Japanese Deaf Community Center

Yesterday, I was fortunate to visit a Community Center in Sakai-Higashi, Osaka. 

Every Wednesdays from 1:00pm - 4:00pm, many Deaf and Deaf-Blind Japanese people meet together, share information, and catch-up with each other.

It's great to see that there is a community center where people can come together and be a part of their community. 

There's something about meeting people face to face, joking and laughing with them.

Even though the average age was about 65-70 years old, everyone was so Genki and high spirited!  

It was such a great experience.

                                                                                                                      - Danny Gong

Japanese Sign Language: 店 (mise) Store

The JSL sign for "Store" is easy to do. Just move your hands, as if you were displaying your items for sale on a table.

店 (mise) Store

店 (mise) Store

Here is a video:

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素麺 (Somen) Thin Noodles

Somen noodles the opposite of Udon noodles.

They are ultra-thin white noodles, even softer than Angel Hair pasta!

During a hot summer day, Somen noodles are super delicious when served cold with 

めんつゆ "Mentsuyu" (noodle sauce)  and ねぎ "Negi" (thin scallions).

 

素麺 (Somen) Thin Noodles

素麺 (Somen) Thin Noodles

Click on the Amazon links to buy some Somen noodles, Sauce and Negi cutter: 

日本手話『すみません』JSL "Excuse me"

Hello everyone, 

If you ever wonder how to Survive in Japan (or Asian in general)? Just say "Sorry".  

 

"Excuse me" (sumimasen) is probably the most often used JSL/Japanese daily word.

(Arguably, the words "Cute" (kawaii) & "Delicious" (oishi) come very close.)

 

Japanese people say "Sumimasen" for almost any situation:

1. Late to work: Say, "Sumimasen" 

2. Enter an elevator (with people already inside): Say, "Sumimasen" 

3. Opening a door for someone: Say, "Sumimasen"  

4. Get the top score on a test: Say, "Sumimasen"   

5. Win the Nobel Prize: Say, "Sumimasen"  

6. Receive a nice compliment: Say, "Sumimasen"   

7. Giving money: Say, "Sumimasen"  (So Japanese)

8. Receiving money: (First refuse, 3 times) then say, "Sumimasen"  followed by "Arigato Gozaimasu" (So very Japanese)

 

Use "Sumimasen"  in any situation and Japanese people will feel that you are a very "respectful" person. 

Lowering your "Ego" is considered to have "Wonderful manners". 

Think of the "Samurai Way" (Not be selfish, complain, or think you're the best).  

"Excuse me" (sumimasen) is probably the most often used JSL/Japanese daily word.

"Excuse me" (sumimasen) is probably the most often used JSL/Japanese daily word.

日本手話『ダメです』JSL for "No Good"

Here is the JSL version of "NO".

A 3rd version of JSL "NO".

A 3rd version of JSL "NO".

Another JSL version of "NO"

Another JSL version of "NO"

When older Japanese men want to say "No" (especially to foreigners), they usually cross their arms in an "X". 

Easy way to say no in Japanese Sign Language. Even Japanese hearing people, use this sign.  

Easy way to say no in Japanese Sign Language. 

Even Japanese hearing people, use this sign.  

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酒 (Sake) Means Liquor! Not "Rice Wine"!

Many people think that the Japanese word "Sake"（酒）means Japanese Rice Wine.

But this is a terrible misconception... 

 "Nihon Shu"（日本酒）means "Rice Wine".  

Nihon Shu, is the standard image of a "small ceramic bottle and shot glass / tiny plate".

Here are the many different types of liquors in Japan:

1. Beer（ビール）= 80% of beers are usually Lagers. Hard to find Ale and Pilsner types.

2. Shochu（焼酎）= Similar to Vodka, but usually 20% - 25%  alcohol content.

3. Nihon Shu（日本酒）= Liquor made from rice. 

4. Ume Shu（梅酒）= Plum wine.  

5. All other spirits = Tequila, Vodka, Whiskey etc...

Many people think that the Japanese word "Sake"（酒）means Japanese Rice Wine.But this is a terrible misconception... 

Many people think that the Japanese word "Sake"（酒）means Japanese Rice Wine.

But this is a terrible misconception... 

Japanese Plum Wine is very sweet and easy to drink. Want to know more? :