Unfortunately the presenters haven’t heard of or read any of the studies that all have shown that the Masters of self-restraint aka Japanese react exactly the same way as “unrestrained” Westerners. If they’re shown pictures with disgusting, funny or sad content they make the same faces as any American or European would do. But they wouldn’t dare making those faces as long as the investigator of the study is in the same room. As soon as the investigator leaves the room Japanese look exactly like anybody else, reaction-wise. But only if they don’t feel observed.

Anybody really surprised?

Paul Ekman and others have shown and investigated this over and over again, always with the same outcome.

… and by that token, I’m dubious as to whether the second Japanese dog is really that Japanese. When was that breed introduced to Japan?

I guess the show’s just trying to be funny without being serious, and I enjoy a good laugh, but I dunno. It just doesn’t make me laugh. Not to mention I’ve heard plenty of loud Japanese people (Ehhhhh?!). They may be few and far between, but they’re dead set on making up for their quiet countrymen.

How is that not big?

I’m so glad someone else noticed this. It’s so, so true.

female jdogs squeal and whine loud like they’re always in pain ;0

However, why is it OK to ascribe temprements to breeds of dogs and cats, but not to races of humans? Is the genetic difference between a Tosa and a Lab greater or less than between a human Japanese and a Brit/Canadian?

Anyway, what’s all this about allegedly muted Japanese reactions? Has anyone seen any o-warai shows(which, in fact, this bit seems to be taken from) recently and all the hysterical and exaggerated reactions? How about Japanese soaps and dramas with the screaming fights, big teary scenes, and bug-eyed shock? How about the “areees” “eeeehhhs” and other boisterous chatter found at any izakaya and among students of all ages at pretty much any location? I’m not criticizing this behaviour- it’s fine by me- but characterizing Japanese as having restrained responses??? It seems the sample must have been limited to train and subway riders.

As the food tastings, yes, but to say something isn’t “delicious” is sort of a social err in Japan.

It’s true that Americans have more facial expression (it’s a conditioned part of communication in the States), but from my perspective Japanese move their bodies way too much in conversation. Their facial expression is transferred to their body.

These are products of social communication. Another difference is that Japanese tend to over-console, to the point of it feeling like condescension, although that wasn’t the intention.

Next time you watch a Japanese reporter go to America for a story, take notice of how they look wired on caffeine compared to the people around them. Or watch Sayuri on the Korean show Global Talk Show (미녀들의 수다) as she makes her own comments about Japanese reactions. ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9BTlZI_9_c&feature=related )

And of course all TV food tastings are over-reacted to as well.

Maybe the Japanese dogs just believe in the mystical.<= This is a B.S. observation but just as valid as the shows dog observation.

Though I do not disagree with the shows premises that the Japanese restraint their emotions a bit.

Why can’t Japanese TV just stick to what they’re good at – borderline dangerous stunt-driven variety shows?

It’s so true!! I’ve noticed in Japan that I have bigger reactions than most of my friends! It’s just a part of Western culture I guess. ^^