A post on China's SNS, Xiaohongshu (RED), titled 'You should absolutely never joke with Japanese people,' garnered significant reactions.

According to the poster, they have a Japanese colleague they have known for over a year. They usually have a good relationship and often chat. Sometimes, the colleague asks for help with work. However, the other day, when the colleague asked for a favor again, the poster unconsciously blurted out 'Oh, what a hassle,' with a feeling like among Chinese people.

At that time, even though the poster said that, their hands were still moving to help. But the colleague's expression completely changed, and they said, 'Why would you say something like that? I've helped you many times before, haven't I?' Furthermore, the poster was even suspected of 'not genuinely wanting to help.'

The poster wrote, 'In China, especially among men, isn't this kind of interaction quite normal? In fact, the more they complain or tease each other verbally, the closer their relationship is. With someone you're not that close to, you would instead adopt a polite and reserved attitude.'

The poster said that at the time, 'I was stunned because I really just meant it as a joke,' and it was only after repeatedly explaining 'it was a joke' that the colleague finally understood. The poster pointed out, 'Chinese people often have the sense that while they might not be reserved with their words, they will properly do what they are asked. On the other hand, Japanese people place more importance on the words themselves that are spoken, rather than what is actually done.'

And they wrote, 'It's not about which is right or wrong. I just think it's a difference in how a 'close relationship' is expressed and perceived.'

In response to this post, Chinese netizens shared experiences such as, 'When I used to work at a Japanese company, a Japanese colleague asked me, 'Why did you decide to work in Japan?' and I said, 'I committed a crime in China and ran away.' Of course, I immediately said it was 'a joke,' but for the next 7 years, they only gave me forced smiles.' These stories garnered a lot of empathy.

Additionally, voices such as 'Don't arbitrarily represent Chinese people,' 'Nationality doesn't matter. Even if the other person is Chinese, they'd be like, 'What do you mean by that?'' 'Even in China, if you say something like that, the other person would be confused.' 'There aren't many Chinese people who tell jokes like that either.' 'I think it depends on the region, but Chinese people probably dislike such jokes too.' 'Saying such things is only common in northern China, in the whole world.' and 'I'm from northern China, but I've disliked such jokes since birth. If you take it seriously, they'll say 'Can't you even understand a joke?', so you're forced to accept it. I think there are quite a few people like this.' were raised.

Besides these, comments such as 'Offensive words do not equal jokes,' 'Even Chinese people would dislike it, right? If someone helps you and then grumbles about it, you'd feel resentment. A joke that isn't funny isn't a joke.' and 'Actually, there are many people in China who dislike being spoken to bluntly. Think about it. If you help someone and then say something that offends them, you gain nothing from helping them. What's the point of that remark?' were also received. (Translation/Editing by Kitada)