Japanese tourists visiting the United States for the FIFA World Cup have become an internet sensation, sharing their candid and often humorous observations about American culture on social media. From oversized portions to friendly locals, their tweets offer a unique cross-cultural perspective that has captivated audiences worldwide.
Food and Drink Shock
Many Japanese fans were taken aback by the sheer size of American food and drink. One tourist noted, "A regular-sized Coke is way too big," while another exclaimed, "Way too big..." after seeing a standard hot dog. The cost of food also drew comments: "When I freaked out completely over a Budweiser costing $16.50 (2644 yen), they brought up the tip selection screen, and everything went pitch black in front of me—I died." In contrast, a convenience store meal was a bargain: "For dinner, I bought a hot dog, burrito, chips, and a drink at a convenience store for just $5.5 (about 900 yen)."
Accommodation and Transportation
The size of hotel rooms and beds impressed visitors. "The hotel bed is so huge, it's divine. Thank goodness for Japanese height..." one wrote. However, navigating American showers proved tricky: "I had no clue how to use an American-style shower, so it took me about 5 minutes just to get the water to come out." Car-centric culture was a recurring theme: "As expected from car-centric America. No one's walking." Yet, some embraced local transport: "First time riding the Los Angeles subway. There were Japanese announcements, making it easy to understand!"
Generosity and Friendliness
Several tourists highlighted the kindness of Americans. One shared, "Watching the match against the US at the bar... two groups of people ended up treating me to drinks. What a wonderful day." Another noted, "New York was just too amazing! ...people are so kind. They apologize if they bump into you, hold doors open as a matter of course." A fan in Dallas observed, "There are only kind people in Dallas." The tipping culture, however, required adjustment: "Bought 30 one-dollar bills for tips" and "I came back to tip, but should I just tuck the tip here and leave?"
Unique American Experiences
From waffle makers at hotels to live performances at cafes, the tourists embraced new experiences. "The inn even has a giant toaster, it's just way too awesome," one tweeted. Another enjoyed a serendipitous moment: "I was engrossed in reading... when a live performance started up in the grassy courtyard! What a peaceful, amazing vibe!" Shopping at Trader Joe's and Walmart for souvenirs was also popular. One fan marveled at a Waymo self-driving taxi: "Waymo's fully autonomous taxi is just too amazing...!!!"
Weather and Wildlife
The heat in Texas surprised even those accustomed to Japanese summers: "Even Japanese people, who are relatively good at handling the heat, find it hot." A humorous observation: "It's so hot in Dallas that even the rabbits are shocked."
Overall Impressions
Despite some culture shock, the overall sentiment was positive. One tourist summed it up: "America's too damn big, right? (measuring cup)." Another simply said, "It tasted like America!!" The tweets have gone viral, offering a delightful glimpse into how Japanese visitors perceive the United States during the World Cup.
