Culture Shock

By JZ Staff

What Is Culture Shock?
Culture shock is a term used to describe the discomfort and disorientation that accompanies a transition from a familiar culture or environment to an unfamiliar one. Living in a foreign country is often an exciting and educational experience, but there are inevitably bumps in the road. Several factors affect your ability to cope. For instance, you'll probably be without the familiar support networks that friends and family provide. You'll likely be dealing with an unfamiliar language, food and customs. And, not surprisingly, you'll find yourself an outsider more often than not. It's also common to lose the sense of belonging—and even the sense of your own competency—that you took for granted in your native country. Being alienated can exert a considerable strain on even the hardiest of souls.

The duration and intensity of culture shock varies from person to person. It will be affected by the strength and breadth of your support system, your work, your relationships, how flexible and adaptable to change you are, how radical the differences are between the culture and customs here and back home, the depth of your desire to be here, and your level of emotional security.

It is especially important to understand the nature of culture shock and how it can mask or be confused with other ailments.

Phases
Most theories on culture shock divide the phenomenon into four phases: honeymoon, homesick, hatred and home. It is important to note, though, that the progression from one phase to the next is not always linear, and it is possible to move backward as well as forward.

The Honeymoon Phase: Euphoria
When you first arrive in Japan, chances are you'll be excited about the new experience and get a charge from encountering all of the new and interesting things around you. This is the honeymoon phase, and can last for quite a while, generally from three to six months. During this period, you'll most likely be the most productive and energetic version of yourself, thriving on meeting new people, exploring your surroundings, trying new foods and getting to grips with the lingo. You may well feel an enthusiasm for everything that borders on euphoria. But, as with any relationship, reality will set in, and the daily difficulties that once seemed so challenging and exciting become irritating and tiresome. Some advice: Try not to tire yourself out in the first few months, and save some of that big "to-do"list of fun stuff for later, when you may need an energy boost or something to take your mind off your worries for a while.

The Homesick Phase: Disintegration
As time progresses, you might notice that the new experiences and challenges you loved so much a few months before have lost their appeal. The new language, different weather, social customs, food and living arrangements no longer seem so novel. Rather, the gaps between Japan and your home country become painfully apparent, and your attention shifts from the entertaining quirks of your new home to what you have lost by coming here.

This is the homesick phase, and it is likely to be the low point of your time in Japan. You may feel lonely, irritated, isolated or confused—feelings compounded by the distance separating you from your friends and family. Things have a tendency to build in a way that they don't back home, and small daily frustrations can stack up and then avalanche unexpectedly. At times, handling bills, ordering a pizza, or even figuring out how to pay your bus fare can be absolutely overwhelming. Remember that what you are experiencing at this point is natural—most of the foreigners you meet feel, or have felt, the same way—and that things will almost certainly get better.

The Hatred Phase: Reintegration
The more aware you become of the differences between Japanese culture and your own, the better position you will be in to reconcile the two. However, this is not always an easy process. The reintegration phase can be marked by some powerful emotions: feelings of anger, frustration, and even a sense of hostility toward your new home. You will become more aware of what you dislike about Japan and what you miss about back home.

"Japan-bashing"is a common symptom of this phase; you may say things you don't really mean or stereotype the Japanese as a way of venting your emotions. Doing so can often be a necessary part of moving forward—just be careful about who you complain to. While your Japanese friends or associates may be sympathetic to the problems you're having, they will probably react less warmly to hearing their country openly badmouthed.

The Home Phase: Autonomy and Independence
After a while, the tension and irritation caused by the differences of living in Japan begin to fade. You'll start to feel more in control and—as you become familiar with your surroundings and day-to-day existence—more at home. Although there may still be minor things that irk you, you'll be able to deal with them better and know whether they deserve attention. Your ability to cope with new situations will improve, which in turn will increase your self-confidence. One day, you'll wake up and feel like you are truly at home, or at least in your home away from home. This need not involve a wholesale acceptance of every aspect of Japanese culture: on the contrary, you should by now be comfortable accepting the things that you value and rejecting those that you do not.

Help Lines and Counseling Services
The English Life Line (TELL) - For any kind of question you have about facilities in Japan, or if you just need to talk, give them a call.
http://www.telljp.com

Tokyo English Life Line (TELL): (03) 5774-0992
Daily from 09:00-16:00, 19:00-23:00

TELL Community Counseling Service (TCCS)
Call for appointment
English: (03) 3498-0231
Japanese: (03) 3498-0232

Therapy
Dr. Ryuko Ishikawa, M.D. - A licensed practitioner in both America and Japan, Dr. Ishikawa offers therapy in both English and Japanese.
(03) 3560-5288
http://www.familycenterjapan.com

International Mental Health Providers Japan
Professional counselors and psychotherapists operating in Kanto and Kansai.
http://www.imhpj.org

Counseling, psychotherapy and support in Tokyo and elsewhere in Japan
Information on qualified counseling and psychotherapy in Japan, and advice on where to find support.
http://www.counselingjapan.com

Index of psychiatric hospitals where English or other languages are spoken.
http://www.mh-net.com/other/gaigo.html

Coaching
Sojourn Japan
(0422) 49-6404
pamnoda@wta.att.ne.jp

Wendy Kerr
(03) 3400-6330
wendy.kerr@mac.com

Religious Groups
The Seeker - Christian Directory for Japan
http://kansaiconnect.com/theseeker

Islamic Organizations in Japan
http://www.islamicfinder.org/cityPrayer.php - country=japan

Buddhist Temples that Provide Services for Foreigners
http://www.buddhanet.net/asia_dir/abc_j.htm

Jewish Community of Japan
http://www.jccjapan.or.jp

Charity Organizations
Japan Links
Lists NGO and volunteer groups covering a range of specialties
http://web-japan.org/links/society

Amnesty International Japan
http://www.amnesty.or.jp

Greenpeace Japan
http://www.greenpeace.or.jp

Japan International Volunteer Center
http://www1.jca.apc.org/jvc/en/index.html

Liberty International Japan
http://www.libertyjapan.org/home.html

The Ireland Funds Japan
http://www.irlfunds.org/japan

HOPE International Development Agency, Japan
http://www.hope-international.com

Jet Set Japan
Information on volunteering for JETs in Japan
http://www.jetsetjapan.com/volunteerjet.shtml

Summer Jobs Programs
Student internship program information:
http://www.cie.uci.edu/iop/summer.html
http://www.umich.edu/-umjcmp/general.html

Reading
Japan Health Handbook
By Meredith Murayama, Louise Picon Shimizu, Nancy Smith Tsurumaki.
Kodansha International. ISBN: 4770023561

Membership Clubs
The Tokyo American Club (TAC) - Located in central Tokyo, TAC offers a variety of recreational facilities and cultural and social activities. The TAC Women?s Group organizes orientations and information days.
http://www.tac-club.org

The City Club of Tokyo - A member of the International Associate Clubs, this is an exclusive club offering a variety of cultural, social and professional events. The club also holds regular forums and lectures given by notable guest speakers. Members have membership privileges to over 250 golf, country, athletic and city clubs and hotels in 50 countries through International Associate Clubs.
http://www.cityclub.co.jp/php

Tokyo Capital Club - Located in Aoyama, this club has a wide range of athletic facilities as well as a beauty salon and restaurants. The Capital Club also offers conference and meeting services and private function rooms.
http://www.capitalclub.co.jp/php/

The Yokohama Country and Athletic Club (YCAC) - Formerly the Yokohama Cricket Club, the YCAC offers the widest variety of sporting and social facilities of any club in Japan. The club has facilities for rugby, soccer, hockey, cricket, baseball, swimming, squash, bowling, billiards and tennis, as well as a playground for the kids.
http://www.ycac.or.jp

Kobe Club - Founded in 1869, this is Kobe?s oldest foreign club. Located in a beautiful garden setting, the Kobe Club offers a swimming pool, squash court, ballroom, main bar, dining and private function rooms, a sauna and fitness room.
http://www.kobeclub.org

Kobe Regatta and Athletic Club - A sports-oriented private club, the Kobe Regatta and Athletic Club is located in downtown Kobe. The club offers tennis, field sports and indoor sports in addition to a restaurant and bar.
http://www.krac.org

Shioya Country Club - Located in western Kobe, this private country club offers social activities, tennis, swimming and dining to its members.
http://www.shioyatochi.co.jp

Century Club Osaka - This exclusive club has fine dining, a member?s bar, a library/lounge, private function rooms, banquet facilities and conference and meeting services.
http://www.centuryclub.co.jp/php

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