WEIRD things that are NORMAL in Japan

Summary

The video discusses several cultural norms in Japan that might seem surprising to people from other countries. It explains why eating raw eggs is safe in Japan due to strict cleaning standards, and highlights other unique practices such as all-you-can-drink services (nomihoudai), public drinking, and leaving personal belongings unattended without fear of theft. The video also touches on the freedom Japanese kids have when traveling alone, and how it’s common for them to navigate public spaces independently from a young age. The speaker contrasts these customs with experiences abroad.

Takeaways

• 🥚 In Japan, eating raw eggs is common and considered safe because the eggs are thoroughly cleaned, unlike in many other countries.
• 🍚 Tamago Kake Gohan, a dish with raw egg, rice, and soy sauce, is a popular Japanese breakfast.
• 🍶 Japan has 'nomihoudai' services in many restaurants, where customers can enjoy all-you-can-drink alcohol for a limited time.
• 🍺 Alcoholic beverages, including beer and plum wine, can be bought from vending machines in Japan, and in some cases, without ID verification.
• 🍻 Drinking in public is legal and widely accepted in Japan, with people often drinking on trains or in public spaces without issue.
• 🚗 It's common for Japanese people to leave their cars running while unattended, which is a surprising cultural difference compared to other countries.
• 👜 In Japan, people often leave their belongings unattended in public places, like phones or bags on tables, without fear of theft.
• 🛏️ Sleeping in public spaces like fast food restaurants is not unusual in Japan, especially late at night while waiting for public transportation.
• 👧 Japanese children often travel alone using public transportation to school or cram schools, even at a young age, which is considered safe and normal.
• 🎒 Japanese high school students often travel long distances, such as trips to Tokyo Disneyland, without adult supervision, showcasing trust in the safety of the environment.

Q & A

Why is it safe to eat raw eggs in Japan?

In Japan, egg companies clean the eggshells very thoroughly to ensure safety. The risk of salmonella is extremely low, with only 3 out of 100,000 eggs being found to have it, making raw eggs safe to eat.

What is 'tamago kake gohan' and why is it popular in Japan?

Tamago kake gohan is a popular Japanese breakfast consisting of steamed rice, raw egg, and soy sauce. It's safe and delicious, thanks to Japan's strict egg sanitation practices.

How do Japanese 'nomihoudai' services work?

'Nomihoudai' is an all-you-can-drink service available in many Japanese restaurants and bars. It is typically offered for a set period of time, such as 60 or 90 minutes, allowing customers to drink without paying for each drink separately.

Are people allowed to drink alcohol in public places in Japan?

Yes, drinking in public places is legal in Japan. It's common to see people drinking on trains or in parks, and many Japanese vending machines even sell alcoholic beverages.

Is theft a concern in Japan when leaving belongings unattended?

In Japan, it is common for people to leave their belongings, such as bags or phones, unattended in public spaces without fear of theft. This reflects a culture of trust and low crime rates in the country.

Why do people sometimes leave their cars running in Japan?

In Japan, some people feel comfortable leaving their cars running while they run errands, trusting that no one will steal the car. This behavior reflects Japan’s general sense of safety and low crime rates.

Is it common to see people sleeping in public spaces in Japan?

Yes, it's common to see people sleeping in public spaces, such as fast food restaurants, especially when waiting for the first train or bus. Staff typically avoid disturbing them to prevent causing trouble.

Do Japanese children have more independence compared to children in other countries?

Yes, Japanese children, even as young as 6 or 7 years old, often travel to school or cram school by themselves using public transportation. Parents feel it is safe due to Japan's low crime rates.

What is 'cram school' in Japan?

Cram school in Japan is a special school where students go after regular school hours to study additional subjects or participate in extracurricular activities. Many children attend cram schools to improve academically.

Do Japanese high school students often travel far without parental supervision?

Yes, it is common for high school students to take trips without parental supervision, such as going on school trips or visiting Tokyo Disneyland. Parents trust that their children are safe while traveling.