Can’t believe it, but I have now “lived” in Japan for 40 days. FORTY DAYS!!! Not sure if I’d call that an achievement, but it sure feels like I’ve now been here long enough to not call this a holiday.
And time sure flies. So before I forget to stop and smell the roses, thought I’ll share a few thoughts on my Japan experience so far with you guys, in case anyone is interested to do the same in the future… or if you’re currently doing the same thing, maybe we can share our highs and lows together.
Living in Japan without speaking Japanese
When you don’t know the language, there are plenty of “road blocks” that’ll make things a little harder for you.
I moved to Japan without knowing much Japanese. And from my past holiday adventures in Japan, I knew that it would not be easy. But Japan has also changed since our very first visit back in 2012. Nowadays, there are so many English instructions in the train stations, streets, and everywhere! There’s enough English to get by, but without speaking the language, it’s definitely harder for you to immerse yourself in the culture and to get to know the people.
I’d suggest most people to understand some basic Japanese before your move to Japan. Know your katakana, at the very least. If you’re able to read hiragana and katakana, plus familiarise yourself with some basic phrases (like すみません sumimasen means excuse me / sorry / everything else) and even a few kanji (like 丼 don means rice, useful! LOL).
Living in Japan without knowing anyone
I assume loneliness is something you’d feel no matter where you move to, not just in Japan. When you leave the comfort of your friends and family, things can get a little tough sometimes. It’s easier, of course, that I moved here with the hubby.
Not knowing anyone here means we are starting from scratch. I don’t know about you, but “comfort zone” is a beautiful thing because you can be totally 100% yourself with those that you’re so familiar with. When you first get to know people all over again, there is this barrier – shyness or uncertainty – that stops you from being yourself. So you gotta go with that flow and get to know people from the surface level, and then slowly breaking down that barriers. It’s an interesting process and one that I haven’t had to do much in recent years.
It’s not a good feeling, but it’s something that allows me to be vulnerable all over again. As long as this vulnerability does not lead to loneliness, I guess it’s okay. Again, having the hubby here and enjoying the adventure together makes the ride easier.
Living in Japan and only eating Japanese food
This is one that I have anticipated. Whilst most people were excited for my trip to Japan and eating all the yummy food, I was a little concerned with the lack of authentic Asian and Western cuisines that I’d usually get in Melbourne.
We definitely were excited about convenience stores sushi and onigiri and bento boxes. However, after a while, the novelty dies off and you’re left wanting something a little more familiar. I’m thinking Vietnamese pho noodles or Malaysian curry laksa or a proper gourmet burger for the hubby. I mean, we’ve found some pretty good foreign restaurants (Indians, for example) here, but it’s a long way from the multicultural food haven we have back in Australia.
Again, Japanese food is awesome. But the lack of variety does make us think of home sometimes.
Living in Japan and visiting my favourite spots repeatedly
The beauty of living in your favourite city is that you get to visit all your favourite spots over and over again.
For example, Harajuku. Walking along Takeshita-dori, checking out the street performers near Yoyogi Park, and shopping at the cutest coolest spots… All that and more! (Including a visit to my now favourite Kawaii Monster Cafe.) Another example, every single time I walk out of Shibuya Station and see the hundreds of people at the Shibuya Crossing, I get all smiley and stuff.
All these things that I would not be able to do if I did not move to Japan, I can now experience over and over again. And it’s a beautiful thing! Mind you, after a while, you probably won’t visit the same few spots again and again, but it’s okay…
Living in Japan and admitting it’s not perfect
To anyone who wishes to live abroad at your “favourite place in the world”, I’m sure you’ve thought to yourself: What if it’s not everything that I imagined it to be?! What if I get there and realise I don’t like it as much?
As a pessimist / realist, I was definitely getting myself ready for disappointments. So, how do I feel 40 days into this? Yes, Japan is not perfect. But it is everything that I imagined it to be and more. Yes, you won’t get new Japanese friends just because you want to, but that’s because it’ll take efforts from both sides (not just theirs). Yes, there are so many redundant rules and things that you’re so not used to, but hey that’s the fun part of learning about a new culture.
It sounds as if I’m telling you to be a pessimist before moving abroad, haha. But in all honesty, as long as you’re aware that not everything will be smooth-sailing, I think you’d be fine!
Living in Japan and living with others
This won’t apply to many people, but it’ll also apply to many others. We are now living in a share house with about 20+ other people. This is my first time ever living with others who are not my family.
I wasn’t sure at first, but now that I’ve been here for about 2.5 weeks, I’d have to stay it’s good-different. Making new friends, using the shared space for re-heating food, having little parties and dinners and chats, saying hi and bye to people in the hallways… All these do brighten up your days! I don’t know about how everyone else feels, but I hope that I too can brighten up their days in the process.
The only issue is if you’re a loud person like I am. I’m probably one of those people that everyone in Big Brother hates because they can’t get any quiet in the house with me around! But if you’re calm and collected, do give this a try. It’ll solve the issue of loneliness that I talked about earlier.
Living in Japan… and living life to the fullest #YOLO
Yes I do use the word #YOLO often and frivolously. But really, I think there’s more depth in “you only live once” than those being thrown around by the youths of today.
When you only have one chance in life, I believe that you will live each day with more purpose. For me, I know that my God is alive and I live with the purpose of glorifying Him in all I do. I don’t always succeed, but we’re all trying in our own little ways to make the life that we have on earth more meaningful, right?!
So, living in Japan this year is my way of saying #YOLO and of learning new things and of making new friends and of experiencing life to the fullest. One step at a time. And it’s been so so so good so far.
If you’re thinking of moving to Japan, I encourage you to! Do some research and enjoy the ride! And if you’re currently living in Japan, what’s life like for you? I’d love to hear from you, so comment / tweet / insta me!