History told us that Japanese soldiers
during the first World War were not that “kind” to us Filipinos, but I hope we
can move on to the next chapter of History that we have to create for the future
generation. It is not of course impossible for things to change and mostly when
it comes to people having “intellectual capacity” to perceive things differently and even change for
the better.
I have these countless misconception
about Japanese People. The moment I hear a Japan Citizen – what comes to my
mind is the fearful(?) ‘Yaku-- Organization and Japan's ultra-famous sharp-edged Samurai. I felt
like running seeing a sight of Nihonjin around. It so happened that I have met two
Japan Citizens who had changed my perception on them.
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| Photo taken by: Mrs. Lee-Yap Nakajima Yr. 2002 |
I formerly worked in a Japanese Heavy
Equipment Trading Firm. The Company’s President, Mr. Nakajima is of
pure-Japanese blood – his partner Mr. Sasaki (former owner of Multinational
Village) too have not just became my big bosses but also friends as well as
their wives and children – having Filipina spouses.
Although I can not speak Nihonggo, I
have just learned a few – our communication medium is the English
Language. Here are the things I found
out that I really like about them:
-Japanese people are minimalist, very
simple. They prefer function over design. They are very practical people.
Visiting their residence when the family has special occasions, I have seen
that they have a table for the purpose of a place to put their plates and
glasses while eating. They are not the type that splurges on very expensive
antique or famous designer-brand furniture and fixtures. Take note, they can
afford it but still…
