GOING TO JAPAN: KOKORO NO JUNBI
While going to Japan seems like fun and games, one mustn’t forget the serious aspects about traveling to another country. Especially a country like Japan, where the culture is wildly different from the culture here in the US, not to mention the sizable language barrier.
I suspect the language barrier shouldn’t be much of an issue–I’m nowhere near fluent in Japanese, but I think I have enough under my belt to feel my way around. I’ve been going back and doing some revision over the past couple of weeks, which has mostly been composed of writing all the kanji I know multiple times, but I have also gone back to review vocabulary I should know, and grammar bits I’ve forgotten. I naturally haven’t had much practice speaking, but that’ll all change once I touch down in Narita.
The large cultural gap is more of an issue. I’ll admit: My knowledge of Japanese culture is limited to what I’ve taken in by way of speaking with my Japanese friends, and what I’ve seen in Japanese media. I’ve done no real extensive research, so I get the feeling that no matter how many entries on Gaijin Smash I read, there will be surprises. But instead of being shackled by the unknown, I choose to be liberated by it. Some things will undoubtedly come off as annoying, and at times I will probably miss things I can only acquire back at home, but if that happens I will do my best to not fall into despair and instead take it easy. This is an opportunity to embrace a new culture–I should be totally accepting and take whatever comes my way with a good attitude.
I have no idea how my time in Japan will change me, and if it’ll change me at all. What I do know is that I’m looking forward to an interesting and enlightening learning experience, and I’m pretty sure Japan won’t disappoint in that respect.
>> KOKORO NO JUNBI
Sounds like you’re getting ready to be raped.
いつ行くの?俺も来年日本に行ってみたい、短い旅行しかできないけど(多分2週間かな)
I’m going in 2 weeks.
>>Sounds like you’re getting ready to be raped.
WELLLLLLLLLLLLL
Good luck, from a random lurker!
I’m also going to Japan in two weeks… And I feel about the same as you. ^^
Being open for the culture is probably the most important, since their culture is obviously in very many ways different from what we’re used to in the west. Well, I think it’ll be a experience for life!
Oh wow, two weeks! Waku-waku, and even doki-doki.
Best of luck! Japan is fucking awesome, I’m sure you’ll find it more amazing than you even anticipate.
The culture shock won’t start until about a month in. It passes within days.
Far, far more appaling will be your reverse culture shock whenever you return back. This will undoubtetly ruin a man for months. Your view of the world will change for the rest of your life.
SRS
I actually didn’t have any culture shock going there. Reading Gaijin Smash prepares you to think continuously that every day you’ll encounter something completely f-ed up (in both positive and negative ways), and it does in fact happen, every day. The worst, really, is coming back to the States, when you get hit with the reverse culture shock.
Too true. Returning to the US is like the ultimate hangover. It’s like getting stuck 10 years in the past and in the sticks. Japan will break and steal your heart.
Good luck. I’m in Japan right now on vacation, and it’s amazing. (and exhausting, but in a good way.)
Despite not having been there, I don’t think the culture shock will be as shocking as you’d think. Obviously don’t take my word for granted though. :V
This place sucks. Go to China instead.