I was able to learn more deeply about Japanese culture and ways of thinking. At first, I thought Japanese was difficult, but now I’m starting to think that learning Japanese is fun! I enjoy places like Chicago where you can hear many different languages, but I think Japan’s culture of “everyone speaking the same language” has a special charm. It is difficult for foreigners to learn to speak Japanese right away. However, just learning a few simple words will make your life in Japan easier. For example, you can communicate with Japanese people by using short phrases such as “excuse me,” “thank you,” and “please.” Also, Japanese people will be very happy if you can speak a little Japanese. I feel happy when someone says, “Your Japanese is good!” And I started to want to get along better with Japanese people. ■First time experiencing Japanese culture. I didn’t like it at first, but now I love it. After coming to Japan, I was surprised by the many cultural differences. At first, I thought, “I’m not good at it,” but as I learned the reasons little by little, I realized how interesting and enjoyable Japanese culture was. I will tell you about my experience. The first thing that surprised me was the “appetizer” served at restaurants even though I hadn’t ordered it. When you go to a Japanese izakaya, the food is served to you on a small plate before you order. At first, I wondered, “Why would they come if I didn’t ask for it?” However, a friend of mine told me, “Otoshi is like a restaurant service.” But you need to be careful. Otoshi may be seen as a service, but there may be a fee. Since many things are not written on the menu, you may be confused at first and think, “Is it free?” Some restaurants may offer appetizers in lieu of seat or table charges. Otoshi often costs around 500 to 800 yen. The cost of the appetizer is included in the total price when you check out, so you may wonder, “I didn’t order anything, but I’m still paying for it?” However, this is the normal system in Japanese izakayas. It may seem a little strange at first, but otoshi is a part of Japanese food culture. The small dishes are filled with the restaurant’s thoughtfulness and seasonal feel. When you go to a Japanese izakaya, be sure to enjoy the otoshi. The second thing I was not good at was paying in cash in Japan. In my country, we mostly use cards and smartphone payments, and we don’t often use cash. However, there are still many shops in Japan that do not accept cards. At first, there were many times when I panicked and thought, “What? I can’t use my card?” After that, I got into the habit of carrying coins. Nowadays, I think it’s very Japanese when I have a lot of coins in my wallet. I was also surprised by Japan’s traffic rules. Japan has strict rules for pedestrians, bicycles, and cars. At first, I was a little confused, thinking, “Why is it so detailed?” However, thanks to these rules, I realized that Japanese traffic is very safe. Now I can naturally walk according to Japanese traffic rules. Another small thing that surprised me was that when you shop at convenience stores in Japan, you receive towels and bags. Wetting your hands with wet towels is very convenient. I also felt very comfortable when the staff at convenience stores and shops always smiled and said “Thank you”. Now, I have come to love Japanese culture, which I thought I didn’t like at first. Detailed rules such as “appetizers” and “cash payments” also have a very Japanese feel to them. There are many things in Japanese culture that may surprise you at first. However, by knowing the reason, you will be able to understand, “I see, that’s what it is!” When you come to Japan, you may find it difficult at first. However, there is a lot to discover and enjoy in Japanese culture. ■For those who want to enjoy Japanese culture from now on. When I first came to Japan, I was confused by many cultural differences. However, as I continued to live in Japan, I began to find the differences interesting. Even if you thought you weren’t good at Japanese culture at first, once you understand why, you’ll start to love Japanese culture. For example, Japan has many detailed rules and etiquette. Customs in other countries are slightly different, such as being on time “5 minutes early”, washing your body before taking a bath, and “eating noodles while making noise” during meals. It may be difficult at first, but once you understand that there is a reason for this in Japan, you will be able to enjoy the culture. The key to enjoying life in Japan is to “enjoy the cultural differences.” In Japan, detailed rules and etiquette are created to make life more convenient and to respect the people around you. For example, when a restaurant serves “appetizer”, it is a gesture of hospitality to make the customer as satisfied as possible. Also, in Japan, if you speak Japanese slowly when you are in trouble, many people will help you. When I got lost or had trouble shopping at a store, they kindly guided me. Japanese people are often willing to help even if they are not good at speaking English. Therefore, it is important to try using Japanese little by little without worrying about mistakes. And there are many wonderful experiences within Japanese culture. You can enjoy the four seasons that are unique to Japan, such as cherry blossoms in spring, fireworks in summer, autumn leaves, and hot springs in winter. I still can’t forget the beauty of the cherry blossoms I saw in spring. At that time, I truly thought, “I’m glad I came to Japan.” At first, you may feel that you are not good at it or that it is difficult. However, Japanese culture and customs have important meanings and reasons. By learning this little by little, your life in Japan will become more enjoyable. By enjoying Japanese culture, you may discover something new about yourself. It’s okay if you think you’re not good at it. Please enjoy the cultural differences little by little and discover the charm of Japan. I’m sure new discoveries and wonderful encounters are waiting for you. What do you think about the “things you don’t like about Japanese culture”? Please let everyone know what you think in the comments section. See you again in another video.

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00:00 Things I Struggle with in Japanese Culture
00:32 Self-Introduction
02:41 The Concept of “Arriving 5 Minutes Early”
05:49 Dining Etiquette: “Making Noise” and “Not Leaving Food Behind”
08:56 Japanese People’s “Appearance” and Cleanliness
11:35 “Too Shy Japanese People” and the Language Barrier
14:13 Taking a Bath with Strangers
16:59 Japan is a Country Where People Speak the “Same Language”
21:22 Something I Initially Struggled with, But Now I Love
26:34 For Those Who Want to Enjoy Japanese Culture in the Future

ーーーno furigana & speed upーーー

30:42 Things I Struggle with in Japanese Culture
31:10 Self-Introduction
33:02 The Concept of “Arriving 5 Minutes Early”
35:45 Dining Etiquette: “Making Noise” and “Not Leaving Food Behind”
38:27 Japanese People’s “Appearance” and Cleanliness
40:45 “Too Shy Japanese People” and the Language Barrier
43:02 Taking a Bath with Strangers
45:25 Japan is a Country Where People Speak the “Same Language”
49:14 Something I Initially Struggled with, But Now I Love
53:44 For Those Who Want to Enjoy Japanese Culture in the Future

【Easy Japanese listening SUSHI】
Abbiamo lanciato un canale chiamato “Easy Japanese Listening SUSHI” per gli studenti di livello JLPT N5 a N4. Per favore, iscriviti anche a questo canale. 🥺🥺🥺
https://www.youtube.com/@EasyJapaneselisteningSUSHI

#japanese #kanji #sushi #furigana #日本語 #japaneseculture #japaneselanguage #jlptlistening #ThingsIStruggleWithInJapaneseCulture