Hearted Youtube comments on Life Where I'm From (@LifeWhereImFrom) channel.

  1. I live and work in the heart of deer country in the mountains of central Japan. I hunt deer and also help out with a government sponsored culling program. On average I put about 15 to 20 deer worth of venison in the freezer every year. Since starting to hunt here in Japan about 6 years ago I don't think I've purchased red meat at the super market more than 2 or 3 times. Needless to say, I eat a lot of venison. I also give away lots and lots of it to friends. There are no licensed processing plants nearby so commercial use of the meat is impossible. This past year we did start to supply a local startup with culled venison that they use to make dog treats and it is growing, but is still only a drop in the bucket. The culling operation I help with is focused on a prefectural park area that is not open to general hunting. It is a bit over 3,000 acres in size and each year we cull close to 200 deer! Of those, perhaps 20 go to the dog food guy. I personally harvest meat from another 10 or 15. Sadly the rest are all disposed of. I come with a somewhat American hunter's perspective of not wanting any wildlife to go to waste so it's hard to watch. At the same time, the infrastructure for utilizing more of the meat simply doesn't exist here. Thanks for the balanced coverage of our problem.
    3100
  2. That was so well filmed. Like watching a documentary. I think the rule in Australia 🌏 is "Don't get caught, mate" 👍
    3100
  3. Who knows if people will see this, but David didn't spit back into the purification font water (what I called the water station). He spit the water outside of it, where it gets drained away. Also, the water is constantly replenished, so it's not standing water. Hope this helps some confusion... if anyone sees this.
    2800
  4. Hi, thanks for taking the time to talk to me, I really appreciated it! Pleasure to meet you, and keep up the interesting videos ! ;) PS: hope you found some good coffee and that the drive back wasn't too long !
    2600
  5. Greg, this is a really touching portrayal. It hits on so many prescient topics; ageing, family, loss and companionship. It's the kind of film you'd encounter at a short film festival. Thank you.
    2500
  6. It's refreshing to see how down to earth and friendly this soba chef is.
    2400
  7. This was an exceptional summary of life in Tokyo! Japan really takes walkability to the next level, and I'm definitely looking forward to the future video about zoning, as Japanese zoning is fascinating. I've been to Japan (usually Tokyo) about a dozen times, but always for business trips. I'm planning my first vacation to Tokyo next year because I want my kids to experience what life is like there, because they do so many things so well.
    2300
  8. Thank you for this opportunity!! It was very interesting to compare the countryside and Tokyo like that:D
    2200
  9. We had an issue in Tokyo in the middle of the night with my daughter, and we had to pay 100% of the bill. Including the ambulance ride, police, and examination medicine and treatment it was under $200 USD.
    2200
  10. Dude, your videos are so well-made, informative, interesting, and articulated; you should win some kind of YouTube recognition award or something. My interest in Japanese culture has been pretty nuetral, but the videos on both of your channels have really given me a perspective that I may have otherwise not considered.
    2000
  11. A video about clip art, using only clip art for imagery. That’s so meta! But seriously, Irasutoya makes my job as a public teacher in Japan so much easier. We have strict rules about use of copyrighted materials in my office, I basically have to explain where any imagery I use comes from. But with Irasutoya stuff, there’s no need since it has a particular look that everyone recognizes. And yes, I sometimes use it in videos for YouTube too. 🍻
    1900
  12. My Tokyo experience... Expectation: Lots of tourists in anime shops Reality: Lots of locals Expectation: Many vending machines Reality: Many many many vending machines! Expectation: Expensive Reality: Not as expensive as what most people say Expectation: Trains are clean and quiet Reality: Trains are super clean and super quiet! Expectation: Language barrier Reality: Not so much
    1800
  13. They seem to be good at burning food lol
    1700
  14. Things are often more complicated than they see at first, aren't they.
    1600
  15. I really watched 5 people eat ice cream for 50 min and I’m not even bored lol
    1500
  16. This was really fascinating. You don't often get to see "authentic" foods from cultures you're not familiar with. Your sister-in-law seems super friendly and funny. I look forward to seeing more of her in future videos.
    1500
  17. As a plumber I really enjoyed seeing the mechanical room with all the filters and everything in there. It’s interesting to me to see how plumbing is done in other places.
    1500
  18. I never leave comments on youtube, but damn, this video is so calming and beautiful. It felt like having a virtual day trip. Loved it!
    1400
  19. What an interesting episode! Thanks for bringing me along for the ride. Learned a lot from the experience and had a lot of fun exploring the houses together. Thanks for the shout out too! Much appreciated ٩(^‿^)۶ -John, the light stand guy
    1400
  20. I got so excited when you said, "if you love stats, get ready for an action packed video." Then you stabbed me in the back, Greg.
    1400
  21. all your videos is very high quality. National geographic should hire you
    1300
  22. You have really upped your game. Your production values have always been good, now they're better. Same with content, which is thoughtful and thought provoking. Any big city is not that country. New York is not USA, London is not UK, or Moscow is not Russia. These cities are real, valid, and functioning in their own rights. But they are not the whole country. Same with Tokyo. And within each of these cities, it is not hard to find people and situations that are weird, and especially weird things that make good pictures. Alongside of the weird are the vast armies of rather ordinary people who go about their daily lives in seemingly unrenarkable ways. What makes them weird? Because they are not usual, normal, or commonplace. They stand out in the crowd. One day in Tokyo, I got off the subway surrounded by men in dark suits, white shirts, and dark narrow ties. Like a river of people we flowed up to the streeet where we were met by other rivers of men in dark suits. Then, there he was. A man walking towards me. What made him stand out? He wore a brown suit! Did he represent the whole? Not likely. No more than with the maid cafes, or any other "oddities."
    1300
  23. I really liked the different take you took on onsens in Japan in this video. I've seen plenty of videos now on the food and service but none on the running of one and it was very interesting so thank you for taking the time to make this video.
    1200
  24. Correction: Life Where I'm not From
    1100
  25. i bet the crane operator must be amazing at the arcade crane games. no plushie is safe
    1100
  26. Get a man who is as interested in you as Greg is in his Thermoses.
    1100
  27. Please let the hostess know that I admired how calm and patient she was with the children there. I know we tend to be our own worst critics, but she looked quite lovely. I'm impressed by her skills and her gracious nature.
    1100
  28. Ohh lots of familiar faces in the video haha. Must have taken a lot of time editing the looooong interviews but your efforts paid off because this video is 10/10!! Very informative and would be super helpful for people thinking about working in Japan! Otsukaresama, Greg!
    1100
  29. Oh, a big shout out to my bros! They all agreed to be interviewed with no notice. I filmed them all in a single day. Love you guys!
    1000
  30. I'm an atheist, and during my long trip in Japan I felt really drawn by Jinja and Shinto, and it's really nice to see something that explains the way I felt. In my personal experience I felt really drawn by the respect of the culture, the rituals and the respect to everything. From the respect shown to others and to nature, to the respect you show in the temple, that ultimately means respect for the labor of the people involved in it and the tradition and generations of people before you. Before this video I found it somewhat hard to rationalize the way I felt, but you helped me understand :) Needless to say, incredible video, thanks.
    969
  31. I'm a Chemist. Unless we break down the polymers back into their building blocks (monomers), all plastics can only be mechanically recycled a very limited number of times, before the mechanical properties significantly change. This is due to the chain length of the polymer decreasing with further and further recycling. Hope this clears up some misconceptions on plastics.
    968
  32. The UPS thing at the end must be a UPS distribution center, and they hire a cop in the morning to direct traffic, or else those trucks making left turns would be super backed up and late before even starting.
    954
  33. Glad to know you are finally making the homeless video. Very well done as well. I learned something new.
    946
  34. I'm from New Zealand and we (the native Maori) also bathe in the hot springs. Some are commercialized now, but the private/tribe owned ones are usually naked and mixed gender.
    903
  35. I like the mom's trick using 2 chopsticks to squeeze the last of the stuff out of that envelope. I usually fold it in half and squeeze with my thumb and fingers, which is not that good.
    861
  36. Super useful video Greg! Well done - breaking this all down for new residents to Japan. It’s certainly not easy — but not impossible either. Happy moving everyone! ٩( ᐛ )و
    814
  37. As a US citizen who has considered naturalizing to Japan, I have a few questions for 井上さん. 1) I've read that the hardest part of naturalizing to another country as a US citizen is getting the US to let you go. For example, you have to pay a $500 fee for a paper hearing to be held by a US judge to determine if you are giving up US citizenship to get out of paying taxes. Any truth to this? Did the US let you go easily? 2) If you give up your US citizenship, I was told through the rumor mill that you will be put on a black list and will have a hard time visiting the US after naturalizing elsewhere. Any truth to this? 3) Lastly, what advantage do you find in having Japanese citizenship over US? I've read conflicting opinions about if it is worth it. Thanks much! Andrew
    813
  38. When the alarm rings, I thought your smoke detector is triggered lol
    790
  39. Your sister in law is a wonderful woman, she truly cares about friends and family
    779
  40. Finally, an explanation of Shinto that makes sense. Regarding people identifying as Shinto, I know some older Japanese people (60, 70+) who often go to funerals of older friends and loved ones. The ceremonies are almost always Buddhist. They could only remember one person who had a Shinto ceremony. PS, your camera work was particularly beautiful on this video. That two shot and interview.. the exposure.. the focus and color. Perfect.
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  41. Expectation : Japanese are frightened by foreigners Reality : Japanese are so open to foreigners and interested
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  42. I love these types of videos. People can visit Japan and experience a lot of it, but unless you have Japanese friends in Japan, you're not going to truly understand how the locals live and eat. And many youtubers dont share these kinds of experiences, they just show the more touristy 'interesting' stuff. Also these videos help break the stereotypes people may get from watching subbed/dubbed anime overseas, Japanese cuisine is clearly more than just ramen and sushi
    708
  43. This is the best film you have ever made. I'm so impressed with the editing of it and with the story you have told of him. I'm so touched by his candor and humor. This is a side of Japanese culture and life, that I haven't seen before on film. You should feel really good about your work and what you have done.
    690
  44. This was amazing! Beautiful places and excellent cinematography as always mate. You did those hot springs justice. I've travelled around the Bandai area of Fukushima a fair bit, but somehow never made it to any of these springs. Great to see you and John showcasing Tohoku as well! Hopefully we'll see more folks visit the region when the country re-opens.
    667
  45. I appreaciate that your relatives showed in all honesty what their day to day breakfast looks like. It´s nothing to be embarrassed about. ^^ Thank you for sharing. Additionally I´m also not a huge breakfast eater. ;)
    663
  46. I'm currently living in Japan (Not Tokyo, I live the next prefecture over, but It's only a 15 minute train ride to get to Tokyo), and even here I can access everything I need within a 5 minute walk. I actually love how the neighborhoods are set up with the multiple zones in one area. I live in an apartment building that has a grocery store on the first (it also covers second) floor, and a gym on the third (and fourth) floor. Next door is a house and next to that is a Dentist Office. on the other side of the building is a Bank. Across the street is a Drug Store, the Train Station is a 5 minute walk and in that 5 minutes I pass a Temple, 3 Convenience stores, a post office, some specialty stores, two Pachinko Places, another Drug Store, a few specialty shops and restaurants, a couple Izakaya, a couple smaller apartment buildings and several houses. There is also a Koban right outside of the Train Station and a Fire Station, another dentist, and a clinic in the area. I love how easily accessible everything is without the use of a bike or car, compared to where I grew up in the USA. In the USA I lived in a Residential Area (two story family houses), so the nearest grocery store was a 10 minute walk (2 minute drive) from my parents' house in the Commercial Area. Also, I love how much safer Japan is as well! I'm an Elementary School ALT, and I always see my students walking around with their friends freely outside of school (BTW I LOVE running into my students outside of school it makes me happy). I also enjoy being able to run to the Conbini at 10 at night when I run out of toilet paper without worrying about someone mugging me.
    654
  47. I always felt like the golden rule of Japan was to put others needs or feelings before your own.
    650
  48. A delightful comparison! I love how you show that despite cars being very much present in people's day-to-day lives in Japan, people are not forced to drive, and have lots of great alternatives.
    649
  49. Hi, Greg. I followed your series on the Philippines and I thought that you painted a fair picture of our country. It's not necessarily the most beautiful picture but you told stories that most foreigners do not really see nor understand. I really loved every piece. What makes the Philippines wonderful, aside from our beautiful islands, are the people who will show you how to be happy and resilient in the direst of times. Thank you for visiting us and I hope that you will have a much more fun experience next time. And yes, bring the family along. 🤗
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  50. I feel like it's obvious, but of course this video is only about a single person's commute. I'd be interested in hearing from other Filipinos, and other people around the world, about what their commute is like. Emiko, the lady in the video, leaves for work early as traffic is not as bad. I know some Japanese people who do the same thing, so that they can get a seat on the train. Like I say at the end of the video, I have 17 hours of footage and I actually cut out a lot of stuff I recorded about traffic in the Philippines. I kind of want to make a "Manila's Traffic Problem" video, although after reading some news articles and a couple reports doesn't make me at all qualified to say anything. I got to experience a lot in the Philippines thanks to many friendly locals who took me along and showed me their everyday lives. Thanks everyone! So you'll probably get a couple videos about my journey to the Philippines. Have a great day!
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  51. Shin: “I’m tired” Me everyday bro
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  52. I'm halfway through the video and i just had to comment what a great channel this has been. So much substance presented so neatly without a hint of the standard YT obnoxiousness or sensationalisation. Stuff like this is what Youtue was made for.
    614
  53. I wasn't expecting to sit down and watch 2 full hours of Youtube this morning, but this is an exceptionally well done documentary. Amazing job.
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  54. It's always nice to see how passionate and honest these chefs are! I've tried Soba once and it was so good :D I also admire the fact that you do all these things not only for yourself but for use the viewers and because of you, I am very VERY eager to visit Japan and go see all these things! Thank you very much!!!
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  55. I'm tearing up at work. Our elders are precious people who lived long and hard lives. I'm grateful he has such supportive children.
    594
  56. Really glad to have backed this project! Beautifully made documentary 🎌 years in the making!
    592
  57. “Short version” looks at the time “30 minuets” “I wanna see the long version”
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  58. This is excellent work Greg and I'm so happy someone is making content like this. Thank You!!
    554
  59. Hawaiians have a similar traditional cloth making technique with bark from local mulberry trees. The material is called kapa. It's interesting how different we are, yet how similar we think.
    551
  60. As much as Greg tried to make the shot relaxing and scenic, the censor just made it hilarious 3:34
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  61. Color me completely impressed. I love these kinds of modern documentaries. You can really tell that all of the children have been working together (their whole lives!) for a long time. Such a beautiful coordinated effort!
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  62. This is a really interesting video! From reading the comments, I can already tell that this is going to be controversial. I love how you try to show Japan from as many different perspectives as possible. Keep up the awesome work!
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  63. Glad it's not just me lol
    502
  64. I was overwhelmed by おもてなし Japanese hospitality. I felt as though I was being treated like movie star. From Tokyo to Kagoshima. So many people went out of their way to help me. It wss the Japanese people who made my stay in their country so memorable.
    499
  65. Well done adventure Greg! Glad to be in your way for a few minutes of it 🤟😂 🚲 PS: nice grandma basket 🧺 in the rear!
    498
  66. 6:45 "... and I don't know if he specialised in foreigners" - "I think he does" Narrator: "He does." A very Arrested Development moment right there
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  67. My wife leaves Me to save the spot!
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  68. Goodbye is a shortened version of 'God be by ye' (god be with you) but no one would associate saying it with religion. There might be a name for things that originally came from religion but have lost that meaning and are now just part of culture in general.
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  69. This is one of the best insights of the reality of the life in a small town in Japan. I love your videos, they represent a perspective of the life in Japan that most of us western people don't fully understand. Great work from you and your sister in law.
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  70. i like david, hes seems so chill and knowledgeable
    458
  71. It really is interesting to see what's the "perfect" breakfast for each family/individual. Great ideas for a series! Thank you.
    458
  72. "and i quote rihanna: it's 'work work work work work'" bahahaha that wasn't something i expected in one of your videos
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  73. Thanks for having us, Greg! Good work putting this all together!
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  74. That's a lot of the wife we are seeing (and hearing) in this video!
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  75. In New York, so long as you aren't actually hit, crossing the street at ANY given moment is 100% fine. Oh and you can honk for absolutely no reason at all. Lanes? Those are just a suggestion, taxis decide how many lanes there are 😂
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  76. Wait a second, I've seen that guy before
    431
  77. "With john out of the way" how savage xD
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  78. Wow, I really like this video. I am not going to be driving in Japan anytime soon but I love the editing and the overall production of this video. Everything from the cutting of scenes to how the information is presented ( such as the introduction of each topics and the music cues) is really well done. Of course you put your personality in it, making the video fun to watch. I had a great time watching and learning about driving in Japan :)
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  79. The guy at the end IS INCREDIBLE. Mushing that entire hand size "temaki" sushi into his mouth is the video embodiment of me eating leftovers at 3am in the morning. Btw, nice video Greg!
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  80. At the moment, I work in plastic recyceling research and in the first 3,5 minutes you covered SO much knowledge students at our uni have to learn in 3 years - that's really great! Also the method you used to determine how much plastic/ g food is used is actually scientifically correct. Thanks for all the source material, I am in fact interested in studying if there's a difference in the way Japan and Europe treat their plastic waste. (seems not so much) So your video is motivating me to follow up on that question!
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  81. These videos are so fun and informative. I love watching the kid's antics and how you weave in the information along the way. The background music is "just right". Thanks so much for all of the many hours of work you put into these beautiful videos.
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  82. They're such a fun group! Please do mor einterviews with them on all sorts of topics.
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  83. Of all your videos, this one might be my new favorite. It's gratifying to watch true craftsmen perfecting their trade, indeed they are real-world Shokunin. Greg, the quality of this video is outstanding!
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  84. 2:38 the oil/fat that you were using was at its smoking point, which is where it is getting to its maximum temperature before it starts to "burn" when that super heated spot meets the open flame of your gas grill it ignites causing the flame up, it also happens when you add a liquid (especially alcohol) because it steams up and send small particles of the flammable oil up which can ignite. I hope my explanation helped a bit... Source: 10 years working in restaurants
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  85. The quality of your work is amazing. Please continue making deep, connecting, cultural videos like this. There is so much love into your work, I can feel it behind my computer. Hope you will never be bored doing these, I'm sure I'll never be bored to watch them.
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  86. I absolutely LOVE your channel!! My grand children and I watch together. They think it is so interesting to see how kids from other countries live, go to school, eat, etc. Thank you keep up the great videos!! I just HAD to laugh at my grand son. When he saw the frozen fried rice he said, "Wow Nona( grandchildren's name for me) you never let us have frozen fried rice! We always have to wait 2 days for it!" Lol The 2 day wait is because I cook the rice today for fried rice tomorrow. Lol
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  87. This is why "Life Where I'm From" is my favourite channel. Mr. Greg shows you japan as it is. No sugar coating. This channel is beautiful, cinematic, aesthetically pleasing in quality means. To be honest I would not have watched this video if it were made by another channel. Thank you LWIF.
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  88. i never really write comments on YouTube but all your videos are just fantastic, so informative and professionally done. I hope you see this comment because there are a lot of people out there that are extremely happy to see a video of yours pop up in their sub box :) can't wait for the next one!
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  89. I'M TIRED.!! 😂 Shin is me while cooking! 😅
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  90. After watching the video we ordered some teas and tea biscuits from them. They sent the products immediately (arrived in just a few days). The products were carefully packaged and the box was well packed. You can tell they care about their products. Included a newsletter about what is going on with the business and the town. Over all a great experience. Looking forward to enjoying the teas and biscuits this week. Thanks for sharing this inspiring story!
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  91. As expected, this was a really amazing video. Thanks for bringing light to the issue and making the video.
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  92. Great, now I'll be deported from Japan for breaking my chopsticks incorrectly & I didn't even make it to the first course. I guess I'll just dine on all the variations of KitKats. Or do those need to be broken in a particular manner?
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  93. The quality of this video is exceptional. I can't imagine how long all the research/planning, footage, and editing must have taken. Amazing job! 😁🇯🇵
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  94. I've seen so many videos about onsen, but I've never learned this much about how they work! Excellent video!
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  95. As someone who consumes a good amount of Japanese content on YouTube, you don't really get to hear these things. These topics are usually ignored for self-interests or brevity. So I appreciate seeing something different.
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  96. You guys all look different wow. So basically you’re what the world would look like in the future where all ethnicities are mixed and there would be no longer different singular ethnicities lol
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  97. Great video. In high school I was an exchange student and was really let down I didnt see all of "weird"Japan. Recently I took my wife to Japan for our anniversary and took a few detours into those niche cultural areas and was still underwhelmed. I think the internet paints this unfair image of what Japan is like. I think the weird stuff most westerns will find is how quite things are, how clean things are, how quickly trains board and how efficient things are. It's a great speed of life.
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  98. That bike shot was GORGEOUS, Greg. As usual, congrats on making such high-quality videos. Also, why is everyone in your channel so adorable? lol xoxo
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  99. Alex knows where all the most interesting residential buildings are! BTW, the expression on the older gentleman's face watching Akko take her measuring steps at the end was priceless!
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  100. I watched both the part 1 and part 2. And oh boy, this documentary is a work of art and out of passion. This deserves people's time, attention, and RECOGNITION! Great job and my utmost respect to Greg, his team, and to all who did have the courage to be part of this!
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  101. Great video, guys! Greg, it's 'wusster-sher' sauce (Source: I'm from England) :)
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  102. Yes Japanese camping tends to be more modernized than "roughing it". I still remember going often with my friends in Japan and wondering why they brought an entire Van full of utensils, tools, and food.. Whereas I brought merely a change of clothes and a small tent. Still even though its a different type of camping, going out into nature anywhere in J land is absolutely beautiful and always a good time. I even went camping during the Earthquake of 2011 due to lack of electricity and its actually easier to stay mindful during that period outdoors, but man it was COOOOLD in Iwate.
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  103. "For a relaxing time, make it ryokan time." Hehe, I see what you did there. Well played.
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  104. Thank's for this video. It's really meanfull for me as an Principal of a Kindergarten in Indonesia. I love to see this, and sharing with my colleagues. In Indonesia so many different. You will surprise if you know the toddler kids must learn to read and writing, and all parents usually wants the toddler kids can do that. So I will share it, so they know how in another country for little kids education. Thank you so much!!!! Doumo arigatou gozaimashita!!! ^o^/
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  105. Wow Greg, the way your channel has progressed...I absolutely love these documentary style videos. My wife is Japanese and your videos help me understand where she came from really well. They also help me understand her a little better too. So thank you for making these :)
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  106. Guys, that was so interesting! I am Brazilian but my background is also a whole new story. My father is fully Japanese, but my mom is Paraguayan with Kurdish, Syrian and Spanish background. I have 2 older brothers and we all look different from each other. People don’t usually think my 2nd oldest brother is half Japanese at all because he looks like my mom, and my older brother looks like he is full Japanese (he also lives in Japan). In my case, sometimes people think I’m full Japanese because I’m the fairest one, even though I look like my mom. But if you ask any of us, we will always say that we are Brazilians, and that is it. Our background is part of our life, but you can’t define people just because of that. I truly understand what you guys feel about it. Thank you for the excellent video!
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  107. Oh my gracious. Sakai-san and his family are the sweetest. I love how this sento is a hub for the seniors of the community. We all need more community places like this. Man, this hit me right in the feels today. Thank you Greg.
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  108. So, basically, we need to take a wholistic view when managing the environment.
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  109. I love your Urban Planning related videos. It would be so cool to see some collaborations with other UP YouTubers, because they tend to focus a lot on Europe for comparisons and not Asia or Japan.
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  110. Hi Greg. I've been a long time viewer due to my obsession with Japanese culture. However, I have to tip my hat to you for doing this Life in the Philippines video. A few months ago, I was hoping that a vlogger would do a reality on the life of typical Filipinos and to my surprise, you a foreigner out of all the local vloggers here, was gracious enough to do a video. This isn't just a video but a study on the social situation of this country, the current effects of the economy, and of course poverty. Great great video series, Greg!
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  111. Factually and sensitively done video, yet not over the top with sentimentality. (Not a slew of sob stories, just an honest look at reality) Perfect balance here Greg. Also, I loved the pacing of the video as well, slow enough without being boring. I assume that was your wife doing the interviews, she has such a pretty and calming voice, seemed like the people were opening up to her for that reason. It is heartening to see how empathetic you both are, I saw that in the "Ramen Guy" episode as well.
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  112. The most important fact is the we are all human and everyone is uniquely one ! other things doesn't really matter that much !!
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  113. I appreciate the conversion for the inferior imperial units.
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  114. Really well researched and communicated video Greg. You never disappoint with new and interesting topics!
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  115. DUde... you just saved my life with this video. I normally do demos at my company, and this clip arts are gonna rock the ground during my next demo!!
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  116. Your channel is great and this video is awesome ! It is so refreshing to watch such a fact based, serene examination of life in a foreign country, as opposed to the numerous accounts full of clichés that plague the internet. Very informative, clear and positive. Keep up the good work !
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  117. Yay new video :) P.s hope you're having a good weekend, Greg!
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  118. I live in Minnesota USA. This is 15 years ago. A Japanese couple moved into our apartment building, I met them through a monthly meet your neighbors' group. It was early November and I always held a Thanksgiving for friends. I decided to write them a formal invitation. I can not believe how kind they were on the appearance of my crap calligraphy. They attended and by the next year, we had become friends. We exchanged food culture on a regular. When I learned about the New year tradition I asked if we could do it. They agreed, being in the USA we would have to make almost everything by hand, we had planned early enough for Keiko's mother to send us some key components. I will never forget the distress on Kay's face when she asked where my rice cooker was. Oh, how we grow. I now dance almost 5 days a week to the sound of my rice cooker. We spent so many hours making everything right we worked for three days and mostly we made food for just a few bites for each thing. It was worth ever moment.
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  119. Greg, this is your BEST work yet. Beautiful storytelling with obvious research and care. 本当にありがとうございます!
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  120. Sooo nice to see several different perspective from all different ages! What a cool video! Would love to see how people celebrate special occasions, like christmas, new years, and birthdays. Would also love to see more day-in-the-life things, like how they go about their days, what they order at their favourite local restaurants, what they enjoy doing on their saturday afternoons, or what they usually pick up from the conbini :) thanks for another great video! Can’t wait for more.
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  121. Before the pandemic my father went to Japan to learn from Koitani-san, all the way from Brazil. His ramen is at a very fair price (about 5 USD) and his weekly production gets sold out in about 5 min for more than a year now. Brazil have the largest japanese descendants population in the world and ramen is at an all time high here. He and my younger brother work 5 days a week and make about 4x the minimum wage here, which is somewhat good money.
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  122. My sisters boyfriend (now father of their first child) loves cooking...If/when they get married I now know what I will get as a present, thanks :)
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  123. This is exactly what I've been looking for! Been trying for ages to find something illustrating what Japanese actually eat and not just the fancy stuff you see when you google. I've been bored of my meal plans in the mornings and wanted to see what other people eat. Other meals would be great to see too!
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  124. in my next life, i want to be that person who ran a cat cafe on the mountain with a beautiful view of the ocean
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  125. Shin acts EXACTLY like my 7 year old little brother, it warms my heart! I showed your channel to my mom and sisters and they all agreed hahaha! Sending love from Texas!
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  126. Thank you for trying to show any kind of content in this channel. Hope every human being can be respectful, live in peace; in the comment section, in countries and in the world that is for now only option for us to live.
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  127. I remember when i first arrived at Tokyo Narita Airport in March 2016 during Hanami festival for my 16 day long trip. After customs, i was scared what would i do if my ATM cards do not work. I had some cash but only for a couple of days worth. Went to a 7-11 ATM and when i got my money out i was so relieved. And here's pro tip: You would want to take as much cash in one transaction if not you'll run into lot of transaction fees. And have a couple of backup cards as well. After that, i strapped up my large oversized backpack (never bring too much) and went to the Airport post office. And here's Pro tip #2: You can have a Data Sim card mailed to you waiting at the Tokyo Narita Airport Post Office. I had purchased 3 GB Data card (https://www.econnectjapan.com/products/sim/3gb) which runs on Docomo 4G LTE/3G Network Band. The NTT Docomo network has the widest coverage in Japan. You can turn on hotspot on your mobile if you would like to share the Wifi. Then next i went down to the train station. Here's pro tip #3: You can take the NEX train to get to tokyo in style! But there are some cases where i would not recommend it. I had a 14 day Japan Rail Pass and unlike German Rail pass, once you activate it the clock starts! You can ride the NEX on Japan Rail Pass but i recommend to activate it only when you're leaving tokyo and going to other cities - if you are staying more than the JR Pass days. Buying regional JR Passes also is a great idea if you are sure to visit only one\two regions. Anyways, if you buy NEX tickets instead, one irrational decision they made some time back is to only sell two way tickets. One way is not allowed (this may have changed). Your ticket is valid for a return journey to Narita Airport within 7 days which is a waste (unless that's your program). Take either the buses or the wonderful Kesei or JR lines. Pro tip #4: You can purchase Suica or Pasmo at any Ticket counter Kiosks and they work throughout Japan at all Train stations and major convenience stores (ex. 7-11\Lawsons) as well as buses and some ferries\rides (research!). There is an option to enter your name and have it printed on the card. Yes, its very cool! Pro tip #5: Do not underestimate the size of Tokyo. It is very big and there are some amazing destination a couple of hours outside Tokyo. So plan your day programs well, do not sleep in till 8:30 AM like me and get out early. Trains start around 5 and get a head start to explore. This applies to Kyoto and Osaka (or any big city). Pro tip #6: There are some tourist traps here and there, its okay once in a while to be a typical tourist but go down the beaten path, the unknown alleys more often. Eat where locals are eating - do not judge just because the restaurant looks small. And do not buy unnecessary souvenirs and trinkets. Do not rush and take some time to explore properly. Have faith that you'll come back to Japan again. I do. Back to the story of when i first arrived at the Narita Airport. I was staying at capsule hotel at Akasaka and with no internet, just asked an attendant at the Keisei counter to show me the way and she explained on a map and gave it to me. I took the Keisei line, changed the train at Ueno (i think) and made my way to Akasaka. Once outside, i remembered having studied the roads on Google map before leaving India for Japan and easily found my hotel. Checked-in, dropped off my bag, activated by Data Sim card and then took out my camera and captured my first video of typical afternoon at Akasaka, next to Hie shrine, watching all the Salaryman go in for quick lunches. I joined too and had a great meal. It was very exhilarating and satisfying. In the evening, i stayed at the hotel to rest up and watched a popular songs competion on TV which they run during Hanami festivals. Oh how i wish i could go back right now. Anyways, for the first time visitors, please DO NOT worry, its extremely easy, do not get intimidated by the unfamiliar language, people are very friendly and ready to help. I had a great time and hope you do so too!
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  128. A couple have people have left comments about the chlorine smell and how it's not really chlorine that I'm smelling. I actually edited out a part where I tried to explain further what I meant, so sorry for any confusion. But to be honest, I still don't really understand it all, even after reading stuff like this https://waterandhealth.org/healthy-pools/smells-chlorine/. I'm suspecting that the #1 reason I don't smell anything bad at Japanese onsens is because people are quite clean before entering and thus there is less stuff with which the chlorine can interact with and cause odors. From what I understand, the odors are mainly (or totally) caused by the interaction of chlorine and nitrogen (or in other words organic matters like body oil, urine, etc...). However, answer me this those who know what they're talking about. If I go to a swimming pool or hot tub in Canada that is "fresh", like a pool the first thing in the morning before anyone jumps in, or a hot tub at some condo where there doesn't seem to be anyone using it, I can smell that pool smell from even before I enter. Is it always that chemical reaction between organic matter and chlorine that I'm smelling, or can it be that I can smell high levels of chlorine that are FAC's (freely available chlorine) and not CAC (combined available chlorine)?
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  129. So sorry to hear that you had to grow up in Manitoba!! :P ;) From: a friendly Saskatchewan viewer ;) ... Great video! :)
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  130. Its a touchy subject but u always manage to keep it tasteful. All the people you interview seem to be happy to talk to you and everyone else is blurred for anonymity. No sad violins or other types of sensationalism. All you need is the facts to see how great and important a job these people are doing.
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  131. The uncle was so cute!! I loved seeing his segment and his breakfast seemed so nutritious. Thank you for making this video - it's so cool to see behind what some people typically eat for breakfast. I'd love to see this for other meals, for how people spend their free time, etc!
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  132.  @LifeWhereImFrom  yes, definitely! Let's figure something out. Maybe we could even meet up when I'm in Tokyo in the Spring!
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  133. Love these types of videos. Very refreshing after the popularity of "Weird Japan" videos on youtube. They are fun, but not informative on the actual culture. I have learned a lot from this channel.
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  134. Otsukaresama Greg!! Thanks for having me in your video!:)
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  135. Long time viewer first time commentator. This was one of the most charming videos I have ever seen. Are parks opened all day and night? In the States the parks usually close at dusk. Thank you again for the amazing video and the showing the Tokyo we don’t see in the movies.
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  136. Some things about Japan that seem unusual to me are the availability of cigarettes and alcohol in vending machines, the fact that men are not afraid of "cutesy" things, and the fact that there seems to be a process to everything that MUST be followed. Also, I've noticed how openly Japanese people tend to talk about bodies, even commenting on things that might be frowned upon in other places. I've heard people casually talk about someone being "fat" or they have "big ears." They aren't necessarily being rude or mean, but pointing out flaws doesn't seem to be a sensitive topic in Japan. In Australia, some things that others might find weird include our habit of shortening words (we do it a lot-almost excessively), the fact that we are so casual with colleagues, bosses, even university teachers (it's not uncommon to call your boss by his first name), the whole "byo" thing, and the fact that it is perfectly acceptable (with exceptions) to go to a store, fast food eatery, or voting booth shirtless, shoeless or wearing swimwear.
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  137. This might just be the most useful video for me on youtube. Thank you. You likely just saved my husband and I some serious melt downs when landing in tokyo with two excited and jet lagged kids. .
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  138. I didnt know i could get so much joy from watching a guy fangirling over lots of Thermoses
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  139. Oh wow it's a full length documentary. That's pretty hype.
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  140. As a japanese, I want to point out one thing. It is said in this video that if you work full time, the company won't pay you for over time job. Actually, Full time workers are payed for their overtime work. It is illegal for companies to not pay over time money. However, in the labor contract, companies can include some over time money in basic salary. So, if the labor contract says "we will include payment for 20 hour over time in the basic salary." the company won't pay you extra when you over time work is under 20 hours per month.
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  141. The Osaka airport was the same for me: there seemed to be very few people there. The first thing I noticed when arriving was how very clean the trains were. Clean and free from vandalism of any kind. Here, people vandalize everything and the seats on the train here have been changed to stainless steel to try and prevent vandalism... of course vandals are very persistent here, not to mention petty thieves who seal everything -- in Japan, I left my bag on the train, and it was still there when some attendants fetched it for me many stations away from where I got off. I talked to foreigners who left their umbrellas, or wallets, and other things at bus stops, or other public places only to find them still there the next day or turned into the local police box. The lack of vandalism, garbage, and petty thievery was very refreshing.
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  142. Greg... I just don't know what to tell you. First of all I must commend you on the superhuman efforts you put not only into riding over 120km in a day by bike across the biggest city on Earth but also the insane quality level of the content you bring to your channel. You put so much effort and LOVE above all into everything that you do and it shows. It really does. You're a champion and you're in a league of your own. I even started getting emotional in some parts because I felt like I was right there with you seeing this with my own eyes, and no words can describe how much I wish that were true. I felt like a close friend was guiding me and showing me his favorite things in a city that he really loves. It felt really personal. Thank you for this. I can only thank you. Your channel is amazing and you deserve the world! PS: I kinda lost it when you said "bukkake udon" to be honest, lmao, and shout out to whoever it is that was listening to Avril Lavigne on the streets!
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  143. This is the first time I’ve ever bought something like merch from a YouTuber! I’m glad I got one before they sold out
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  144. This is such an amazing documentary. Everyone who is remotely interested in Japan or Japanese culture and identity should watch this. Thank you so much Greg.
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  145. If you happen to experience a hot spring home for yourself, Toshiki-san and his wife run a minpaku (guest house) with 2 rooms that has an onsen you can enjoy. Really great value if you're travelling to Beppu https://hinataya.jp/en/ (not sponsored, I just think the place is fantastic for the price and would love to send some people their way)
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  146. This is so good! Wow I’m seriously impressed with the jump in quality! Not just with a better camera but with everything all while keeping it truthful and not overhyping anything. Seriously can’t wait to see more stuff from you! 👍
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  147. Uhh, Triggered how you cut the tofu
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  148. Fantastic documentary Greg! Both me(Aussie) and my wife(Japanese) watched this and it really sparked a conversation about our 3 year old daughter and her future. Our core message will be simple. She is both Japanese and Australian, and being both is ok, no matter what. Thank you for creating and sharing.
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  149. 1:54 I'm pretty sure Shin said, "Just sitting here."
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  150. I actually have a really heartwarming story about my family's current landlord... Our place is rented by our company, as this makes the rental process much smoother. When the landlord, who also resides in the building, found out that it was a foreign couple moving in, he couldn't really have done anything even if he'd wanted to protest. Well, after having met him, he expressed to us his relief (especially at our ability to speak Japanese) and admitted how nervous he had been. Although it's sad that he was so worried, I'm glad that by actually meeting us in person, his fears were allayed. I somehow feel that if the landlords could meet the potential tenants directly, instead of just hearing "they're foreign" from the rental company's middleman, there might be fewer problems.
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  151. Interestingly, I cut out the part where the little brother was explaining that while they're not very good at English like a big hotel, he thought you would get a more Japanese experience by going to their ryokan. So they are indeed very welcoming of foreigners who don't speak Japanese. Yes, Ibaraki prefecture would like more tourists 😃
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  152. This is one of my favourite videos on your channel!! I honestly can just rewatch this video and not be bored and I was just re-watching Tokyo by Bike! Will there be a Tokyo by BUS, next? Your videos are so beautiful and your hard work is very much appreciated!!! Thank you!
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  153. Greg has been a perfectly chill gentleman for years on this YouTube channel, and then all of the sudden he chooses to obliterate those poor girls at 6:03 😂
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  154. such great content. i'm so happy that i get the opportunity to learn about japan, the real, non-touristy side of it, through your well-thought out, well-researched and visually appealing videos! i'd never know how to get information on this topic otherwise. thank you!
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  155. I love videos like this. Even speaking different languages, moms are universal in what they do for their families.
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  156. Normally I would say I prefer fresh food over frozen, but I actually prefer frozen veggies to fresh veggies, because here in the states, at least, frozen veggies are often flash-frozen shortly after harvest to lock in the freshness, whereas who knows how long ago your "fresh" produce was picked?? If Aiko thinks that the 1L box of ice cream is huge, she would think the tubs we have in the states are gigantic! You can get "party tubs" that are like maybe a gallon? or more? of ice cream! Usually just vanilla or chocolate or strawberry. But our ice cream flavors are just as varied, here, and we have so many different brands, not just haagen daaz (sp?). We have a lot of the same frozen foods, but from more cultures- mexican is a big one, and pizzas, and italian (lasagnas and pastas and even premade chicken or shrimp dishes). Of course we have tv-dinners with the all-in-one trays of meat, veg, starch, dessert, too. And a lot of frozen breakfast meals, too- burritos, biscuits/sandwiches, egg bowls, waffles, pancakes, etc.
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  157. FYI, I'm changing the title for now. I originally had it as "The Worst Traffic in Japan is not in Tokyo", I changed it to "The Worst Traffic in Japan (is America's Fault)", and it's now back to the original. I'm also liable to change it again. Too many people not actually watching the video before commenting. The content of the video is still the same, which is walkthrough of how it came to be that Okinawa has the worst traffic in Japan. It's a result of policies put in place by the U.S. after 1945 as well as inaction by the Japanese government for the past 50 years since Okinawa was reverted to Japan in 1972. I think it's an interesting case study as to how decisions made decades and decades ago can have a significant impact on the day to day lives of people right now.
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  158. As a Canadian, I think a lot of us grew up hearing that "It doesn't matter where you're from, now that you're here; You're Canadian." or similar mentalities towards immigration. (After passing our relatively strict immigration process.) We're encouraged to practice tolerance, acceptance, and to welcome difference. Canada has our own share of problems, and our own dark history, but this common sense of acceptance I think is still being taught today regardless of our past, or present. Maybe we're idealists. I always find my common sense clashing with foreign countries when I think of how topics like immigration are approached there. I think in Canada, our national identity isn't something as concrete as to be defined and contrasted against others, but something we attempt to use to embrace new cultures and ideas. At least, on paper. In practice I think we have a long way to go. With a lot of countries, you hear the opposite practiced. A strong national identity with well defined cultural practices, rich histories and sources of pride, sometimes an exclusive mentality of "You'll never be one of us." And I think with something like a national or cultural identity ground gained by others is sometimes viewed as ground lost by that people. As a result of the ambiguous nature of our accepting teachings, growing up I often found myself wondering what it actually meant to "be" Canadian. I knew of strong examples of other cultures and their activities, but being Canadian felt loosely defined, or open ended. Like it was waiting for the next chapter. Perhaps this is why as a Canadian I find other cultures and countries so fascinating, and emigrating one day is a frequent dream of mine. I don't know if it's in search of an identity, or just to see the wide world where all these wonderful people come from. I'm looking forward to your documentary!
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  159. Why wouldn't anyone want to explore what it means to be any identity? Is it really so strange to go "but what is the essence of that thing?" to something you know? What does make a Canadian a Canadian? Or a Japanese a Japanese? Or a Brazilian a Brazilian? Or a Croatian a Croatian? And so on for really any country. Even if it seems simple on the surface, you are or you aren't, but that's not a real answer, is it? If it's so simple to divide between what is and what is not, why is it so hard to list off key traits instead of vague "you'll know it when you see it" kind of answers? I feel like looking harder into an identity isn't a bad thing at all, it's very interesting. We should all ask these questions.
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  160. Thanks for the new upload, Greg. i haven't been feeling okay lately and I've been binge-watching your videos.. quite surprised that this video was just uploaded today hehe
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  161. I have to say, I’ve been with your channel since WAY early on and watching your videos now is like watching a professional documentary. Production value has gone way up and it’s just incredible to see how far you’ve come. Thanks for always uploading such high quality videos on my favorite place on earth :)
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  162. You’re a super talented storyteller. This was really excellent.
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  163. One of my favorite videos from you yet! The visuals, the subtle spaced out humor, the education, and the polish was all spot on.
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  164. I really relate to this video a lot. My husband is a native Spanish speaker, and I am a native English speaker. When me and my husband met, we didn't even speak the same language (because he had only been in the USA for 6 months, and 2 months before I met him I had taken a Spanish placement exam and gotten a 1%.... so we both literally knew not a single word in each other's languages.) We would communicate through google translate for the first 5 or 6 months, even if we were going out on dates. We would make sure to keep our phones fully charged so that we could use the translators. I was the first one to start learning the other's language. I easily picked up Spanish, as it was my 4th language at the time. Sadly, there are important factors that made it so that I ultimately would have to be the one to become bilingual. A.) I had access to college language courses in my area of study. My husband has zero access to any form of schooling. B.) I had already learned 3 languages before Spanish, so obviously I am above average when it comes to my ability to quickly pick up a language. I already had the tricks and tips up my sleeves. C.) The people that I became surrounded by were all Spanish speakers. My husband's family, my fellow employees, my classmates in college all spoke Spanish. My husband on the other hand rarely was around my family, and we shared the same friends, so Spanish was the preferred language. Not English. And D.) It just wasn't necessary for my husband to learn English. He could easily get anything he needed done in our city through Spanish, because we now live in an area where Spanish dominates. English isn't a necessity. I also understand how you feel when it comes to speaking to your wife and children in your own native language. My husband works 12 hour shifts and 6 days per week, and when he comes home at night the last thing that he feels like doing is getting stressed out by the difficulties of English. He doesn't have enough time in the day to properly study, nor does he enjoy it. English is hard, reading it especially, and I'm sometimes a little bit too understanding about it. I have only ever tried to teach him bits of English maybe 10 or 15 times in the 3 years we have been married. But one large difference between learning English to live in the USA, and learning Japanese to live in Japan that I feel affects us both greatly is the attitude towards those still learning English in the USA. Even my mother and my older brothers constantly tell me how "this is America. He is in America now, so he should be learning English." instead of realizing that she could also take it upon herself to learn Spanish for her son-in-law. Many Americans don't give immigrants credit for even attempting to learn English, they don't feel honored when someone tries to learn English, and they only see it as something that immigrants should have already learned before coming to the US. In Japan or Korea, even in countries like Germany and my husband's native Guatemala, the locals see any foreigners learning their language as a good thing and something to be praised. They see it as the foreigner respecting their culture and their country and they see the effort being put in to trying to blend in. In America, this is the complete opposite. And so, due to my husband's struggles to learn English, many people criticize him, belittle him, and hurt us with comments like he only married me to become documented or that he doesn't respect me or my family because he won't learn English. Sorry for this massive rant, I guess this video hit a cord with me! I wish you luck in continuing your Japanese, and don't ever give up hope or lose motivation. It takes time but you will get where you want to be! The people in your life will be surprised more and more the further you get, and one day you will be in a social situation and you will suddenly realize, "hey... this is easy! I understand almost everything!" and after that point, you will skyrocket!
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  165. At 6:49 I instantly started screaming. City driving? I made that mistake once going into NYC. Never again!
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  166. PROS FOR WORKING IN SWEDEN - In the workplace: Typically 5 weeks payed vacation. 8 hour work day with no expectation of overtime. Overtime at work is usually compensated for either with money or time off. Generally ok not to do any work at home after hours (i.e. ok to shut off phone, don't answer work emails) but this varies between companies. No salary first sick day, but from 2nd sick day up to 80% salary even when you're home sick. Overall generous retirement plans. 480 DAYS OF PAID PARENTAL LEAVE PER CHILD YOU GET - Society in general: Free education, even university level. Almost free healthcare. Almost free daycare. Almost free retirement homes. Great public transportation. Great infrastructure. Generally early adoption of new tech. High level of democracy. Low corruption. Low crime. Best tasting water you ever had right out of the tap in every home. Career opportunities for women (you see women in leadership positions at all levels, e.g. parliament 45% women). Almost everyone speaks decent english. CONS FOR WORKING IN SWEDEN - High taxes. High prices on products in general. Even higher prices on select products (e.g. gas, alcohol, tobacco) because of additional taxes. Really hard to find housing in the bigger cities, and when you do it's expensive. Swedes in general are kind of reserved so can be hard for foreigners to make Swedish friends outside work. Everyone speaks english so typically takes a lot of work for foreigners to learn the language. Lots of informal unspoken rules in the workplace that no one will tell you if you overstep
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  167. that 1:30 drone shot put a smile on my face. just breathtaking.
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  168. Thanks again Greg ;) Shout out to Toby! XD
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  169. Awwww Mae from England is missing : )
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  170. 3:10 They are Shugenja that is the practioners ofe Shugendo religion, kind of misture of Esoteric Buddhism (like Shingon Shu) and Shinto traditions. I live in São Paulo, Brazil, South America, the place with more nipon descendents out of Japan, and here we also have Shugendo traditions! I love the Japan spiritual traditions and study them in my Master Degree in Religions Sciences. But about the snow, we don't have here, here is more like tropical Okinawa! XD If it is possible, send a hello here in the coments to Brazil! /|\ Onegai onegai! Dja mata ne!
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  171. This is really well researched! But I just want to add that in case you're in Tokyo for a short trip (like 3 days) and want to make the best of it, I highly recommend the Tokyo Subway Ticket (24,48,72hrs). You can use it on all the subway conpany but not on JR trains. I was able to go to all of the popular tourist spots in Tokyo and didn't spend a ton of transpo money coz of this. They also have a tourist train map that will show where you can go down to visit a tourist spot.
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  172. I just asked my 11 year old son "are you Japanese, Puerto Rican or American?" Without hesitation he emphatically answered "I'm all!". My high school age daughter said she's all but more one or the other depending on the company. I'm Puerto Rican, my wife Japanese and my children were born in the USA. We live in Japan so they've had contact with all three cultures. During the Tokyo Olympics, my children cheered for all three national teams but cheered the loudest when the Puerto Rican woman won the 100m hurdles race because they know how seldom we win at anything. On the odd moment that they faced each other, they were happy regardless the outcome. They are Japatoricans. My wife and I have always taught them to never try to fit into any mold or try to simply "fit in". We have also taught them that all their heritages are rich and valuable and they are more powerful by embracing all three instead of trying to be one over the other. We also encourage them to seek the similarities instead of the differences. I have mixed feelings about some of the reactions from the people featured in the film. Some seemed confused and clueless about who they were. It made me feel like their upbringings might have tried to encourage one heritage over another and that what they are has been emphasized over who they are. I just hope that those that seemed confused can come to a place in which they don't put pressure on themselves about fitting in or trying to be one thing over another.
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  173. I got your joke at the end! Leaving even more valuable things behind. Hahaha! Anyway, Singaporeans use tissue packs most of the time or the usual umbrellas and bags too. I'll usually leave my bag behind but I'll make sure I'll bring along my phone n wallet with me so there'll be nothing much left in my bag.
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  174. Seems troublesome for foreigners to get the full experience because of the language barrier and lack of English services (none mentioned). Is the Ibaraki prefecture trying to get more foreigners or Japanese tourists by sponsoring this video? Seems more like the latter.
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  175. No video has ever applied to my life less that I’ve enjoyed so much 😂
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  176. I love the fact he addressed his tie haha.
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  177. It's awesome that you had your interviewees record the video calls footage in high quality. I'm so tired of looking at shitty compressed videos on TV talk shows and in work video meetings, the dropped connections, the bad sound autogains. My eyes and ears thank you. Was that hard to have the less technically minded among them run the right software?
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  178. I don't know if you will see this comment, but thank you from the bottom of my heart for making these videos. Although my health would never allow it, it's my dream to visit Japan someday. Seeing your videos is a wonderful experience and let's me feel as if I am close to visiting as I can be. どうもありがとうございました
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  179. I am very proud to be Canadian and to have had the privilege of living in such a safe, tolerant, and vibrant country for all my life. It's very hard for me to imagine ever living in another country but I think I should definitely try doing so at one point in my life to gain new experiences. That being said, as an avid viewer of your videos I've also always wondered what your ethnic background is time and time again and I'm really glad that you created this video explaining that by including the point of views of all your siblings. I cannot express in words how relevant this video is to me personally. I just can't believe how similar our ethnic backgrounds are. I, myself, was born in Ontario, Canada but my parents are both natives of Guyana; my mother is half Chinese (paternally) and half Amerindian (maternally, Indigenous peoples of South America) and my father is half Portuguese (maternally) and half Brazilian/Mixed (paternally). Similarly, I cannot count how many times I've been asked what my background is and I would say about 80% of the time I'm mistaken for Filipino and the remaining 20% Mexican. All in all, I absolutely enjoy your videos because they are informative (well-researched/structured), inspirational, and interactive. I have an obsession with Japanese culture, history, and cuisine and I plan on making it my next vacation destination. In essence, what I would like you to know is that your videos are very precious to me because I feel as though I'm "living" my dream life through them (I don't want to sound weird but I'm not exactly sure how else to phrase it). To end my long tangent, I wish you all the best with your first feature-length documentary: "Being Japanese."
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  180. As a former anthropology major who lived in Japan after college for a while, I think this is a fascinating question. I think one's way of looking at and interacting with the world / one's surroundings and way of thinking are also part of what makes someone a particular person (ex: North American or Japanese). Also, there is the distinction of how we perceive ourselves vs how others see us from the outside too. Looking forward to hearing more about this as it develops. Jane from DC
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  181. Ahhh your sister-in-law seems like such a sweet person ^^
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  182. this was really interesting and i'm looking forward to the rest of this series, but there were two things tom gill said without mentioning their historical background that i think provide an important context! 1) "after world war 2 japan managed to stay out of wars" -- after the atomic bombs we dropped on japan, the us initiated an unprecedented surrender. we occupied the country for a couple of years, had a handful of unqualified twenty-somethings rewrite the japanese constitution, and part of that was completely disarming the nation. so yes, japan managed to stay out of wars, but there's a lot of complicated history and really atrocious politics and war crimes on the us' behalf 2) wrt deinstitutionalization in america, that's obviously a looooong story but it was actually a pretty well thought out plan because mental institutions were completely isolated, most folks were admitted without consent, and a lot of malpractice happened in them. there had been a plan in place to create community health homes, the first housing specifically for mentally ill people, etc. a lot of people were working on this after john f kennedy kicked it off, but this was completely put to a stop by ronald reagan who didn't want the federal government to support mental health services, so not enough of the community care was created and the remaining folks had nowhere to go these are just two topics i care about a lot, so i wanted to add some background info!
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  183. I really like the path you are taking with this channel. The first video I saw, was the one about the japanese breakfast. I continued to watch your videos, because of your adorable kids explaining japanese "topics". I kept watching because of the good footage from "places of interest". And now you put out more and more videos about specific topics (not necessarily aimed for tourists) in japanese culture and really go deep in the materia. By now this is the only channel I know to provide such a good insight and I really enjoy it!
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  184. SUBTITLES: "English" ONLY has subtitles for Japanese and hard to hear English, whereas "English UK" has subtitles for all spoken English! Thanks.
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  185. Fascinating as usual, Greg. There are so many Youtube channels that focus on the odd side of Japanese life, I love the fact that you spend time looking at the ordinary, but coax out the subtle (and not so subtle!) differences with life in the West. I lived in Japan myself years ago and it's those subtle differences that I miss the most.
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  186. Was waiting for you to finish this project for so long! You can be sure, I'll pay to watch it the day it comes out. Love your style Greg, informative and elegant, very excited to watch it! :)
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  187. Great video! 38 day countdown to go to Japan, yay!! My flight arrives early in the morning, so my plan is to activate the JR, pick up the pocket wifi, leave the lugagge at the hotel, have breakfast and go to Oedo Onsen on my first day
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  188. Love the nuanced tone you used on this topic Greg... I often talk about this but in a way more sharp tone. xD Put simply, the stuff you usually see on international news coverage, specially for countries like Japan on a western publication, is often times sensationalized, exaggerated, or made to look weird/unique on purpose. There is a secondary intention there, and it's often not a great one. It changes at times, but sometimes it's demeaning (as in, our culture is superior to theirs), sometimes it's fetishization, sometimes it's targetting specific subcultures to make it look like it's a mainstream thing, sometimes it's for the clicks or for the views... And it's also often in a judgemental tone, not to provoke discussion or to make people think, but rather superficial and one sided. Which is quite unfortunate. I often say that if your own culture was seen through the lenses often applied by international news about Japan, or other foreign countries, it'd look as "weird" if not weirder. You don't even have to go that far I guess... tabloids will usually give a sense of how that goes. But still, tabloid news is not the same as international news because at least on tabloid news you have the full expectation that it's purposedly made that way for the clicks. International news often portray themselves as serious, composed, when they often actually are not. It gets to a point where a whole ton of these weird things that are often covered in international news are there mostly for tourists instead of japanese people. The weirdest thing most tourists will think about Japan when they visit there will probably be how not weird Japan actually is. It's a really good exercise to go through all these supposedly weird and unique things that are often talked about Japan, and see if there isn't something there in your own culture that looks or sounds extremely similar. Look hard enough, you'll often find that there actually is. I'll just talk about one thing that came up recently that is not an example of weird thing, but how international news tend to distort things, in this case by shallow coverage: the "Fukushima disaster". Fukushima is actually the 3rd biggest prefecture in Japan, the Daiichi power plant tsunami flooding and subsequent meltdown was bad, but the plant is located on the west coast of the prefecture, and the area that is still dealing with problems around ionizing radiation is a radius of a few miles around the plant, not much more than that. It was catastrophic, I'm not trying to diminish how severe the whole thing was, but it affected an area much smaller than most people imagine. The vast majority of the prefecture was not affected all that much, and it's a prefecture that almost reaches all the way to the east coast of Japan... it has lots of mountains, lots of onsens, lots of interesting stuff to see, different terrains, lots of cities and culture, lots of stuff that even most tourists don't see (because most tourists only go to Tokyo and Kyoto)... because it's a huge prefecture, not only a power plant. And yet, as it was labeled "Fukushima disaster", people specially from outside Japan thinks the entire prefecture is condemned or something, when not even the capital city of Fukushima which is located more towards the north of the prefecture didn't change much. :P I don't think many people realize this, but the capital of Fukushima, that has the same name, never saw anything related to ionizing radiation out of the Tohoku 2011 disaster. They had problems in infrastructure and public transportation because of the earthquake, but that's mostly it. So I think it's awesome that Greg often makes videos de-mystifing Japan... I think it's needed, because it's something you don't see a lot on traditional media.
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  189. Your videos are really well made and i think that they do the perfect job of conveying your opinion across to your audience and really portraying the landscape and perspective that you make the video from. Just wanted to say great job and every time you make such a well made video i want to pack my bags and move there to reconnect with my family there, but alas life goes on... Just awesome video and keep up the great work.
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  190. Well done Greg. I’m currently practising my English pronunciation so as not to spread germs.
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  191. conbini clerk: 温めますか? guy who speaks zero Japanese: ummmm?!?!?!?!!?! panic attack
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  192. You did it Greg: this is now the best, most well informed and comprehensive video on Japanese school lunch! Hope this gets the views it deserves
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  193. So happy to see her Ojii-san enjoying some music!
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  194. 9:40 Greetings from Mira Cheltenham! didn't expect to see one of my factories old thermostatic valves in a LWIF Vid!
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  195. Very impressive. I've known about the school lunches in Japan for a long time, but never seen it in detail how it works. I wish more countries could take care of their children like this. Here in Sweden we also have school lunches provided from the beginning and up through High School. They are perhaps not as good as the japanese but good enough and healthy. The cost is provided by taxes so everyone in Sweden contributes to the school meals. :) Keep up the good work!
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  196. Wow! The detail, time, research and effort you put in to explore this topic was amazing.  I've learn so much from this series of videos on homelessness in Japan that its unprecedented.  You covered a topic that was unique that most people would not want to explore or even talk about let alone make known to the general public.  I look forward to more videos from you about topics/issues that haven't been covered yet or subjects that people refuse to talk about.  I'm sure NHK can learn a thing or two from you maybe they need to hire you to do some consulting for them. Good luck & much success on your future endeavors!!
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  197. LOL @ the part he piles up tempura. I think the biggest tip is to omit any unnecessary words when ordering or asking something. For example, you should say "tempura udon please" instead of "can i get tempura udon please" as it can create more confusion. they mean the same thing but more wordy/polite. using enough words to get your point across without sounding rude is key to effective communication in japan. also, body language and pointing will take you very far honestly.
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  198. Bathing in an onsen was my absolute best e perience from Japan. And I love the food, the cities, the landscape, but this was something very different that taught me to contemplate other people’s and my own nakedness in a new way.
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  199. Thank you for the video! This is the most detailed experience of someone else who went to a Japanese Language school I've seen. I've been self-learning the Japanese Language kind of at a snail's pace for the past 2 years, because of working full time and being a full-time college student while doing this. But, I am learning it all the same. I've used multiple sources to study from like Rosetta Stone, Genki, and Human Japanese. I recently started learning how to speak on a native level from someone who lives in Japan because I know the textbooks mostly teach me how to sound like a foreigner know matter what. My goal is to live and study in Japan after I am done with college in the US. I figure learning as much Japanese now may make things easier when I get there.
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  200. it's amazing that people dealing with these identity issues can watch this video and feel that they aren't alone. I believe that Japan and the international community will increasingly learn to accept people of all backgrounds and integrate them into their society instead of isolating them and otherizing them.
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  201. These Aomori videos really are some of your best ones! And it's superb to see how they've adapted to the situation, and the due diligence they take. If I compare that to where I live where people can't even bother keeping the sidewalk clean/clearing their car windows...
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  202. This is truly one of your best videos I think. "There are so many ways to support your independence" is such a lovely phrase and it brings comfort to anyone regardless of age, but especially those that fear growing old. That was truly a poignant, beautiful and hopeful statement
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  203. RUN FOREST, RUN! :D
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  204. I always thought that これはペンです would be the most useful Japanese phrase, now science proves it!
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  205. I also grew up in Winnipeg and now live in Japan. So nostalgic. Just the sound of that snow block being kicked on the ground brought me right back :-) An unexpected gift. Thank you!
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  206. When I saw 'the end' I laughed very hard
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  207. I have done extensive camping in both the United States and Canada. In Canada, I have camped in the Canadian Rockies west of Ft. Saint John, British Columbia. In the United States, I have camped in Massachusetts and Vermont. The Canadian camping was the most isolated camping experience and I was by myself. By foot, the nearest person would be at least a 3 day hike away from where I was Camping. If you use Google earth, you would be looking for a place called Graham-Laurier Provincial Park in British Columbia. I should be stated that this area is real wilderness and real animals like bear, moose, and wolf are there. But that was way back in 1976 when I was 17 years old. I had to carry all my gear myself. I loved it alot.
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  208. I live in rural Shizuoka prefecture. Although my town amalgamated with others about 10 years ago and is officially about 50K people, the town centre near where I live is only a few thousand people. We have a bus that runs fairly regularly to Shizuoka city (about 700K people), but it takes 1.5 hours to get there and costs about 2,500 yen (~$25) round trip. Unfortunately, the train line in my town was closed 50 years ago :-( I'm Canadian, but I've lived in this small Japanese city for about 10 years now. I love it. It's so quiet and friendly. There is a lot of nature everywhere, but it is also convenient. There are 3 (!) grocery stores within a 25 minute walk of my house. There are also a surprising number of extremely good restaurants. I have a car, but only my wife uses it. There is no real need to have one in such a small town. However, when you live here you are definitely in Japan. The point about diverse culture in large cities is well taken. Whether it be food or clothes, or anything else: if it's foreign, it's hard to get without going to the big city. I work remotely as a computer programmer. At the moment I do work for a UK company and everybody I work with is 8-9 hours behind me. By the time I'm finishing my day, they are just starting. This is difficult because I lack any real social life. I've only ever met 1 other computer programmer who lives anywhere near me, so I have nobody that I can share my work experiences with. Because my colleagues are all time shifted, I end up working a lot of nights, which has me wandering the countryside during the day. This is very nice, but the only people I meet are retirees. This has resulted in me making friends with people in their 60's and 70's, which is nice, but again it's hard to find anyone to talk to that can relate to me at all. I think one of the big advantages to living in the countryside for a foreigner is that you are immersed in Japan. As I said, there is no escaping it. There is a certain pace of life. I must buy seasonal food because that's all that is available to me. On the other hand, when you see the pictures of the farmers on the produce in the store -- those are my neighbours. I recognise them. I see them working the fields. I know the care that they put into the food. My neighbours all know me and I'm expected to help out with cleaning of the neighbourhood or attending the various festivals. They chastise me when I work on national holidays (because it isn't a holiday in the UK ;-) ). They bring me omiyage when they travel and expect me to return the favour. I'm not sure how easy it would be to settle in so completely in a large city. Anyway, this is my home now and I wouldn't trade it for the world, but it's definitely a lot of give and take. It's strange, because I'm typing this in Canada as my wife and I are visiting my parents. I'm always homesick when I come to Canada and can't wait to get back to Japan. Watching your video helped (especially since I have fond memories of cycling in Ehime and visiting Matsuyama). I really enjoy your videos. Keep up the good work.
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  209. I really liked the doctor. If everyone acted like him, there wouldn't be problems like that! This is somewhat heavy content, but it's great that you make these kind of videos, since homelessness isn't only a problem of Japan, but every country has them and I'm sure there are organisations like this everywhere, no one knows about. But only about 5000 homeless people in Japan? Or do you mean Tokyo? I feel like that's surprisingly low.. but if it's real I'm glad!
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  210. This channel is so underrated. Every video put out has such a high quality of production and you can tell of the love that was put into it. Also the topics themselves are very interesting. It's especially interesting to see a culture on the other side of the world from you. Even if you live in Japan, there is so much to learn about that you may not have known.
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  211. Super interesting stuff Greg, please continue covering this sorts of topics because I think your channels is basically the only one putting the work and digging into these topics this well. Thanks!
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  212. That butter knife is the MVP tool of this video. 😂
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  213. I love this kind of everyday excellence Japan has to offer. Thank you, Greg, for putting out this amazing content, you've been smashing it lately! Sure makes for a nice change from all the typical shopping/eating/hidden spots/quirky japan videos out here.
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  214. I’m so glad I found your channel and subscribed to it. Your content is amazing, relevant and entertaining. While I was in Tokyo a couple of months ago I was wondering about this topic and now I know a lot more thanks to you!
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  215. Wow. I will never stop being blown-away and impressed by your videos. You have an incredible eye for filming and editing. It always puts a big smile on my face to see your adventures, especially when you share them with your family. I am greatly looking forward to your documentary, as well as one day visiting Japan myself. I wonder, what kind of drone do you use?
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  216. If I ever go to Japan (which I'm sure I'll do someday) I would definitely want to get something to eat! Could you make a video about how to order food at restaurants (if you haven't already)? Especially since I'm vegetarian, I would like to know what I'd be ordering. Thank you : )
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  217. Holy crap! I lived in Japan for 4 years and had a sense of most of the things explained in this video, but would never have been able to illustrate any of that verbally. This video was really full of epiphanies for me, explaining what I felt for so long. This is really why I love your videos, you take so many topics that I have come to understand naturally, but could have never put into words, and then explain them in detail and give reasons for their being the way that they are. Please don't stop making content. When I move back to Japan, I feel like I will be so much more well equipped and more capable of appreciating the culture fully. Really, thanks a lot!
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  218. I commend you for showing the good and the bad side of the Philippines. Like all countries Philippines have It's flaws. I just wish that like you said there should be transparency about the prices. Maybe put some laws and regulate such activities. I experiece this also whenever we are in the philippines. They charge my husband more because he's white then for me I get the local price. But when we're together, Ialways insist we get the local the price and then give them a tip instead.
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  219. Yeah, and her voice is lovely.
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  220. 22:49 drop mic
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  221. It's great that the documentary is finally out for everyone to see! I already watched it since I backed it but I'll definitely rewatch it.
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  222. That first breakfast video made me start eating and craving natto, and to this day I think of her stirring it and measure the quality of what I purchase by the consistency I saw. Thank you
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  223. Impressive quality and professionalism with this one! The time and dedication really paid off. Youtube's algorithm doesn't really reward time consuming "quality over quantity" kind of work, so I can definitely appreciate this type of content, as well as all the Patrons with great taste supporting this channel. Keep up the amazing work! The only grudge I have is that you didn't tell about the long version immediately. (Although, I guess "short version" implies it. I got so excited and immersed I didn't notice.) I would have watched that first.
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  224. I think the whole video is not an excuse but just for curious ppl to why japanese is so hard. Its very informative and give a logical insight to a language like a pat on the back to ppl who are trying to learn but are having struggles. E.g. me its nice to know someone else is having the same struggles and is giving a reason to why its hard and i wont give myself a hard time and just take a step back and having a different perspective
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  225. I actually closed on a place in Karuizawa (but i will not be putting up an American flag). It's in the Owner's Hill community and it's what I've always wanted. It's reneted out most of the year except for mid summer and the solnowy season in February. As for the "Gates House", I cant say if he actually owns it outright, but I can 100% confirm he's stayed there more than once.
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  226. Your videos just continue to get better and better! Big thanks to you and to everyone involved for allowing you to capture and share this wonderfully informative video. I am a grandparent raising a middle school child in the states and it is truly a blessing to be able to view these outstanding videos that you create. You are giving us an opportunity how things are done in other parts of the world that we are currently are not able to travel to. There is so much that we are learning from watching your channel! I love the efficiency, thought and consideration that is given in the running of Japanese school system's lunch program, most especially with health declining all over the world. I really appreciate the way that everyone, from the administration and even down to the students are taught from an early age to pitch in, be appreciative and to consider others. Even here where I live, we know that children will take better care of that which they have an investment in. We can all gain wisdom from this model. Thank you again. Wishing you all continued blessings!
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  227. I've recently become obsessed over YouTube channels that talk about urban planning and walkable cities. Which is why I am sooooo glad you made this video! Those channels talk about European cities almost all the time, so it's very refreshing to see a video all about Japan. It might not be what the whole video is about but I'm still glad.
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  228. In my opinion it really shows you put a lot of thought and research into filming this series that shows a different side of Japan than other youtubers upload. Some really nice work! It's like watching a documentary on TV, and I am looking forward for the final part. It's interesting to see how other countries handles those unlucky that has fallen to tough times. Even a little support can make a huge difference in getting people back on their feet again.
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  229. Here in Vancouver, BC, "Van Life" is a real alternative to overpriced, tiny apartments, and vans are smaller than these apartments. I lived in a van for 2 1/2 years and my current apartment is just under 28 sq m (about the size of 3 regulation parking spaces). Tiny home life has many advantages; fast to clean and maintain, minimalist lifestyle, creative decorating, use less resources (esp heating/cooling), save money, gets you outside and into public spaces more often. Also, most studies of the way people actually use the space in their homes shows that some entire rooms/areas are seldom used, like closets, dining rooms, etc., whilst eat-in kitchens are used extensively so much less space is required to live than what we currently use.
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  230. best tips is just to try it, try and fail. That is how i best learned how to get food and get around in Japan. Also as was pointed out in the video, take note of how the Japanese people go about it and copy them. There are plenty of good guides out there with phrases and word guides to help you get better with the whole "food/restaurant" part in Japan, so just studying these and take those guides with you on your mobile phone so you can easily refresh your memory with the phrases and words.
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  231. Bought two! How unique to be able to have a towel and say "Look here, at this video, where they are making this very towel from design to production!" My first LWIF merch thank you very much for making such unique content!
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  232. Backed your Indiegogo campaign the moment the video finished. Will be supporting your work Greg all the way!
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  233. I do really love this in-depth sociological/anthropological videos of Yours way more than these from before. A Brand New Level, Huge development. Don't get me wrong, they are awesome in their own way, but sort of difficult to compete on YouTube in an overused, cliche'd niche, especially on a quite worn topics. Thanks for hard work. Keep up, great job!
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  234. Good to see this coming over to LWIF! This is a personal favorite!
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  235. My favorite part was the ending 😂 thank you Greg — we really couldn’t go anywhere outdoors when we filmed this so doing this episode with everyone was the event of the week for us! Stay safe everyone 😺
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  236. This is such a moving piece, Greg couldn’t have have chosen a better filmmaking style to convey Sakai-san’s story. A lot of content about Japan tend to lament the disappearance of old, traditional establishments. But here we get an idea why that happens. Hearing that some of his customers spend hours in his sento because they’re lonely t home really hit me.
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  237. I wouldn't say I'm good in Japanese, but I have experience of studying varying languages in different ways. I'm from Poland, lived in the UK for over half my life and learned French in secondary (middle) school as a mandatory subject. The classroom environment never worked for me; repetition, memorisation and strict learning of grammatical rules produces weak results. I remember about 20 words from French after 5 years of learning. To compare I learned English in one year, became fluent in three, all thanks to integration into society and a personal tutor to lay a foundation and set the frames. But that's when I lived in the county of which I was learning the language, not many people have that option without considerable risk. With Japanese I had the same problem Jess mentioned; it's hard to keep motivated by yourself. I dropped learning it for the sake of Swedish with the dream of moving there within two years and found a website (or free app) called Duolingo. What would you know: they also have Japanese! It quickly teaches how to build sentences, and slowly builds up vocabulary and grammar. You set your own pace, but it has daily targets and a clear structure to help with the motivation. There's a discussion forum for help if you need it. Duolingo can help you with basics. For Kanji I suggest "Kanji Look and Learn Workbook" from Genki Plus, work through it at your own pace at the same time. Once you feel comfortable in the basics and wish to test your understanding, Youtube channel Fantajikan has children's stories to develop listening/reading/kanji comprehension. With time move to watching Japanese TV/shows/anime and reading things such as "Parallel text short stories in Japanese". Also get Japanese Microsoft IME for typing. Rikaikun chrome extension can help you with kanji in a web browser; it's a dictionary. It's definitely a good idea to use the online language connect websites down the line (or have a Japanese native as a friend) but I never had the courage hence the reason my Japanese never got above 'ok-ish'. I hope this is of help for some people. Good luck with your learning. And as always thank you for an insightful video, Greg. ; )
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  238. Hi Greg, Ate at Suzuki Soba this past October and we had a great time. Although they spoke less English than we did Japanese, they went out of their way to serve us. The owners were very accomodating and Ken-san got so exicted when we mentioned this video. Even some patrons that spoke a little English gave us suggestions. The food was great and it was a wonderful experience venturing into the less "touristy" parts of Tokyo. They even seemed surprised that foreign tourists, although Japanese, found our way off the beaten path to their humble restaurant. I presume you live in the area, so if you see them again, tell them "domo arigatogozaimasu" from the tourists from Hawaii whom they helped find their way. And thank you for pointing us in their direction! We'll be back in October.
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  239. This is truly a masterpiece. I hope this will open doors and discussions about the fact that while traditions and customs are very important but we are living in the XXI. century. Excluding valuable people from a society (or not accepting them as one of them) will only make that very society weaker. Thank you for this.
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  240. This is super interesting for me, I also have a 4 Yr old half Japanese daughter. We live in New Zealand, but she primarily speaks Japanese. We have lots of Japanese friends with Japanese kids (half and full) who also speak Japanese, even several of her daycare friends. We hope she can keep the language, and that she can live in Japan at some point. It's also interesting learning about aspects (even the ugly aspects) of Japanese history and culture, much of which my wife never learned growing up in Shimane. Much of what is discussed in this documentary is new to her. I also just finished the first series of Pachinko, an amazing show exploring zainichi culture and history. In terms of Ainu and Ryukyu, there are lots of parallels with Maori experiences in New Zealand-up until the 60s Maori were not allowed to speak Maori, and the culture was suppressed. I'm part Maori (my name is Maori) so my daughter also carries this cultural heritage with her, and we hope she can also learn the language and culture. Thanks for helping us learn more of this. We're at a really interesting point in human history, where there is more and more a western centric universal culture, so pride in our heritage is becoming more and more important. Also, just rebooked our holiday we had to cancel in March 2020, I can't wait to be back in Izumo. I love Japan and Japanese culture, but I also have balanced view, including the positive and negative aspects of the conformist/community-rules focussed social culture.
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  241. Last time I was in Japan, reliably declining plastic bags in konbinis (with limited Japanese skills) was a surprisingly challenging task. Glad to hear itʼs easier now ^^
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  242. Another great video, Greg. The thoroughness and cited sources make it come off as well researched. I'm of the same opinion as you, where plastic is a VERY nuanced discussion. I try to do my best with not creating waste, but there are times when I just throw a plastic container in the trash because the amount of hot water and soap I would need to clean it seems worse than the plastic itself. People always say glass is better, but like your video mentions, it costs more energy to make, transport and clean, than a feather light plastic bottle. Similar story with cotton bags/totes vs plastic, you'd need to use your cotton bag several thousand times for it cause less environmental harm than plastic bags. Its an extremely complicated situation. And while plastic is 'bad', its also a super material, cheap, light, waterproof, can be hard or soft, durable or delicate. My opinion is that plastic isnt truly the issue, but energy is. With enough energy alternative options like glass and aluminum make more sense, and plastics can easily be removed from the environment and properly processed. But obviously getting an abundance of energy would solve a ton of problems, and getting there through renewables isnt an easy feat. Unfortunately I dont think this video will do well on Youtube. It starts with the misconceptions of Japans plastic use, but deviates into recycling and plastic as a whole. Its a 10/10 video about plastic and recycling, but I fear that the subject isn't a popular one, unless you're a channel like Kurzgesagt. But even if it doesnt do well, I hope you're able to be happy that you made a high quality educational video.
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  243. "I'm not an expert", yet your videos have helped me educate my friends and co-workers on how flawed our recycling system is in the United States compared to how it is in Japan and I even have helped them get a better eye for identification and sorting based on my inspiration from the Japanese- and your videos have been a part of this. Great job, man.
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  244. I’ve been living in Kyoto for four years now and have been wondering about Japan’s homelessness for some time. I didn’t realize there were homeless in Kyoto until I looked closer that sometimes there are men (usually elderly) walking/riding bicycle with packs of plastic bags which you can tell that they have used it for a long time. The next was when I found those cardboard boxes houses under the bridge —they were gone few weeks after, perhaps relocated by the local government... I’d like to thank you so much for making this series -it helps me to understand aspects in Japan social life through homelessness. It encourages me to learn further, especially by comparing how it is in Japan and in my home country. Again, thank you for the good work!!
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  245. Bro, thank you so much for your reporting on the Philippines. The subject matter is something rarely shown in travelog shows where the usual focus is on the touristy, Western-influenced aspects of the country. I am an immigrant Filipino who has lived most of his life in the United States and rarely get to see this type of view on youTube of my mother country. I am touched by your reporting and hope you continue to do this level of detail and curiosity in all of your future work. I hope the families that you interviewed are doing well and perhaps more reporting on this country in the future will keep us updated on how they are. BTW, I am impressed by your previous reporting on the 'homelessness' question in Japan. It was informative and again, something that is rarely shown on youTube. Keep up the good work! Have a nice day.
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  246. Japan 0:00-17:51
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  247. We had an interesting experience with the noise situation when we moved in here. Our daughter was running around the empty rooms before we moved in properly, and the downstairs neighbour came up, thunderous face, to complain. When we opened the door, she took one look at us, and broke out smiling, saying that it was nothing to worry about, and we've had no complaints from her in the nine years since. I suspect that the people in here before us were not the best neighbours, and she was really happy they'd gone. (The people here before us were majority Japanese.) On the other hand, my wife did insist on paying to put a soundproof floor down in the living room. That wasn't cheap. Noise really is an issue here.
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  248. I've seen the school lunch program covered on NHK's Japanology Plus (and previously on Begin Japanology), one of my very favorite programs. Your video tops those. If I could give this multiple thumbs up, I would. Fantastic! 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
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  249. This is a wonderful distraction from our current isolation situation. Keep safe and thank you for this, Greg!
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  250. I am so glad she didn't cut her hand! I jumped and gasped. It's so nice to see her here!
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  251. Amazing work, the video quality is astonishingly good
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  252. Already watched this great documentary when it was first released and it was great to support the work of Greg by buying it! 😁
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  253. I found this video really interesting, thanks Greg! I live in Ireland and I think that there are actually a lot of different everyday things I don’t realize that relate to Ireland’s catholic roots!
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  254. I’m watching this whilst taking a poop on the toilet in a Japanese office. This is what being Japanese is all about - getting paid to poop at work and watch YouTube.
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  255. Thank you so much for let us know about this important issue. I admire your constant work. You respect homeless people as the same human being who have human rights and emotions. That's what it makes the interview meaningful. I was moved by the doctor and the staff member of Sanyukai. Looking forward for the last video of this series.
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  256. Thanks to Gen Wa for the difficult task of doing the subs for the master English track! That makes doing subs in other languages much easier http://www.youtube.com/timedtext_video?ref=share&v=iGbC5j4pG9w
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  257. how come my country is a name of a cookie sandwich.funny tho😂😂😂 ( Ghana)
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  258. Extremely enlightening video!! I truly enjoyed this, and being a half-Japanese and caucasian person I found this video very relatable. I feel similar to your second eldest brother, because like him, I look very white compared to my two siblings that look very Asian. My mother is full Japanese, and my dad is part Scottish, Spanish, Iberian, Armenian, Native, etc. I look different from my siblings but feel very Japanese even though many people mistaken me as being Mexican or Filipino. Anyways thanks for the great video Greg !!
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  259. If you liked this one, you'll probably like my video about What the Richest Vacation Town in Japan is Like https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDHAjwIZkXs
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  260. haha nice hand shaking when holding the katsu :D
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  261. I find this kind of stuff really interesting. I've been interested in different kinds of modern cuisine around the world and how it has changed with the generations, in addition to studying some traditional dishes from different parts of the world. The stories of how some modern Japanese favorites such as Omurice have come around can be interesting as well.
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  262. I love your videos. The calm voice, the realism, the unvarnished look at things ... You are amazing and the content you produced over the years is too. I still remember the "What Owning a Ramen Restaurant in Japan is Like"from back then!
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  263. I think I’m going to have a word with our head teacher about how we can instil some of this care and teamwork into our students. Thanks for another video that’s got me thinking.
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  264. Very interesting background! I'm a teacher in Japan and when I explain my Euro-mutt background (Dominant English, Scottish and some Austrian) my students are always amazed at how unique I must be. But I tell them that when it comes to Canadians, my background is very unremarkable and that we all have a story of where our ancestors came from and when they mixed. Your interviews with your brothers show that even with Canada's very mixed population, it tends to be those who have more visibly non-Anglo Saxon, or just "darker," features that get asked about their background. A few of my Canadian friends who belong to visible minorities and have more recent immigrant roots, have told me stories that they sometimes get mistaken as foreign by other Canadians. For example, Visible Minority Friend says "I'm heading home for a few months," referring to their parents house in a different Canadian city, maybe an hour away. Anglo Saxon Friend "What?? You are going back to *Parent's/Grandparent's Home Country*??" Canada is home to people of so many different backgrounds, and while I think in general it is a very accepting place I think we need to remind ourselves that physical features/ethnicity are not indicators or hints at one's nationality. This is something I always try to teach my students when they ask "Where are you from?"
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  265. After watching your videos non stop I convinced my mum I'm 'educated' about Japan, so as my birthday gift I'm going there for 3 weeks!!!!!!! I'm so excited and can't wait to go to Tokyo!
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  266. Great video. As a Filipino-American, it's nice to see how it REALLY is back in the Philippines. Plus, the way you documented and told the story of your trip there was elegantly done, and very respectful. Thank you for that! Thanks for the content - been enjoying your channel for some time now. Keep it up!
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  267. Where I'm from in France we have something similar. We call it "pierrade" and it's not exactly a grill but a hot stone. The device is about the dimensions as the one in your video, we put it at the center of the table and everyone can grill its food. It's mainly a meat dish, that we then eat with various sauces.
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  268. Thank you very much for this show, it was very fun to watch. I enjoyed how you split up the Fruit Tasting with the information from the farmer, Café and store. This episode gives a good feeling about the thoughts and ideas around fruit in Japan. Befor watching this episode I was not aware of how much thought and effort was put in to the growing and selection of the gift fruits. Thank you.
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  269. I've lived in 6 prefectures in Japan: Saitama, Kumagaya, Osaka, Hiroshima, Aichi, and Shimane. And yes... all of those places I see the garbage people running after the garbage... in my experience it is pretty universal.
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  270. That looks really good! I love grilled vegetables and the soba noodles looked really good. Also, I want a bath that talks and does stuff on its own!
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  271. I've worked in America, the UK, and briefly in Canada, but I'm only 24 so it's not a particularly long work history. I think there's something valuable to be derived from each system. Japanese companies' holistic commitment to their employees is fantastic. In comparison, a lot of Western companies expect society to train, house, care for (and so on...) their workers, and that their only responsibility is to pay for the finished product (while often avoiding the taxes that goes toward everything that gets people to that stage). In the UK, I feel like there's a strong separation between your work and your outside life. The social circles don't often overlap all that much, and people (unless they're in certain professions) often have a "this is just what I do for a living and nothing more than that" mentality. In the US, by contrast, it often seems like peoples' work defines them (after a certain point in their career at least). Americans talk about their jobs a hell of a lot, in my experience, and more of them (than Brits) are genuinely enthusiastic and committed to their work. Japan's a weird case, though. It developed (redeveloped, really) and modernized so quickly after the war, with all the money and influence that was being poured in from the US and with its restructuring that it often seems like it skipped some of the major social movements that define the conditions of Western society (the industrial era labour movement, the women's rights movement, etc.). South Korea and other, similar "tiger" economies are similar in this respect. The economy moved a lot faster than society could adapt.
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  272. thats 10 lanes in total. INCLUDING BIKE LANES
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  273. I just had to chime in and tell you that more often than not, your videos are super relaxing but also make me feel so much nostalgia at the same time. I had a long trip in Japan last year and can't get it out of my head, to the point that I'm trying to get things sorted out so I can move there. Please keep making more videos, they're always amazing, and hopefully one day I'll be able to visit all of these places and interact with all of these nice people.
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  274. There nothing that is wired is this World !! It totally depends upon you how do you take that thing , for example wether you are wearing mask for protection or hiding yourself it totally up to you , if you don't like that but there might be some people who likes that loves wearing masks daily in General !!
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  275. Thank you for this documentary. So rich, insightful, and pleasant to watch at the same time. I know what you do does not compare with what other Youtubers in Japan do, but the quality of your documentaries is always so high. You deserve a lot of praise for putting so much effort in choosing the right filming angles, sources or topics. It has probably been asked before, but do you do all the work on your own? Or do you work with a team? Thank you
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  276. Thank you so much for including my video of Costa Rica, I didn't know what to say so I recorded it a lot of times and still wasn't happy when I send it!! keep up with the great videos!!
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  277. You can really see how ingrained kanban and other Japanese quality/management tools are in the workplace. Basically externalized and visualized checklists to get everyone on the same page with zero tech effort. Also, I love how every aspect of the physical environment has been designed with ergonomics and usability in mind. That's a level of quality and professionalism we rarely see in the West.
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  278. 15:18: “I feel like such an annoying vlogger”. LOL. (I know I know. Feel your pain, bro.)
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  279. Probably the most captivating part in this series, very well done! The volunteer doctor is simply the best example that shows that human kindness and generosity can go a long way, and I am so happy to know that people like him exist.
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  280. the topic is simple but how Greg piece it together make this video way much interesting tq for the great video 👍
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  281. Probably because countries and societies change over time. Especially after huge events such as war. As does the world in general. The world is quite different from what it was in the early 20th century. It isn't the 1930s or 1940s anymore. The age of empires and colonialism has mostly passed. So there is no surprise that a country like Japan...or Germany has changed significantly from what they were many decades ago. In fact both countries should be commended for so totally reinventing themselves in a positive way.
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  282. I have been watching you guys for no less than six years and can honestly say this is one of the only channels that have "made it" (ie do this for a living) that I still enjoy. You have managed to continually bring interesting Japanese topics to video without the feeling of being commercialized or trying to sell me something. As far as I am concerned you are among the very few that still uses youtube as it was initially envisioned to be. Thank you for all that you do. You were a large part of why I visited Japan for the first time three years ago and I am eager to come back with my wife and kids.
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  283. Less than $1000 to go for the documentary campaign guys! One more push! <3 from Vancouver
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  284. They're corporate apartments, rented out on a 1-2year contract. It's why they were numbered. I lived in Busan for a while and saw Samsung, Hyundai, Daewoo and other major corporation logos on such apartment complexes. The system works a bit differently with a high security deposit and low rent. The security deposit is then used by these corporations to invest in either more real estate or other ventures. Oh, don't worry, once the contract ends, you will get that deposit back. It's quite an interesting system and it means some places like the luxurious glass towers of Haeundae can have rents of 4-500k won a month. That's 4-500$ for an apt with a stunning view of the sea. If you ever travel to Korea again, i do recommend you take a Peach airline flight from Narita to Fukuoka, go about that city and then hop on a ferry to Busan, it's more fun that way. Plus if you get lucky, you might see a whale on the Tsushima strait.
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  285. Happy New Year to you and your family! As always, I really love watching your documentaries because they cover so many subjects, from "classic" to more "obscure" ones and it's always done so well. Thank you for you hard work! This one was full of nice anecdotes and i'm always happy to see Akko too, she's so fun C: This seems like such an eventful period in Japan! All those things seems tiring indeed, but also kinda nice? Like it's a huge change of pace that really feels like it's marking the passage to a new year :D I live in France and i feel like it's more... laid back? In a good way tho, like you'll find people who will celebrate the New Year by chillin at home alone, some gather with friends and have a party, others gather in restaurants or pubs... One thing that i like, living in a city, is when we hit the end of the countdown, you can run to your window to scream "BONNE ANNÉE !!!" with the neighbouring strangers XD But yeah, you can celebrate the New Year as you feel like and it's fun to change from year to year! C:
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  286. Wonderful guide ! Just wanted to share my experience in getting out of narita airport travelling with children and luggages. I opted to book a hotel which was served by the airport limousine bus to avoid the transfers between the train lines and climbing up and down stairs and get point to point with less hassle. Just an option to consider for those with young kids and luggage.
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  287. I want to deeply thank you for making such detailed videos (if not documentaries). Your knowledge and way to present is sublime + you clearly love what you are doing! (Investigating, reporting, creating genuine content...) I am sure this is what the internet is meant for. Thanks for bringing peace and quality information from Japan into my life, it influences my music as well 🍀 Regards from Europe!
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  288. in the french countryside we have a lot of crosses (often placed at crossroads) which sometimes have a little shrine with them. The church bells are also ringing each hour/half hour. They just ring to mark the time but it really shows how connected church and everyday life was back then. Even today, when i'm at work in the vineyards the bells are here to tell me the time!
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  289. I do wonder how those charities taking a massive cut can be called non-profit organisations? Is there some legalese at work to claim all that extra money on top of what they provide is not profit? What sort of salaries must workers/organisers be making? (*Edited wording as it sounded kind of aggressive, which is not how I meant it to sound.) By the way, I'm loving this series so much. It's so informative and professional, and I like that you usually have a broad range of voices to give their perspective of a situation. I haven't watched that many documentaries in recent years, but one of my favourite things is to see social issues in different communities and cultures across the world, and how similar or different they are to the issues in my corner of the world. I hope you and your family have a great new year!
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  290. The mayor is an incredible leader, especially with this optimistic and realistic mindset for his town’s future. I would love to visit Kofu in the future, especially as someone who really loves nature. It would be awesome if you can create a series about gems like these: top 10 Japanese towns you didn’t know you could visit, etc. I was pleasantly surprised about everything I learned in this video, and I know I would enjoy your honest and straightforward videos on other similar videos. More power to the town! ❤
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  291. My husband and I traveled to The Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hakone area last year around this time. We're from Los Angeles and we thought we were used to the city but nooo. It was a lot crowded in some of the obvious areas, but what we loved was that despite the crowds it was still very organized and respectful. If it was that crowded here in LA, people would be bumping into each other and not caring about where the other is going. However, when we were in some of the more crowded areas in Tokyo or even the main train station in Kyoto, it felt like there was this unspoken rule or plan of organization that kept things moving and flowing smoothly. Another thing I had to get used to was NOT tipping! I felt horrible leaving and not tipping, it was just very weird doing so since here in the states it is pretty much expected of you TO TIP. The service was still incredible, it was even better than the service I would receive here when I am expected to tip. We were lucky enough to stay there for an entire month and I have to admit that It was very relaxing. Even though when we went it was spring break for some of the schools in the Tokyo area lol
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  292. I lived in this prefecture for 6 years and this city for 3. I worked snow removal for the city including some of the roads up to Jogakura. The real fun was opening passes in early April that can't be cleared during the winter. Those cute red poles marking the road are instead 7-ish meter bamboo with paint markings for depth. You have a bit of video with a 'lane wide snowmobile' stopped on the side of the road. For those passes this was the tool. Comfortably chewing 2 meters of snow into a funnel that might destroy a tree or produce a beautiful rainbow depending on where it's pointed. We used these in the city as well late in the year when the piles were getting high and traditional plows were unable to properly do the job. There's actually dozens of companies that do the work on small streets funded by the money you mentioned. The bidding process is made to keep thin margins and many competitors. Yielding fascinating dynamics with 'grass is greener' mentalities between different communities. You completely missed market street that is cleared with seawater. Through pumps to the peak of a curved road surface. Except for very cold nights salt was exclusively for bridges. And liberally applied in the areas of specific safety interest. Often both of where more youth are, and of newer infrastructure being more important. Don't forget that it can be too cold to snow. So to be a place where weather is stable for much snow might not actually be as frigid as you think.
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  293. Our 10 year old daughter is really environmentally aware and was outraged when she saw the tile to your latest film. However, after watching it together she has completely changed her view and understands that cutting down some trees benefits the environment in so many ways. NZ is also grappling with forestry issues and we could relate to many of the points discussed. Thanks for making a film that explains some of the issues so clearly.
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  294. This happens a lot in Singapore too. 😂 Some people even leave tissue paper packets behind!!
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  295. Thank you Sherzod, and Barno for sharing your story, of the challenges of practicing the Islamic faith in Japan! Very eye opening, and informative! Thank you again Greg for all the time and effort producing this video!
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  296. I'm from Canada but I have also lived and worked in Japan. A few years ago, I worked at as an English instructor in a rural Japanese town and I was paid a full-time salary even though I worked under 29.5 hours a week (iTTTi). I actually got to befriend quite a few of the Japanese corporate workers at my company and I found that their hours were much longer than mine. What really shocked me was that many of the full-time corporate/office staff actually made less money than I did even though they had to work 50-60 hours a week! To top it all off, many of the employees were forced to use their vacation days during certain times of the year, when travel was extremely expensive. I also had a few other Japanese friends who worked in general office administration, dental hygiene and healthcare. They all had similar situations where they had to work very long hours and could not take longer vacations. I'm now back in Canada working in a corporate environment and I can definitely vouch that worker's rights and gender equality are very important here. I currently work from 8am to 4pm on weekdays and I rarely have to stay late. Most of my friends have the same working arrangement or they work slightly longer hours. However, I do want to note that the people making the most money (doctors, lawyers, B2B sales representatives, equity traders, investment bankers, etc.) normally do have very long hours but their salaries definitely compensate for it ($150,000-$500,000+). I also want to note that in Canada, employers value skills and experience over age and seniority. In Japan, salary normally goes up with age and there's definitely a hierarchy when it comes to money. In Canada, an extremely smart and skilled 25-year old could easily make more than an average 50-year old with seniority at the same company. Of course, it does depend on the industry and company but in general, I would say that it is quite easy for young people in Canada to earn a high salary if they have the proper skills.
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  297. FYI, I posted the full tours of the 3 properties on my second channel https://youtu.be/DUbCjxMG9PM
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  298. Oh wow this is so interesting. I really want to try a capsule hotel once. But the ryokan looks like exactly what a perfect family getaway should be. Side note, a lot of people have been mentioning how much I know about Japanese life recently, only because it comes up so often in conversation with me...only because I watch all your videos lol
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  299. I want to personally thank you for putting out this video, and for all the work you do in all your videos. I came across them by chance while looking for better content to show my children. We are an American family that identifies as mixed Asian-White, but as your video points out so well, these kind of labels don't begin to cover the real history and experience of ethnicity and nationality. Growing up in the predominantly white state of Oregon as a Chinese, Japanese, Filipina (and slightly English & Dutch lol) kid, I experienced countless instances of casual racism throughout the 80's and 90's. Yet, like your brother mentioned, we had no strong ties to any of these backgrounds - my father grew up in Hawaii, and my mother had emigrated from Japan at a very young age. My mother is Japanese-Filipina but she grew up in a rural white religious community. My father is Chinese but born and raised in Honolulu and culturally far removed from the old country - he still rocks his cowboy hat and he used to collect Civil War memorabilia for some reason - raised us on Star Wars, Bruce Lee and Clint Eastwood movies lol. I have definitely felt the pangs of "not enough of anything" in my life and often become excited when I meet another person who I think is Filipino, etc (your brother's story on that cracked me up). My husband, on the other hand, is a Euro mutt mix including Swedish, Finnish, Scottish, Jewish and more, and we often have discussions about how he's never been asked "where are you from"... "what are you?"... etc. He does get people thinking he's Russian come up to him at work and begin speaking, so I've told him why not just learn Russian? :) I've had people assume I'm Vietnamese, Korean, and more - and sometimes it's the excited "Oh, I'm this, are you this too??" but just as often it's been some caucasian guy saying "You couldn't be Japanese with legs like that," or "You're Korean, aren't you? I can always tell." The rudeness and entitlement some people exhibit when it comes to inquiring about background astounds me. The persistence of racism in America is a thing, and as a mother of two boys I worry about how they'll be perceived and treated. Our oldest son is much darker in hair and skin tone, while the younger is very fair and might barely end up looking Asian at all. I already have noticed a difference in how people react to them and treat them. Your whole family is gorgeous and we appreciate your brothers sharing their stories so candidly. All the vignettes were SO relatable. I really adore the kindhearted humor you all brought to this video. The internet can be a very harsh place and I'm not surprised at some of the gross and presumptive comments you've received. Please know that your work is very inspiring and deeply appreciated. All the information about Japan has us thinking about how we could attempt to make the move ourselves, lol (my mother's side roots come from Fukuoka, but we have completely lost touch)... and we also especially enjoyed the Homeless series - my 8 yr old watched it all the way through with me as it's an issue he cares a lot about. Thanks again & best regards.
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  300. I've been buying their matcha products since your first video about them, and I love it! I even thought about doing their tea internship
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  301. Really love your videos. Been a Fan of Japan and Japanese culture most of my life but always felt shy about visiting for fear of disrespecting the culture I admire so. Watching your channel has changed that and made me more confident about visiting. Thank you so much for showing me/us this heartwarming view.
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  302. 3 minutes into the video right now and I'm already finding it really interesting, for multiple reasons too. The first being that we can hear Risa speaking English fully natural without the multiple take nature of JapanesePod101. I'm so used to hearing her speak English without making mistakes that it created a perfect but unrealistic image of someone speaking a foreign language. The second is being able to hear Risa (who is basically the only teacher of Japanese I have) voice the same opinions, struggles and experiences in learning a foreign language (expect obvious Risa is learning English as a foreign language and me learning Japanese). The third reason is that I enjoy hearing Risa talk about things in general. Edit - Finished it, very interesting indeed. I would love to see more videos with Risa or JapanesePod101 as a whole. I don't know if you'll read this but is there a playlist that will have all the videos in this series? (That's assuming that this is a part of the series that was originally 1 hour but is now split into multiple videos)
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  303. I’m half Japanese / half American and grew up mostly in Japan. I’ve also thought how diverse Japan really is, and often enough it isn’t accurately represented in stats etc. I’ve backed the campaign and I’m looking forward to the final work!!
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  304. Thank you for this fascinating in-depth look at the issues surrounding shotengai. I lived for several years in Okachimachi, near Ueno, just steps from Satake Shotengai (said to be the second-oldest in Tokyo) and everything you discussed could be found there--including shuttered shops, new arrivals, big apartment buildings, and issues with a lack of foot traffic (it's about a 10-minute walk from JR Okachimachi Station). The older shopkeepers say the area used to be much more bustling. Where I live now in Toyama, the situation is even more dire, and I'd say at least 50% of the shops in our neighborhood shotengai are now permanently shuttered. An Aeon Mall located a 20-minute drive away hasn't helped the situation.
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  305. Nice snow shots! I can imagine that the snow doesn't stay on the ground very often in Tokyo, I love white winters so that's something I would miss if I ever moved from Sweden.
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  306. Dont stop sharing all sides of the stories that you discover!!! You are doing us all such a wonderful and inspiring service with your ability to capture these stories authentically. It would become just another sensationalist commercial if you only show the pretty beaches and the post card aspects of a location. THANK YOU for diving deeper. It is a real pleasure to watch your presentations! Keep up the good work!
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  307. This is such an educational and informative video. Really well done!!! I admire and appreciate the effort you put into it. I will show my teacher this and see if she will show it to the class too :D
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  308. Yes please make a second video! This reminds me of Kathmandu when I went back in 2008. That was 11 years ago, I can only imagine how it is now. The pollution was horrible back then too. I had asthma as well, though it seems to have gotten better as I get older in age. But back then, my lungs were not prepared for the smog in the Kathmandu valley. I was hospitalized twice for asthma. During recovery, I was coughing up black phlegm for 4 days straight - my body's way of trying to clear the lungs of the pollution in the air. At any rate, this was a great video on a topic not usually highlighted in mainstream "vacation" videos/ads. But this is why I subscribe to your channel - focused societal topics in places not usually discussed here in the western hemisphere besides sensationalism and fear, mostly in the news. Mainstream travel shows don't usually talk about these things either so thank you Greg for all the work you put into these videos!
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  309. Your videos are great! I like the fact that you shot all of the clips yourself.
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  310. Such a nice average ordinary dude
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  311. Excellent video! It is very interesting and very well put together. One thing that would be interesting to know is how differently workers would be treated (outside of the hierarchy) based on how much they are liked by their management. Here in Australia, we tend to be much less formal in the workplace. We refer to our bosses by their first name, and workers are often "friends" with their bosses. I find that often this can lead to bias and means that some workers can get away with anything, whereas others might be expected to do things "by the book." Also, there's trying to find that level between seeing coworkers as family, (especially for full-time workers who spend so much time with those people), and trying to maintain that level of professionalism - keeping work and personal life separate. I want to be friendly with my boss but I want to be able to respect them at work. As for women in the workplace, I am not entirely sure that Japan is so very far behind other countries as people think. There are many variations across workplaces in Australia with regard to how women are viewed and treated. I think workplaces as a whole are becoming more flexible for everyone, but we still have a long way to go.
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  312. Have my $100! Good luck with everything! - John
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  313. Thank you so much Greg! The production quality is absolutely amazing and thank you soo incredibly much for sharing the magic of the island that is Shikoku! I can't wait to go and see it for myself! Thank you yet again, take care and stay safe🙇‍♂️🙏
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  314. hey Greg! Longtime subscriber to your channel, never thought you'd come to Manila! Yeah this is pretty much what it's like, except you actually made the chaos look beautiful lol Keep up the awesome work!
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  315. Just finished part 2 a minute ago and here it is, what perfect timing!
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  316. I don't know if anyone's pointed this out, but I think you used footage of Satoko Miyahara instead of Mirai Nagasu :-P
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  317. Another video. Because of you I'm now learning Japanese. It's a great hobby to learn a new language.
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  318. Thank you SO SO much for all of your hard work on this video, Greg. I've been a fan since LWIF only had 30 subs, and I'll be one when it has 30 mil! <3 <3
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  319. Please thank Sakai-san and his daughter from your followers for allowing this glimpse into their lives.
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  320. My wife: “I am far more entertained than I expected to be” Great video Greg.
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  321. Hello, I've living in Japan for a while and well, as for what I can tell and what my friends say too the rule of thumb over here is that the bust normally is completely covered here in japan, while from the waist down is more ”Free” to say so. On weekdays, normally, the predominant colors are typical office colors and opaque green colors. On the other hand, weekends are as free as possible, at least in Shinjuku, you can find almost anything but still the colors on "50%+" people just add a spectrum of light browns and paletes of soft colors and some stylish accents. If you would like to check, I'll recommend you to give a look to cheap and popular clothes brands like GU (www.gu-japan.com) and Uniqlo (www.uniqlo.com)'s websites as on the adds and promo pictures display to a certain extent the typical common style on weekends. I hope this helps! :D if I can help you with anything else I'll try to answer gladly. Have a nice day!
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  322. Absolutely fascinating video - I really am glad that I watched it! Thank you very much for putting it together & thank you to all of the people who allowed you to interview them.
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  323. I live in Belgium. Protected by law when falling sick or have an incident at work. You normally work in 1/2,4/5 and full time. Normally its around 8 hours a day. Otherwise overhours are paid or you can save them for taking off. Otherwise when working in the night so after 7pm until 6am you get more money. You get more money for working in the weekend (150% of ur wage) and 200% on sundays. The days you can take off depends on how many you work, but most of the time you arrange it with your collegues and shedule when each person takes off. Otherwise in belgium you need for a lot of companies a degree. Like bachelor or even master. Otherwise you gain more when you work in a master job. Most of the time companies can give you the possibility to study certain courses and so you get more diplomes and you are able to gain more in the company itself. Companies in Belgium also give out things like a car, free public transport, sorf of cheque where you can buy food and elecktronic devices with. And if you work longer than 6 months and you get fired you can get a life support in the form of a monthly payment thats being generated by the social system. Well that was it quickly what workinh belgium is like. And at last I work in the science departement and in the sector there are so many cultures here !
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  324. Those cuts of meat are so pretty. Now I know the Japanese secret to better bbq. More fat = more flavor. 👍🏼
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  325. I could not stop watching this series. You shed such an enlightening perspective on fascinating issues like this. The series on homelessness gave insight not only into the reality of homelessness and its causes, but also into several different aspects of Japanese society in how it responds to homelessness. Thank you for your remarkable anthropology and beautiful camera work. It was really inspirational to watch!
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  326. Wow! These videos really take me back. When I was a little boy, my dad was stationed at Misawa Air Base on the east coast of Aomori Prefecture. It's labeled the snowiest base in the USDOD system. Somewhere I have a photo of me attempting to help my dad clear the three feet of snow we got overnight. If it wasn't for the photo, I wouldn't believe myself. The best part though is that they would round up all the snow on base and make giant snow sculptures with slides in them and hold a little snow festival. So many fond memories of Misawa. (They also had way cooler parade floats than anything I've seen in the states.)
    32
  327. Yikes, I have been doing some of the no nos but thankfully I am Ojisan :D
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  328. Hi Greg, the way your wife cuts with a knife reminds me of how I used to cut food until I learned that there is actually a safe way of cutting ensuring that you do not cut yourself or at the very least lessening the chances of hurting yourself. The most important part is making the hand which holds the food into a bear claw so as to protect the fingers. You can see it here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20gwf7YttQM Hope you'll find it useful! :)
    31
  329. Outstanding content and editing, Greg...so well done. I have always followed most of the guidelines, but now I know WHY the guidelines exist 😊⛩
    30
  330. So honoured for the shout-out - thank you! This was a really insightful that added a lot more to my understanding of the context in Japan. It's wonderful to have someone like yourself who has the connections and language to dive deeper into how these issues are treated overseas :)
    30
  331. I damaged a Japanese carbon steel knife I bought when visiting Japan. I learned not to use the knives to cut near/on bones, or hard foods. I took my knife to a great store, designed for chefs. they fixed the chips of my knife very easily, and for cheap.. 10-20$, i think. They also sharpened my Wusthoff chef knife, and made it sharper than the day I bought it. Two lessons learned: use german stainless steel knife for tough jobs, use Japanese carbon steel knife for softer jobs. Also, find a great store that sharpens and repairs knives. the last step is the tough one to perform... Interesting fact when visiting Japan: most knives sold are stainless steel. I only found carbon great carbon steel knives at a restaurant supply store, a knife only store, and a high-end luxury store to find carbon steel knives. A store similar to walmart (food/clothes/furniture) had carbon steel knives, but only the cheapest quality, but still amazingly sharp that keeps a great edge. I ended up buying my knives at a restaurant supply store.
    30
  332. The focus on Sakai-san and staying away from a lot of voice over was a very good choice for this video. Bravo!
    30
  333. Timely and engaging Greg, thanks for this. Japan is going to welcome the world in a few months for the Olympics, so showing these challenges may raise some awareness of the gaps that exist and how current residents successfully navigate them 😊
    30
  334. The best tip really is "watch what the locals do". :) I speak Japanese, but the first time I headed out to get some food by myself, I didn't really know what to do. I didn't know that I had to press a button for someone to come, or that I had to go up to the counter to pay. And it's different depending on the place you eat at, so - just watch what everyone else is doing! ;)
    30
  335. Is the way you say Iron (eye-ron rather than eye-on) a Canadian thing or a Japanese thing?
    29
  336. Beautiful documentary, interesting and moving.
    29
  337. Varies, most people I know are at a set amount of overtime in a fixed contract. That means if they do, say, 30 hours of overtime they still get paid their base salary, anything over that, gets counted as overtime.
    29
  338. Glad this is out now despite I already saw this early. Glad I backed it up as it's pure hardwork from Greg and the final product is just beautiful.
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  339. We in the Netherlands we also have something like that only we put Meat on it and its called gourmetten
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  340. Loved this so much, that I finally sign up to Patreon. Keep them coming :D
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  341. In my company up to 20 hours of overtime per month were included. This had to explicitly be accepted by the employee however. Recently we changed to a flex time system in which all overtime is payed, at a rate of 1.25. I also interviewed with other companies in which the amount of included overtime hours was much higher.
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  342. I LOVE your sister-in-law. Videos with her in them always make me smile.
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  343. Really interesting interviews (especially Kyde and Eric). Years ago my ex and I visited Apaman Shop (realty agency). Agent was nice n' showed us some places, but none that caught our eye. Then I brought my Mom (full Japanese, born n raised) the next day to negotiate n' low n' behold a brand new apartment option popped up, with an extra room and two new air conditioners on the house lol XD. To be fair though, I didn't wear a suit.
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  344. A large part of the population in Japan is pretty ignorant when it comes to all things even remotely related to the outside world ("Halfs", "full" Japanese fully or partially growing up in other countries, or the reverse kids of expats growing up in Japan). Who/what is considered Japanese is always treated very black and white, because most people lack the interest and information required to actually critically think about it. The same is true for people living in Japan that might not have such a strong connection as the types of people mentioned before. A good example is the recent incident where a hotel posted a sign indicating that an elevator is only for "foreigners" and that foreigners and Japanese should travel separately. Odds are the person that wrote the sign did not have any bad intentions, they just simply could not even consider that a "foreigner" living in Japan might stay at their Hotel (e.g., because of a business trip). Inversely they also did not consider that a "Japanese" person might be arriving from abroad, e.g., an expat serving as translation support staff for one of the Olympic teams etc. I think watching your documentation or other documentations with similar content is a good first step for reducing the amount of ignorance going around. Especially since recent statistics indicate that the number of Japanese students interested in doing semesters abroad and such is decreasing.
    27
  345. Another relaxing, informative and wonderful video. Love your Tokyo by.... series. It reminds me of my time there and makes me want to go back! The Tokyo by boat one specifically was an eye opener, I had no idea someone could rent and drive a private boat around on their own! This one one was awesome, I bet you and Akko loved the end when you could eat, chill and have a beer after a long day.
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  346. Amazing choice of no music, Greg. Really lifts the piece to another level.
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  347. Thank you so much, as a ハーフ, Okinawan, and Japanese-American, I could relate to a lot of these stories even though I grew up in Hawai’i
    26
  348. I loved this video so much! your style is so great i could watch it endlessly. I love that mom and dad bought a sofa and table, but dads so old fashioned he's still lounging on the floor!
    26
  349. This is one of my all-time favourite videos i’ve seen on youtube. Its so informative. I really feel like im there. I’ve come back to this video a couple times now just because it’s such a beautiful video. Well done, please make more! :)
    26
  350. Just a tip for transport around Japan hyperdia (they have an app too) is also really good to find connections where you can dictate what modes you want to include (JR, shinkansen, busses, flight, etc.). Fairly simple to use.
    26
  351. A really good advice is honestly just to not worry! Having been to Japan two times, I can say I was quite worried when I first arrived on my first trip there - also seeing as it was my first trip without my parents (or someone speaking English or Japanese for that matter). Only myself and my Danish girlfriend. I was scared that I couldn't get properly by with just English at the time, but in reality there were absolutely no problems anywhere - even places where they didn't speak Japanese! TLDR don't worry, you'll be fine, Japanese staff are helpful :)
    26
  352. Even though there are a lot of "cliche" videos about buying property in Japan, I am glad you made this video and am interested in hearing about your journey. One thing I appreciate about your channel is your ability to highlight the beauty in the every day life experiences and less flashy parts of living in Japan. As someone with in-laws in Japan and dreams of someday doing something similar to what you have done, your perspective is valued.
    25
  353. Watch the full Tokyo by Train video on the LWIF X channel https://youtu.be/Y49VfddU-L4! Bento picnic lunch video with the kids is coming soon, hang tight!
    25
  354. I'm so, so sorry you had to deal with this, Greg. I admire how well you took it in stride, though! I'll be watching the documentary as soon as I can this weekend. I snuck a look at the first 5 minutes and I'm really intrigued and excited by the premise, as I too am a Canadian of mixed race, and partially thanks to your wonderful channel my wife and I have become extremely interested in Japanese culture and history over the last couple of years. Anyways, I'm super excited to watch the whole doc!
    25
  355. It's well past time to stop thinking of race as the answer to "who am I?" It's interesting to know where our ancestors came from, and the challenges they faced. It's fun to see a child that looks very much like a parent, and to see interesting features that we just can't pin down. But that is not who we are. Ultimately, who we are is up to us individually. If it seems wrong for someone to say, "you don't belong here because you're the wrong race", then don't look for self-identity there. Is there such a thing as "race"? I don't think so. It's just latching onto arbitrary characteristics. It doesn't make any more sense than saying, "I have attached/detached earlobes - that's who I am."
    25
  356. i’m so happy you’re on nebula now! that’s so exciting! and i’m so happy you’re making videos on okinawa! from your being japanese documentary, it seemed like such a facinating place with such a unique blend of cultures! i’m very excited to learn more about the people and place through your videos
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  357. It is not legal to not pay overtime in Japan😅 My husband is a full time worker/seishain , he receives overtime and is paid more if there is an emergency and he has to work on the weekends . Black kaisha or shaddy companies are not typical japanese workplaces. Bonuses once or more a year , paid overtime, and job security are more like it for seishain/full time employees 🇯🇵
    24
  358. Love what Akko-san has done w/ her hair & makeup! Looks cuter than ever! 😊
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  359. This really scratched an itch for some amazing travel footage. Your videos are always so well made.
    23
  360. 我也要表扬，截至目前共翻译LWIF频道视频49个，也感谢英语字幕的提供者！ヾ(๑╹◡╹)ﾉ" Hey Greg! Please praise me for a total of 49 video subs contributions to LWIF. I am that sunglasses. And thanks to all the English subs provider! Your work makes my translation work much easier!
    23
  361. I like this video plus all the animations and movie/tv inserts! Sorry to say but sometimes it's boring to stare at your face!
    22
  362. i love your videos. they are so well made, calm, full of details. it is such a different world compared to where i live. and tbh, i am quite jealous. your channel is one out of just 2, i clicked the bell to get notifications. i rewatched so many of your videos just to discover everything there is. even a simple stone pattern catches my attention. i dont mind waiting 3 or 4 month to see something new from your life, when it stays this good. sorry for my english ^^' please keep going. bless you and your family!
    22
  363. 0:10 Time of Eve! (イヴの時間) my favorite anime. https://youtu.be/iVsFcMt_ivI is this cutie THX? この動画を見て本当に感動しました。 ALS（筋萎縮性側索硬化症）の人やその他色んな人が普通に働ける場所、普通に分け隔てること無く皆と同じ場所で対等に接する事ができる、ある意味本当にアニメと同じ世界感で感動しました… とても良いコラボレーションだと思うし、ALSの人やその他の色んな病の方に新たな可能性や生き方、社会参画を提供できるんじゃないでしょうか。 もっともっと世の中にOriHime等の活躍できる場所が拡がっていきますように。1138
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  364. I also suspect that this is the case. My sense is that the vast majority of Japanese really, genuinely do not care whether someone is foreign. They do, however, really genuinely care about Japanese language ability, ability to fit into the culture, and likelihood of causing problems, and a lot of them use "foreigner" as a sign of someone who cannot speak Japanese or follow the rules, and who will cause problems. But they do not really care about the foreignness, so when they actually meet foreigners, the problems can all disappear, at least for that person. How do we stop them using "foreign" as a marker for problems? I wish I knew.
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  365. It's cool that Greg wants to learn about life in Japan, and wants everyone to live in peace and harmony.
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  366. What Japanese families REALLY do on the weekends.
    21
  367. Thank you for another nice and informative video. I seen a lot of your videos and always love the way it is set up to demonstrate life in Japan. I visited Japan (Osaka)in 2016 and my experience was great. The people were very helpful. When I was unable to find my hotel, an elderly lady helped me figure out my directions. At the train station, the customer service guy helped me out in choosing the best route to take for my trip. I speak a moderate amount of Japanese which helped in conversations as well. Even at restaurants I could get by with asking for vegetarian food (yasai-dake, niku to sakana ha tabemasen). Osaka however seemed to require a higher level of Japanese language knowledge than what was portrayed for Tokyo in the video. During my hike up Mount Fuji, I met a Japanese elderly gentleman and a lady of my age who hiked up with me all the way. The girl could speak English fairly comfortably (except when she had to think up a particular word) but the gentleman was not as good at it. We could still talk throughout the day in a mix of English and my rudimentary Japanese. They were very friendly, inviting me with them to the onsen (hot spring) at the end of the hike. +Life Where I'm From: Where is the boating and cherry blossoms scene at 13:44 from? Where in Japan can you experience this? It was so pretty!
    21
  368. お子さん、最近急に成長してきましたね。特にシン君は前回の動画から、この動画までの間に信じられないくらい成長しててビックリしました！
    20
  369. Here in Germany we have something similiare too. We call it "Raclette". You can grill vegetables meat and bread on the grill. And under the grillplate there is some space to put some littele pans inside. Usually you melt ther special cheese which you can put over your grilled veggies.
    20
  370. It's really interesting what japanese people REALLY eat for breakfast, lunch or dinner. :) It's like every country in this world - I guess a lot of people think we Germans only eat sausages, sauerkraut and bread. :D But no! I ate a "Tiroler Kartoffelgulasch" (tyrolean potatoe goulash - it's vegetarian) with some sour cream and chives. And a few days ago I ate a chick pea and pumpkin curry with rice. Tomorrow I will even eat a japanese dish - nasu dengaku. :D
    20
  371. I never regretted subscribing LWIF since 2018... your contents are so good... looking forward for the 10M subscriber =) This episode hits me real hard... I remember my late old man working hard for us even though he's already sick. sob Thank You LWIF for this episode! =)
    20
  372. This is EXTREMELY helpful for me choosing which frozen desserts to buy 😂😂ty
    19
  373. Greg, this video and the other big video of Tokyo by Train are my favorites, as a good lover and passionate about all these transportation topics. Despite everything I've read about Tokyo, you always introduce me new things, I didn't know about water taxis or the dinner boat at the end of the video! How beautiful everything, like all your videos! Special mention to Akko, it's very nice to see her and she's also an important part of making the video work well, carrying the backpack and helping you with some recordings, so congratulations to both of you, the video turned out great!! Many greetings from Santiago de Chile!
    19
  374. im in love with this kind of videos! Am from Colombia, this is in South America, i have been watching this Chanel a long long time ago dreaming about going to Japan and meet their extraordinary culture, cant go there, not yet, but until that day comes along, i will keep watching these videos to keep me dreaming whit going there.
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  375. I do think that comparing Indianapolis to Tokyo is a little unfair, we're talking a city that is not even a million people to a city of at least 13 million. The best example int he US would be comparing how people get to work in NYC and I think you'd see a lot more similarities, with people taking trains, subways, and walking. San Francisco also has a lot of people who get to work via public transit, walking and/or biking, as does Seattle, Boston, and Chicago. It's partially based on when a city developed and how densely it is packed.
    19
  376. Hi Greg great video! For pronunciation I recommend Forvo.com instead of an AI pronunciation they often have people do the recordings for the most native pronunciation! I hope you see this as I think it would make the video flow better with a real voice :)
    18
  377. Well done Greg (and Shin) so now i know i will get a Zōjirushi 魔法瓶 on my next trip 2 JPN.... once the whole situation gets sorted out 🤓 Was there some kind of YouTube Daruma behind you? 🤔
    18
  378. Fantastic .. you’re really making me jealous Greg! Some of that footage was wow! And Shikoku is a great area to explore and I now wanna return!
    18
  379. YES. Please make a second video! I watched the whole video to the end and I was completely enthralled, my heart racing almost to the beat of your rushed and hurried steps as you weaved in and out of traffic! Reminds me so much of Nicaragua and my time living in the capital. The sights, the sounds, the wandering street dogs, the constant honking, the garbage bags sitting at the foot of electricity poles.... dark streets with only the faint fluorescent glow of a small house/street food eatery in the distance. I could almost smell it. Just brilliantly captured! Thanks for that adventure, and I much preferred it over the tired tourist videos that only show the beaches. You, sir, have guts. Great job!
    18
  380. I think this was one of the more emotional videos you have made. I'd love to see more. Additionally, I think these kind of videos you make really portray the story of a person/owner, a business and the culture. I'm happy you make videos and hope you're doing okay too.
    18
  381. Greg、素晴らしいドキュメンタリー動画をありがとう、出演者の皆さんありがとう、「あなたが心から日本人と思うなら、あなたは日本人です」素晴らしいメッセージをありがとう。日本には古い価値観の人はまだまだ多いけど、理解できる人は増えていますよ。多様なルーツがあっていいし多様性は歓迎です。日本がもっといい国になるよう、もっと理解したいし、もっと尊重したい、もっと教えてください。 Thank you for the great documentary video, Greg. Thank you to all the speakers, thank you for the great message "If you are comfortable being Japanese, you are Japanese".There are still many people in Japan with old values, but more and more people understand various Japanese. It is good to have diverse roots and diversity is welcome. I want to understand more, respect more, and teach more so that Japan can be a better country.
    17
  382. Hi Greg - Fantastic documentary. I can tell you spent a lot of time and effort into putting this together. My son is also half Japanese who was born in Japan. We currently live in Hawai'i which has pretty deep ties to Japan and so far hasn't really questioned his culture. I think your film would be great to show him for when that day comes. Thanks again for putting together such a thoughtful and inspirational film.
    17
  383. So glad I backed this at the beginning! Although that did rather snowball…
    17
  384. thank you for always having such interesting content! after following for a while, your family has helped shape a list of experiences i'd like to have and locations i would like to visit. always am excited when a new video comes up in my notifications!
    17
  385. I miss Beppu, my hometown in Japan 😭😭😭 Thank you for making this video!
    17
  386. Our family ancestry/identity is mixed as well. We are West Indian. Me saying that means we are a mixed bag of people. My mother's side is Guyanese (British and as yet, unidentified African roots). My father's side is Trinidadian/Bajan (my grandfather was East Indian and my father's grandmother was Spanish Venezuela). My family are all shades of the rainbow! How can you say who you are when you are so many??? When I am in Europe I say I'm Caribbean. When I am in Asia I say West Indian. I was born in NJ. When I'm back in the US people don't think I'm American. It is fun to keep people guessing. Thank you so much for this video!
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  387. Love the chill music!
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  388. Keep telling those complicated stories! That's what I'm here for :) I had similar feelings when I went to Bali. It can be a challenge to keep your perspective and have a genuine experience connecting with people you meet when you feel like a mark.
    16
  389. In Italy we have yakiniku, but we grill it in the fireplace... also, we keep the taste more simple because we don't use any tare. We just put thick salt, rosmary and olive oil, that's it ;)
    16
  390. I loooooved walking along and buying random foods in the Shotengai when I was in Japan in 2017. I wish Japan would fully open again soon to tourist.
    16
  391. Thank you so much for this video (and the ones prior to this). You've done an amazing job with this series! Sanyukai and other similar organizations deserve a lot more attention for all the valuable work that they do. Such engaged and inspiring people!
    16
  392. Thank you for the time-line of current public events in Japan for those of us who live elsewhere. We'll have to remember all this and be prepared and be personally practice self-sanitation always for the future. Great reporting and editing. Cheers
    16
  393. Not a fan of the political parts of the ideology, but, I'm a live and let live person. So long as what you do is good, and you treat each other with respect and dignity, who cares what you believe in. How we treat others is what matters.
    16
  394. I came to this channel for the videos on housing in Japan and now I am watching a video on ethnicity. Nearly 700K subscribers and still growing. You have a very personable nature and interesting subject matter that keeps everyone coming back. So keep up the good work!
    16
  395. I'm pretty sure the subtitle at 1:07 should be seaweed...
    16
  396. I loved this series of videos (your videos are always great), as much as I love snow and because of that I went to Aomori this winter and last winter whenever I missed snow so much (it‘s so sad that here in Tokyo it almost never snows).
    15
  397. This was really interesting! Especially the point at about 4:15 or so. Does conscious religiosity define religion? Great food for thought 👍. This was so well scripted, bouncing off each other, and David is such a chill guy.. uh... "bloke"
    15
  398. I an SO looking forward to this! Everything and anything you do about the human experience is bound to be superb, and this trailer is continued proof of that 😍😍😍
    15
  399. Youre doing a great job showing a side of japan we never see! I always think what else could you possibly show us but you always have something i never thought about but really reflects upon their culture! i love it!
    15
  400. @LifeWhereIMFrom, you have made and shared so many beautiful factual videos about your life in Japan. You are a great filmmaker. I'm still watching and learning after all these years. Love you and your family and everyone's family. Life is beautiful.
    15
  401. I normally never comment, but I just need to thank you for making another video of Tokyo by. I just love this series. Greetings from Germany.
    15
  402. Yo seems like an awesome series. I'm a sansei (third generation japanese) Brazilian. My grandparents from my father side are from Okinawa and my mother's from the main land. I feel represented
    14
  403. Finally! Looking forward to this and the documentary
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  404. Wow, really nice footage Greg! Nicely done video. Even though I’ve lived here for a couple years now, I still learned something new :D
    14
  405. Just wanted to say a massive thanks for the years of amazing videos. It's been lovely hearing about your/ your family's experiences. Greatly appreciate the learnings you provide and the research you perform to provide such an awesome window into Japanese culture and lifestyle.
    14
  406. I really love the first video you did with David Chart and was how I initially found your channel and his site. I still occasionally go back and watch it. This one is going to be right up there with that video. Would love to see more on the subject if you're both interested in further collaboration.
    13
  407. I live in Osaka and shoutengai are probably my favorite part of living in here. I've been known to walk a few kilometers out of the way to visit a new-to-me one. Sometimes I'm pleasantly surprised like the Komagawa Nakano shoutengai, which became our main produce shopping spot, and sometimes I'm sad and disappointed like the Hirano shoutengai, where most stores have been closed for around 20 years. Some are great people watching places like the longest in Japan, Tenjinbashisuji and others are modern malls like Shinsaibashisuji. If you want to get the pulse of every day life in Japan, visit and shop the shoutengai. The owners are always willing to help and Osakans being much friendlier than Tokyoites, will go out of their way to chat you up and try to make you laugh.
    13
  408. As always I love your work. This one was beautiful and I loved how you let the story tell itself. Sakai-san is everyone's grandpa. Thank you Greg.
    13
  409. I AM BELIZEAN TOO!!! Miss Queen of The Bay New York 2011-12! I think it’s really funny because I feel that Children of Belizean immigrants all struggle to explain what their ethnicity is because our country has such a unique history and incredibly mixed culture for such a tiny country. When I was growing up, I never knew how to answer, and when I’d visit family in Belize I would ask them as well, and could never get a straight answer. I honestly still don’t know how to answer, just to make it easier for other people without giving them a history lesson, I just say I am “Black”. No one will ever be happy with what you tell them lol. Also, only in America and European countries does it seem like it matter. Belize is such a weird country because Other Caribbean islands don’t consider us Caribbean, and our neighboring spanish countries don’t like to claim us either, it’s very strange. Honestly, because we are such a tiny country, everyone is most likely related in some way shape or form, so you might just be a cousin, you honestly look so much like my dad it’s scary and your brothers look like they could be my uncles! Love your videos ❤️❤️❤️ and please teach your children more about Belizean culture because it’s so beautiful, from our food, to the way we speak kriol! It’s incredible!
    13
  410. I think you mentioned 2 most basic survival food place: convenient store & food court. I would add the supermarket of a big mall. And pointing of course... Most of the places we have been in Japan have picture menu... and it's great. We stayed in a rented appartment with kitchen and the role of supa was even more (rice, egg, bread, oil and instant noodles).
    13
  411. Great video as always. I was beginning to have withdrawal symptoms. When we retire we intend to explore Japan by slow train for a year. This video greatly vindicates that plan. PS the towel banner we ordered arrived and hangs lovingly in our hall way. Peace.
    12
  412. I live in Queensland, Australia and we only have 2 active cases, with no new transmitted cases for over a week. We've been pretty heavily restricted, it's law that businesses may only allow people into a room if they have 4 square meters per person. I work at a clothing store so our fitting rooms used to hold 20 people but now it only holds 8 plus two staff, one of those has to stay in there all the time and sanitise touch points after every customer. We have no international travel and our state forbids non-residents from travelling in. So quite strict, but our country has only had under 8000 cases with 104 deaths, and all businesses who suffered a specific downturn in sales have eligible employees' (permanent residents and citizens who work non-casually) wage subsidised so I actually get about $200 more every fortnight right now. It's been a weird and worrying time but I feel so privileged to be in the position I am.
    12
  413. While not a comparison, the "Tokyo's Urban Railways Explained" video from RMTransit is a good place to start.
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  414. Ayyy Winnipeg!!!!
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  415. I am an (American) European mutt. My geneology goes back to the beginning of when Europe started sending people to the Americas. I think that one of the greatest things about the USA (and Canada too) is that anyone from any where can be American/Canadian. Who your parents are and what you look like makes no difference. Our culture is bound, not by blood, but by a shared set of beliefs shaped by people of all colors. What is American food? It is a amalgamation of all of the cuisines that people brought with them. We are greater because we are diverse. That goes for just about everything here. It's sad that there are people, especially in leadership positions, that think that a homogeneous society is better. It seems to go against everything I am as a person. Like, actually, given the shear number of different nationalities I have in me... I'm sure the same is true for most white Americans, it's just sad so many don't see it that way.
    12
  416. Love the places where you have to hike to get to the destination. Usually thins out the crowds and the bus-fulls of people.
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  417. This feels like the most Canadian thing I've seen all year in a very good way hahaha. This is fantastic. This makes me even happier I backed this documentary on Japanese-ness.
    11
  418. It makes me so happy to see these people working to revitalise these beautiful Japanese rural towns while respecting and celebrating the local tradition and the elders who transmit that tradition as well as the precious natural environment too. Wazuka is a lovely place and deserves a vibrant and flourishing future. I hope the obsession with increased urbanisation starts to slow down the world over. People and projects like the one featured here serve as wonderful examples to other places both in Japan and around the world. Galicia in Spain where my family are from also has a problem with rural depopulation and the decline and abandonment of villages and the rich culture and tradition they sustain. I hope examples like the one on this video will occur in greater frequency there too.
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  419. いつもこのチャンネルを楽しみにしています。今回も素晴らしい動画をありがとうございます。 日本人がキチンとした包丁を使わなくなって包丁産業が衰退していることは非常に残念なことです。家庭であれば砥ぎながら一生使えるのに。このように奮闘されている人々がいることを嬉しく思います。 このように英語で紹介されることでマーケットが世界に広がって、日本の刃物の良さを世界の人々に知ってもらえて大変ありがたいことです。 Thank you, Greg! I’m a regular viewer of yours and I appreciate this one a lot, too. It is a shame that Japanese ourselves are no longer in touch with proper knives, even though it lasts life long if you use it and sharpen it properly. It’s not expensive at all. I’m glad to know those people struggling to survive in this video. Thank you for sharing this video so that people all around the world will know how these workers put their effort into each one of knives and how good they are.
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  420. I do a lot of cycling around Japan and yeah there are tons of places to pee. Even in rural areas there are plenty of parks, convenience stores, and other public toilets. There are also tons of places to buy drinks with all the vending machines and convenience stores. I’ll often spend the whole day riding around, drinking and peeing my way through the mountains and valleys of Japan.
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  421. Thank you, made me feel happy to see such a nice atmosphere and friendly people. That sense of community and togetherness seems so rare and precious in this day and age.
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  422. Last night I finally got the chance to visit Okubo (it was my second attempt as unbeknown to me, Sundays are closed). It was on the bucket list since this video came out, and saw it as an opportunity to practice my limited Japanese too. Tomoe-san and the other patrons were very welcoming, kind and generous despite communication challenges. The food was great (natto & fried seaweed otoshi, tuna sashimi, garlic pork on shredded cabbage and okonomiyaki from the shop next door), was offered a taste of two kinds of imo shochu, and even got the chance to hang out with one of the regulars at the bar across the street (thank you Sakamoto-san for the offer). It was the highlight of my trip to Tokyo and would recommend it to anyone just to see Tomoe-san and the rest of the gang light up as you walk through the door.
    10
  423. At 3:25 that's in Innoshima, i took a pic in that exact spot a couple months ago, amazing place!
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  424. Thank you for publishing the documentary on YouTube and making it available for everyone to see.
    10
  425. Greg, I thoroughly loved this video. Also having missed your videos over a period of time, this was fun to watch. I started viewing your channel when you posted the video of little aiko & her breakfast. I'm from India, & it's noteworthy to mention that even though world over, breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day, back here, even we rarely manage to make time to have a nice healthy breakfast. & After 10yrs + of working, even though I'm full time at home, I still dont actually have a breakfast even though I have the time & househelp that could make it for me. Neither does my husband who works. It's just coffee to go for him. Looking forward to seeing more of these videos.
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  426. This Video was the first video I saw on your channel , and I enjoyed so thoroughly , the peaceful vibe , narration , balance and filming , everything was so perfect . I binged most of your videos after this , it's 3AM over here in India , and my god I'm not stopping till I finish all your videos !! Thanks for the splendid work 😄😄
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  427. Fascinating actually getting to see this in practice. I find the history of steelmaking in general quite fascinating, and the Japanese process, by virtue of the poor ore quality, is particularly fascinating.
    10
  428. Hey Everyone, thanks for being patient with me in taking my time to publish this video. If you haven't already, this video make more sense if you see my other videos on the Philippines: https://youtu.be/OtuA-_BiItQ, https://youtu.be/__LydKSvvBg, and https://youtu.be/b98dy-nFs5k. As I always say, the best part about my trip was meeting all the helpful locals who let me into their lives and showed me around. Totally forgot to say this in the video, but the place I stayed at in El Nido was the Dragon Fly and the owner really helped get everything sorted while I was there http://www.booking.com/Share-M72EnB (not sponsored, just thought it's a nice place to stay). I'd like to go back to El Nido again one day with the family. Thanks for watching!
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  429. Hi Greg, I have been watching your videos for years. Man congratulations your contents is only getting better. I am half Japanese half Brazilian, I did all the Dekasegi thing (brown in Brazil went to work in Japan) and ended up moving to Australia, 15 years ago. I love Japan, now I am an Australia citizen, I love this culture mixture. My son is a Brazilian, Japanese Australian. keep up with the great videos.
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  430. Thanks for doing this video. As an American with an Asian background, the subject resonates with me. The topic is complicated, but not too complicated. It's an interesting tension between group and individual identity. There are a lot of people who tend to go for "we're in the 21st Century now" without really thinking about how that even applies to the conversation. As if the epoch itself inherently confers some characteristics upon individuals. It is useful to note that the Enlightenment happened a few centuries ago yet the succeeding centuries certainly did not magically imbue everyone with enlightened thinking. References to the century is like expecting people to have attributes because of their skin color. "Being" is not conferred by our skin color, nor the century we live in. Nationality also doesn't confer any sense of being. It's interesting that we think of the question of "being" because of various individual challenges of not fitting perfectly in a/the group, and somehow forget that group identities matter. People start employing the language of "inclusion" - essentially insisting on their own "being" while telling the group how to "be." No, I'm not saying it's okay for some group members to harass, abuse, or discriminate. In terms of "being" culture matters, and it isn't conferred by blood, your passport, or the color of your skin. There's so much to discuss, and it would be awesome to do it over beer, sake, or whatever the preferred drink. Thanks again - you're not simply a "Youtuber," you are a documentarist!
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  431. Looks amazing! I can’t wait to watch! ❤️ 🇯🇵❤️
    9
  432. I've seen police direct traffic outside a popular church during times when people are leaving the church. There are no traffic lights so it's probably to help allow people to leave safely. Just like in your clip, that police is probably there every day to help get the UPS trucks out during specific times.
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  433. My Life pointing is your friend, almost every restaurant in Japan has pictures on its menu. If there are no pictures you can use google translates camera option, it’s not always perfect but it’s better than nothing. In saying that interactions with service workers in Japan usually follow a fairly predictable script so if you learn a few phrases you can get by much less awkwardly.
    9
  434. Hey Greg, I usually don't commend and give feedback on Ytube videos, but this video was amazing!!! Pls do more features with Akko. She gives great commentary and has a unique and relaxed vibe. Really enjoyed this video format! Keep it up.
    9
  435. Wonderful video! Interesting topic. I was born and raised in P.R. and moved to the U.S. as a teen. After living here for 30yrs. I feel more "American" compared to my Puertorrican friends and family. My American spouse is Portuguese as far as DNA but knows nothing of Portugal. Strangers often think he is hispanic. And finally, our children were adopted from China. Talk about a melting pot!
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  436. It’s amazing what you can do with nature! This episode has definitely been an education as well as insightful view. Keep up the fresh and interesting content on this channel 🙌💯🇯🇵🌿
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  437. A big thank you to Professor Gill for doing these. The information is really interesting and he is very clearly spoken.
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  438. I usually do comment on YouTube videos only when I REALLY like something. You have outdone yoursefl with this one Greg!!! This was an amazing video and i LOVED everything about it!
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  439. Thanks for another great series. I never thought I'd watch like 90 minutes of video on life in Aomori, but here I am, and I thoroughly enjoyed it all. You find topics in Japan that are rarely covered and do a great job presenting them and getting good footage. Also thanks for answer my question or a similar one to it!
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  440. watched Part 2 just recently and it got my eyes watery out of how interesting and how beautiful Aomori is, and cant contain my happiness when opening your channel videos to see part 3 just released. I think I know where to bring my family for japan family vacation.
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  441. Does this guy have online courses? This is all fascinating and I would love to learn way more in depth! Edit: Perfect, question was answered, I will go to that Patreon!
    8
  442. Really enjoyed another video with David, would love to hear more from him.
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  443. Wow - this has been an incredibly insightful and thought provoking documentary! My father is half Japanese and consequently I am a quarter. My interest in the past decade of our Japanese heritage and family history has greatly deepened. Over the last several years, I revived many cultural practices that my Grandmother had taught me as a child in Japan and I cherish each of these rituals, recipes and practices dearly. Thank you so much for sharing your creative film-making gift - this has been nothing short of enriching. Cheers!
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  444. Thanks for this super informative video! There is a lot of info to digest and it's going to take several replays to get it all xD This means that this video took an even longer time to make! Thank you so much for doing all the research and footage capture :) It's great to see all the info presented in a way that the average person can understand ^^ TY and keep up the awesome work!
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  445. Just purchased! I can't wait to watch this over the weekend
    8
  446. 2200 class hours != 2200 hours, class hours imply youcare doing more, individual work on the side, like personal study, homework, etc.
    8
  447. I always love watching your videos. Is like waiting for new episodes in national geographic Japan. Awesome content as always!
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  448. The thing about children is the same here in Germany and I live in a city of 600k people so it's not really small either. You see elementary school kids use public transport on their own all the time often in small groups to get to school and back home without their parents. I walked on my own too and so did all of my classmates. That is still a normal thing.
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  449. I bet it was the start of the morning shift at UPS and because so many drivers are leaving the facility and there’s no stop light at that intersection, a police officer will direct traffic to make sure no one waits too long. I live in the suburbs of Atlanta and there are two schools on my street, so in the morning, there are police directing traffic for safety.
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  450. This is a fun one. Akko certainly makes it more fun.
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  451. thanks for the video! my family and i traveled to japan and okinawa for more than 20 times in the past 5 years and we love it so much! we were planning to move to okinawa to start a new business but now still staying in a remote island of hong kong having a herbal tea shop. i love your videos! always remind me how i traveled in japan, and some of my memories and so on. wish you and your family has a wonderful life in japan, stay healthy! :-) if possible, wish to keep in touch with you, feel like my heart is attached there~ gavin
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  452. Your videos really are among the very best out there. Being half japanese myself, your videos always remind me of the extraordinary culture of Japan and I can even get a glimpse into the lives of all thesee awesome people you have met. Keep up the great work! Greetings from Germany.
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  453. Long time viewer, 1st time to comment. As someone who's also currently living in Tokyo, I can positively say that this is the best summary of what's been happening in Japan the past few months. Admire how you backed all the facts with the news clips and articles too. Been watching a lot of vlogs of people who have been explaining what's been happening in Japan the past few months and I'm sad to say that a majority of them contained personal opinions stated as "facts", which is understandable considering how stressful things have been. Thank you for your unbiased summary. Keep up the great work!
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  454. The cinematography in this video is amazing and top notch! Thanks Greg!
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  455. Good video! And congrats on your documentary meeting its goal! I did my best to support you.
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  456. Thank you for sharing this, now more than ever. So many of us are feeling scared and isolated and unsure of the future. This vid is food for the soul, as we see what’s the same and important among all cultures as we cope with this pandemic as a species rather than as “separate” Japanese, American, British or Chinese/etc societies. This planet isn’t big enough to support cultural divides with 7 billion people on it. We are ALL humans. Period. Now, let’s all go get the F along and stay indoors for awhile to cover each other’s backs (I hope that idiom doesn’t get lost in translation😂, if it does, I just mean take care of each other. No matter what happens.) Peace. ✌️
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  457. Greg I really appreciate how you incorporate numbers and stats and references to legit Japanese laws/legislations in your videos.
    8
  458. I am glad I found this comment before I got too far into the video. I'd rather watch the long version. (Time for bed here!) Before I forget, thanks for all your work on it, and to all who agreed to be interviewed. We understand that it's a huge topic. No one expects a fully comprehensive treatment of the issues in 30 minutes, 1 hour, or even several hours!
    8
  459. I can't answer for when in Japan (not yet anyway!) but when I've been to places in Europe I normally speak English first because I don't feel confident and I worry that I'll say it wrong or ask for the wrong thing, also that they will respond in their native language and I won't have enough knowledge to know what's going on! I try to learn some basics before I go somewhere and at least I'll use the basics (Hello, Thank You, Please...), but anything further than that usually becomes a confidence problem. For my next holiday though I'm going all in. This video helps to out my mind at ease a little with this kind of thing!
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  460. Here we go, here's the sound pronunciation and surprise, us Yanks (who usually try to spell or pronounce their mother tongue differently) actually agree, not sure of Aussies, Kiwis or Canucks though: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4fNFo2nsNw
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  461. I really love your videos, this one was exceptionally amazing, I proposed to my wife at the upper floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in 2017, and the part where you reach that building gave me goosebumps. Thank you so much for this video.
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  462. You don't need to be a foreigner to be charged more than what they do with the locals. If they know you are not from that place, they will just charge you more. The best tip is ask the locals so you have an idea what to expect and learn the art of bargaining. Anyway, thank you for visiting the country and for documenting it the way it is. It's a refreshing perspective to see it through the the objective lens.
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  463. This is absolutely wonderful. I have enjoyed your work for years and appreciated your growth in storytelling. This is truly a milestone. It entertains and educates like your previous windows into Japan, but goes further in uniting us, binding us together with the honesty of shared experiences. Thank you, Greg.
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  464. Where I’m from in North America (USA) we don’t have fruit cafes like what you showed in the video. Fruit here is considered more a staple food group, rather than a dessert or special treat. Fruit is sometimes given as gifts (such as edible arrangements, fruit baskets, or fruit of the month subscriptions), but you probably wouldn’t get a fruit gift from the supermarket, and I’ve never seen a market dedicated to fruit for gifts, as was featured in the video. We often eat fruit based desserts (apple pie, banana split, cherry cheesecake), but not usually on its own. For fruit to count as a typical dessert, it usually must have copious amounts of sugar and fat (butter, cream, oil) added. On the one hand, I think North Americans might do better to have more of an Asian perspective of fruit, viewing it as a sweet treat or something special. This brings more of a positive association with fruit, and perhaps would replace the less healthy desserts that we often eat. However, the greatest dietary contributor to disease is not eating enough fruit. I would hate for cost to deter people from eating an essential food group. Fruit should be eaten everyday, multiple servings per day, whether that’s with breakfast, for a snack, or as a dessert. I’m not sure which would encourage North Americans to eat more fruit: to think of it as a special treat or indulgence (psychologically making it more appealing) because it’s more expensive and grown with greater care, or to think of it as a staple food group to include in large amounts, and as a result being less expensive but grown with less care (financially making it more accessible). Bottom line, I think it’s important that we all eat fruit, each and every day. This was a very fun video to watch. One of my dream trips is to travel to tropical regions in order to try local fruit, ripened on the tree. I’m sure that the mangoes, lychees, and golden berries I can access where I live are not nearly as good as what I’d find in Hawaii, Southern Asia, South and Central America, and Africa. It would be amazing to try the local fruits there - many of which probably don’t even make their way to the markets where I’m from.
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  465. This is incredibly well researched! You obviously care about the issues, and it shows in the quality of the videos, and how much out of the way you're willing to do some investigative footwork (e.g., the high-pitched sound at night).
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  466. How lovely is David! He was a great addition to the video
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  467. that is such an impressive level of craftsmanship! i can't believe how many steps it took, and how intricate they all were! truly a band of artists. it was really cool of you to not only make this video to showcase their work, but also to support them by commissioning the design. hopefully it'll inspire more people to seek out such a creative craft ✨
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  468. Thank you for documenting what feels like... droplets of rain flowing into the river and disappearing into the ocean. I'm surprisingly sentimental about this but it is a generational passing that I feel was accelerated the past 2 years that I'd always wonder what could have been.
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  469. I never actually wondered too much about your race when watching your other videos but your explanation is awesome! I'm also a mut and proud of it. Growing up, I was always asked by classmates "What ARE you?!"and I would usually just shrug because I didn't think it mattered. Now that I'm older, I'm finding my ethnic background to be fascinating, although I still strongly believe that race isn't what defines a person. I've got mostly Apache Navajo on my mom's side and a possibility of some Spanish too. My grandma was a teenager when she had my mom so my mom was adopted by her aunt who was married to an immigrant from Mexico. Since the Navajo tribe came from Japan and still has almost identical culture and language to this day, my mom grew up in a Asian, Native American, Mexican culture. When she was a kid she was often confused as to why she never fit in with the Mexican crowd and why Asian immigrants in her school would try to speak their own languages to her. My dad is mostly Irish with some Korean and Cherokee somewhere in his DNA but he was adopted by a Scottish man and was raised in a Scottish-American culture. So my sister and I grew up in a mix of Asian, Native American, Mexican, and Scottish American cultures, but we aren't Mexican or Scottish. I never really learned anything about our Irish heritage but I'd still like to visit Ireland one day. I definitely have set a goal to visit Japan, the home of my ancestors' ancestors- our not-so-distant relatives- but I'll have to learn Japanese first.
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  470. Good video - I've seen a few videos on this topic but today I've learned things from this one that I've not seen before 😄
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  471. I love watching your videos, they're so informative. I've actually been living in Japan now for almost a year, and your videos had a big impact on my decision to come here instead of any of my other options. Your videos took a lot of stress and worry away, and gave me a lot of knowledge and information before my move. Always looking forward to your videos, you made life where you're from so interesting I had to come see for myself!
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  472. Wow! I am very impressed by the thoroughness of this video. You showed us so many different types of people and their meals.
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  473. Easiest purchase of my life!!
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  474. When you said you recently traveled to the Philippines and showed the party happening next door, I immediately burst out laughing! I’m Filipino American and have lived with my grandparents up in the quiet mountains here in the Philippines during my college years and have recently moved to a city for work. During the holidays, the entire neighborhood will have raging parties and mind you, they are right below me by a floor so you can imagine how loud it may be when I’m trying to get some sleep for work the next day! Aside from that, there are just times when you’ll hear neighbors doing karaoke, laughter, babies crying, or when I first moved in, a pack of dogs howling into the night! Granted, I live in an apartment in a dense neighborhood right off the side of a cliff. I love my fellow Filipinos for sure but, the noise is nearly unbearable.
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  475. This is undoubtedly one of the most profound docuseries I have ever watched on racism and acceptance in different cultures. This has been an extraordinary journey walking through different lives of different people, and I wanted to relate in my own way, and cry for them. I cannot say in words how much I am moved by this, as we all experience some sort of bullying and thoughts that we "don't belong" in our lives. I think that all schools should require a class that addresses these problems and raises acceptance in cultural differences . Thank you for this!
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  476. How generous of him! I've always been curious. What a neat video! :)
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  477. nooo bc i was literally DESPERATE to know why all japanese clipart is the same. thank u king
    6
  478. There are 2 points which I'm very happy that you have given focus on this video. #1. It is true that at least 1 member of every Filipino family is working abroad and is mostly the main financial source of the family. Take for example my dad who has been working as a 3rd Marine Engineer since I was 5 years old and I'm now 25. I also have 2 aunts who are based in Dubai and UK and I have cousins who are in US and Canada. I'm hoping to work abroad someday too. #2. What's sad is a lot of Filipino people who have college degrees and finished at very good universities don't actually use their degree for their work. Also college tuition fees are no joke. My parents spent a fortune for my sister and I to finisg our degree in one of the top schools of the country. Thank you so much for featuring the Philippines in your videos. Yes, our country may be poor but we are strong and resilient people. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! 💜
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  479. If you know John Daub from Only in Japan, he now has a new channel that he'll be posting on from now on. So if you're already subscribed to his old channel, I'd suggest subscribing to the new one, since he'll be posting his main videos there from now on https://www.youtube.com/c/johndaub. As always, thanks for the help making this video John!
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  480. As always, a very eye-opening video and answers questions that I've been putting on the back of my mind deemed as not important or something that can only be answered by a local (which I know very few of and hard to contact). Like most things, it will come to an end. The declining birth rate, the elderly population getting higher and higher, so it just makes sense. Although, some will survive through chain stores and few new young aspiring owners. It may not have the soul of the olden shotengai's but at least it survives, it some kind of way. Is that enough? I do not know. But time swallows all. If it existed, then it will also experience "death". It would be interesting to see comments from an outsider's view on how Japan could "fix" this phenomenon. I wonder how. Thank you, thank you so much Greg. You don't know how much your work impacts the person on the other side of the screen. In the constant state of change, the worst part of living, I deem is remembering things that are no longer here. But it will always be there in your mind. Sometimes it's a cruel joke. How can I had the fun and realize it is over and is taken from me? A memory of a time gone by, like poison inside the prison which is my mind, ever closing in as I age. Thank you. Thank you very much.
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  481. Greg, I've been watching your videos since moving to Japan seven years ago. This is definitely one of your top five. Thanks for the great info!
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  482. Very interesting topic as usual, I'm looking forward to the next video. Have a nice rest of the week!! ♥️
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  483. Good video. Definitely re: identity. It hurts me when other people say that I'm not who I am even after I've told them. It's exhausting explaining each time with them seeing only my skin rather than character/personality/interests, but it's also exhausting backing myself up each time. I'm British and nobody can take that away from me. I am who I am. And yes, it's much more interesting to see where we're going.
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  484. I love that theyre keeping these traditions and indigenous cultures alive!
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  485. You have done a really good job with this series. Well edited, interesting content. I'm enjoying learning more about this issue
    6
  486. Who's Greg?
    5
  487. 9:04 the spice must flow as well..... Great job on this! So funny to see snow being dumped in the ocean. And snow drift screens, amazing.
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  488. This is one of your best vids
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  489.  @LifeWhereImFrom  Yes, I'm up for making some more. I'd like to do the misogi one, and the plum blossom festival. And all the others. Once it becomes possible to go places and film again…
    5
  490. I’m super excited to watch the full version of this video! Although it is an island country, Japan is now so multinational and there are lots of people who have various backgrounds. It is worth featuring 😊❤️✨
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  491. FINALLY!!!😭❤❤
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  492. This is a great resource video. Thank you for taking the time to help explain Shinto.
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  493. Heavy topic, but great video.
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  494. This video was more interesting than I expected it to be. I never really considered that religious value of giving to the poor wasn't universal. It feels like a "no duh" moment. Seriously, this is why I am subbed to this channel cuz I always learn cultural things that I hadn't known prior.
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  495. When I participated to your indiegogo three years ago, I was preparing to come to Japan to live with my girlfriend, now my wife. And soon, I'll become the dad of a "hafu". So this question has never been as important as now. Good timing Greg :-D I really enjoyed you documentary, watched it in one sitting :-) All the best!
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  496. Old school email...this made me laugh and feel super old!! Kim
    5
  497. Glad you are on Nebula now! Watching here again 😁
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  498. I have no thoughts of moving to Japan but love learning about life in other countries. This video and channel does just that. $3 well spent! Thanks Greg!
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  499. Greg, this is already one of my favorite videos. The quality of the video and the very conversational, intimate interviews and videos of the food, especially being cooked or shown was just totally top-notch.
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  500. Wow, it’s been a long time since something moved me so deeply. I used to volunteer at a nursing home and the seniors living there had so many interesting stories and advices for us. It’s a good reminder that our elderly were once young and had big dreams too.
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  501. Just backed your documentary, I can't wait for it :3
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  502. That's totally the death star
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  503. I guess I should drop the link to a relevant video I made with my brother and his family about eating in Japan without any Japanese https://youtu.be/2rppnse7IkM
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  504. What an amazing video! I love the contrasts between the different parts of Tokyo and you really managed to capture a lot of different things within the city in a very calm and scenic way. The video felt a lot like the Tokyo by Train video, which probably is one of my favorite youtube videos! Now I'm really excited to have both a train day and a cycling day when I finally get to visit Tokyo! Thank you Greg!
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  505. Thanks!
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  506. oooh! i see David, i instantly smash that like button :D <3
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  507. 非常に興味深い…日本人の私でも考えさせる内容だ。他の動画も拝見したが、これだけ日本について知ってる外国人の方はなかなかいない。
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  508. Thank you for your amazing work!
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  509. How you get japanese kid? You is not japan man by appearence
    4
  510. What those people that are taking issue with you for exploring the topic fail to understand is that sometimes an "outsider" can bring a unique perspective that someone who has been immersed in something all their life may not have. I'm always interested to hear what people from other countries think of mine because I'm interested in their perspective from someone who hasn't lived here their whole life. Sometimes they will make comment on some aspect of my culture that I simply never think of because it's woven into my daily existence. And I put "outsider" in quotes as I feel like you having lived there for years, married someone Japanese, started a family, bought a home and so on makes you less and less of an outsider everyday. And it seems like even entertaining the idea that someone could become Japanese is what offends some of these people that make negative comments, instead of embracing someone that wants to be part of their culture they reject them, it's very unfortunate as that drives people apart instead of bringing them together.
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  511. Man you are a saint taking those comments in stride! My Wife and I really love your videos, we find them educational and most of all entertaining! I am Yonsei half Japanese-American, and she is Sansei Japanese-American, we struggle with the question of what makes you Japanese quite often. So thank you for making this documentary and bringing this topic it to light.
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  512. VERY enjoyable, and informative video! I’ve been a subscriber for about three years. This is one of my favorite videos of yours. Keep up the great work. Thank you.
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  513. I hope the speaker started working again. It should. Once the water comes out. :) thanks for another great video. Edit: haha thanks for the update at the end :)))
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  514. great video! just a side note though, the first house you're showing off (the yakisugi wall one) wasn't built by a japanese couple. my wife (who's japanese) and myself (swiss) designed and built it :) really enjoyed the tour though!
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  515. Three things I would add: one other main reason to get a PASMO/SUICA/IC is to not have to worry about the transfers between lines; your onsen/sento experience may be quickly curtailed if you have tattoos; and that since addresses are so confusing, nearly everybody uses landmarks - e.g. the local Famima/7-11 - as navigational aids.
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  516. Ahhhh Greg, you made my cry and you made me hungry. So sad I canT go with you. Japan and its site's are interesting - Also food preperation, cooking and serving is on high level. I like how you capture and show your content. Also I am always happy to see, that you try for yourself what it is like to be (video content) and how it feels. In my mind, it makes your story telling a lot more authentic. I am always looking forward for your next story or projekt. Did I mention that I am happy to support you? You have my regards, my respect. Not to forget - I highly recommend you and your work/channel. Best regards John form Germany
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  517. Thanks Greg, for yet another great video that compiles and brings nuance to a discussion I've been having for years with people curious about Japan! xD One more to use when trying to unravel the complexity of it. You generally have two camps of people on this. One side, people who have heard about the complexity of trash separation for recycling, plus perhaps a doc on that zero waste village that "recycles" "everything", and thinks Japan is a paradise of recycling or something, and the other camp who heard about double and triple packaging of Japanese products and/or how a ton of trash gets burnt and finds it all appalling... it is often hard to explain how none of it is black and white, and reality is more or less in between like in several other developed nations. But I think there are some models in Japan that are worth thinking about and adopting, sometimes I wonder why it still didn't happen. One is the standardization of product packaging, particularly for companies that already operate in Japan (which is basically most, as it has basically become a global oligopoly), they have no excuses on not knowing how to do it. My understanding is that while not perfect, particularly for PET bottles, Japan evolved recycling efforts a whole lot in the past couple of decades. And it's not only about recycling... in more general terms it's also about usability, education, awareness, culture and more stuff along those lines. Standardization and bottles that are clearly made with recycling in mind, with care put into how to clean and break them apart for recycling, by itself educates people towards better disposal practices... which doesn't happen in my country because bottles continue coming in all shapes, consistency and sizes, with paper and plastic labels completely glued to the bottles with zero consideration on how to take them off, an assortment of caps of all materials and qualities imaginable, no standardized shape, etc. You can see from the offset that it wasn't made with recycling in mind, and so people just don't give a damn. In fact, by comparison, the standard vending machine Japanese tea bottle is so well made (in comparison to local stuff) that I often see people using it as a reusable bottle... every now and then I get some in an import shop and it becomes a bottle to take on trips and whatnot. The bottles of stuff bought locally are so crappy that it often ends up in a state you can't really clean up and reuse. The whole idea that bottled beverage manufacturers needs to keep changing and messing with bottle designs as a marketing ploy has to die in the west. Well, what is left of it in Japan also has to go, because I know that despite heavy standardization, Japan also has a bit of that leftover. I also think that for quite a few places, there needs to be some consideration about controlled burning of trash with carbon capture methods and whatnot. While it might sound bad at first because of emissions, it's a whole lot worse if all this trash ends up in a landfill which contaminates the water table and rivers, and all of it ends up breaking down and becoming a source of greenhouse gases anyways, while also adding up to ecosystem damages and microplastics problem. For countries like Japan where there is a lack of natural resources for energy production, and a whole lot of emissions and costs involved in importing fossil fuel energy anyways, at least for me it seems more than logical to burn trash for fuel. It's not a perfect solution, and it might not sound great, but it sure sounds better than just exporting trash and importing even more fossil fuels to fill the gap... I do agree though that there should be better ways to handle some types of packaging... I do like the practice for cleanliness and food portioning reasons, plus the entire culture of gift giving, but I guess it's time to start applying more forcefully usage of alternative materials, or reusable stuff, rather than just keep using mounds of plastic that will end up being burned away. In any case, I'm not in any position to criticize or complain. My developing nation still didn't get even close to such considerations. Trash ends up everywhere here, even well educated people have no idea how little of our trash gets recycled, in general people also have no idea how to separate recyclable trash from the rest properly, we are nowhere close to having an uniform system for it, there is little respect for standards and labeling regarding materials and how to recycle them, and our landfills are all problematic in their own ways... I won't even start talking about industrial trash, commercial, and stuff like mining because it'd be an endless complaint stream. :P The only thing that saves us from going the complete opposite way when it comes to environmentalism and fighting climate change is that most of our power generation, thanks to the lucky geographical conditions we have, already leans heavily towards renewables. Lucky for us, because if it depended on government and people's will, we'd be contributing increasingly more and more to worsening Climate Change, and against the environment in general. But there is a lot more to be done, and it needs to start by taking away the idiot president in charge, replacing with someone that at least doesn't put industrial cattle farming and whatnot above environmental concerns. Realistically though, even if we elected the most radical environmentalist possible, there is only so much that could be done to solve all the environmental issues here... but I think a proper start would be regulating things properly and forcing huge industries to commit to better practices or start paying all the fines they should already be paying for environmental damages.
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  518. Please grow beard please... I can't recognize you..... come on man...............
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  519. @Life Where I'm From you know what ? at first i thought oh.. it's creepy.. robots that slow serving you.. but after 2 minutes of video.. alright i won't say "these poeple were amazing" and being like a "good" person praising nonsense but rather i'd like to contribute as well and do better to "their feelings/mental health + physical health" not only through technology though i'd like to develop the technology itself too :)
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  520. Life Where I'm From I’m a new subscriber, and I am so impressed by your videos! Sweet, insightful, educational, fun... great filming quality and editing. Your hard work and passion shows! Thank you for sharing with us. :)
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  521. My first week in Japan, I spent pointing at menus and holding up fingers for the amount. I'd also go to FaMiMa and 7-11 a lot since most of their meals are packaged in clear containers. Now I had some Japanese but was super uncomfortable and didn't want to speak it until I was more confident in learning how to order. A majority of the restaurants in Sunshine City (where I was living) had English menus. However once I went out of Tokyo I had to rely on my broken Japanese to order. Luckily I learned important phrases from McDonald's such as ”～持ち帰りにしてください”.
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  522. Part of my winter survival estrategy involves watching Life Where I'm From videos... 🙂
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  523. Korean foodie here. Just recognized while watching that his guide does not know how to cook, or lack in culinary info. 12:07 she mentions most dishes using 'gochujang' but actually they're normally a blend of chili pepper, garlic and other stuff depending on the dish. There used to be a big joke of a 'naive rich kid' using gochujang for kimchi in an old kdrama to display how 'helpless' the character was in the kitchen. = Korean food being red does not mean gochujang. Ofcourse, not a major thing in this video but just felt like pointing out cause after being in a great area for food you moved to another area just to go to something like 'fastfood~すき家' then comes that info... Yep, I'm just a big foodie+nerd so had to point that out. And yes, like other comments realized the mis-info about 'normal Korean people housing' brick buildings. 'Normal Korean people housing' is more closer to those 'skyscrapers' (maybe not that new) and mostly a bit bigger than 100 square meter for a 4 member family. I guess he got to see the brick buildings more because young Koreans 20~30 yrs. Who move out early and pay for their own rent(400~500 USD per month) tend to find those kind of cheap places. Which were originally pretty wealthy houses back in the 80s to mid 90s. Usually the landlord would live there with a few other spaces for rent. The original owners are now over 70 with their kids living in those skyscrapers so, they just monetize the rooms. That's why some rooms/houses have weird use of space or have shaggy kitchen/bathrooms cause some 'houses' mostly perceived as 'rooms' were not originally built to be an independent residential area. But rather the landlord decided to squish in a cabinet kitchen and do a bit of pipe work for a watercloset so that it could be a separate resident to monetize. And yes, Asian elders come very grumpy about money so won't bother much to polish the space for people renting them. Also, the 'public housing' in the end are actually really expensive old-but-recognized apartments, there's a reason for the exterior being like that but the residents don't really care cause they're mainly there for schooling their kids. It's on the <river side> if you noticed, and the insides are usually nothing like the outside. Fully glammed with antique furniture depending on taste. People like doctors, lawyers, celebrities used to live there before glass-hotel like skyscrapers came in fad for them.
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  524. Life Where I'm From I didn't know if you know this but the condition you're talking about where you get red from drinking can actually happen and not just Asian countries or to Asian people It happens to people worldwide I was curious after hearing you talk about it so I researched it and that's what it said I don't know if I haven't are not because I never really paid attention to my face after drinking But it claims to be a world wide condition
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  525. Greg, I was inspired by this video when I first watched it a few years ago. In April this year, I was in Tokyo and joined a folding bike tour. It was surprisingly pleasant to bike around central Tokyo! Thank you for the preview and the inspiration. (Scott; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA).
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  526. 面白い！ 色々考えさせられます パート2もまた時間作ってみたいと思います☺️
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  527. I've never seen much about hafu I really appreciate seeing it. Makes a big difference
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  528. It’s both fascinating and very much unknown by most people how culturally diverse the southern caribbean really is! My maternal side of the family happens to have a similar origin story as your paternal side. They were brought to Suriname (the country right next to Guayana) as indentured servants from India and ended up migrating to the Netherlands the with the 2nd generation. The region is such a melting pot with there being large populations of Indians, Chinese Indonesians and black/creole people, which really reflects in the local cuisine, which is now very established in the Netherlands with the people that came over from their former colony. I’m kind of amazed to “know” someone with a similar origin story outside of the dutch-surinamese context, because it’s on nobody’s radar! Anyway… my take is that you are what you feel you are. Your cultural identity isn’t something that can be determined by other people. I grew up mostly in Germany and spent a few years in the Netherlands, so even though I may not look like it, I am German and Dutch. I’ve never been to Suriname or India, I don’t speak the language, so how can I possibly be Surinamese or Indian? Because I ate different food when visiting my grandparents?
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  529. I wached the video already on Nebula, but I still wanted to comment for the Algorithm
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  530. Life Where I'm From Don't feel too bad about it we are all human with mistakes a part of the journey. I highly agree having a different set of eyes to keep information true and on point, is a very helpful, best interest for documentaries. Wish ya the best on this!
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  531. Congrats! My wife grew up in Nikko (her father worked in the shrine). It's an amazing area. The fact that it's a tourist location helps a lot for maintaining the viability of shops, restaurants and train lines. I live in rural Shizuoka in a very similar sized town and similar situation (minus the tourist trade). The fact that you are on the train line is massive. Previously I lived in a town away from the train and life is just much more difficult. Even if I wanted to buy clothes I would have to plan out an entire day because there were no men's clothing stores within a 2 hour one way journey. Anyway, I pretty much guarantee that you will enjoy living there. The one piece of advice I would give is that when you actually move there (or even potentially before that), try to spend as much time as you can meeting locals. We moved to this town about 4 years ago and it took probably the first 3 years for locals to get used to me living here. In the inaka, almost everybody is retired. Going for walks in the neighbourhood and actively chatting to people is really important to help them understand that you own property and will be staying (potentially) for good. Inaka life is different than city life in that being part of the community is really important. Attending the festivals, doing your bit in community activities, etc, etc ensures that people feel they can rely on you and that you are worth investing time and attention on. It can be lonely if you don't because everybody knows everybody else and it's hard to be the one left out. You may find it difficult to transition from running the minpaku to residing in the area, because people will get used to the minpaku housing short term guests. Just make sure to walk around the area frequently and turn down no opportunity to greet people and chat if they seem keen.
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  532. Oh! I remember loving this channel years ago! I forgot about it and now suddenly got it recommended :D
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  533. I can’t wait to to watch this as a third generation Japanese-Canadian!
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  534. Danke!
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  535. Hi! Thank you for this video. Your channel never fails to amaze me. I love to learn about the human experience and how we interpret things according to where we are from. Learning about new cultures not only opens your heart to empathy but also makes you see your own culture different. I am from Guatemala. ( Central America) and here most people identify as Catholics but there are certain practices like Shinto that we attribute them to culture and no religion. Even if these practices originated from religion. Like before a child goes out, the mother would kiss his/her forehead and draw a cross with her fingers. This used to be like asking for Jesus´protection but now is a way of saying "come back safe"
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  536. Kuwabara Sensei did great job as "videographer". Kudos to her 👍🙏
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  537. The land of convenience... xD those are awesome, I'd love to have a service like that here. We do have frozen meals here, but it's like half a dozen types at most, they are super expensive (sometimes more than just paying for restaurant delivery), and they generally don't taste great nor are very healthy... If you count lasagnas as a meal, several of them still have trans fat added. The stuff you find on supermarkets are generally bad... it'll do to fill you up, but there always seem to be something wrong with it. The rice comes out kinda raw, the pasta ends up mushy, meat has the consistency of rubber... You know when food is poorly frozen or it taste like it has been unfrozen and frozen back again? That. You can never trust supermarkets, restaurants, and delivery services to preserve the thing as they should. I have seen a few app based delivery restaurants offering frozen meals made by them, not industrialized, but they are really hit or miss... the better ones are labeled as "healthy food", and accordingly comes with the healthy food tax - by which I mean, they are too expensive for what they are, and portions are small. And I've never seen anything offering this much variety... the restaurants that offer frozen meals made by themselves at most will have some 4 or 5 choices based on the standard everyday brazilian meal. Rice beans and a few other stuff, beef stroganoff, feijoada, and then all sorts of pasta... the most common here are spaghetti, gnocci and lasagna. It's really made for those in a hurry, not for those looking to enjoy a meal. Though I think if I lived there, I'd just do a quick run to a kombini everytime. xD I mean, with frozen food you don't even have to leave home, but really, the only reason why I consider frozen food here is because there is nothing like kombinis around where I live, restaurants are expensive as heck, and everytime you go out you gotta have safety in mind because depending on time of day, you always have a chance to get mugged or something. :P So I have tried a whole ton of frozen, dried, and generally long preserved food... it's mostly been kinda like cup noodles - not the kind you see in Japan, the kind you see internationally... pretty basic and bad. But opposite to cup noodles, if it's a regular meal, it tends to be super expensive too...
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  538. Thank you for making this, I plan on buying and watching with my kids so they know there are many other like them. I would rent but the way you owned those pathetic trolls makes me want to go harder. Hen na gaijin rule.
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  539. The (japanese) comments are so hilarious…No matter where you on this earth, you will find people like that. Hopefully, they are minority and most are nice and interest the difference of those are not like ourselves. Great content by the way. You took it well. Thanks Greg.
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  540. I clicked on the audible link because i almost listened to all documentaries on youtube while at work! lol
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  541. That sunset shot was pretty sick
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  542. I love shotengai, and am always a little sad to find one with many shuttered shops. Whenever in a new area, I love visiting local shotengai. Often times, the prices are reasonable and the products have more character and quality. I appreciate becoming a regular and having the chance to nuture a connection with the shopkeeper and get their recommendations. And having the fresh air and daylight is much preferable to a stuffy mall. I hope the associations are able to modernize and renovate in a way that encourages this spirit, instead of relying on faceless large chain stores.
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  543. So I was sitting in the library studying for a crazy difficult exam and thought welp, I'll just play this vid in the background and then rewatch it at home and actually view it. But it was really interesting and I basically took a break and watched it whole. Greg you're a genius at this.
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  544. Excellent video. A very “human” and relatable way of looking at and investigating this extremely beautiful location. I wish everyone in this town only the best for today and for their future. Thanks for sharing this video essay with me Greg, I genuinely appreciate all of your efforts and hard work. I’d really love to visit this place. The Japanese country side looks so beautiful.
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  545. A fellow Nerdfighter, huh? Your channel definitely D(oesn't)FTBA!
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  546. Wow! I never would’ve thought I’d see my hometown of Indianapolis on this channel. I used to take Binford onto Fall Creek to get home all the time 😅 American city planning may not be ideal by any metric, but it sure does bring up feelings of nostalgia and home
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  547. Thank you for a fantastic, detailed video of the Covid-19 time line! I hope one day I can visit Japan again, Australian international borders are closed so it will be difficult for now. The Government here are doing their best to try to contain it, but now we’ve had restrictions lift as the economy was suffering... so there are clusters of new cases every day. Hoping the world will get through this soon!
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  548. ohh cant wait for the trains and airport parts
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  549. Love the amount of research and effort you're putting in compared to other surface level videos! Always excited to watch a LWIF video even if I know some of the material because I'll always learn something more!
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  550. Wonderful people, very good approach to the topic and a high quality production.
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  551. Excellent documentary Grege, I have learned lots of things about Japan from your channel and Only In Japan that made our trips to Japan very smooth, my wife and I visited Japan three times within one year, spent over 40 days vacation. I had no issues praying in public places in Japan as long as I respected the rights of others. I find your videos very informative. Thanks.
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  552. Nvm, that's the whole video 😂
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  553. im a little bit tired of japanese tiny apt videos, but i clicked anyway because i knew you'd bring something new, interesting and informative. funnily enough, thats the first thing you address. I love your channel because you really have a great niche in the "japan content" side of youtube in making really interesting, pretty, and chill videos. tackling each topic from a "reporter" kinda angle (idk if that's how you would describe yourself but its the word that comes to mind). YIPPI :)
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  554. here because of not just bikes
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  555. Really helpful video! Also thanks to your family for agreeing to help out. :)
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  556. When I couldn't communicate my order or didn't understand what they were asking me (like the brother in the last restaurant) I just chose randomly and hoped for the best lol. But it worked! It was fun not knowing what would you get and also made me try new flavors. For allergies I just had printed a message in a card saying in japanese : "I'm allergic to strawberries" (just in case) and pointed it when in doubt. And I also learned the kanjis for pork, chicken, cow and others like fish or tofu (which helped me identify the protein in the soups at least when ordering from a written menu).
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  557. Japanese ramen soup is made with two distinct parts—the broth, and the flavouring. The broth can be anything from a seafood-based dashi broth, a rich chicken broth, or a tonkotsu broth like the one in Greg's video. The flavouring is most commonly sea salt, soy sauce, or miso, though any number of additional seasonings—sesame paste, chili oil, or mayu—can be added to enhance or complement the flavor of the broth.
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  558. Thanks for coming out! Pleasure boating around Tokyo is something not many people do. I love being essentially alone on the water in a city of millions.
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  559. My ex-colleagues from Winnipeg talked about "winter" to us in Berlin, but I couldn't even live in Germany, coming from Iran. So, no, thank you. I enjoyed this video, but I hope it always remains in my computer screen and never experience it first hand.
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  560. ​ @LifeWhereImFrom  I was actually cracking up so hard at that car footage because the "if it whirs it starts" coupled with the mid-video flash showing that this car is a 2000s Subaru Impreza, I was having flashbacks 😂 My partner is from Tennessee and he drove his brand "new" 2007 Subaru Impreza alllll the way up to Ottawa to attend university here (where we met 😊)... His car went one whole winter without issue and that was all it could take lmao We got stranded so many places waiting for the engine to heat up or someone to give us a jump when the portable power pack didn't do the trick! Also, if your brother ever has issues with the car not starting in not Winter season, make sure he isn't using the aux power outlet at the front of the centre console-- there's a known issue with it quickly draining the car's battery 😅
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  561. Thank you for your videos. They're always interesting, informative and thought-provoking. Your kids are adorable too. Keep it up, you should be proud.
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  562. Love, love, love this video! Absolutely beautiful bike ride. Everyone keeps asking me, so what are you going to do when you go back to Tokyo the end of the year? I say walk and they look at me like I am crazy. I love all of the greenways, neighborhoods, hidden shrines, temples, etc that you find just exploring and getting "lost". I know there are a lot of tourist attractions but things like your bike ride make my day instead. Again fabulous video!
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  563. Thanks!
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  564. ¡Gracias!
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  565. Great content Greg.
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  566. Yeeess! really wanted to watch this!
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  567. I am so amazed by your videos, I sometimes end up watching 5234923874 times. It is very informative, well produced and entertaining. I tell all my friends about your channel. I'm actually heading to Japan in a week and super excited with all the information you've provided in your videos. Thank you.
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  568. cant believe i just watched 48:30 min of u guys eating ice cream :P ill def be buying the ghana ice cream if i go tto japan :)
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  569. This may not be the exact thing (I think it has extra inserts & maybe different heating method, but I bet this might be the company. In case the Ebay bid disappears here's the description first & then the link (you'll also see a couple of other versions on the page): Zojirushi hot plate far infrared EA-GV35-TD Japanese https://www.ebay.com/itm/Zojirushi-hot-plate-far-infrared-EA-GV35-TD-Japanese-/281778024273 AHA, Also found another on Amazon, search: ZOJIRUSHI hot plate roast perforated + TAKOYAKI + plane + plane half plate EA-GV35-TD
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  570. Congratulations!!! I can't believe there is a video of this festival! It brings back memories for me. I competed with my team 'International Ohara' in 2019. It was the best experience I had in Japan! I can't wait to share this video with my students! Thank you!
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  571. Thanks YouTube for showing me this channel... What did I just have seen?? This was an awesome documentary!! Just by watching this you can get the feeling of traveling yourself there ❤️🇯🇵. Thank you so much. Your camera and music timing is really nice. You have got a new subscriber 😄😄😄
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  572. Done! Made my pre-purchase. Thank you for your wonderful works over the years. I've been following you for a long time. Will there ever be a chance we can see a similar documentary about Canadian? I've just moved to Vancouver last year, and still trying to understand the country.
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  573. Not one percent of Asian dna in my blood but from watching your videos, I’ve learned to love and respect the people and culture. This is one video I’m looking forward to seeing
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  574. We need to examine your motives
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  575. Thanks!
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  576. Thanks!
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  577. Nvm, 6:40 got the answer.
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  578. That was an amazingly well-produced documentary series on the homeless in Japan. I felt that you really wanted to give fair and considerate thought to their plight, rather than making it an emotive response. Have you also thought about doing a mini-series on the migrants/refugees trying to make a life in Japan? I know that Japan doesn’t accept many refugees, and I’ve heard that it’s difficult for some migrant communities to feel like they’re accepted by their Japanese neighbours.
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  579. I was halfway through the video when I started thinking: "my, that's amazingly similar to what I wrote on my blog", and that's when I spotted my blog used as a source for the video! No wonder then! I'm flattered I'm being used as a source for a video that will reach thousands of people. As long as the ideas circulate, I'm happy. Keep up the good work.
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  580. The Bronx has high density, but also many vacant lots. It's changed since the last 10 years it's one of the cheaper places to move into from Manhattan. I actually had a semester long Project up there there back in Architecture Grad school. But compared to Tokyo Shinjuku has more life than the Bronx.
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  581. One of your best videos. I felt so calm watching this. I loved learning every bit.
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  582. Your clip art wife is beautiful!
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  583. In Japan is it easier to hide homelessness? With things like 24 hour cafes, some of them offering facilities with showers, food, private rooms and such I'm wondering if it's easier for people to hide that they are homeless or is it cracked down on if it seems that people are living in these places?
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  584. Your videos are so calm, amazing and interesting. This is why I love your channel keep up the awesome work!
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  585. I wish that one day you can make documentaries for netflix
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  586. correct me if im wrong fellow filipinos... lakatan is the longer one... the shorter one is latundan right? we also have señorita, the smallest and the cutest... and Saba for banana cue or turon... and sapari..and also the green one our version of plantain
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  587. Hate stems from fear. Fear of what you don't know. Documentaries like this is the cure for ignorance and perfect remedy for hate. Thanks for put up with the internet hate Greg, you make it a better place. Looking forward to watching the documentary!
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  588. Looking forward to watching the documentary! I had taken modules on the concept of race/ethnicity in university as well as classes on Japan on the side as well. Glad to see you took it with stride considering how it is a really loaded topic. Unpacking the concept is hard when you challenge the common notions of race, nationality and culture. It's so much more nuanced than a word and complicated. Unfortunately, people do not want to spend the effort to delve into it, which is a shame. Life is more than skin colour, and with racism on the rise across the globe, I think your documentary is timely. Thank you for taking the time and effort to make a documentary exploring this!
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  589. Thank you for the reply! I just finished watching your LWIF X survey video. I have a better understanding of the Patreon process and rewards system. I will be joining to receive behind the scenes footage! Thank You!
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  590. I love the dedication to the facts with the bibliography in the description box
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  591. I really like this type of videos! no need for flashy taglines or forcing something spectacular. Just a nice, interesting and entertaining video. Keep it up!
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  592. Watched this in geography class!
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  593. グレッグさんの動画はいつも本当の大人の生活者の視点から東京を捉えていて等身大の東京が見えてきますよね。 ゾーニングの視点では、欧米のような厳しい規制がないことが東京の無秩序な開発と一極集中をもたらしているという批判がある反面、NYCやSFなど硬直的な規制が都市の成長とバランスが取れず家賃が高騰しているのに対して、東京は緩い規制のおかげで十分な住宅供給があって家賃が維持されてる、と最近では経済学者の間で評価が高まっています。 規制の緩い雑然とした街はさまざまな要素を含んだ多様性を維持し、社会の健全性の維持に役立っているように思えます。特に東京の東部は古き良き時代の雰囲気を残していて良いです！
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  594. We thought some of this was familiar--glad you mentioned the walking tour on you X channel, Greg. We enjoy the depth of your descriptions and the context you provide! Oh, and your subtle wry humor doesn't go unnoticed :-)
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  595.  @LifeWhereImFrom  I don't have any idea what's happening since COVID, but they do well in big cities with high tourist counts. I think that point (tourists) might be why they do not have the "mom and pop" flavor of the shotengai any more. Too much money brings in the corporate vultures. There was no backbone in the US to protect small businesses. Thanks for the lovely content!
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  596. housing checkpoints have "hi-security". wave to the guards, and you're set.
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  597. Thank you for this great video! So much work went into this video series. I would love to see more documentaries, on many different topics :) I really enjoy that there are only subtitles at times instead of voice-overs like documentaries on NHK have for example. Listening to the Japanese can be a good practice :)
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  598. This inspired me to help out in my own community. Thanks Greg!
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  599. This kind of video brought me to your chanle and I know the "almighty algorithm" tends not to reward this kind of content, but THIS video is fantastic! Thank you!
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  600. MaaikeInJapan is a nice YouTube channel, Maaike shows Japan, she doesn't analyze Japan, she shows it.
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  601. FYI ... the 7 Eleven ATM withdrawal limit of 100,000 Yen is only per withdrawal, not per day ... if you need more, just do it in lots of 100,000 Yen!
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  602. U r just amazing Greg. I have been watching your videos for more than a year but this is my first comment. I was always interested in Japan but I was never interested in the boring stuff in which there's someone talking, giving some sorta information and you just have to listen.But thanks to you, here I am watching a *boring* video on Corona virus Timeline and I am actually enjoying it. Plus I am looking forward to your next video. Love your work.Keep going.<3
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  603. Very in-depth, well done Greg! I'm glad you could use at least one of my videos! Looking forward to the next one!
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  604. Literally the most interesting video on the subject I've seen. Great job
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  605. LOL I HATE IT!!! ALL OF IT! This has been my first winter in Aomori and it really is some crazy nonsense. Luckily, if you get the snow early it tends to be pretty soft and fluffy. One plus is the outdoor onsen is gorgeous when it snows❤. I've had to help my school shovel the snow off of their roof and that was rough too.
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  606. keep these awesome videos coming, Greg! As someone who lives in a place that is already in the summer season, just watching this makes me feel cold and jealous that I wish I was living there. It's always a treat to watch your videos.
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  607. Leave is to a Canadian to be a fascinated by snow, I’m also Canadian and I’m loving this
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  608. In Sweden/Norway/Finland at least (and California iirc) like 98% of drinks has a 1-2kr/0.1-0.2€ "fee", where the price in the store per can/bottle is, say, 10SEK (~1$/€), then when you pay it costs 11SEK Then at most stores you have a machine that you stick it in and get a receipt for the fee Edit: oh he showed the machines as 07:07 And for glass bottles they are washed and reused if returned
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  609. For those looking to book the place and wondering the cost, you can go to an English site at https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/tosimayayue-bang-notang.html or to their Japanese site at https://www.tukihama.co.jp/. Per person it seems like the lowest packages start at about $135USD per night. Our package was more around the $200USD range.
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  610. Lol, that part where you ask to close the door over and over is a really good inspiration to do youtube videos. Onsens seem like the best thing to go to Japan for. 👍🏼👍🏼 🤜🏻🤛🏻
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  611. Great video as always. Most ramen shop owners say it isn’t worth it. Then again, they are all CRAZY!
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  612. I always tell my students that you can tell someone that you’re whatever ethnicity you are and they can’t correct you on it! This was an awesome video! I think every person who isn’t white is always “expected” to answer this question! And honestly, why should we?! :)
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  613. So excited! Just backed your film. So excited for you. I can't wait.
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  614. Love this video. I think it needs to go viral so people will see how beautiful it is to be mixed (or purebred too that's kool also😉) and that what truly matters is what you do with your life to help make this world a better place, not where you came from. It is ok to love unique traits from your culture/ethnic background as well. I would not want everyone to have the same upbringing, we need originality for creativity.
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  615. 2020 release! just in time for the Olympics. Best of luck but more importantly - have fun doing so~
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  616. Excellent job, Greg...!!! As expected of you... 🙂👍
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  617. Akko's Japanese sounds so beautiful
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  618. Backed! :-) So very, very close to your target!
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  619. You capture the "feeling" of Japan better than any other youtuber. I miss living there. Thank you so much for your exceptional videos.
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  620. I love this place so much. Actually I’m on my way there right now to see mama and Akemi-san, and to hit that sweet sweet いも焼酎. Thank you so much for introducing me to this place, I really love it there And an extra special thanks to Akko-san for saying hi to me on the phone last time I was there
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  621. I just wanted to say you deserve props and respect because almost no one puts sources in the description, and I know its tedious, but its great for viewers who want to lookup a song or show you used in the video. So thank you. You do a great job with your channel(not just in the descriptions section lol.)
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  622. Oh that hambone John..why???.. I've been very depressed because of this virus and some other things and this video you made of the most fabulous place too Japan in which I've always wanted to visit . you just brought me there ...thank you so much.. you made me feel better .. I will watch it many times.. .. oh and I thought it was funny that the teenagers over there playing basketball not wearing masks or social distancing are the same as the teenagers here in Wisconsin USA LOL thanks again..oh the music and your narration perfect..😉😉😉😉😉❤..
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  623. watched your video bout 6am this morning . packed up 8am . went out for a bike ride for bout 30km locally. . had the pleasure of riding in Hiroshima from the kind airbnb owner s bike missed the scenic n clean streets :) . thanks the splendid effort, enduring the challenges in planning & piecing this video together take care, stay safe @life where i'm from , Greg
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  624. Whole video is amazing! Such calming and nice to watch! Really beautiful scenery in here. Everything looks so nice and cool, thanks for making videos and this one especially!
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  625. I enjoy watching your videos. This is the first time I would be leaving a comment on a YouTube video. I couldn’t resist to commend you for producing another great video about Japan. This video is similar to the other video you made about riding trains in Japan, which I enjoyed watching as well. I’m so fascinated how Japan is so clean and orderly. Thank you for creating another awesome video. Good Job. Hope I could visit Japan again when airline travel goes back to normal.
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  626.  @LifeWhereImFrom  We appreciate your extra efforts to give us the best quality possible. Viewing the video on my 40" monitor, I really felt like I was actually there and pedaling along with you!
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  627. We are blessed to have this on YT for free,thanks Greg u made this knowledge available to poor viewers like me :(
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  628. Fine work Greg, I suppose that for us, your keen look of japanese society compared with others works so clear. Also felt the passion you poored in this work. It's a chance to understand the situation of your kids too. I'm from Uruguay but I felt identified by the expression "I'm an earthling". Nationalism and education is a major issue in our world. Very greatful and... can't find word to express my happynes for this work, Thanks - Gracias
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  629. Thanks
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  630. Thank you for this!
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  631. Thanks!
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  632. Thanks!
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  633. Thank you for the great video!
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  634. Thanks!
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  635. Very interesting documentary, thanks!
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  636. Incredibly powerful stories Greg, incredible well made. Congratulations on a masterful piece of work. Now for Part 2...
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  637. Glad I already own this as it is so valuable to me and my family. Thanks for everything Greg.
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  638. Life Where I'm From ooh! Sorry Greg! I didn't get a chance to reply, it was a busy time getting ready to go to Japan. I went to Japan and came back already hehe. I stayed in Osaka, とっても楽しかった！ (: thanks so much for replying me !! 😊 Hope you and your family is doing well!!
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  639. Thanks!
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  640. Awesome, I'm looking really forward to this! I immensely enjoy the content you're making and I've seen you grow over the past couple of years so so much as a content creator. It will be amazing to see a feature length documentary made by you, so backing was an absolute no-brainer for me. Keep up the good work Greg, and thanks for everything you've given us so far! All my love from Germany.
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  641. Love you storytelling style and your visuals. We've made a small contribution ... hopefully it helps! Good luck :)
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  642. Heading over to back it right now. I live in Seattle, and have a very large and widespread Japanese influence, here. It's not just Seattle, but all over the greater Seattle/Puget Sound area, spreading to the other side of the lake. I love it, because there's so much influence from cultures I have great interest in, and admire, and am able to use both my Japanese and Korean, on a fairly regular basis, and keep the languages fresh for myself. I'm also finally absorbing Chinese. If your travels bring you to the Seattle area, I would be happy to play tourist guide, and introduce you to people in our Japanese community here. I'm very active in it, and am part of most of the different groups out here.
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  643. Could you do it slower.... and with more intensity? xD
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  644. DJ Shin in da house!
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  645. Most people would probably find it strange to be so particular about something like a thermos but I feel you. For something that you always have nearby and use so often, it's natural to seek out one that appeals to your aesthetics and routine. Since the technology is practically perfected since the introduction of sealing gaskets- basically all insulated flasks made with heat retaining material (pretty much only steel or glass) and a leak-proof design to will perform relatively the same- I look for style and unique function in a thermos. The one I favour currently is stainless, has a wide mouth built in mesh strainer(so that anything like tea leaves, ice, or fruit you might want to toss in won't come out when you drink), comes with both a removable tea basket attachment and a shaking attachment for matcha(that can be repurposed for protein or other powders), and most uniquely a pressure release button which I find is very important for hot liquids since this one is unscrewed to drink from. The lid also has a built in handle to carry or hang the bottle and all the lid parts come off completely so that every nook and cranny can be thoroughly cleaned, although these days I'm only putting ice water in and never drink from the mouth so I actually rarely need to scrub it at all unless I want to. In colder weather I use it to store portable hot water to brew tea with at my desk.
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  646. I’m not saying I bought a zojirushi thermos after this video... but that’s exactly what I’m saying. Also now I FINALLY know where that “for _ times” reference comes from
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  647. Haha, watched this video at work and thought I'd order my zojirushi thermos at home, and now German amazon is already sold out. There were plenty a few hours ago!
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  648. You know, the life where I'm from people used to have sleep as lunch. It's 0% trans fat, 0% G.i, and it's vegan.
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  649. Pre-ordered 👍
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  650. Proud to be Japanese ❤️ I’m a Japanese, Congolese woman that lives in New Zealand ❤️ love u Japan hope to see u soon 💕
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  651. me, a kikokushijo, also feels weird to label myself as a japanese 😕
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  652. I would be hyped of some one made this docu about my country. I dont understand the backlash. Seeieng your country through different perspective is good so you dont get stuck in ur own way of thinking
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  653. Your comment on the difference between hike/walk/trek in Canada and Japan made me think of a funny experience I once had, hiking in the Norwegian forest. There were two Japanese students and two Norwegian students who had decided to go on a hike together. I was chilling at a tiny river eating some breakfast, when they came by. As they approached the river the two Norwegians just jumped from rock to rock to get over, not even looking back, not thinking about it as an obstacle at all. But the Japanese gasped out loud, stood freaked out on the side of the river, trying carefully to place a foot on the first rock but not really daring to do so. It's weird how the difference in perspective was so big. The Norwegians couldn't even foresee that this river would be an obstacle and didn't even think about it or look back to see how their Japanese friends were doing. While for the Japanese the obstacle was too big to even consider trying. I ended up having a chat with them and showed them there was a bridge 200 m upstream, but, I have to admit back then I had a good laugh about two young and healthy students not even being able to jump from rock to rock to cross a river. Seeing the kind of "treks" they are used to now, makes me realised how sheltered they must have been their entire life. I wonder how children's playgrounds looks like in Japan, if there are any rocks or trees or any obstacles they can play with which can help them develop balance. Maybe those things are not valued in Japan. Then it all makes sense. Different cultures, different values.
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  654. This didn't appear center and front in my homepage! Very weird.. good thing I saw the post on instagram. I will never skip one of your videos, they're always the best! Thanks for all the content. (This reminded me of activating the notifications at least!)
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  655. Greg! You need subtitles for the bald British guy!
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  656. Thanks!
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  657. Impressive quality of your documentary! I loved it! By the way, I am Brazilian nikkeijin living in Japan for 8 years. I have PR but I don't have plans to become Japanese, although I love Japan. My heart is Brazilian. Thanks for the video!
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  658. Thanks!
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  659. hi greg jackie from dublin ireland here.just want to say i have learned so much about living in japan from you and your amazing children i will visit japan in the next year and cant wait .here in ireland you can get from belfast to cork in 5 hours thats top of ireland to the bottom north to south.dublin is one of the smallest countys yet the captial with one point 3 million people and cork been the largest county with five hundred and sixty thousand so there you have it our little beautiful country anyway tks greg keep up the great work you and the kids put out there.
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  660. I always enjoy your videos. They are extremely well made and interesting and your voice is perfect for narration. :) Anyway, you've got a new Patreon supporter. :)
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  661. So glad your channel in particular is touching on this subject. I've watched aljazeera and vox's videos about homelessness in Japan but there's a more personal touch with yours which I really enjoy. Can't wait to watch more! Wish I had enough funds to support your Patreon account. 😞
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  662. This Video really explains a lot of our questions we came back from our trip from japan. Thanks a lot!! We are really excited to see whats comes next in this series.
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  663. Oh my gosh <3 before even watching: thank you for that video! my boyfriend and me went to Aizu over New Years because we got invited to spend time with the family of our friends and it was the best NewYears of all time <3 the people were incredibly friendly, we had fantastic food and we visited the local shrine to celebrate at midnight with burning fires, a speech from the priest, throwing mikan for good luck and praying for a happy new year of course. Eventhough we were foreign visitors brought into the community by our friends everybody welcomed us with a warm smile and with open arms. that touched me deeply and I will forever cherish these memories. I honestly think the region doesnt get enough credit and Im so happy you share it with the world so more people will get to know it a little more and consider a visit :D ok - enough blabbing ... I'll watch now Edit: O M G the selfmade mochi ... okasan made maroon mochi and they were very the best mochi of my life. DELICIOUS!
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  664. “Tagaytay” so wrong haha
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  665. At least watch the video first, ffs
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  666. Btw, I just bought Being Japanese, now.
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  667. some of these questions! 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️ Don't you love it when some people comment when they haven't even watched the trailer? You're a better person than me for entertaining them. Loved the trailer btw, your videos are always well made and educational. Look forward to the release of the documentary.
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  668. I'm super excited to watch the documentary! :) Don't mind the insecure and weird people commenting. They have nothing better to do with their lives...
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  669. It's comments like these that show EXACTLY why a documentary like this needs to exist. We've gladly purchased your doc and can't wait to sit down and watch it. Keep on keeping on, Greg.
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  670. Haters gonna hate... let'em hate and take them for what they are: a small minority, just look at the number of likes and dislikes to this video to find out who loves you and who doesn't. I can't wait to buy and watch your documentary! By the way, I'm half Japanese but as my Japanese parent didn't talk to me in Japanese, I have to resort to watching videos like yours to learn about Japan, so thank you for being a gateway to Japan for me!
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  671.  @LifeWhereImFrom  ty
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  672.  @ejay4032  yey
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  673. I understand that you are trying to be as fair as possible by covering topics on areas not normally seen or talked about by tourists. You are also trying to learn our culture and history too which is admirable. On the other hand, it is sad that the first third world country you chose to visit is the Philippines. As a result, it seemed as though it was unfair (at least to me) because you kept on comparing Japan and the US with our situation here. You might have been shocked of the situation I understand but to me, it was galling for you to keep on comparing us with modern countries. Maybe I am just butt hurt that you have to show this to this for all the world to see. But I know that you are not fault finding although your first half of the video is kind of in the negative light. I am not saying that you should window dress the sad situation here but if you first went to another 3rd world country other than the Philippines, you might have found a far worse condition than us. Imagine your shock if you first went to Sri Lanka or a country in deep Africa. If you are not aware, we have been under corrupt leaders for decades thus during those times the quality of life has stagnated, there are almost no infrastructure build ups, no investors, economy in doldrums, etc leaving our country way far below the standards of our neighbor Asian countries much less Japan and Canada that you have been exposed to. By all means, show what you want to show because it is the reality. Many are not happy with with our current situation like the apparent disregard for the environment by ordinary people where throwing trash anywhere is not of their concern. But it is here and we have to accept it and do something hopefully soon. Now before I am accused that that these situations are okay with me or am contented with the status quo, I say I am not. I have done my part of many river clean ups and planted so many trees so that settles the matter. But we have to be realistic that we can't change people overnight and if they do change, it may take years before people will be disciplined enough to obey environment laws. That goes also for the other bad situations you chose to show that I hope will hopefully be resolved soon. There are may things wrong with the Philippines but it is trying hard to solve them. If our present economy continues for the next 5 to 10 years, we may catch up and be at par with other countries like Thailand or Malaysia soon. May I suggest then that for fairer presentation (at least to me) please lessen comparing Japan and Canada with the Philippines because it is already a given that we are worlds apart.
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  674. Subtitles in English are almost done. Sorry, that it takes that long. I got grammar correction for the first half of the video. Last step is the timing of text. Should be finished at the end of this weekend.
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  675. Well, I would guess 41 1/2 then! Lol thx for responding!☺
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  676. First, I was so glad to hear from you about the view from tbe ground. Multiple views, actually. I still have a connection to Japan because I lived there for two years when I began teaching EFL. I immediately shared this with a colleague who taught in Tokyo for three years. Whenever we see each other, the talk inevitably turns to Japan: when do you think you'll go next? Don't you miss XYZ? Oh- I found a shop that sells ramen! We live in Minsk, Belarus, so it us hard to find much that is Japanese. And then ironically, a student of mine, an adult, said she had been to Japan and loved it, loves anime and the food, so we often talk about Japan in lessons. You take me right back there to 1996-98, when I lived in Hatanodai, Tokyo, for a year, and then to Hodogaya, Fujisawa and up in Otaru, Hokkaido. Thank you soooooo much!
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  677. What was the purpose of making this video? We need to investigate your purpose.
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  678. 新しいLife Where I'm Fromを見るの時、私 いつも早くクリくします！
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  679.  @LifeWhereImFrom  That makes sense. Cycling in downtown Toronto is akin to Russian roulette. I know I've felt much safer cycling in Sapporo than I ever have in Toronto, even though many locals don't wear helmets. As you said, it seems like drivers look out for pedestrians here rather than vice versa. I think the cultural aspect of the trusting children with some autonomy and the perception of safety is important. That was something that really struck me here, because even though the crime rate at home actually has been trending downward over time, it seems as though a lot of parents are scared to give their kids the same freedom to meet up with their friends, or go to the store on their own, like a lot of us did growing up. I think we could learn a lot from Japan in this regard.
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  680. What i got from this video is you have a lot of ideas for more videos haha
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  681. Nice to see you are back 😊🍺
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  682. This is the video I didn't know I needed to watch... 🙂
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  683. The rivers there have the same problem as the rivers running through Winnipeg, eh? If we get too much rain the sewage system is overwhelmed and raw sewage ends up in the river. And the only fish that really thrive in Winnipeg rivers are the catfish.
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  684.  @LifeWhereImFrom  Ah! I'm so glad you visited El Nido! I have family members there. El Nido is kinda overshadowed by Puerto Princessa. El Nido is not as heavily marketed by tourism agencies compared to Puerto Princessa, maybe that's why it hasn't gained that much tourism. But because of that, It has the reputation of being "exclusive", like you would only know about it by word of mouth. I also heard that more Hollywood stars and other world celebrities prefer going to El Nido because of its less dense tourist population unlike in Boracay or Puerto Princessa which is littered with tourists. Although those two islands has amazing night life because of said tourism.
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  685. Thanks!
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  686. The narrator sounds like a Muppet!
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  687. I'm an occupational therapy student. My classmates and I are presenting at our state OT conference next month about depression in long term care. My part is about the concept of ltc in different countries and i have to say this video offers an AWESOME insight of ltc in Japan. Thank you for making this video!
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  688. Top notch video! Thank you kindly.
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  689. Thank you for this great video and coupon code! My wife and I just adopted a tree and ordered some matcha. Very exciting knowing that Uji has the best quality matcha. (We're from California) Thank you very much again!
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  690. Thanks!
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  691. Greg, I think this (video) is a masterpiece. Mixing/Blending music and interviews together, splendid work. Edit: Sometimes I want more "thumbs up"-buttons, like for you. So much I like this.
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  692. 26:27. Those pesky bugs... I almost slapped my face silly when one went straight for the camera at 10:01...! 😅
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  693. This was so cool! I live about an hour from Indy, but we go there to shop, to special events, or to the large hospitals. I take I 69/SR 37 and the I 465 Loop every time we go. This was so weird, I knew most of those locations. Indy is not the prettiest town. My kids took a yellow school bus to school. When my son went to a technical high school, he took the bus to the regular local high school and then another yellow bus took him to his special school and the same system brought him home. He even attended yet another high school in the mornings for a specialty program and the school provided buses for that as well. Of course, once he had a car, he just drove himself. Most towns can afford school buses and they are vital because city buses have limited routes. I have never ridden a city bus. My son did when he had after school events, but the stop was a mile away and he got there after 10 pm, so I drove to pick him up there. We now live nearly 5 miles from any city bus stops. We do have something called a Rural bus. People can call and request pick up and be dropped off at certain locations. I am not sure how it works, but it is a lifeline for non drivers who live outside the bus routes. I have only ever taken public transportation on vacation when finding parking would be expensive or difficult, like in Boston or Chicago. Where I lived as a kid was a rural county, meaning there is no public transportation at all. School buses were necessary to get kids from their farms into town. I had classmates who had a nearly 3 hour bus ride every day. If they drove in, it was nearly a one hour round trip, mainly because of the roads which had a speed limit of 30 mph. When I lived near the college here in my town, I walked almost everywhere, but I still needed a car to get groceries or to see my family in neighboring counties. Basically, in my 50 years, minus 2 when I lived downtown, going anywhere has always meant getting into a car first.
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  694. Ooof, yeah.. the Thanko stuff. Interesting ideas, sometimes looks good on paper and to show off, but often with product killing bad designs, bad materials or simply impractical. Lots of stuff that seems to never have been tested on a day to day usage basis, as they'll break fast, or not work as intended, or have several very annoying problems. Well, every country has one of those, when it's not an entire segment of the market. xD So... as a single guy myself, I am interested in a few of the ideas there, but I'm not really interested in buying single purpose stuff for it as I don't have the space. I'm always looking out for multi purpose everyday usage stuff though. xD Rice I mostly cook a ton and freeze most of it. A cooking and warming bento box is great for some situations, but at least for me it seems like the Thanko version is lacking some features and implementations. Better design to handle things and not burn yourself, a battery, and both materials and cutlery that will work better with it. Could do without a battery for people warming things in a hotel room or work environment without a kitchen, but it needs refinement to handle hot plates and whatnot. The electric oven... well, those are pretty cheap from any brand, and I'd personally go for one that fits just a bit more stuff in it. I was actually considering to get one, but then I bought an air fryer, and now I'm thinking of some way to adapt a stand or something into it to do the job. It should've come with a stand or something, plus the egg container, but unfortunately it's just a strainer-like thing. I'll find some way to do it. For nabe, I've been thinking of getting one of those induction cooktops with a single "burner" for camping... I already have a full size induction cooktop plus pots and pans, so I don't see the point of getting an entire new thing for it. Perhaps find a way of insulating the pots to avoid burns. It just seems to give you more flexibility on size. That way it can be used either for lots of people or just myself. I already have a set of pots and pans that use a detachable handle on it, I only wish it also had vertical one like that, would be very practical. They are very convenient for direct storage... xD Though for instant noodles, I don't even bother anymore... it's hot water from the electric kettle directly into a regular bowl with the noodles and ingredients all into it. xD Grilling stuff... I have an unwieldly round and big electric grill here. Next time, I'll see if I find a smaller rectangular one, perhaps a bit bigger than the one Greg is showing there. Back when I bought it they were all big and round in the local shops, horrible for storage. It's bad because I have to store it out of reach, and so I end up not using much because of that. Kinda like my mixer set... occupies so much space that it ended up stored over the fridge in cupboards that I need a stool to get to, so I almost never bother. Reachability is king when it comes to daily usage, so these days I kinda adopted the idea that if it's something I'm likely to store away, I gotta rethink the whole thing before considering a purchase. I didn't have an oven, thought of buying an electric oven, thought about those smaller toaster ovens, then finally got to the conclusion that the best thing I could go for the stuff I wanted an over for was an air fryer... and it's been working well for me personally. I've also been thinking of getting rid of my rice cooker and keep only the electric pressure cooker, and I usually don't use both at the same time. They are basically the exact same thing, it's just that the pressure cooker is a rice cooker with an airtight lid and a timer on it. Gotta figure out the proper timing though, I have to say the rice cooker single button automatic turn off thing is pretty practical. xD
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  695. Thanks!
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  696. Thanks
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  697. i really like the thumbnail for this video! u like the dots chosen and the colors! it’s different from what you usually do so i wanted to let you know i appreciated it!
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  698. jichan needs a grinder salt shaker
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  699. Really loved the format of this video, great job! Also so nice with Japanese and English combined. Great for learning and keeping up Japanese listening skills! Please continue like this. :) Looking forward to the coming videos.
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  700. The very first video that we watched on your channel was the original breakfast video! We loved it and set about preparing our own Japanese Breakfast based on Aiko’s meal. Many years later (I hadn’t realised that it was quite that many!) what we call “Japanese” is our favourite breakfast: Miso Soup with spinach and tofu, rice and egg. We don’t usually do the Octopus Sausages….but we have….and we usually do an Onsen egg these days rather than Tamogoyaki. Living in rural Scotland Natto isn’t that easy to find….I’m not terribly sad about that though!! We were already interested in Japanese food and cooking when your channel was recommended but it was the breakfast video that kick-started us on every day Japanese cooking, rather than just doing sushi and sashimi on special occasions. I just want to say thank you for all the wonderful content that you have produced over the years, but especially for the original Breakfast video. It actually changed how we cook and eat….there aren’t many Scottish caravanners who have a rice cooker on board! If you and the family ever decide to visit Scotland please do get in touch!
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  701. Thank you for talking about the gluten (and lack thereof) in soba! I have Celiac disease, and I'm really excited to go to Japan in the future, but I'm a bit scared of getting poisoned, so knowing what to expect is very helpful. I though soba dishes tended to be gluten free, but knowing that there's lots of gluteny additives in some full dishes will hopefully save me from some pain.
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  702. Thumbs up if you have the same Uniqlo polo shirt <3
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  703. Thank you for taking your time for do this video. This was really helpful for me to understand what really happen there in Japan. There is a lot of fake news about in Japan they didn't do quarantine and that news are trying to say the people that they should brake the quarantine in his countries. I understand a little more about the situation
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  704. It's been... interesting, definitely, to be an elementary school teacher here in Japan throughout all this. The situation seemed to change week to week if not day to day. I've worked at school, at home, had the kids in school for 4 days in April then not again til the end of May, where half the school came in for one half day on Thursdays, then the other half on Fridays, then they went up to each half of the school coming in 3x a week for half-days which meant working Saturdays too. Made videos and worksheets for home-study, had that whole project scrapped because the prefecture put out online learning resources, twiddled my thumbs at my desk-- it's been wild. It was kind of uneasy, to see all the people back home talking about all these strict measures and changes and the high infection and mortality rates climbing every day-- and to look around me and go 'I mean things are pretty normal here?' It feels like we only just got plastic up in all the stores when Canada was in high gear lockdown and isolation. Made me wonder why, as you mentioned in the video, Japan made so many highly-criticized choices and still came out comparatively unscathed. I'm hoping this is the last of it, and there aren't any second resurgences, here or anywhere.
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  705. Fancy graphics.
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  706. Feet ? what is wrong with you? why not use meters instead of freedom measures?
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  707. My tenugui was delivered this morning to my home in the northern Virginia suburbs of Washington DC. It looks and hangs great, thanks Greg for putting together this great project.
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  708. My purchase just arrived in Brisbane Australia! Arigatou gozaimasu!
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  709. Nov. 21st, 2023. I just received mine in the mail. Dated 2023.9.6 by Akko. Yeah.
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  710. I got mine yesterday! I’ve hung it on the wall. Thank you. I am literally watching this video and looking at the tenegui. I feel like I’m in a museum listening to the audio explanation of the art work!
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  711. Just got my tenugui in the post in Ireland. It's great, thanks!
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  712. My children and I love watching your videos as they're always so interesting and calming. I'm honored to order one of your hand-dyed towels! Especially after seeing the tedious craft gone into making them. Thank you! 🙏 -Dale
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  713.  @LifeWhereImFrom  mine arrived today
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  714. Greg and Akko, I absolutely love your videos. Just bought my tenugui. ❤ from a LWIF Fan. First time buying a creators special drop.
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  715. You used my maid cafe photo!!! I get to tell everyone I'm on a famous YouTube channel! Aaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh!
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  716. I got my tenugui in the mail yesterday. Now I need to find a place to display it. Thank you
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  717. Your voice is so calming, I just spent hours today watching your videos and reminiscing my college trip to Japan (Tokyo) in 2015.
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  718. Rules where I’m from: (UK) Don’t ‘push in’ queues, I think this is called jumping the queue elsewhere. Basically, join the back of the line. Don’t bump into people. If you’re very loud, people will think you’re most likely drunk. When driving, follow the road rules and stop at red lights. People drive 5mph above the speed limit in most places, if you drive any more than 5mph under the limit, you are likely to have lots of cars overtaking you, drivers here are impatient. Putting your hand up (showing your palm) is a use everywhere way to thank a stranger who moves or waits so you can pass them, when walking, driving, biking, whatever. Some drivers who try to look cool only lift one finger instead of lifting their whole hand off the wheel. The one finger lift, or flashing your lights (full beam light flash), are also both used to say “go - pass in front of me - but hurry up” to other drivers or pedestrians (the light flashing is actually forbidden in the Highway Code but many people do it regardless). Smile, make eye contact and say please and thank you when interacting with strangers, such as a shop assistant. ... But some people don’t like too much eye contact. Many people will unreasonably expect you to like what a lot of people like, including: going out for (alcoholic) drinks and watching the latest popular tv shows. (FYI I like neither of these). Upper, middle and lower class people live fairly different lives, usually with different social circles which don’t often overlap. Jokes are used regularly in conversation as social buffers. They are used to lighten a serious topic, end a topic of conversation, or to avoid looking emotional or showing that you care a lot about something. People often only care about breaking the law if they think they’ll get caught, at least when it comes to small crimes. Questionable, right? Many people watch films and tv illegally and just don’t care. There are 2 types of people here. Those who consider rule violations and lack of social etiquette shocking and wrong, and those who begrudgingly follow the rules and don’t care about most of them. (I am in the second group).
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  719. There are many lies in contents ... It is terrible content
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  720. After long deliberation, I have come to the conclusion that the main rule governing German behaviour is "Don't waste other people's time".
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  721. oh my god that last show was so breathtakingly gorgeous i literally started crying im so excited to go to japan this april
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  722. Absolutely wonderful and beautiful. I could go on for ages, but the absolute pinnacle is how you showed so much about Japanese culture while only focusing on one specific topic, and maintained the interest of people completely new to Japan, or those who know a lot already. Always love your stuff, thank you =)
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  723. this video was nothing short of breathtaking. thanks for the gorgeous shots, and the commentary doesn't hurt either!
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  724. This was a great mix of informational and comedy. I absolutely loved all the scenic and daily life shots, but I sort of lost it at the cones and bike parking. I was laughing so much. Thanks for producing and sharing this with us!
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  725. I just watched a 19 minute video about public toilets in Japan... You know your channel's good if people will sit through 19 minutes of you literally talking about public toilets... It was actually interesting too. In my country, every tree, bush and gutter is considered a public toilet. I wish we were more like Japan... One of my foreign friends who visited was horrified during a local city trip, when he needed to use the restroom, and was directed to a public toilet consisting of a massive open air hole dug into the dirt, surrounded by dozens of piles of doo-doo, because people didn't even poop into the actual hole...
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  726. I speak limited Japanese but have never had problems ordering food in Japan. Sometimes you can order by a number, so you could probably even write down the number and show it to the staff. Gestures and even drawing pictures can go a long way when trying to communicate. I like to take a pocket translation guide with me (much more accurate than Google translate) for emergencies. I think the best tip is to be adventurous and try new things. If you only have pictures to go by, but don't know what it is, try it anyway if it looks good. Some of our best meals in Japan were from places we just wondered into. Also, one other way to order is sometimes restaurants have English on their website so you can order/reserve online.
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  727. Your comment reminded me to donate! Thanks!
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  728. So... I'm brazilian, my native language is portuguese, but when I'm on foreign countries I'll usually ask people if they understand english... because it's just that much more likely that they'll have studied english at some point instead of portuguese or even spanish. xD I dunno how it goes for most other countries, but at least in Brazil the vast majority of people who went through high school will at least have been taught some english clases. Far from enough to be fluent, but perhaps enough to understand the basics. First time I went to Japan 12 years ago I simply didn't know enough japanese to speak anything. So "english, ok?" everywhere. My relatives had to do all the talking because some of them knew at least a bit of japanese. Lots of people understood english to some degree... speaking it well was a bit more difficult. xD This time (I just returned from Japan last weekend) I could at least go "eigo daijobu desu ka?" xD Not much of an improvement, but at least I tried speaking and understanding a bit more. Oh well. It's even worse because I am japanese descendant so there's an even bigger expectation that I should know the language (you look japanese but you don't speak japanese, what the heck?), but I'm actually 3rd generation brazilian. So I never learned it as a kid, my parents had very little japanese (pre-WWII japanese to make things worse) at home when they were kids, so almost nothing. I do have the intention of one day staying in Japan for longer though, so I have to find a way to learn it better somehow. I'm on a very basic level right now... lose words I can catch at times, but building sentences becomes a problem. And I can't read anything - katakana, hiragana, kanji... I've tried multiple times since I was a kid learning it, but it just never worked. I need something to force me to practice. That's basically the way I practiced (and still practice) english - music, games, books, and eventually the Internets. And I do have japanese magazines, some manga, among other stuff to force it, but you know... as you get older, things gets more complicated. :P
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