Unique Experiences in Japan: From Sumo to Pregnant Commuters

Japan is a unique and fascinating country that offers a wealth of experiences that set it apart from other destinations. While the majority of my time in Japan has been marked by pleasant memories and intriguing encounters, there are a few experiences that stand out due to their strangeness and the cultural insights they provided.

Strange Experiences in Japan

Sumo Challenge in the Fields of Nagoya

One of the most memorable experiences I had during my 40 years living in Japan occurred 30 years ago in Nagoya. At the time, my work involved hiring and training English language teachers for a chain of language schools across Japan. After a new hire had moved into her apartment, I escorted her back to the train station, passing through an open field on my way back.

As I was walking through the field, I was approached by a middle-aged Japanese man who was visibly tipsy. Despite the likelihood of attracting attention for being a foreigner outside of Tokyo, I decided to engage him in Japanese. Back then, I was a larger man, weighing around 260 lbs, while the man stood at a mere 5'2" and 120 lbs. He requested an impromptu sumo match in the middle of the field. Instead of being offended, I decided to take him up on the challenge. We faced off, and within a few seconds, I easily picked him up and set him down outside our imaginary ring.

The man was perfectly content with the outcome and even shook my hand before he stumbled away, amused by the situation.

Language Misunderstandings in Yokohama

On another trip to Yokohama, a Japanese friend and I were walking down a street when a man tried to usher us into a bar by saying “shakuhachi.” Being a fan of classical music, I was intrigued but didn't realize that the word "shakuhachi" could also have a different meaning in the context we were in. This encounter highlighted both the richness and the subtleties of the Japanese language.

Challenges of the Commuter Train

Pregnant Mother on the Train

One of the less positive experiences I’ve had recently involved observations on Japan’s train systems. In the early morning rush hour, I noticed a pregnant mother traveling in a fully packed train. She wore a circular badge with a cute picture of a mother and a child, reading “There is a baby in my stomach” in Japanese, which helped others recognize her pregnancy.

For the first five consecutive days, despite her challenging stage in life, she did not receive any offers of seats from fellow commuters. This situation, while stark, highlighted a broader issue: many people are often too engrossed in their own lives or distractions to notice those in need of assistance, such as pregnant mothers, the elderly, or those with disabilities.

The lack of willingness to offer seats is concerning, as sudden train stops can lead to accidents. This lack of consideration not only affects the pregnant mother but can also impact the safety of all passengers. It is important to remember that offering a seat to these individuals is not just a matter of kindness, but also a matter of social responsibility.

Encouragement for Small Acts of Kindness

To those reading this, I encourage you to consider the pregnant mother in the train as you would your own mother or daughter. Offering a seat is a small act of kindness that can have a significant impact on someone's day. Remember, our responsibility is not merely to offer but also to ask if the person would like the offer. By doing so, we can help make public transportation a more comfortable and inclusive environment for all.

Conclusion

Japan is a country brimming with unique and diverse experiences, from engaging in cultural challenges to the daily struggles faced by some of its commuters. Through these experiences, we gain a deeper appreciation of the culture, its customs, and the importance of empathy and kindness.

Let us all strive to be more aware and considerate of the challenges faced by others and offer our support where we can.