Comments by "Yo2" (@yo2trader539) on "What No One Tells You about Living in Japan" video.

  1. I don't know how it is in Europe as a whole, but when I worked with people from the UK, they understood Honne & Tatemae instinctively. I was amazed in the way they criticize, invite, or ridicule people because it was very similar to how we would do it in Japan.
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  2. I've witnessed foreign-nationals who have been able to adapt culturally and integrate socially with Japan, and those who felt were rejected and isolated. The difference has a lot to do with one's personality, preference, and flexibility. Some people are really good in adjusting to new cultures/countries. The biggest difference is usually understanding Japanese language, culture, norms, etc. I've heard that people in English-speaking countries often use the GENKI series in English as an intro textbook for Japanese language programs. Just memorize the entire book. In Japanese mandatory education, we are required to learn 1,000 KANJI by 6th grade. So yes, you do need KANJI to be literate in Japanese language. If you're serious about learning Japanese, make time everyday to listen to Japanese music or NHK news radio, watch Japanese YouTube, TV programs, or movies, and read Japanese books for children. You don't need to understand any of it at first. Language learning is essentially pattern recognition, so the more you're exposed to Japanese content, the more your ear will get used to Japanese phonetics, rhythm, and intonation. I've studied and worked with many foreign-nationals in Tokyo who read Japanese newspapers and novels, many of whom have finished undergraduate or graduate programs in Japan, or have completed Japanese degrees in foreign universities. If your highschool offers exchange programs use that opportunity. If not try to find colleges that have really good programs in Japanese language, linguistics, culture, history, etc. There is also a MEXT scholarship for serious students who with to study in Japan.
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