Brief Summary
In this video, the hosts Chris and Connor discuss 12 things they dislike about living in Japan, including the country's lottery-based ticketing system, the intense dating culture, the prevalence of pachinko gambling, noisy political campaign trucks, the demanding work culture, the poor English language education, the excessive smoking in public spaces, the challenging medical system, the excessive packaging, the ambiguous communication style, the need to make reservations for everything, and the frustrations of the banking system. Despite their criticisms, they express their overall love for Japan and encourage viewers to check out their upcoming cycling event.
We're Doing Something Crazy
The hosts introduce the video, mentioning that they will be discussing 12 things they dislike about living in Japan. They also discuss their upcoming cycling event, where they will be cycling from the easternmost point of Hokkaido to Tokyo.
Japan's Lottery Obsession
The hosts criticize Japan's widespread use of lottery systems to distribute tickets for popular events and services, such as concerts and train rides. They argue that this system is frustrating for consumers, who often have to enter multiple lotteries just to have a chance of obtaining the desired item.
Dating Nightmares
The hosts discuss the intense and often transactional nature of dating in Japan, where relationships can quickly escalate to the point of marriage discussions. They also mention the societal pressure on women to get married by a certain age.
Pachinko Gambling
The hosts express their dislike for the prevalence of pachinko gambling in Japan, particularly in rural areas where it can dominate the local economy and culture. They argue that pachinko adds little to the overall charm of Japanese cities and towns.
Japan React YouTubers
The hosts discuss their frustration with some Japanese YouTubers who have reacted to their videos and criticized their opinions, particularly regarding the issue of noisy political campaign trucks.
Work Till You Drop
The hosts criticize the demanding work culture in Japan, where employees are often expected to work long hours and prioritize their jobs over their personal lives.
English Language Learning Fail
The hosts express their disappointment with the poor quality of English language education in Japan, which they believe has contributed to the country's declining proficiency in the language.
Cigarettes Galore
The hosts dislike the prevalence of smoking in public spaces in Japan, particularly in restaurants and hotels, which can negatively impact the experience of non-smokers.
Doctor Roulette
The hosts discuss the challenges of navigating the Japanese medical system, including the difficulty of obtaining strong painkillers and the tendency of doctors to prescribe a mix of traditional and modern medicines.
Impenetrable Packaging
The hosts express their frustration with the excessive packaging used by Japanese companies, which can make it difficult to dispose of waste and create unnecessary environmental impact.
Ambiguous Conversation
The hosts discuss the cultural tendency in Japan to avoid direct confrontation and communicate in a more ambiguous manner, which can make it challenging to get things done.
Reserve without Fail
The hosts criticize the need to make reservations for almost everything in Japan, from restaurants to tourist attractions, which they believe can take away from the spontaneity of travel.
Banking Hell
The hosts conclude their list by discussing the frustrations of the Japanese banking system, which they describe as outdated and overly bureaucratic, with requirements such as the need for a personal stamp (hanko) and the difficulty of making international transfers.
