This co-hosted podcast episode focuses on the American tipping culture and the hosts' contrasting experiences with it, particularly compared to Japan's non-tipping system. The discussion begins with a humorous anecdote about receiving sake from a friend, transitioning into a detailed critique of the mandatory tipping system in the US, its historical origins during the Great Depression, and its current evolution into a 20-30% expectation across various service industries. The hosts highlight the perceived arrogance of expecting tips for basic service and the unfair burden it places on customers, especially tourists unfamiliar with the custom. They contrast this with the high level of service in Japan, where tips are not expected, and suggest that employers should pay higher wages instead of relying on tips. The hosts conclude by expressing their preference for a system where the price includes service charges, eliminating the awkwardness and potential for conflict associated with tipping.
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