5. Greetings, Kindness, and Misunderstood Condescension Artwork

Bike Chats with an Expat

My name is Lacey and I'm an American living in Japan with my husband and 2 kids. In my early days living here, I used my short morning commute to call friends and family back in the states. I made those calls from the comfort of my very own bicycle. Those bike chats minutes were salve to my soul and now I'd like to share that same time with you. So, come on with me in my mama-chari (Japanese mom bike) and let's chat!

All Episodes

Bike Chats with an Expat

5. Greetings, Kindness, and Misunderstood Condescension

December 07, 2022 • Lacey the Expat • Season 1 • Episode 5

Greetings are so important in Japanese culture! As is kindness. Not gonna lie, though, sometimes my American-ness can get in the way of interpreting kindness as such... It's really a bummer!

Given the many many stories I've heard from other expats I know I'm not the only one that has misinterpreted someone's kindness as condescension or conversation topic as a little odd.

Let me know in the comments what cultural confusions you've experienced!

Support the show

Please be sure to share this show with any expats and friends and family members of expats.

Connect with me over on Instagram: @lifewithlaceywhite

Bike Chats is a part of Nozomi Today Ministries, a ministry devoted to proclaiming the gospel in Japan. Your support (through prayer and financial means) for Bike Chats also supports other Nozomi Today endeavors! Thank you, Viewers Like You, who make this stuff possible!