True.

You'll find that a lot of older generation Japanese people absolutely love jokes involving word play. However, you'll probably get the "WTF...that's so lame" reaction from the younger generation unless your joke was really witty or something.

I know this is old but it seems to me bumping a thread is fine around here.

My grandfather spent some time in japan singing and met a great group of people who still write him to this day. He had on video one time he tried to tell a joke lol

Since he speaks little Japanese he told it in English. They looked at him at first and then they all looked at each other and decided if it was a joke or not. Then when they realized it was and were sure they all began laughing.

It was the funniest thing, I suppose no one wanted to feel embarrassed and laugh at something no one else did. They probably didn't find the joke very funny though and were just being polite.

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neverhood wrote:

QUOTE:
Interesting! What about pranks and politeness?

Because you asked, the only thing I will provide is the word kanchou. Beyond that, you must search for yourself. Good luck young grasshopper!

I don't get Japanese jokes and sence of humor.

Example: A friend said: " I'm sorry for the strange question but what do you think of my face?"
I said: "what?"
And he repeated his question...then he added " Do you think I don't look clever?"
then i started talking nonsense explaining that he looks nice and that the appearance isn't the most improtant thing and so on.
He just said"I was joking"
And i was so ashamed. "Ah is that so" - was my silly reply