I wish the teachers would enjoy and understand the cultural "ma" I leave on my tests

I really appreciate the comment that "ma" permeates even conversations. Thus, the appreciation of "ma" is embedded deep in the minds of the Japanese, it is not a conscious desire that they comment on (Like one might their favorite music genre, for example).

He is so spot on concerning the American compunction to fill silent moments with words, no matter how trivial. In a Houston airport I heard a big-haired Texas woman go on and on about her niece living on a farm with a new husband who was about to buy a tractor so they could save time in the field. They could then use that free time to make wood sculptures to sell at the flea market in Galveston. This woman was talking to a stranger!

This summarizes my whole philosophy of living.

I can appreciate silence. But i enjoy talking and have a lot to say, americN here. Moving to japan tho.

*If one has a lot to say, maybe one could use a journal or diary to speak. Then silence could have some space to be heard.*

Mr. Isao Tsujimoto is surely an intelligent, passionate and brilliant japanese man BUT actually what he's saying about conversations is absolutely not true. In Japan, while speaking with other people is considered unrespectful to remain silent. Keep listening without saying anything is a sign of low interest in the conversation. That's why when two japanese people are having a conversation, the one whos listening keeps saying things like "eee" "uhm uhm" "hai (yes)" "aaaaa" and things like that. Is a bit frustrating for a western foreigner like me that doesnt say anything when talking with a japanese guy. Even if I really want to listen and understand what the other person is saying, the interlocutor tends to think that i am not interested.