Question from a reader:
“Could you tell me specifically who is referred to as ‘ordinary Japanese’? I heard that it is defined by Minako Nagasawa and the new defense team of Masahiro Nakai, and I would like to know more about it.”
Who Exactly is ‘Ordinary Japanese’?
Recently, the term “ordinary Japanese” has been popping up frequently in conversations. Especially
hearing that Masahiro Nakai’s new defense team is using this term has piqued my interest. So, I wanted to take a moment to think about who exactly this “ordinary Japanese” refers to.
My Memories and the Definition of ‘Ordinary’
When I moved from America to Japan, I had a moment where I wondered, “What does ‘ordinary’ mean?” While chatting with my Japanese friends, I sometimes heard, “This is what ordinary people do.” However, that “ordinary” was not at all ordinary for me, which made me feel a bit uncomfortable. Once, I went to a friend’s house to make okonomiyaki, and they said it was “ordinary” to put mayonnaise on it before the sauce. Growing up in America, I thought you should put the sauce first, and when I added mayonnaise in front of my friends, they laughed and said, “That’s not ordinary!” These little differences made me ponder what the sense of “ordinary Japanese” truly is.
Who is ‘Ordinary’ For?
The “ordinary Japanese” that Nakai’s defense team uses might be based on their own perceptions. In my view, the standard of “ordinary” ultimately comes from the shared understanding and experiences of the people present in a situation. Therefore, when someone says “ordinary,” there are various backgrounds and values behind that statement. Thinking this way, I feel that “ordinary Japanese” is actually a very subjective term and does not apply universally. That’s why it’s essential for us to question this term a little when we use it.
What is Your ‘Ordinary’?
Talking about this makes me reflect on what my own “ordinary” is. Perhaps you have had moments where you questioned what “ordinary” means to you as well. I would love for you to share your experiences and thoughts in the comments! I would be happy to hear about the kinds of “ordinary” you have and any fun stories related to it.
