Comments by "Commentary Talk" (@commentarytalk1446) on "How difficult is traveling Japan with ZERO Japanese?" video.

@smallworldlifters I find it interesting the term "based" is used today in English: "What does based mean? Based is a slang term that originally meant to be addicted to crack cocaine (or acting like you were), but was reclaimed by rapper Lil B for being yourself and not caring what others think of you—to carry yourself with swagger" I think it is a term without nuance and over-egging attitude. For example I think the last person interviewed said some useful things but his take on "there's not much to do here that isn't related to food" sounded like a personal opinion and not a factual statement to me... With that said, his other statement about how the Japanese have high standards eg tidy streets and be a safe place to be etc was absolutely accurate and how welcome that is to experience.
44
I completely agree with you. I visited Japan some years ago and my impression matches yours "word for word": "The hospitality, mannerisms, politeness," of the Japanese. It started immediately when my late-night flight got into the airport and I picked a bus into central Tokyo: Half-asleep and completely bemused about where I was going, nonetheless, the conductor and baggage handler bundled me out at my stop with my luggage all on their own initiative! Thank you to the Japanese for your high standards and may they long last.
8
I loved hearing from the Polish guy (who already probably speaks Polish and English as a second language and has made efforts to learn "survival Japanese" as well!). His epiphany moment being able to communicate and be understood and understand the train station staff was wonderful to hear! I had a similar epiphany moment when I finally realized a dream to visit Bondi Beach in Sydney Autralalia and swim in the waters of the Pacific after being as school and seeing Ozzy school kids do that after finishing exams. Decades later I was able to do that. So hearing his personal anecdote with relation to Japanese learning was very heartening to hear! Well done! And the importance of learning some Japanese and the correct behavioural mannerisms makes a big big difference! Good luck to him and to realize one's dreams is important at whatever age you are. The lady from Brighton made some level-headed remarks having already experienced living in Japan. Equally the other young lady from London who only had 2 weeks in Japan and wished to make use of every hour (hence her disconsolation at the late opening hours each morning!) had some interesting things to say. The topic of this video was well chosen and seems inspirational for anyone who wants to learn Japanese to visit Japan.
6
You say "connect" but what do you actually mean by using that word? At least your meaning is obvious with respect to your impression being that Japan as a nation is harder for outsiders to understand or consider to go to or equally the Japanese see their own culture as self-sufficient from the opposite point of view? In turn the former is relative and the latter is possibly quantitative in contrast to other nations? I don't know the answer, but if you do know the history of Japan they have always been an island that prefers isolation and a focus on their own society. Is it surprising that this still persists today in various forms? In Turkey it is an amazing mixture: Asian, European, African, Middle Eastern, Islamic, Secular, numerous ethnic groups and cultures and a long long history to the cradle of human civilizations... Maybe your question is a reflection of your own background and informed view of the world!
2
@agnostigo You write well. I'm sure you'll do well visiting many nations even if Japan is not one of them. How about that? If you do visit Japan: Learn the language and understand and try to accept the culture for what it is; that is a part of a language. If it does not sit well with you there's many other cultures to experience that might fit better: One door closes and enough opens instead. I think language is a good answer: Pick one that interests you and you will probably find more meaning in trying to learn it. Good luck!
2
@Summertimesadness9 You mean "based upon"? There's also "Baste The Chicken"
1