Lost in Translation? 5 Shocking Differences Foreigners Felt When Returning Home from Japan

Japan is Overflowing with ‘Kawaii’ Everywhere You Look!

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“In my country, ‘cute’ is rarely a standard, so you hardly find anything designed to be ‘kawaii’. But in Japan, you encounter cute music and manga everywhere!”

So says Samantha, a student from the USA. In Japan, even in stores, supermarkets, drugstores, and offices, adorable tunes play, a scene she feels is far from common in America.

Indeed, the embrace of ‘kawaii’ items and culture is so pervasive that even institutions like the police and hospitals utilize it in their services. Regional mascots known as ‘Yuru-chara’ are just one manifestation of this ‘kawaii’ culture. From children to adults, regardless of age, background, or gender, the universal appreciation of ‘cute’ seems to be a distinct feature of Japan.

Next Level! Japan’s Convenient Stores are Quick and Ultra-Convenient!

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In recent years, many of Japan’s convenience stores have expanded overseas. However, some have remarked that only upon visiting Japan do you truly grasp just how handy and accessible these convenience stores are, especially compared to their international counterparts.

Anil, hailing from Canada, was first and foremost astonished by the sheer number of convenience stores in Japan.

“Where I live, there’s one 7-Eleven, and it’s not particularly large, nor does it have a diverse selection. Mostly soft drinks, snacks, and some fast food. But when I was in Japan, it felt like there was a ‘konbini’ every few minutes with three or so in close proximity. Their range went from typical grocery items to beauty products, alcohol, pet food, and even clothing. I stayed for six months and visited one daily.”

According to data released by the Japan Franchise Association, as of 2018, Japan boasted over 58,000 convenience store locations, offering a wide variety of services.

The extensive services and the diverse range of products available in these stores seemed to be quite a unique feature, catching many by surprise.

Culinary Perfection! The Detail and Dedication Even in a Single Dishware Piece is Astonishing

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Every country has its unique food culture, preferences, and specialties. Among them, Japan is renowned for its exceptional culinary techniques and a knack for presentation.

From well-known Japanese dishes like sushi and tempura to takoyaki, sukiyaki, soba, yakitori, and onigiri, not only are they delectable, but they’re also aesthetically diverse and pleasing.

“I’ve become a huge fan of mochi. And yakitori paired with shochu… simply divine!” exclaimed Lou, a Japan cuisine enthusiast from the US. Magda, a food connoisseur from Canada, was deeply impressed by Japan’s meticulous plating and attention to every little detail, right down to the dishware.

“Where I live, restaurants tend to serve in large portions. The way Japanese restaurants plate their dishes, combining color and texture to make them look like pieces of art, is incredibly refined and beautiful. Even just looking at the plates, bowls, and cutlery was a joy.”

The attention to detail in presentation and flavor in Japan made some feel that this might be a tad lacking in their home countries. While this intricate approach is undoubtedly a product of Japanese culture and customs, it’s heartwarming to know that foreigners notice and appreciate these nuances.

Japan’s Public Restrooms are So Clean, I Might Not Use the Ones Back Home Anymore

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A consistent topic that emerges among tourists and residents alike when discussing Japan is the distinct difference in restrooms and restroom etiquette. Many foreigners praise Japan for its exceptionally clean and feature-rich toilets.

“It took me time to get used to the toilets back home, especially the public ones,” remarked Linda from New Zealand. John, originally from Scotland, shared that he’s hesitant to use public restrooms in his home country.

“In Scotland, unless there’s no other choice, I think very few would dare to venture into a public restroom. They have this scary reputation. After seeing how immaculate public toilets are in Tokyo, I became quite disillusioned with the ones back home.”

Foreigners’ admiration for Japanese toilets isn’t just about cleanliness. The allure also comes from amenities like washbasins, doors, toilet seats, bidets (washlets), heated seats, and automatic functions. Even among the Japanese, many wish they could take Japanese toilets with them when traveling abroad, given their multifunctional convenience. It’s indeed a Japanese innovation that many hope will spread worldwide.

Bowed So Much in Japan, I Can’t Shake the Habit

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Bowing is deeply ingrained in Japanese daily culture, serving various purposes, from greeting friends and neighbors to formal business settings. It’s a traditional habit seen everywhere; be it in hotels, shops, tourist spots, or even during a casual goodbye after a drink.

For the Japanese, bowing has become second nature, seamlessly fitting into numerous daily scenarios. However, for foreigners who’ve spent extended periods in Japan, transitioning back to a non-bowing culture can be quite a challenge.

“After visiting Japan multiple times, I found myself instinctively bowing back home,” shares Chris from the Cook Islands. Many foreigners report receiving puzzled looks after unintentionally bowing in their home countries.

“I’ve caught myself bowing to my grandmother on more than one occasion,” laughs Steffi from Germany. Manuel from the U.S. had a similar experience, finding himself bowing when yielding the way to someone.

Bowing is a gesture you learn physically. Once it becomes a habit, it’s hard to shake off. Listening to these stories, it’s amusing to think that many of us Japanese might also be unwittingly spotted by our bows when overseas.

Written by:

Fujico

Born in Tokyo. Independent writer from 2015. He has studied and worked in North America, and also translates and interprets English and Japanese. He loves the islands of Tokyo and the Izu Islands, and once a month heads to a new island!