10 Surprising Aspects of American Life for Japanese Visitors

Living in a world where cultural nuances can be both fascinating and bewildering, Japanese visitors to the United States often find themselves marveling at the differences between their homeland and this vast, diverse nation.

Here’s a look at ten things that commonly astonish Japanese people about American life:

1. Students Don’t Clean Their Schools

• Surprise Factor: In Japan, students are responsible for cleaning their schools, fostering a sense of responsibility and community. American schools typically employ janitorial staff for this task, which can leave Japanese students feeling both relieved and puzzled about the lack of student involvement in maintenance.

2. The Freedom of Choice in Daily Plans

• Surprise Factor: Japanese culture often involves structured daily routines with less room for personal choice in daily activities or meals. American families asking exchange students “What would you like to do?” or “What would you like to eat?” can be quite liberating but also overwhelming for those used to a more directive approach.

3. Fear of Raw Foods

• Surprise Factor: Raw consumption of fish (sushi), beef (tartare), and even eggs is common in Japan, seen as a delicacy or part of the diet. The American apprehension towards raw foods due to health concerns is a cultural shock to many Japanese visitors.

4. Showering vs. Bathing

• Surprise Factor: While baths are a cherished part of Japanese culture for relaxation and cleanliness, Americans tend to prefer quick showers. This difference in bathing habits highlights varied approaches to hygiene and relaxation.

5. Separate Toilets and Bathtubs

• Surprise Factor: In Japan, toilets and baths are often in separate rooms, emphasizing the bath’s role in relaxation. The American setup where both toilet and bath share one space can be quite confusing.

6. Stockpiling Food

• Surprise Factor: Japanese culture values freshness, leading to daily shopping for meals. The American tendency to buy in bulk and store food for longer periods can seem wasteful or unnecessary to those accustomed to daily fresh food markets.

7. Chores and Allowances

• Surprise Factor: The concept of children doing chores in exchange for an allowance isn’t widespread in Japan, where household duties are generally the domain of the mother or other adults. This system can appear both foreign and intriguing to Japanese youth.

8. Maternity Leave Practices

• Surprise Factor: Japanese women often take a year or more for maternity leave, with their job secured upon return. The relatively short maternity leave in the U.S., where many return to work within months, can be startling and concerning to Japanese observers.

9. Body Image and Size

• Surprise Factor: Comments on the size of American women, particularly regarding breast size, reflect cultural differences in beauty standards and body image. This observation can be sensitive but is often noted due to stark contrasts in media portrayal and everyday life.

10. Tipping

• Surprise Factor: When visiting Japan, one traveler left a tip amounting to 25% of their meal at a restaurant table. They were about a block away when a woman from the restaurant came running up to them, informing them that they had left money on the table. She handed it back, bowed, and then returned to her waitressing duties. This interaction perfectly illustrates how tipping isn’t just uncommon in Japan; it’s often viewed as unnecessary or even rude, as service workers receive a fair wage without depending on gratuities.

These insights not only highlight the differences in daily life but also open up discussions on cultural practices, expectations, and lifestyles between the two countries. Understanding these contrasts can foster greater cultural appreciation and empathy, making for richer interactions between Americans and Japanese visitors.