The Things That Shocked the French in Japan (Like, Seriously, the Obsession with Tissues?!)

1. “Thinly Sliced Meat EVERYWHERE!”

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You know, when you think of French dishes, meat plays a significant role. But how does it differ in taste and variety from Japanese meat?

“Well, French meat might have less fat compared to Japanese ones. You can eat a lot without feeling heavy. Japanese meat, on the other hand, often has a richer fat content, making it super tender. Whether you’re shopping at the local butcher or the supermarket, there’s a plethora of choices – from beef, pork, and chicken to duck, lamb, and even rabbit!”

Turns out, in France, not only are beef, pork, and chicken popular, but meats like lamb, duck, and rabbit are also quite commonly consumed.

Also, in France, it’s quite common to buy meat from ‘Marchés’, or open-air markets. At these markets, you mostly order the amount you need and get it freshly cut for you on the spot. Quite a departure from the pre-packaged meats in Japanese supermarkets, right?

“I rarely come across thinly sliced meat in France. It took some getting used to, but thin slices are super quick to cook and so convenient. I often stir-fry them with veggies!”

Using thinly sliced meat for quick cooking is apparently a neat trick for the French too. We might take it for granted in Japan, but it’s a fun realization that the way ingredients are presented and sold can vary so much between countries.

2. “Japanese Prank Shows? Top Notch!”

Apparently, Japan’s variety shows are pretty legendary.

We’ve got comments like: “Japanese variety shows are really entertaining, aren’t they?”

Japanese variety programs have garnered high acclaim, not just domestically but internationally as well. Common sentiments include: “This is the first time I’ve seen a TV show this funny!” “The quality of their prank segments is unmatched worldwide!” and “The overall quality exceeded my expectations and left me amazed!”

On the flip side, some opined, “The content is so extreme that it would probably end up in court if it were broadcast in my home country!” It’s said that regulations surrounding TV programs have been getting stricter with each passing year. This is partly because with the rise of the internet, even issues that wouldn’t have been a big deal in the past can now face instant widespread criticism.

In fact, there have been numerous instances internationally where a TV program faced backlash on social media and ultimately got cancelled.

3. “Why are the Tissues So Fancy?”

One thing that seems totally ordinary to us? Tissues. But for our French friend: “In Japanese homes, there are tissue boxes everywhere, and they seem to use them frequently. They’re cheaper here than in France.”

Perhaps the prevalence of boxed tissues isn’t as common in some countries due to pricing differences.

“In France, when we have a runny nose, we often use handkerchiefs or if we use a tissue, we don’t throw it away after just one use; we reuse it.”

While in Japan, some people might fold multiple sheets of tissue paper and carry them around, maybe the French share a similar sentiment.

“When there’s no tissue paper, I blow my nose with kitchen paper. I prefer kitchen paper since it’s thicker than tissues. In Japan, you have such soft, premium tissues. I was surprised to see such a preference for something ultimately disposable. Maybe Japanese noses are delicate?”

The presence of soft, high-quality tissues in Japan might be because of the high number of people suffering from hay fever. While Europe has allergies like grass allergies, it doesn’t seem as prevalent as Japan’s cedar pollen allergy.

If this French gentleman were to develop hay fever and had to continuously blow his nose with rough kitchen paper, he might then understand the Japanese preference for soft tissues.

4. “Public Toilets Are Free? And Clean?!”

Ever been to a public toilet in Paris? One French visitor shared: “When you’re out and about, it’s clever to use the restrooms in restaurants or cafes. I do the same – I buy a coffee and then use their restroom.”

However, it seems there are some who go into establishments and use the facilities without making a purchase. To counteract this behavior, some measures have been introduced in fast food chains in France.

“Recently, McDonald’s started using coded access for their restrooms. They lock the toilets to prevent non-customers from using them, and to enter, you have to input a code printed on your receipt. This system was probably introduced due to poor manners. In Japan, public toilets are everywhere, and whether it’s in a restaurant or convenience store, they’re free to use! I’m not sure if any place other than Japan offers such clean facilities with all the amenities.”

All images are for illustrative purposes only