Starting your new life in Japan is an exciting time but it’s also a big undertaking that can leave us feeling disorientated, stressed or even depressed. This is known as Culture Shock, and it’s a common and very normal response to moving to a new country. Almost everyone will experience it to some degree, but how much and in what way will depend on the person.
What is Culture Shock?
Essentially culture shock is the stress of transition, so if you’ve ever changed jobs, moved to a new place or met a group of new people you’ve probably experienced a smaller kind of culture shock. The difference this time is the transition is taking place in nearly all aspects of your life so it can feel a little more overwhelming. But if you’ve managed to adjust before you can do it again!
It’s usually accepted that culture shock occurs in four stages...
- The Honeymoon: This is when you first arrive in Japan and everything seems fascinating and new.
- Hostility and Frustration: After you’ve been in Japan for a reasonable amount of time you begin to notice differences and this can be the source of a lot of frustration. Small tasks that were once easy back home might be a hassle in Japan due to language and cultural barriers. You also might feel like you’re making a lot of mistakes. It’s common to feel anxious or lonely at this time but don’t worry, these feelings should usually pass in time.
- Adjustment: At this stage you are becoming more familiar with Japanese society and are now able to navigate situations after dealing with them a number of times. By now you have formed routines like the ones you had back home and begin to feel less isolated.
- Adaptation: Finally you have become bicultural and can appreciate both your home culture and Japan. You can now fully enjoy living in a foreign country.
Suggestions on How to Manage Culture Shock:
Identify it – The most important step in managing culture shock is to first realize you’re experiencing it! Half the battle of culture shock is simply knowing you’re likely to experience it in some way. Remember that the feelings you’re having are normal and only temporary.
Stay healthy – Sometimes we forget how much of an effect our physical health has on our mental wellbeing. Find an exercise that you enjoy doing, eat healthy and don’t forget to get enough sleep.
Change your perspective – It’s easy to make generalizations when we’re abroad. Don’t let a few bad experiences discredit all the positive ones you’ve had in Japan. The actions of one or two people don’t reflect everyone in Japan, just like how your actions don’t reflect everyone back in your home country.
Re-evaluate your goals – If you think you’re going to come to Japan and pass the N1 in your first year, get a Japanese boyfriend/girlfriend and revolutionize English education you’re probably going to end up feeling disappointed. Focus on what you have achieved so far, and while there’s nothing wrong with having big goals while you’re in Japan, make sure they’re reasonable.
Seek emotional support – Don’t be afraid to ask for help! All Shiga JETs in their second year and above have been through exactly the same thing and know what it’s like.
What is Culture Fatigue?
Culture Fatigue is related but a little bit different to culture shock. Culture fatigue occurs after you’ve been in Japan for an extended period of time. It’s usually the small differences or the things you didn’t notice at first. It’s not an initial shock, but rather small details that accumulate over time and get blown out of proportion. Who You Can Talk to:
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