On a sunny day, a Japanese friend arrives under an umbrella. “Was it raining?” you ask, looking up. “The sun is strong.” Under the same clear sky, one person needs an umbrella and the other does not.
JAPANESE ARUARU
An Umbrella for Sunshine
Everyday ARUARU — More ARUARU
Bowl in Hand
At dinner with a Japanese friend, the soup bowl may rise with every sip. The host, who laid out a spoon, notices it is not needed. By the end of the meal, the spoon alone is still perfectly clean.
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The Unused Chair
At an outdoor pool with a Japanese friend, you might open your book just as they put on goggles and get in the water. After several lengths, they pause, then swim again. The neighboring deckchair spends most of the day holding a bag.
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One Piece Remains
Sharing food with Japanese friends, you may find one final piece left. “Go ahead.” “No, you.” The plate moves between them. The conversation has changed subjects, but that piece is still in the middle of the table.
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A Taste for Sushi
Invite a Japanese friend for sushi and you might hear, “I love it, just not raw fish.” They order omelet sushi, cucumber rolls and inari. A plate arrives, but its cast looks rather different from the one you pictured.
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