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Showing posts from October, 2026

Shoes Off, Slippers On, Slippers Off?

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Miyo: I didn't book a hotel for tonight, so we need to find a good and affordable one here in Niigata. Oh, look at that! The sign says, “ Natural Hot Spring! ” Mr. Cameroon: Yeah, that sounds good. I'm tired too. I came all the way from Africa, and we had a long drive today..  Mr. Cameroon:  Miyo, What is this say? Miyo: It says "The room has tatami flooring. Please remove your shoes before entering." Mr. Cameroon: What? Do I have to take off my shoes before entering the hotel room? Miyo: Yes. It feels good to walk barefoot on tatami. Try it. It's actually very comfortable. Anyway, let's go to the hot spring . Can you get ready soon? Mr. Cameroon: Sure. All I need is a hair dryer. Miyo: Mr. Cameroon, wait! You have to take off your slippers before entering the hot spring. Mr. Cameroon: What?! Take off my slippers too? Then what are the slippers for? First I take off my shoes, and now I take off my slippers. Japanese rules are complicated... Miyo: I ...

Lunch with Mr. Cameroon and a Visit to a Used Machine Warehouse

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Miyo: Mr. Cameroon, what would you like to have for lunch today? Mr. Cameroon: Well, since you planned tonkatsu — pork cutlet — for the Cameroon team today, I’d like to try it. Miyo: OK, then let’s go to a tonkatsu restaurant. Miyo: A table for two , please. Restaurant Staff: We’re sorry, ma’am. There are no seats available at the moment. Would you mind waiting for a while? Miyo: OK, then let’s get takeout again. We don’t have much time today. Mr. Cameroon: Wow... Our Cameroon team should have come here. Miyo: I know... Today, I ordered 16-grain rice instead of white rice. It’s very healthy and nutritious, and it costs the same. I’ll buy one for my husband, too. Miyo: They wrap it this carefully, even for just one takeout order. Mr. Cameroon, I think this shows one aspect of the Japanese spirit. Mr. Cameroon: Yeah, I was surprised when we visited Okabe Kikai today, one of your suppliers, too. Their warehouse was very well organized and very clean. In addition to that, their m...

Dinner with Mr. Cameroon

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Miyo: “What would you like to have for dinner tonight?” Mr. Cameroon: “Well, since you planned gyudon for the Cameroon team today, I’d like to try it.” Miyo: “OK. Let’s go to Yoshinoya. It’s one of the most popular gyudon restaurants in Japan. Since it’s getting late, let’s get takeout and eat at home.” Mr. Cameroon: “Wow... They should have come here.” Miyo: “I know. I’m very sad about that. But anyway, may I ask you something?” Mr. Cameroon: “Of course. Go ahead.” Miyo: “ Why are you so colorful? ” Mr. Cameroon: “Well, Miyo, every color has a story. I’ll tell you the story. But first... can I finish my gyudon?” Miyo: " Of course. I like your vivid colors" To be continued.  English edited and translated with ChatGPT Looking for Used Industrial Machinery from Japan? We supply quality used industrial machinery physically located in Japan. If you are looking for a specific machine, please feel free to contact us. 👉 View Available Machines 👉 Send Us an Inquiry   💬 Qui...

The Meaning of a National Flag

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🇯🇵 この記事を日本語で読む → note Recently, I had the experience of raising the national flag at a factory site. It was the first time in my life that I had ever raised our national flag. As I raised the flag, I found myself thinking about how many people had died under this flag during the war. I also thought of the many young men who boarded aircraft knowing that their mission was not designed for them to return alive. As I thought about this, I felt a deep sense of respect and bowed to the national flag from the bottom of my heart. I bought a Cameroon flag to welcome the team from Cameroon. I named him “Mr. Cameroon.” Tomorrow, I will travel to Tsubame City with him. I will visit factories and our suppliers and sincerely apologize in face to face for the inconvenience and disappointment we have caused them. I will treat Mr. Cameroon with the same respect as our own national flag. When I am not using him, I will keep him in a plastic bag so that he does not get dirty. And I have an wonderful i...

Lunch with A-san

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Today, A-san invited me to lunch. Me: Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes.... "You're right." "I'm sorry, A-san." "I should've done that." Then he treated me to pudding. I've been thinking about what it means to be a "real friend" or a "true friend." Is true friendship something universal? I don't know.  Maybe the meaning varies from country to country. English edited and translated with ChatGPT Looking for Used Industrial Machinery from Japan? We supply quality used industrial machinery physically located in Japan. If you are looking for a specific machine, please feel free to contact us. 👉 View Available Machines 👉 Send Us an Inquiry   💬 Quick Question? Contact Us on WhatsApp Global Sales Partners Welcome Connect buyers with us and earn commission on successful sales. Just share. We handle the rest 👉 Global Sales Partner Program Japan Trading | Olive Net Co., Ltd. — Business for Peace Your Trusted Sourcing ...