Dos and Don'ts of Living Abroad - Japan

 Jackson Craun

Navigating a foreign country can be difficult. Even mundane tasks like walking on the sidewalk and eating are tackled very differently across cultures, which can make for a challenging adjustment for anyone trying to live abroad. However, after three weeks of living in Japan, I have learned some easy fixes for effective living.

The most challenging aspect of Japanese life has been eating manners. Even small gestures and actions can be seen as either proper or impolite, so it's important to understand how eating culture works.

Most notably, people don't typically eat out in public. There are designated spots where it's appropriate to eat, whether it be yatai stands or inside convenience stores. It's usually seen as rude to walk around with food and eat out on the streets or in subways. 

While this results in less litter, it can sometimes lead to awkward situations where you find yourself holding onto food and desperately looking for a spot to eat. I've learned that the ideal thing to do is to eat your food as soon as possible. 

Some 7-Elevens have tables inside, but it also doesn't hurt to ask if you can eat just outside the store. The main idea is to eat your food when you get it so that you can throw away your trash as soon as possible to minimize any mess. 

There are also some things to know about proper restaurant etiquette. Tipping is seen as rude, and it's also important to only order what you know you're going to eat. If you're still hungry after your meal, then you can order more afterward. However, wasting food is highly discouraged. 

Although I can't speak for the other seasons, it's important to be aware of the climate. If you go to Japan during summer, there are two things to keep in mind: it will rain, and it will be humid. During June, rainy days come frequently, but that doesn't equate to chilly weather. Don't overdress unless you're prepared to sweat. 

Additionally, buildings and subways aren't much better. Air conditioning is much less common in other countries than in America, so don't count on having a cold place of refuge from the overwhelming humidity.