How to adapt to the expat challenges of everyday life in Japan

Well Cheryl, it really depends!

I spent 13 years in China, and like my early days in Japan, I learned that if you know the language, getting along with a whole different species of humanity becomes way easier. Trust me, back in the day, I was like a walking time bomb—several mild brawls broke out when someone stared at me for too long. (Good old, young, foolish me! 😂)

But seriously, people here—correction: used to be nice—like 30 years ago. Nowadays, Japanese folks have evolved into a bit more of a stoic breed, thanks to social media, screen addiction, and, let’s be honest, the dramatic decline in children. Maybe it's just me, but patience levels seem to be at an all-time low. I miss the old, zen-like Japan! 😌

That being said, as an expat, you’ll probably do fine here. It’s an easy-going country with relatively kind people (well, the ones who aren’t staring at you or on their phones). Just remember to brush up on your Japanese, or you'll be dodging stares like I did! 😂

I have lots of friends in Japan and whenever we are there we never notice people staring. We find people very friendly and not staring at all. What is is with people staring at you? And what is this about mild brawls when people stare at you for too long? Could it possibly be that you are the problem? I mean people tend to stare at you and if they stare too long then you get into fights with them? And where is this? Is it in restaurants? Shopping malls? Public Parks? Or in a bar after you've been drinking?

And you mention that the ones who are not staring at you or staring at their phones are only relatively kind people. Well people stare at their phones in every country? Does that make them less than kind?

Honestly mate, it does seem very much that you are the one with a problem. Does your wife and children also have the same problem of thinking that people keep staring at them?

So tell me. Why do you think everyone is stare at you?

Lol 😆

First and foremost, it’s important to remember that experiences can vary from person to person. What one person finds amusing or relatable, another might interpret in a completely different way. That’s just the nature of communication!

That said, it seems like you picked out a single sentence from my entire post and spun an entire scenario around it—one that somehow concludes that I’m the problem here! Now, I must say, that’s quite an impressive leap!

If you take another look at my post with fresh eyes, you might realize that I was simply adding a touch of humor by exaggerating small, everyday occurrences. It was all meant in good fun, not as a literal depiction of events—certainly not anything involving actual brawls!

And just to clear up any misunderstandings, I’m a Japanese citizen by choice, and that’s because I hold deep admiration for this country in every possible way. It’s a decision I made with pride, and one that reflects my genuine appreciation for Japan’s culture, values, and way of life.

Hope that helps clear things up!