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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.
Tokyo
I had a day's training right before I departed. I also had 2 weeks of training when I arrived. We covered the language as well as talking about some unique norms.
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I studied the language beforehand, but not avidly. I can speak enough to get my point across, but am far from fluency. I am undecided about studying further, leaning towards not.
I was slightly worried, but had visited Japan several times before. I knew there were few surprises I'd face.
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Only minor. It was the little things, like grocery staples I took for granted, or a life revolving around trains.
I think I did very lightly. In fact, I may still be in this process. Some days I'm upset with my life here and other times I love it. I think it depends on the day-to-day interactions I have with the people around me.
I definitely feel homesickness. I am much more stressed, as I have to research and communicate everything for my partner and I. Sometimes I feel sad and lonely.
I love the frequent trips to the grocery store. I can see the seasonal items and learn to cook with them. I also like how people go drinking early so they can get the last train home. It's very hard for me to stay up late so this is perfect for my sleep schedule. I also like how there are so many events and nature areas that are promoted. I get to easily take public transit to see such new things.
The quietness and separation. People don't really say hello when passing by. People don't look much at each other. Even your acquaintances keep to themselves. It's harder to feel connected to the people around you.
There aren't any big ones since I've known a lot about the culture before. There have been reading and comprehension errors. Sometimes I buy the wrong meat or softener instead of detergent. The most embarrassing interactions was my laundry flying away onto my neighbor's balconies... several times on the same day! I had to go and bother them!
Learn about where you want to go beforehand. There are so many videos online where people talk about life around the world. It really helps your expectations.
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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 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.
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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