Comments by "Yo2" (@yo2trader539) on "Why Are You Leaving Japan?" video.

@carolsakaguchi3739 As for Japanese communication, a lot of it is non-verbal. We can communicate among ourselves or show approval/disapproval without verbally expressing it. The fact that you can't understand it suggests that your understanding of Japanese language, culture, or norms is insufficient. In other words, you're still a tourist. There are plenty of foreigners who do well in Japan, but they are "native" in terms of language, culture, and mindset, which is the essence of being Japanese. Regardless of nationality, I believe we do judge people by skill, class, upbringing, education-level, personality, etc. Obviously, we don't open up to strangers who we don't know, trust, or find interesting....but that's like half of the world.
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@Azad_2024_ A team-setting is a great opportunity to experience Japanese dynamics. We don't need to communicate as much because we can sense or figure out what needs to be done. It's our responsibility to know what needs to be done. This an important social skill that we develop since childhood. But we do talk a lot among ourselves when drinking...so perhaps it's a social mannerism more than anything. Some academics define Japanese as a "high-context language," because we don't rely as much on verbal communication. If I recall correctly, German language was defined as the polar opposite in which almost everything needs to be put in words. Everything from conversation, poetry, industrial design, architecture, or gardens... I suppose Japanese preference of aesthetics is minimalist in nature. I even notice it with minimalist philosophies such as "Dan/sha/ri (断・捨・離)," which can be applied to human relations, physical possessions, or life choices.
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@alexandros8361 "Do come again" in South England sounds like the "Would you want some Ochazuke/Bubuzuke?" in the stereotypical Kyoto dialogue...which traditionally meant that it's time for you to go home now. Japanese social cues and norms are aristocratic in nature. So depending on which country/culture one is from, it may be difficult to adapt. I've met Russians, Canadians, Kiwi, and Brits in Japan who've assimilated and integrated so well, it's as if they were Japanese in their previous lives. They also know how to "bridge" the cultures and explain from both sides, which is why they are so valued at work. (I suspect the Mediterranean and Latin people may struggle more than others, as they seem to need a lot of attention.)
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@crissybunbun Japanese people will display emotion through behavior, more so than words. They would allocate time, thoughts, and energy and only show interest in things/people that are important for them. And we can immediately notice the interest level just by how one by responds.
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@arturohull14161 We do see a clear behavioral and mindset difference with foreigners who are accepted by Japanese society and those who get rejected. You're not wrong about cultural compatibility. The more traditional, socially conservative, responsible, and educated segment will feel comfortable living in Japan, since their behavior mannerism tend to align with Japanese preferences. So it's not a surprise that some people from Eastern Europe and Russia find it far easier to assimilate and integrate with Japan than liberal/woke people from Western Europe, Australia, or North America. Frankly, we find some Americans to be loud, disturbing, and disgusting with their behavior and mindset. And Americans are seen as quiet, introverted, and reserved in some Latin American countries, which should tell you how Latinos will feel or be perceived in Japan. But we have see Italians and French who have mastered Japanese language, culture, and mannerism and have integrated with Japan.
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