Good Morning, Mishima: Culture Shock

“Culture shock” is the sometimes uncomfortable feeling that one experiences when suddenly exposed to a new culture. Having been in Mishima, Japan as opposed to Frostburg, Maryland for a month now, I have definitely experienced a good bit of culture shock. I thought I would share a few cultural differences that have taken some getting used to with you.

Staring at people is not socially unacceptable in Japan. They aren’t being rude, it’s just a cultural thing- while we Americans were scolded in restaurants for staring at the baby behind us as a child, Japanese kids were satisfying their curiosity with a good long look. I knew this prior to my trip. I expected it. What I did not expect was just how many people would stare at me every day- and that their response to my smiling at them would be quickly jerking their head in another direction. Again, this would be rude in the U.S., but here it’s strange to smile at strangers. It just isn’t the norm as it is back home. Still, it feels unsettling- to be stared at so intently, then see them react abrasively if I try to be friendly in response.

I noticed another sometimes irritating difference between the U.S. and Japan while I spent a weekend alone in Tokyo. The trip was comprised of lots of train rides, lots of shopping, and lots of walking. LOTS of walking. And, to my despair, no benches. I love Tokyo, but that is my biggest complaint with it: there is practically nowhere to rest!

Last week, I was a guest speaker at a seminar on gender inequality. I gave a presentation on American feminism and the sociological concepts of the intersectionality on oppression and institutionalized sexism and racism. My friend Tomo translated as I went (quite a feat), and the response was very polite and respectful- vastly different from some responses I’ve received when presenting on similar topics in the U.S. This is a much more pleasant example than the others I’ve mentioned.

Lastly, they put (comparatively) weird things in hot dog buns here! The local convenience store sells hot dog buns filled with creamed corn, potatoes, or blueberry crème. (I’ve tried the latter two- they taste just like they sound.)