Harper Irwin

12 hours of flying and scrambling through Hong Kong Airport I’ve finally arrived in Tokyo, with little to no food due to my food allergies as soon as I got to my accommodation I went straight to FamilyMart. I genuinely stood in that poor FamilyMart for so long in genuine awe of all the options available. Once I finally picked out my onigiri and went to the counter, repeating in my head what to say and how to pronounce it, I go over to the counter and say: “Konbanwa” to the FamilyMart cashier while handing my food, I see him glance over at me and start speaking English. This came as a surprise to me, I didn’t think that workers would speak English. Upon reflection, it does make sense since I’m staying in a tourist-populated area but I didn’t go in purely expecting them to speak English to me, I am in their country so I should speak their language. However, it is very kind and thoughtful how he noticed I looked like a foreigner and spoke English to make the interaction more easier for myself, when he didn’t have to do that. I’ve noticed most of Japanese people are so thoughtful and kind knowing basic English or even pulling out their phone to translate to help visitors, which I am beyond grateful for. So far I only know a few phrases in Japanese, However whenever I do use them, I think most Japanese retail workers do appreciate it as it shows how I’m trying to speak Japanese (even if my pronunciation isn’t very good) and sometimes they’ll smile or do a slight nod of appreciation. Some habit adjustments I’ve learned and implemented so far is only eating and drinking while sitting not on-the-go and only walking on cross-walks when the light is green or safe to do so (I saw this one tourist get fined for not abiding).