I heard that Japan as a society is very collectivist and good for introverts. I am an awkward extroverted person. Does Japan have anything that can cure depression like good activities or something like that?
I am slowly dying inside from the boredom in Canada and I see a lot of cool things in Japan but I sometimes wonder if I would ever fit in there.
https://www.reddit.com/r/japan/comments/12gple0/what_is_life_like_for_people_on_the_spectrum_in/
6 comments
Japan can be a relaxing place to live for some healthy introverts, but I’ve seen a fair number of expats whose mental issues have spiraled after coming to Japan due to the lack of a support network or easily accessible mental health resources. It can be hard to learn Japanese and assimilate into the culture, and even many who do can find it difficult to make local friends for various reasons, and end up drinking away their depression by themselves or with other lost expats.
Basically, Japan can be a good country to live in for some people, but not a good country to live in for other people who have personal issues or problems that they want to run away from. Definitely case-by-case.
About the subject title, I don’t know if I’ve seen anyone on the spectrum specifically talk about their experience living in Japan, but it might be somewhat challenging here if you are looking for understanding from other people.
You post raises a red flag for me. I think folks who move to japan hoping it will solve their problems in life may find living a very different land only makes thing worse. Maybe start from within and work on your awkwardness, speaking as a guy with shitty social skills . Explore your area, meet good people and save for a vacation in Japan.
Japan can be very difficult for someone on the spectrum. Of course, everyone has different needs, but if routine and structure are important for you it might be good to pump the brakes before trying to move.
I’ve got ADHD and my friend who moved to Japan not long after I did is autistic, and we both agree that there are things we love and things we hate about how Japan runs, just like any other country. The added stress of being in a completely new place could end up being detrimental to your depression. It was to me for a while, and getting mental healthcare in Japan can be very difficult. Speaking from experience, it might also be difficult to adjust to a whole new set of social codes and cues.
If you’re confident in your ability to self-regulate and have a clear goal, then its up to you, but I would definitely suggest doing a lot of research! Find stuff written by other expats, read up on what its like to be neurodivergent in Japan.
Being an extrovert will be very difficult in a country where you don’t speak the language, most people tend toward introversion, and where foreigners are generally regarded as ever truly fitting in.
Why do it want to fit in?
No matter where you go, you will be there.
You will go to Japan, attend to some events, then get bored and be depressed. A therapist might have activities and at worst case, pills to cure your depression.
But its still great idea. Im also interested in activities in Japan, more specifically the traditional ones such as log riding festival. Hoping to live as an expat in Japan while attending to events, clubs and activities for the rest of my life. Gotta fully bend into Japanese culture and make friendships with trustful people.