The Realities of Moving to Japan for Work: Challenges, Lessons, and Growth
by Cheenee Villanueva Hi there! I’m Cheenee, a foreigner living and working in Japan. Moving abroad in my 30s has been a life-changing experience for my career and personal growth. Japan has taught me how to adapt, stay resilient, and find balance in a new environment. In this blog, I’ll share what it’s really like to adjust to life in Japan and face the challenges that come with it. You’ll get a glimpse of how I adapted to a new culture and embraced exciting new adventures. If you’re curious about life as a foreigner abroad or you just love stories about personal growth and adventure, you’re in the right place! Surprising Things in Japan Moving to Japan was a big step, and there were surprises along the way. Here are some of the cultural norms I encountered that are new to me: Politeness is extreme! People bow at each other for daily greetings, and even your boss will bow at you! Eventually, I became accustomed to bowing to others. Slurping is a sign of appreciation. It might see...