From Subtle Cues to Direct Demands: A Romanian's Culture Shock After Japan

A Romanian woman, after spending time immersed in Japanese culture, found herself in a humorous yet insightful predicament upon returning to her home country. Her experience sheds light on the subtle but profound differences in communication styles between East and West. While in Japan, she recounted an instance at a karaoke bar where the air conditioning was excessively strong. Accustomed to the Japanese cultural norm of 'reading between the lines' (sassuru bunka), she subtly indicated her discomfort without explicitly stating she was cold. To her surprise and appreciation, a friend noticed her subtle cues and proactively requested a blanket from the staff for her. "That's something that I don't think would really happen in my country," she reflected on the Japanese friend's empathetic action. However, this ingrained habit led to a moment of reverse culture shock when she returned to Romania. During a car ride with a friend, the air conditioning was again very strong, and she, once more, silently endured the cold, expecting her friend to notice. Her Romanian friend eventually observed her discomfort and, instead of offering a blanket, confronted her directly: "Why didn't you say so earlier? You've got a mouth, don't you?! It doesn't make sense to have one if you don't use it!" This incident, while initially jarring, served as a clear reminder of the stark contrast. In Japan, indirect expressions and seeking empathy from those around you are common, often through softer phrases like "Isn't it a bit cold in here?" rather than a direct request. In many Western cultures, including Romania, direct communication is expected and valued, emphasizing clear expression of one's feelings and needs. Her story humorously illustrates how deeply cultural norms can influence even the simplest interactions.

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日本に慣れすぎて母国で怒られた外国人が話題！察する文化は日本独特 日本ははっきり言わなくても通じるのが便利 | LIMO | くらしとお金の経済メディア

SNS上では外国人が日本の文化やグルメに驚く投稿が注目を集めます。今回は「@mrfuji_from_japan」さんがTikTokに投稿した「日本に慣れすぎて母国で怒られた外国人」をご紹介します。