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I studied in Tokyo from 2010 to 2014 and noticed a lot of cultural differences between Japan and my country so to deal with my culture shock, I started creating comic strips about them. I hope my comics will help more foreigners like myself understand Japan and the Japanese people better, as well as increase awareness about some changes in behavior we might have to make when we visit. These comic strips were selected from a collection of over 300 that I created between 2012 and 2015 and posted on my Facebook page. I also compiled these illustrations into two books: "Eva, Kopi and Matcha" and "Eva, Kopi and Matcha 2.0" which are available on Amazon and other eBook platforms (Kindle, iBooks, Google Books, Kobo).
More info: amazon.com | Instagram | Facebook
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Amazing Clean Toilets
Final score:
321points
Black Rose 6 years ago
I can really say that this is true. I travelled this year to Japan and everything is so convenient! I travelled during winter so the heated toilet seat is so comfy. Every toilet is really clean and smelled good. Not to mention, people are really respectful, honest and friendly.
Paul Dixon 6 years ago
Living in japan for 8 years. This is not true. If it's in a shopping centre it'll be clean, but go to a train station and chances are it won't. Heaven for bid you get a squat toilet - people miss them.
RELATED:
#2
No Service Charge And Tips
Final score:
266points
Niffler_13 6 years ago
But tipping doesn't just happen in the food service industry. I tip my tattoo artist, the nail salon tech, the hairstylist, the esthetician, the massage therapist....
Danielle Gibbs 6 years ago (edited)
I live in New Zealand and we don't tip here. Personally I think waiters and waitresses in the USA should be paid a living wage and if you want to tip for good service then that's fine. It's wrong that people rely on tips to make ends meet 😢 makes tipping something that people will feel obliged to do.
Monika Soffronow 6 years ago
In the US, the federal minimum wage for tipped workers is USD 2.13.
Master Markus 6 years ago
I live in Canada where we have tipping. I think it's awful and I don't get why we don't just PAY PEOPLE BETTER!
Bored Moogle 6 years ago
The service is c**p BECAUSE of the low wages servers are paid. They know they aren't going to make better wages no matter how well they do their job so they just do the minimum amount. Trust me, if servers were paid better wages and tips were just an extra incentive, they would give much better service.
#3
Eating Noodles
Slurping noodles to eat in Japan is perfectly fine and it is said that they will taste better too.
Final score:
248points
Foxxy 6 years ago
I can’t stand the slurping noise. I have a friend who is Chinese and it is common to eat loudly with the mouth open and I can’t stand that either. Just like loud gum chewers.
varwenea 6 years ago
I had a coworker who is working locally from Japan for an assigned project. We went out to lunch and ended up ordering udon. He apologetically asked if it is ok if he slurps. I said feel free, and he went for it. It was interesting to see/hear how loud slurping can be and how enjoyable it is for him.
Mary Rose Kent 6 years ago
I can barely handle reading about it. Misophonia rules everything around me...
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SirPatTheCat 6 years ago
I believe it's even seen as polite like you're showing you enjoy the food
Madeline Meyers 6 years ago
I remember reading somewhere that in some cultures, slurping your noodles means that you are enjoying the meal.
#4
Station Masters
Final score:
240points
Tadas Mockus 6 years ago
Wait... you dont take the train naked? I thought everyone does
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Paola Martz 6 years ago
Y'all should see the subway in Mexico city, it's like an extreme sport 😬
Sunzilla 6 years ago
Are cats in charge of the rail services in Japan? If so, I want to move to Japan.
Joanna Guthrie 6 years ago
I'm loving this post cos I was lucky enough to visit Japan a while ago and it's bang on the nosey, but I gotta say I don't get this one...
Brandon Hopkins 6 years ago
I had to google it, but in Japan it seems the station masters are actual cats
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#5
Picking Up Your Own (And Others) Trash
Final score:
231points
Evacomics (Submission author) 6 years ago
Indeed, I'm always impressed at how clean the streets are even without trash bins.
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misteriosa 6 years ago
I know we are discussing Japan here, but on the side note, I always thought Singapore was superclean, especially with such high fines for littering.
Sveta Smirnova 6 years ago
In the past Singapore was cleaner than now. Nowadays they have started again the campaign on litter. In Japan, we have learnt and practised cleaness since very young age.
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Marky Mark And The Funky Bunch 6 years ago
I'm not sure that Japan & S'pore make a good contrast in this case. Yes - there are cultural differences: Japan has a strong code of social responsibility whereas S'porians take a much more 'Kiasu' (驚事 - not my problem) attitude. But S'pore's strong laws compensate for that cultural difference. I think a better contrast would be between Japan and India, or even USA (wait till the lights come on at American movie theatre on a Saturday nite. The floors and seats are disgusting).
NurAkmar Almahdi 6 years ago
I agree. Despite the fine, people still litter in Singapore, as long as they don't get caught. The mentality is that, there's cleaner to clean. Sad fact about the people in Singapore.
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Kimberley Thom 6 years ago
I pick up others trash here in NYC and I grind my teeth. Sometimes not so much if it's a bottle that I can recycle and get money for. I find others throw away the stupidest things. I've seen perfectly reusable tupperware in the garbage can. And just yesterday someone threw away a towel that I kept for myself. I've found plenty of "treasure" that I've taken whether I've seen in on the street or in an actual garbage can.
Florencia Renedo 6 years ago
And you are comparing to Singapore! Imagine most other countries...
Freya the Wanderer 6 years ago
The Singapore side applies, unfortunately, to the USA. No matter how we preach and scream and roar at kids about not being litterbugs, there is still trash ALL OVER THE [bleep] PLACE!!!
Joshua L 6 years ago
It's mostly the fault of the companies that went the route of cheap/disposable. Wasn't the case when they used to pay you to return your cans and such. The companies then pushed it all back on the people and didn't have anything in place to make up for massive increase is trash. By the time infrastructure came into play (IE, more trashcans) people already was in the habit of just tossing c**p anywhere. I think we're getting better about it, but it's still an issue of how manufacturers approach disposable products and their ability to break down to no further to the c**p that's out there as we continue to leave waste everywhere. (Doesn't help all that trash ends up in the damn environment either way and not able to be broken down.) Adam Ruins Everything explains it all very well.
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2WheelTravlr 6 years ago
I think the big difference is that in Japan people are taught from a young age to clean up after themselves (and others), this gives them ownership in the cleanliness of their surroundings. Simply making littering illegal and fining the few you catch doing it doesn't give the public any ownership in keeping things clean - the mentality of "someone is paid to pick this garbage up" runs rampant.
#6
Baths
Japanese enjoy taking hot baths too, especially hot spring baths. (monkeys are there for humor, you won't get to dip with any, sorry!)
Final score:
219points
Chiemi Honda 6 years ago
No there are hot springs you can go to in Japan that have wild monkeys joining you... it's for free and they warn you about it
James Naron 6 years ago
I live in the U.S. and I prefer showers. I don’t want to spend my time sitting in a big steaming pot of testicle tea.
Philip Gregory 6 years ago
Erm. No. Baths in Japanese HOUSES are just as crappy as other countries. Onsens are not baths. They are hotspring resorts, and they cost money.
Carly Lynn 6 years ago
I actually enjoy the way you bathe in Singapore. Very conscious of resource conservation. Rather nice to have the toilet there too.
Kimberly Young 6 years ago
After visiting Iceland, my life goal is to move somewhere with abundant hot springs.
#7
Japanese Service
Final score:
208points
2WheelTravlr 6 years ago
I'd actually be happy with the Singapore style of doing business as long as they weren't rude and would answer questions. The false enthusiasm and friendliness of cashiers can be tiring and a bit annoying.
AHQ 6 years ago
Also the fact that when your card is declined, the Japanese try their absolute hardest to not make you feel embarrassed. This happened to me once and the lady WHISPERED (instead of yelling so everyone can hear - I'm looking at you, Europeans) "Do not worry, our machine is just not working! I sincerely apologize! Perhaps we can try another card in a different machine" I love their courtesy. They really try to make everyone else feel as comfortable as possible.
Brooklynn H 6 years ago
In Houston, Texas you tell the cashier thank you and they just respond with, "mmmmhm". When I do rarely get friendly customer service, it really brightens my day. Going to Japan is a treat.
Full Name 6 years ago
I think southerners give the most friendly customer service ever, at least on the phone. I love when I get a phone rep that's clearly southern. For reference, I'm Canadian.
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Karolina Kowalska 6 years ago
I love the fact that in Japan they also usually place the money so that you can see the change is all there, and order the bills according to denomination before they hand it to you :D
#8
Toilets
The toilets are always wet in Malaysia and there's always no toilet papers.
Final score:
203points
Dann999 6 years ago
Most Malaysian wash their bum bum & ding dong with water. Much cleaner. But most of them are very bad at aiming the water pipe hose. That's the reason for all that watery floor. Yes, most toilets in Malaysia are disgusting.
Shah DCruz 6 years ago
Not all toilets in Malaysia are wet. Nowadays toilets in shopping malls, airports are dry and clean ya.. in some places yes.. still wet... So the word ALWAYS is not quite accurate..
Sakhile Padi 6 years ago
Actually in most Islam parts of Asia, the Arabic countries as well They have these wet room type toilets. I remember in Kashmir India. I dreaded using the toilets, even at the airport.
#9
Fruits
Anybody bought the expensive Japanese fruits before? Like the melon or the insanely priced grapes...
Final score:
201points
K. LNU 6 years ago
When I was stationed in Japan, it was explained to me that Japan is an island with limited resources. Much of the produce and meats are brought from other countries; or grown specially for the market (like the square watermelons) ... thus the high cost of some foods!
kurisutofu 6 years ago
I used to think that to until I saw that most of the fruits here are from the northern regions of Japan. Cheap fruits are usually from South America.
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nanashi 6 years ago
don't forget the ridiculous single packaging of a fruit. Japan is great in many aspects, but they do tend to generate unnecessary waste a lot too.
kurisutofu 6 years ago
I bought many expensive fruits and compared to cheaper ones. I always preferred the cheaper ones. The worst was grape, the expensive one having no taste. I even went to a cherry harvest bus tour and the host was explaining how a group of tree are of the expensive species and how another group was for cheaper. Groups of people were all crowded to gather and eat the expensive cherries so I went to the cheap version after tasting a few expensive cherries. I enjoyed the cheaper better and 10 min before going back to our bus, people came to try the cheap cherries to compare and they regretted spending so much time on the other trees. All that to say the price is not always a good indicator.
KATHERINE LEEBRICK 6 years ago
They were peppers though, if they were a smaller type of produce 10 for $5 would be expensive.
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Mimon Nelson 6 years ago
Yes the prices are ridiculous, but in japan i've never ever had a sour strawberry; they're all perfectly sweet!
Firman Pane 6 years ago (edited)
Before you commented about price. Try search about fruit in japan. In japan, they preferred quality than quantity. Red mango itself it so expensive... because when in tree having little fruit about 1-5 cm, they cut it out all fruit and they choose only 1 &2 fruit just for 1 tree. That's why the taste is so good. For cubic watermelon is art, and it doesn't taste good at all. They not made to consume. Normal watermelon is cheap in japan. Seriously guys...try research first before commented or if you in japan try buying it. I try one of expensive melon, it taste ten times better than cheap melon. Its all about quality.
Peter the Finn 6 years ago
Those expensive fruits are meant to be given for gifts during the gift-giving season (summer and new year), not for own consumption. Only an idiot would buy a 150 dollar melon and eat it.
#10
The Last Stop
If you fall deep asleep on the bus in the US, it may be your last stop...
Final score:
197points
Carol Emory 6 years ago
I live in the US and I don't. Most of the buses here are safe..except in the largest cities like Los Angeles, New York and Chicago. If you are on a public bus in Seattle and you fall asleep, no one messes with you, but they may nudge you awake to make sure you don't miss your stop. Maybe that's just the overwhelming Japanese influence in the Northwest.
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Stina Kolling 6 years ago
I lived in NY for years and took the bus all the time. I used to fall asleep on my way in to work, because it was 530 in the morning and the bus was always PACKED with immigrants who were always extremely polite to women; I didn't fear for my safety. But never fall asleep on the bus at night! That's just asking for trouble!
karen snyder 6 years ago
This is absurd, so every bus in the US has a mugger with a boxcutter? True story: I live in San Francisco, an arguably large city with its share of crime. I have fallen asleep on many busses; never had a problem.
ZombieGirl5591 6 years ago
I rode the bus for the first time in Florida and ended up at a "last stop" in a really scary part of town. The bus driver would not drive me to the station or let me use his phone to call my husband. I had to walk to the nearest store and thank GOD nothing bad happened to me! Never rode a bus again lol
#11
Vending Machines
There are vending machines almost everywhere, even at places where life-forms doesn't seem to exist.
Final score:
192points
kurisutofu 6 years ago
That's what I noticed the first time I came to Japan. I was walking on a street between empty field and there you had a vending machine in the middle of nowhere, nothing else.
nanashi 6 years ago
kinda makes you think if there's already a horror story about a lone vending machine in the middle of nowhere. I mean, I'd watch that.
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kurisutofu 6 years ago
It used to annoy me but I got used to it. Japanese people don't really do many things that require throwing things in the garbage. We don't eat while walking or even outside where it's not meant for eating.
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Carol Emory 6 years ago
I don't know why someone deleted my comment about the Whiskey. It's totally true. When my husband was in Japan, he saw vending machines with Nikka Whiskey in them. I was shocked when he told me and asked "why...aren't they afraid of teenagers buying it and getting drunk all the time." He said the culture is such that the kids would never embarrass their parents by engaging in such behavior. I think the Japanese kids should be teaching the American kids what respect and honor means.
kurisutofu 6 years ago
No, that's not true. It just reads as a Westerner assigning the mythical "honor" that Asians supposedly think about all the time. Kids would drink if they could... That's why there are so many stories of drunk kid doing stupid things when they get to the legal drinking age. They don't think "oh I'm 21, it's now honorable to drink"... To buy alcohol from vending machine, I believe you need a special card that are sold to adults only. Same for cigarette.
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E FourOFour 6 years ago
All those trash cans but yet they still throw their garbage on the ground.
Flash The Cat 6 years ago
When I went to Japan there was a vending machine with ice cream in it
WaffleFryLife 6 years ago
i don't know if this is a normal thing to most people, but I live in america and i once saw a vending machine selling weave! me and my friend laughed at and joked about the absurdity of it for the rest of the day :D
#12
Celebrating Christmas
Strangely Japanese celebrates Christmas not with turkey and ham, but with KFC...
Final score:
191points
D. Pitbull 6 years ago
Oh. OH!!!! Maybe this explains my mother-in-law!! We kept insisting "Do you not want something... more? We will get you any---" - "No. KFC." .. okaaay...
Catherine Hankinson 6 years ago
It was because in the 1970's kfc did a "traditional American Christmas" advert in japan and they went wild for it. You have to pre order up to three months in advance for it.
Full Name 6 years ago
You literally have to pre-order KFC? In the U.S., it's considered cheap white trash garbage.
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Rob Chapman 6 years ago
Not if you're Jewish in the U.S.. You eat Chinese food. Trust me on this one.
My O My 6 years ago
Do you celebrate christmas? (We lern next to nothing about jewish life here- I'm really curious though
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Foxxy 6 years ago (edited)
In Australia we generally celebrate Christmas with cold meats, seafood, salads and pavlova.
Huddo's sister 4 years ago
When I was about 18 I wanted to cook ham/pork for Christmas like they had in Super Food Ideas magazine, the family wouldn't have a bar of it!
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Peter the Finn 6 years ago
This is due to KFC's clever marketing campaign in Japan many years ago. They said in Western countries people eat turkey and chicken Christmas time. They forgot to say the people do not buy their Christmas dinner from KFC, however.
Rebecca Bachatera 6 years ago
Christmas is the same in Taiwan--big bucket of fried chicken and a fake Christmas tree. XD
Constantin George-Florin 6 years ago
To be honest, KFC food is ok. Not to mention they support the local chicken farms, so...
Julio Herrera 6 years ago
How the hell did KFC took ownership of christmas in JP? It seems so sad to me.
#13
Curry
Final score:
186points
rai mei 6 years ago
Really? I think I'll visit Indonesia and try the cuisines cause I like spicy foods. In Japan, it's rare to have spicy food.
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Jill 6 years ago
If you just jump over the water to Korea, you can burn your tongue off with their spicy food.
Daria B 6 years ago (edited)
With curry, however, most times you will have the possibility to choose how spicy you want it. But, yeah, for the rest, they like it hot.
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#14
Clean And State-Of-The-Art Japanese Toilets
Final score:
183points
Tekstil Art Vršac 6 years ago
you really have some kinky fetish about toilets, wtf.. Half the comics are about toilets!
Sophia Quintanilla 6 years ago
Why so many toilet comics we get it Singapore's toilets aren't as nice as Japan
Teresa Taylor 6 years ago
Mama always said, “It’s what’s on the inside that really matters!” Hmmm. I guess she was Japanese in another life. 🤷🏼♀️
Mo Poppins 6 years ago
But there ARE bathrooms in Japan that aren’t cleaned often, like the ones at train stations (at least when I was there in ‘97). Apparently, most people just wait till they can get to a department store or something.
#15
Smartphones
You can't turn off camera shutter sound on Japanese smartphones due to privacy and upskirt photo taking.
Final score:
177points
Twenty øne doggos 6 years ago (edited)
Actually, that sounds like a good feature, they should do this with other phones.
CrunChewy McSandybutt 6 years ago
From what I've read, the camera's sound can't be turned off because of the inordinate amount of men who will take upskirt shots without permission.
Johnny 6 years ago
The last time I was in Japan, my American-bought Android phone had the camera shutter sound enabled with no way to turn it off. I'm not sure if it was the Japanese SIM card or GPS that let the phone know it was in Japan but as soon as I returned home the shutter sound stopped.
Paul Dixon 6 years ago
This annoyed me with Japanese phones. The idea of turning the sound off was out of respect. If you wanting to take a picture at night or of an animal etc this became an issue. There was no way to turn it off.
James Floyd 6 years ago
LIVE photo takes pictures without the flash sound, is a part of every iPhone since maybe the 7 and is not disabled by the Japanese government.
Natalie Crawford 6 years ago
Usually, girls notice if a dude sticks his phone up under their skirt... I don’t know much about the culture in Japan though so for all I know it could be like a bumping into a pickpocket situation but with a phone camera.
#16
Tattoos
If the tattoo is small, it can be covered with plaster to enter into the public bath houses or swimming pool.
Final score:
170points
kurisutofu 6 years ago
The reason is not that the person is thought to be a Yakuza. The reason is that you can't forbid only Yakuzas or they would get mad. In order to work around that, since they all have tattoos, this excuse was used. So if a Yakuza gets mad, they can say it's the rule, nothing against them.
Filipe 6 years ago
Huh, the more you know. Thanks for sharing the knowledge!
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Stijn Cornelis 6 years ago
It all depends on the onsen. Not all have a "no tattoo policy". Some forbid explicit tattoos that can be linked to Yakuza, others allow all tattoos. I've never had weird looks or comments on my tattoos when I go to an onsen. I even saw Japanese with tattoos.
kurisutofu 6 years ago
Yes, many don't mind small tattoos and things will probably change with the Olympics.
Load More Replies... Bored Moogle 6 years ago
That actually doesn't make much sense. If they WERE Yakuza, wouldn't the public bath owner be worried about offending them and thus ending up a target?
Bored Fox 6 years ago
The public bath owners organize private bath time for the yakuza groups that they pay the protection racket for. It is forbidden to let other yakuza groups to use that bath.
Load More Replies... Lala_nene 6 years ago
Japanese people have such ancient thought. "If you want to show how you love and respect your parents, don't damage your body, which you inherited from them. "
Martha Meyer 6 years ago
That's such a weird purity culture reasoning! Body art isn't damage. If you reason like that earrings would also be “damage“.
Load More Replies... Stijn Cornelis 6 years ago
It depends on the onsen. Not all have a no tattoo policy. I've never had any weird looks or comments because of my tattoos and regularly see Japanese with tattoos at the onsens. Some owners specify that tattoos linked to Yakuza are not allowed.
Jessica 6 years ago
And that's why I wouldn't want to visit because I like the do what makes you happy in your body culture more than everything being in perfect order. Besides they have makeup that more than effectively covers tattoos. If Yakuzas really wanted to go swimming the only thing really stopping then is an obnoxious amount of waterproof makeup.
kurisutofu 6 years ago
You can do what you want with your body. You won't be able to go to all the hotsprings place, that's all. Any other places are fine.
Load More Replies... Joanna Guthrie 6 years ago
I have a fair few tattoos and I did get a few looks but nothing major
Tuyết Hắc 6 years ago
That is just the way people think of it. You can't stop a gangster if he wish go in. The Tattoos is forbid because it's the place that for all age, and tattoo are believed for the rebel/bad behavior and be treated as same as mature subject like porn, alcohol and cigarette. Not only swim pool and hot baths, there are rule to not show your tattoo anywhere in public too.
#17
Getting Off The Train
Final score:
164points
OreOs 6 years ago
I feel that Singaporeans generally let passengers get off first, those who dont are usually the older people who may be ignorant or impatient with a sense of entitlement or tourists/foreigners.
OreOs 6 years ago
Its common to see people forming lines during peak period sooooo the comparison is unfair
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Kevin Pguh 6 years ago
I have to disagree with this one. Singaporeans give way for people coming out. Most of those pushers are either elderly or foreigners (Tourists and workers).
Austin B Cornett 6 years ago
In Indonesian they always let let the passenger get off first as well,
Foxxy 6 years ago
Shouldn’t this be common sense everywhere. Let the passengers off first and then get on.
Daria B 6 years ago
It SHOULD. But.... It's a tough world we're living in.
Load More Replies... sarwo ajie perdana triputra 6 years ago
Wait, what? That's not like the singapore i've visited 10 years ago.
Roniel Randelman 6 years ago
This is so true. I recently went to Japan and when you get off the train Japan, you let people get off first before you go on. There's an unspoken system that everyone follows.
#18
Kids After Finishing Their Food
Final score:
162points
Rob Chapman 6 years ago
It's even worse in the U.S. When the kids are done, it's looks like a hurricane, earthquake and stampede all happened at the same time.
NurAkmar Almahdi 6 years ago
This is so true. Because they follow after their parents, who leave right after their meal. Their mentality is that, this people won't have a job if they clean after themselves. It's annoying. Even the educated ones tend to not clean after themselves. Most Singapore kids ARE SPOILT BECAUSE OF THEIR PARENTS BEING SO PROTECTIVE!
Crouching_Penn_Hidden_Teller@yahoo.com 6 years ago
I thought the Japanese kids would be too busy hanging out with monsters
Bored Moogle 6 years ago
Blame the Singaporean parents for not raising their kids to clean up after themselves. Also, aren't Singaporeans known for hiring and abusing foreign maids?
#19
Active Elderly
Final score:
154points
kurisutofu 6 years ago
That's so true! In see old people here and they're more active than me!
Katarzyna Pawlus-Ono 6 years ago
My neighbours in Japan are very healthy. One is over 80 yet he rides bicycle, motorbike and lives on the fifth floor without lift, I honestly thought he’s 20 years younger
Laily F. Noor 6 years ago
And Singaporean Ah Ma will force you to give up the seat even there's plenty empty seating
louis porter 6 years ago
And the old people will push and shove to get on the train first, and run with amazing energy to grab all the empty seats.
Shruti Naik 6 years ago
This is so true. I saw this today in the morning while getting into the mrt. I saw an old woman so thought she might not be able to walk fast and I should give her space; when the doors to the mrt opened, she walked faster than anyone to bag that reserved space seating. She proceeded to act sleepy so that no one else (other older people, handicapped people, pregnant women, parents with children) can ask her to get up. I still offer up my seat though to the people who need it more than me.
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Douglas Campbell 6 years ago
It's the worse where I live in Southern California. Kids don't give up their seats for elderly or disabled, or even bother to move their bags or feet, which are on the seats, too.
Ueda 6 years ago
Saw that in Tokyo too recently. More often than not actually. Feel like people are less and less nice as time goes by...
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Joe Palffy 6 years ago
and at the same time being weak and sickly seems to be a common thing in anime and i hear voice actors and other celebrities dying in their 50's very often (none of which means it's actually common)
AnnieLaurie Burke 6 years ago
Oh, so only young people ride the train naked. Elders wear shorts.
Ueda 6 years ago
Even more impressive in Korea, where old people do a lot of sports. But that's the big problem with Japan and Korea. People just don't die at an appropriate age. Result: they are facing one of the worst demographic crisis ever, which will only get much worst in the near future. In Japan, almost a quarter of the population in over 65! And yet they don't encourage people to have kids... The only solution is immigration, but they are very reluctant to that... If fear that in a couple of decades, the Japanese society as we know it today will not exist anymore...
#20
Seven Wonders Of Japanese
The 7th wonder can be found on my FB or blog.
Final score:
153points
kurisutofu 6 years ago
I don't think you took the train in the summer ... I can assure you they are and look sweaty in the work suits.
Garrett Wilson 6 years ago
What's worse is if you're in an old style business who decides it's best not to use AC, but rather just open windows and hope that kills the heat/humidity even when there's not a breeze. People def. sweat.
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Oathbraker 6 years ago
I wish my country would learn at least number 6. Every time there is a line three separate lines form in a diagonal fashion and someone is always trying to jump line and breathing down your neck. I like my personal space, thank you very much.
Freddy Martin 6 years ago
In japanese, when you say yes or no to a question, you are confirming or denying it. If I were to ask "Is tgis not your pen?" Saying yes would mean it wasn't, because you are confirming it isn't your pen. And although sentances like that may seem like just a figure of speech used by english users, it's used fairly often in japanese
Matthew Schrank 6 years ago
More like: Look like they are in their 20s in their 30s but once they are 40 look like 60.
Ueda 6 years ago
More like everything falls apart when women hit 55-60. Before that, they look much younger than their actual age. But after crossing this line, it's the opposite.
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Lina 6 years ago
They would still say "hai" that means "no" even if they kinda want to reject an offer, for example. They never say simply "no", which is "iie" because it is considered rude. If they say "iie" it is in a combination with some explanation and mainly if they want to correct you.
Load More Replies... Laura Perkinson 6 years ago
You forgot! Never wrong! If they are they refuse to talk about it lol.
Laily F. Noor 6 years ago
Always serves free iced water in restaurant, even in freezing winter
Yeetus Deletus 6 years ago
ALL women mean no when they say yes. as a woman, i approve. it's not just a japanese thing...
#21
Train Etiquette
Final score:
147points
Carol Emory 6 years ago
Now this happens in the USA and it's very annoying. I've been at restaurants and had people at the table next to me with their smartphones cranked up loud so the kid who's hardly touched his food can be entertained.
Carol Emory 6 years ago
Funny thing is..when I was growing up, having a book at the table, hat on at the table, or watching TV while at the dinner table was unacceptable and considered bad manners. Conversation was encouraged as it gave time for the family to bond. Today, there is a real lack of empathy in this world. Parents try to be their kids best friend instead of being parents. It's ok to tell kids "no" and it's ok to teach them manners. You're not limiting their creativity or their ability to express themselves. You're teaching them to respect other peoples personal space and their ability to enjoy themselves. You are not doing your kids any favors by leaving basic etiquette and manners out of their education.
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Aaron Kara 6 years ago
I've noticed this in London over the last year, it makes me want to hulk smash their phone/face
Kathy Baylis 6 years ago
I hate this. I do not want to hear your movie/tv show/YouTube video. Period. At. Any. Volume. That's why God created earbuds, you rude so and so!
#22
Sayonara
"Sayonara" means goodbye but has a sense of finality to it, so don't use it to your clients!
Final score:
147points
kurisutofu 6 years ago
Don't say "Mata ne" to a client, it is too casual.
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kurisutofu 6 years ago
Sayonara would be translated as "farewell" to convey the proper meaning.
Douglas Campbell 6 years ago
Why do Japanese expect foreigners to understand the nuances of their etiquette and language?
Paul Dixon 6 years ago
In a business point of view that was correct. It just means goodbye but you don't know when you'll see them again.
comboplush 6 years ago
Is this really true in all cases? I learned Japanese in school (sadly, forgot almost everything) and we were taught to use this greeting.
Ema Sklepic 6 years ago
We have expressions like that here in Croatia to! We say doviđenja which means "'till we see each other" and then there is zbogom which literally means "(go) with God" and you would only use that if you'll really never ever see that person again xp. But even then it's rarely used bcz it sounds very dramatic xp
#23
Stairs
There is a great number of staircases and very few escalators and lifts at smaller train stations.
Final score:
142points
2WheelTravlr 6 years ago
But it also makes things incredibly difficult for people with some kinds of disabilities.
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Huong Linh Vu 6 years ago
They have elevator for that, not enough escalator though
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mrreeow 6 years ago
In Korea too, twas a nightmare. The whole time I struggled up the stairs I'd think "no wonder they are all so small and slim."
Daria B 6 years ago (edited)
Ahahahah! The struggle is real. But, I dunno, more and more stations and crossroads are having escalators and lifts. Things have surely changed since 2010.
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Peter the Finn 6 years ago
The difference is that there are no "smaller train stations" in Singapore as it is a big city. Japan is a large country and as trains serve almost all communities and villages so naturally those small stations are not equipped like the larger and more busy ones. All major subway and train stations in Japan have lifts and/or escalators.
#24
Impressive Customer Service
Final score:
140points
tuzdayschild 6 years ago
Maybe it depends on where you are in the US. I'm from southeastern Virginia and people definitely greet me with a smile and politeness. No bow though.
Aria Whitaker 6 years ago
From NC and same thing here...where in the world were they in America? A couple are so off I couldn't relate!
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Yana Makarevitch 6 years ago
The perfect scenario would be when no one is king. Just, you know, normal human interaction, mutually polite, but without servility.
Rhonda Wandler 6 years ago
I can’t believe you are showing Singapore this way. This is just bad. I have to wonder if someone hurt your pride there somehow.
#25
Office Toilet
I went to a Japanese company for an interview before I decided to leave Japan. When I went to the ladies toilet, I saw a nice wooden locker cabinet mounted on the wall with small compartments. I know Japanese are very particular about hygiene but to see a locker for toothbrushes and sanitary stuff is a whole new world for me...
Final score:
140points
Non-New-Toni-An 6 years ago
They should do this everywhere. It's a fantastic and sensible idea.
Troux 6 years ago
The Western paranoia about brushing your teeth in public is bizarre. You'll eat all three meals in public but won't tidy up your chompers after the fact?
Non-New-Toni-An 6 years ago
I don't have a massive problem brushing my teeth in public. It does make me feel a bit self conscious though, as it is very unusual to see a stranger brushing their teeth publicly.
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Gemjoybug 6 years ago
MY colleagues and I all keep a small bag of toiletries under the sink in our office bathroom.
Daria B 6 years ago
Where I work, we all keep our toiletries in our personal drawers below our desks.
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comboplush 6 years ago
If you brush your teeth at a workplace in germany, people will think that you just threw up or have a dentist appointment. (But honestly, it's a great idea!)
#26
Designated Smoking Area
Final score:
134points
Lynda Momalo 6 years ago
Where do you live, Jeff? I almost never see smokers anymore. It's so much better than it was 20-30 years ago when cigarettes were everywhere -- the mall, restaurants, airplanes.
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KatKaleen 6 years ago
I smoke and try very hard to not bother other people with it, so I stick to designated smoking areas whenever possible and keep a distance from other passengers at bus stops. And yet, every now and then somebody will come and stand right next to me, sometimes with little kids in tow, just so they can stare at me disapprovingly.
Sergio Bicerra Descalzi 6 years ago
Wait, is not polite to smoke in public areas, like in the 2nd pic?
Daria B 6 years ago (edited)
Not sure about Japan, but in Korea, many parks have it forbidden by law to smoke there, and if they catch you smoking you have to pay a fine. There are also huge warnings at the entrance too, stating the exact amount you'll have to pay.
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Joe Palffy 6 years ago
this one is kinda stupid, where are you supposed to find a designated smoking area in a park ?
Tacitus86 6 years ago
US is just outlawing it instead of providing a place to do it. But hey, you can smoke weed everywhere though! /sarc.
Jack B 6 years ago
Can't smoke in public in Oregon. What places are you thinking of?
Load More Replies... kurisutofu 6 years ago
That's mostly Tokyo in my experience. In other town, not all respect the rule. I even saw people smoking while standing on the non-smoking sign painted in the pavement.
Pamela Scott 6 years ago
Here in the US half the time you can't walk in or out of a store without choking on somebodies smoke. My daughter and I both have asthma so I wish they could stand somewhere else!!!
#27
Sushi Rice
Somehow sushi rice will fall off when you eat outside of Japan...
Final score:
133points
DemPugs 6 years ago
I heard sushi chefs spend like 7 years just working on rice so it kinda makes sense.
Mateusz Majewski 6 years ago
eww, it'll be really bad after 7 years, don't eat it.
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Crouching_Penn_Hidden_Teller@yahoo.com 6 years ago
I've never had that happen in sushi places in the US
Bored Moogle 6 years ago
In the U.S., they make nigiri WAY too big. You're supposed to be able to eat it in one bite but if you attempt that on sushi made in America, you're more likely to choke.
Douglas Campbell 6 years ago
It's difficult to find sushi restaurants with Japanese owners or workers in the US, except very expensive ones.
kurisutofu 6 years ago
It depends on the rice you choose. Rice in Japan is sticky. In the contrary, foreign food with non sticky rice is complicated here ...
Peter the Finn 6 years ago
Unfortunately many sushi chefs outside Japan are Chinese. Not all of them are masters on how to prepare sushi rice properly. Also some of them use rice which is not suitable for making sushi.
#28
Japanese Speak English
Based on the real story at a sushi restaurant...
Final score:
133points
Lala_nene 6 years ago
Most of Japanese have an inferiority complex about English pronunciation. We (I am a Japanese) think that it is impolite to speak in poor pronunciation.
Chris Jones 6 years ago
In most countries, as far as I know, most people are just pleased that an effort has been made. Interesting how things are interpreted so differently.
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Laura Perkinson 6 years ago
I have two nieces who are Japanese /America, born and raised in Tokyo, Speak Perfect English, However, my brother ( their father) sounds like he is from the UK! He was born and raised in the US. But has lived in Japan for over 45 years .
Louise Stange-Wahl 6 years ago
Check out this amazing young man. I saw this on CBS Evening News and he is a wonderful example of what you can accomplish when you put your mind to it! https://www.cbsnews.com/news/10-year-old-tour-guide-charms-tourists-in-japanese-garden-korakuen/
Paul Klapperich 6 years ago
I don't understand this comic _at all_. Can someone explain it like I'm 5? I know the difference between sushi and sashimi, but don't follow the connection from frame 1 -> 2 nor from frame 3 -> 4.
#29
Kids In Trains
Final score:
132points
Carol Emory 6 years ago
That's in the USA too...people letting the kids run wild on public transportation.
Randomcthulu 6 years ago
Where I live they run wild everywhere...but heaven help you if you tell any of them to stop, then the parents are suddenly paying attention and all in your face...
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Nico Viola 6 years ago
i live in new york city and the trains get crowded but the only loud stuff is the actual train not the people
Freya Fluharty 6 years ago
I loathe badly behaved brats only slightly less than I loathe their ignorant, selfish parents
Adam 1 year ago
you can only blame the parents. my 2 got their a*s's busted for this kind of behavior.
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Musica Pereira 6 years ago
After living in Japan for about a year I must say this is not true. Kids are kids everywhere in the world and also play on trains here
#30
Hairdresser
Final score:
128points
Hans 6 years ago
Anyone else who always says "all right" independent of boiling hot or ice cold water?
Alan Wilkening 6 years ago (edited)
Rubbing a Durian in the customer’s face... that’s just demonic.
Daria B 6 years ago
In Korea, they tend to make their own hairstyles, different from the one you specified, simply because they think it'd suit you better. Didn't experience it myself, as I cut my own hair, but I've heard lots of horror stories first-hand from fellow international colleagues. And no, it's not miscommunication.
kurisutofu 6 years ago
Usually in Japan they wash the hair after cutting it, and for guys, you bend to the front.
#31
Bus Drivers
Final score:
128points
Stina Kolling 6 years ago
I always say hello & thank you to every bus driver everywhere no matter where I live. They're real people too, and they deserve to be acknowledged.
Nikki D 6 years ago
I never thought of my silence as not acknowledging them, but now I will try to say hello!
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Shruti Naik 6 years ago
I live in Singapore and this is so true, its depressing. I've tried to greet them at the entrance and say thank you while exiting but this is what happens: 1) either they (bus captain) ignore you completely or 2) they feel weird and look away. 3) other passengers look at you as if you've got 4 arms, 4 legs and antlers. 4) (and this is very rare) they wave back and smile at you for making their day.
Érica Dias 6 years ago
I have a favorite bus driver at morning - he´s so polite, always gives me good moning with a smile. plus, he´s faster than others ^^
Rhonda Wandler 6 years ago
You should be ashamed of yourself for portraying a wonderful travel destination as Singaporeso negatively. I’ve been there and travelled around a lot and would highly RECOMMEND GOING TO SINGAPORE
#32
Muscle Training
You'll get to train your muscles in Japan because there's a lot of stairs, not many escalators, and lifts! So imagine all the luggage you have to carry up and down while transiting to the airport to train stations and in-between hotels...
Final score:
127points
Jill 6 years ago
From what Ive seen there are elevators hidden around the stations as well. Ask for an attendant to help you. They are very kind and may even bring you to the train themselves...BUT Japan can be difficult for those in wheelchairs or who have problems with knees, feet, etc.
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Katarzyna Pawlus-Ono 6 years ago
Yeah, I carried my sleeping 16kg child up the stairs on some remote station. I felt like Rocky Balboa
Benjamin Sussman 6 years ago
I can vouch for this. I had to take an early train to Narita, but as it was before the outside elevator opened for service, I was forced to lug two super-heavy suitcases up the equivalent length of a metro escalator. A local passerby asked if I needed help, but I waved him off while doing a surprisingly perfect Lambo impersonation.
Helen Wood 6 years ago
i been japan, escalators everywhere, even at an ancient temple in the middle of nowhere when i got lost.
#33
Hiking
I really feel like melting recently...
Final score:
126points
Randomcthulu 6 years ago
Yep, Tsuyu is awful, you feel like you can almost swim thru the air, but then it rains and it feels and smells great outside
Load More Replies... Freya the Wanderer 6 years ago
"Hiking in Singapore" is also "Going for your morning walk in Atlanta June to September."
D. Pitbull 6 years ago
Oh. Yup. 99% of my extended family is in Malaysia/Singapore. I can FEEL that second picture. I live in **CANADA** the shock coming off the plane was immediate.
Douglas Campbell 6 years ago
Japan is very serene to walk around, but it can also be very humid and gray, as well.
Roniel Randelman 6 years ago
Not true.. but it depends on where you are. Hokkaido, for example, is great in the summer, but tokyo is reallyyyy humid
Roger Bird 6 years ago
Is Evacomics blaming Singapore for being on the Equator and not Japan (for being farther from the Equator)?
#34
Shinjuku Station
It is a place where Google maps fail and all hope is lost to find the specific exits...
Final score:
113points
kurisutofu 6 years ago
Shinjuku station is the worst ... I always get lost ... You can even enter from a gate and leave from another ... Once you enter, you need to leave at another station (and so take the train) or go see the station staff to let you out.
Elizabeth Calvert 6 years ago
Washington DC has become like this the last few times I've visited 😭
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Louise Stange-Wahl 6 years ago
YIKES! I even have problems with a GPS here in the US. Somehow they don't always take into account that they are guiding you to a butte in the desert that will kill you if you don't stop! LOL! The joys of living in the WILD WEST!
Aunt Messy 6 years ago
It took us awhile, but we mastered Shinjuku station. We can now navigate our way to all of the zillion trains, lines, rail companies, kiosks, and information desks. I can find a public washroom in Shinjuku station within five minutes. ...///.. The first couple of times? Not so much. We eventually took photos of every corner we turned, then used the photos to navigate. It works.
NotMe 6 years ago
Same with Namba Station in Osaka. And let's not talk about Tokyo Station....
Jill 6 years ago
Tokyo Station is heaven compared to Shinjuku. Once I was at the station in Shinjuku and couldnt find my way out.
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Robert James 6 years ago
Just make sure you know what place you're going to as well as read the exits. When in doubt, just use the nearest exit and use Google Maps to see how far you are from where you want to be. I never get lost :D
Graham Healey 6 years ago
Shinjuku Station is enveloped in some kind of space-time anomaly. I've been going There for 55 (fifty-five) years and still, when I get off the train, I have to stand still and point north, then east, then west to orientate myself before heading for the exit I want. If I fail to perform this little ritual I always (always!) go out of the east exit if I want the west exit and vice versa.
#35
Giving Way To Those Who Really Need To Use The Lifts
Final score:
110points
kurisutofu 6 years ago
Not too true. It's more the order at which you arrived. If you line up for the elevator before a wheelchair comes to wait behind you, it's pretty rare that the person decides to let the handicapped person to first. The person would just enter first and try to take as less space as possible.
Laura Perkinson 6 years ago
This way in the US for sure. I have to use a Scooter and always no matter where I go, American people allow me in first and out first.
Kathy Baylis 6 years ago
That's an unspoken rule of elevator etiquette. Same with not entering until everyone who's getting out has done so. Everyone just knows them, and the few rogue exceptions get sharply called out on the spot!
Load More Replies... #36
Introducing
We only network with a plate full of food in our hands.
Final score:
107points
Jeff 6 years ago
Food is good because it not only fills out stomachs it brings up the talkativity in ourselves and others around us........
miaow 6 years ago
yes, and it's a universal language, food brings people together. Even if you're not a conversationalist much.
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#37
Accurate Weather Forecasts
Final score:
102points
kurisutofu 6 years ago
I was and still am so amazed at how the weather forecast is so good here!
Louise Stange-Wahl 6 years ago
It has to be because it can be a matter of life and death...tornadoes occur outside of Tornado Alley!
Load More Replies... Louise Stange-Wahl 6 years ago
Our ranch is at 7000 feet, and we have our own weather station on the roof. It is usually right! Then there is the wonder of the weather rock! weather-ro...832e42.png 
Garrett Wilson 6 years ago
Except in rainy season in Japan, I literally bought tickets to USJ three days before when the weather said there was a 0 percent chance of rain, which changed to 90% the day before, and then day of it only rained about 30 minutes in the morning, brightened up to be clear skies until about 5 in the afternoon where it rained for an hour and then went back to normal.
Peter the Finn 6 years ago
Singapore weather reports are always the same: sunny with a chance of rain and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Why they bother reporting the temperature beats me, as it never varies more than 2-3 degrees from one day to another.
#38
Convenient Stores
I often go to convenient stores to buy bento, snacks, cakes or vegetables when I was in Japan. Sometimes I will pass by their adult magazine section and wonder if I should play a prank by browsing through it and see the reaction of customers and staff. But I wasn't brave enough and abandoned the idea...
Final score:
100points
NotMe 6 years ago
I don't think they woul've cared, honestly xd Either way, I think they come taped so you can't actually browse through, if I remember correctly.
kurisutofu 6 years ago
You can't browse but it is still very strange to see the picture of 3/4 naked women where children can see.
Load More Replies... Carol Emory 6 years ago
The Japanese also do not view nudity as a taboo like other countries do. It is not considered taboo.
DeathMalice1485 6 years ago
Can't believe they still have magazines.... the internet is chalk full of nudity. I'm just saying XD
Robert James 6 years ago
No one really (publically) judges anyone in Japan. I've seen weird looking cross dressers get absolutely zero attention inside trains.
Stan G. Puvok 6 years ago
Agree with this.. you won't miss this on your visit to any convenient stores...
Alexandru Sfirlogea 6 years ago
You should totally do it! :D Act like you're really enjoying it too! ;D They'll be telling that story for a very long time!
#39
Cyclists Are Considerate
Final score:
99points
kurisutofu 6 years ago
No... In Japan too, they're not that careful and there are many accidents hurting prior walking on the sidewalk.
Daria B 6 years ago
In Korea it's the other way around. You have specific bike roads, people taking a stroll on a "bike road", and not giving a damn about your bell ringing, sometimes even getting angry at you for actually respecting the law. Also, I saw accidents where bikers were the ones to get hurt because of negligent strollers. Btw, not all bicycle roads are like this, 중랑천 (Choongnancheon) and Hankang ones are safe and people respect the etiquette there.
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Ronald Szie 6 years ago
As a Singaporean, I see this every time. Now add the e-scooters zooming past, the body count wilp go even higher.
Evacomics (Submission author) 6 years ago
Yes, I was almost knocked down a couple of times. Now whenever I "switch lanes" on the pedestrian path I have to look behind too...
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Evacomics (Submission author) 6 years ago
Yeah, last time no PMD... now should update to those e-scooters...
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Daja Lindeman 6 years ago
In the Netherlands we are far worse. We will kill you if your body breaks our bike.
Robert James 6 years ago
This is kinda true, but in Kyoto when you ride a bicycle, you really have to keep an eye out on your lane and where people should be walking. Just like driving, you have to think the person in front of you is unaware of your presence.
Paul Dixon 6 years ago
Japan ring bells...they also ignore signs... they also ride out in front of cars...they use phones whilst on bikes...they break so many laws.
#40
Promotion
Japanese companies do not let employees specialize in one skill but instead be a Jack of all trades. So even if the employee graduated from an engineering school, they will place him in sales. During the promotion, they may even transfer a sales assistant manager to Human Resource!
Final score:
96points
Carol Emory 6 years ago
This is called spreading out your resources. That way if say Johnny who is the manager of sales suddenly has a heart attack and can't come back to work for a while, Steve in human resources can fill in for him.
kurisutofu 6 years ago
But you also end up with people who can't do their job ...
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Eric Spence 6 years ago
Some businesses in America are doing this - it is called "cross-training."
Garrett Wilson 6 years ago
A lot of people praise this idea, but the thing is, no one teaches anyone what they're supposed to be doing after these promotions/transfers. It's an absolute Godsend if your new boss actually knows anything about what your job is, but a decent chunk of the time the person has no idea what they're doing, is untrained to fill that position, and yet is expected to do everything perfectly. Because of the social customs, the person can't just admit that they don't know, because then it looks badly on the company's decision to put you there. It causes ceaseless headaches at work whenever we get personnel changes.
Meyer Weinstock 6 years ago
I'm in Training, and I want to be in HR...but they won't let me.... :-(
Peter the Finn 6 years ago
This is actually a very good thing. Japanese managers get a 360 degree hands-on view of the company operations making them suitable candidates for higher management roles where knowledge of company operations is essential. Western companies promote people within their narrow skill set until they reach their incompetency level.
Garrett Wilson 6 years ago
In theory yes, but the social dynamics don't quite workout like that. I've been working here for a while and generally what happens is that a person who is inexperienced in a field ends up getting promoted into that field. Promotions more often go to people by time spent at a company, not so much merit based. Often times we'll get an older guy at work get put into a supervisor position who honestly has no idea what he's doing or how he got there when there's a younger guy who knows the ins and outs of the job like clockwork, but the company would consider him, "Too inexperienced," for the position. Anyways, new guy comes in not knowing anything about the role they're being put into, but they can't just say that they have no idea what they're doing because that would look bad on them/the people who hired them. It's a pretty common occurrence in Japan, key example, Japan's last Minister of Cyber Security had to be removed from office after it was revealed he had never owned a computer.
Load More Replies... #41
Safety
Final score:
94points
Laily F. Noor 6 years ago
...or in singspore, insted of leaving your bag, you can just put tissue pack on the table to "book the table"
Chris Jones 6 years ago (edited)
Isn't that a bit like German's leaving their towels on sun loungers?
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kurisutofu 6 years ago
I once used my wallet to reserve my table while I went to the shop next door buy something quick. When I came back after 20 min and saw my wallet there, I realized what I had done and my heart skipped a bit ... Nothing happened that time but it is not recommended to use valuables, as explained in the picture.
btaglln 6 years ago
In united arab emirates, some people leave their wallet or handbag to "reserve" a table in mall food courts. Also some people leave their phones/stuff on the beach while sometimes walking miles away. It is nice !
Chris Jones 6 years ago
That's surely unfair to people who stay there and want a table but can't get one?
Load More Replies... Robert James 6 years ago
I loved how I left some of my souvenirs at the bottom of Chureito Pagoda and they're still there when I came back down lol
Peter the Finn 6 years ago
Come on. You never leave your purse or handbag unattended at the table in big Japanese cities. In smaller villages it is usually safe.
Laura Perkinson 6 years ago
in Japan, My sister -in law and I went out to eat, using Bicycles to get there. we went in to eat and after 45 minutes she realized she had forgotten her purse in the Bicycle basket, She just went out and got it! I could not believe it was still there untouched! but it was
#42
Comic Conventions
Final score:
92points
NotMe 6 years ago
Comiket is for doujinshis so that's why. Maybe AnimeJapan is a little more "neutral" and closer to the Comicon concept?
Lauren Caswell 6 years ago
Comiket...doujinshis? Is it like an anime convention but the xrated version? I suppose they would have to be kept separate. I'm guessing doujinshis is a word for a fan of the adult anime? I've never unstood that, and the market seems to be huge over there :s
Load More Replies... Laura Perkinson 6 years ago
In Japan, they are much more open about this kind of thing. Plus have more LOVE Hotels than Paris I think! lol
Russian Otaku 6 years ago
Would love to go to comiket some day... would hate the waiting and the sweating from the heat outside and heat from the bodies inside. Could take pictures of cute girls while fluffing about except like a normal person at a con and not a japanese level 999 creeper
Heidi Black 6 years ago
You're kidding, right? Conventions here in the US are all about those sleazy old guys drawing super inaccurate pinup girls.
Louise Stange-Wahl 6 years ago
I know that Wonderfest is a huge in Japan..sci-fi, anime, cosplay, movies, TV, Hobby stuff. My hubby used to do a lot of model work that was shown at Wonderfest--with the 5 mile-long-line waiting to get in! There is really no con like the San Diego Comic Con. We have been attending World Cons and STAR TREK cons for decades. So many movie and TV studios show upcoming productions, complete with prop and costume displays. Always fun to see the panels with the stars as well. Here we are at Denvention II in the original hero spinner from BLADE RUNNER! Spinner-DV...22cf2e.jpg 
#43
Recycle
Though it's good to recycle...
Final score:
92points
kurisutofu 6 years ago
In my town, we have 7 separate categories: Burnable, non burnable, plastic, pet-bottle, bin/can/spray, electric, big objects.
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OWLbystarlight 6 years ago
Japan reminds me of my stay in the UK. XD But also Oregon is trying to be this way as well. Compost! Recycle!
Michele Walker 6 years ago
At home my cousin had a whole wall of bins for separating trash. You HAD to rinse off the trash, you had to separate the recycle from the regular trash. They would check, if you have anything to be recycled in your regular trash, it would not be picked up, by the next week, you are overflowing and you can have items about the lid of your bin.
Robin Ellison 6 years ago
When we lived in Aizu, we had 7 different recycle bins for different items. Then on recycle day, we would load it in the back of our car and drive down our street to the neighborhood recycle station and unload into the various bins available for the 7 different types of recycled goods.
#44
Takeaway
I heard that no take away of leftovers from restaurants and buffet was allowed because of a major food poisoning that happened some years ago. Caterers and restaurants did not want to be liable if anything happens. Bento is ok because they have an expiry date and storage instructions on the packaging
Final score:
86points
Tara Small 6 years ago
This has mostly changed now; very rarely do I find places that do not allow omochikaeri (take-home) and the ones that do not allow are usually good if you bring your own Tupperware.
Load More Replies... Sofa Faso 6 years ago
The description is kind of odd. Who does take away in a buffet anyway? Seriously? Typical non-buffet restaurants are different as the meal dish you order are À la carte. You pay for it so you should able to get it home. Food poisoning as a reason sounds like an excuse. Take away off a leftover food is already meant that you have eaten half of the food within the restaurant. How is a restaurant still in need to be liable should the customer wants to take away? You've eaten half of the food inside the building, taking out of the same said food out of the building is your business regardless of how you handle that left over food eventually.
Ka'uilani Data 6 years ago (edited)
So anime lied to me? They often show doggy bags lol (joking)
Peter the Finn 6 years ago
You can ask for a doggy bag in any Japanese restaurant. If they have takeaway containers, most of the time they let you take the food with you.
Patrick Beadle 6 years ago
I remember learning that the Japanese restaurants do not want you to take the food home since you will not be able to eat the food the way they had presented it to you and would be embarrassed if you ended up eating the leftovers at another time and not enjoy it as much as it would be if it was made fresh for you.
Russian Otaku 6 years ago
Didn't know this...then again never went to many restaurants or had portions so f*****g huge that take out was pretty much mandatory
Joanna Guthrie 6 years ago
Yeah doggy bags weren't a thing when I went, shame as I hate seeing food go to waste
#45
Final Decision
Although Japanese love to have meetings to gain a common consensus, they also may decide important things among themselves and simply let the employee know their final decision without discussing with them.
Final score:
80points
kurisutofu 6 years ago
In a meeting, I learnt at the same time as everyone who will be the new team lead. It was me ...
Sofa Faso 6 years ago
This is actually the part where I found a big gap between the working world and the social culture outside their jobs. Working for a Japanese company in Japan can be really intense. It's not as polite and nice as what most others outside of Japan think. Tourists would have thought "oh hey Japanese people are very polite, should be nice to relocate here and work for them". Hell no, nope.
Peter the Finn 6 years ago
Yes, in Singapore and most other countries the employees have too much power on accepting or refusing an intracompany transfer. Japanese system may not be perfect but it makes sense in a country where gaining experience in most operations of the company is beneficial for your career.
#46
Amazing Japanese Women At Shibuya
Final score:
75points
Katarzyna Pawlus-Ono 6 years ago
Fashion out of Tokyo, in regular cities, is actually really plain
kurisutofu 6 years ago
Tokyo has an image of crazy outfits but it's not that common ... It's pretty classic.
Load More Replies... Louise Stange-Wahl 6 years ago
OMG--you could get nosebleeds from the high altitude--since they don't use the streets as sewers any longer which was why I believe that the upper-class ladies and Geisha wore those block sandals when out in public.
#47
Name Cards
Based on my friends' real stories. Quite amazing that the CEO has to approve name cards too!
Final score:
72points
Peter the Finn 6 years ago
You should not generalize. Your friends probably worked in a small company. In bigger companies the section chief or HR approves the meishi. No one would even dare to go to a CEO for such matter.
Mandy Delaforce (PC Girl) 6 years ago
You haven't worked in state government in Australia, have you. LOL
Garrett Wilson 6 years ago
I mean, it's an exaggeration, but there are a lot of tiny things that in the US that are easily approved by a single person that I've seen here that literally go to my supervisor, my supervisor's supervisor, and then their supervisor before being approved that in the US would be approved by the first person only.
#48
Diagonal Crossing
The diagonal crossing will no longer be the same again!
Final score:
67points
Carol Emory 6 years ago
There are some places in the USA you can do this. Around UNCW and in south Seattle at the Boeing Plant.
Meyer Weinstock 6 years ago
downtown Pasadena, California (look it up...we like tourists!)
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Frank Hadzàlic 6 years ago
First time I experienced this kind of Street crossing was in Tucson Arizona.
#49
Drawing Session
I was surprised when I attended a life drawing session in Tokyo and all the artists flipped their pages as soon as a break was announced. Perhaps the Japanese do not like to show off their work and prefer to keep things to themselves...?
Final score:
66points
Lauren Caswell 6 years ago
I think humility and politeness is a huge part of their social structure, and bragging or even potentially being thought to be bragging would not appeal to an average Japanese person generally. One thing we here in nz seem to share is the triple polite refusal of offers or favours, even when you want to say yes. We can be surprised when we politely turn someone down and they say 'ok' and don't offer again....
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Kathy Baylis 6 years ago
If I'm not mistaken, isn't there something in Japanese art about the space in a picture having as much meaning as the objects portrayed in it? If so, then in a way these pictures actually aren't blank. Please correct me if I'm wrong!
#50
Dashing Rickshaw Pullers
Final score:
61points
Daniel280456 6 years ago
What do you want them to do in Singapore ? Get cosmetic surgery, on a rickshaw puller pay ?
Joshua Tan 6 years ago
It’s the young muscular men in tights in japan. It’s actually somewhat disturbing.
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Iceroyalmilktea 6 years ago
in malaysia is usually old men too who do pulls rickshaws. main reason why I never ride any since I would feel so guilt ridden to make them work
louis porter 6 years ago
Sexy guys get more tips...they'll probably shag you if you pay them enough.
Robert James 6 years ago
Oh definitely. The rickshaw guys in Japan are all muscular and quite comely. The muscles can be explained by all the work they do, but the comeliness are definitely natural.
Rhonda Wandler 6 years ago
Boy oh boy you must have gotten your feelings hurt pretty bad in Singapore. This in such poor taste for you to portray it this way. Even travelling around as a middle-aged female there I always felt safe and found many transport service people extremely friendly.
#51
Changing Rooms
I always dislike to try clothes during winter time and especially in Japan because you have to remove your shoes to try in their fitting room...
Final score:
24points
trinity davis 6 years ago
It should just be standard to actually wipe your feet before walking all over the building
Load More Replies... #52
Train Stations
Final score:
22points
Carol Emory 6 years ago
And in Japan, you can eat and drink on the train..but make sure you clean up after yourself. It's the courteous thing to do.
#53
The Real Kitty
What if the excited girls know it's a guy beneath the costume?
Final score:
22points
Kate Barton 6 years ago
meee tooo they are so scary. In the US they always try to hug you and it's terrifying
Load More Replies... Lauren Caswell 6 years ago
Hey now, not all cute guys are nice and not all nice r cute!
Load More Replies... Meyer Weinstock 6 years ago
I once spent an entire Los Angeles Marathon in a bear costume. Lots of hugs from a-list celebrities whom would never talk to me if I wasn't in the costume... I'm still nice, but not cute. -Dr. M
#54
Bugs
This idea was contributed by reader Kok Hong, quite interesting don't you think? Probably because of our lack of interaction with nature that causes us to freak out whenever when we see insects.
Final score:
21points
Katarzyna Pawlus-Ono 6 years ago
In Japan some moms hate it too, but they understand that children need to experience the real nature and share their experiences with friends
#55
Chichen Rice Stall
Final score:
21points
m. b 6 years ago
Same here, some of the best foods I ever tried were in sketchy stalls or back alleys. Neither sushi, curry nor egg bread can reach..
Load More Replies... #56
Wet Napkins
So do you use the wet napkin before or after or not at all?
Final score:
20points
KatKaleen 6 years ago (edited)
Before, but the only place in the area that hands those out is japanese, so...
Benderong 6 years ago
Most singaporean restaurants hand out wet wipes instead or together with regular napkins
Load More Replies... Meyer Weinstock 6 years ago
In the US, we only get wet-naps after dinner at barbecue restaurants or places that serve chicken wings...and then only in metropolitan areas or with chain-restaurants. Alcohol gel ("Purell" brand is popular) is usually brought by many to the restaurants by people for their own use. I usually just wash my hands before I eat. -Dr. M
#57
Why It Takes Forever For The Japanese To Decide
This is based on the true story from my Japanese friend, that they need meetings to discuss when to hold the next meeting! The consensus from everyone is important but this delays making decisions...
Final score:
19points
Tony Moon 6 years ago
Hell, I just had this meeting today in the US. We had a meeting about setting up meetings for when we would all meet.
Lauren Caswell 6 years ago
That's awesome! May your meeting meeting meet your expectations:'D
Load More Replies... kurisutofu 6 years ago
And also because nobody is prepared for the meeting and a lot of them don't even know how to do their job.
#58
Taxi
Final score:
19points
#59
Hiring Married Women
Final score:
16points
Pretty Pangolin 6 years ago
Married women have a hard/impossible time getting hired in Japan.
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kurisutofu 6 years ago
This is absolutely wrong. I worked at many companies and there are so many married women working. In my current team is 8 people, 4 are married and that includes 2 with children.
similarly 6 years ago
I'm with kurisutofu on this one. I know many women who are married with children who have jobs. In fact, my current employer offers flexible hours to women and men who have small children to allow them to work while taking care of family responsibilities. My employer is also excellent about maternity leave. So at least in my area of Japan, I don't feel this kind of discrimination is common at all.
Carol Emory 6 years ago (edited)
The possibility of pregnancy makes hiring married women undesirable because then they'd be gone for 14 weeks (6 weeks before birth and 8 weeks after). Japan also still carries a stigma against unwed mothers most often kicking pregnant teens out of school and limiting the rights of the children. It's still a very male centric society.
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#60
Growing Up
Kids are very pampered in Singapore...
Final score:
15points
Meyer Weinstock 6 years ago
In US, the kid is kicked out and kicked to the curb at 18...or they are 35 and still living in their childhood bedroom...generally, there are very few to no in-between situations...
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What do you think ?
Jason Rogers 6 years ago
Drifted down to the comments to say this. The title should be "Reasons I don't like Singapore"
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Sophia Trinh Hieu Thy 6 years ago
Actually, the company (?) who wrote this, Evacomics, actually is part of a monthly school magazine thing in primary schools in SG. So probs is just a joke. Anyways, as a Singaporean, I dun feel offended. Just feels relatable honestly.
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Hey Ho neighbours 6 years ago
This seems to basically be a "have a dig at Singapore" comic. It's just dissing Singapore. And all of Malaysia. And also the US.
Jordan W. 6 years ago
This is so damn right. Unfair portrayal of these countries.
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Joshua Tan 6 years ago
Many of the things about Japan are half truths. More like Tokyo and Singapore. Seems more appropriate then.
Eric Tok 6 years ago
Becos the comic is from Sg. She telling the truth becos it is where she lives.
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Jo Choto 6 years ago
I do like Japan's way of keeping public spaces immaculate. It starts in school. They don't hire janitors or cleaners. The kids are responsible for keeping their school clean and well taken care of. Obviously that breeds an attitude of respect and responsibility for your environment. Maybe we should all try it.
Jason Rogers 6 years ago
Drifted down to the comments to say this. The title should be "Reasons I don't like Singapore"
Load More Replies... Sophia Trinh Hieu Thy 6 years ago
Actually, the company (?) who wrote this, Evacomics, actually is part of a monthly school magazine thing in primary schools in SG. So probs is just a joke. Anyways, as a Singaporean, I dun feel offended. Just feels relatable honestly.
Load More Replies... Hey Ho neighbours 6 years ago
This seems to basically be a "have a dig at Singapore" comic. It's just dissing Singapore. And all of Malaysia. And also the US.
Jordan W. 6 years ago
This is so damn right. Unfair portrayal of these countries.
Load More Replies... Joshua Tan 6 years ago
Many of the things about Japan are half truths. More like Tokyo and Singapore. Seems more appropriate then.
Eric Tok 6 years ago
Becos the comic is from Sg. She telling the truth becos it is where she lives.
Load More Replies... Jo Choto 6 years ago
I do like Japan's way of keeping public spaces immaculate. It starts in school. They don't hire janitors or cleaners. The kids are responsible for keeping their school clean and well taken care of. Obviously that breeds an attitude of respect and responsibility for your environment. Maybe we should all try it.
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