My name is Shizuka. I mainly upload my life, learning English, and things that interest me. Feel free to subscribe to my channel :) Twitter: / shizuka_uk Instagram: / shizuka_uk
I definitely wouldnt call English people shy.I made this point before, that The Brits and the Japanese, definitely have very similar cultural tendencies, but Jaapan is pretty much just a more extreme version of these tendencies. Most Brits are not shy, or unconfident, they are better described as reserved and thoughtful, at 1st, this is completely different. why do you think they are the most successful culture, in terms of impact on the modern world, in virtually every sphere, because don't forget these characteristics have beeen inherited from generations going back centuries. With the Japanese I think iit's pretty much the same, but a more extreme level, which actually can compromise their ability to optimise their capabilities, e.g. in creating functional relationships. A natural tendency or predisposition to be reserved and thoughtful, polite and modest is probably the best set of tendencies you can have, in order t maximise costs/benefits, in what you're going to achieve, on a general level, in order to be Savvy, discerning, calculating, but also to be immediately received well, by others(Polite and modest). It's definitely better in the medium to long-term, than being overconfident, brash and vain. This gives Brits a more calm temperament, to discern better what is going on in a lot of situations, with realism in mind Start the woman Of course, I stress that these are cultural "tendencies", which the majority seem to emanate, to various degrees, but not everyone is like this
This is so lovely to watch, makes a refreshing change from the people on TV saying how terrible our country is. Thank you for your kind observations, Shizuka :)
Living in Germany for many years now, I've driven around the neighbouring countries, and I can say without a doubt, GB has the most polite drivers. The statistics prove this. German drivers are disgusting. Another interesting thing was a young German engineer who returned after a couple of weeks in Manchester. She said "it's strange, strangers talk to you in the bus".
Glad you're back. I hope you're doing okay. I'm in Scotland and I always find it interesting to see how non-native UK people view our hospitality - offering someone tea, saying thanks to the bus driver, taking in parcels and so on just feel second nature. I always find Japanese culture and people to be courteous and very kind as well so this content is very interesting to see the differences in cultures and how we value similar things!
Scotland - that place where you can get into conversations about fine art with strangers in Maccy D's and discuss the nesting habits of herring gulls with passing road-sweepers.
This was a lovely video, it makes me appreciate my country more, thanks! :) I think England (and the UK more generally speaking) has a lot in common with Japan, it would be great if our nations could form a stronger relationship.
Britain and Japan had a great relationship up in till the USA interfered in the 1919 and afterwards, That relationship is coming back and growing again
There are definitely lots in common. Japanese people while being very shy, still worry and care for each other, and are very considerate to one another, like we are in the UK. I felt this a lot when I was visiting a couple years ago :)
My Japanese friend has said this too, in that we are both island nations who are different from the continents we are geographically close to. I love that Japan drives on the left.
Aye, very true! The general order, "get, kettle on" is almost universal amongst native Brits! Served in the afternoon with an optional biccy for dunking!
A lot of that kindness/manners is drilled into us as kids. I can't imagine not saying thank you to a cashier or bus driver, if I'd just walked away without saying anything as a kid whenI was out with my Mum I would have gotten a clipped ear for being rude.
I do love when Japan and England have a good relationship because I feel they are so similar and we mutually admire one another’s customs and traditions. There’s a lot of culture the English could learn from Japan and possibly vice versa
I found it very interesting that when you mentioned "kindness" most of your examples are things that here in Britain people would think of as being very small, even insignificant - and yet you are right, very often it is these little situations, where the other person can gain no benefit from their action, that really help to brighten one's day. On the subject of tea, it is my opinion that there is no right or wrong way to make tea, it is all down to the individual's preference, which may well change as one gets older. When I was young I followed my family's example, and so my tea was very strong indeed, but although still quite strong, it is now much less so.
It's interesting to hear someone's impressions of the UK when they come from a very different culture. For obvious reasons there are many similarities between Britain, the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Japan is a country I know very little about; I have an image of a blend between the ultra-modern and the ultra-traditional. Not all of the UK has hard water. In the north the water is soft. I live in East Anglia where the water is extremely hard. Any country whose citizens drink tea in large quantities deserves respect.
Neighbours taking in parcels is a great way for them to interact. I find communities know each other much less than they used to but things like parcels give them a practical reason to talk which usually ends up in an offer to have a cuppa tea.
It's great that you're back! As another newcomer to England, I totally agree with you - Englishmen are not only polite but also very kind. It's a pleasure living here.
What a lovely surprise! By the time RU-vid prompted me to discover you, about a month ago, I watched one happy video and then the one containing the sad news about your bereavement and return to Japan. 😢 I wasn't sure that you would make more videos, but seeing this one today suggests that you are in a happier frame of mind which is "lovely", "brilliant" etc. I look forward to future videos. Best wishes from Scotland.
Another thing us brits love is an underdog. The pronunciation outtakes at the end are in good humour but we also appreciate how difficult it is to master a foreign language and we are rooting for you 👊😁
British person: Does anything British person: "Stick the kettle on!" edit: all this talk of tea reminds me I haven't had one in a while. Time for a cuppa!
I used to be like that, but have unfortunately become intolerant of tea, still have an occasional cuppa but pay the price later, I’ll spare you the details.
What lovely compliments. Thank you 🇬🇧 🇯🇵 🫖 I think Japan and Britain have a lot in common, both quite reserved, polite, Island people (who drive on the left and enjoy tea!). Off topic: I had Sake recently, wow it was so strong! I am glad you're posting again and I hope you are doing well ❤
You’re such a sweetheart, you see the best in us - things we take for granted all the time. I,m so pleased people are showing you kindness and consideration in this country. I love your attitude to life and I,m looking forward to your next videos as they cheer me up no end🥰. Please continue them, thank you.xx
Great to see you back and I'm touched by the warmth you express towards the UK. Living in Japan myself and watching this video makes me miss some aspects of British life, i.e Workplace tea culture, general friendliness, yet I'm blessed to experience the kindness many Japanese people have shown towards me in my time here. Look forward to your future videos :)
Lovely to see your videos again. I can imagine it's been a very difficult time for you, but it's nice to see that you're smiling. Keep your chin up, as we'd say in England.
These videos of others who live in England, and comment on our ways and mannerisms - I Love Them ! They reinforce to me that we DO live in a lovely place. Shizuka, your sentiments and observations are so heart warming. I’ve seen a few of your videos and they always make me feel better for seeing them. It’s clear that cultures who enjoy tea drinking are vastly enlightened and wonderful people!!! Hahhhaaahaahahaahahahaaa More of this please. I love it !! X
I am so pleased to see you posting again and my deepest condolences on your loss. If you possibly can then please do keep posting; I find your insights into the UK from the perspective of a Japanese person so interesting as I have always wanted to visit your country and have always felt that Japanese people have far better manners and politeness than we do. With all best wishes.
After all you have been through, it’s so inspiring to see you back sharing your unique gift of bringing together people from the different cultural backgrounds. Living in England all my life, it’s easy to take for granted so many of the great characteristics of the people and the cultural aspects such as tea which makes guests feel welcome as well as comforts anyone going through a tough time. Glad to have you back
Glad to see you are back Shizuka! I hope that you had time to process your loss and that you have a good support system while in Japan. You seem like a strong person, and a very genuine and good soul. Its a rare thing to see so I really appreciate your videos so much. I hope that you find your way back to England or the UK. If you do, I would glad have you over for some tea and dessert !
I lived in Japan for several years in my 20s. I threw myself into its culture, learning the language and following all kinds of cultural pursuits, from practicing calligraphy to playing the koto! I was forced to leave in the end because of my job, but can't help looking back at that period as perhaps the happiest time of my life. This all happened many years ago, but I have thought fondly of Japan and its people ever since. I believe our two peoples have a lot in common, and it is so good when a Japanese person also seems to understand that.
Thank you for how you've made me see British culture in a new way. I'd never considered how making a cup of tea for someone is a kindness. I've always been the resident tea maker, in my family and at work 😄 Or how taking in a parcel promotes neighbourliness. These are such lovely observations, Shizuka.
I can’t wait to visit Japan next year, which has been twice delayed due to the pandemic. Your observations are very interesting and so I will be fascinated to observe and engage in the similarities between our two polite and reserved island nations. I hope you keep posting and will return to England soon.
Glad you feel well enough to return. I used to live in London and the worst part was the taste of the tea and the horrible stains on the mugs from the water. Soft water Yorkshire tea is my favorite.
Thank you for reminding us the differences between our cultures. I do remember when I was in Tokyo and need ing help with the ticket machines at the rail station. In desperation, I asked a younger person if they could help me and fortunately that person spoke English well enough for me to get my ticket and head for the right platform. Japanese are more reserved but will help.
Thank you for making this video, I often feel that England is not as polite or as pleasant a place to live anymore. But then watching your video made me realise how many positives there are in living here, so thank you so much for making me think positively. I would say about the way we always ask visitors if they want a cuppa when they pop round, that even my 5 year olds ask a visitor if they would like a drink. It’s part of our culture lol
Hi, It's great to see you back after the last heart breaking video I saw. Thank you for putting this one on. As a Brit, it is heart warming to see our culture through your eyes and remind us of how we should always be. It is easy to take day to day life for granted and actually stop seeing the good things and not realise it.
I suspect that most of these lessons would be best learned when you leave London and live in the Shires. London, as with all of the big cities around the globe, is a world unto itself. It's true that many people in London are commuters and not London residents, but people behave slightly differently in a big city and the entire experience is slightly artificial. Your list was so refreshing and sweet and I loved the examples you gave to illustrate each one-- you have a real eye for detail. To learn about England and the English, I'd always recommend people take the time to travel or live well outside of London. This was a terrific video, always fascinating and charming to see a culture from a foreigners perspective. Well done! I love England but I really miss Japan too.
Nice to see you back :) One of the reasons why they will deliver your parcel to next door, is that it does not give the opportunity for any one to walk past your house and just take it.
It's ironic because as an English person I often yearn for Japanese Matcha and bottles of itoen green tea from vending machines , like you I have very fond memories of Japan as you do England, Most of all welcome back!
It's great to see you backしずかさん and it's lovely to hear such kind things about our country and it's culture. In the past 2 moths I've started learning Japanese seriously as I will be travelling to Japan in 2023. I hope you can make a video of some good phrases to use in Japanese!
Great to see your back your view of England made me appreciate my country a little more, its the rain and winters that get me, as for tea youre 100% right we are fueled by this Godly substance.
I do sometimes randomly have long conversations with people when I’ve been out cycling or just out somewhere. It is pretty nice to have that happen. And that’s one reason I love cycling so much. Cars keep us apart. And yes the tea thing is nice. It’s a simple drink. Nothing special compared to Japanese Matcha and other teas and ceremonies, but it’s like a comforting thing every day. But I think it’s also true that the quieter countryside areas are much different to urban areas. We don’t talk to our neighbours much at all, and people are generally more stressed and less likely to want to stop and chat. But hopefully this changes back again soon. I think we really need to get away from fast, stressful lives and live more slowly. As far as politeness and respect, I think we could also learn from the Japanese and bow for example. There’s no reason why it should stay an Asian thing only.
I'm from England , thank you for this video , we often question our country , such as, its not like it used to be or it was better back in the day , its good to see our country through anothers eyes it makes me appreciate it even more than I did before . Take care and stay safe .
Hi Shizuka, great to see you back on here again after your sad loss, I missed your happy smiling face & how you explain the many differences between our two cultures, keep up the good work & postings!.
You might like to know that I found Japanese people very helpful, when I had difficulty finding the correct platform at Yokohama railway station. They must have noticed that I was looking confused, and several of them asked what I was looking for, and showed me the right direction. On my few trips to Japan, I always found people very polite and helpful. One thing that particularly amazed me was the "invisible" hotel cleaners. Every day my room would be tidied minutely, but I never saw the cleaners once !
That was a really interesting video; different than the usual observations. I think here in England we really like Japanese people and their culture; respect for other people's personal space, curtesy etc are qualities I think we share (although to different degrees).
It's so nice to see you again! I hope you're doing well. There are things you say in this video that I had never thought about before! Like how we offer tea to workmen, help strangers out, and take post for our neighbours. I didn't realise this doesn't happen in other countries!
A friend of mine told me once he delivered some art to the famous playwright, Alan Bennet. Alan made a cup of tea for my friend (of course!) but he called it "A little cup of time". "Would you like a little cup of time?". I think that's a beautiful way of saying, "Would you like a cup of tea?".
My dad can get pretty grumpy when he is asked to take a parcel in for a neighbour as he finds it an inconvenience, but I don't mind. But I still prefer the service we have in Japan where we can organise same-day re-delivery! It was a bit of a culture shock for me seeing people not giving way or holding the door for me if they went through first - you would definitely hear a comment or "tut" from the person behind you if you did that in the UK!
I’m glad to see your videos again! I’m teaching English in Japan now and I used your videos in a special class to discuss British culture! Thank you for sharing! :)
Some things I love and admire about English culture and people ( incomplete list ) : -politeness and manners -stoicicism in hardship , reserve and moderation - tradition of respect for liberty , privacy and individuality -their kindness, humanity and tolerance ( which goes too far sometimes he he) -curiousity and respect for eccentricity -kindness to and love of animals - epicurean love of sports , games , culture , style etc -love of and pride in tradition -brilliant self depracating dry wit and sense of humour -pub culture , warm ales -the Great English Breakfast -unwaivering though delusional faith in winning thenext World Cup Greetings from Poland ( and yes, being Polish I did live in England for a while)
Absolutely lovely to see you back making these charming and delightful videos. Sadly I don't think I will ever get the chance to visit Japan, but please keep making these videos about your view of the UK. It makes me feel better to still be here! :-)
I’m so glad to see your videos again, I love learning from you and what you see of the UK. Thank you for making video, I hope you had the energy to make this one and that they bring you joy as they do for us xx
I loved how you went into a very casual English accent when you said "pretty" as "pri-ee". I don't know if that was coincidence or something you picked up, but everyone around here in the north west of England says it that way. Nice to see another video from you.
I'm very glad you're happy especially after what you went through. It's fascinating to hear you talking about things I take for granted. Japan is top of my bucket list of places to visit one day. If they're all as friendly as you, I don't think I'll want to come back.
As many others have commented, very happy to see you here again. I have found people in Japan very helpful, maybe they are more shy than English people. Best wishes for the future.
