Sep 15, 2016 - 1 min read

Nihonjin – People of Japan

Kind and friendly people you can meet in Japan

By Elena Lisina

Community writer

Students of my master-class at the Fantanima exhibition

Doll artist, Ihunke, from Miyagi at his exhibition in Tokyo

Very friendly maiko at Sumioshi Taisha of Osaka

Hospital owner of the Arabique Gallery, Osaka

My favorite family restaurant in Yudanaka and its owners

The store of what not in Narai (cat not for sale)

That man kindly explained about the traditional Narai treats he made

Kokeshi master at his workshop, Kokeshi-Mura, Miyagi Prefecture

Tsujimura Juzaburo shows his famous TV puppets to his visitors

The family that runs a restaurant in Ito

The master of wooden toys in Ito shows his work

Okonomiyaki chef in Hiroshima was really great!

Mimura family at their Belle Amie studio in Matsmoto

Floral designer presented me an exotic flower

That girl sang me a song while preparing ice-cream

That woman was really fascinated with the works by artists

Idols like Kame you can meet only on posters :)

This boy with his dog kindly guided me to the station in Toba when I was lost

I prefer to travel alone because I think it’s the best way to watch and enjoy things I like to personally visit or admire on my own free time and will. In the course of that process, I meet many people! I have found that Nihonjin, or Japanese people, are very hospitable, friendly, and helpful. If I get lost, there is always somebody kind enough to help me find my way around the area. Many people, especially in the countryside or in an onsen, are curious and ask me where I am from. Even with my poor Japanese conversation skills, the Japanese people are still interested to know! During Fantanima exhibitions, I taught a master-class of traditionally clothed dolls to children and adults alike. It is always lots fun and laughter! If I was interested in somebody’s work, other masters very willingly showed me their work and tried to explain the best they could. I like the way Japanese receive customers, so I feel easy at any cafe or a shop. I’m looking forward my next visit with great anticipation!