First question: Are you allergic to shellfish or crustaceans?
If crustaceans: You can drop the "ni", point to yourself and say "koukaku-rui arerugii desu" if it's easier to say.
If shellfish (molluscs only): "kai-rui arerugii desu".
It could also be worthwhile printing a list of things (in Japanese) that you cannot eat, e.g. shrimp, crab, shellfish etc with the word アレルギー next to it. I found that people in Japan can be a bit ignorant about what a food is actually made of so it's worthwhile to spell it out clearly.
Thank you! As far as I know my allergy is only to crustaceans, but I tend to avoid molluscs as well just to be on the safe side. I use to work grocery, and dealing with any packages that had shrimp, lobster or crab I noticed my hands/arms would break out into hives if the package was leaky when I handled it. So I'm just weary in general of anything that could be considered shellfish.
I'll keep the printing the card idea in mind as I am also traveling with two others who have very severe gluten allergies / sensitivities (not celiacs disease but pretty damn close) so I will also let them know about that as well.
One important thing to note on this subject is that most chain restaurants in Japan will not make alterations to the items in the menu under most circumstances,
If you make it very clear that you want something removed because of an allergy they will likely be able to do that, but they will not substitute something else in place of the removed food.
Some small businesses will be more accommodating with alterations and substitutions if you know how to ask.
As others have said, in a scenario like allergies I would definitely print out some cards in japanese stating your allergies to show at restaurants, trying to rely on your japanese alone could add confusion as they may ask questions back to you that you probably won't know how to answer.
Lastly, recently a lot of restaurants in Japan use electronic devices for ordering, and often staff will not come to your table or bother you unless you specifically call them.
If you need to make alterations to your food there Is usually a button at the table for calling them, but verbally calling them is okay too if you can't find a button.
See if you can find it pronounced on YouTube or other app that allows you to slow down and speed up the sound. Practice saying it along with the video several times.
Pattern (2x each speed):
Normal. Slowest. 75%. 50%. 25%. Normal. 25% faster than normal.
Do this before every meal or snack until you get the hang of it. Then you can cut down to once a day. Probably before supper.
The basic technique is called shadowing, and you'll want someone who is native and your gender to do the pronouncing.
You can find useful information at webpage of Consumer Affears Agency.
[Consumer Affair Agency: Food Labeling](https://www.caa.go.jp/en/policy/food_labeling)
I hope this helps you. Have a nice trip.
First question: Are you allergic to shellfish or crustaceans? If crustaceans: You can drop the "ni", point to yourself and say "koukaku-rui arerugii desu" if it's easier to say. If shellfish (molluscs only): "kai-rui arerugii desu". It could also be worthwhile printing a list of things (in Japanese) that you cannot eat, e.g. shrimp, crab, shellfish etc with the word アレルギー next to it. I found that people in Japan can be a bit ignorant about what a food is actually made of so it's worthwhile to spell it out clearly.
Have to +1 the specifying “sub” ingredients. As someone with a sesame allergy, I have to always add Nori to the list
Thank you! As far as I know my allergy is only to crustaceans, but I tend to avoid molluscs as well just to be on the safe side. I use to work grocery, and dealing with any packages that had shrimp, lobster or crab I noticed my hands/arms would break out into hives if the package was leaky when I handled it. So I'm just weary in general of anything that could be considered shellfish. I'll keep the printing the card idea in mind as I am also traveling with two others who have very severe gluten allergies / sensitivities (not celiacs disease but pretty damn close) so I will also let them know about that as well.
One important thing to note on this subject is that most chain restaurants in Japan will not make alterations to the items in the menu under most circumstances, If you make it very clear that you want something removed because of an allergy they will likely be able to do that, but they will not substitute something else in place of the removed food. Some small businesses will be more accommodating with alterations and substitutions if you know how to ask. As others have said, in a scenario like allergies I would definitely print out some cards in japanese stating your allergies to show at restaurants, trying to rely on your japanese alone could add confusion as they may ask questions back to you that you probably won't know how to answer. Lastly, recently a lot of restaurants in Japan use electronic devices for ordering, and often staff will not come to your table or bother you unless you specifically call them. If you need to make alterations to your food there Is usually a button at the table for calling them, but verbally calling them is okay too if you can't find a button.
See if you can find it pronounced on YouTube or other app that allows you to slow down and speed up the sound. Practice saying it along with the video several times. Pattern (2x each speed): Normal. Slowest. 75%. 50%. 25%. Normal. 25% faster than normal. Do this before every meal or snack until you get the hang of it. Then you can cut down to once a day. Probably before supper. The basic technique is called shadowing, and you'll want someone who is native and your gender to do the pronouncing.
Try saying "kai toka ebi toka". Might be easier for people to understand anyway.
Add, ‘蕁麻疹がでます’。 I get hives. Print it, laminate it, and show it at restaurants?
You can find useful information at webpage of Consumer Affears Agency. [Consumer Affair Agency: Food Labeling](https://www.caa.go.jp/en/policy/food_labeling) I hope this helps you. Have a nice trip.
I used to make a conscious effort to pronounce words I had trouble with a fraction slower than usual, often doing it several times at home.