Culture Shock!
Okay, so you've heard about it. You've read about it.
But it won't actually happen to you, right? Wrong.
Culture shock is normal.
And it happens to all of us in varying degrees. Having lived in another 'foreign' country before, or even having lived in Japan before doesn't make you immune to its effects. However, recognising the signs and stages of culture shock can help you through it. Understanding that culture shock is an ongoing cycle, whose effects come and go, may be the first step to not letting it get the better of you.
Our own cultures dictate much more of how we think, act, react, respond and adjust than we may acknowledge or even understand. However, as you know, we are no longer immersed in our own cultures, but in Japan's. The modus operandi here in Japan differs from ours in more ways than simply the eating of sushi and natto.
Culture shock can be more easily understood by realising that the little differences, that first cause you to rejoice and later to want to pull your hair out, force you to confront your own cultural beliefs, values and understandings. Some thoughts, actions and behaviours on the part of the Japanese will not only differ from, but may conflict with your own.
For example, where many of us come from it is not okay to bump into, shove, hit or push someone, whether you know them or not, simply because they are in your way. And, if this happened by accident we would certainly say 'I'm sorry' or excuse ourselves. If you haven't noticed yet, you are sure to notice soon, this cultural rule often doesn't apply here in Japan. It seems to be accepted that people are busy, in a rush and that this is a crowded country. Therefore such behaviour, though not really considered polite, is accepted.
Though we could rehash everything CLAIR has said on this subject, we would rather refer you to the 'Cultural Adjustment' section of the General Information Handbook. In doing so we can use this space to tell you some of the things that we have found useful in coping with culture shock in its various forms. So, if you want to read up more on culture shock, grab your Handbook, flip to the right page and have a good read. We suggest that you read it several times during your stay in Japan. The yearlong map of culture shock is particularly interesting. While reading it, you may see yourself or your friends in different stages, so it helps to be reminded that these are all part of culture shock.
So, some suggestions to ease the pain...
Okay, it sounds silly, but find the foods that remind you of home. For instance, at home I rarely go to McDonald's or drink Coke, but I have found that Coke is like liquid home and it saves me on a bad culture shock day.
If you begin to feel like you dislike Japan for any reason do try to think of some good aspects of Japan as well, make an effort to keep things in perspective.
Allow yourself to acknowledge what you don't like, but try to avoid being absolutist. Nothing, not even Japan, is all bad or all wrong. Things that work here work here (even if they seem counter-productive or time wasting from our perspective).
Just as you should be careful not to be too hard on Japan, you should also be careful not to be too hard on yourself. Struggling with or learning Japanese, adjusting to your new life here and working can be stressful and frustrating. You may not pick things up as quickly as you want to or wish you did. Go easy on yourself!
If you need to take time out or take a breather from Japan, do it! Renting English movies, spending time with English speakers, listening to music and reading are all great ways to do this. Remember, those of you near movie theatres, the first of every month tickets cost only \1,000! Take advantage of this!
Living in a foreign country can be exhausting. Get the sleep you need, but be sure to...
Get out of the house! Sleeping all the time or staying home are surely easier than going out and exploring your surroundings, but doing so all the time isn't healthy!
Aichi AJET has stuff planned all the time throughout the year. Come out with us and enjoy Japan without the stress and hassle! You don't have to be a member to have fun, so come on out!
If you find you just need to talk and don't know who to call, remember that AJET runs a Peer Support Group.
The hotline can be reached everyday from 20:00 (8pm) to 8:00am at 0120-43-7725 (it's toll free!).
Also, CLAIR has a JETLINE which can be reached Monday thru Friday from 9:00 to 17:45 (5:45pm) at (03)3591-5489.
Written for 'The Beast' by Danika Medak-Saltzman