Have You Thought Of Living In Japan?
For people who are not natives, the thought of living in Japan and learning a totally new culture is exciting. Many foreign born people go to this country in order to work or to study. The number of people moving there has been increasing with every passing year and the Japanese people have had to deal with this influx of new culture as well.
Living in a different country can be a challenge for anyone, so realizing that the Japanese are very particular about their customs and correct manners is very important. As a foreigner it is important that you become familiar with the basic rules of Japanese society. While many Japanese will cut a foreigner some slack on incorrect etiquette, if one performs something that is extremely disrespectful, then it might not be overlooked. Additionally, it is in your best interest as well to learn a little bit about the rules of a country that you are visiting or planning to live in.
An example of a Japanese culture difference involves entering a home. In Japan it is expected that outside shoes will be removed. The host then provides slippers for the guests to wear. Many people are aware of this Japanese custom; however, there are other shoe etiquette customs that are required in Japan that are not as widely known. For example, another Japanese society custom requires that any room with a tatami floor is to only be stepped on with socks or bare feet. Additionally, there are special slippers that are to be worn exclusively in the bathroom.
While it is important to try and learn as much about a new culture as you can, it would be impossible to think that you could learn everything about a totally new culture right away. This is true for anyone trying to integrate into Japanese society as well. If you have had extra time or exposure to a particular way of life, then it might make it easier for you. For someone who is transplanting from a western country to Japan some customs will seem more foreign and some might seem more familiar. For example, in western culture it is considered bad manners to blow your nose at the dinner table, and this is indeed true in Japan as well. As time goes by it will become easier and easier to integrate into the new culture and you will no doubt find that living in Japan is easy.
Living in Japan is an option that many foreigners are taking these days. They are moving to Japan in record numbers for work or for school. The idea of learning a new culture and living in a totally different environment from where they come from is very exciting for most. The Japanese culture will become more understood as more non natives move in.