Moving to Japan in 2021: what to expect
If you are a westerner who is considering moving to Japan in 2021 you should know what to expect. In this article, we will help you prepare for the move, just to make sure that you start off on the right foot. If you plan on relocating your entire home you might take into consideration hiring overseas shipping companies. Professional moving companies can help you relocate easier and without any issues.
Japan is a beautiful country with many breathtaking sights to see. However, the biggest thing to tackle when doing so is the culture shock you might experience. We will be talking about some of these shocks that you might face and help you fully prepare for them.
The unspoken rules in Japan
Moving to Japan in 2021 means that you have to be familiar with their cultural, unwritten rules. Moreover, as someone who comes from the western hemisphere you want to make a good impression with the locals. Japan is a quite specific country, having some cultural aspects westerners may find odd. Non the less, by learning these rules you will show your respect towards their way of living. To help you understand better, here are some of the unwritten rules you might stumble on in Japan:
- People avoid being loud in public – Whether you are using public transport or walking down the street, people in Japan generally avoid being loud and disrupting the peace of their co-residents. When on the train avoid talking on your phone, blowing your nose, or talking loudly.
- They usually do not tip in restaurants – This is considered offensive in Japan. Try to avoid leaving a tip for the waiter once you finish your meal.
- Take your shoes off when you visit someone’s home – This is something everyone in Japan respects. So, if someone invites you to their home, remember to take off your shoes before entering. You will probably see the person who invited you to do it, so they can remind you.
Another thing worth mentioning is that, if you are doing business in Japan, always accept someone’s visit-card with both hands. Moreover, instead of putting it in your pocket right away read it a little. This will show them that you respect their profession and them as a worker.
Moving to Japan in 2021 means using trains often
Japan is famous for its fast train system. Their trains can go up to 375 mph. Because of this everyone is using the train to get around the town or the country. The best part is that you will get to your destination in no time. The average delay of trains is only about 36 seconds which is surprisingly low. So, if you decide to live in Japan, you can be assured that you will not be late because of the traffic or because the train was late.
Japanese people are very hardworking and honorable people and because of that, their railroad system is very advanced and precise. Moreover, if you have items that you need to transport, hiring professional moving companies in Japan is a good choice.
The country is very safe
It seems as though there are no criminals in Japan. Most people are basically too occupied with their everyday life to be investing time in criminal activities. People jokingly state that the beauty of the cherry blossom trees soothes the citizens and create a relaxing atmosphere. Drug use, gun violence, and homicide rates are very low. Japan is a country of 127 million people and to know that you are safe among these people can surely put your mind at ease.
People are not big fans of tattoos
The traditional way of thinking in Japan is that you do not want to taint something your parents gave you. In this situation, we are talking about your body. Many people in Japan are not big fans of tattoos. Moreover, tattoos in Japan are often associated with criminals, where their most notorious crime syndicate – Yakuza, are known for having their whole bodies tattooed. The biggest disadvantage of having a tattoo in Japan is that you will not be allowed inside onsens, which is a great loss once you realize what it is.
Onsens are the best way to relax
Onsens are basically hot springs in Japan countryside. Being a volcanic country they are, there are certain advantages this country has for its citizens. Many onsens are located on the rural side of Japan, so you can enjoy the hot water and have an amazing view of the surroundings. This is one of the best ways to de-stress and relax after moving to Japan in 2021.
Japan is a very pet-friendly place
Japan loves its animals. Seriously, they love their animals so much they even have cafes with specific animals. For instance, you can drink your coffee and pet cats or dogs. If you prefer birds, there are many owl and parrot cafes. There are even hedgehog cafes where you can enjoy a nice meal or beverage with a spikey companion on your side. However, Japanese people favor cats.
People treat cats as a fluffy royalty and if you have a pet, especially a cat, you will love it there. Once you decide to get to know Tokyo in a month when you move in, you will be in love with the variety of options the city has to offer.
Moving to Japan in 2021 is easier if you hire professional movers to help you
Professional movers can help you get to your destination with ease. Once you arrive they will be waiting for you to load your items and be on your way. This is especially important if you have any cargo export. There are many beautiful sights to see in Japan and professional movers can help you get to it as soon as possible.