Surprising facts about watching a movie in Japan

The experience of watching a movie is very straightforward. You buy your tickets, sit, watch, and leave. I always thought this simple process made for an entirely universal experience, but after my moviegoing experience in the States, I realized different styles perhaps exist depending on the country. 

For example, in the States, I was so surprised by just how vocal everybody was. Laughing out loud, cheering, clapping, and gasping–it almost felt like a big movie night with friends. Also, as soon as the end credits started rolling, half the audience was already gone! 

jake hills 23LET4Hxj U unsplash

It’s funny because in Japan, everyone is very quiet throughout the screening, so as not to disturb others. And this might surprise any American readers but people here watch the entire end credits and only stand up to leave once the lights in the movie theater turn back on.