Insert HTML hereLet me tell you a story…
In this episode, I share a cultural experience that many foreigners encounter while living and working in Indonesia. Besides the American and Japanese examples mentioned in the episode, I have heard similar stories from people of other nationalities. Their reactions made me realize how easily everyday customs can be taken for granted until we see them through the eyes of someone from a different culture.
Through this episode, I hope listeners can enjoy a story told in Japanese while also gaining a glimpse into Indonesian culture and the different ways people communicate across cultures.
同じ出来事なのに、文化が違うと受け取り方も大きく変わることがあります。
このエピソードでは、インドネシアで働く外国人がよく経験する、ある興味深い出来事についてお話しします。エピソードの中ではアメリカ人と日本人の例を紹介していますが、実は私自身、ほかの国の人たちからも似たような話を聞いたことがあります。
今回の物語を楽しみながら、インドネシアの文化や異文化コミュニケーションにも触れていただければと思います。
When in Rome, Do We Absolutely Have to Do As the Romans Do?
In this episode, I share a funny experience I had while shopping at a Papaya Fresh Gallery, a Japanese supermarket, in Indonesia. What I first thought was simply a group of customers carefully choosing their dinner turned out to be something completely different.
Here it is, about cultural differences: “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” Is following local customs always the best choice? Indonesians have been taught since an early age, “Di mana bumi dipijak, di situ langit dijunjung.” But are there times when we should keep the good habits we already have? Aren’t there times when we should share our best?
A young sales attendant has an unusual talent: she can persuade customers to see value where others see flaws—even in a long-sleeved shirt with two missing buttons.
The Wrong Choice is a work of fiction I wrote. May you enjoy my storytelling in Indonesian.
二つのボタンがなくなった長袖シャツでさえ、お客様にその価値を信じてもらえる――そんな不思議な才能を持つ販売員の女性。『誤った選択』は、私が執筆したオリジナルのフィクションです。インドネシア語での語りを楽しんでいただければと思います。
Convinced that his new shirt has transformed the way others see him, the manager proudly wears it to work. But as the day unfolds, confidence gives way to misunderstanding, frustration, and an unexpected confrontation.
This concluding episode of The Wrong Choice is an original work of fiction written by me. Beneath the story of a shirt lies a timeless question: when our choices lead to unwanted consequences, do we accept responsibility—or do we look for someone else to blame?
The Wrong Choice is a work of fiction I wrote. May you enjoy my storytelling in Indonesian.
新しいシャツを着たことで、自分を見る周囲の目が変わったと信じる部長。自信に満ちた一日は、やがて思い違いと苛立ち、そして思いがけない出来事へとつながっていきます。
『誤った選択』後編は、私が執筆したオリジナルのフィクションです。一枚のシャツをめぐる物語の奥には、「自分の選択が思いどおりの結果にならなかったとき、人はその責任を受け止めるのか、それとも誰かのせいにするのか」という普遍的な問いが込められています。
インドネシア語での語りを楽しんでいただければ幸いです。
