Japan: Cultural Differences
A prominent cultural difference noticed here in Japan is the fashion. Although it’s blistering hot and humid, people here still wear long pants/skirts. During my first week in Japan, I probably got around 10 mosquito bites. It was during one night, where I woke up because my mosquito bites were so itchy, I was so frustrated, I looked up how to prevent getting bit by mosquitoes. One article said wearing long sleeves can prevent mosquito bites. It never really clicked until that moment why so many Japanese people wore long clothing. The clothing, more particularly for women, is very light and flowy so that it doesn’t stick to the skin. Skinny jeans are rarely seen, but instead jeans from like the 70’s fashion is pretty popular (loose and flowy). I also think that Japan is a bit conservative; therefore, not many people wear short shorts (particularly women). I bought a long flowy skirt myself, and it is actually quite comfortable.
There wasn’t as much culture shock when coming to Japan since I’ve been here before, but adjusting to the culture took a little while. For example, tipping isn’t need in restaurants. Or just getting used walking on the left side versus the right. Additionally, Japan is very particular about how you sort your trash. They have separate bins for PET bottles, cans, combustibles, and non-combustibles. Sometimes it’s a little difficult to determine where to throw my trash away, and when signs aren’t in English, that can also be a bit difficult. There is also a lack of public trashcans. Sometimes, I just end up carrying my trash for the entire day, either because I can’t find a trashcan or I end up forgetting about throwing it away.
Another thing that took time to get used to is the lack of paper towels in bathrooms. Japanese people carry their own hand towel/handkerchief to dry their hands on. Some bathrooms do offer hand dryers, but those without one can be annoying, since I would have to use my wet hands to open my bag to reach for my hand towel. I still haven’t really gotten used that, or being prepared with my own hand towel, since I often forget if I leave my bag somewhere else.
Although there are many things that are taking time to get used, they aren’t all that bad. It’s all part of experiencing and living in a different culture.
