Why Japanese people are shy 2

I am trying to explain why Japanese people are perceived as shy. Actually, the Japanese are not shy in the way you mean it in English. It is a byproduct of rapid modernization of Japanese society....

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• nihon
• Japanese
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[magatsu18]

Did you consider it akward meeting Japanese people before you started studying english and went to Canada?

[BruceIno]

@magatsu18

Yes, I did all the time. I am sure lots of Japanese people feel that way. Expecially, my generation is being stuck between the old and the new.

[tagatautube]

Great video. I am living in Japan right now and what you are saying exactly describes my experience in Japan. I totally agree that "shy" is not the right word to use to describe Japanese people. I actually have Japanese friends who themselves say they feel constrained in terms of their behaviour when speaking Nihongo but feel freer to express their opinions when conversing in English.

[BruceIno]

Thanks.

[BruceIno]

Yes, the formality makes me nervous sometimes.

[getoutofmyband]

Woah that must be kind of weird. But actually thinking about it... I've had interviews here (Quebec, Canada) where people didn't introduce themselves or they said their names but I didn't know what they did in the company..if they were the boss or what.. it's always strange.

[BruceIno]

yeah, maybe they interview so many people that they just forget?

[meeeeerk]

YOU HAVE MIRRION DORRAR?!

[maddcat0]

I like when he said "and that's why we need alcohol"--I LOL'd! :)

[tokutom]

@BruceIno When I was in Japan I found everyone being Japanese scary at times. Because I just wasn't used to it and there is the pressure to be good enough.

[kameraklips]

You did an excellent job at explaining this. I feel I have I much greater understanding of japanese social dynamics than I had before. It's as if you've captured the root of the difference. I think you should talk about the positive benefits of the Japanese format for interpersonal interaction, though, versus the negative aspects of being too informal.

[tokumas]

@magatsu18 Yes, sometimes people ask directions to strangers and I'm asked directions when I'm in the peaceful mood that people can easy to contact me, but talking with strangers in transportation or chuting with clerk and say "Have a nice day" in the end doesn't often happen especially in busy city in Japan. Some elderly people and innocent high school students would do that though. There is even a law that picking up young girl is illegal in some prefectures in order to stop sexual crime.

[tokumas]

Because, Japanese actors, TV personalities and broadcasters who have a confidence and individuality don't have slanty eyes. Btw Vancouver is one of the friendliest parts in Canada and in the world where is not so busy city and many foreigners visiting for studying and for sightseeing. So people there are lively for welcoming new foreigners. That's why compared to people in Van, Japanese might look socially introverted and busy for their own work, but it doesn't mean Japanese are naturally shy.

[tokumas]

I think he likes Japan, but he explains the differences between Japan and Vancouver. And he says weired parts of Japanese way by the perspective of Western society. And I totally know what he means as a Japanese since I lived in Vancouver and in States. Many people in Japan don't often recognize others individually, equally or directly and don't often make direct eye-contact unless they are a professional broadcaster. I guess that's one of the reasons why Japanese developed slanty eyes.

[Yusyum2001]

You just don't like Japan, do you?

You didn't have a good time in Japan, but you did in Canada.

Good for you.

But that doesn't mean that Western culture is normal and that Japan is abnormal.

Don't assume that Western culture is the standard.

Every country has some weird aspects.

[acromel]

Wow, I thought us Brits were reserved but compared to the Japanese... まいったな　（笑）。

It sounds like you've been corrupted by the West ;o)

Your point about the inextricable link between language and culture, as you illustrated with the example of English and 敬語, is a very good one, I think. Studying the language itself is only half the battle!

[lounamana]

never been to Japan but met loads Japanese students back at Uni...and it is true...once they start drinking they become "normal" :-)