A new cultural controversy is brewing in Spain as a young Japanese man, known on social media as Shiin, has unexpectedly become the subject of heated debate following his candid revelations about life among Spaniards and the English. What started as a simple desire to learn Spanish turned into a true journey of discovery—not only for himself, but also for thousands of followers who are now arguing about who is truly friendlier and more open: the British or the Spanish.
Shiin arrived in Spain just a couple of weeks ago, but has already become a local street sensation. His videos, where he talks to passersby, have drawn thousands of views. The young Japanese man admits he was surprised by how quickly he began to understand and speak Spanish. Many believe he began learning the language long before coming to Spain, but Shiin insists his secret is constant practice and real-life conversation.
A clash of cultures
However, the real uproar began after Shiin compared Spaniards to the British. According to him, people from the United Kingdom are polite, yet tend to be cold and distant. In Spain, he says, things are just the opposite: people are open, quick to engage, and willing to help a stranger. This, admits the Japanese man, came as a real shock—pleasant, but a bit overwhelming at the same time.
In one of his popular videos, Shiin shares that in Britain he often felt like an outsider despite the polite manners of those around him. In Spain, on the other hand, he immediately felt at home—the locals welcomed him so warmly and quickly that he instantly belonged. According to the traveler, this difference changed his view of European countries and made him reflect on how important sincerity is in communication.
Language barrier
But not everything was so rosy. Shiin admits that the Spanish language turned out to be a real challenge for him. He was especially puzzled by the many forms of verb conjugation, which he says change more often than the weather in London. The Japanese traveler doesn’t hide his frustration: “In Spain, verbs change so often, it’s impossible to keep track of them.” This admission sparked a wave of support among Spaniards—many rushed to reassure the guest that in everyday life, complex forms are rarely used and, most importantly, he is perfectly understood.
A real discussion unfolded in the comments to his video: some people claim the Japanese guest already speaks almost flawlessly, while others share their own stories of learning the language. Some even admit they’ve long forgotten the complicated grammatical rules that intimidate foreigners in language classes.
Reaction of the Spaniards
The Spanish public greeted Shiin with unexpected enthusiasm. His sincerity and desire to understand the local culture earned him respect even from the most skeptical viewers. Many note that the Japanese traveler has become a kind of mirror for Spaniards, showing them how their country looks through the eyes of an outsider. Users were especially touched by his observation that in Spain, people aren’t afraid to express their emotions and are always ready to support each other.
However, there was some criticism as well. Some commentators believe that Shiin idealizes Spaniards too much and underestimates the British. Others, on the contrary, are convinced that such observations help explain why Spain remains one of the most attractive countries for living and studying.
New discoveries
Shiin’s journey continues, and each day in Spain brings fresh discoveries. He’s not only improving his language skills but also exploring traditions, cuisine, and the nuances of local life. His stories spark heated debates: some admire his courage, while others envy the ease with which he adapts to a new environment.
While some argue about who is truly friendlier—Spaniards or the English—Shiin keeps surprising his followers with new videos and unexpected insights. His experiences have already become a talking point in Spanish households, and some admit that the Japanese traveler has made them look at their own culture from a different perspective.
