Kevin says:

OK, it’s a parody but I didn’t begin to suspect that until halfway thru. (I mean, these are a people whose movies all feature 10 year-old boys in hot pants).

This video needs an accompanying guide to point out what precisely is real, what’s parody, why it’s funny, and which of those words and gestures (if any) are actually obscene. For example, do sushi places really have bowls of salt outside (like for some traditional reason, to ward off evil white demons or something?)

iglowat says:

Whatever – they should do one for ordering at McDonalds. They could have the patties being formed under the arm pits.

dpetduck says:

The fact that so many people can’t tell that this is a parody is indeed disturbing. I think you should put more links to things that educate about other cultures, even parodies and…………cartoons.

BTW is the dvd of those skits available in the US?

J Crew says:

This is meant to be funny for audience who are well acquainted with Japanese culture, or otherwise it’ll be a total joke on you.
I believe these comedians are making fun of A: Foreigners(ignorant about JPN culture), B: Sushi snobs, and C Business people/culture or older generation.

A: There is a stereotype among Japanese that foreigners know nothing about Japanese culture. These comedians are making fun of this by creating imaginary situation where those foreigners learn from this idiotic-false-fictitious instructional video of Japanese culture(although not condecendig way, but rather enjoying ironic feeling of not being understood) .
Moreover, some of those descriptions are, in fact, true and very infromative, which makes it more realistic, twisted, and funny.

B: When it comes to Sushi, there ARE picky people even nowadays.

C: “Ma-ma-ma” is such a great example of it. Younger generation like those comedians would definitely be sarcastic about such culture.

In conclusion,……… whatever…..I laughed.

Sam-san "Uncle" Gon says:

This was a superb parody that demonstrates some absurd things very specific to Japanese culture, itself evolving. Even the true items are done with great tongue in cheek (review the face of the woman pouring beer), and the false have a ring of truth to them (like the salt dish outside). Very subtle, and of course lost on most viewers, as good satire should be.

Ez says:

This was a terrific parody that had elements of facts that were exagerated and parts that were based on foriegners stereotypes and just a joke. It might not be funny to those unfamiliar with Japan. I watched it with some Japanese students and they busted a gut. It doesn’t matter if some of the viewers that posted comments missed the boat on this video, it was a very well made skit. Have you watched Saturday Night live? That show isn’t funny to a world wide audience let alone an American one.

lokama says:

Hello!!

i would like to see the video but it doesn’t work!! it says that the video is unvailable….