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  1. Jerome

    Great article.
    I’ll just add a couple of comments if you don’t mind (been here for about 15 years).

    You don’t have to “bow to people”. Or maybe you have to haha. It’s more subtle than that. In casual contexts, you can just make a small head motion to acknowledge the other person existence (someone you know in the street etc.). But not in business meetings. The level of the bow depends on your relation hierarchy with the person. If you have a lottle bit of empathy it should come quick!

    Respect elders… if they respect you! I had 50 something balding guys sitting in priority seats in front of my (very visibly) pregnant wife and had to firmly remind them that they should give her their seat. Many. Many times.

    Other things from the top of my mind :

    People here don’t like tattoos bc they are traditionnally associated with crime syndicates. Onsen, pool, gym etc. they all have different policies but in general you will have to hide them (if you can).

    The “gaijin smash card” : many of your small cultural mistakes will be forgiven (you are a gaijin, you know nothing after all). In a worst case scenario you can play this card, usually nobody will bat an eye (but you will contribute to local stereotypes regarding strangers…).

    Second hand shops : Japanese people are not the tallest (many exceptions of course), so be ready to be heartbroken when this unique pair of sneakers you love is only available in very small (for you) size.

    Michelin starred sushi : I think you might be talking about Jiro in Ginza. Went there (not my money, its about $500 a meal), not sure that they even take reservations any more, but last time I checked it had a 6 months waiting list. But many many many places to eat awesome food all over the city, quality is very high, food is tasty, clean, it’s a foodie heaven.

    Last part : 100% with you on the sharehouse/gaijin house for newcommers, especially if they don’t speak the language. A bit more expensive than a “real” flat but if you don’t speak japanese you will be shown shitty places only. So great advice.
    And regarding natto… I’ll let everyone do their own experience hehe (much more edible than korean hongeo if you ask me).

    Sorry for the long comment, and yokoso!

    • The Blonde Abroad

      Hi Jerome! These are wonderful tips—thank you for the insight and for sharing!

  2. Jim

    Moving is always a hassle 😉 But it is definitely worth the effort. Recently, I helped to move my friend to Tokyo. He had his own checklist to make sure he didn’t forget anything, as well as many different tokens that helped a lot 🙂 My friend was madly happy to move, because the unique culture made his life better and calmer. Did anybody have the same experience of a successful move?

    • The Blonde Abroad

      Hey Jim! Thanks for the note 🙂 Moving is definitely a hassle but can be extremely rewarding.

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