Few foreigners who live in Japan stay for the long term; some expats anxiously down the days until they can return home, while others drag their feet. Whatever group you belong to, there are parts of Japanese life that are certainly difficult to let go of when you leave. We look at what 10 things everyone misses when they leave Japan – the land of the rising sun.
Cleanliness
After living in Japan for a year or two, most people get used to how clean it is. Even in the busiest parts of big cities, everything is neat. The subway cars are clean, houses are spotless, and there’s no trash on the streets. This cleanliness becomes something you expect everywhere.
However, coming back home can be a shock for some. At first, most people are happy to return. But then, they might see something upsetting, like a homeless man using a phone booth as a bathroom. This can make them miss the cleanliness of Japan.
Public transit is available
Japan has the best train and subway system in the world. You can use local trains, commuter rails, and fast trains to travel almost anywhere in the country. It’s quick and comfortable.
Even rich people often choose to use public transportation. In Japan, not having a car isn’t seen as a bad thing. Plus, because there’s not a lot of space, driving can be more trouble than it’s worth. So, whether you’re rich or not, public transportation is a great way to get around in Japan.
Safety
Imagine being able to walk home alone at three in the morning without being scared of getting robbed. In Japan, this is normal. You can even leave your laptop or bag on the table when you go to the bathroom in a busy restaurant. It’s safe.
Big cities like Tokyo and Osaka are safe, even at night. People from other countries who live in Japan get used to this. But when they go back home, they remember what it’s like to always check their pockets. They start to miss the safety of Japan.
The culinary culture
Food in Japan is yummy, cheap, and you can get it any time of the day. Stores like 711 and Family Mart sell fresh meals, snacks, and drinks. When people eat out, they often share their food. This makes eating more about being together than just eating alone.
Restaurants change their menus to match the seasons. This way, the food is always fresh and exciting.
Service
When it comes to the service business, Japan is unrivaled. The client is king here, and giving exceptional service is an important aspect of any job training, regardless of profession or position. Again, most individuals begin to take this for granted until they return home and demand the same level of customer care.
Do you sleep at your desk?
Working in Japan can be tough, but there’s one thing that everyone loves. It’s okay to take a nap at your desk, even during the work day. This doesn’t mean you’re lazy. Instead, it shows that you’ve been working so hard, maybe even doing a lot of overtime, that you’re all out of energy. You need to rest and recharge. As long as you don’t miss the big two-hour meeting at the end of the day, your boss won’t bother you.
TOTO washlets
TOTO, a Japanese corporation, has a stranglehold on toilets that spray water into your genitalia. A washlet is a toilet/bidet combination that lets the user to conduct their business without having to wipe afterwards. It offers a variety of settings for the intensity, temperature, and position (front and back), and after you’re through, it feels like you just took a shower. After the experience, anything less seemed to be sheer brutality.
Friendly cops
Most individuals connect cops with trouble and would want to avoid any contact with them. This is not the situation in Japan; there are koban (police boxes with one or two policemen inside) near almost every railway station, and their primary role is to help passengers find their way about the city or resolve any difficulties that may arise.
Onsen
For those who don’t mind being naked in public, Japan is home to some of the world’s finest natural hot springs and bath houses. Onsen can be found in every region of Japan and are hugely popular among locals and travelers alike. Bathers enjoy a hot bath while taking in views of mountain landscapes, deep valleys, and lush forests. The onsen experience offers a certain peace and serenity that is hard to find outside of Japan.
People you come across
Living abroad broadens your social circle and introduces you to people you would not have met otherwise. While each member of the group may come from a different background, everyone is bonded by the common thread of being an expat in Japan. As members of the group return to their home countries, their numbers decline over time. This is unavoidable, so take advantage of it while it lasts.
