There are many differences from between American and Japanese cultures. I experienced many things about American culture last semester and after that I could understand my country deeply. Also, I noticed that there are two types of cultures. I could see different cultures through my eyes. Therefore, if I live only in Japan, I can’t realize American culture.
First, in Japan, there is not body contact custom with each other. When I went back to Japan last semester, I hugged my friend at the station in front of people. My friend said to me, “What’s happening? I am ashamed. ” “Just hug” I said. I felt a little sad. I realized that I was in Japan now, not America. People don’t hug other people on the street in Japan, whereas in America many people hug each other. If I refuse to hug in America, they do not feel good. So, I’m in America now, and I can hug my friends or host family. This is one cultural difference.
Second, Japan and America differ with regard to food and figures. When I went to the grocery store in America, I could find many kinds of chocolates, and I found many big sized foods such as milk, potato chips and oil. I think people are fatter than Japanese, so population of the fatting people are larger than Japanese. I think some Americans don’t care about their figures, whereas in Japan many people care about them. When I lived in America, I didn’t care about my body, but I have to care about it in Japan. This happening was my return culture shock.
Finally, American family style and Japanese family style is very different. When I went to my host family’s house, I was really surprised, because everyone helped my mother while she made their meal even child was a boy. After I went back to my house, I was disappointed in my brother’s attitude. My brother didn’t do anything which is natural behavior in Japan. When I stayed at my host family’s house, I could see family bonds easily; however I couldn’t see family bounds easily in Japan. There are differences in how we communicate with each other between America and Japan.
In conclusion, there are many cultures and customs in each country, and I have to understand each culture, also we have to change our behavior each countries. I think it is related to international relationship. If I go to another country which has its own rule, I should follow them. It means that we have to respect each other and we need to adapt to life in a new country.
