Reverse Culture Shock

By Kanna

Not only good aspects but also there are bad aspects in both of countries, United States and Japan. I came back to Japan two days ago and I still have jet lag right now, and I actually haven’t felt any culture shock yet, but I have an opinion that differences between Japan and America. Today, I would like to talk about two point that I respect to the United States. First of all, American people have strong opinion and they can share it into words to other people. I really respect this, and I want to learn from it, but it is very difficult in Japan because Japanese people feel ashamed to share themselves opinion to someone and would not like to stand out, so they prefer to majority and they hate minority. It is very bad point of Japanese people including me. Second, students in the United States are more talk about world issues such as gender problems, politic problems, and environmental problems than Japanese students. Japanese youth tend to would not like to talk about these things, especially in front of friends. They think talking these problems is boring and, if someone talk these things, they probably think what a show-off, and everyone really afraid this. They always talk about their hobbies, TV programs, and entertainments. I am interested in problems what happens in the world and I want to talk with friends and listen other opinions. I think it is very important to have a ourselves opinion and to learn from other opinions, and it makes us more good person who is independent. In conclusion, I prefer that people in the United States have strong opinion and they talk severe problems more than Japanese. I want to be a person to cherish my opinions and values individuality like American people.

Reverse Culture Shock

By Sayaka

After returning to Japan, I felt some reverse culture shocks.

There are three things. First, I felt Japanese food is little taste because I ate strong taste food everyday when I was in America, for example, hamburger and pizza. I got used to strong taste of American food, and I like it, so I feel it is missing something for Japanese food. Second, I felt culture shocks to take a bath between America and Japan. When I was in America, I couldn’t soak in the bathtub, because there is no culture of soaking in the bathtub in America, and  I heard that it is normal for American people just take a shower. Also, Japanese usually soak in the bathtub, because Japan is the country with very rich water resources. I took a bath in fifteen minutes everyday when I was in America, but after returning to Japan, I have a good long soak in the bath everyday. Third, I felt my lifestyle in Japan little changed by American life. Before I go to study abroad, I got up at eight every day, but I was in America, I got up at six everyday, because the time class start was earlier than Japan. I got used to get up early in America, so I still get up early in Japan . For these things, I found some reverse culture shocks after returning to Japan, and I felt my lifestyle little changed by the American life.

Reverse Culture Shock

When I returned to Japan, I felt two differences between America and Japan.  First, I felt Americans are friendlier than Japanese.  When I took a bus in Spokane, some Americans talked to me even though we didn’t know each other.  They often talked to me at restaurants, bus stop, department, on the street and so on.  At the first, I was surprised and afraid of them because I didn’t be good at speaking English and they were stranger, but I was getting used to it and I was happy to be talked by them.  After I came back to Japan, I felt Japanese is very shy and a little bit of cold for stranger.  It’s Japanese character, but I had felt lonely for them.  Second, I realized that Japan is cleaner than America.  In especially, Japanese toilet is the best cleanest.  I usually saw trash on the road and dirty shops in the America, but nobody cleaned them.  I was surprised at them because I have an opportunity to clear them if it happens to Japan, for example, my town has an event called clean campaign once a month.  I look like they’re care about them, but it’s also American character.  In short, Japan and America have many other differences, but we should understand and accept them each other because every difference have to respect in the world.

JAPAN AND AMERICA

Reverse Culture Shock

By Maiya
On March 24, I left MFWI at 4:30.  I felt 2 things that differences between Japan and the United States when I arrived in Japan.  First, Japanese food is healthy and fresh.  About a month and a half, I lived in the United States.  American food was very good.  I ate french fries, chicken, sausages, and so on every day.  I was happy, but my body hated them.  It was made a lot of pimples on my forehead and chin,  and I gained weight.  When I arrived at Haneda airport, I found a Udon restaurant.  I and my friends went to the restaurant, and ate Udon.  It has weak taste, but very very good.  I was proud of Japanese food culture.  I thought that we should eat a healthier and fresher than greasier food for our body.  Second, Americans have friendliness and kindness.  Of course, Japanese people are kind.  However, Americans are kind and talk to someone all times.  This studying abroad was my first oversea, so I learned about Americans personally directly for the first time.  When I went to the store, the clerk and I started talking and we were fun.  In Japan, the clerks say "Ilasshai- mase" every times, but customers start shopping without saying anything.  I think this is one of the not good parts of Japanese culture.  In short, these are the difference of the 2 cultures.

Maiya Suzuki

Writing12

04/07/2020

Returning to Japan

On March 24, I left MFWI at 4:30. I felt 2 things that differences between Japan and the United

States. When I arrived in Japan, I felt them Clearly. First, Japanese food is healthy and fresh.

About a month and a half, I lived in the United States. American food was very good. I ate

french fries, chic

Reverce Culture Shock

      There were some culture shock when I came back to Japan. First, the cause of that is junk food.  I wanted to eat junk food. When I was in America, I ate strong taste food. For example, I ate hamburger, chicken, pizza, and so on everyday. Japanese food is lighter taste than American food, so I missed American food. I bought a orange sauce of panda express. I sometimes cook  with it,  I miss the taste of American food. It is very delicious. It was good to buy it. Second, that is jet lag. I had difficulty suffering from jet lag. There is a time difference of  sixteen hours between Japan and America. I couldn’t get up in the morning, and I often took a nap. Besides, I was hungry at strange time. It was tough to keep regular hours for several weeks. Third, that is Coronavirus. I want to meet my friends, RA, and teacher. I can’t meet them, because I came back to Japan, and I was isolated at my home. I miss them. I want to talk with and play with. I was very sad. However, I'm glad that I can talk with them using Zoom. I hope the infection of a coronavirus will not spread, and I want to see them. For these things, I want to study abroad again, and I want to eat them or see them!

Reverse Culture Shock

Today is one week later from I came back to Japan. I'm very sad and regret for a few reasons. First, this study abroad is my first experience to go to overseas, so I wanted to stay America more, and have a lot of special experience. I wanted to spend more time with my group, RA, friends, and MFWI teachers. Now, I’m isolating from my family in my house for two weeks, and I can’t go out, so I can’t believe I’m in Japan yet. Second when I arrived Japan, I heard a lot of Japanese and see a lot of Japanese letter. I was glad, but I was sad. I thought “I came back here finally…”. I miss my friend, RA, MFWI teachers, America, but my RA and teachers keep contact with me, so I’m happy and I can feel America and I can learn new words, expressions, and culture. When I came back to Japan, I ate rice, miso-soup, and natto. I didn’t eat natto in America, so I was glad. I felt difference between America and Japan. When I sneeze, people say “Bless you” in America, but in Japan, people nothing to say. Signs are all Japanese. Almost people speaking Japanese, so I miss English. I felt character difference between Japanese and American, too. I think Americans have confidence in oneself more than Japanese. It is one of good point of Americans, so I respect them. I came back here about two months earlier than first plan, so I think I can’t accept this reality more. I want to go back to America soon, but I can’t now, so I will go America in the future:)

Reverse Culture Shock

     Culture shock can learn about differences between countries. I felt culture shock when I was in United States. First, I was surprised at American people spoke to us friendly. For example, when I got off the bus, the driver said to me with smile over the mirror"Have a nice day!". I was happy because I have never been said that in Japan. Also,when I watched the ice hockey game, I was spoken to a stadium officials. He said to me"Are you having fun?" and "Thank you for coming!". I thought that almost of American people are friendly. In Japan, most people don't speak to people unless job. Japanese people are cool compare with American peopple. Japanese peopple don't like to be speak to clarks in the shop because we are quiet and we want to take distance to them, but almost of American people are close between ckarks and customers. Second, working people in America looked fun. For example, when I went to cafe, clarks were talking with colleagues and cooking their own pace, I was jealous that everyone worked happily. In Japan, I have to provide food for customers as soon as possible, so I always have to rush. I don't think that my part time job is fun, but American people look enjoy working their job. To sum up, I felt two difference; friendly and job between America and Japan.

Reverse Culture Shock

There are two things what have been difficult for me to adjust to. First of all, American people can assert themselves and they always think more positive than Japanese. For example, when I lived in my house in Spokane, my RA used to do positive thinking even if she faced difficulties. If I was in her position, I must have been too anxious to do so. Also, I realized that American people was not shy like Japanese, and they expressed themselves without shame, so I was really envious of them. In addition, our teachers in MFWI often praised us, and it makes me want to try harder. In Japan, I think it is not so usual for people who are students are praised greatly, and also, they are not used to being praised by someone because almost Japanese usually don’t have their confidence. However, I prefer American style to Japanese one, so I wanted to stay Amarica a little longer. Second, I didn’t feel much stress while taking classes in America. For example, when I was taking classes, my teachers were always bright and they were telling some jokes, and also, they were playing songs and gave us some candies, too! I was really surprised for that because these things are so unusual in Japan, but the classes were very fun, and I enjoyed learning English than doing that in Japan. In conclusion, it is difficult for me to adjust these things, but I had a really great time in America, and I believe that these culture shock will bring me new value.

Reverse Culture Shock

There are many difference between American and Japanese culture. I felt them during the study abroad period has through study abroad experience. First, it is the toilet private room door. American toilet door has a gap above and below. Japan, on the other hand, nothing a gap. I didn't think the toilet style was different and I felt discomfort and worried that someone could see myself from the outside. So, I like the Japanese toilet more than the America toilet. Second, is the food . American food is very oily and large quantity but Japanese food that there are mainly vegetables food. I like both food, but I was not used to American food. So I missed Japanese food a little while in the United States. Third, is the personality. Japanese people feature is shyness but American people is friendly. I was impressed by the kindness of Americans. Finally, is the home culture. For example, in America, wear shoes at home, but in Japan remove shoes. In this way, there are many cultural differences between the United States and Japan. I think both cultures should be attractive and respectful.

           

Reverse Culture Shock

By Tomoka

Reverse culture shock appears when people feel the difference between countries, but if they respect that difference, they will not feel like that.  In fact, I didn't feel any reverse culture shock when I returned to Japan. There are two reasons.  First, I wasn't able to much time in the United States by the result that coronavirus spread through in here. We intended to stay until the end of May, but we had to return to Japan at the end of March. Therefore, I couldn't really touch or experience American culture directly, and most of what I could do was a cultural difference that I knew originally. So I wasn't surprised or upset by the cultural differences. And, I hadn't been in here long enough to feel a reverse culture shock after returning to Japan. Second, I respect American and Japanese culture and can accept cultural differences. There are a lot of cultural differences between Japan and the United States, such as food culture, language, communication style and lifestyle. For example, in Japan, we don't have much physical contact when we greet, but in the United States, we take a lot of physical contact. I think Japan is polite and the United States is friendly and has a good culture with each other, so I will not be shocked by such a difference. For these reasons, I don't have a reverse culture shock because I think cultural differences are important.

Revers Culture Shock

I have some reverse culture shock when I returned to Japan. First, the size of house is small. Of course, there were 25 people in my dormitory, so it was very big. When I was in Japan, I had never felt that my house was small, but I felt my house was a little small when I came back to my home because my dormitory was very big. Also, the furniture are very big, too. I liked a big and fluffy sofa that can sit 4 people. I want to sit and lie in the sofa again. Second, all voice that I can hear in my life and traffic signs are all Japanese. Of course, it is obvious because I am in Japan. It was very hard to translate everything when I was in America, but I got used to it and I felt my English skill was improving little by little. Also I was happy because I could find new vocabulary and new phrase everyday in my life, so I am a little confused because I can understand all word very easily without looking up words now. Third, I am in Japan. I was very looking forward to study abroad, so I was so happy to stay in the U.S, but I returned to Japan when I got used to stay in the U.S. It was a dream time for me and I had very good time in Spokane, but I was returned to reality. I realized I really came back to Japan. I was happy to meet my family, but I wanted to stay in the U.S more! I am surprised that I have some reverse culture shock.

Reverse Culture Shock

   I really wanted to enjoy life in the United States a little more, but I'm sorry to return to Japan. There were various reverse culture shocks whem I returned to Japan.

Japan and America

 I have three reasons. First, when I talk to someone in person, I often find it difficult to see my  opponent. For example, In a one-on-one situation, even though I was looking at the other person's eyes and listening, I felt that the conversation often progressed with the other person's gaze at hand or away from her eyes. In the United States, eye contact was a matter of course, but in Japan it is rare to make eye contact. I was used to making eye contact in the United States, so it was very strange not to do it in Japan. Second, the impression of Japanese clothing was that there were many calm colors in general. For instance, many people in the United States wear colorfully designed shirts or fluorescent clothes, but rarely in Japan. Although there were variations in color, I felt that there were many dark tones overall. I thought that I couldn't wear clothes that I could usually wear in the United States because I felt too flashy in Japan. In the United States, personal expression is important, but the Japanese hate being conspicious. Third, as I was used to the size of the United States, I felt again that Japan was a very small country. For example, Spokane had many trees, but Japan has few trees. In addition, while American roads usually have three lanes, Japan has only one lane. There are lots of parking lots in U.S. stores, but there are no more than 10 in some stores in Japan. The area of Japan is smaller than of the United States, so it can't be helped, but I was able to really feel how small my comany is. For these reasons, I was shocked by culture.  It was a good opportunity to learn again what kind of country Japan is. 

When Life Gives Me Lemon

     This study abroad program is lemons for me because some bad things have continuously happened.  First, our trips were cancelled.  Second, all other events which I was looking forward to, such as home stay, shock football game, shrine circus, and blooms day, were also called off.  Finally, we will have to go back to Japan on Tuesday.  Corona virus is spreading both in Japan and in the U.S. and each government has started restricting those who enter the countries.  Though I know I must receive this bad situation, I’m extremely sad and disappointed.  If we were able to continue studying English at MFWI, we could learn more about American culture and real conversation.  Unfortunately, we can’t do that anymore, which is too bad for us.  However, if we give up now, we will waste the time when we stayed at MFWI with our RAs and teachers, so we must continue studying English hard.  In Japan, I intend to keep studying English in the same way I had been studying at MFWI, and I will touch real English.  For example, I will watch a lot of movie in English and BBC news, keep studying TOEIC exam, and speak English as much as possible through contacting my teachers, my RA, and my friends.  Therefore, life is giving me lemons just now, so now is the time when I make lemonade out of lemons.

Reverse Culture Shock

     There are three things which I realized after I came back to Japan.  First, in the airport, I was really relieved to meet my family and I realized that my parents and relatives were extremely worried about me.  This is because they had heard corona virus was spreading rapidly in the U.S.  In fact, the number of corona patients in the U.S. got the most in the world on March 26.  Second, I got tired of Japan in a few days.  Though I love Japan and I’m happy to stay with my family, I feel a little bored now.  This is because I can’t feel stimulated in Japan.  While I stayed at Spokane, I could learn a lot of new things about American culture and vocabulary every day.  Third, the dampness in Japan annoys me because the dampness causes a lot of trouble.  For example, my hair is easy to receive bad influence from moisture, so the dampness makes my hair messy and makes me feel unhappy.  On the other hand, Spokane is very dry, and the dryness had a bad effect on my body.  However, my skin cream could stop my body from getting dry, so the dryness didn’t make me uncomfortable.  In short, I’m happy to see my family but I miss MFWI and Spokane.

When LIfe Gives Me Lemons

    I have been facing various problems until now. For example, I was belong to tennis club when I was junior high school  student. My club was many people and teachers was too strict, so every practice was very busy. My tennis club was doubles and we participated in the tournament many times. We often played the same opponents every time when it was important in the tournament. That opponents were very strong. When we played them for the first time, we completely defeated. We were very sad and thought that we want to win them someday. We studied them thoroughly, also we practice many times. Next tournament, we played them again, of course we couldn't win them, but we got more points than last time, that encouraged me. I thought that I want to be stronger more. When my retirement approached, we played them again. At that time, I was in good shape, so I continued to attack. As a result, we could win them finally, and we were said that " You're really strong." by another junior high school teachers. I was very happy to hear that. I learned I need to be mentally strong to win and I have to keep trying.