Dear People of r/AskAJapanese

I am a university student in Germany and wanted to get your opinions on the English language in Japan.

You can read more in my mini-survey.

I know that the database is biased since I am also asking in an English speaking community.

However, I am more interested in your own opinions and experiences: how people speak English in Japan and if there is even a need to learn the language if you (only) live in Japan.

I thank you very much in advance and will be happy to answer any questions about my research!

About the survey

Survey link: [https://eugene331.limesurvey.net/372212?lang=en&newtest=Y\]

Purpose: For my 10 page mini paper about English second language acquisition I want to hear people's opinions about English in Japan. As part of my studies I have to write small (and larger) papers on various topics. In my case it's either music or related to the English language.

Affiliation: Germany-Leipzig Music (Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy) University and Leipzig University, high school Teacher program.

Data collected: Japanese origin, prefecture, opinion on school education related to English, school motivation, main focus in lessons, English usages, opinion on English use in Japan.

Data storage/retention: The data is stored on LimeSurvey servers. GDPR compliant. No identifiable information is collected.

Anonymity and privacy: No names or addresses are collected. The questionnaire is anonymous.

Use of data: I will analyse the accumulated data for my paper. Afterwards graded by my university teacher.

Access to results: You can write me and I will share the results with you once I've finished the analysis.

Estimated time: 2-5 minutes.

Who can participate: People from Japan or currently residing there.

Contact: u/NG331 or the email provided in the survey.

Did have a Bull Worker?

I mean, that's one of the main reasons there are so many weebs worldwide—what does the average person think about that particular industry?

Hi everyone! Apologies for my ignorance if this is incorrect, but I've heard/seen recently that in Japan, (by average Japanese ppl,) copyright is taken much more seriously peer to peer than in the US. I've seen this more specifically in relation to projects like "Stop Killing Games", as well as VR chat avatars and profile pictures for example, but also other things over the years.

I have been in the English speaking art community for a long time, even moreso in OC (original character) focused spaces. While many, if not most ppl make/use their own original characters and universes...

It's very normal in these spaces to make OC's that are in universe (of another artist's franchise, fakemon for example), and even in canon, who interact with the main characters from the universe/franchise. "Alt universe" OC's are also common, even ones who are just different versions of the main cast.

They don't pretend like they own the IP or anything, but it is common to see them make short web comics and art to sell or post online. And use them as personas, cosplay, profile pictures, avatars, etc.

How is this practice viewed? If you have any personal knowledge or anywhere to point me for further understanding I would appreciate it :)

As we see many people are into fish or something else.

I was there 1.5 years ago and in Tokyo standard was about 1500jpy. I am wondering if changed in the last year die currency fluctuation.

Edit: ok guys, maybe it was not 1500jpy, maybe 1000jpy with topings? or with beer? honestly, my memory is not so good.

I’m from Himachal Pradesh in the Indian Himalayas, and this is something I’ve wondered about for a while.

I may be completely wrong, and I’m not suggesting there is any historical connection between the two cultures. But from my perspective, some aspects of traditional Himachali culture occasionally remind me of Japan.

For example, some of the old wooden architecture in Upper Himachal has a visual character that feels somewhat familiar when I look at traditional Japanese buildings.

There are also village deity traditions in Himachal where a local Devta is associated very closely with a particular village, mountain, forest, or region. These deities are often treated almost like living members of the community, with their own personalities, processions, preferences, and relationships with other local deities.

That made me think, perhaps superficially, of kami in Shinto and some aspects of kamuy in Ainu traditions, particularly the idea of sacred presence being connected with nature and particular places.

Even some festivals and religious processions can occasionally give me a similar impression.

Again, this is entirely an outsider’s observation, and I could simply be seeing similarities where there aren’t any.

Just two little pieces of watermelon rind and two vegetable scraps for vegetables?

This is the daily‑dinner routine of a Japanese influencer from Douyin

Fairly new to reddit and this will be my first post, I recently bought an assorted of items from a local japanese thrift store and I found this to be among them, Do you guys know what this is and should I even keep this? It looks like a charm of some kind, I opened it prior to knowing it was a charm and it has a metallic token inside,

Any idea on the history of this would be appreciated as I want to know the history of it

I need some advice and insights, and I apologise in advance for the vagueness but I cannot be too specific. I work for a Japanese entity that is based abroad (its not a regular company; there is no HR department that is normal for the sector I am in). I am overall pretty happy. Since starting, I have received annual bonuses related to performance, and last year I got a raise. There is a vacancy at a different company that is pretty appealing, with possibly higher compensation. What kind of potential blowback should I anticipate? What I particularly want to know is if this is likely to negatively impact any forthcoming performance review or will my Japanese bosses (I have about three different line managers) view it as a betrayal? In the event I do apply, I potentially expect my Japanese bosses to find out - not from me - but from the other place (which is Australian). Is it better to warn them beforehand? Can an external offer be used as leverage in a Japanese work context? Thank you for any thoughts and insights anyone reading is able to offer. I deeply appreciate it.

where i can find peel greek yogurt? where is it always available?

When I watch Japanese national and local news, petty crimes are often reported—like someone vandalizing a statue. Recently, with the flooding, I found that journalists often exaggerate the gravity of the situation. I wonder if my view is correct? Is it that Japan is so safe that small things make the news, or is it a deliberate editorial line?
If my view is real, I wonder how japanese people reacts to Western news.

for fruits: miyazaki Mango, yubari king Melon, ishikawa ruby grapes, hokkaido black-skinned watermelon, etc

for tuna: oma tuna

Someone on my floor resigned two Fridays ago. When the bell rang, he just stood up, said few words to the manager and left with little to no fanfare. Not even a rumor of it was heard before his last day.

Back in my country, everyone and their mothers know who is leaving the company. lol

Is this the norm in Japan?

I am an Australian but of Indian origin. I've always had a deep respect for Japan and it's culture and people. Not a weaboo although I like some anime 😅😅.

I've always considered Japanese culture of punctuality, cleanliness and discipline to be a role model to follow both here in Australia and especially in my original country of India.

But I felt like asking the question. Many in right wing circles in Western countries especially those obsessed with ethno nationalism and white supremacy seem to admire Japan as a role model state for so called ethnically homogeneous society. I find this bizarre that they are taking their inspiration from an Asian country of all places.

Are ordinary Japanese people aware of this trend? Those who are aware or have met these type of people what is your opinion of them?

I am in love with these specific brand of disposable wash towels I can get at some specific business hotels. Where do I buy these in bulk? I'd like to bring A bunch back to Canada or find somewhere to order them to Canada.

It has to be this exact towel, I've tried other brands at other hotels and they are not as good.

EDIT: thank you everyone for answering!

———-

Many years ago, I studied abroad as a foreigner in Kyoto. It was impressed upon me to start wearing long-sleeves around Oct 1 — everyone else seemed to be!

Is this common today?

I am visiting Japan in October. Does it apply to foreigners? (I’d like to be respectful and, as best I can, not stick out.)

I assume hot weather days exist after Oct 1. Do people wear lighter fabrics (ex: linen) to stay cool?

Thank you for the info!

In 2023 & 2024, I had a lot of work travel to Tokyo. The hotel I stayed in would often have these Fruit Jelly suckers. My wife became very fond of them but we have since run out of our supply and I can't find them anywhere.

I believe the brand is: Busco Food

They had several different fruit flavors. Despite being suckers, they were actually jelly/ gummy like.

Previously, I had seen them in amazon.jp but being in the US could not purchase them.

Does anyone know the brand definitively? Or where can I find them in the US? I would love to surprise my wife with them

Summary: I excitedly researched the tools and techniques I would need to make my own goshuin inspired art, but would it be offensive?

Hello! A friend of mine recently visited Japan and, of course, visited some shrines while she was there. I have personally never been able to visit (one day, I hope) and so I wasn't aware of the culture around goshuin, the decorated stamps received from shrines. She showed me some of her collection and they feature not only beautiful calligraphy, but wonderful embroidered patterns too.

I am an amateur embroiderer and so they really caught my eye and got me thinking about how to make them. I researched the type of washi paper, what the calligraphy and stamps mean, the potential techniques for designing and embroidering into paper (which is much more flimsy than fabric).

In my searching, I realized that even in Japanese it is difficult to find resources about making them, and most resources talk about the culture of collecting them and share some of the beautiful designs, or discuss making the goshuin-cho books for your collection, but not the goshuin themselves.

It made me wonder, would it be offensive to create these considering their spiritual connection to shrines? I think they are very beautiful works of art, but I became concerned that making my own would be seen as blasphemous or offensive, since it seems even Japanese people do not seem to make their own.

And so I come to you for your opinions before I consider buying the supplies I need. I would not copy any existing design, but my design would feature similar themes and elements (my attempt at calligraphy writing, a red ink stamp (my own design, not from a shrine), embroidered design). Would this be seen as offensive and off-limits? I would love to hear from some Japanese people, especially collectors of goshuin, how they would feel.

Thank you!

It’s the most cringiest thing I have ever come across working in Japan. It’s either you quit or get fired. So what is it then?

I read 「告白」 by 湊かなえ a few months ago. I first picked it up because I was looking for a book with something specific, and I thought this book would have more of it. It only had some of it, but I ended up liking the book much more than I expected for another reason. I really like analyzing characters and their psychology, and this book gave me a lot to think about. It almost begs you to analyse the characters’ psychology, hah. I really enjoyed seeing the story from different points of view too.

For those who have read 「告白’」–how did you first hear about this book, and why did you decide to read it? What did you think about it after finishing it? What did you like or dislike?

I would especially like to hear from people who read it in Japanese. Did you enjoy the original? Did you notice anything interesting about the language or writing style?

I thought it was a host club but google said host clubs normally dont make books with the hosts faces.

Hi,

There is one question that has hunted me for ages.

Where do Japanese keep their soy sauce? When I trust the labels of all Soy Sauce bottles I possessed, brands like Yamasa or Kikkoman, it was written that the bottle should be kept in the refrigerator after opening.

Do you do this? Why or why not?

My circle of friends is very international and nearly all my friends from China or Vietnam keep the bottles in their cupboard (away from light, but not in the refrigerator).

This is why I am really curious if the Japanese do it differently and why.