The other Washington!
Over the 25+ years of living here in Japan, I almost always get asked the same 5 questions whenever I meet someone for the first time.
We might have a short conversation at the cash register or a longer version of it while soaking at a hot springs. Fortunately, I love hot springs, and sitting naked in the bath sharing small talk with a woman I’ve just met who is equally naked no longer feels strange.
If we meet for the first time standing up, people always ask about my height. If we are sitting, the conversation most often starts with “Where are you from?”
My answer always goes something like this:
Marci: I’m from Washington State on the West Coast of the US, north of California, just south of Canada, not the Washington where the President is.
New friend: I’ve been to Washington before. I loved seeing the statue of Lincoln.
Marci: Oh, that’s wonderful. I’m from Washington STATE on the West Coast. You have heard of Seattle, right? It’s the largest city in Washington.
New friend: I didn’t know Seattle was near Washington. I thought it was on the West Coast.
Marci: Yes, that’s right. I’m from the other Washington.
Thanks to Seattle, Ichiro, Starbucks, and Microsoft, more and more people are aware of Washington State.
I’m surprised more Japanese people don’t know about it and yet, Washington is one of the top states where Japanese students study. In 2014 Washington State was ranked 11th for the total number of international students from all over the world according to IIE’s Open Doors data.
For me, there are 2 things that pull my heart back to Washington – the trees and The Mountain.
Years ago I would have said, friends and family were my connection to Washington and they are no doubt still important to me. However, because the internet allows me to stay close, and even reconnect with old friends, I don’t feel the tug on my soul from them as I do from the trees and mountains – especially Mt. Rainier.
If you ever get the chance to visit the Seattle area, look for the mountain. And, if the weather is right, get to know the mountain up close. Some of the best hikes in Washington are in the Mount Rainier National Park.
Can you guess what the other 3 questions are? Check back again to find out!
Top 5 Questions Japanese People Always Ask Me
1. How tall are you?
2. Where are you from?
3.
4.
5.
Photo Credit: “Mount Rainier over Tacoma” USGS/Cascades Volcano Observatory
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About the Author:
Hi! I’m Marci. I’ve lived in Japan for over 30 years, blending tech, language, and healing in my work. Through caregiving for my father-in-law with Alzheimer’s and supporting my husband’s cancer recovery, I discovered the importance of yoyu—having the time, energy, and emotional reserves to thrive. Now, I share these insights through writing, coaching, and creative projects. My upcoming memoir, Otosan, tells the story of those five transformative years. Let’s connect and create more yoyu in our lives!
