Communicating In Japan -essay-

Many foreign customers come to my work place, and I have a question about the languages they speak.

I work at a Japanese pub in Akasaka-mitsuke. That area is an office place, so I rarely see young people. Many foreigners work in Akasaka-mitsuke. Also foreign customers often come to drink at my pub. Mostly they come with Japanese co-workers, or friends.

Now, what language do you think they are talking in: English, or Japanese? I think most people would answer that they are talking in English, because if I were asked this question, of course I would say “English”. The answer is English. Approximately ninety percent of foreign customers talk in English, and also Japanese customers speak English with them.

When I found out, I wondered why they spoke English. Maybe at their work they usually talk in English, or sightseeing people may not understand Japanese, so Japanese need to use English. However, I think at least people who are working in Japan should understand Japanese, because they live in Japan, and to live here they need to understand this language. However, most people talk to me in English. When they come to the pub entrance, they say to me, “I have a reservation, or Are there any seats spare?” Of course they don’t even know if I speak English, but they don’t speak Japanese. As for me, I usually don’t talk to foreign customers in English, because I don’t think I need to use English. Only when they don’t understand Japanese, I speak English. Sadly most foreign customers don’t understand Japanese, and some people use Japanese, but it’s rare.

However, there may have some reasons why they don’t speak Japanese though they live in Japan. People who work here may have some help from their companies so that they don’t need to use Japanese. They may have lots of friends who speak English helping with them their private lives, or even if they want to speak Japanese, they may not have an opportunity to study Japanese.

Don’t you think they need to understand Japanese? Do you think we should speak English? In my opinion, as a Japanese, I want to speak Japanese, because it is not an English-speaking country. English is a world language, and we need to use English when we talk to people from all over the world, but in this situation, I don’t think I need to use English. That’s why I want them to understand at least a little bit of Japanese as long as they live in Japan, and I want to communicate with them in Japanese.

Holiday ends

School starts again from this Friday.

I went to Shibuya with my friend, Nozomi, and I had a great day. It's been a while I go shopping there, I sometimes went shopping in shibuya when I was a high school student, but now I usually go there just to get CDs at HMV, at times I go clubbing but I don't go shopping or walk around there, because I don't like crowded places like Shibuya.
I went there to get a new CD today as well. I thought I would go there alone at first, but Nozomi didn't have any plan for today so I hung out with her. We walked around, went shopping, and it was so much fun! And I like it there now! lol Something in my mind the feeling has changed. I still don't like the crossing in front of the station though.
It was great anyway. I had fun.

I've got Travis new album, The boy with no name.
It's so nice!

Recent music

I listen to music at any time. I like almost any kind of music, but especially I like dance, trance, rock(not too loud) music.

I've got the CD about a month ago, and it is my recent favorite music. She used to be a member of Sugababes, so this is her first solo album. Her song is mainly R&B, but also it includes pop and dance.

Well this weekend I had to finish some assignment, luckily the weather was not good, so I concentrared on it. I went to the beach today though. I just strolled. But I need to protect from suntan cos I tan quickly, and I go to Okinawa this summer.

I wanna get a new MP3!!!

Future

About my future.
I want to live in a foreign country, I think I will go to the UK or Australia.
Cos I want to speak English fluently, and wanna learn UK accent. That's why I choose these two countries.
I have ever been to Australia, and I like it there. I haven't been to the UK, but I am interested in European histories, cultures, etc.

Well I have some more reasons I wanna go abroad, but I stop writing about it now. I think I will write later.

In this class, I wanna improve all kinds of English skills. Especially Speaking/Listening skills.
I've got a TOEIC result yesterday, and it was 665. I hope to get more than 730 before I graduate.

Jasmine-cha

This is my first time to write here.
hmm...I have no idea what to write though.

Just I say "Hi!"