Definitely those game shows, you could't imagine having them in Germany!
The earthquakes of course...
- I have the cliche that they all look the same... - Nooo
Hey guys & girls on Ask Japanese this is Cathy Cat
Today I am in Germany in Munich and today I am gonna go and
ask the Germans here what they actually think about Japan
what their image of Japan is, so let's go and Ask Germans...
... about Japan.
Question number one, what's your image of Japan.
Well actually ... many skyscrapers...
Busy streets, barely any space.
It's a culture of rice. They eat rice as a base food.
But the culture is very diverse.
Are you interested in anything from Japan?
The language.
It's completely different compared to here.
The technological innovations and research is very good in Japan
and also in other parts of Asia. That's the image I have from Japan.
More technology?
Yes they are advancing in several areas.
They are progressing well.
I don't really have an image of the country itself.
When I think of Japan I just think of the cities.
If you were to ask me what I think of the country as such...
I might not even be able to give you a clear image.
I can only think of the cities.
- The skyscrapers? - Exactly.
What image do you first get when I talk about Japan?
- Sushi. - Crowds of people. Technology.
Crazy, educated and traditional.
The crazy thing about Japan are all the different street fashion styles
and I like the majority of them too.
There are so many different styles. They are not commonly known in Germany
but we have imported a couple of fashion points too.
Also cosplay, which has made its way to Germany as well.
Japan has many traditions, like the Japanese festivals and kimonos.
I like that.
They are a very advanced culture. And technology wise they have been
very influential over the last decades.
What's your picture then?
Definitely those game shows, you could't imagine having them in Germany!
And I love watching Japanese tv commercials.
Also those vending machines where you can buy most anything.
- Like knickers.
- Many people. - I think of cherry blossoms.
Tokyo and kimonos.
- And anime as well. - And sushi.
And then the earthquakes of course... that are a reoccurring problem.
When I hear Japan the first thing I think of are masses of people, and sushi.
- Technology. - Exactly. Technology and skyscrapers.
They have very different food.
Many people and a very different culture.
When I hear Japan I think of my Japanese classmate.
She tried to teach me some Japanese but that didn't work out.
- And also Sushi. - Sushi.
- Did you try it? - Yeah but I didn't like it.
Not my thing.
Well Ninjas, anime and sushi. I like eating sushi.
What image do you have of Japanese people?
Work until you drop.
They work so much, and don't seem to know when to take a break.
And that creates two extremes: working hardcore
First learn lots and then work lots.
And when they have some free time they turn loose.
Work until you drop. And in case they didn't drop yet...
they might go and sing karaoke or so until they drop.
They are polite and attentive and have great service.
I know many Japanese work really hard to achieve their goals.
Especially artists and musicians, that I know.
When I think of Japanese people, I always think of a clean and tidy kind of person.
So you image of Japanese people is cleanliness?
Yes, kind of like that.
Also the big tourists groups, they are eager to learn more.
Those buses yes. But they are all nice people. Always in a good mood.
I would say they take a LOT of pictures in other countries.
I heard they don't have that much free time...
... yes they live in a very hectic and crowded environment.
When you see images of Japan, it always look extremely hectic there.
I think they are nice people. They always seem a bit hectic to me.
Maybe that's because their environment is so busy.
We even learn in school that they are not allowed to take many days off.
And that's the reason they have to hurry when they travel through Germany.
What's your general image of the people of Japan?
Especially in Munich those huge tourist groups really stand out.
And they take pictures with their ipads.
Yes, they are taking pictures of everything!
Asians in general start studying really early.
But because they start early, they do get really far.
Rigorous studying from kindergarten age, that kind?
Yeah, they have more time to learn it all.
Well my image of Japanese people is a typical stereotype one...
- I have the cliche that they all look the same. - Ah no!
Well to a certain point I think so. Most are not that tall...
They also have a certain almond eye shape...
- Right? - Well...
I don't know any Japanese people but I assume they are all super nice.
They seem to be very open to me.
I learned in school that they are kind to others, especially tourists.
- That's my image I got of Japanese. - Yeah.
I come from Passau, outside of Munich.
From my workplace I can see the tourist groups who go through my town.
Many have those selfie-sticks.
But from my Japanese work colleagues I know that they are all nice people.
What do image do you have of Japanese people in Munich?
They take a lot of pictures.
They don't really want to get in touch with Germans.
What makes you think so?
It's easy to get to know Spanish and other Europeans but...
... but Japanese not at all.
I never had a Japanese person talk to me on the Oktoberfest.
Do you think that's because they are shy or prefer their own.
I think they prefer their own. You'd think they can't speak English too...
and that they don't try to get in touch.
They are not as outgoing. But I personally also don't start a conversation
with Japanese people either. - Wouldn't know what to say really.
It's harder to socialize with them. With Europeans you can talk about anything.
Europeans like talking and approach people directly.
Maybe they don't want too or they are too shy. I personally don't appoach
Japanese either.
Japanese people. What do you think about the girls and boys there?
I have a very positive image, because my classmate is from Japan.
Japanese people are friendly and open.
Well and my friend...
Right from the start she was really warm hearted and accepted everyone.
A VERY positive image.
I have the picture that they love life and enjoy it a lot as well.
The only Japanese people I met, always had a smile on their faces.
I think that's great.
Great, that was everything. Thank you!
So I had the pleasure to ask Germans in Germany about their opinions
I was actually surprised.
Because there were many cliches that I thought were already over and out.
I guess that seems to still stick with people.
And that's what people see in the Media and not everyone
is as knowledgeable in Japanese culture as you are.
Interesting to see if you ask completely normal people on the streets
you get very different responses.
Some of my German friends said "Don't worry if you had asked this
maybe in a different location you might have gotten a different result.
So what we generally got are that Japanese people are very busy.
They are travelling a lot and taking lots of pictures, that kind of stuff.
But it was interesting to see, once someone knew a Japanese person
their opinions were very different.
So we had those two guys say that they don't think Japanese people are
as approachable. While the girl who has a classmate says they are
very approachable and very lovely.
It always depends on your personal experience.
as well with the culture. If you only see it in the media
and what your whole media covers
you might get a different view on it apart when you experience it first hand
by maybe meeting a person and coming up and chatting with them.
Those were the experiences people had on Japanese culture and
and Japanese people.
How is that for you? How did you get your knowledge about Japan?
Was it maybe YouTube? Was it maybe Ask Japanese?
That would be lovely actually.
Let us know what convinced you and got you interested in Japan.
If I say "Japan" what's the first thing that comes into your head?
Japanese people, what's your opinion on them?
Looking forward to reading your comments.
As always thank you very much.
Also, you can see everyone dressed in those slightly revealing.... uhm....
well German fashion. Traditional fashions that everyone mentioned.
If you are curious about seeing how people celebrate in that fashion
I actually walked around the Oktoberfest and took you guys with me
on my channel. If you would like to check out that video, would be lovely to see
you on my channel. Thanks for watching. Catch you soon, bye.
WHOA!