awkward situation
Living in a foreign country has its trials and tribulations. There are all new customs and sometimes a new language you have to learn, creating a situation that can be really frustrating and depressing. Then one day you wake up, turn on the TV and suddenly, “Huh, I kinda get what’s going on here,” and you know you’re finally ready. It’s time to speak to the locals…with confidence!
In Japan, a very interesting thing happens though. You may speak close to native level and yet the Japanese person will respond back in ENGLISH. Has this happened to you?
“How do you feel when you speak fluent or reasonably good Japanese to a Japanese person and they insist on answering you in English?” Foreigners were asked this question on Japan Today and it was shared by Madame Riri, a Japanese blogger. What do both parties have to say about this? More after the jump!



Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary
A spotlight on Japanese singles figure skating: Jumping into the 2026 Olympics【Pt. II】
Japan’s suicides fall to lowest recorded number ever, but one demographic hits all-time high
McDonald’s Japan partners with anime English teacher, but did they commit a cultural error?[Video]
12 toilet oddities around the world that surprise Japan
Hot sandwich maker becomes hot dessert maker with super-easy choco banana pie recipe【SoraKitchen】
Act of Japanese kindness touches one man’s heart, provides hope for elevator etiquette
Chinese classroom introduces roller coaster-style desks, hopes to protect kids’ eyesight
Everyday Japanese names that make English speakers chuckle
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Japanese man gets drunk and falls asleep on Tokyo streets, then gets robbed by foreign national
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
420 million yen in cash-filled suitcases stolen on Tokyo streets, incidents at Haneda and Hong Kong follow
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
12 toilet oddities around the world that surprise Japan
Hot sandwich maker becomes hot dessert maker with super-easy choco banana pie recipe【SoraKitchen】
Act of Japanese kindness touches one man’s heart, provides hope for elevator etiquette
Chinese classroom introduces roller coaster-style desks, hopes to protect kids’ eyesight
Everyday Japanese names that make English speakers chuckle
How to turn your leftover instant ramen broth into delicious chawanmushi Japanese egg custard
The mystery of the phantom “sake pass card” at Japanese alcohol vending machines
British couple in shorts, T-shirt call for rescue from Japanese mountain, say it’s too cold for them to move
A robot joins the team at a fast-food restaurant, but in an unlikely city in northern Japan
Anna and Elsa come to life: The best Halloween costumes of the year?【Photos】