Photo: Wikipedia

Last week, GaijinPot had a story on “How foreigners’ daily lives change when they live in Japan.” It got a big response from readers on GaijinPot and the Japan Today website.

We did a short survey on the topic on the GaijinPot facebook page too.

How is a sample of some comments from readers.

 Several people mentioned the following:

Taking off one’s shoes inside the house

4 people chose “Taking off shoes inside the house” on the Facebook survey.

Getting used to living in a small place

4 people chose this on the Facebook survey.

Spending more money

3 people chose “Spending more money” in some choices.

 The 9 things below are answered by one person.

Leaving early, coming home late

Hang laundry on a rod

Talk to weird foreigners I would never talk to usually

Started using cash for every transaction

Drink lots of beer more often

Accept NO for an answer more often

Sleeping on the floor

Taking a bath

Eating less

 Let’s see various comments on how people’s daily lives change in Japan.

“Having gotten virtually everywhere in Tokyo on foot, I found adjusting back to suburbia and cars a slight challenge.“

“That’s funny how people can change their way of life…..It’s the same for me and I love it.“

“I walk much more everyday and feel healthier. I bow my head subconsciously even when I’m back home.“

“Become more reserved. Keep things bottled-up. Don’t take everything to heart…..soon tell you more…“

“I visited Japan for only 2 weeks last year, but my time there has significantly affected my lifestyle. I eat more fish. I go to the grocery store more frequently, but buy less things. I give a slight bow to everyone when I say thank you. I cook many Japanese dishes at home. (especially Okonomiyaki – YUM!) I eat a variety of different things for breakfast now, not just fruit and pastries. I will even eat soup or pickles. There’re many ‘Japanese’ customs that I already grew up with, such as taking my shoes in the house or saying ‘sorry’ to everyone. I am less inhibited about public nudity, such as at baths. I learned to appreciate having a smaller personal space. But I also become disappointed when people or things are not on time, such as trains! I definitely have a different outlook on life. I live in Canada, btw.“

“I cook proper meals like the Japanese do…miso soup few times in a week…soy sauce almost everyday…hot shower before sleep…the list goes on…Sabahan Malaysia.“

Please feel free to share your experiences in Japan.