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I hope this email finds you well.
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If you visit Japan for a short time or if you live there for several years, either way, you are bound to experience culture shock. It is like a roller coaster of emotions going through excitement, disappointment, and acceptance of a culture that differs from yours. The cycle is not linear and the experience varies depending on the individual.
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However, it is important to acknowledge that obstacles, mistakes, and irritation are normal parts of your personal "Japan experience." Although unpleasant at first, after some time they will appear for what they truly are: an opportunity for growth, better knowledge of the local culture, and observation of the values you hold dear.
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I hope you will enjoy the different culture shock experiences told in the following articles!
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Amélie, chief editor of Kokoro Media
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"I do get a little leeway as a foreigner, especially—and surprisingly—with Japanese guests. For example, when I’m serving lunch, the atmosphere might be a little stuffy. So, I will deliberately make a small, unoffensive mistake—placing a dish in a slightly different location, for example. This gives me a chance to say something like, 'Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t do that quite right. Japanese cuisine can be complicated. English cuisine is simple.'
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This silly interaction relaxes the room, and prompts the guest to say, 'So, you’re from England…' Then, we’ll end up having an entire conversation. This creates a more enjoyable experience for all of us."
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Gary Luscombe, Ryokan Employee
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We’ve all made mistakes, whether they be related to culture, business, or relationships, during our time abroad.
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In this edition of Kokoro Media Unfiltered, the editorial team got together for a free-flowing chat about the most memorable mistakes we’ve made related to life in Japan.
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"For some reason, during a low point in my culture shock experience, I could not help feeling frustrated by the sight of Japanese houses. I missed the wide brick and mortar and vast yards of houses back home. Japanese houses were just a dumb idea."
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If you enjoyed this, you will like these articles:
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Do not hesitate to give your opinion on this newsletter by writing to us at info-media@kokoro-jp.com.
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