Just Wanted My Lashes Done - Ended Up Falling Into a 4D Black Hole

Life Reset Journal by Sio

My first lashes salon in Tennoji used Google Translate, but the result was so-so. Then I tried one in Namba and loved it. I decided to stick with it.

But the 2nd visit I fell into a 4D black hole.

The beautician fired off rapid Japanese. I showed her my phone, but she didn’t even glance. I pleaded in broken Japanese for her to check my phone, but she still didn’t care.

Her lips kept moving, her voice drifting from a 4D space. Just as I spaced out, she paused, spoke slowly and clearly, “If you don’t speak Japanese, please don’t come again.”

I got it. Like a slap to the face.

Not speaking Japanese disqualified me from existing. The humiliation hit hard, the universe was pushing me out. Even I know 6 languages, here I was nothing.

After that, her words kept looping in my mind.

She wasn’t mean, just firm with her boundary. In Japan, many shops turn away foreigners not out of dislike, but fear of miscommunication or mistakes. Less risk, less trouble.

People say Japan should be more language friendly. But honestly, the world loves Japan far more than Japan willing to understand the world.

Looking back, I’m oddly grateful. That one line snapped me out of denial. I can’t keep hiding behind a phone. I need to step into Japan’s reality and live by its rules.

I need to speak Japanese, not just to get by, but to feel I belong here.

Sio

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

Follow @anotherlifeclub and restart Another Life with me.