Japanese React to White Guy Raised in Japan… and China

It's hard enough to feel like a foreigner in Japan after spending your whole life here, let alone adding China into the mix too. Meet John, an American raised in Japan who was put into a Chinese school in Tokyo for 9 years. Learn about his experiences with bullying, indoctrination, and what it means to truly be Japanese.

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[OrientalPearl]

These interviews are a new series on my channel. Watch them all here:

[zaphodbeeblebrox]

The fellow feels comfortable in Japan, Taiwan and the UK. He's clearly an island dweller. 😀

[ryanagadoni]

Hey! I know that guy! I went to school with John! I hope he is well. How cool to stumble across him here.

[Shanghaimagic]

Yeah, besides his perfect Japanese it's apparent he grew up in Japan because he really knows how to be "silly" with Japanese school children. IMHO one of the most beautiful things about Japanese children is that they still retain some of their immaturity without being forced to grow up too soon like in the West.

[sukie]

I love the way the kids just fell right into being schooled. Beautiful to see.

[ShaylaLeeleigh]

The way he spoke to the children 😭 that was so sweet! What a great interview!!

[roger]

I can relate to John. Chinese born and raise in Latin America. Bullied at school, but with the ability to speak 3 languages. My heart is Latino, but the Latinos will not see me as one of them. After 3 decades I understand everything. Thank you Pearl. Keep up the good job. Now, good luck on your 2024 goal. Cantonese. Piece of cake for you. Also, let’s go for 1.5 million subscribers.

[generalnguyenngocloan]

It was very sad to hear him say “I will never be truly Japanese, but my heart is Japanese”. Then he said “That’s good enough”. It shows me it’s the life he’s led, and he accepts it like a man who’s walked a path very few have. 👍🏻

[intwklg]

太強了吧!! 他在日本住那麼久，中文&英文都還能說這麼好! 我閉上眼睛聽還真的有聽到他中文帶有台灣口音耶，很有趣!

[romandybala]

Aussie here. German post war mother. Only spoke German till I was six.Parents only spoke German at home. I lived in Germany for one year in my 20s and felt completely at home there although they commented that my German was from the 50s when my parents came to Australia.

[dbkoala]

This was a great interview. John's interaction with the kiddos from school was great to see. As soon as they saw his "Japanese Heart" as he says, they just seemed to feel really comfortable.

[john.]

Love these interviews, and congrat's on your 1M Subscribers ...

[whushaw]

What an incredible guest! I learned so much this video. His demeanour and insight into his experience I found very valuable. It was great when he turned into the teacher for the students on a field trip. They definitely won’t ever forget that and will tell the rest of their class what happened, I wonder if they’ll believe them? 😅💜

[markwellington]

This is truly one of the most enjoyable videos I have seen. John is a breath of fresh air(you too) and his emersion into the Japanese culture is informative, enjoyable and fun to watch. I look forward to Oriental Pearl and John traveling, interacting with people in China. Thank you!

[jayliu]

Extremely impressed with the passion to learn foreign languages. As an immigrant from Taiwan to the US at 5 yrs old, never in my 50+ years has anyone questioned why I speak English fluently.

[teddyjones]

I always love your content. When I was teaching in Korea as an English teacher, I noticed people sometimes felt I was like a Korean when our hearts connected as people. I knew limited Korean, but just being able to joke and use some Korean words made a difference. Language is what is used to connect us. Not everyone feels drawn to the same people. But through language and even non verbal communication we can connect and form life long bonds. I love how John seems comfortable with himself and experience despite what others might think of him or how others define him. I will look out for his documentary.

[maggieslifeisawildride]

This was so interesting. I'm American all the way but can see the different mannerisms that come with each language. That was so cool to finally hear someone else pointing that out. It's fascinating how each language is comprised of not only the verbiage but the entire culture and mannerisms of that geological area. Communication is fantastic! I've seen how people will change their posture when trying to imitate another language...it's subtle but it's sure there. Lol! Oh...and congrats on the 1Million subscribers...YAY!!!!

[MilesDeep]

Wow, John absolutely needs to make a YouTube channel! I would love to learn more from him and see him interact with more people in such a positive way!

[spiderfur]

Wow, you have a real talent for interviewing. You added nicely to the video without competing with your subject for attention. Very well done.

[jonetoshka]

What resonated with me the most is when he said “My heart is Japanese.” It’s such a powerful and emotional statement.