Culture Shocks in Japan!

Johanna Jarvis, Class of ’27, is a Graphic Design major studying at Tamagawa University this Spring/Summer 2024.

Despite all the fun and amazing experiences I’ve had so far in Japan, if I said I grew accustomed to the lifestyle quickly– I’d be lying. I’m sure, especially to those who have been interested in visiting Japan or have seen the recent surge of information about Japan on social media, you know about some facts already. Along with the lifestyle, I’ve experienced a few culture shocks, but don’t fret, none of it has been too uncomfortable or life-changing. So, without further ado, I’ll be giving an exclusive inside scoop by introducing some new aspects of my life after coming to Japan!

Everyday Struggles…

Starting with the typical differences you always hear about, and I still sometimes struggle with, is drinking and eating. It is a big rule to not only eat and drink while walking, but not to eat or drink in stores or class either. This was HUGE to me considering how hungry I get in class (eating full course meals in 3 hour classes…) and comparing the weather. Which leads to the next thing, the humidity and rainy season. What’s a little odd about weather here is that since the weather might read a room temperature weather, the humidity and sunlight will make it seem like 90 degrees (F) easy. This is why I carry my water bottle everywhere– and you’d think it’s common to carry one as well right? Wrong. Actually, it feels more like a scavenger hunt finding places to either refill your water bottle or throw away your trash, so be prepared to lug a heavy bottle and trash in your school bag. I’ve gotten used to this, but the extra weight of my water has been making me debate if I really need it sometimes (ah..). 

Daily Commute

Oh MAN, this might just be my largest section about this topic (predicting it here and now future me!). One of the things that shocked both my brain AND my body was the daily commute to school, city, and even just when I had to go grocery shopping. Why? The commonality of walking everywhere. And as someone who didn’t need to walk more than two blocks to get to school and drove everywhere my senior year of highschool… yeah it was ROUGH. With a new commute of walking to the train, taking the train, and walking around a giant campus, I was put to a challenge. I went from taking a quick nap at my dorm and walking to class in ten minutes– to staying 6 hours on campus in between classes because I’m too lazy to take the train all the way back home. In regards to the city, the train system is much more convenient to Septa (of course with Tokyo being a metropolis). There is a system at the popular stations where you could go on the Rapid Express or Local. The express stops at other popular stations, while the local stops at every stop in between. For example, this system is great for those commuting to larger cities such as Shinjuku, because, instead of 30 Local stops, you can go through 5 Rapid Express stops. Lastly, and my most surprising, is grocery shopping. Since it’s so common to not only walk, but to bring a reusable bag with you (easy), then LUG it back home. Everything is made to be convenient, from cheaper prices to convenient stores everywhere, but I have never felt so lazy with these things.

Perception

Moving onto the biggest thing I was most worried about: how I would be treated as a foreigner. This raised numerous questions in my head, like whether discrimination was a big thing, if my mannerisms would be seen as disrespectful, and how to go about my dressing styles. All these caused so much anxiety and tension that the best way to combat them was preparing myself the best I could– when in reality, there really is nothing to worry about. This is seen as a culture shock because, as a queer black woman, it’s not surprising for people to feel a certain way about you in America. Meanwhile, in Japan, not much emphasis is put on your nationality, but rather the pure fact you’re a foreigner in general. And generally, it’s been great! Since I joined a good amount of clubs, I’ve met many people who’ve approached me with curiosity and excitement, which I’m so happy for. As for my mannerisms and dressing, I just make sure to follow everyone else and always ask my friends. For example, during basketball club, it’s not common to shout anything mean when someone misses, rather, you say something like “ざんねん(zannen) or “that’s too bad” and shout “がんばれ！”　or “goodluck/go go!”. 

Formalities/Respect

Another big reason for my anxiety was the fact that Japan has many different levels of formalities, which is distinctly incorporated in their language as well. From using certain language depending on age, the relationship you have to this person, and situation, it all seemed a bit overwhelming to me. As I was learning some of the language pre-travel, I knew my best bet to avoid any accidental disrespect was to just learn all formal language. The culture shock wasn’t as shocking since I knew beforehand, but as foreigners, my new friends and teachers knew that we had a lot more lee-way regarding formalities due to cultural differences we aren’t used to. This still confuses me sometimes, like when I’m out and finally found a place for my trash, my friend says it’s a bit rude to place trash in a business’s bin that isn’t theirs. This type of idea is also reflected in the cleanliness of public streets, bathrooms, and etc, because citizens care about the space they are sharing (and it’s VERY common to see public landscapers, sweepers, maintenance while walking).