what is it like for an america to live in Japan?

Question

we are thinking about moving to Japan sometime within the next year.How do the Japanese treat Americans and is there schools that teach in English?where can I find out more info

Answer 1

Japanese generally treat anyone who makes an attempt to cooperate fairly well, especially (North) Americans. That said, there are deep cultural differences and obligations that you'll never know about until you've been here for years.

Sex and age discrimination are out in the open. Koreans and Chinese in particular are sometimes discriminated against. Still, Japan is one of those places that seems deceptively similar to the U.S. The differences start to uncover themselves little by little, and they may be shocking when you discover them. I have known people who just packed up and went home, and people who worked through the problems, politely building consensus in a Japanese way.

Okay, enough of the dark side. Especially if you want to be a friendly hermit, it's a great place. Fruit and vegetables are excellent, nice little restaurants or noodle shops are everywhere, people are good-natured and peaceful, for the most part. Japanese beer is great. There are old temples, shrines, hot springs, and other curious places to visit. Shopping is an adventure... Check out the pottery fairs, the fireworks festivals, the parades... It can all be a lot of fun.

This is an online newspaper that you might find interesting:
http://www.japantoday.com/

Here's a nice explanatory website:
http://www.caringkiwi.com/japan/

Here's an online magazine:
http://www.japanfile.com/modules/smartfaq/

Here's some info on racism for people who don't think it exists:
http://www.debito.org/meijigakuin071705.html
Old, but still true:
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/member/member.html?fl20031007zg.htm

So what's the deal with all the thumbs down here for everyone regardless of the opinion expressed. Is somebody a little odd? No less than 3 thumbs down for everyone here, including people who just offered a helpful web address? Pretty strange...

Answer 2

It depends on the individual person and where you go in Japan. In my experience, Japanese either love or hate Americans, no in-between! I had people yell discriminatory abuse at me on the streets because they thought I was American, I also met a lot of lovely and friendly Japanese people. If you go to a smaller city, expect people to stare at you, and its not just children that stare! It can also be more difficult for women than men because some Japanese people still hold very traditional beliefs that women should be at home, men at work, etc. Whether you enjoy the experience or not is up to you - I worked with some Canadians who hated living in Japan because people always stared at them, whereas I had the same experiences but didn't let it bother me and I still love (and miss!) Japan. Its really up to you! Expect things to be completely different from what you are used to and you won't be disappointed!

There are heaps of English schools in Japan - just google "teach english in japan" and see what comes up! There are private companies or you could work as a JET in a school.

Answer 3

Watch "Lost in Translation" with Bill Murrey and Scarlet Johannson. Movie about 2 americans in Japan.

Answer 4

It's annoying. Small doors, beds, elevators, people!

They rush around too much and if your iffy on the language, your screwed. Food sucks. Although in the right places.. So do the girls. This place has vending machines on the side of the road that actually sells little girls panties!

These are some sick MoFo's.

Nice place to visit... Bring a camera, but I would'nt spend any more time there than I had to. BTW, almost everyone hates Americans right now. You go to the other side of the world just to blow people up because you want to. Your not good sandbox partners. You don't play nice with others

Answer 5

are you guys living in japan?

frustrating, japanese jelous of american's penis! hahahaha annoying, sucks....

you guys should be ashamed of yourself.
im not sure but i think some of them are living in japan right now. and complain about japan all the time?
people who want to blame somebody are always chicken-hearted. yes YOU are chicken.
if you cant do anything and cant change yourself you better go back home. your mom is waiting.
or you cant go back home?

change your self first.

japanese are not racist. japanese love to help foreigner.
some foreigners who live in japan are hate japanese.
they think they are perfect. but japanese doesnt like them.
they are perfect? complain about japanese all the time people are not perfect.

Answer 6

A samurai cuts off the heads of any Americans who can't spell or use correct punctuation and/or grammar.

Answer 7

lived there for a year when i was in the navy. they like americans. they are nice people. im 6ft tall i felt like a giant there. just watch out everyone smokes . kids dogs everyone smokes

Answer 8

my boyfriend is in the military and was stationed in japan for two years... Iv'e heard him say it's a nice place to visit but he would never in a million years want to live there again..

Answer 9

on base there are schools. i live on base with my husband and i am an american! i love it here!

Answer 10

its american. well they might like you or hate you, mainly hate you because the whole world hates america no offense.well they are more high tech than us, and they play more ps3 there, and they have a lot of adult stuff like you know. they sell a lot there