We asked Japanese people living in the U.S! 7 things that puzzled them in their daily life in the U.S.

Surprised at the difference in food culture! The state of food in the U.S.

The first thing that surprises Japanese people living in the U.S. is the huge difference in food culture. In the U.S., different eating styles and foodstuffs are common than in Japan, and it is not uncommon to be puzzled by the differences.

First of all, American meals are characterized by hearty menus. All dishes served in restaurants are often served in large portions, which can seem too much for Japanese people. In addition, fast food, snacks, and other high-calorie foods are readily available, so care must be taken in managing one's health.

Furthermore, in the U.S., where people of diverse cultural backgrounds gather, it is possible to enjoy multinational cuisine. Italian, Chinese, Mexican, and other authentic tastes rarely found in Japan are appealing, but on the other hand, even Japanese restaurants may differ from their Japanese counterparts in terms of seasoning and menu structure. Sushi and ramen, in particular, are sometimes interpreted in a unique way from a Japanese point of view, and some people cook them at home for an authentic taste.

You will also be surprised at the foods available in supermarkets. For example, fresh seafood and certain vegetables that are commonplace in Japan may be expensive or not well-stocked. Therefore, it takes time and ingenuity to find foods to your liking.

In addition, even within the home, the style is often simplified to just a sandwich or salad for lunch, rather than three solid meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Adapting to such a lifestyle may also take time.

As you can see, there are many situations when living in the U.S. where the differences in food culture between Japan and the U.S. can be confusing. However, as long as you are prepared to enjoy these new taste experiences, you will be able to enjoy the rich diversity of American food to the fullest.

Japanese perplexed by the complexity of the health care system

One of the problems faced by Japanese living in the U.S. is the complexity of the medical system. While the Japanese medical system is relatively simple and easy to understand due to universal health insurance, people in the U.S. are often confused by the different insurance system and high medical costs.

The first major difference between Japan and the U.S. is the health insurance system. In the U.S., in most cases, you are required to purchase health insurance through your employer. However, the details vary from company to company, and you need to choose a plan that suits you best. There are also concepts such as "co-payments" and "deductibles" that are not found in Japan, and you must understand how each works.

In addition, care must be taken when visiting hospitals and clinics. In Japan, you are free to choose your hospital, but in the U.S., if you do not use an in-network doctor or facility, you may incur high costs. Therefore, it is important to check in advance to what extent your plan will cover you.

In some cases, an ambulance may be called in case of an emergency, but the cost of an ambulance can also be very expensive. For this reason, in many cases it is more economical to go directly to the hospital by private car. However, these options also vary depending on cultural backgrounds, and this can be a point of confusion for Japanese people.

In order to live safely in such a situation, you need to make an effort to gather information and deepen your understanding of the situation yourself. By increasing your knowledge through seminars for local residents and online information sources, you will be able to live without anxiety. It is also a good idea to consult with a specialist or find a clinic that offers Japanese-language services if you have any questions.

Overall, the U.S. health care system is complex, but once you understand the characteristics and rules of each system, you will be able to use it without major problems. If you can afford to enjoy this process as part of your cross-cultural adjustment, your days in a new country will be more fulfilling.

Moment of gap in communication style

For Japanese people living in the U.S., the difference in communication styles is one of the most perplexing things. Especially in everyday life and in conversations at work, there are many situations where the gap is strongly felt.

First of all, in Japan, ambiguous or indirect expressions are common because of the importance of consideration for the other party. In the U.S., however, frank and clear communication is expected. For example, clearly stating one's opinion is considered important, and failure to do so may be perceived as passivity. This difference is especially noticeable in meetings and discussions.

In addition, while the culture of "reading the air" is deeply rooted in Japan, in the U.S., people are encouraged to actively express their own opinions and feelings. For this reason, even if a Japanese person thinks he or she is being modest, it may be misunderstood. On the other hand, Americans may feel that Japanese people do not know what they are thinking.

Furthermore, there is a difference in praise. In Japan, modesty is considered a virtue, but in the U.S., it is important to be assertive and self-assessing. Therefore, a Japanese response of humility, such as "I owe it all to you," may be perceived as unnecessary reserve.

This gap in communication styles can be bewildering, but there are differences in culture and values behind it. Understanding these differences and coming to terms with each other will lead to smooth communication. Also, by continuing to make efforts to adapt yourself to the new style, you will be able to live comfortably in a diverse environment.

In this way, misunderstandings and frictions that arise between different cultures are reduced, leading to the creation of a mutually respectful relationship. It is also important to have an attitude of taking in the good qualities of each and enjoying them as new discoveries.

Driving skills necessary for life in the United States, a car-based society

When considering life in the U.S., the first thing many Japanese people face is the reality of a "car society. Especially outside of urban areas, there are many areas where public transportation is not well developed, and the car becomes an indispensable part of daily life. In this section, we will discuss the driving skills necessary for living in the United States.

First of all, it is important to understand traffic rules and driving manners that differ from those in Japan. For example, while right-turn signals (when it is possible to turn right even on a red light) are common in the U.S., such rules do not exist in Japan. Therefore, you may feel confused when driving for the first time. Also, on highways, merging and lane changes require smooth handling.

Next, you should also pay attention to the size of the vehicle. Large vehicles and SUVs are the norm in the U.S., and the driving experience is different from that of compact cars in Japan. Therefore, it is necessary to acquire appropriate handling and parking skills to handle large vehicles.

In addition, it is important to be prepared for long-distance driving. In the U.S., with its vast land area, the distance traveled at one time may be longer than in Japan. Therefore, it is recommended to cultivate the ability to drive efficiently and safely for long periods of time, including cruise control functions on highways and fuel efficiency management.

You should also understand auto insurance as a safety consideration. Make sure you are aware of the different insurance plans and coverage available in different states to ensure that you are able to manage the risks to yourself and others.

Finally, there is the issue of getting used to the "left-hand drive," which may be a particular concern for Japanese people. However, you will gradually become accustomed to this point through repeated practice.

Thus, in order to live comfortably and safely in the U.S., it is essential to acquire the driving skills needed in an environment different from that of Japan. Please enjoy your new driving lifestyle by improving your preparation and responsiveness to the characteristics of each region and your personal needs.

Housing conditions and the culture shock faced in house hunting

Housing conditions and house hunting in the U.S. are often surprisingly different from those in Japan in terms of culture and customs. First of all, spacious single-family homes are common in the U.S., and many of them have gardens. While condominiums and apartments are the norm in urban areas in Japan, the percentage of single-family homes in the U.S. increases the further you go into the suburbs.

It is also common to use a real estate agent when searching for a home. Agents provide support from the provision of property information to the contract process. However, unlike in Japan, the commission to the real estate agent is usually paid by the seller. Therefore, as a buyer, you may receive their services free of charge.

Even more surprising are the terms and conditions of the rental contract. For example, a credit evaluation system called credit score is emphasized. This score determines the availability and conditions of rental contracts, which can be a hurdle for newcomers to the US. Also, while in Japan there is a key money and deposit, in the U.S. there is often only a deposit, called a "deposit.

Also, when viewing the apartment, check to see if it is furnished. It is convenient to choose a furnished apartment, especially for a short stay, but the rent tends to be more expensive. Also, since the DIY culture is more prevalent in Japan than in other countries, there are many cases where small repairs and renovations can be done by yourself.

As you can see, when looking for a house in the U.S., you may be puzzled by the differences from Japan. However, by understanding the differences and characteristics of each country, you will be able to adjust smoothly to your new living environment. Do your research and preparation well in advance, and enjoy your search for a home that suits you best.

How to adapt to the unique American educational system

One of the major challenges faced by Japanese living in the U.S. is the difference in educational systems. Families, especially those with children, are often puzzled by these differences. Here, we will discuss how to adapt to the unique American educational system.

First, the U.S. educational system uses a different grade division and evaluation system than that of Japan. In the U.S., the new school year begins in September, so the entrance period differs from that in Japan. For this reason, students need to be careful when transferring schools or moving up to the next grade. In addition, grades are generally graded on an alphabetical scale (A, B, C, etc.). By understanding this grading system, you will be able to correctly assess your child's grades.

Next, let's look at the content of classes that emphasize diversity. Many American schools offer classes that foster independence and creativity. As a result, there are some differences from the cramming type of education that is common in Japan. It is important for your child to develop the skills to think for himself/herself and express his/her opinions.

Furthermore, as a parent, it is important to communicate with the school. In the U.S., cooperation between parents and teachers is very important, and there are many opportunities such as open houses and parent-teacher conferences. By actively participating in these events and exchanging information about your child's school life, you can reduce any concerns you may have.

Participation in extracurricular activities is also recommended. There are a variety of programs available, such as sports, music, art, etc. It is a good idea to choose activities that match your child's interests. These activities will not only help your child's personal development, but also help him or her make new friends.

Last but not least, consider attending a supplementary Japanese language school. Run by the Japanese community in the U.S., supplementary schools not only help you maintain your Japanese language skills, but also promote an understanding of Japanese culture.

These are the recommended adaptation methods, but the best solution may differ for each family. However, by practicing these points, even step by step, you will feel more comfortable in your new environment.