A recent online post by a woman named Akko has sparked discussions about an unusual incident she witnessed at a beach shower area. The situation involved a group of junior high school girls appearing confused and unsure about how to handle a foreign woman who was using a public washbasin for laundry. Despite attempts to communicate through a translation app, the girls couldn’t convey the issue to the foreigner.
Akko recounted the experience, noting, “When I arrived at the beach and went to the shower area after swimming hours had ended, I saw a group of junior high school students standing outside, looking confused.” These young girls were perplexed by someone using the washbasins to wash clothes, a behavior not typically accepted and possibly seen as against the norm in Japan.
The foreign woman using the washbasins was alone and appeared to be washing swimwear, using detergent she had brought with her. The situation left the basins occupied and unavailable for others. The junior high students debated whether they should inform the woman that her actions were inappropriate according to Japanese customs.
Akko explained to the students, “If someone wants to use the faucet, try to politely intervene. Communicate it’s because they want to use it and not because it’s a rule. The idea that ‘it’s against the rules in Japan’ might not get through, as cultural perspectives can differ.” She pointed out that her husband, who is American, uses similar methods to resolve cultural misunderstandings gently.
Ultimately, the students decided not to approach the woman, highlighting the challenge of dealing with cultural differences in public spaces.
The incident highlights the difficulties many Japanese people face when interacting with foreigners due to cultural differences. With a record number of international tourists visiting Japan, such cultural clashes are becoming more frequent, prompting questions about the best ways to communicate comfortably with people from different backgrounds.
Akko suggests that if behavior seems inappropriate, clear intentions or reasons for needing a resource should be expressed, possibly using a polite, conversational approach. She emphasizes the importance of understanding that communication may not always be successful. Moreover, instead of relying on one-sided declarations like “this is wrong,” she proposes explaining cultural nuances such as, “In Japan, it’s customary to be considerate of those around us,” thus respecting both cultures involved.
As foreign tourism increases, exploring effective communication strategies will remain a priority in Japanese society. Akko reflects on the resonance of her post, stating, “I didn’t include any strong opinions in my post. I merely described the situation. However, the response suggests many people encounter similar scenarios and uncertainties. Highlighting these common experiences allows us to reflect on our assumptions and understandings.”
by MagazineKey4532