6 Comments
User's avatar
Geoff Nathan's avatar

This exactly matches my experience. My late wife and I dropped into a tiny yakisoba joint. We were the only ones in there, and we sat at the bar/grill. The owner/chef had a mimeographed 'English' menu. We chose something and she cooked it up right in front of us while we 'chatted'. Her English was very limited, I had a semester of Japanese in graduate school forty years ago. It was delightful.

Expand full comment
Katherine Brodsky's avatar

I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of your wife, but sounds like you've had a wonderful experience there. It's these smaller, intimate experience of casual human connection that we often truly cherish.

Expand full comment
Stephen Klimczuk-Massion's avatar

Reminds me of my many past business trips to Japan... where I never had a bad day or a bad meal!

Expand full comment
Katherine Brodsky's avatar

It's really such a wonderful place to explore. I hope I get to go back soon.

Expand full comment
User's avatar
Comment deleted
Mar 31
Comment deleted
Expand full comment
Katherine Brodsky's avatar

Yes, I've never had to worry in Japan. I'd drop something and strangers will chase me down to give it to me. I should set up an experiment and film it next time I'm there.

I really hope you get to go. I think you'll enjoy it and your wife speaks Japanese, so...

Expand full comment
User's avatar
Comment deleted
Apr 1
Comment deleted
Expand full comment
Katherine Brodsky's avatar

Wow, I didn't know that about South Korea. Been wanting to go there also!

Expand full comment