JAPANESE ARUARU
A Japanese colleague may open a chat with “Otsukaresama desu.” An overseas coworker checks a literal translation and finds a mention of tiredness, although it is still morning. Before reaching the actual request, the conversation becomes a quick check on how everyone is feeling.
You go to discard a misprint, but a Japanese colleague turns it over: “This side still works.” A few sheets become a small memo pad. On the back of today’s notes, yesterday’s finished documents are still at work.
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A Japanese coworker may open with “Sorry,” using it like sumimasen to get a colleague’s attention. The colleague looks up: “What happened?” All they need is to borrow a pen, but first comes the explanation that nothing has happened.
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A Japanese business contact may arrange the cards they receive in the order people are seated. When a colleague abroad moves to the next chair, a card on the table moves too. The people change seats, and the little paper seating plan follows.
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Invited to sit, Japanese coworkers may glance at one another and pause. Their colleague abroad has already taken a seat, while the other chairs are pulled out one by one. There is a place for everyone. The seating order just has not quite been settled.
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A colleague abroad asks what a sweet from their Japanese coworker tastes like. The answer may take a moment: “It is made with beans, but it is sweet…” Meanwhile, the colleague takes a bite. The snack has finished introducing itself before the explanation has.
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A Japanese coworker may repeat the month and day when arranging a date. Their colleague abroad repeats the numbers back, then points at a calendar. After several trips through the conversation, the two numbers finally settle into one square.
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When rain greets the end of the day, a Japanese coworker may pull out a folding umbrella. A colleague steps closer to share it, then sees how small it opens. First they look at the sky, then the umbrella. Suddenly, the walking distance needs discussing.
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Japanese coworkers may keep nodding through an explanation, then go quiet at a question. Their colleague abroad checks the screen: the nodding continues. The connection is working. It is just the reply that has yet to arrive.
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At a meeting, a Japanese colleague may reach for a cup, glance at the person opposite and pull back. Their colleague abroad pauses too. The conversation is already underway. Only the coffee is still waiting for someone to start.
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Asked for lunch ideas by a Japanese coworker, a colleague abroad may suggest a few places—and find themselves comparing photos and menus. Distance, portions, yesterday’s lunch. The morning meeting is over, but the lunch discussion still has an open agenda.
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Japanese coworkers may shuffle toward the edges when a group photo is being taken. Through the camera, their colleague abroad sees a gap right in the middle. Everyone is here, but the picture seems to be expecting one more person.
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On meeting a Japanese business contact, both people may offer their cards at the same moment. While they arrange a free hand to receive one, the two cards wait in midair. Before learning each other’s names, there is a small question of whose hand goes first.
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