The Culture Shock stages of moving to Japan: My two-year journey
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Name: Andra
Country of origin: Romania
How long you’ve lived in Japan: Fully in Japan since Feb 2023 (resident since Sept 2022)
Where you live in Japan: Tokyo
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Moving to a new country is exciting but also challenging. When I moved to Japan two years ago, I experienced many emotions. At first, everything felt amazing, but over time, reality set in, and I had to adjust to a new way of life. In this blog, I will share my journey through the different stages of culture shock and how I learned to adapt.
The Honeymoon phase: Falling in love with Japan
Before I officially moved to Tokyo, I visited twice. The first visit was when Japan was still closed to tourists because of COVID-19. The city was empty, and I had the chance to explore without crowds. I walked everywhere, enjoyed nature, and tasted delicious food. Everything felt like a dream.
On my second visit, Japan had just reopened its borders after three years. I immediately noticed the difference. Tourists were back, and famous places were crowded again. Still, I wanted to experience everything I had read about in travel blogs. I visited Shinjuku’s neon-lit streets, Kyoto’s beautiful temples, and Tsukiji’s bustling fish market. Japan still felt like a perfect adventure waiting to be explored.
The reality check: Facing challenges
A few weeks after moving, I realized that this was not a vacation. It was my new life. One of the biggest challenges was communication. Only about 10% of Japanese people can confidently speak English. This made simple tasks like ordering food or asking for directions difficult.
Another challenge was my career. I had no job waiting for me, and it was strange to take a break after working for so many years. At first, I felt guilty about not having a structured plan. But over time, I reminded myself that I deserved this break and that it was okay to take things slow.
Adjusting to daily life: Finding small joys
When spring arrived, so did happiness. Spring is my favorite season, and Japan made it even more special. Cherry blossoms covered the city in soft pink petals. Golden Week celebrations filled the streets with energy. Every few weeks, there was a new flower festival. Parks and streets became colorful, with orange roses, pink azaleas, and purple wisteria. These little joys helped me adjust to my new home.
Slowly, I started feeling more comfortable. I learned how to use convenience stores, even though I still sometimes got confused by the cashier’s fast-paced Japanese. Grocery shopping became easier, and I even started cooking Japanese meals at home. These small victories gave me confidence.
Accepting the new normal: Learning to thrive
The last stage of culture shock is acceptance. This doesn’t mean completely fitting into the culture. It means learning how to live in a new place and making the most of it. This stage can take weeks, months, or even years.
Now, after two years in Tokyo, I finally feel like I belong. I still struggle to make friends, and my Japanese is far from perfect. I still don’t know exactly what my future holds, but I’ve learned that it’s okay. Putting pressure on myself won’t help—I need to go with the flow and enjoy the experience.
At this point, I’ve gotten used to life in Japan. I understand the common phrases used in convenience stores, I can navigate my way around the city and the country, and I’ve even started preparing traditional Japanese meals at home. I also started a full-time job while continuing my passion for making videos and traveling.
Moving to Japan has been an emotional journey, but I’ve grown a lot. Culture shock is real, but so is resilience. Sometimes, the biggest adventure is not just moving to a new country—it’s discovering who you become in the process.
Five main lessons I learned from moving to Japan
If you’re planning to move to Japan, here are some key lessons that might help you:
1. Give yourself time to adjust
At first, everything will feel new and exciting. But eventually, you will face challenges. This is normal. Don’t expect to feel comfortable overnight. Give yourself time to settle in.
2. Learn basic Japanese
Even though many Japanese people understand basic English, daily life is much easier if you know some Japanese. Learn key phrases for shopping, eating out, and asking for help.
3. Find joy in small things
Adapting to a new culture can be stressful, but focusing on small joys can help. Whether it’s a beautiful park, a delicious meal, or a kind stranger, appreciate the little things.
4. Be open to making friends
Making friends in Japan can be difficult, but don’t give up. Join Meetup groups, attend language exchanges, or take part in community events. Over time, you’ll find people you connect with.
5. It’s okay to feel lost
Relocating to another country is a big step, and it’s okay if you don’t have everything figured out. Some days will be hard, but that’s part of the journey. The important thing is to keep learning and growing.
Two years ago, I moved to Japan with excitement and dreams. Since then, I’ve faced challenges, learned new things, and slowly built a life I enjoy. Culture shock is real, but over time, you find your place. If you’re thinking of moving to Japan, just remember—it’s okay to struggle. The key is to embrace the experience, keep an open mind, and enjoy the journey.
Moving to Japan wasn’t easy, but it was one of the best decisions I ever made. And if you’re on the same path, I hope you find your own way to thrive in this beautiful country I now call home.
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