japan on S Anand

You only eat plants

Sat, 02 Dec 2006 12:00:00 +0000

UTSUNOMIYA, Japan, Dec 1998. I was on a project with Honda R&D at Utsunomiya, Japan.

And I’m vegetarian.

The next day, Yoshioka-san – our counterpart at Honda – took us to the canteen and introduced me to the chef. Knowing that “vegetarian” in Japan includes eating fish and birds, I took the chef aside.

“I’m vegetarian,” I emphasised.

“Hai. Vegetarian.”

“I don’t eat fish.”

“Ah, so. No fish.”

“I don’t eat chicken. No birds.”

“Ah, so. No chicken.”

Pause. He looked puzzled. Just to be sure, I added, “I’m vegetarian.”

He thought for a long while, and then said,

“So, you eat only plants?”

P.S. I was finally served rice with brocolli. I ate it with pepper.

Comments

Theanand 4 Dec 2006 5:46 pm: interesting, myself anand from cochin, india, doin my grads here. saw ur site while searching for anand. . . .keep rocking, all the best
Anand Subramanian 4 Dec 2006 5:46 pm: nice site. . .
Pradeep 2 Dec 2006 12:00 pm: Ha :)

I had a similar experience in China and was offered lettuce leaves in vinegar.. I then remembered scolding my mom 2 months back on how the vathha kuzhambu was not up to the mark.
dhinakar 2 Dec 2006 12:00 pm: Niyalin Arumai Veyilil Teriyum…

Hikaru Dodorango

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Hikaru Dodorango is a trend in Japan to polish balls of mud until they shine. More on Hikaru Dodorango.

Teacher in Japan

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Hilarious anecdotes from an American teacher in Japan.

Comments

Anonymous 22 Dec 2005 8:51 am: Good stuff Anand - and great placement of the link on Anecdotes - needed it after the example on leasing !!

Hongo-san turned 115 yesterday

Tue, 17 Sep 2002 12:00:00 +0000

Hongo-san turned 115 yesterday. But she slept through it. She sleeps two days, and stays awake for two days. The secret of longevity?

New forms of life

Wed, 27 Feb 2002 12:00:00 +0000

The Japanese are creating new forms of life. (OK, they just created new bases.)