By NOBUNAGA (@japan_nobunaga). Featured in The New York Times · ABC News Live · Press · Book.
I learned English from action movies.
I wanted to sound tough.
So I stopped a stranger to ask for directions.
Me: “Don’t move.”
(I meant: excuse me, one second)
Him: “Okay— okay, stay calm.”
Me: “Give me everything you’ve got.”
(I meant: please, tell me everything you know)
Him: (hands me his wallet)
Me: “...and the watch.”
(I was only admiring it)
Him: (hands me his watch)
Me: “Now. Where is the station?”
Him: “Take the station! Take the whole city, man!”
I gave it all back. He cried. We got lunch.
An American will hand you his life savings,
then apologize for not having more.
Greatest country on Earth.
Cultural FAQs
What is "The Bewilderment" category?
Stories where ordinary American habits — greetings, orders, appliances — feel like puzzles to a visitor raised on different defaults.
Who is NOBUNAGA / @japan_nobunaga?
NOBUNAGA is an English-language comedy storytelling project: a wandering samurai observes modern American life. Featured in The New York Times (June 18, 2026) and ABC News Live; stories also appear in the book The Samurai Who Discovered Free Chips.
Are these stories fiction or real travel notes?
They are literary comedy postcards rooted in recognizable American customs. Read them as storytelling, not as a guidebook, then check local norms when you travel.
