If you read my last blog post then you already know that we recently moved to Japan. To keep things organized I have decided to start a “Life in Japan” series. I’ll write an entry for this series 1-2 times a month to give you all a glimpse into our new life in Japan. I’ve gotten so many questions about being here. This series will allow me to address those questions and document my journey.
For my first entry I want to discuss my first impressions and why exactly I moved here.
Whenever people see that my husband and I have moved to Japan, the first question I get is “but why?” lol. We moved to Japan because my husband got a job here with DODEA. Therefore, here I am, living in Japan. The follow up question I get is, “what are you going to do there?”. My answer to that is, I don’t know yet.
This move is the biggest move that either of us have ever made and to be honest, I’m still trying to figure a lot of things out. As many of you may know, I am a research scientist by training. Here in Okinawa, there aren’t too many options for me to do what I originally planned post graduation. So at this point I’m kind of just winging it.
Following those questions comes “how do you like it?“. On day one of being here I knew that I would love it but it has taken some adjusting. The culture and traditions here are extremely different from those in America. So far though, everyone that we’ve met have been extremely kind and helpful.
I also love the level of safety. Japan is generally one of the safest places in the world. Unlike being in the states where you have to keep your head on swivel and your guard up, you can seriously do things here like leave your car running or front door unlocked without the fear of it being stolen or broken into. You can walk down the street or go to the store or for a night out on the town without the fear of being shot because they don’t even allow civilians to own firearms. That alone makes me love being here.
There are a few things that I’m still adjusting to though.
1) The language. Never have I ever been to a place where I was 100% lost when it comes to the language. Everything here is written in Kanji, with the exception of the American establishments and places that are kind enough to provide English translation. Since the island houses quite a few US military bases, there are many people who speak English but still a large portion that does not.
I have plans to take a Japanese conversation course so I can at least learn the basics. I’m actually pretty excited about taking the class and will be sure to keep you all updated on my progress.
2) The weather. When I say it’s hot, I mean it’s HOTTT! It stays in the mid-80s to low-90s both day and night, the humidity ranges from 75-90%, and days are often mostly sunny. Every now and then we have gotten a day with a quick rain shower lasting for about 5 minutes or less. Walking outside is seriously like walking in a sauna.
The weather is a drastic change from what we have become accustomed to while living in Chicago. They say that even in December the temperature stays around 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit.
3) The culture. One thing I said prior to moving here is that I want to immerse myself in the culture and traditions of Japan. I’m still adjusting to the cultural differences but I’m excited to learn as much as I can.
4) The food. I know that Japan has amazing food to offer and I actually quite like Japanese food, however, I’m still adjusting to the fact that I can’t drive down the street to my favorite restaurants. There are a few American chains here like KFC, McDonald’s, A&W and a few others though. I’m not a big fast food eater so I’m sure that I’ll be cooking more meals at home. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Overall, I am enjoying my new life in Japan. Once we finally start to find our way, I’m sure everything else will fall into place. When we moved here I came with an open mind and heart. I knew that our lives would change and the change could possibly be a little uncomfortable at first. Therefore, I’m ready to take on this new life and whatever comes with it.
I hope you enjoy this Life in Japan series and as always, if there’s anything specific you’d like to know about being here please be sure to let me know!
P.S. be sure to check out my first official Japan vlog on my YouTube channel!
