Hello, this is Sushi Hatake! Today, I’d like to share a small but meaningful story about cultural exchange that happened while I was on my way back to my hometown.

An Unexpected Encounter

Today, as I was heading to the highway bus terminal to return home, I was suddenly approached by a foreigner. He was looking for the bus station. Since he said he wanted to go to Nagoya and I was heading to the bus terminal myself, I offered, “Let’s go together,” and guided him there.

Along the way, we chatted, and he told me he works at an Indian restaurant. When I asked, “Are you from Nepal?” he confirmed that he was. It reminded me that many foreigners living in Japan have far more diverse backgrounds than we often assume.

A Journey to Nagoya

According to his story, he was on his way to visit a friend in Nagoya. He didn’t have a ticket yet and asked me about the price of mine. It seemed he was comparing the difference between online and in-person ticket prices. Very thoughtful! Whether traveling or living day-to-day, the mindset of trying to save money wisely is truly important, I thought.

Last-Minute Ticket Purchase

Once we arrived at the bus terminal, we checked the prices at the ticket machine. Even when checking the ticket sales website on his smartphone, the online tickets were only available for later in the evening...

In the end, he decided to buy his ticket at the machine. He seemed unsure about the process, so I helped him through all the steps. He successfully purchased a ticket for a bus departing one hour after mine. Even with a language barrier, you realize how much can be solved with just a little bit of help.

Communication Beyond Words

He asked me, “Are you Japanese?” When I playfully replied, “Do I not look Japanese?” he gave a sheepish smile (laughs). In the past, even customers have guessed I was from Manila, so I’m no longer surprised! Have you ever been mistaken for a foreigner?

Neither his English nor mine was perfect, but somehow, we managed to communicate. I, Sushi Hatake, have been studying English with the goal of working abroad, and I truly felt that these kinds of real-life situations are invaluable learning experiences.

Soon, it was time for my bus to depart, and we said goodbye. He said, “Have a good day,” and I replied, “You too.” It was a short but heartwarming interaction. If you ever have the chance to speak with someone from another country, don’t be afraid to try. Even if your English isn’t perfect, your feelings will come through!

Diverse Encounters in Tokyo

Tokyo is an international city, and you encounter people from many nationalities. These experiences really help broaden your perspective. As a sushi chef, I’m constantly training so I can share Japanese food culture with international guests.

I hope this recent experience will become a stepping stone for when I work overseas in the future. The more you feel the language barrier, the more important it becomes to try to understand each other.

For Sushi Catering and Sushi-Making Experiences, Leave It to Sushi Hatake!

Currently, I (Sushi Hatake) handle the Tuesday and Wednesday dinner shifts at Sushikawa in Sasazuka, while also offering sushi catering services and sushi-making experiences. We provide English support, so international guests and those with foreign friends can feel at ease when booking.

If you’re looking for an authentic Edomae sushi experience in Tokyo, leave it to Sushi Hatake! I would be thrilled to serve as a bridge for cultural exchange.