Whether as a tourist or an immigrant, everyone who goes to Japan wants to get along. Avoid problems, make friends, get a good job and have a happy life. Unfortunately, what I see are Brazilians living in routine and complaining about the country. With that in mind, I'm going to write this guide on how to live well in Japan.
During the text, in addition to the main tips I will leave in bold some phrases that serve as tips to get along in Japan, but that I won't go into too much detail on them because they are obvious things.
I'll also end each topic with a list of highlights plus a quote that serves to ease the concerns of people in Japan. I hope you enjoy this guide on how to live well in Japan.
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Don't hold on to the Brazilian community
The mistake of most Brazilians who go to Japan is to stick to the Brazilian community and not associate with the japanese. By doing this in an extreme way, you end up leaving learn Japanese habits and customs.
Many times some end up corrupted by the negativity of some foreigners and for the criticisms that foreigners make about the Japanese, their culture and country. Many love to speak ill of Japan, just browse social networks to see this.
You can still end up falling into a comfort zone and letting go of study the japanese language, of doing things yourself and letting others make decisions for you, based on someone else's experience.
Summing up this topic, to live well in Japan we need:
- Associate with Japanese;
- Learn Japanese habits and customs;
- Don't let yourself be affected by the negativity of others;
- Not listening to criticisms and generalizations from others;
- Study the Japanese language;
- Do not settle for the facilities or fall into the comfort zone;
- We must not let others make decisions for you;
Fear of earthquake and tsunami? Remember, it's easier for you to get run over by a cow!
Be a tourist even if you are not a tourist
If you look like you've lived in Japan for many years, Japanese people don't necessarily need to make a super good impression and expect you be fluent in the language. A tip is always carry a camera around your neck appearing to be a tourist.
This way you exclude yourself from knowing the Japanese language and the Japanese will give you the best treatment and have a lot of patience with you. We are not saying that you will be treated differently if you are not a tourist, but my friend even noticed that when he was with my camera several things he had never seen were happening.
The Japanese turn a blind eye to many things tourists do and often offer perks. It is even easier to make friends, because the Japanese end up having more courage to communicate with tourists than with citizens of their country. They won't mind if they know you've lived in Japan for many years.
So even if you have an iPhone XS in your pocket, it's always best to carry a camera around your neck. Remember that the best thing is to travel, I know Brazilians who have lived in Japan for more than 10 years and have never left their province. Don't just try to look like a tourist, be a tourist! Don't have time to travel? Make time! Discover all of Japan! It's not expensive...
Summarizing this topic we recommend that:
- Always carry a camera around your neck;
- Don't be ashamed to ask questions;
- travel! Discover all of Japan!
- Don't have time? Make time!
Taking the time to travel and see places takes away any stress or worry.
Have common sense and don't make things difficult
As already mentioned, don't be a negative person who lives complaining about things or taking it in a generalized way. It has been scientifically proven that negative people push other people away, are always confused, are never happy and live full of problems and under stress.
If a Japanese bothers you, keep your distance. If all the Japanese annoy you, then the problem is you! Remember that you are not in your country, don't be selfish and be grateful for the opportunity instead of complaining and generalizing.
Work less and have more fun! Some people are obsessed with earning and saving money, something a bit complicated in capitalist Japan. If you don't like working overtime, don't work overtime, you don't have to!
If the boss requires it, show the labor rights. If he fires you, enjoy your free time with unemployment insurance and enjoy life like my friend did. Jobs in Japan abound, so don't get stuck with factories or contractors.
Many foreigners end up being duped by contractors who hide labor rights, paid vacations, unemployment insurance and even pay less for overtime. The purpose of contractors is to make a profit and not help people. Always read the contract before making any rash decisions.
You want to get another job, so study and learn the language. No matter the age, there is no shortage of exits, the only mistake is to give up before trying. Just don't do something you don't like and then be taking it out in the country and complaining and suffering your whole life.
Summing up this topic:
- Don't be negative and don't complain about things;
- Stay away from people who bother you;
- Be grateful for the opportunity to be in Japan;
- Work less and play more;
- Don't get stuck with factories or contractors;
- Always read the contract and look for your rights;
- Don't give up before trying;
- Don't discount your problems in the country;
As much as it may not seem like it, the Japanese tend to be a group and not individualists.
The article is still halfway through, but we recommend also reading:
Small tips to get along in Japan
No matter what you do, you will always stand out for being different, and unfortunately there is a saying in Japan that nail that sticks out is hammered. The best thing to do is accept that you are a foreigner and live this way, both good and bad things will happen.
If you try not to stand out so much and follow the rules and customs you will manage to have a good life in Japan, there will come a time when you will say that Japan was one of the best experiences you had in your life.
I hope you enjoyed this guide on how to get along in Japan, if you liked it, share it and leave your comments. To end the article, we will leave a list of other quick tips for you to do well in Japan:
- Never be late - Japan prides itself on punctuality;
- Be prepared to always take your shoes off when entering certain places;
- Make a correct separation of the garbage;
- Tattoos are considered taboo;
- The Japanese love American culture;
- You cannot tip;
- Most of the time there is a bell to call the waiter.
- Make use of point cards and discount coupons;
- Speak in a low voice when in public;
- Always bring a gift when visiting someone in Japan;
We also recommend reading the article that talks about 7 Japanese words that can help guide your life.