JAPANESE ARUARU

Before the Question

A person listens patiently on the phone at home

A Japanese friend calls: “Is now a good time?” You say yes. “There’s something I wanted to ask.” You invite them to continue, and the question finally arrives. Even a short call can have several doorways.

Everyday ARUARU — More ARUARU

A recipient carefully peels tape from wrapping paper while a friend watches

Unwrapping Time

Give a Japanese friend a present and they may start searching for the edge of the tape. “You can tear it.” Still, the next piece is peeled off gently too. Before the gift appears, the wrapping becomes a whole sheet again.

Take a look

A person with a wet folded umbrella searches the shop entrance

A Place for the Umbrella

On a rainy day, a Japanese friend pauses at a shop entrance looking for an umbrella sleeve. No sleeve or stand is in sight, so they refold the umbrella and look again. Shopping first requires a place for the wet umbrella.

Take a look

Roommates watch television while one adjusts the volume with a remote

Between Loud and Quiet

Watching a film in an apartment, a Japanese roommate lowers the volume for an explosion. Dialogue becomes hard to hear, so it goes up again. As the film gets busier, so does the hand holding the remote.

Take a look

A guest sits on a sofa while the host sits on the floor against it

A Lower Seat

Offered the sofa at a Japanese friend’s home, a visitor sits on the cushions. The host settles on the floor, using the sofa as a backrest. Both are using the same furniture, just at different heights.

Take a look

A host directs a guest toward another chair at the dining table

The Usual Seat

At a Japanese friend’s home, you approach an empty chair and hear, “That’s Dad’s seat.” The other chairs seem to have regular occupants too. No names are written down, but the table apparently has a seating plan.

Take a look

Two friends share halves of sandwiches with different fillings

Half of Each

Presented with a large sandwich, a Japanese friend may suggest sharing halves. Another filling is ordered and divided too. Soon both plates hold the same combination. An order for one each has turned into a small tasting menu.

Take a look

One diner draws noodles toward their mouth while a friend looks up

A Sound at the Table

Eating noodles with a Japanese friend, you hear a slurp from across the table and look up. Your friend is calmly taking the next mouthful. The meal has simply acquired a soundtrack.

Take a look

Roommates inspect small wrapped portions in an open refrigerator

Little Fridge Parcels

After dinner, a Japanese roommate wraps even the smallest leftovers. By morning the fridge holds several bite-sized parcels. The shelf looks full, yet putting together lunch still requires a little more food.

Take a look

A person with keys and a bag reads a message after arriving home

One More Goodbye

Just after parting, a Japanese friend sends a message thanking you for the day. You reply in kind; they suggest meeting again. The goodbye that finished at the door makes one more round on the phone.

Take a look

A person points near their own nose while a friend holds a camera

Pointing to Yourself

While arranging a group photo, a Japanese friend points near their nose to ask, “Me?” Expecting a hand toward the chest, the photographer briefly checks their face. They agree on the person, just not the place to point.

Take a look

One friend offers calendar dates while the other hesitates

The Long Way to No

A Japanese friend answers a weekend invitation with “I’d love to, but that day is a little…” You suggest another date; the hesitation returns. What sounded like a scheduling discussion may already have been a gentle refusal.

Take a look

A recipient tastes a sweet while the giver makes a modest gesture

A Modest Box

A Japanese friend presents some sweets as “nothing special.” The recipient looks from the box to the giver and back. Then comes a taste. Whatever the introduction suggested, the sweets themselves are not disappointing.

Take a look