Comments by "Helmuth Schultes" (@helmuthschultes9243) on "Is Japan BETTER Than China? - Our First Impressions" video.

  1. I agree Japan is very friendly and extremely clean. I have few other asian destinations that I have felt totally safe walking around even back alleys. Even in Europe I have not felt as safe in the backend of towns. As far as help I have always had offers to help when I really need and often even while basically managing but spending time studying the maps or time schedules. As far as few speak English, well all Japanese have schooled in English, just part if saving face, they avoid making mistakes and not all have much opportunity to practice into adult years, so end up being tight lipped and admit no knowledge of English. I found when relaxed and assured you understand that they can not be perfect, and your own Japanese is rudimentary, and that you are willing to try your own abnormal few Japanese words, they will open up and try a little of the English they remember. On complementing their level as far above your Japanese they even will try practicing if you have opportunity over days or weeks. I had several car fuel injection projects from Australian base, where I attended technical meetings and test trips. Made real friends, even was asked to provide English names for up coming new children due soon. They appreciated acceptance of their faults in language, but always I was far behind in lack of Japanese language and no reading of their written form. I did have a near embarrassing time at a technical meeting. After asking some questions about one of their electronic modules, they called in some specialists that had to clarify points to the meeting team. After much to and fro, they had difficulty explaining the details. I mistakenly offered my understanding of the matter in question, got raised eyebrows and for the next few days of meetings no Jaoanese deep discussions took place at the table, always in remote huddle or even outside. I believe they assumed I understood Japanese and just made out to have no Japanese language skill. They have extreme saving face issues. Overall I am convince that Japan represents what China should be like if not for CCP government. I am always comfortable in Japan, and at ill ease in China, yet still ok in Taiwan, HongKong. Tokyo is by far very expensive, as are most large towns. In remote smaller towns like on Hokaido, more reasonable.
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