funny stories
They say that one of the main reasons so few Japanese people master the English language is because they’re worried about making mistakes or embarrassing themselves. While we do wish more Japanese would break out their English a little more often (get a couple of drinks into your coworkers and you’ll be amazed at how much English they actually know), at the same time we can’t really blame them for being reluctant to speak, because learning a second language as an adult can be tough.
After all, when our words fail us, it can not only result in confusion, but very often shock, laughter, and even anger. Just ask the kind folks who were good enough to share with us their most awkward and memorable mistakes made when speaking – or rather trying to speak – Japanese.
Join us after the jump for 22 tales of language mishaps. Oh, and maybe make some notes while you do so that none of these ever happen to you!
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Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
7-Eleven Japan has a hack for creating insanely delicious potato chip rice meals
Gundam and Reebok team up for new GQuuuuuuX Pumps【Photos】
What’s at the top of this giant escalator in Japan?
Real-world Koraidon and Miraidon Pokémon are ready for their close-ups【Photos】
Has China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning shortened queues at this Ichiran ramen restaurant in Tokyo?
How to properly pronounce “Ghibli” and other fun trivia about the legendary animation studio
‘A Cruel Angel’s Thesis’ took just two hours to write says Evangelion lyricist Neko Oikawa
Losing your Japanese host club virginity: a guide for the ladies
Weekly
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning seems to be affecting Osaka’s Namba and Dotonbori neighborhoods
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Japan’s EF English Proficiency Index rank drops for 11th straight year, hits lowest ever
Uniqlo Ukiyo-e Blue T-shirts: A cool-hued reinterpretation of some of Japan’s greatest paintings
Chinese government’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning has heartwarming non-effect on Yokohama Chinatown
KFC Japan opens a Christmas restaurant in Tokyo…but why???
Japan considering raising international traveler departure tax even more than previously reported
Studio Ghibli adds new Kiki’s Delivery Service music box to its anime merchandise shop in Japan
Monthly
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods and a rhinestone tumbler that costs 19,500 yen
Real-world Nausicaa Ghibli anime glider completes its final flight in Japan【Video】
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】- Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Japanese government considering tripling departure taxes to combat overtourism
A guide to visiting Sagamiko Illumination, one of the three biggest light-ups in Kanto
Starbucks Japan unveils the new Soupuccino
Yearly
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer- Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
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】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
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Real-world Koraidon and Miraidon Pokémon are ready for their close-ups【Photos】
Has China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning shortened queues at this Ichiran ramen restaurant in Tokyo?
How to properly pronounce “Ghibli” and other fun trivia about the legendary animation studio
‘A Cruel Angel’s Thesis’ took just two hours to write says Evangelion lyricist Neko Oikawa
Losing your Japanese host club virginity: a guide for the ladies
Once you hear this lady sing “Yooooooghurppe”, you may never stop hearing it
Getting a haircut in Japan: A survival guide
No more miniskirts? Changes happening in Japanese schoolgirl uniform fashion trends
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Super-cheap, super-convenient rice-cooking mug is a new kitchen gadget all-star from 3 Coins
One of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frost
Japan’s new traffic cones come with built-in Jizō Bosatsu, the protective deity of travellers
Gacha capsule toy machine sells Casio watch rings in Japan, and we try to get all of them
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
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