A Kirin “Rich Green Tea” ad teaching Japanese people the appropriate way to greet foreigners attracted some criticism online, with some calling it racist.
This third installment of the “Japanese Greeting” ad series has apparently faced some criticism online with the folks from Lost at E Minor saying the video received comments accusing the ad of discrimination against foreigners on the official Kirin Facebook page. The video has since been deleted from the page and the original YouTube video was removed, so it’s unclear what exactly the criticisms might have been, though the video has been uploaded by an third-party account.
The video, which combined three ads, featured one segment describing to viewers the best way to react to a foreigner who greets you with “higher than expected friendliness”. This skill apparently has a difficulty rating of 93.
You can see the ad below starting at 3:25.
In the ad we see an African-American man (Sergio) greeting a Japanese man in English saying, “How’s it going, bro?”
The Japanese man seems a little apprehensive and unsure about how to interact with Sergio.
Here’s where the explanation comes in.
The voice over warns us not to hesitate and to confidently hug the foreigner, but to be careful not to open your arms too wide because you may scare them. We are also told to “keep your hug to three seconds.” If your hug is too short you may offend them for not being friendly enough. If you hug too long, you may be sending the wrong signal.
▼ Keep your hugs to three seconds
Once you finish the hug, keep up the same amount of energy to keep the conversation going.
▼ Make sure you maintain “high tension” (the Japanese phrase for “high energy”)
The ad concludes by saying, “Cultural differences are fun, aren’t they?”
This one is a very interesting ad and does give us an insight into how Japanese feel about the custom of hugging when greeting someone and the intensity of the foreigner greeting. The original “Japanese Greeting” commercial also gave us a thorough explanation of the intricacies of the greeting bow.
Yes, this new ad may be seen a sweeping generalization of how “foreigners” greet people, but I’m not sure if it can be classed as racist. What are your thoughts?
Sources: Lost At E Minor, YouTube/おもしろcm
Images:YouTube/おもしろcm
Nike commercial addresses bullying and racism in Japan, riles up debate online【Video】
Japanese-American singer Hikaru Utada opens a discussion on racism on Japanese Twitter
Japan’s instant ramen snack theme park features an athletic course even adults can enjoy
Pizza Hut Japan’s drinkable curry pizza is here – Is it all we dreamed it would be?[Taste test]
Japanese temple burns to the ground, fire burning inside for 1,200 years unharmed
Krispy Kreme Japan is bringing two special donuts to the most-forgotten big city in the country
Bizarre Japanese vending machine sells “Peace and Equality” and “Angels and Demons”
Japan has a new cute and clever sunblock for cat lovers
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Starbucks Japan hoping fans will go bananas for its new mottainai banana affogato Frappuccino
Man in Japan calls in bomb threat because he doesn’t want to go to his own work farewell party
Japan’s izakaya pubs closing at record pace, failing to attract foreign tourists
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
This Tokyo Station sweets sensation sells out daily, but we finally got our hands on it
Hundreds of rose bushes in bloom at Tokyo’s off-the-beaten-path, next-to-the-tracks flower street
Studio Ghibli’s president is leaving the company. Will it change how they make anime?
Let’s hike a Japanese mountain (that isn’t Mt. Fuji) – Mt. Tsukuba[Photos]
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Studio Ghibli launches huge new anime movie T-shirt collection with special design details
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa