To Durian or Not to Durian

Durian seems to be everywhere these days. What really caught my attention was the buzz in Miri this January, when free durians were distributed to the public. People queued, chatted, laughed, and of course debated—because durian has that special power. Some people absolutely love it; others cannot even stand the smell. Whether you enjoy eating it or prefer to keep your distance, durian has a way of starting conversations wherever it appears.

This is why I found a YouTube video by iChang, particularly interesting. In the video, she approaches durian with curiosity rather than fear. Instead of finding it strange or unpleasant, she reacts positively and even enjoys the experience. Her response gently challenges the assumption that Japanese people would naturally dislike durian. It reminds us that taste, much like language, is something we explore, practise, and gradually become comfortable with.

So this brings us to a question worth reflecting on. What fruits do you enjoy, and which ones do you tend to avoid? In Japan, fruits such as melons, strawberries, and persimmons are often celebrated, while durian remains unfamiliar and daring. Learning English can feel the same way at first. New sounds, expressions, and conversations may seem intimidating—until you give them a try. So why not take a lesson with me (click on the lesson link below) and see where a relaxed conversation can lead? Like tasting a new fruit, you may discover that it is more enjoyable than you expected.

English	Near-Native
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