Reader’s Question:
I would like some advice on how to tell my parents that I like “Nintama.” Recently, I’ve been seeing a lot of illustrations of it on TikTok, and I found myself thinking, “Wait, is there a character this handsome?” As I researched more, I became really interested in “Nintama,”
and now I’m a new fan. Here’s my main question: how can I tell my parents that I like “Nintama”? I think I could just tell them, but since it’s an NHK show, it has a strong impression of being a children’s program, which makes it a bit awkward for me. There’s an event at Namja Town in Osaka that I want to go to, but as a student, I can’t go on weekdays, and I have cram school on Saturdays. The only day I can go is Sunday. I believe the merchandise will sell out quickly, so I was planning to go on the third day, the 20th. However, I just found out that the first three days (from the 18th to the 20th) require advance reservations. Since I’m still a minor, I can’t make the reservation from my phone, so I need to ask my parents for help. If I were to tell my parents, I was thinking of saying something like, “The other day when I was hanging out with my friend, we mentioned that there’s a ‘Nintama’ movie that’s popular right now, and we went to see it. It turned out to be surprisingly interesting! There’s an event at Namja Town in Osaka that I want to go to with my friend, but the only day that works for us is the 20th. Since reservations are needed, could you help me with that?” (Everything I mentioned is true.) Do you think this sounds natural? If you have any suggestions on how I could phrase it better, I would really appreciate your input. I’m sorry for my lack of vocabulary and explanation skills. Thank you for reading my somewhat difficult-to-follow message.
Embracing Your Interests: A Journey of Self-Discovery
You know, it’s always a bit nerve-wracking to share your newfound passions with your parents, especially when it comes to something that might seem a bit childish. I remember when I first got into anime and manga; there was that moment where I had to gather the courage to tell my folks that I was totally hooked on something they might not understand. It wasn’t easy, but as I look back, it was one of those pivotal moments that helped me embrace who I am. So, let’s talk about your situation with “Nintama.” First of all, kudos to you for being brave enough to explore your interests! It’s genuinely exciting to discover something that resonates with you, even if it comes from a show that’s primarily aimed at kids. Honestly, I think your approach to telling your parents is spot on. You’re framing it in a way that feels relatable and casual, which is key. When I was in a similar spot, I decided to share my excitement in a light-hearted way, just like your idea. I told my parents, “Hey, I caught this movie that I thought would be silly, but it turned out to be really captivating!” Their initial surprise quickly faded, and they were supportive. It’s funny how these conversations often turn out better than we expect. Your phrasing about the “Nintama” movie and the event sounds natural and honest, which is exactly what you want. Now, about that event in Namja Town—how exciting! I remember going to a themed event myself, and I was so hyped. There’s something magical about being in a space filled with fellow fans, surrounded by merchandise and experiences that bring your favorite characters to life. I once arrived way too early, practically bouncing in my seat, only to find out I had time to grab an absurd amount of snacks. But hey, those snacks made the wait worthwhile! As for the whole reservation thing, asking your parents for help is completely reasonable. They’ll likely appreciate your maturity in planning an outing with a friend. Just keep it casual, and express your enthusiasm for the event. Maybe even share a funny TikTok or two that got you hooked—it might help them see just how much this means to you. Ultimately, the goal is to communicate that this interest is a source of joy for you, and there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s all part of growing up and figuring out what makes you tick. I’d love to hear how your conversation goes! Have any of you had similar experiences where you had to share your interests with your parents? What was your approach? Let’s chat in the comments!
