what's the most important thing an american should know after moving to japan?

Answer 1

Emergency info such as nearest hospital, clinic, police station.
Where the nearest US Embassy or consulate is located.
How to make an international call.

Stuff you should do asap after moving to Japan: Get a bank account, learn how to use a Japanese atm, get a cellphone, learn how to take the trains and subways, find a good place to use the internet (whether at home or in a cafe).

As far as being an American. . .just realize Japanese culture is very different. If you're the kind of person who likes mouthing off and telling everyone your opinion. . .take it down a notch. If you think a certain food sounds disgusting, try it anyway. Japan is a place where outward conventions are always observed, despite individual inner feelings. The more restraint you show (in negative situations), the more people will respect you. Be humble, polite, and smile! Two of the best things Japanese people could say about you are that you are "genki" (spirited and enthusiastic) and "akarui" (bright and cheerful). A smile goes a long, long way!

Answer 2

Im plan on shifting to Tokyo in fairly under 2 years (once I can provide up my interest) Ive never been to Seoul yet like each and every enormous city there is no longer quite some a distinction, only the language. the explanation i'm shifting to Japan is by using the fact my mom used to stay in Japan whilst she become youthful, so i grew up with tale from there and grew up with a number of the language. in case you dont be attentive to any eastern or Korean that is going to easily approximately impossible to get right into a school (if a locals dont be attentive to the vocab you wont have a wager sorry). i got here across Korean somewhat no longer undemanding and gave up attempting to income. in my opinion i wld say flow to Japan, possibly nicely run into one yet another and not be attentive to it!

Answer 3

Have you already moved to Japan? If the answer is no, you might want to reconsider your decision.

I have been living in Japan for more than 2 years and I am now making plans to return to the States in January. Life in Japan is nowhere near as easy or convenient as life in the States. Sure, there are many new interesting experiences to have, but the adventure wears off after a year or so and then it is just day to day life and work. And day to day life and work in Japan is much more difficult and much less convenient than in the States.
Plus, you will find that it is expensive to move and even more expensive when you move back to the States! So you must consider if you really want to do this. What are your reasons?

What job are you going to have in Japan. If it is ESL teaching, check out the web link I have provided below and read all of the ESL "horror" stories in this web site's forums.

I don't know what your ethnicity is, but often it is the white anglos that come from America that have the most difficult time adjusting to Japan. Because for the 1st time, you are the minority in someone else's country, and you get treated like a minority in Japan. Something to consider!

Answer 4

～☆The Japanese language, I would say.
After I learned Japanese, my life in Japan was smoother. I was able to do more myself out in the general public. Speaking the language and being able to communicate will make your life so much easier! You'll be able to 'understand' people and what they're saying. People will feel more comfortable dealing with and just speaking with you if they hear you speak Japanese.
I think for ME, personally, remembering that this was Japan and NOT the USA was important!(^_-)-☆
It's a whole 'nother world, culture, traditions....here.
Look and learn from everyone around you. Most important, if in doubt～ ASK, ASK, ASK!
Just my personal experiences here.(*^o^*)
Hope this helps!♡

Answer 5

I think there are 2 important things. Language and to understand that Japan is not immigrant country. Don't think racial diversity, like the US and Europe, is the best solution for all nations.
More than 98% is Japanese and they don't speak English fluently (not even official language).
You will notice you need to learn Japanese to understnad their culture.

Answer 6

Japanese, ma'am and at least Romaji. Katakana, Hiregana and Kanji can be tough.

Though I've met a lot of Japanese people who speak fluent English, most of them don't really follow English quite well.

Oh yes, please do remember that their culture is quite different to ours, ma'am. They are very fussy about being polite and correct. If they think you lack culture, they'll just "distance" you. Though you don't need to worry about their animosity for the World War, because they don't really have it ... their culture being one that accepts death in War as an honorable thing, they don't blame us for that.

Please be prepared for a lot of questions on what is considered polite and correct in American manners, ma'am. Everyone that I met there wanted to know this first; so that they would not offend me and show up a not graceful.

Most youngsters will want to know what's "In" and will ask questions about fashion because, you might be surprised to know this, they consider America a role model for fashion.

Middle aged and senior people will be more interested in manners.

You'll find they avoid "Politics" because they are afraid they'll say the wrong thing.

Have a nice day.

Answer 7

Such a braod question, so in a broad stroke answer, I can say from expereince, language. The more you know the better. Use your community resources, such as the city hall, and community sports or social centers. Branch out and make friends contacts and network.

Answer 8

this is the place once in the world war 2 destroyed however rebuild with a single track mind and dedication.salute the people of japan

Answer 9

that west is east and east is west, and la choy may make chinese food, but it sure isn't chinese. seriously, you should really saturate yourself in the cultural differences, which can make the difference in the way you are experienced by your host country.

Answer 10

the kana. You know? The Hiragana and Katakana. and Japanese manners.