Why Japanese Don’t Say No (Bread “Ears” & NYC Culture Shock)

In Episode 6 of Nihongo to English (No Show), Michelle and Michael talk about New York through a Japanese cultural lens—and stumble into a surprisingly deep conversation about boundaries, politeness, and the power of saying no.

What starts as travel talk turns into a lesson on how everyday experiences shift when language and culture collide. From New York energy and sensory overload to small misunderstandings like “bread ears,” we explore how Japanese learners navigate unfamiliar expressions—and how meaning can get lost, softened, or completely reinvented in translation.

Along the way, we compare Japanese indirectness with American and British communication styles, unpack why “no” often comes wrapped in politeness in Japanese, and share the small, practical phrases that help you sound natural without feeling rude. It’s less about perfect grammar and more about reading the room, choosing tone, and knowing when silence says enough.

This episode is about language as social navigation—how to listen between the words, protect your energy, and communicate clearly across cultures.

Highlights

• 🗽 New York culture through Japanese eyes
• 🍞 Language confusion moments (yes, “bread ears”)
• 🚫 The power of “no” in Japanese vs. English
• 💬 Indirectness, politeness, and setting boundaries
• 🌍 Cross-cultural communication in real life

Keywords

Learn Japanese, Japanese culture, Japanese vs American communication, saying no in Japanese, New York culture, bilingual podcast, language and identity, cross-cultural humor

Email: nihongotoenglishnoshow@gmail.com

Original Theme Jingle by Michelle MaliZaki