I feel like Japan really isn’t that much different from the UK. I’d say it’s one of the countries where I’ve had the least culture shock.
Both countries are crowded, historic island nations built on politeness, restraint, and orderly public life.
Cars drive on the left, towns are compact lived-in areas, and commuting is rail-centered. There is a social scene built around pubs or izakayas and a shared love of tea and ritual.
Add the understated, self-deprecating humor and the habit of apologising for everything, and it all adds up to a familiar feeling place.
If you remove the highly efficient and bright light cities and robots I feel you get very close to the UK in my opinion.
Not to say I didn’t have culture shock the first time I visited, but the 2nd and 3rd times I went there I started really comparing it to the UK.
I also think Japanese media and other coverage has meant that I was somewhat familiar with the culture before visiting, so while it was enjoyable to visit and experience it for real, there wasn't too much "shock" (also from the UK). Thailand was far more "different" to me.
I’m surprised you say that because the thing that shocked me about Japan was how empty the countryside was and how decidedly uncrowded it was (apart from Tokyo of course).
I felt this with Japan. Coming back from a quiet and polite country to the parking lot of my home airport where people were shouting and the high level of noise pollution was night and day difference.
Yeah. It isn't just the bright neon lights of Tokyo that a lot of people probably think about when thinking of Japan.. It's the entire culture & place. It's how quiet & peaceful it is just walking about the streets, it's how safe you feel wondering around even at night in a busy city, it's how clean everywhere is. It's how respectful & organised the people are. The ENTIRE "Vibe" of the place is like nowhere I've ever been before.
I had the opposite effect in all honesty. I've traveled a good bit around Europe but going to Japan was like the only time that made me feel so underwhelmed with the UK.
If you're referring to Japan, I tend to agree. My experience of living there was that their attitude towards foreigners changed dramatically if they found out you weren't just a tourist. Their hospitality culture is strong, but so is their culture of conformity.
But, then, I lived there in the '80s, and it's my understanding that they've become less xenophobic as the younger generations have started to gain influence and political power.
You're making it sound like it wasn't way worse before! Glasgow was an absolute tip until very recently (as beautiful as some neighbourhoods are). It was renowned for having the worst slums in the country, and had the most violence and crime until really only a few years ago. It was called the 'murder capital of Europe'!
Originally from the uk, I visited Japan for the first time when I was 22, and stayed.
That was in 1996, so I’ve been living here 30 years. I visit the UK every two years or so, and it’s always fun, but I have no desire to live there again.
That reverse culture shock is so real. Landing back home and immediately noticing all the litter, the noise, and the general wear and tear makes you look at your own country completely differently
Preachhhhh! I love Japan and now only want to travel there because everywhere else doesn’t seems as good….including my own country (which isn’t saying much at the current moment)
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u/Blue_MJS 8h ago
I felt like this when I visited Japan from the UK, been to Japan twice now & the culture shock isn't going to Japan.. It's coming back to the UK.