Post by Genkimonk on Jun 2, 2021 14:13:55 GMT
Jun 2, 2021 7:34:14 GMT mott1 said:
The thing that always stuck in my mind about Japan was that line from Charles Grey's character in You Only Live Twice, when he mentions he's been over there most of his adult life and he's only just starting to adapt to it.Is it that difficult? You seem to enjoy the culture and lifestyle, how long did it take you to settle? Do you miss anything about the West?
Good question. It's a bit hard to answer as I specialized in Japanese culture at university when I did my degree in Japanese religion. However, I've found being British, and of traditional British gentlemanly values that one fits in well.
For example. if someone doesn't work out, keep trying. Don't get angry. Accept misunderstandings will happen. Don't talk for your first few months in a new job. Just observe the social norm and copy.
I've seen idiot yanks just refuse to accept that the way things are done here are not how they expect. There seems to be a divide in the gaijin community. Those who get angry that Japan isn't like home, and those (like me) who hate the idiot gaijin who think it should be.
If you come here, be prepared to make mistakes. But the Japanese are very understand and will help you out. They appreciate anyone who tries to copy their ways. For example, I once used the wrong keigo (formal Japanese) with my boss, and he didn't get angry and was very appreciative that I was trying to show respect to him by using it. He then got me a really useful book on it, and lets me practice with him in lunch break.
All in all, it probably took me a year to fully get used to it. Now it's normal. Frankly, even in the covid-19 situation, life in Japan has just been normal for the most part. The only thing I hate is the exploitative workplace shit companies do to avoid paying health insurance/pension. However, a law comes into effect in October forcing them, and so that looks like it will be the nail in the coffin to those bastards.
I don't really miss the west. I view what has happened with third wave femanism, wokeness and politics to have really corrupted the west. And it is odd saying this, as I am very left wing myself. But I do think Asia has it right, and the west is fighting non issues. Japan is making way for gender equality and anti discrimination laws. It has a long way to go, but you don't get the bat shit crazy shit you now see in the west.
Lastly, as a disabled person, I can say my quality of life, both in what I can earn, my standard of living, and my mobility is soooooooo much better here than it ever was in the UK. I just got home (10.30) after work and can walk safely back home with the aid of tactile paving. The trains announces each stop clearly, and the bus drivers make sure you get off at the right stop. Came back to England, and oh boy, after 2 days I was begging to come back to Japan.
I'd happily give you guys a tour if you ever want to come and visit.
