Scandinavia and the World
Scandinavia and the World

Page 3 of Japan

Language Barrier

Language Barrier

I've seen several Americans say they wouldn't want to visit another country without leaning the language because they feel it would be rude otherwise.

It very much depends on the country. It's of course a huge advantage in countries where they don't speak English like Japan, and the Japanese generally like it when tourists at least try.

The French aren't huge fans of English, and I've met several people who would say stuff in French at me first despite me making it clear I didn't understand a word, then begrudgingly speak English.

Most Danes understand English and see no point in tourists leaning Danish. A simple "Tak" (thank you) is appreciated because it shows an interest, but Danes will generally get annoyed if you try something longer than that, start finishing your sentences and speak English to you. It can be super rude, but it's really just them telling you "It's okay, I understand English. Don't waste your time trying to learn Danish". So if you want to learn Danish it's best to practice with your friends rather than a random store clerk who'd much prefer you speak English.

760 comments

See more of America Japan France Denmark
10th of March

Refreshing Shower

Refreshing Shower

By now most of us know about Japan's high-tech electric toilets, but let's not ignore Brazil's electric showerheads and their scary wires sticking out of the walls in shower cabins.

311 comments

See more of Japan Brazil
2nd of August
Support Scandinavia and the World on Patreon

Poke Go where nobody has gone before

Poke Go where nobody has gone before

The amount of weird, ridiculous and scary things people have gotten themselves into while playing Pokemon Go is amazing.

And yet, the worst thing for America about being behind bars is that he can't play the game.

278 comments

See more of Japan America
19th of July


Coming of Age Day

Coming of Age Day

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coming_of_Age_Day

250 comments

See more of Sweden Norway Japan Denmark
13th of January
Follow Scandinavia and the World on Facebook Twitter Tumblr

Chako Paul City

Chako Paul City

The myth that there's a big lesbian city in Sweden started on the Chinese news, and then spread to Japan and South Korea. The Asian men were so eager to learn more about this magical place that the Swedish tourist sites crashed and when they could no longer use the internet, the men started calling.

330 comments

See more of Sweden China Japan South Korea
24th of April

Fangirls

Fangirls

Oh, get a room you two!

America is super popular in Japan, and Japan is super popular in America, though most everyday people in either country don't know this.

I talked to a Japanese woman who told me that when she went to USA everything felt so familiar because they watched so many American movies in Japan and she almost felt at home, but when she went to Europe she had no idea what to do with herself.

480 comments

See more of America Japan
8th of October

Tiny Giant Monsters

Tiny Giant Monsters

Speaks for itself really. :XD:

Japan http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9fcvdbKQGo
USA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJtV2ubxU4E
Denmark http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhousHic6kw

Something I always thought was kinda funny/cute in the Reptilicus movie was that when the Danes are told that the monster is flying North, they immediately go, "Oslo!!?!" (Norway's capital) and sound less alarmed when they find out it's heading for Sweden's capital. :XD:

664 comments

See more of Denmark Japan America Godzilla
17th of August

Robots!

Robots!

I know I'm just asking for trouble by implying that Japan is *GASP!* not perfect *OHMYGODZ!!!* but this was too good to pass up.

They had a robot theme night on TV and one guy was talking very warmly about Japanese robots and how fantastic they were. The reporter then asked why the Japanese people loved robots so much, and the guy looked very apologetic and sort mumbled "Well, there's a lot of reasons, like they love dolls and everything electronic.....and they prefer robots to immigrants. It's not something people usually talk about, but the Japanese are pretty racist on that point" He looked so uncomfortable while saying it, which just made it even more funny.

Preferring robots to real humans is such a mad scientist thing to do that I couldn't ignore it. :XD:

1019 comments

See more of Japan Sweden Denmark Norway
8th of July

Don't Panic

Don't Panic

Everybody but Japan seem to be panicking about the earthquake. I was watching the news and the anchorman asked, “So how are the Japanese people and government taking it? Has there been any panic or chaos?” two which the reporter answered, “.....No. Not really” :XD:

1006 comments

See more of Japan Europe Europe America
12th of March