Why is speaking with a “good” accent embarrassing in Japan? And why do Americans often stop learning Spanish after high school?

In this episode, Naoki (from Japan) and Maile (from the U.S.) compare how foreign languages are taught, perceived, and emotionally experienced in Japan and America. They talk about the silent shame Japanese students feel when pronouncing English too well, how Naoki managed to develop native-like pronunciation without leaving Japan, and why Spanish is often seen as a "requirement" in the U.S., not a passion.

They also touch on the popularity of Korean and French, and how cultural attitudes toward language learning shape confidence, motivation, and even identity.

#LanguageLearning

#CulturalDifferences

#EnglishInJapan

#SpanishInAmerica

#PronunciationShame

#AccentPolitics

#LanguageAndIdentity

#PodcastOnCulture

English:

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Naoki (from Japan) and Maile (from the U.S.) dive into the subtle yet striking cultural differences around clothing and skin exposure. Why does a breezy American outfit turn heads in Japan? What’s with the stares on the train? And why do Japanese men avoid white or see-through shirts? It's an honest, sometimes awkward, and always eye-opening conversation about culture, fashion, and perception.

Keywords:
Cultural differences, fashion, skin exposure, gender, U.S. vs Japan, public space, social norms

Japanese (日本語):

エピソード概要：

今回のエピソードでは、Naoki（日本人）とMaile（アメリカ人）が、日本とアメリカの“肌の露出”や“服装文化”について率直に語り合います。アメリカでは当たり前の服装が、日本では視線の的になる？電車での視線問題、シャツの素材の違い、日本人男性がなぜ白シャツを避けがちなのかまで…。ちょっと気まずくて、でも超リアルな文化比較トークをお楽しみください。

キーワード：文化の違い、肌の露出、ファッション、日米比較、視線、ジェンダー、日常の違和感

In this episode, Maile (from the U.S.) and Naoki (from Japan) dive into the unspoken rules of riding trains in Japan.
What are the dos and don'ts of Japanese train etiquette in 2025? Is eating okay? What about talking on the phone?

We also explore how visible—or invisible—Westerners feel in public transportation settings like Tokyo and Saitama today.

This episode is perfect for:

• Travelers visiting Japan

• Expats adjusting to Japanese culture

• Anyone curious about cultural differences between Japan and the West

🎧 Listen in to learn how not to stand out on a Japanese train!

Keywords : Japanese train etiquette, Japan travel tips, Japanese manners, public transport Japan, culture shock Japan, expat Japan, Tokyo subway rules, things not to do in Japan

エピソード #3 – 日本の電車では「見えない存在」でいなければいけない？

今回のポッドキャストでは、アメリカ出身のMaileと日本人のNaokiが、日本で電車に乗る際のマナーについて深掘りします。

・2025年の日本、電車内での飲食はOK？
・通話してもいいの？
・そもそも、日本の電車ってどれくらい静か？
・そして、西洋人が東京や埼玉で「どれくらい目立つのか？」というリアルな視点も紹介します。

これから日本に来る旅行者、日本に住み始めた外国人、文化の違いに興味がある方にぴったりのエピソードです。

キーワード： 日本の電車マナー、公共交通機関のルール、日本旅行の注意点、日本の文化、在日外国人、日本で目立たない方法、東京地下鉄マナー、外国人と日本社会