Five Cultural Differences and Five Ways I Handle Them
I've experienced a hefty dose of culture shock since I've been here in Japan. There are a lot of differences that are taking time to adjust to. I realize these differences come up in conversation a lot, whenever someone from home asks what Japan is like, and somewhere in the conversation I start talking about how I roll off my futon every-night onto my tatami matts. I then realize, that not everyone knows what I am talking about. Below, I list five differences and how I am tackling them. In turn, I hope to continue these posts to better paint a picture of life in Japan.
Credit Google Images
A Classic Row of Shoe Lockers found at all Schools
1. Shoes
In Japan, it is customary to take your shoes off before entering most major facilities. I.e. schools, restaurants, homes, and basically anywhere that has tatami matts (woven bamboo matts). The prevalence of indoor shoes is abundant and was an awkward adjustment for me. Most places have their public stock of indoor shoes, usually rubber or leather slippers that are too small or too large to properly fit on your foot. However much I wanted to resist wearing shoes others have worn too, I have come up with ways to deal.
How I deal...
1. I bring socks everywhere I go. Definitely during the weekdays, and I usually have a clean pair in my purse or car just in case for weekends. Especially during the first few weeks, I had no choice to adorn the communal slipper wearing population. Therefore, socks are necessary to avoid any odd foot fungus, and also makes me feel more clean.
2. I bought a pair of cheap indoor shoes. They look like a Japanese pair of ugly Toms, and I lug them around with me between schools so I don't have to wear the slippers that tend to fall off my feet or make me trip as I walk up stairs.
3. Lastly, if you know me, I love shoes and clothes. To my great sadness, most of my shoes are either inconvenient or remain on my shoe shelf. All of my cute shoes that I would love to wear to work to match my outfits usually are untouched since I have to take them off upon entering the building. Realization that came up fast is having cute footwear is not necessary since most people wear boring indoor shoes that are designed for comfort and accessibility rather than appearances. The only positive is all of my shoes I brought will at least be in mint condition when I come back to the States!
Credit Google Images
When you aren't conservative enough, Japanese people will ask, "Are you cold?" a.k.a. put more clothes on!
2. Conservative Wear
Japan is a conservative society. For women, we have to be aware of not adorning clothes that make us look "sexy." The defintion of sexy here in comparison to America is very different. Showing off your shoulders is unacceptable, particularly in the work place. Same with "short," skirts or dresses as well as super tight clothing. Jewelry, excessive makeup, and nail polish is also frowned down upon in some situations.
How I deal...
1. I bring a cardigan to work if I am going to wear anything that shows off too much shoulder. Regardless if I am covered up everywhere else, the shoulder area is still taboo. Therefore, even when it was particularly hot I grudgingly wore a cardigan out of respect.
2. Jewelry, makeup and nail polish. I have an obsession with all three things. Especially jewelry. I started off being very conservative here and wearing just earrings and a watch. However, the only way to find out whether your school approves or disapproves is to wear something and see if they comment on it. I've decided that it is important to dress in what makes me feel comfortable, and also in a way that I am used to. Therefore, I've ignored the taboos that come with these items and wear statement necklaces, paint my nails and also put on some makeup. So far the only comment I have recieved is from one student, "You're necklace is so pretty, how much was it? Was it expensive? Are you rich?" I laughed and told him my necklace was at most $20 (2,000 Yen) and that recent university graduates are not rich.
Morever, I refuse to compromise my entire style, and I think it is important to dress in a way that makes me feel like myself.
My Kei Car, I call him "Moe."
Discretion: I did NOT choose the color, but pink Kei Cars are popular in Japan.
3. Driving
This was not a shock, but more of an adjustment. In Japan they drive on the left side of the road, and the steering wheel is on the right side of the car. Most people give me a shocked expression when I say I have a car and drive. Ironically, it may be the case that I have driven longer than some of my younger teachers since in Japan they can't get their license until they are 18 years old.
How I deal...
1. Chant, "Left, left, left..." over and over again until I got the hang of it.
2. Be fine with mixing up the window wipers and blinkers.
3. Execute common sense and gain familiraity with the rules of the road, and when in doubt I drive slower. For the most part I much prefer driving in Japan because there are fewer cars on the road, never any traffic, everyone drives slower and there is no tolerance for drinking and driving so I feel safer.
First, I came into Japan with almost zero knowledge of Japanese. In Japan, whether a store, work place, restaurant or any establishment there are always a series of greetings and good-byes that will be said your way (or yelled). Additionally, the individuals at cash registers will always ask you a series of questions in rapid-fire Japanese that is somewhat useful to know. Overall, finding Romanji (romanized spelling of Japanese words) on products is scarce, especially in the countryside. Especially in this first month, I had almost zero idea of what was happening around me.
How I deal...
1. Learn what to say, and when to say it. Just like how we say, "Good-morning, good-afternoon, and good-evening," Japanese people do the same thing. However, there are certain phrases they say for particular departures. For example say, "osakini," when leaving the work place before others. There are lots of formal and informal versions to phrases in Japan, my rule is to try my best and even if I use the wrong tense or mispronounce something it is better than not trying at all. Japanese people take signs of trying as being polite.
2. I found shopping for food and household items to be particularly stressful at first (and still do at times). Most items come in different packaging, have different labels, and frankly a lot of Western brands are not present in Japan. Therefore, I take extra measures when it comes to shopping: I look up as much as I can online. "Goolge Search: Antibacterial Spray; Greek Yogurt; Low-Sodium Soy Sauce." When it comes to food, I am that person in the aisle touching, and smelling products to make sure that I am buying the correct item. I also rely on graphics that are on the product label to guide me with shopping. If I am buying anything for my house I make sure to know the exact measurements of a product, and no longer have any shame of bringing my tape measure to the store. It is amazing how many different sizes there are for pillow cases and sheets (no...nothing is simply 'standard,' everything is exact.).
3. Build habits. At this point, I know when I talk to someone in a grocery store, they are usually asking me if I have a rewards card, want a bag, and tell me how much my purchase is. With signs in Japanese, I either memorize what they are, or if I am in a new store I will walk around and around the entire place until I find what I want. Moreover, when dealing with language barriers I have come to grudgingly accept everything I do takes extra time here, and transactions and interactions for me are very slow.
Japan is a mix of western and traditional decor. Notably, Japanese people sleep on futons. Essentially, these are really fluffy person-size padding that you put on the floor to sleep on. Typically, they are put on top of tatami matts, or bamboo matts. Additionally, most furniture tends to be low to the ground, or even meant for the floor.
How I deal...
1. In my opinion, it is impossible to get used to everything. I have splurged on a couch (not one that is floor-level, but a western style one), and I ordered a bed that should come in the next few days. I am a firm believer that comfort and being able to sleep well are essential, especially when in a new place! Therefore, how I deal in regards to furniture is to respect what I come across in public, but for my home to make it my own.
How I deal...
1. Chant, "Left, left, left..." over and over again until I got the hang of it.
2. Be fine with mixing up the window wipers and blinkers.
3. Execute common sense and gain familiraity with the rules of the road, and when in doubt I drive slower. For the most part I much prefer driving in Japan because there are fewer cars on the road, never any traffic, everyone drives slower and there is no tolerance for drinking and driving so I feel safer.
Credit Google Images
With Greetings you must bow too!
4. Greetings, Good-Byes and Language BarriersFirst, I came into Japan with almost zero knowledge of Japanese. In Japan, whether a store, work place, restaurant or any establishment there are always a series of greetings and good-byes that will be said your way (or yelled). Additionally, the individuals at cash registers will always ask you a series of questions in rapid-fire Japanese that is somewhat useful to know. Overall, finding Romanji (romanized spelling of Japanese words) on products is scarce, especially in the countryside. Especially in this first month, I had almost zero idea of what was happening around me.
How I deal...
1. Learn what to say, and when to say it. Just like how we say, "Good-morning, good-afternoon, and good-evening," Japanese people do the same thing. However, there are certain phrases they say for particular departures. For example say, "osakini," when leaving the work place before others. There are lots of formal and informal versions to phrases in Japan, my rule is to try my best and even if I use the wrong tense or mispronounce something it is better than not trying at all. Japanese people take signs of trying as being polite.
2. I found shopping for food and household items to be particularly stressful at first (and still do at times). Most items come in different packaging, have different labels, and frankly a lot of Western brands are not present in Japan. Therefore, I take extra measures when it comes to shopping: I look up as much as I can online. "Goolge Search: Antibacterial Spray; Greek Yogurt; Low-Sodium Soy Sauce." When it comes to food, I am that person in the aisle touching, and smelling products to make sure that I am buying the correct item. I also rely on graphics that are on the product label to guide me with shopping. If I am buying anything for my house I make sure to know the exact measurements of a product, and no longer have any shame of bringing my tape measure to the store. It is amazing how many different sizes there are for pillow cases and sheets (no...nothing is simply 'standard,' everything is exact.).
3. Build habits. At this point, I know when I talk to someone in a grocery store, they are usually asking me if I have a rewards card, want a bag, and tell me how much my purchase is. With signs in Japanese, I either memorize what they are, or if I am in a new store I will walk around and around the entire place until I find what I want. Moreover, when dealing with language barriers I have come to grudgingly accept everything I do takes extra time here, and transactions and interactions for me are very slow.
Credit Google Images
Classic Tatami Room with Futon Beds
Note: I have yet to master the art of making my futons look this neat!
5. FurnitureJapan is a mix of western and traditional decor. Notably, Japanese people sleep on futons. Essentially, these are really fluffy person-size padding that you put on the floor to sleep on. Typically, they are put on top of tatami matts, or bamboo matts. Additionally, most furniture tends to be low to the ground, or even meant for the floor.
How I deal...
1. In my opinion, it is impossible to get used to everything. I have splurged on a couch (not one that is floor-level, but a western style one), and I ordered a bed that should come in the next few days. I am a firm believer that comfort and being able to sleep well are essential, especially when in a new place! Therefore, how I deal in regards to furniture is to respect what I come across in public, but for my home to make it my own.
