I love the background music, it’s relaxing just like the tone of your commentary. Not judgmental but thought provoking. Clearly you have experienced Japan and see the beauty in not only Japan but it’s people. As for KZread it’s a mystery to me.

Hey Shreddawg! It's great to see you on here again. You really don't want to get me started on my KZread feed, so I'll just say it's been pretty horrible most of the time. I think part of the problem I have is that the algorithm registers on whenever I click on anything Japanese or Korean, I'll start getting flooded with Japanese or Korean content both good and bad. I spend about 75 to 80% of my time on KZread either marking things as "Not Interested" or "Do Not Recommend Channel" and then refreshing the page and starting over marking whatever junk they put up that I don't want to watch. I would guess that I've probably marked at least 1000 channels as "Do Not Recommend" within the last month. I've seen some of those channels you mentioned, and I've marked them as "Do Not Recommend" and they wind up showing back up in my feed a few months later. I'll also get a lot of videos that I've already watched that I really don't need to see again. On some of the channels I regularly watch where I am subscribed, I actually have to search for content from them since KZread never puts their videos in my feed. Please take care and have fun at work! I hope your carpal tunnel stuff is getting better.

@Shreddawg

4 ай бұрын

That is really interesting and good to know that its not just me. As I mentioned, on my "shreddawg" YT account since I only look at and search Japanese music, the algorithm seems great. On my other person account where I watch all types of videos including just videos about Japan, Japanese culture, and Japan travel, I seem to get lots of crazy things. I actually very rarely use the "not interesting" option, perhaps I should try it out and see if that works for me. Thats quite a bit of videos you have flagged! Overall though, interesting to know its not just me. I do still wonder if these wild videos give people a false impression of Japan? Thank you! Wrist kinda rough after creating the subtitles for this video LOL Have a great weekend!

@markhayes9004

4 ай бұрын

@@Shreddawg Sorry I am so late in replying. I didn't get notified that you responded, so I had to check manually. After I wrote what I did, I thought about something else that might be driving a lot of those negative videos about Japan. Have you heard of that Passport Bros trend? It's a pretty big deal on Tik Tok and Instagram and that might be driving a lot of searches for that type of content about Asian people and culture in general, which creates a lot of demand for that type of content. If there is a demand for something, somebody will find a way to cash in on it. I've also learned to be really careful of where my cursor is when I am on KZread. If you leave it near a thumbnail, it will start playing the video on that thumbnail, and then KZread seems to think you watched the video and like that content. I accidentally did that once on a video that I had no intention of watching, but one of the dogs wanted to go outside, so when I came back inside, the video had been playing in the thumbnail the entire time, and it took me months to get rid of all the recommendations of similar content.

Pro tip. Uninstall KZread, get a VPN, set the VPN to Tokyo, reinstall KZread, and sign in. You’ll now be running on the Japanese version of the KZread algorithm. The more you know.

@Shreddawg

4 ай бұрын

Haha good tip! I use a VPN for watching Japanese shows. My "Shreddawg" KZread account is really good though, only shows Japanese music... ive got the algorithm trained. On my personal KZread channel, I watch a wide variety of things (Scientific documentaries, general gaming, history related videos, comedy videos, weather information, etc.) so using the VPN is not a good option for me :(

I have never been to Japan. I consume plenty of Japanese content here. I get all sorts of videos and even some of which you mentioned. I get what you say about the relationship ones you mentioned. I kind of like the one channel where I think his name is Tokashi interviews Japanese and foreigners inside of Japan. He seems to touch on all sorts of subjects, including the one you mentioned and the homeless problem. I watched one the other day, where this woman went with a tour group visiting the seedier parts of Osaka. I am interested in knowing every aspect of Japan, including the negative side. Sometimes I get the feeling Japan doesn't have the same problems every other society has, but they do and I am interested in all of it. I can do without sexual parts. That being said, one of the more popular sites where we buy CD's and ends in Japan sell a lot of gravure magazines and photobooks. So there is an industry promoting the sexual side of things. It's an interesting contrast, like everything is in Japan.

@Shreddawg

4 ай бұрын

I am familiar with Takashii, generally speaking I do enjoy his content and he does kind of touch on all subjects including the type of content I mentioned in this video. His videos generally perform well so it may be part of the "vicious cycle" i mentioned. There are wild places in Japan that I dont really think foreigners should be going to as its a good way to get scammed. I heard of foreigners going to kabukicho which is notorious as a seedy area and an area where foreigners will be targeted via different drinking scams. Plenty of foreigners get drugged/scammed there because they want to try and hang out in the seedy areas and generally they are up to no good lol. Every society will have its good and bad parts. I dont think people should be airing out their dirty laundry in public though. ESPECIALLY foreigners doing this, and I think they mainly do it as a cash grab so I personally dont like it.

As a person who has an interest in cultures around the world, including Japanese (yes, I came into it from Japanese music side as well). Thanks for this video, always good to hear people's perspectives. These videos have existed longer, but you might not have seen them before, but the numbers have probably increased. Why ? Probably because we can only have so much of the other happy bar hopping videos, etc.. A lot of the videos you talked about fall into the category of 'human interest story', these are not set out to be negative. They exist to be a deep dive on an issue. And cheating was mentioned, well Japan has statistically had a higher percentage of cheating. This is something which sometimes get mentioned in articles or in videos and thus the reason people click on the videos is simple, the thought process is something like: "I've heard about this, maybe they can explain to me why this is happening and maybe their is even a solution for it." About what the foreigner said on the train I would say: he (?) wasn't saying anything negative about Japan. It just shows a complete lack of understanding, which clearly shows something negative about them. A lack of understanding what kind of vacation types their are and lack of understanding of Japanese culture (talking loud was an other example of that). And it's very fitting they would wonder why they are there, because they didn't come there to understand the culture or experience an other culture, did not have an interest in the country before hand and already had some familiarity with the country/culture. If they were from the US, no disrespect but, I would suggest they go to Florida go to the beach, disney land and bars for a week or more and then go back to their own state, they will be very happy, it would be cheaper and they would have more fun. Not everyone has an interest in culture/history, this is totally fine. They probably tagged along with friends who have this interest or heard from friends that Japan is a great destination. It is, you can also do the bar thing, etc. But it's much more useful for everyone, if you do so with an angle of being interested in culture, otherwise, better to do it in your own country, cheaper, easier because no language barrier, less travel, no cultural misunderstandings, etc. While we are on the topic of stereotypes, it would fit the stereotype of 'loud American'. What is interesting, it's such a problem or feeling of shame people from the US have when they travel abroad, some when they are travel say they are Canadian, so they are not associated with that stereotype. Most people who go to Japan have an interest in that culture, which is why the videos you mentioned work, because they want to know more. Yes, even the negative topics. Because it's all about the difference between Japan and their own culture. I actually think, with the right degree of negative topics people will understand Japan isn't just a great/amazing place, but also a place people life and work, thus also having it's negative sides. This is actually a more balanced view of Japan. Which is means better expectations before visiting the country. Japan has it's unique issues, because Japan is a different culture, just like all other cultures have their unique issues. But Japan is also on the forefront of some issues we also have in the west, but not experiencing as much yet. Like the birthrate problem and aging populations and the stagnating economies and thus negative interest rates, etc. So yes, I do think you'll see more 'negative topics' videos over time. For example I came into Japanese music through Babymetal. I don't like seeing videos about the bad sides of Japanese idol culture, because it also creates an indirect bad association with the Babymetal that I like so much. Makes me want to say Babymetal is a fusion of Japanese Pop and Metal, not Japanese idol culture, Japanese Pop and Metal. Because some people might have negative annotations with it. But I do think it's good these videos exist to show the bad sides as well, because then we can learn which companies are bad and not support them or find other ways to support the talents more directly instead, maybe allow them to go independent and for example have a healthier work/life balance. Maybe even better would be if these companies get marked as 'black company' and they have to change their corporate culture or go broke, I obviously don't know all the solutions. But let's remember: not talking about problems is never a solution.

@Shreddawg

4 ай бұрын

Thanks for stopping by and leaving an awesome comment! I personally dont think its right for these types of videos to be posted unless you are doing some type of actual analysis and providing true data. Posting one-sided videos for shock value (and I would assume just for views to collect KZread money) is wrong. I also think its worse when foreigners do it as I feel like they are taking advantage of others. I do believe you may be on to something though, there can only be so many videos posted about the same types of content before a new topic needs to come around. There is more to the story about the foreigners on a train, that statement was a direct quote and it did kind of sum up the conversation they were having. There was a lot of complaints about Japanese people being unfriendly etc. when in reality they are not, its just common courtesy to not disturb others in public places. If you ever need help or have a question, I think Japanese people are some of the most friendly and helpful people, and I can speak from experience. I do think you are right though, it does come down to a lack of understanding of the culture. I do wonder if it is a lack of trying to learn about the country before visiting or perhaps KZread videos giving people a false impression of Japan prior to visiting? ... I just try to avoid being near other foreigners whenever I can lol. I think my issue with these negative videos is from what I can tell, they tend to paint a negative picture rather than providing real data or creating an unbiased video. They seem to create the videos with the emphasis on the negative idea and running with it. I think more factual videos presenting both sides positive and negative would be great rather than focusing on just the negative. Thats an interesting topic, BABY METAL. There are a lot of negative opinions on that topic simply from people not understanding Japanese culture. There is a rather "interesting" narrative that certain westerners are trying to push regarding people who like BABY METAL. ... I still cant even believe that whole thing lol. I think their music is fun and it pioneered a whole new style of music which is quite enjoyable. People are just crazy. ...And yet again, you will notice that kind of sensationalized shock value content will perform very well on KZread which I personally think a lot of this comes down to. Bring up a shocking subject that nobody really asked for, paint a strong negative narrative and collect money. Thanks again for the fantastic comment, I really enjoyed it!

Very interesting. I get all sorts of things in my feed, but nothing too bad, usually. I was exposed to a certain amount of negativity during the Asterism livestream last week, which was very annoying. Sorry about your experience on the train. Most people behave themselves when they are over there, I hope. And yes over-tourism in Japan is turning into a real problem. In a positive note Paint and Copter’s new song/video with Ichinose will be out very soon. Thank you.

@Shreddawg

4 ай бұрын

Thanks for stopping by! I do find it interesting to know what kinds of videos pop up for others, this is a rather newer thing I have been seeing in the last year. Thats unfortunate, I dont know why people have to be so rude/disrespectful. I do think most tourists are pretty good but I always run in to some that litter, or again are very loud. Since I experience both, I wonder what the overall impression of foreigners is? Overtourism is actually pretty out of control especially in Kyoto. Ill just say I was happy when it started to rain while visiting the Fushimi Inari shrine because all the tourists left and I was able to go all the way to the top of the mountain without being disturbed. Kyoto is a lovely place but I was happy to leave Kyoto and head to Nara. Nara is such a lovely, cozy laidback area. I cant wait to go back and just relax. AWESOME! I cant wait to check it out!

@davidtollefson8411

4 ай бұрын

@@Shreddawg yeah, I’ve heard Kyoto is pretty over-run. Glad you could find a place like Nara, I remember you mentioning that in your video about your most recent trip.

@Shreddawg

4 ай бұрын

@@davidtollefson8411 Yeah Kyoto was just... The amount of tourists kind of ruined it for me this time around, haha. I was very happy to visit Nara afterwards as it was a place I always wanted to visit. Considering when I went there were almost NO foreigners, it really added to the enjoyment of the area. I only spent the afternoon there though so next time I go back to Japan I plan to stay at least a few days to mainly relax and learn more about the area first hand.

This is just my opinion. 5:49 I think most of cities in the world are just the place where poeple live. Cities doesn't exist for tourists. Kyoto isn't disney land. If they don't like places where people live, they should explore in nature.

@Shreddawg

4 ай бұрын

Yes, they are places where people live, and people should be respectful of that. If they want a theme park they can visit Disneyland or Universal Studios while in Japan.

@masayama1618

4 ай бұрын

@@Shreddawg I think so. There are many major theme parks on earth. They should go around only theme parks and luxury hotels if they don't want to disappoint.

@Shreddawg

4 ай бұрын

@@masayama1618 I think you are correct!

You've noticed lately there's a trend of kind of negative videos towards the women of Japan? Haha, I would say that's because those KZreadrs who create video contents about Japan are running out of ideas. They have already made lots of videos about negative aspects of Japan, such as rough working environment in Japan, racial discrimination in Japan, sexism in Japan, cash basis in Japan, bla bla bla, as if they were full-fledged journalists. Meanwhile, negative aspects of Japanese women is a sanctuary not to violate in a sense, to those people especially Westerners who have an illusion of Japanese women. That's why nobody had touched on it till now. But now Japan-relate KZreadrs are running out of materials. So they got to turn their eyes towards something negative about Japanese women because there are a ton of materials.

@Shreddawg

4 ай бұрын

Personally, the overwhelming majority of videos I have seen prior to the last year have been very positive with the occasional negative video. Lately however, I have more negative videos popping up in my feed than ever before. That is a good point though, even for the people living in Japan, they may have come to a point where they are running out of content so they are shifting towards negative video topics. I do still wonder if its because sensationalized videos tend to perform well on KZread?

The problem with KZread suggestions is the algorithms doing the selection present a distorted image of Japanese culture. One method to bypass the KZread algorithms is to not login to an account. So there is no viewing history for KZread to analyse for suggestion videos. Further as already mentioned in the comments, using a VPN to set you location as Japan. This is not foolproof as fingerprinting internet users uses many methods. Having visited Japan many times the last thing I want to see and hear is disrespectful tourists. The videos that Shreddawg refers to are largely inaccurate and suffer from the usual social media ills. There a some YT content creators who publish objective and interesting videos but they appear to be in the minority. Overtourism is a common problem not limited to Japan. Many popular international destination suffer from over tourism. The Japanese government is aiming at about 20 Million visitors a year as a boost to the economy (this figure may have changed recently). There are bound to be problems but it is a matter of how well things are managed. The famous Shibuya Crossing was closed off last new years eve due to problems in recent years. There was a news report of some people tipping a car over and setting it in fire. The news video and report suggested the culprits were non-Japanese, i.e. tourists. This sort of incident would have been shocking to Japanese people. Hence the crossing was effectively closed off to prevent large crowds forming during new years eve. There are a particular tourism stress points that I'm happy to discuss if anyone is interested.

@Shreddawg

4 ай бұрын

Awesome comment! Thank you so much! I do think that content creators are giving people inaccurate expectations of Japan. I also personally find it disrespectful to post certain types of videos. Again though, I am pretty sure its done for the simple fact that it will get clicks/views. As you mentioned there are some videos that actually provide objective information in an attempt to bring light to negative things. I think those types of videos being created are OK. Its these "shock value" videos that serve no purpose other than gaining views for the creator that I personally dislike. Over-tourism is a very interesting subject for Japan. On one hand, it is great and necessary for the economy of Japan... but in places like Kyoto, I can see how it can negatively impact the daily lives of the locals. Shibuya is also another interesting subject. Ive been there for Halloween and it can get rather rowdy. There are a lot of people (tourists) that are respectful and have a great time but there will always be a few "bad apples" that will spoil things. Thank you again for such an amazing comment!

At first I thought this was an old episode of Mr. Rogers Neighborhood (Japan version) :p . I think your KZread algorirthm may be a little screwed up - but I think what you are observing is happening to all kinds of content because ... well, it generates clicks. What you describe is like a statistics problem ... if you go in attempting to prove a specific hypothisis, you will. I think KZread has exploded with content creators trying to make a living off of this. What you are seeing is simply the result. As someone who has lived in many places around the world I am ashamed sometimes of foreign travelers, mostly us Americans. Instead of absorbing and sharing culture, people seem to want to judge it. I enjoy taking expat jobs because one of the rules I live by is "be humble - until you actually live somewhere, know how to do your laundry, know how to shop for groceries .... like the locals, cultural exchange has not taken place". Nice video ... and nice shirt :p .

@Shreddawg

4 ай бұрын

Yeah I am wondering if its just the click-bait type sensationalized videos being created simply for the fact the video will get views whether people enjoy the content or not. Views = money for these guys and generally speaking shock value content performs best. I tell you... I HATE being near foreigners when I am in Japan because I dont want to be associated with them lol. The video was pretty fun to make and edit... I enjoyed this one. The shirt was a gift :P

@PANIC_aka_PinD

4 ай бұрын

@@Shreddawg A gift? ... from a "friend"? :p ... Yes, traveling abroad you get lumped in with all the "ugly Americans". It does not take many ... or a long time to understand that reputation. I have always been able to make great friends as an expat and will continue along my way, trying my best to make a good impression. Exchanging cultures can be great fun. Your video was great :) .

@Shreddawg

4 ай бұрын

@@PANIC_aka_PinD Haha yes, you get the idea :P I fit in well with the ugly Americans but i dont act like them lol. XD Yeah I really do enjoy interacting with the locals in Japan whenever I get the opportunity. I can tell you a lot of cool little stories from my travels. Buying random teenagers pokemon cards, helping a kid win something from a claw machine. Just cool stuff like that. I would like to think I leave a good and lasting impression on people. Thanks for that, these types of videos are always difficult for me to make but they are kind of fun as well.