I’m visiting Japan for 2 weeks during Sakura. I am learning Japanese and will work to speak and read where possible. I lost my vocal cords to thyroid cancer and my voice sounds deep and coarse. My concern is that my voice is going to sound abrasive to people.

I want to be more immersed and engaged with locals. I’m traveling alone and thinking of making a small card with brief info about my voice. How do you think this would come across? I’m open to other ideas. I understand local people may be embarrassed to practice English with English speakers, but I’d really like to meet people while I’m there to help with this. I just don’t want to scare anyone! Any input welcome.

I have clear face masks so that people can read my lips easily.

Question

I’m visiting Japan for 2 weeks during Sakura. I am learning Japanese and will work to speak and read where possible. I lost my vocal cords to thyroid cancer and my voice sounds deep and coarse. My concern is that my voice is going to sound abrasive to people.

I want to be more immersed and engaged with locals. I’m traveling alone and thinking of making a small card with brief info about my voice. How do you think this would come across? I’m open to other ideas. I understand local people may be embarrassed to practice English with English speakers, but I’d really like to meet people while I’m there to help with this. I just don’t want to scare anyone! Any input welcome.

I have clear face masks so that people can read my lips easily.

yuri128 · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about your cancer, but it's great you're living a positive life and enjoying learning a foreign language! I hope you'll have a great time in Japan :) I live in Tokyo. If you have any questions about Tokyo, I'll do my best to help!

I think your idea of carrying a card will work :) You can write something like 甲状腺がんで声帯を失いました。聞きにくかったらごめんなさい。(I lost my vocal cords to thyroid cancer. I'm sorry if my voice sound hoarse.)

yuri128 · Answer

lol That's what I felt when I visited the United States. I didn't want to leave ... :D

I look forward to helping each other out from now on!

Kazuishida · Answer

@NOLA_D 
Hi,there.

It's woderful for you to enjoy Japan especially Sakura season even with you have disorder of handicap.
I'm really sorry about what your case.

Actually in Japan, some hateful people have disadvanced to disability of handicap people for helping you acting and understanding who like you.
Although some Japanese tend to interact with you as same ,actually I suggest you get a card written in Japanese to let Japanese understand what your situation is.

I hope it'll be grate opportunity for you.

lol That's what I felt when I visited the United States. I didn't want to leave ... :DI look forward to helping each other out from now on!

lol That's what I felt when I visited the United States. I didn't want to leave ... :D

I look forward to helping each other out from now on!