Say It To My Face

July 15

It is hot. Hot and humid. Today was the first day that has been really uncomfortable since I’ve been here. At least there was a hint of a breeze today. The Management Supervisor told me that he thinks that this is the end of the rainy season. I was momentarily heartened until he said, “Now, it will just get hotter. With no wind.” I’ve spent the rest of the day congratulating myself on the skillful way I timed this trip. July: rainy season; August: hot, mid-summer season; September: MONSOON season.

The Japanese are very diplomatic people as evidenced by their custom of tatema’e (diplomatic speech). For example, everyone I meet makes a point to say, “Colleen-san, your Japanese is so good!” when clearly, such is not the case. The opposite of tatema’e is hon’ne (one’s true feelings). Don’t believe me? Click here.

Real world example: yesterday the office was particularly hot. As I mentioned in an earlier post, Japanese women seem never to show their arms, no matter how hot it gets (see “World’s Greatest T-Shirt" #5). Well, yesterday, this one woman, who happens to weigh about 98 lbs., was wearing a black, long-sleeve turtleneck sweater. I had taken my jacket off and was wearing a sleeveless silk top. I passed her in the hall and this was the exchange:

SKINNY, tatema’e: Colleen-san, samui desu ka? (Aren’t you cold?)
[SKINNY, hon’ne: Colleen-san, please cover up those flabby arms!]

ME, tatema’e: Oh, ii e. Atsui desu ka? (No. Aren’t you hot in here ?)
[ME, hon’ne: Are you f-ing crazy? It’s July, it’s 94 degrees in here and you’re wearing a turtleneck? And another thing, eat something!]

On a happier note, I’ve finally found a friend at work. Her name is Yuki and she’s a delight. She speaks excellent English (thanks to a few years of living in various English-speaking countries) and is bright and funny. I am also forever indebted to her because she found a new gym for me.

The “TokyuOasis” is fabulous and only a 10-minute walk from my apartment. We did a quick tour of it last night and I went back tonight for a trial workout, unfortunately not free. Yuki and I also went to dinner last night. I miss my girlfriends back home, so I’m thrilled to have someone to hang out with.