The Other Side
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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Workplace ARUARU
Small moments of Japanese people abroad, seen by the people around them.
ARUARU is Japanese for those familiar “that happens!” moments.
ARUARU stories
Before the Request
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 Place at the Table
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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The Meeting Room
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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The Snack Label
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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The Calendar Check
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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The Shared Umbrella
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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The Silent Audience
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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The First Sip
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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The Lunch Meeting
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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A Little More Space
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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The Paper Exchange
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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