Either my inputs are incorrect, or I can’t find anything about how to adjust to a different culture as a kid. I am 14 years old and moving to Japan with my dad since he got a job there and he has to bring me with him since he thinks my relatives don’t have the means to take care of me while he works in Japan. I know that leaving my friends is already going to be hard. The thought of it already gives me separation anxiety and FOMO when I’m not even missing out yet until I move there. My dad said “don’t worry, just try and make friends”, though he did warn me that I’m not going to an international school, so language barrier’s going to be hard, and I’ve been taking lessons on learning the language since last week and will continue to do so, since he really sounds like he has no plans on going back.
I’m anxious, I don’t want to give a bad or worse impression to people I have no idea what the culture is going to be. As far as I’ve looked up, Japan’s strict on rules, and not fond of foreigners.
1 comment
Don’t go out at night.
Learn bowing culture and the different angles .
Don’t be afraid to ask for help or tell them when you are having trouble understanding.
If you have access to Google translate or an app called voicetranslator then use that.
Learn hiragana and Katakana before you go.
Basic kanji,.
Whenever you feel uncomfortable or anxious try finding somewhere to go for a walk, Hike or explore different areas such as shines, Secret spots where you can be alone and decompress.
Study the rules and try to follow them.
Be careful of overly friendly people as they might try to scam you.
Watch out for cult invitations.
Help out your dad with chores and home things and help so he doesn’t stress out as much.
People in more populated areas and popular areas are more friendly. I would say the rural country areas are more unfriendly since they don’t have much experience with foreigners