As a fan of Japanese humor, I’ve spent years helping foreigners make Japanese friends. They also get to learn about Japanese culture in a fun, easy way. If you want to connect with locals, impress Japanese friends, or maybe even spark a romance, this guide has the best Japanese jokes for you.
Here are 10 conversation starters and the best Japanese jokes. These are guaranteed to make any Japanese person, with a sense of humor, smile. All complete with pronunciation tips so you can really nail the delivery.
10 of the Best Japanese Jokes to Use on Japanese People
1. “コンビニが便利すぎて住みたいくらいです！”
Pronunciation: kon-bee-nee gah ben-ree soo-gee-teh soo-me-tai koo-rai des!
Translation: “Convenience stores here are so awesome, I want to live in one!”
Japanese convenience stores (コンビニ, konbini) are legendary. From hot meals to socks and toothpaste, they have everything! By showing appreciation for these beloved stores, you’ll score laughing points. Try saying how amazed you are by the range of goods—especially late at night.
2. “アニメと現実の日本がほとんど同じで驚きました！”
Pronunciation: ah-nee-meh toh gen-jeet-soo noh nee-hon gah ho-tohn-doh oh-na-jee deh oh-do-ro-kee mash-ta!
Translation: “Anime and real-life Japan look almost identical! I’m shocked!”
Anime is a huge cultural export from Japan. Telling locals that the places, people, and atmosphere feel just like your favorite anime scenes is a fun way to connect. Japanese people love to hear that visitors notice these little similarities.
3. “お辞儀を真似したら、頭をぶつけそうになりました…”
Pronunciation: oh-jee-gee oh mah-neh she-tah-rah, ah-ta-mah oh boo-tsu-keh soh-nee nah-ree-mah-shta…
Translation: “When I tried to copy the Japanese bow, I nearly bumped my head!”
Japan’s bowing culture is unique and can sometimes be tricky for foreigners to master. Mention how you almost bumped heads trying it out, and you’ll get a laugh! Japanese people will appreciate your effort to understand local customs—even if it ends in a funny mishap.
4. “カプセルホテルで寝たけど、宇宙船の中みたいでした！”
Pronunciation: kah-poo-seh-ro ho-teh-ro deh neh-tah keh-doh, oo-choo-sehn noh nah-kah mee-tai deh-shta!
Translation: “Sleeping in a capsule hotel felt like being in a spaceship!”
Capsule hotels are a unique experience. Calling it a “spaceship” will make Japanese people smile. It also shows that you appreciate Japan’s futuristic side. They’ll appreciate your sense of adventure!
5. “日本語を練習していたら、アニメキャラみたいになってしまいました！”
Pronunciation: nee-hon-goh oh ren-shu sh-tey-ta-rah, ah-nee-meh kyah-rah mee-tai nee nah-tte she-mah-shta!
Translation: “When I practiced Japanese, I ended up sounding like an anime character!”
Exaggerated anime-like Japanese is a real phenomenon for beginners. Telling a local they sound like an anime hero is a fun way to add humor to the chat. I’m sure they’ll love hearing your best impression!
6. “初めて銭湯に行ったら、タオルの使い方で大混乱しました！”
Pronunciation: ha-jee-meh-te sen-toh nee eet-ta-rah, tah-oh-ro no tsu-kai kah-tah de dai-kon-ran she-mah-shta!
Translation: “I was totally lost with the towel rules at the public bath!”
Public baths (銭湯, “sentō”) are a unique part of Japanese culture. Share a story about your towel mishap—like not knowing where to put it! Japanese people will laugh at the “common foreigner experience” and might even share their own sentō stories with you.
7. “美味しいラーメン屋さんを見つけると、心が叫びます！”
Pronunciation: o-ee-shee rah-men yah san oh meet-su-keh-ru toh、 koh-koh-ro gah sah-ke-bee-mahs!
Translation: “When I find delicious ramen, my heart shouts with joy!”
Japanese ramen fans are passionate. Express your love for ramen, and they’ll relate right away. Mention how each bowl feels like a culinary adventure, and Japanese people will understand your enthusiasm completely.
8. “靴を脱ぐ文化を学んでから、自分の家でも脱ぐようになりました！”
Pronunciation: koo-tsu oh noo-goo boon-ka oh mah-nah-n-deh kah-rah, jee-boon noh ee-eh deh-moh noo-goo yooh nee nah-ree-mah-shta!
Translation: “After learning about the no-shoes culture, I even started taking off my shoes at home!”
Japanese people love hearing that you’re adopting their customs. When chatting about taking off your shoes at home, even as a joke, it shows you respect Japanese traditions. They will appreciate this gesture.
9. “箸でうまく食べられなくて、まるで子供みたいでした…でも練習中です！”
Pronunciation: ha-shee deh oo-ma-ku tah-beh-rah-reh-nah-k-teh, mah-roo-deh koh-do-moh mee-tai desh-tah… deh-moh ren-shoo choo des!
Translation: “I couldn’t handle chopsticks properly and felt like a kid…but I’m practicing!”
Using chopsticks is difficult, and people always appreciate your effort. Sharing your chopstick challenges will get a good chuckle, and Japanese people may even offer you some quick tips!
10. “日本語の『すみません』が便利すぎて、どこでも使ってしまいます！”
Pronunciation: nee-hon-go no ‘soo-mee-mah-sen’ gah ben-ree soo-gee-teh, doh-koh deh-moh tsu-kah-tte she-ma-ee-mahs!
Translation: “The word ‘sumimasen’ is so useful, I use it everywhere!”
“Sumimasen” (すみません) is a word that means everything from “excuse me” to “thank you” to “sorry.” Tell a story about how you found yourself using it constantly. Japanese people know how versatile this word is, so they’ll laugh and appreciate your keen observation.
So there you have it—ten surefire ways to bring some humor into your interactions in Japan. Whether you’re in the big city or a small town, these little gems of humor will help you connect. Who knows, it might even make you the star of the conversation. Enjoy your time in Japan, and fill it with much laughter and joy using these Japanese jokes!
Japanese Humor: What Makes Japanese People Laugh?
Japan has its own unique “laughing points,” often based on observation, subtlety, and a little self-deprecating charm. Also, Japanese people love to see foreigners trying to speak their language, and just a little effort goes a long way!
Even small attempts to speak Japanese—especially if you bring in a bit of humor—will make locals feel closer to you. Humor here often isn’t about grand gestures. Instead, it’s about showing that you’re enjoying and appreciating Japanese culture and daily life.
If you try any of these Japanese jokes in this guide, you’ll likely get a warm smile or maybe even a laugh. You will often get a quick response or a compliment on your Japanese.
Remember, Japanese people enjoy meeting foreigners. Showing interest in their language and culture will help you feel welcome. So dive in, enjoy the laughter, and you’ll make amazing memories here in Japan!
