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[00:01.37] Antoinette: Well, Warren, you know, we’ve been talking about the fact that we both live in Japan and that we’re both from Western countries.

[00:07.12] Tell me, how do you feel about Western eating utensils compared to Japanese eating utensils?

[00:15.62] Warren: Well, you know, even in Japan, they use Western utensils sometimes. But overall, I do like chopsticks.

[00:24.62] I think it’s very handy. It’s just easier to pick up certain things.

[00:31.37] When I first came to Japan and saw people eating salad with chopsticks, I thought it was very strange.

[00:37.12] But if I tried to eat it with a fork now, it’s actually very difficult to pick up things like lettuce.

[00:43.12] And I prefer using chopsticks for things like that.

[00:46.37] Antoinette: When you first started using chopsticks, did you get hand cramps?

[00:50.37] Warren: Not so much because – I can't recall when I started using them, but I actually, I became comfortable with them before coming to Japan.

[01:01.62] Antoinette: That’s good to know.

[01:03.37] Warren: Uh-hmm.

[01:04.12] Antoinette: Well, what about sleeping? How do you sleep? Do you prefer a bed or do you prefer the Japanese style futon?

[01:10.87] Warren: Well, it’s funny you say that. At first, I hated the idea of this thin little mattress but I did find that it’s actually quite nice for my back.

[01:20.87] I actually prefer it to Western beds because it’s better for my back. But I don’t like sleeping on the floor.

[01:30.37] I like being higher up.

[01:32.12] Antoinette: So a high futon.

[01:36.12] Warren: If I could get like, you know, a tatami mat that’s raised with a futon mattress on top, that would be best for me.

[01:44.87] Antoinette: You know, I think I’ve seen things like that in the stores, a platform bed with tatami.

[01:50.37] Warren: Oh, that sounds nice. I should look for that.

[01:52.37] Antoinette: Yeah. I should find one for you and point you in that direction.

[01:55.37] Well, what about bathing? The Japanese are famous for their onsens and the way they bathe.

[02:01.62] So do you prefer a Japanese style bathing situation or a Western-style shower?

[02:08.37] Warren: Well, I actually much prefer the Japanese style now. When I go back home, I find it quite difficult.

[02:12.87] I like to be able to clean myself before going into the bathtub.

[02:20.37] Antoinette: That’s a good thing. I do enjoy that as well. What about the custom of taking your shoes off before going into a house?

[02:31.12] Warren: Well, that doesn’t bother me too much. Growing up in Canada, I always took my shoes off coming inside anyways. I don’t think it’s as much of a ritual in Canada but many people do it just to keep a clean house.

[02:45.12] But sometimes, if I run out and I forget something like my car keys and I want to just run back inside, I’ll tend to want to keep my shoes on rather than taking them on and off every single time.

[02:56.87] Antoinette: Okay, tell me. Confess now. Do you sometimes keep your shoes on and go into the house?

[03:02.37] Warren: Yeah, sometimes I have. But I’ve caught my wife doing it a couple of times too, and she’s Japanese. So I guess I’m not that bad.

[03:09.37] Antoinette: Hey, I don’t think so. I do it, too. What about sitting on the floor versus sitting in chairs? Which do you prefer?

[03:14.87] Warren: Oh again, I really dislike sitting on the floor.

[03:20.12] It isn’t very comfortable for me. I’m a little bit tall. I have long legs and I don’t seem to have a place to put my legs when I’m on the floor.

[03:28.62] Usually, my legs will fall asleep quickly and my back will start to bother me. So I prefer to sit up in a chair.

[03:34.87] Antoinette: Oh yes. I guess my last question refers to eating habits – well, meals and how they’re served.

[03:48.87] Do you prefer to eat meals that are served to you individually or do you prefer to eat and share your food?

[03:55.87] Warren: Well, that’s a good question but I don’t know if I have a preference.

[04:01.62] I like the idea of eating all sorts of different things, so it can be fun eating in a Japanese style sometimes. But there are times where do I like to just have my own meal in front of me as well.