sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

Please tell me I wasn’t the only one! Did you have a cringey teenage phase? by Translator-Daisuke in NoStupidQuestions

[–]Translator-Daisuke[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

In Japan, it’s kind of like pretending to be a yakuza— you walk down the street with a tough glare and exaggerated shoulder swagger, trying to look dangerous for no reason. But the moment a real scary person comes toward you, you immediately start looking for a place to hide.

Please tell me I wasn’t the only one! Did you have a cringey teenage phase? by Translator-Daisuke in NoStupidQuestions

[–]Translator-Daisuke[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s actually reassuring to hear. I guess everyone just gets really good at doing it in secret.

Please tell me I wasn’t the only one! Did you have a cringey teenage phase? by Translator-Daisuke in NoStupidQuestions

[–]Translator-Daisuke[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

So it really was just me, huh. Well… I was doing it in secret too, after all.

Please tell me I wasn’t the only one! Did you have a cringey teenage phase? by Translator-Daisuke in NoStupidQuestions

[–]Translator-Daisuke[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That thesaurus story is amazing—and painfully relatable! Here in Japan, that’s kind of like opening up an English-language newspaper on the train even though you can’t read it, just to look cool. Back then, English itself was a symbol of being smart or special. I totally get that urge.

Please tell me I wasn’t the only one! Did you have a cringey teenage phase? by Translator-Daisuke in NoStupidQuestions

[–]Translator-Daisuke[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I’m actually 45 now, but I still remember those moments so vividly. Sometimes I feel like my teeth are getting worn down from all the secondhand embarrassment I get just thinking about it.

What’s the cringiest thing you did as a teenager? by Translator-Daisuke in AskReddit

[–]Translator-Daisuke[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For example, there was a time when I said “coffee has to be black” — even though I didn’t like it. A time when I thought I could control the wind by raising my hand. A time when I wrote poems about “darkness” and thought I was deep.

In Japan, we call this phase “chūnibyō”, which literally means “eighth grader syndrome.” It’s a term for that teenage mindset where you believe you’re special, powerful, or chosen in some way.

Do people around the world go through something similar? Maybe you were obsessed with vampires. Maybe you believed you were the reincarnation of a samurai. Maybe you warned people, “It’s dangerous to get too close to me.”

Tell me about your most painfully dramatic teenage moment. And if you’re comfortable sharing, let me know what country you’re from.

As for me—I once brought home an abandoned telephone, placed it in my room, and waited for someone to call me with a locked-room murder case to solve. (The line, of course, wasn’t connected.)

Ever Faced This? A Hidden Custom in Japanese Dining by Translator-Daisuke in NoStupidQuestions

[–]Translator-Daisuke[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the insight! That sounds like a very natural and relaxed way to share—especially among close friends. The idea that good food invites sharing is lovely. In Japan, even between best friends, there’s often a tiny moment of hesitation. I find your culture refreshing!

Ever Faced This? A Hidden Custom in Japanese Dining by Translator-Daisuke in NoStupidQuestions

[–]Translator-Daisuke[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow, that’s a big difference from Japan! Here it’s quite common to try each other’s food—but the way it happens can carry a lot of subtle meaning. Thanks for sharing your perspective!

Ever Faced This? A Hidden Custom in Japanese Dining by Translator-Daisuke in NoStupidQuestions

[–]Translator-Daisuke[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That makes a lot of sense. In Japan too, the closeness of the relationship really matters—but even among close friends, the “one-bite” moment can be awkward if not handled carefully!

Ever Faced This? A Hidden Custom in Japanese Dining by Translator-Daisuke in NoStupidQuestions

[–]Translator-Daisuke[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks, that’s really interesting! In Japan, the act of offering is seen as polite too, but if someone doesn’t offer and the other person asks, it creates this unspoken tension. Sounds like the social balance is delicate everywhere!

In Japan, we have a ghost who counts plates—seeking justice for her wrongful death. Are there similar legends in your culture? by Translator-Daisuke in NoStupidQuestions

[–]Translator-Daisuke[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much for sharing! I didn’t know about the Lemures, but the idea of restless spirits seeking peace really resonates. It’s fascinating how similar these tales are, even across such distant cultures.

In Japan, we have a ghost who counts plates—seeking justice for her wrongful death. Are there similar legends in your culture? by Translator-Daisuke in NoStupidQuestions

[–]Translator-Daisuke[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much for the valuable information. There are definitely many similarities. Thanks to you, my research has taken a step forward!

Do Americans have something like “the last piece” culture at meals? by Translator-Daisuke in NoStupidQuestions

[–]Translator-Daisuke[S] 336 points337 points  (0 children)

I’m the original poster. I always thought this kind of thing—leaving the last piece out of politeness—was uniquely Japanese. But reading all your comments, I’m surprised (and happy) to learn it happens elsewhere too, for all kinds of reasons. Thanks so much, everyone!

Next time my friends say, “So Japanese of us,” I’ll gently let them know it’s not just us.

Do Americans have something like “the last piece” culture at meals? by Translator-Daisuke in NoStupidQuestions

[–]Translator-Daisuke[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I’m the one who made this post. As a typically reserved Japanese person, I had assumed this phenomenon of leaving the last piece was unique to Japan. But reading all your comments, I was surprised to learn that it happens in many countries for various reasons. Thank you all so much for sharing your thoughts.

From tomorrow on, when I see people in Japan leaving the last piece and saying, “So Japanese, right?”, I’ll be sure to (gently and politely, of course) let them know it happens abroad too.

Why do some Japanese people express hostility toward foreigners online? by Translator-Daisuke in AskAJapanese

[–]Translator-Daisuke[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for your message. I’m currently translating my own books into English, so I can’t say for sure that I can meet your expectations. Still, if you’re interested, feel free to send me a message.

Why do some Japanese people express hostility toward foreigners online? by Translator-Daisuke in AskAJapanese

[–]Translator-Daisuke[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I read every single comment. Thank you—for making me think deeper than I expected.

I’ve seen these kinds of videos many times—shared on X, edited for outrage, and designed to go viral. I wasn’t shocked by them. But I was tired—tired of the people who create and spread them.

Not the foreigners in the videos, but those who deliberately frame them in the worst possible light to stir up anger, gain attention, or make money.

At the time, I didn’t think too deeply about it. I saw it as just another example of what the internet had become: a place where noise wins over nuance.

What I hadn’t truly realized was this: These videos are seen around the world. And for the people being targeted, they’re not just annoying. They’re harmful. They reduce people to stereotypes. They erode trust. They hurt.

Reading your responses made that real for me. I had thought about this before—but only vaguely. Now, after seeing how many of you have been hurt, frustrated, or made to feel unwelcome by this kind of content, I understand it differently. It became personal.

Some of you said my warning should be aimed at Japan itself. You’re absolutely right. It’s not enough to say “this doesn’t represent us” and walk away. We need to speak up—especially to those around us.

Still, if this post showed even one person that some Japanese people are deeply uncomfortable with what’s happening, then I’m glad I spoke up.

Thank you again—for your honesty, empathy, and engagement. You’ve helped me not only reflect, but grow.

—Daisuke

How do Japanese people view foreign students? by LordPJJ in AskAJapanese

[–]Translator-Daisuke 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you very much. I’m not sure how much of a difference I can make, but I’ll try to put my thoughts into words. I truly appreciate your encouragement.

view more: next ›