A Japanesey Tale
December 15, 2004
I’m trying to integrate categories into my updates with Japan being one. This story fits perfectly. There’s a fellow at work, Marc, who lost his wallet a few days ago. Just when he was about to go and cancel everything, someone called him into the office. Apparently, some Japanese guy found his wallet and turned it into the police station. The police station informed the employer (I’m guessing because some work information was in his wallet?). In this country, your employer is very much responsible for you even outside the office. The police like contacting your company to get to you. Anyway, the deal now is that Marc has to arrange for a time to meet this Japanese dude. Traditionally, because he did you a favour by turning in your wallet, you’re supposed to buy a gift for him and thank him. He will then give you a receipt which you then take to the police station to claim your wallet.
Because Marc’s Japanese ability is limited, he’s going to have to ask someone to help him call this dude in Japanese. By doing this favour, Marc’s gonna have to buy another present. When he told me about his predicament, I was about to burst out laughing. It’s so typical of this country to make something as simple as claiming your lost wallet as confusing and difficult as this. Here’s to you, Marc!
