The video is about navigating food options in Japan without speaking Japanese. The host's brother and sister-in-law, who don't speak Japanese, are used as examples to demonstrate how to order food using picture menus, gestures, and limited phrases like "kono" (this) and "onegai shimasu" (please). The video covers various easy-to-access food options in Japan, including convenience stores, chain restaurants, food courts in shopping malls, and department store restaurants. It also provides tips, such as observing locals, using translation apps, and taking pictures of menu items to show to staff. The host emphasizes that even in remote areas, it's possible to get food without speaking Japanese, and encourages viewers to share their own tips for navigating Japan.
Here are the key facts from the text:
1. Convenience stores, also known as conbini, are a common place to find food in Japan.
2. Conbini are grab-and-go and do not require much interaction.
3. Onigiri, rice balls with fillings, are a standard food item at conbini.
4. Most onigiri cost around 100 yen, which is equivalent to about $1 USD.
5. Conbini often have a refrigerated section with items like sandwiches, soba noodles, and chicken katsu.
6. Some conbini have microwaves for heating food.
7. Chain restaurants, like comb beanies, are also easy to find and often have picture menus.
8. At chain restaurants, customers can order by pushing a button and pointing at the menu item they want.
9. Customers can say "kore onegai shima" to order, which means "this, please."
10. At chain restaurants, staff will usually only visit customers three times: to take the drink order, deliver drinks and take the food order, and deliver food and receipt.
11. If customers need help, they can say "sumimasen" to get the staff's attention.
12. Shopping malls are a reasonably easy place to eat, with food courts where customers can order at the counter.
13. Department stores often have a food section with a variety of restaurants.
14. Office buildings and department stores often have restaurants on upper floors, which can be a good option for finding food.
15. Some restaurants have ticket machines that customers can use to order.
16. Google Translate can be used to translate menu items and help with ordering.
17. In Japan, it's customary to clean up after eating and return dishes to the restaurant.
18. No tipping is expected in Japan, and it's generally not accepted.
19. In some areas, especially tourist areas, English is widely spoken and can be used to communicate with staff.
20. Even in remote areas, it's often possible to find food and get help from staff, even with limited Japanese language skills.