Expat Advice: Culture Shock in Tokyo, Japan
What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?
Tokyo
Did you receive any cross-cultural training for your move abroad? If yes, was it before or after the move?
No
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If they speak another language in your new country, do you speak the language? If yes, did you learn the language before you moved or while abroad? If no, are you planning to learn the language?
I Didnt speak Nor did I study Japanese before I came to Japan! I took Some lessons as in writing hiragana / katakana And some useful kanji - characters and, of course, basic conversational daily used (slang) Japanese for females!
Were you worried or concerned about culture shock before you moved abroad?
No
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Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.
How significant was the culture shock you experienced when you moved abroad?
I was A but frustrated as they seemed more in culture shock themselves
Expats often talk about going through the "stages of culture shock." Examples include the honeymoon phase, the irritation-to-anger stage, the rejection of the culture stage, and the cultural adjustment phase. Do you feel like you went through these or any other stages as you settled into the new culture?
No
What, if any, were some of the changes you noticed in yourself that might have been caused by culture shock? These might include things such as anger, depression, anxiety, increased eating or drinking, frustration, homesickness, etc.
Frustration and isolation
What are some things you appreciate most about the new culture?
Community - spirit and the phrase gambarimasu (to keep on going strong And never give up!)
What are the most challenging aspects of the new culture?
Facing at all times discrimination as a foreigner, a woman and being single with a child at age 47!
Did you "commit" any embarrassing or humorous cultural blunders? If you did and you'd like to share them, please do tell!
Yes, verbalizing my anger and frustration against lawyers and judges who told me you are not married what are you still doing in japan go home!!!
Do you have any advice or thoughts about culture shock you would like to share?
Try to keep open mind and heart about living and working abroad, but you don't have to accept discrimination as being the outsider while you are trying to speak the language and obeying all rules and laws!!!
Additional Information:
- Expat Guide to Tokyo
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Tokyo
- Public Transportation in Tokyo
- Best Markets in Tokyo
- Retire in Tokyo Guide
- 7 Tips for Living in Tokyo
- Pros & Cons of Living in Tokyo
- Tips for Expats Driving in Tokyo
- Cost of Living in Tokyo
- Health Care in Tokyo
- Discovering the Best of Tokyo
- Top 10 Tokyo Neighborhoods For Expats
- 5 Tips for Living in Tokyo, Japan
- International Schools in Tokyo, Japan
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Japan
- Best Places to Live in Japan
- Real Estate in Japan
- Pros & Cons of Living in Japan
- Culture Shock in Japan
- What It's Like Living in Tokyo
- Pros and Cons of Living in Japan 2024
- 2024 Guide to Moving to Japan