The other day, high school students from Malaysia came to visit us for dinner as part of a home visit.
Though a little nervous at first, they greeted us with warm smiles and a cheerful “Nice to meet you.”
For dinner, we prepared a seasonal meal featuring spring delicacies—tempura made with tara no me (angelica tree shoots) and fresh bamboo shoots.
Seeing them enjoy the food and say “Delicious!” with such joy made us happy too.
When we heard that they loved mochi, we quickly prepared some for them, and they were delighted. They also told us they liked miso soup.
Even when language and culture are different, the feeling of “delicious” is something that connects us instantly.
After dinner, my 8-year-old daughter asked, “Can we play cards?” and they happily joined her.
Watching them naturally connect beyond words was heartwarming.
They were truly charming and kind girls.
As they were leaving, we exchanged warm words—
“Terima kasih (thank you)”
“Sama-sama (you’re welcome)”
—and saw them off with smiles.

We have hosted students from Malaysia several times before,
and they are always bright, polite, and full of warmth.
For my daughter as well, these moments are a precious “international experience.”
Encounters with different cultures in everyday life broaden our perspectives and nurture our hearts.

In the quiet life of the satoyama,
a small door opens that connects us to the world.
I hope we will continue to have many more of these beautiful encounters.