Survey says one in two foreigners have been bummed out by meeting Japanese people with bad breath.

Have you ever spoken to a Japanese person and noticed they had stinky breath? According to a survey conducted by Japanese oral care brand Sunstar, which posed the question to 500 foreigners, one in two people from abroad have.

As anybody who’s been in a situation like this knows, pointing out bad breath isn’t something that strangers are likely to bring up, so the only thing to help cope with the foul smell is to simply hold your breath or turn your head slightly to avoid the direction of the mouth-air.

Now, with more foreigners expected to arrive in the country for the 2020 Olympics, bad breath in the service industry is currently being addressed by Sunstar, with a new ad called “Feel Japan” promoting their line of oral care goods in a humorous and memorable way.

Take a look at the ad below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSTbDI-x0QI

Some of the situations where bad breath have been encountered include at ryokans (traditional Japanese inns)…

▼ Izakaya taverns…

▼ Hotel reception desks…

▼ And when asking for directions.

Sunstar claim that by brushing your teeth with their toothpaste and using their mouthwash, you can turn these embarrassing situations around and create a better impression on the foreigners you encounter.

As much as we love Japanese omotenashi, it’s safe to say that pretty much anyone, regardless of their nationality, would prefer it not to come with a side of stinky breath.

Can you relate to any of the situations shown in the new commercial? If so, let us know in the comments section below!

Source: YouTube/SUNSTAR GUM JPN via Net Lab
Images: YouTube/SUNSTAR GUM JPN
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