The Phone

Talking on the phone in Japan is a procedure. There are no quick phone calls. First, you start out by saying “hello” and giving an elaborate introduction of yourself in the most formal language possible. Then you apologize for disturbing the other person (both people do this). Then, the conversation can go anywhere, but it always consists of a lot of agreement. A friend of mine counted 32 enthusiastic “hai!”s in a row when one of his teachers was on the phone. When the conversation is finished, both sides apologize to one another. Often, this is accompanied by bowing – to the phone – usually just the head and shoulders, but I’ve heard tales of deep, from the waist, full body groveling – to the phone.