Be Alone and Quiet episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 10, 2026 · 3 MIN

Be Alone and Quiet

from Talking and Reading from Japan by Hidemi Woods · host Hidemi Woods

Episode from My Social Distancing and Naked Spa in Japan by Hidemi Woods HidemiWoods.com Audiobook : Japanese Dream by Hidemi Woods On Sale at online stores or apps. Apple, Audible, Google Play, Nook Audiobooks,  43 available distributors in total. Be Alone and Quiet As I take the communal spa in my apartment building twice a day, I regularly see the staff of the building or other residents. One morning, I bumped into a management staff member in the hallway. I had seen him for several times before, but never talked with him, except to exchange greetings. On that particular morning however, he said hello as if we were so close each other. He continued, “Gosh, I didn’t recognize you because you look so different today!” I had no idea what he meant since I always wear the same clothes and the same hairstyle when I’m headed for the spa. “Do I look different?” I asked, and he said, “Totally, you’ve changed!” Completely perplexed, I got out of mysterious conversation, convincing myself that he mistook me for some other resident.A couple of days later, I was taking the Jacuzzi in the spa when a woman approached me. She deeply appreciated me and said, “Thank you so much.” Again, I had no idea what she was talking about. I didn’t even recognize her. According to her, she had taken a bath too long the other day and fainted here, and I had helped her, which I never did. I told her that it wasn’t me but she seemed pretty sure it was me. I denied for a few more times and she left still looking dubious.I was puzzled by these two incidents and concluded three explanations: there is my look-alike in the building, or I’ve developed a split personality, or I like the spa so much that I’ve begun to sleepwalk there. Meanwhile, the woman, who claimed I had helped her, has been very friendly to me since then and chatted all along when she finds me. I would rather be alone and quiet like the days before…

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Jan 10, 2026

Embed this episode

Ready to play

Be Alone and Quiet

0:00 3:08

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar episodes found.

No similar podcasts found.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Talking and Reading from Japan by Hidemi Woods?

This episode is 3 minutes long.

When was this Talking and Reading from Japan by Hidemi Woods episode published?

This episode was published on January 10, 2026.

Can I download this Talking and Reading from Japan by Hidemi Woods episode?

Yes. Use the download control on the episode player to save the publisher-provided media file.
URL copied to clipboard!