Understanding Japanese Humor Key to My Journey to Japan

I wanted to maximize my strength learning languages

I have been good at learning languages since I was a child. The first language I learned on my own was English. I improved my English skills considerably by taking a phonetic approach to my studies. In the process, I began to think that I wanted to learn another more difficult language.

So, I put Japanese next on my list. I had always been interested in Japanese because of my preexposure to Japanese culture in the anime I watched and the J-pop theme songs I enjoyed. I loved how Japanese sounded in my ear and just as I’d wished for, it presented a challenge. Hence, it was the perfect language for me to try after English.  

When deciding on a college major as a high school student, I was torn between the economics or Japanese department. But then I thought that it would be a good idea to study economics in Japanese. So, ultimately, I chose Japanese as my college major.

Studying Japanese culture and humor drove me to empathize with Japanese values  

In the four years I spent in the university majoring in Japanese, I learned more than just the language. I learned Japanese in a variety of holistic ways in addition to classes. As I mastered the Japanese language, I began to deeply understand Japanese humor and values, and I discovered that my way of thinking was similar to the values of the Japanese people. My studies led me to start dreaming of living and working in Japan.

Why I Wanted To Work in Japan as an Egyptian

1. Relationships with Japanese people in Egypt  

 Since I was a freshman in college, I have been involved with many Japanese people in Egypt, including Japanese who came to Egypt with JICA, Japanese students studying Arabic in Egypt, and others.

I have also worked at the Japanese Embassy, where I had the opportunity to get involved with Japanese people. I had the opportunity to interact and build friendships with many Japanese people while I was in Egypt, and it was a catalyst for my dream of living and working in Japan to grow.  

2. Watching Terrace House and other comedy content, I empathized with Japanese culture, values, and sense of humor.  

As my Japanese improved, I began to enjoy Japanese language content such as comedy shows and Terrace House.  

During the coronavirus disaster, I practiced a study method of watching Terrace House with Japanese subtitles and looking up points I did not understand to understand them. This study method was only possible because I had time during the pandemic. Through this method, I learned not only the Japanese language but also the social norms of the Japanese people.  

For example, by watching Terrace House, I can understand what kind of behavior and speech Japanese people find pleasing or disgusting. At the same time, I also learned about the unique Japanese way of communicating, such as the Japanese “kuuki wo yomu” culture. Terrace House is a program that shows a group of Japanese people living together. By watching them interact and listening to the host’s commentary, we can learn about interpersonal methods and unspoken rules unique to the Japanese.  

Having learned these unspoken rules, I gradually understood Japanese “comedy” culture. When I first saw their “comedy,” I had no idea what was so funny. However, now I can fully enjoy famous comedians such as “Sandwich Man”.  

3. Understanding Japanese Work Culture: Going to Japan for Career Advancement  

I have worked in Egypt for a short time as a full-time employee. I also understand a bit about the Japanese work culture from what I hear from my Japanese friends.  

The work culture in Egypt is relatively relaxed. On the other hand, in Japan, work is done on time and to the letter. I gradually began yearning for an environment where people take their jobs seriously so I can grow my career. Therefore, I decided to try my hand at a Japanese company with the aim of advancing my career.  

Find My Path to Japan through FAST OFFER International  

At that time, I learned about FAST OFFER International through a friend. I immediately applied for job interviews and was selected to come to Japan for three companies to interview me. In preparation for the interviews, I focused on researching each company and practicing how I would present myself in the interview. In particular, I carefully researched the type of person the company was looking for, their career path, and the nature of the job. It was also helpful that I was familiar with interviewing because I had had difficult interviews for part-time and full-time positions.

It’s important to understand that when job hunting, the screening benefits both parties. The companies screens if you fit their needs, and you also get to know them to see if they match with your needs. Hence, when one of the three companies offered me a position, I too, saw, that it was perfect for me. They offered the best job description that I was most attracted to. I could imagine myself working at that company the clearest. I sincerely feel it all worked out as it should.

My Future Blossoming in Japan Imbibing their Values and Humor

Finding my place in Japan, I believe will be transformative for me. Just learning their language through my studies and consuming their media was already enough to change me. What more, now that I get front row seats?

Just being in Japan, immersed in the culture, I’m sure, will help me grow. The skills I bring will also give me an edge in my company. I’ll make sure to take advantage of the opportunities to get national certifications and use my strength in language and communications skills. Taking everything into consideration, I think it’s really the perfect Japanese company for me, where I can advance my career by taking on exciting challenges and tackling the work head-on.

FAST OFFER CAREER GUIDE: Understanding Japanese Humor

Humor is one of the highest expressions of language fluency, it’s also key to winning rapport. Understanding Japanese humor can help you understand Japanese culture, navigate a Japanese interview, or enjoying life in Japan. Here’s a summary that may help you better understand Japanese humor.

The Manzai (漫才) Format

Compared to comedy shows around the world, Japanese comedy and sense of humor are said to be very unique. One popular form of comedy in Japan is “manzai” (漫才). Manzai is basically performed by two comedians who play two roles called “boke” (ボケ) and “tsukkomi” (ツッコミ).  The “boke” is the person who says the funny or incomprehensible things in the show, and the “tsukkomi” is the person who points out the mistakes or incomprehensible things to the boke while laughing loudly and at a fast pace. 

No Edgy Content  

While social satire is popular and influential in the West, in Japan there are few comedians who deal with socially sensitive themes such as politics or religion. This is a defining feature of Japanese manzai. This is because in Japan, blatantly funny stories and jokes are more widely accepted than humorous jokes that take up a single social issue in a humorous way.

Themes in Japanese Humor

• Common experiences – Japanese natives tend to very similar stories and realities in their daily lives. This can be referencing school experiences, job hunting experiences, trash segregation etc. The more you live and experience Japan for yourself, the more you’ll understand these types of jokes. E.g. (Please fill this in with a linked description!)
• Language – Though there are plenty of dialects in Japan, most of Japan can speak basic Japanese. The Japanese language itself is a common experience. Hence, there are plenty language-oriented jokes about slip-ups and misunderstandings. E.g. (Please fill this in with a linked description!)
• Slapstick – The more blatant the humor, the better. Given that the Japanese have an otherwise very context and subtext- heavy style of communication, there is a sort of relief found in the very blatant, simplistic slapstick-like humor. E.g. Brain Wall (脳カベ, Nōkabe)