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112. "Hope You Speak Japanese" — An Unexpected Conversation
I considered walking out of a tiny Tokyo restaurant because it felt uncomfortable, unfamiliar, and way too hard to navigate in English. It seemed like every head turned when we walked in, the menu was handwritten in Japanese, and then a “free delicacy” landed on the table that looked like chopped-up worms. That moment could’ve ended with us retreating to the nearest convenience store and calling it a night.
Instead, I took a bite. It was raw baby squid, and it was actually delicious. That tiny choice sparked a conversation with a local man named Hiro and, somehow, turned into the funniest, sweetest connection of our entire Japan trip. We talked, laughed, and even sang Country Roads together when it started playing in the restaurant. It reminded me how rare real connection can be when most interactions as a tourist are quick, polite, and transactional.
You never know what's waiting on the other side of an awkard moment. This episode is a reminder to stay open, say yes, and not walk away too quickly — in travel, in networking, and in life. Subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review so more women can find Her Next Chapters.
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Work with Me
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Book a 30-minute Resume Review with Christina - live on Zoom, recorded, and focused on one goal: getting you interviews.
Want to talk through your career goals and explore next steps?
Schedule a career consultation to see how I can support you.
Email me directly at [email protected]
Connect with me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kohlchristina
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Free Resource
Grab the Strengths-First Resume Template - ideal for career transitions, whether you’re returning after a break, navigating a layoff, pivoting roles, or ready for a change.
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By Christina KohlI considered walking out of a tiny Tokyo restaurant because it felt uncomfortable, unfamiliar, and way too hard to navigate in English. It seemed like every head turned when we walked in, the menu was handwritten in Japanese, and then a “free delicacy” landed on the table that looked like chopped-up worms. That moment could’ve ended with us retreating to the nearest convenience store and calling it a night.
Instead, I took a bite. It was raw baby squid, and it was actually delicious. That tiny choice sparked a conversation with a local man named Hiro and, somehow, turned into the funniest, sweetest connection of our entire Japan trip. We talked, laughed, and even sang Country Roads together when it started playing in the restaurant. It reminded me how rare real connection can be when most interactions as a tourist are quick, polite, and transactional.
You never know what's waiting on the other side of an awkard moment. This episode is a reminder to stay open, say yes, and not walk away too quickly — in travel, in networking, and in life. Subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review so more women can find Her Next Chapters.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Work with Me
Want an HR expert’s eyes on your resume?
Book a 30-minute Resume Review with Christina - live on Zoom, recorded, and focused on one goal: getting you interviews.
Want to talk through your career goals and explore next steps?
Schedule a career consultation to see how I can support you.
Email me directly at [email protected]
Connect with me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kohlchristina
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Free Resource
Grab the Strengths-First Resume Template - ideal for career transitions, whether you’re returning after a break, navigating a layoff, pivoting roles, or ready for a change.