Understand or Not — SOP Continues

Into The Japanese Mind  by Sio

I once asked a metro staff for help. He nodded politely and fired off a long string of fast Japanese. I said, “English OK? Google OK?” He stared at me, then repeated it even faster. I was furious. Was that a joke? He knew I didn’t get a word! Why keep going?

These robotic responses shows up everywhere — at banks, gyms, post offices. No matter how confused I look, the lines just keep firing.

Then I met a teacher I could finally understand. She spoke slowly, used simple words, even gestures. Turned out she had studied Chinese and lived abroad.

I realized most Japanese never learned to think another way. One language, one logic — not unkind, just never trained to slow down, rephrase, or gesture to help others understand.

In Japan, saying the right thing by the book makes you “correct.” Language isn’t for communication — it’s for obeying the system. As long as the SOP runs, your confusion doesn’t register as a problem.

People who’ve learned a second language know — if someone doesn’t understand, you slow down, change words, try another way. Cos language is for connection, not just proving you understand yourself.

They say Japan is another world. Maybe they never needed to be understood. I once thought it was not knowing how — but maybe it’s a choice. Aren’t we the same? Sometimes, even in our own tongue, speaking vaguely to shut people out.

Sio

Resetting life in Osaka after years in the UK, France, Spain, Canada & Argentina. Seeing people and cultures from many sides.

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