Loneliness in Japan - Zeplin in Tokyo #7

[sandyblah6671]

Do you live in Japan full time? or do you live there part time? it sounds like an odd question but I know lots of people who only go there for a few months due to work.

[NickDan555]

Did you find a perfect place for you to live in? or where would you pick to live?

[kelveto]

Brilliant post. I admire and celebrate your honesty. Take care.

[Enemtee]

I've been living together with a japanese woman for a few years now, outside of Japan though. To get to know a japanese person is VERY hard. It takes long time for them to open up. Japanese society is interesting, but when you dig deep, then it's easy for a gaijin to start to become very surprised, by this way of not being honest and "playing happy". But if you do learn to now a japanese person, and you keep having respect and patience for the difference, then it can be a beautiful experience.

[urangoosetgel]

Come to Mongolia and make videos hehe

[Osakagames]

I do want to be lonely and that's why I prefer Japan so I can stay quiet and do my own thing without talking to people like play video games on the computer. I need the emulator if you know about it.

[syrencat007]

it can be a drawback to not be able to talk about one's bad day, but in american society people bitch too much of every bad thing thing that happens which is the extreme opposite and equally bad.

[viviane5572]

i love the colour of your eyes...

[kotekninek]

every looser living in japan need to have his own youtube channel/blog :)

[DPAce456]

wow sounds like florida

[novajoke]

@DPAce456

Yeah.... Miami, South Beach, Orlando.... Couldn't believe how many Bentleys, Ferraris I saw in South Florida when I visited few years ago.....

[novajoke]

@DPAce456

Would you say Florida took over California as THE "plastic" capital in America? I've seen enough plastic chicks from artificial "twins", nose, etc. etc. but Florida took to another level.....

[DPAce456]

@novajoke Tell me about it, you sure got that right brotha, I burning in hell down here, LITERALLY.

[novajoke]

@DPAce456

LOL! Move somewhere cool and warm instead of hot and humid places? How about Bay Area(aka San Francisco) or San Diego, CA?

[azngen1233]

japan suits my personality pretty well o.o

[knowntothose]

Hi

I find your opinion on this matter very interesting. I like to know the real deal not the fake. Thank you for this video. Take care of yourself, because you sound depress (lol).

[aminsamurai2008]

you are great man and all was truth

[mivanx77]

Once again, your videos are great, especially on the topic of "Loneliness."I can honestly say that my experience in going to Japan, has made me realize that loneliness is very rampant. From the minute I went to Japan, and the day I left, I felt that the Japanese people put a front that you state in this video. Everything seems so peachy, but as soon as you digg more into the soul of a person, you realize that they are some what unhappy, but thats not the case for all. Great Video!

[shellysstuff]

Their work ethic is kinda crazy. Ppl work better if they are rested, comfortable, and happy. Personally, I never make social relationships with ppl that I work with...I prefer to hang out and meet ppl that I don't see everyday.

[ijuh22]

Hey man you're hair is really cool, and I like your videos. I appreciate your honesty. Obviously you wouldn't be living here if you didn't like it, am I right? Anyway I often feel bad because I feel like an outsider here, like I am not integrated into the Japanese society, and I feel left out. I often consider how this society is better than American (my) society, which in many ways it IS, but this gives me the other side of the coin, so I don't feel so bad for not being Japanese. Thanks!

[alexleyva22]

if you don't like it just get the hell out of there body...

[oddzerozero]

all of this, through my observations about japanese culture, seems to be true. maybe this is why drunkenness is highly tolerated, because you can say how you really feel while drunk.

[KiriouSs]

why dont you show us some cool stuff in tokyo :P

[SilverGunZoO]

dude whatever, you don't know everyone ok... who the hell are you anyway

[mikeq5]

*sigh* Japan, japan, japan...

[lateblossom]

"I dared to be critical of Japan on Youtube...I know." Haha. Naturally ppl will be critical. Don't J-vloggers IN Japan no less have the right to complain?

[TheHellBound666]

20 hours?? what a waste of life. I am not liking Japan so much now XD its still an interesting culture but damn.

[vapidwords]

you have a hueg forehead

[XxRandomRockerxX]

You have bad spelling ^^

[arpee9216]

Reminds me of Happy Happyism on Earthbound

[Krazywoot]

I'd have to definetly agree that its in jap culture to put on an honourable face or respectful attitude towards others, not for everyone but a large amount of people act that way and for this reason I really start to ignore culture much as zep does and try to get to the point of things, which is more human than cultural. I think that zep is trying to draw out that certain parts of culture irregardless of which one can be unhuman.

[PussyCatDoll14]

I love your videos! Have a great day! =)

[hanamid]

i never talk about my problems anymore either all i hear when i do is quit whining or quit being a bitch or your not the only one who has problem response so i keep it to myself

[universalAssociation]

i am sorry that you didn't get to meet many happy people in japan. I went there and i defiantly met the kind of people you are talking about, but I also had the opportunity to meet smaller town people that were very family oriented and meet families that had worked hard to be together (one family the parents ran a veterinary clinic together).

[TheBermuda]

I think it's actually really weird that people are angered by this video. It's nearly common knowledge that the Japanese value appearances and are generally overworked/unsatisfied. I love Japanese culture; that's why I'm watching this video. What he said wasn't at all racist, it was just basic observations. I'm an American, and I can say the American youth are generally very materialistic. This doesn't apply to every teen, but it's still candid and true.

[harrisonhiroyuki]

you can actually say that about alot of people, not just japanese people. Im not saying all people are depressed but most of us aren't happy with something in our lives and just the norm, and we all put on a happy face for everybody too whether we like them or not.

I do agree that in the japanese culture they do show alot more positive side in person for example a foreigner could pitch an idea an all would totally agree but when he/she leaves they would do an about face.

[JonWilde2105]

Some people are going OTT. Hes simply giving his own views, based on his own experiences. Its interesting, but Id assume hed be the first to admit that he is not the final judge and arbiter on the sprawling vastness of an entire culture and people - just reporting on the corner of it he has experienced. Fin.

[TokyoZeplin]

If what you got from this video is that I somehow said that the entire japanese race was somehow geneticly predesposed to be unhappy, then dear sir, we need to question your inteligence.

[mikeytronic]

@danddsuncle

Sounds like *someone* has never lived in Japan.

[geragna]

@danddsuncle Change your tampon already.

[ElMakz]

@danddsuncle maybe

[danddsuncle]

It is odd someone who looks and sounds as unhappy about their lives as you do that you have the right to judge on others being happy. I have many Japanese friends who are as happy as anyone I know back home. Being polite (or in your words *fake*) does not equal unhappiness. Just saying a lame disclaimer at the beginning of your video does not mean what you say is not racist. Why not do a posting on how black people are less intelligent than white people or how homosexuals should be shot?

[TokyoZeplin]

What in the world did I say that was racist? o0

[MiClLC]

Maybe if he took the Japanese approach of keeping things positive, every vid wouldnt be about bitching about Japan lol. I think the argument regarding the Japanese state of mind is a double edge sword. I personally believe the Japanese approach would work well for people here in the US whom all they do is bitch about their lives lol

[Gimmeaflakeman]

Yeah.... hmmm.... everyone is miserable here. No real happy people. They have a monopoly on it, and they're obsessed with comedy. Unlike the USA where comedy is shunned.

This was one of those videos where I just have to shake my head and walk away.

Last thing, do you have to ask for subs in every video? I think people get the idea of how yt works. No need to push it every time.

[TokyoZeplin]

You so shouldn't be saying anything about asking for subs, I just checked out your earlier J4M videos yesterday, and you poke endlessly about giving it a 5 rating and fav'ing it! ;) Dont throw stones, glasshouses, and all that shiz! :P

And check out yuichituba's video response, which I think is really great, and perhaps at times sums it up better than I did.

[Gimmeaflakeman]

So out my post you decide to focus on the least important part of the comment. And you're going to start using words like "endlessly"? The whole video from beginning to end I said "five stars?"

First of all, I didn't ask for 5 stars. I said rate.I have done what you do way in the past. It gets annoying in my opinion. But it's your channel. Do what you want. All the big youtubers do it. I saw Yuichituba's. He's well spoken too, but I have some problems with his vid as well.

[xilix]

@Gimmeaflakeman Comedy is shunned in the USA? What the fuck are you talking about? Comedy is a multi BILLION dollar industry in America. Saying that comedy is shunned in America is like saying rice is hated throughout Asia, it's ridiculous.

[Gimmeaflakeman]

@xilix

Sarcasm. Obviously.

[novajoke]

@Gimmeaflakeman

Are you still in Japan or what? I remember your American story and how about teaching English to all the non-English speaking people in America. You speak Spanish, right? Hablo Espanol??

Looks like there's a severe shortage of English teachers in America these days..

[nightrazer85]

du gör bra videos och det är rätt intressant.

[Danielnoctis]

It goes without saying but loneliness is a medicine most of us take for breakfast and as a sleeping pill. I'm pretty sure you yourself know most of the traits you mentioned are universal. Except for hostess,we don't have 'em here.

So I wanted to ask you:

Did you had a good overall time in Tokyo, or were you expecting more and ended up disappointed ?

[zjork]

i realy see you'r point : / im thinking of going to Japan the next year or so and live there for a long time. and im afraid that i wount be able to get to know people. or become friends with people that i will be alone all the time. like.. do you have anny "tips" on how to make friends with people in Japan other than being polite and nice, like where to meet others and stuff?

[GaijinGDB]

Well, most of these views are taken from our Western perspective. Japan is a very context based society, in which one thing might in fact imply another, and these "triggers" need to be learned. But I do doubt that I will ever learn this charade.

I do admit, some of the things that are valued in Japan do not sit well with me at all, but then who are we, gaijin, to say what is right of a society that is not ours?

[algshan]

well in all that is truth the truth doesn't change nomatter what culture yu are,so even though it we may be outsiders stating facts or giving factual criticism is actually usefull

[transendingtime]

Heh, I would say that I agree to an extent but I don't. I think everyone needs to critique both themselves and others, not too harshly of course as we don't want to hurt any feelings, but growth can only come about when people are forced to see their flaws and find ways to correct them. This is true of Western and Eastern society equally, or so I believe.

[Basehad]

You're taking a bunch of ideals rooted in your own culture and trying to apply them to Japan. Then you point out the negative sides to Japanese culture, seen from a gaijin's perspective. You would have done well to at least mention some of the postive sides to Japanese society's ideals. I agree with you on several things, but it was very onesided. For example, the fact that Japanese always try to be nice was summed up with the word "fake".

[BarriosGroupie]

what's the reaction of Japanese women to European guys like u?

[tdomega]

sounds like its hard to find someone to be with in japan. Honestly i think its hard everywhere.

[EHZay]

People all over the world are mainly unhappy..contrary to that, there are better days but the truth of it all is that it's lonely everywhere..US is lonely as hell

[TokyoZeplin]

If you think that its the same kind of feeling all over the world, which is the vibe i'm getting for you, I really need to get better at explaining things, or people need to get better at accepting stuff isn't what they expect/know.

Honestly, I have no idea which it is.

[EHZay]

I dont think it's the same feeling..some people feel lonelier then others but I dont think it goes by where the person comes from, it's more of what they have been through.

I'm just saying, you know. But you are right about people in Japan being the loneliest, I've seen it myself when I was down for vaca.

[chakalaka80]

In the world most of the people were always unhappy. Happiness is only to few people, the ones who pursuit the way they want to live.

[EHZay]

True..I agree with that

well the best way to have the best life is to plan life ahead but unexpected things can happen that can change our future arrangements

[saiyoucho]

It would actually be interesting to talk to you in person. You seem to have gotten a broad view of the country.

[betamaxdc]

i am sometime amazed at how often people hide their true pain and emotions, or even honest opinions about topics here in Tokyo. But at the same time, there are just as many people who contribute huge amounts to society with their creations, art, ideas, comedy, music, etc....so it's a love/hate society like in many places i guess. We definitely have a lot of fun getting to the emotions even if we don't always understand each other.

[CrystalChaos00]

"you never really know if what they're saying is true, or they are just bullshiting you to be nice"

100% agree. hmm since a few time ago i'm so paranoid about this... it's so hard to tell the truth and yes i feel almost impossible to make a close relationship (dont mean love at all) specially between genders [i live in JP].

[toecutterr6]

Ha! I've had a (chilean) girl here in america do that same thing! accept to go out on a date and then make endless excuses as to why she couldn't make it.

[TheMusicMaster88]

There is definately truth in that, not only in Japan, but also everywhere in the world. people claim to be happy when they actually aren't... well i guess it depends on your definition of happiness! yes that is the fact. happiness is not the same thing for all of us. plus its a feeling, and feelings can not be explained in words what so ever ;)

[pretend222]

I have a friend called Shoko wich means: happy child, I asked her whether she is happy as her name tells, and she told me: "ma-ma" wich means so so.

Should I call her as Mamashoko from now? How sounds it?

[TokyoZeplin]

I think that sounds good! XD

[renvaar]

I totally agree with your what your saying. The father of the family I'm living with is rarely at home to see the family. And most people I meet work so often they have little time for socialising.

[TokyoZeplin]

Indeed man.

[riztar]

i know it might sound wierd but i kinda feel sorry for them. they put that will do drive they have in to everything they do they miss out on the simple things in life. and its like its bred in to them that they all must be the best at any cost.

[Pocketafro]

skål!

[okamichamploo]

very true, but after 3 years living here I can say I finally have some strong close relationships that I can rely on. and It only took me 3 years. ;)

But anyway, I feel really happy right now, but I think that has a lot to do with the fact that I'm living in Japan without being tied into the average salary man type position. (I'm a manga artist). If I were one of the salarymen working 10 hr+ days 6 days a week at a job I don't care about, it would definitely be a different story.

[nicepandas]

lonely lonely japan. Kinda like england...but in a different way.

[TokyoZeplin]

Trust me, in a VERY different way.

[nicepandas]

The difference with Britain is that people are openly stupid lazy and up them selvs snobby and ignorant. But in Japan they have pride. Actually really id love to actually go to Japan and find out for real what its like there. Could be a real eye opener.

[omareiah]

the bad and good in Everywhere :)

[nokomarie1963]

An awful lot of the things you mentioned really struck me as the way things are often handled pretty well everywhere. A lot of , "sure, sounds great!" with no follow up is just a 'nice' way to brush somebody off.

The make-up however...unbelievably thick. That and the huge poundage of fingernail jewelry of all things. My girls brought home some teen magazines and that were both alarming and backed up by tv shows. Not at all attractive. What could the girls be thinking?

[zebrapik]

Hej Philip, håber du får drukket nogle bajere, mens du laver de her skidegode videoer :)

[TokyoZeplin]

Drikker alt for mange allerede!

[roofwalker2000]

You are right.

We Japanese are working too much.We dont have privatte time enough.

I love our nation,but I think If I could chenge them.

[romeoteknik]

"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."

I believe this quote is 100% true, remember it.

[gokuo64]

It's sad, it kinda brings me down too sometimes. I don't enjoy seeing good people who hate their lives. But I do run into some very radical younger Japanese people who are awesome. They just want to have fun and live life, and if are unhappy with something, they change it or don't do it. I haven't met very many people here like this but whenever I do, it's great. I can actually have 'real' conversations with them.

[guiltyspark75]

I think it'd have to be a rather polarized environment like Japan for radicals like that to appear, or at least be noticeable, since they're going against the flow in that kind of situation is quite the eye catcher.

I hope to meet such individuals in my upcoming trip to Japan, I'm sure it'll be an eye opener.

[linny177]

lol i would say i saw more 2 sidedness in canada, when it came to being friends with someone alot more, and working the hours may be longer, but people do work hard, and for me this is big i CAN NOT STAND seeing people get paid for doing nothing

[gxcad]

Hey Phillip, I got your friend invite and checked out your channel. I watched every video you have already! I come to Japan every year but I usually only come to visit (exception - last year 2008) but I'm always more tourist and never really lived here to make a living. Your videos are pretty cool! I likes them.

Japanese does unsafe sex a lot? I was under the impression they are too safe with sex and don't make enough children? I love Japanese girls, maybe one day I'll live in Tokyo and get one

[gxcad]

Did you notice much about Japanese girls being a bit different from western girls in their "gender role" in the society? I met one Japanese girl (actually raised in Japan) and she brought me drinks and generally does things for you that she can...not like I asked her to but I get the impression they feel that is their role. I could easily get used to that... :)

[TokyoZeplin]

Oh girls are definitely behind the times in Japan, gender role wise. Still a very male dominated soceity (its getting better, but they are still a good 50 years behind nothern europe).

[YORUNOMAOUSAMA]

It is difficult for me.

However, I also think that Japan Present is lonely.

The center of a city especially.

It might be unexpectedly gentle if it talks to. However, I think that I cannot do because I am cowardly.

[Bierduvel]

Well at one instance I met a guy in Asakusa who was always breakdancing at the same spot with his friends. One time I had the guts to walk over an try a conversation. Luckily he was able to talk enough English that I could understand him. I went there every evening to hang out with him and have some beers. He even took me to dinner and drinking twice. He seemd genuine and even brought me a small gift. I had the impression he was really liking it and all. I wouldn't know if it was true or not.

[nexttheworld]

We need exchange.

little by little.

Touch us somehow.

If you like, I will invite you to the Japanese community.

Don't worry.

It's the Dancing team.

It's called Yosakoi.

[cocoa123fish]

im japanese myself and live in australia. its just diffrent. how they are ,how we are...im getting used to it tho...also ive been to america and canada. they are all diffrent too. i can find good sides and bad sides even japan. i hope u have a good time in japan with ur company :D c  ya!

[Bippledot]

Americans complain quite a bit and generally don't act happy if they aren't. Do Japanese find that annoying when American tourists visit?

[TokyoZeplin]

Really depends on the person... some japanese would be annoyed, but they would probably be annoyed no matter what. Generally speaking, your "allowed" a lot more because your a foreigner, and they know you dont understand the customs.

[YORUNOMAOUSAMA]

A lot of Japanese are not good at catching English.

Therefore, it is not good at communications with the foreigner.

However, communications will be able to be attempted if there is a lot of time.

[elskede999]

Zeplin, I agree with pretty much all you said in this video. But I also think there are different people everywhere. I also think your videos are becoming better each time, keep up the good work! Hope you will be able to overcome this lonely feeling, maybe making more gaijin friends will help?

[TokyoZeplin]

Of course any video like this is generalising. Even a 1 hour video would be generalising.

[bubblerei]

your great!

thanks for the friend add.

can you speak about the food in japan?

I hear it is really bad from some people.

[TokyoZeplin]

What? I love the food here ^_^ Though only the japanese food, the western food in japan isn't really that good.

[bubblerei]

what are you recommendations from experience?

I want to try ramen over there, is it good? (⌒∇⌒)

[gxcad]

Ramen is kick ass! Try Ramen Ichiran. Its a small chain in Tokyo.

[unicep12345]

Cool Video

[StatuesBleedingGreen]

It'd be cool if you did a partner up vlog with tokyocooney.

[TokyoZeplin]

I might be meeting up with TkyoSam this weekend, thats the best I can do :p

[Tesfaldet]

wow, this is really interesting... Although I knew about this situation already, I didn't know the scale of it!

[Switchfoot771]

I think that people who deny what he says are just in denial. Quit acting like Japanese aren't humans just like we are. They aren't any different, and your little anime shows don't depict reality.

[panthercat38]

I agree. Every culture has good and bad.

Thinking anime is Japan is like thinking Scooby Doo is American...LOL!!!

(although...we do have quite a few Shaggy's...>.>)

[BrainDecrease]

The whole "fakeness" thing is really big in the usa also, but for different reasons. People want to appear that they are perfect and tend to put up a (really obvious) false front. It's probably more of a human trait than a japanese trait.

[TokyoZeplin]

The two really can't compare. I'm a very travelled person, more than most, and among other countries I've been to the US twice, and have several US friends. I know what your thinking, I know what your reffering to, but it really can't compare. I'm thinking I might not have explained it to well in the video, since many seem to have missunderstood the point.

[panthercat38]

I'm sure they are different. But I think that main difference is that rude and mean behavior is more tolerated, or even expected here, rather than most other places.

I knew of a foreign exchange student who said he wasn't an asshole until he moved to America. I totally believe that.

I think we could use a healthy dose of "keeping face" by not keeping up materially but by at least pretending to be more considerate here.

[elskede999]

yeah, and insincere politeness of english people also surprised me at the beginning

but still i wouldn't say this "fakeness" thing applies to all countries, for example i know that russians and slavonic people in general are pretty straightforward, if the person doesn't like you'll be the first one to notice

it's not always a good or a bad thing, it's just they really are different

[BrainDecrease]

If you say so. I wasn't saying to it applies to all countries, just to all people. Even if you guys say it's unique to japan, it doesn't sound at all odd or alien to me (a guy living on long island).

[crazyrareta]

People keep putting thumbs down for anyone who disagrees with him. O_o As long as they're not being completely rude or putting 'gay' then leaving, it should be fine, right? He said by all means, disagree with him. Comments are an output, so only put a thumb down for /rude/ comments, eh?

[TokyoZeplin]

Personally I have no issue with people who disagree with me on valid terms, but at least Azzaiel seems to have missunderstood the actual point of the video based on what he's saying.

[iluvwine13]

The japanese are at one extreme. My fellow americans are at another extreme. People here in america just don't give a shit. Its me me me who cares about anyone else. Appearences...what does that have to do with me? Sure, not everyone is like that but it is rather common. Americans are in their own little bubble. A man was run over by a car and the car drove off. Other cars just passed him by and just swerved to avoid him. Pedestrians just gawked at him. It was awhile before someone called help.

[iluvwine13]

Hey man! The way I see it, the japanese focus too much on the good of the whole. Personal problems and feelings to them do nothing for the majority so they try to suppress them. This is against human nature and therefore it actually makes it worse for the whole of society when these issues aren't addressed. Suicide, murder, rape, domestic violence, and other crime results from this. Sure numbers say that Japan has a low crime rate....but rape is rather common. Its just not reported that much.

[TokyoZeplin]

I'm sorry you think that way, but I think you missed out the main part of it for some reason. What I said does in fact not apply everywhere, especially not europe and the US. If you think so, then it is either because you didn't really watch the video, or because I'm horrible at explaining stuff. Could be either. And you seem to think I'm american, which in fact I'm not.

[sakuraJ789]

When I read your channel info your soon to be wife committed suicide I am very sorry for your loss.

sakuraJ789

P.S. Thanks for adding me as a friend. ;-)

[Bureikeisan]

Philip, I live here in the U.S. I am leaving for Japan in the morning after I get off of work here at the Boeing company it is 8:25 pm, I started work at 6:00pm and I get off work at 6:00am and have been on this schedule since the 14th of april 7 days a week, There are as many misconceptions about the United States as there are about Japan and Asia as a whole. People always think Americans are all rich, well that is B.S. it can be fucking expensive to live just as it is anywhere else.

[jestergrrl]

Forget those who don't like what you say, they don't need to listen. I love the fact that you speak from the heart and keep things real. It means a lot to me. Thank you.

[itsbizbuz]

This is very interesting, One of the reasons why youtube is better than TV. I don't know if you heard about the "Paris Syndrome" but I wonder if Japan displays an image of western countries as false as the one we have of Japan or even more idealized.

[PurplePinstripeDevil]

Interesting as usual, thanks for taking the time to make these videos. They are appreciated.

[anapana83]

also, there's one thing i meant to ask. does it seem like from your perspective our generation or the younger generation in japan seem to be slowly changing some of the customs or cultural/human behavior there? from what i keep reading it seems like some are supposedly embracing more western customs in certain human behavior as well as style and traditions.

[anapana83]

people are such tools sometimes and i guess they need everything spelled out for them. i respect your views and i think it's good to get perspectives from all over. i understand that you are not setting out to offend anyone. just like every other country there is the good and the bad. thank you for being willing to talk about it from your point of view.

[TrigunXCLIO]

aaaah xD since i see ur vids i am more and more diappointed about japan. i never was their but i thought it is completly diffrent. i thought the poeple their are more "open" for others, have better relationships and help each other with problems and so on...hmm very sad.

[jumbocrunk]

I really like what you're doing here. Foreigners do seem to have this sugar coated idea of what Japanese is, because they only understand what they consume through the media in their own language. It took me until I was able to have a conversation in Japanese to properly see the cracks in Japanese society. Still, like a person Japan can and should be loved for all its good and bad traits, and neither should they be ignored.

[atomicboyx]

its been only 6 months for me here and i can feel how lonely it can be, i have a good circle of people around me, but when they arent available,,, it sets in