– Vol.11 –
ARC teacher Mimi Sensei will answer your questions regarding Japanese language.
Ａ：
One day I was abroad on a subway train, and I saw this scene where every time an elderly passenger got on the train, everyone jumped up from their seats to make space for them.
I was surprised by how many times seats changed and people who were sitting stood up immediately to let others sit. I’ve never seen such a thing in Japan.
Is it because Japanese people are cold? More than that, I think Japanese people hesitate too much, even though they want to give up their seat. “I’m still young enough to stand!” Many people may think that. And if you end up saying “Please, have a seat”, some people will more likely respond “It’s okay to stand up!” rather than “Thank you!”.
It’s rare but sometimes you can hear on the train someone saying “How rude you are to think I’m that old!” …
It’s hard to take actions when you think of the other person that much. But in no way Japanese people are cold… That’s what I want to believe at least！ 😊
