Japan is becoming a popular destination for foreigners, especially with the current weak yen. At first glance, Japan seems like an ideal place to live: it is clean, the food is excellent, and even in big cities, the cost of living is relatively affordable compared to other developed countries.
However, living in Japan is not just about enjoying the surface-level advantages. While Japanese people may appear polite, kind, and serious on the outside, the reality is more complex. If you do not understand this, you may face unexpected conflicts.
One key point is that Japanese is a high-context language. Japan is a homogenous society where most people share the same cultural assumptions. Because of this, much is left unsaid—people expect others to “just know.” This means that what is spoken aloud is often not the full truth.
Japanese people are also highly sensitive and attentive. They can notice small changes in others and adjust their behavior accordingly. For foreigners, this creates a unique challenge: you are expected not only to understand the words, but also to sense the underlying context and feelings without them being clearly stated.
Therefore, when living in Japan, do not only listen to what people say—observe what they actually do. Actions often reveal more than words.
To be fully accepted into Japanese circles, speaking the language is not enough. Sometimes, you are expected to follow the same behaviors and rules. These can feel strict or even stressful for foreigners, but they are deeply ingrained in Japanese society.
The most important lesson is this: Do not only admire the discipline of Japanese people. Ask yourself if you are able to match it in your own daily life. Understanding this reality is essential for making wise decisions in Japan. Remember, Japanese people will rarely reject you directly with words—but their true feelings may be expressed in subtle ways.
