Mar 14 2008
Communicating in Japanese
While I realise it’s easy to be cutesy and sprout all sorts of quotes from favourite manga and doramas (e.g. “Iku iku! GO! GO! Ore GO GO! — Nakatsu Shuichi, Hana Kimi), it’s not quite the same kettle of fish trying to communicate in Japanese to a native.
I came to this conclusion after doing my hair at Komachi Hair Cult at Liat Towers.
I’ve only been to Komachi twice, by reservation of course and it is replete with Japanese hairstylists and customers. Amid the snipping, buzzing and occasional comical antics, you do hear a background of steady Japanese flowing back and forth. My requested hairstylist, Nakamura Minako-san, is a sweet gentle lady who really knows what to do with my hair despite the fact that I don’t.
I suffer from two ailments when it comes to opening my mouth and sprouting some good ol’ Japanese. Firstly, what if I say something stupid or completely wrong… or even worse, RUDE? Secondly, will I be able to catch what they’re saying? The first time I went, it was purely English communication, with the aid of an assistant who tried his best to interpret for me. The resultant hairstyle was brilliant although frankly, that had nothing to do with me making any requests.
The second time, however, I managed to ask Nakamura-san whether she was doing okay. And that started a whole string of Japanese conversation. Mind you, I didn’t speak very much, but we communicated in Japanese throughout though I got stuck in a few places. Like when she asked me what I wanted to do with my hair. Well, I didn’t quite know what either.
I must also mention Jirou-san, an assistant who washed and massaged my scalp. He’s a slight fellow, but his fingers are so strong. The head massage was just fantastic. My scalp felt all hot after that purely from the resultant blood circulation.
Sooooooo… next time I head to Komachi, which should be in three months time or less, I will hopefully have gained even more confidence to speak up. In a couple of years, you might hear my voice on some anime playing a cutesy fangirl.
Ehehe!
Miyano Mamoru 宮野 真守, notable seiyuu from series such as Death Note and Gundam 00
