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In my free time, I like to search out interesting articles about Japan. I am always interested in learning more about Japanese Culture and Society. Today I stumbled across an article entitled:
“Japanese middle-aged 'rent men' paid just to listen to people afraid of being judged”
(Click on the link to open)
The article, as the title suggests is about a middle-aged man who quite simply is paid to listen to people, strangers really, who have something that they want or need to talk about but there is no one who can or will or should listen. As I read this article, I thought about how many of my students may have the same need, the desire to talk and share a problem or concern, but how society dictates that they remain silent in order to maintain harmony. Below are a few quotes from the article that I found interesting:Those who use the service say it allows them to forget the expectations of their family and friends and speak freely — an option which experts say is especially useful in Japan, where social roles can be tightly defined and expectations are rigid.
"There's a different 'me' depending on whether I'm with my friends, my family, or my boyfriend," said Nodoka Hyodo, 24, after her session with Mr Nishimoto. I create a 'me' in relation to others. Here, all that disappears because I'm talking to someone I don't know ... thanks to him, I feel like I'm understanding myself better."
Psychologist Hiroaki Enomoto noted Japan has social norms governing what can and cannot be said even with close associates.
"It's difficult to know how to express yourself without bothering someone else."
I have great respect for my Japanese students and the Japanese culture, but sometimes I feel everyone needs to break the rules! Everyone needs someone to talk to about what is troubling them or causing them stress in their life. EVERYONE!
If you would like to talk, I hope you will request a lesson.
