Sumarry
This article shares three cultural surprises experienced by an Indian individual who came to Japan for study and work. From punctuality to administrative systems and the emotional adjustment to Japan’s winters, the piece offers real-world perspectives and practical insight for Indians planning a life in Japan.Whether you’re preparing for your first trip to Japan or already here, these reflections help navigate expectations and highlight key aspects of Japanese life.
Extreme Punctuality and Calendar Culture
One of the most striking experiences was Japan’s deep-rooted respect for time. As the interviewee shared:
“I was shocked that plans made months in advance were executed exactly as scheduled without reminders. Everyone showed up on time.”
In India, last-minute changes or vague commitments are common, so Japan’s “living by the calendar” culture came as a true shock. Public transportation in Japan also runs on time.
Transparent and Logical Administrative Procedures
Upon arrival, tasks like registering residency, enrolling in national insurance, or opening a bank account were surprisingly smooth.
“A complete list of required documents was provided beforehand. Once I submitted everything, the process was completed in one visit. It gave me great peace of mind.”
Compared to experiences in India, where procedures can involve vague instructions and repeated visits, Japan’s structured approach was refreshingly consistent.
Emotional Shock of Winter Darkness and Isolation
It was difficult to adapt to winter in Japan.
“In Japan, it gets completely dark at 4:30 p.m. in winter, and the streets become quiet.”I felt the cold and the silence. I am always amazed by the four seasons in Japan.
Final Thoughts: When Surprise Leads to Growth
Cultural differences can be confusing, even intimidating—but they’re also opportunities for learning and self-discovery. This Indian resident’s story offers encouragement for others preparing to live in Japan.
“Living in Japan helped me appreciate both my own country and the value of new perspectives.”
Stay tuned for more real-life voices from Japan. If you have a story , please share!
we’d love to hear from you!
References
JAC ジャパンデスク (Japan Desk). (2023). 日本とインドの働き方や考え方など文化の違い. JAC Recruitment Co., Ltd. https://www.jac-kaigai.com/blog/2023/11/cultural-gap-india-japan/
GJC INDIA. (2024). 日本とインドの文化的価値観の違いについて考察する（前編）. GJC, Inc. https://g-japan.in/faq/indian-b-11-6/
ONECOSMOPOLITAN. (2021). 【日本在住インド人に聞いた！】知っておきたいインドの文化. One Coin English. https://blog.onecoinenglish.com/culture/india-culture/
note. (2022). インドの人々から見た「日本のイメージ」５つ. Kaede. https://note.com/masala365/n/n6b30ce18aa9c
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