Comments by "C P" (@CP-FJB) on "Japan with Nao" channel.

Google translate. A Japanese girl asked what I thought of her new dress. I replied, Google translate, "You look great!". Google interpreted that as "You look LARGE". Needless to say there was an awkward period as I tried to find out what happened. A better choice would have been "You look wonderful!". Papago and others suffer the same weaknesses. Beware "tech" solutions. Use with caution / care.
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Thank you for the explanations. Very interesting. Some people in the West have a tendency to LOOK for reasons to be disappointed (or complain), unfortunately. Japan is not boring. Those complaining are selfish. The complaints are a way to gain attention (their true goal). No matter where they would be, these people would complain. (^.-) Social media is a reflection of this. Some people only give negative comments but fail to post better videos. (^.^) Happiness is a choice. Being bored is a choice. Some will always chose these. Shou ga nai. (^.-)
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Thanks Nao. Well... with 120 days of every year in Japan and having worked (not just visited, worked) in 28 countries I see these items a little differently. PLUS... you DID ask for input... (^.^) Ninja / Samurai - True, it's like cowboys in America. It's an ideal, but you won't find many. Battlefields are interesting (if you know history). But, honestly, if you "admire" Ninja / Samurai the best action YOU can take, as a tourist, is being invisible. Quiet. Calm. Respectful. Maid Cafe - They are for Beta males (passive / timid) to meet / talk to pretty girls. Be honest, JP has lots of Beta males. Konbini - You can't buy business shirts or women's underwear in US konbini! Makes me wonder what "fun" JP people have after hours that requires these items be replaced. (^.-) By comparison, US konbini is limited to fuel, snacks and drinks. Not much else. So, the JP konbini can seem like a tiny department store and that alone can be fun (and helpful). Technology - Don't buy tech just because it is the latest. That's wasting money. If what you have works, use the money on more helpful things. On the other hand the Avatar Robot Cafe (Chuo Tokyo) is brilliant. This cafe is using robots to END loneliness (specifically for the disabled or shut-ins). My point is to FOCUS on state-of-the-art in JP, not where JP lags. (^.-) SIDE NOTE: How quickly people forget. "Cashless" sounds great until there's a large earthquake like 2011. Then all the readers are "dead" because power or networks are down. No transactions are possible. I had many friends complain about this in 2011. Be careful what you ask for Nao. (^.-) Capsule Hotels - It's the concept that JP will put themselves in one that amazes gaijin. (^.^) I was in the Navy and had much more space on the ship than you get in a capsule hotel. Don't confuse gaijin curiosity with admiration. (^.-) JP people - Set your expectations: JP are polite. That's not the same as friendly. (^.-) By contrast, gaijin are often "friendly" but obnoxious. This can cause awkward / embarrassing situations. The Internet is filled with videos of gaijin making fools of themselves in JP. High expectations is not a bad thing. (^.-) Conveyor Belt Sushi - Yes, it's not the best quality but it's FUN. And, see previous entry, they use technology to keep it fun. (^.-) Also, see previous, behavioral expectations at a "real" sushi shop are much higher. It is more like a formal meal and some aren't seeking that. Shinkansen - Perspective: If you ride trains in other parts of the world you appreciate Shinkansen. Let me put YOU (Nao) in San Francisco, Beijing, London, Chicago, Paris... and you will be screaming for the SAFETY, peace and comfort of JP transport. (^.-) Ekiben - You nailed it. Concur. Good call. (^.-) Queues (Ramen) - Again nailed it. Wasted time. Never have queued for ramen. Don't plan to. Shibuya - Cliche. Hachiko Dog, Crossing, etc. Useful if you want to be able to say "I'm been there!" Otherwise, not much point. Akihabara - "Otaku Central". A bastion of Beta males. (^.^) The girls in the maid cafes leverage that (¥¥¥). It is what it is. Get outside Tokyo / Osaka - Yes. Tokyo Tower / Sky Tree - Yes. Look at them but it's not necessary to go UP in them. For the view, other options exist (Tokyo Metro Bldg). Ice Cream Gold Leaf - Never heard of it. Pass. Kinkakuji Temple - LOTS of temples and shrines in JP besides this one. Regardless, wherever you go, please BE RESPECTFUL when there. Now, let the comments blast me. (^.^) But I'm HERE (JP) and you can learn the easy way or the hard way. (^.-)
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VERY TRUE! Visiting for 4 months every year for 10 years. I always avoid July and August. But I live in Seattle so it's not the rain I'm avoiding. It is the HEAT and HUMIDITY. I'm here NOW and it's 22 June (Shinjuku). Yesterday was rain all day. Today is beautiful. Tomorrow is forecast to be rain all day again. The biggest headache I have during rain days in Japan is trying to get a taxi. (^.^) Even the apps get overloaded. Regardless, Nao is correct. Follow his advice. (^.-)
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Thank you Nao. The sincerity in your voice is always very reassuring. You truly care about your viewers. ADVICE... For 10 years I've spent 4 months of each year here in Japan. I'm in Tokyo now. The one thing I see foreigners underestimate is voice VOLUME. It is always much louder than Nihonjin. Talking in public, on their phones, in elevators... it's like they (we?) are speaking to someone across the street. (^.^) Japan is a blast. It's easy to get excited. But... things will go much better when you stay aware of your own voice volume. (^.-)
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Thank Nao for another great video. I'm wondering... have you ever made a video about the AVATAR ROBOT CAFE? It is a Tokyo cafe where the robots are not AI but are piloted by disabled people all across Japan. For example, the robot that takes your order is a person in Okayama suffering from muscular dystrophy. The person that delivers your order is in Aomori bedridden with spinal atrophy. It's amazing! I think your channel is a nice "fit" since you highlight what makes Japan unique. This is the only restaurant, in the WORLD, where the robots are actually handicapped individuals that can't leave home. This way, they can end their loneliness as well as feel productive in society. I went yesterday. But YOUR talking style is much better than mine. (^.-) Please consider it. Thank you!
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First off, disappointed and "outraged" are not the same. It's likely they were disappointed. If the media in Japan reports it as "outraged" that's just media hype (click bait). Likewise, if you go to a cheap restaurant (anywhere) and expect authentic cuisine YOU are making a mistake. If you want a quick and inexpensive meal, then don't worry about the name on the menu. Read what is in it then decide. Japanese "pizza" is also different than what most in the West expect. It doesn't "outrage" me. I just order something else. (^.-) On the other hand, Japanese McDonald's is better! And the toys in the "Happy Meals" are MUCH better (bring home to the kids of friends and be a hero). Short Version: Media Hype = Nonsense
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COIN PURSE: You will have many coins, a tiny coin purse (Amazon) can help keep you from jingling (^.^). TOILETS: Please carry a small washcloth or towel. Many toilets lack towels or air dryers. I see foreigners exit the toilet with wet hands looking for help. (^.^) EARTHQUAKES: I carry a tiny flashlight. Also, your phone can have a flashlight. Please know how to use it if power is lost. It can calm those around you. (^.-) SMOKING: You can't smoke while walking. Signs on the ground tell you but please respect this. SITTING: Don't just sit anywhere (e.g., on steps) because you are tired. It is very rude. Particularly rude at a Temple or Shrine. Please find a bench instead. COVER TATTOOS: Nao is right. I've seen people refused entry because they have short sleeves and tattoos. They were upset but I explained the reason. You can buy flesh colored patches (or long sleeves). The "rules" are not difficult but knowing them will increase your access (and fun!).
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Some people are selfish, some are not. It's that easy. Nao can't say it that way. (^.^) I can, and I'm IN Tokyo. Starbuck's (even in Japan) will allow Customers to sit all day (and order nothing). That can contribute to confusion. Which businesses let you stay and which don't? But it is not as difficult as many make it. LOOK AROUND. If you see a line, then be nice and let others get their meal (you've had yours). Nao prefers tatemae. I prefer honne. Tatemae gets more "likes". Honne saves time. (^.-)
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The comments declaring that Japanese break these rules is like kids looking to justify their poor conduct. "But HE did it first!" (^.^) THE RULES ARE REAL. Don't make the very common mistake of confusing ASIAN with Japanese. More than HALF of those visiting Japan are from OTHER ASIAN nations. When THEY break these rules it is not a signal that the rules are not true. And, yes, drunk salarymen break the rules... but is that REALLY what you want to use as your behavioral reference? (^.^) This isn't as difficult as many make it. Life isn't all about YOU. You are a GUEST in Japan. Be respectful of those around you. That's the basis of these rules. Narcissism is not a good foundation on which to make your argument (despite the fact YouTube has been built on that).
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Great videos. Quick correction... you say TEN thousand when you mean ONE thousand. Check the video at 1:52 and 2:02. Instead of the "*" perhaps put "I meant 1,000" to clarify. (^.-) Just a suggestion. Thank you for helping me enjoy Japan!
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Thank you also Nao. Your channel is impressive. I want it to grow quickly. Education helps solve Over-Tourism difficulties. Let's get you to 100K subscribers soon. I am a retired Amazon executive. My role was helping start-ups (that later joined Amazon). My point is... if you like, I will buy your lunch at the Avatar Robot Cafe. Then you can see (and I can explain) better to help your decision is easier. The only problem is your channel has no email contact. Other channels do. Just a suggestion. Thanks again!
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Do the math. They were drunk. (>.<)
2
Always helpful. Thank you Nao. I prefer PAPAGO app for translation. Google translate struggles with Japanese. It is often close but sometimes not. One funny example... A friend asked me how she looked in her new dress. I told Google translate "You look great!". Google told her "You look large!" (>.<) It took a few minutes to realize why the conversation suddenly became less friendly. SO... help the software help you. Use words that have one meaning. Example: I should have said "You look wonderful!". (^.-)
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Yakiniku is PERFECT for DATING! It's very interactive. Have fun with it! However it is not cheap. There is a lot to talk about during a yakiniku meal. Which meat, how long to cook, etc. Jojoen is my favorite (but expensive). Toraji is also nice. Jojoen uses natural gas fire (adjustable). Toraji uses coal fire (feels authentic). I also get rice (gohan) to "cleanse my pallet" between different meat selections. Both of us help cook. It prompts conversation. Let the Nihonjin "teach" you. She'll like that. (^.-) Pro Tip: If it gets over cooked, the man should take it. Let her have the "successful" pieces. (^.-) If you're a gaijin this often works out well because Japanese tend towards less-cooked. So... over-cooked to her is not over-cooked to me. (^.^) Truly, if you want to impress her... Jojoen. Trust me. Been doing this for over a decade. I have never had a Japanese girl decline Jojoen. More often the response is "Really!? Yes!" (^.-) Expect to pay around 20,000 Yen (Jojoen for 2 people). Reservations will be necessary with Jojoen. Your hotel can help.
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Learn to ask "Where is the toilet?" in Japanese. Using gestures works well for many situations. But not that one. (^.^)
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Thank you Nao. Always helpful. After 60 Visits to Japan, here is one more possible suggestion... 7-11 often has machine payment. Buy something small (a drink or snack). You can select cash as payment. Select Cash and insert your 10,000 yen bill. (^.-) The machine will give you change. You now have 1,000 Yen bills! A 7-11 employee taught me this! (^.^) I visit his shop every morning. (^.-) One way to say "thank you" is to give them frequent business. That makes everyone happy. (^.-)
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