10 Ridiculous Japanese Stereotypes All Japanese People Hate (But Still Hear All the Time in 2025)

30 April 2025

There are stereotypes about every kind of person, and the Japanese are no exception. Like many misconceptions, some are loosely based on truth that’s been wildly exaggerated—others are just completely off the wall. While many people assume there’s some truth to them, getting to know Japan and its culture can quickly prove otherwise. So let’s break down how these stereotypes came to be—and what the real story is behind them.

Here’s our Top 10 Most Ridiculous Japanese Stereotypes.

10) JAPANESE PEOPLE SPEAK EXCELLENT ENGLISH

Did you take a foreign language in high school? What do you remember? Probably not much, right? Well, Japanese students also study English for years at school, but just like many others, they focus more on written grammar than spoken fluency. Only students who are genuinely interested and practice outside of class tend to get really good at it.

Many Japanese students do just enough to pass their English exams—and once they graduate, they forget a lot of it. Combine that with the fact that the average Japanese person rarely needs English in daily life, and you’ll find that most people’s English skills are pretty basic. That said, English is still all around in Japanese society—as seen on everything from packaging to hoodies. So don’t be too surprised if people don’t speak fluent English during your trip to Japan.

9) ALL JAPANESE PEOPLE EAT WHALE AND DOLPHIN MEAT

Yes, Japan is more likely than other countries to serve whale or dolphin meat—but it’s way less common than you might think. It’s about as rare as eating alligator or squirrel in the U.S. It happens, but not regularly.

During World War II and the postwar years, whale meat was a cheap and abundant source of protein. That’s why it was more widely eaten back then. Today, you might still see packaged whale meat in stores, but it’s not something most people eat. It’s about as rare as seeing people regularly wearing traditional kimonos or geta sandals—it’s part of the culture, but not a daily norm.

8) JAPANESE GRILL RESTAURANTS ARE CALLED “HIBACHI”

Time for a mini Japanese language lesson: the item in the photo above? That’s a real hibachi. Not what you expected? That’s because in North America, the word “hibachi” is often used incorrectly to refer to teppanyaki-style grills.

A hibachi (literally “fire bowl”) is a traditional Japanese heating device—a round or box-shaped container used to hold burning charcoal. What many Westerners call “hibachi grills” are actually “teppanyaki,” which are iron plates used for cooking at your table. So next time you’re at a Japanese grill restaurant, feel free to (politely) correct your friends.

7) JAPANESE PEOPLE ARE OBSESSED WITH PERSONAL SPACE

You might have heard that Japanese people are very reserved and don’t like physical contact. This may be somewhat true in terms of public displays of affection—like holding hands or kissing—but it absolutely does not apply to commuting on public transportation.

Trains in Japan are notoriously packed, and yes, people are crammed together. You will be bumped, squeezed, and shuffled around. If Japanese people were really that uncomfortable with physical closeness, rush hour wouldn’t look the way it does. So if you find yourself shoulder-to-shoulder in a train car in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, or even Fukuoka—don’t be shocked. It’s just normal life in Japan.

6) JAPANESE PEOPLE ARE STILL HAUNTED BY WWII AND XENOPHOBIA

Honestly, more Americans might still be bitter about Pearl Harbor than Japanese people are about Hiroshima or Nagasaki. A lot happened during World War II, and of course, some topics are still sensitive—but for most people in Japan today, the war is a thing of the past.

In fact, Japanese people tend to be very curious about Western and American culture, and are usually very welcoming. Sure, it’s not easy to become a Japanese citizen—but it’s definitely possible. Just like in any country, you can go from foreigner to full-fledged citizen with time and effort—and people will admire you for it.

5) ONLY JAPANESE PEOPLE CAN MASTER JAPANESE CULTURE

There are still people—both inside and outside Japan—who think only “true” Japanese (i.e., Yamato people) can truly excel in Japanese traditions, whether it’s the language or the arts. But that’s just not true.

Take sumo wrestling, for example. It’s one of the most iconic Japanese traditions, and yet for ten years, no Yokozuna (sumo grand champion) was Japanese—they were Hawaiian or Mongolian. And let’s talk about Jero, the first Black Enka singer in Japan’s history. Who saw that coming? So if someone tells you only Japanese people can do Japanese things well, just smile and show them the receipts.

4) JAPANESE PEOPLE ARE EXTREMELY POLITE

Have you ever been to Japan and felt like people were over-the-top polite? It might just be that they were being nice to you as a visitor—like you would be to a foreign exchange student in your school. Most Japanese people are polite, yes, but not more than the rest of the world.

That said, the Japanese language does have its own levels of politeness built into the grammar, which helps keep conversations respectful. And if you want to return the favor when you visit, try to learn a few basic etiquette rules so you don’t accidentally offend someone.

3) JAPANESE PEOPLE CAN’T HANDLE ALCOHOL AND ONLY DRINK SAKE

Sure, sake is Japan’s signature drink—but the idea that Japanese people only drink sake is just false. They also love wine and beer, just like people in Europe or United Staes. In fact, beer was once the cause of a literal riot in Japan—so yes, they take it seriously.

Now, about the alcohol tolerance part. It’s true that about 40–45% of East Asians have a genetic trait that makes it harder to process alcohol, which leads to the infamous “Asian Glow.” But those who don’t have that gene? They can hold their liquor just fine. You’ll see plenty of Japanese folks enjoying bars, izakayas, and drinks late into the night—so don’t assume they’re lightweights.

2) JAPANESE PEOPLE EAT SUSHI EVERY DAY

Yes, sushi is amazing. Yes, it comes from Japan. But no, Japanese people do not eat sushi every day. Japan has a diverse food scene—from tempura, ramen, gyoza, and yakisoba, to miso soup, sashimi, and matcha desserts.

Some Japanese people don’t even like sushi. It’s just one part of a massive food culture. Grocery stores in Japan do carry sushi, but it’s not a daily staple like rice or miso. So on your next trip, don’t be surprised if sushi isn’t served at every meal. You might find yourself loving okonomiyaki, curry, or even Japanese fried chicken more!

1) ALL JAPANESE PEOPLE LOVE ANIME AND MANGA

Kids in Japan watch cartoons just like kids everywhere else watch SpongeBob or Looney Tunes. As they grow up, many switch from anime to manga (reading is more chill than watching). But not every Japanese person is into it.

Just like comic book fans in the West are often seen as nerdy, anime lovers in Japan are often labeled as otaku. While almost everyone appreciates Studio Ghibli films (like how everyone loves Pixar or Disney), that doesn’t mean the average Japanese adult is bingeing One Piece on their days off. So don’t assume the guy sitting next to you on the train is a huge anime fan—chances are, he’s not.