I should’ve done a lot more research before coming here but, I arrived here Friday in Okinawa living on Torii. I tried walking off and exploring but I was so lost. Never felt so unsure of myself in my life. I went to this Familymart and found myself just contemplating what to get. I have a Japan SIM now and should be taking my drivers test in a week or so. Maybe even get my own place in a month. I want to learn and go out more as I’ll be here for the next 3 years. Any advise that would help when entering a restaurant, meeting people or even a fast way of learning Japanese?
Edit: updated question
15 comments
What are you struggling with exactly? Anxiety? The cure to that is just to go out and do it, whatever it is you’re anxious about. Once you do that enough it will get easier for future things
> Never felt so unsure of myself in my life. I went to this Familymart and found myself just contemplating what to get.
i dont know why but this is just such a funny image to me. Like … why is this simple thing anxiety inducing to you ? lol.
Can I ask what you’ll be doing there for 3 years
You’re clearly connected to the American military somehow, so perhaps get people you’re working with to show you around and help show you some of the cool things and how to get used to the area. Okinawa is a great island, but you’ve got to get out and explore.
You moved to a country for 3 years on your own without learning the language? What did you expect?
What brought you here?
What are you planning on doing?
Did you do some research and planning before coming here?
What is different from what you expected?
My first three days in Japan I was petrified of loosing sight of Shinjuku, basically wandered the streets wondering what on earth I was going to do because I understood nothing.
On the fourth day I went skateboarding and pretty quickly made connections that ended up lasting decades.
Okay it’s the standard suggestion but use [meetup.com](https://meetup.com) to find social events near you and create a social network of foreigners who will be able to help and guide you for your first few months.
I am not trying to sound condescending, it’s good to have a friend or two who can help when you are new to a culture.
you need to learn at least basic japanese to appreciate more of your interaction with the locals. if you can, find a language school even for a short course. you need to do this with a person willing to teach you. not everyone can be bothered to teach you or accommodate your lack of language skills. knowing the language and being able to communicate will make your three years stay more pleasant.
First time out of the US in a country that doesn’t speak English?
Try to think of it as an adventure.
Don’t be embarassed; no one is going to expect you speak Japanese anyway.
Make sure you download the google translate app and you can use the camera feature too.
Restauarants are fine if you point at something. Go to the ones with plastic food outside or pictures on the menu in the beginning.
No, there is absolutely no chance of learning Japanese fast. But you’ll probably feel better taking some action, so see what kind of lessons you can get yourself into.
Since you’ve already said you’re associated with the military, most bases have free language classes you can join. Also, go to MWR/ ITT, get on a few guided tours, see some things, and make some friends.
Okinawa? You’re an army guy? Just be aware that locals do not like marines. Okinawa is beautiful but is the only place where I felt a car was necessary. You’ll enjoy the summer, never been there in winter. Just go out and try to respect locals, never ever blow your nose in public will be a good start
Honest, Just learn japanese ASAP, language will help you a lot to get out of your anxiety. You can try to learn by apps like iTalki or Hello Talk If you don’t have time to go to school. Just learn japanese mate. Good luck.
Don’t take some of the unhelpful comments too seriously. I have been living on this island for over 20 years. There are things I still don’t know and I am still unsure of. You’re only here for three years. Unless you are an excellent student or dedicated to learning, you’ll probably only get to the basics. Also, remember most people will get out of their comfort zone living in another country.
As for language, how much do you want to learn? No one can learn everything about a language even devoting their life to it even with a with PhD. So don’t beat yourself up if you are slow at it. For basic Japanese I recommend the Genki Japanese books. Also a flash card app. Quizlet has the vocab for Genki already downloadable.
Most Okinawans will give you words of encouragement if you know even a little Japanese.
Meet friends through your work or school. Most locals will talk with foreigners practicing English or just being friendly.
It’s much different from the mainland and there are many fun things to do here.
Have fun exploring!
I know what you mean. I’m moving to Osaka in a couple of months and I’m hesitant.
I remember my first days in Korea where all I knew how to do was bow. It was also 20 years ago and I was much less set in my ways.
I’d hand over a bunch of notes when I had to pay for something. I ate a small can of Pringles and a small coke every day because that’s all I knew.
I eventually adapted but I don’t relish starting over but I know it did get better.
Just put one foot in front of the other.