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Tokyo
An expat talks about what it's like moving to Tokyo. It took some time adjusting to the crowds and culture, but he's happy now and looking back the culture shock wasn't as bad as he anticipated.
Tokyo
Yes, after the move.
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I do not speak Japanese and I don’t plan on learning it.
I was not worried, because I have traveled to many Asian countries before and have experienced the major cultural differences already. But, I would advise to others to do their research on Japanese culture before moving to Japan, because there are a lot of unsaid rules.
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My culture shock wasn't significant. I've already visited Japan before I moved, but visiting a country is very different to moving and living in a country. I struggled with homesickness and feeling alone, but I remedied that by getting involved with various hobbies.
For me personally, I feel I went through those stages in a very minor way. I expected the worst outcomes for when I moved to Japan, and when it wasn't the worst, I was pleasantly surprised.
I experienced homesickness and mild depression. I have learned to cope with it by getting involved in my community. Also, I experienced anxiety due to the overwhelming crowds of Tokyo, but I have adjusted.
I appreciate the public transportation system, the cleanliness of everything, and everyone's courtesy.
The crowds are the worst for me, but I also frequently get frustrated by Japan's traditional way of thinking.
I was on the train and it rocked and I wasn't holding onto anything. I fell over onto an older lady and I was mortified, but she was very nice about it.
Make sure to get involved in your local community and expat community. It helps a lot.
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Wouldn't it be a great benefit to learn the language, at least a little? I'm surprised you have no plans to even try. It would be nice to be able to apologize when you fall onto an elderly woman on a train.
CupofchinoWouldn't it be a great benefit to learn the language, at least a little? I'm surprised you have no plans to even try. It would be nice to be able to apologize when you fall onto an elderly woman on a train.
Get a quote for expat health insurance in Japan from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get a Quote
Expats in Tokyo enjoy the capital city of Japan, which is a sprawling metropolitan area. Here are some tips to help expats navigate a relocation to one of the biggest economies in the world.
Tokyo has many international schools and bi-lingual schools for expat students. Here are several of the more popular options.
Support your favorite restaurants in Tokyo as they recover from the pandemic. Submit a free listing for them on Expat Exchange to help spread the word about them to the expat community.
An expat in Tokyo talks about the high cost of housing, living close to work, property searches and mansion apartments.
What's the difference between Social Health Insurance and National Health Insurance in Japan? Are there some English-speaking doctors in good hospitals in Tokyo? What's a typical doctor visit like? An expat in Tokyo answers these questions and more.
An expat talks about the challenges she's had adjusting to the culture in Japan, where people are much quieter and keep to themselves compared to the US. She explains that even acquaintances keep to themselves and this makes it hard to feel connected.
An expat talks about adjusting to life and working in Japan. She appreciates the kindness and generosity of strangers, but says that not being able to speak Japanese can be isolating.
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