It is normally rare to hear Japanese people say something to me in English outside my school, but over the last 4 days Japanese people said something to me in English 2 times! That’s amazing! The first time was last Sunday at a Starbucks Coffee shop in Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture. I, my wife and a friend ordered some food and drinks in Japanese. Then all of a sudden, the woman serving us said, with a nice smile on her face, “Just a moment, please.” I was surprised and happy to hear English! How kind of her to say something to us in English!
The next time was yesterday at DAIEI in Tsukaguchi, Amagasaki City, Hyogo Prefecture near my school. I brought a camera that I had bought at a convenience store to have some film developed. I said something about the camera to the assistant in Japanese. She couldn’t understand and asked me, in English, to say it in English! I was really surprised! She could speak English quite well! Wow! I happily told her what I wanted done and she understood right away. I really appreciated the fact that she could speak English!
I love having Japanese people say something to me in English! It shows me that they are interested in me and making an effort to communicate with me. I think that is a great thing! I encourage all Japanese people to do the same!
Derek Maeckelburg
Smith’s Tsukaguchi franchise
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