16 lessons that changed lives after only one year living in Japan

Amy Chavez - an American journalist who lives in Shiraishi Island, Japan has written articles for some Western newspapers about secret Japanese stories. On the Bright Side page, Amy's article is published about life-changing lessons that people can learn from Japanese people.

When you first arrive in Japan, you will surely be impressed by the social order and effectiveness of everything. The streets are clean, trains are on time and people are gentle and polite, however a bit eccentric adds to the country's charm as cosplay, people line up to buy chicken ramen ice cream. or Lotteria's 5-tier sandwich hamburger.

Japanese style street fashion.Photo source: © tokyofashion

Even a short trip to Japan can give you a new perspective on life, what's happening that you don't know until you actually experience it yourself.

" No one returns to their home country as their own. Each trip gives us a new look and returns to life lessons ," American journalist Amy Chavez said after a year of living in Japan. That precious time not only brought her new knowledge and experiences but also life lessons that changed her important values. Here are Amy Chavez's shared lines, 16 life-changing lessons after a year of living in Japan.

1. In any case, always respond to other people's favors

In Japan, you not only learn how to receive gifts from others , but also to respond to their sincerity or to help others. Do you have thank you cards but are hesitant to write or thank you cards for your birthday but haven't sent them yet? It never happened in Japan! Responding to grace is an important factor to have a good relationship in this place.

On the other hand, the response to grace does not necessarily have the same value. For example, if someone helps you move a new sofa into your home, you can just buy them a beverage to show your appreciation is enough.

2. Thanks for seeing them again

If someone ever helped them, Japanese people will always remember to thank you when you see them again next time. It sounds a bit polite, but it will definitely be more pleasant when someone honestly says, " Oh, thank you for helping me move the sofa the day before !". That is really very nice!

A fake artist walks with her friends on the street in Kyoto.Photo source: © correspondent

3. Courtesy is not just "Thank you" or "Goodbye"

Polite and subtle behavior are very important in Japanese culture. If you stop on the road to ask for directions, you will probably receive a detailed hand-drawn map by a pedestrian or a salesman who can close their shop to get you to where you are. Finding. Courtesy means imbued with selflessness in yourself, when doing something that helps others without asking: " What will I get ?"

4. Put others ahead of yourself

The best way to let others know how important they are to you, put them in a priority position. Give your friend the biggest cake, give the most comfortable seat in the restaurant to your loved one, let the guest stand in the center of the photo or bake a cake and share it with your neighbor as well part of everyday life in Japan.

Even guests invited to the house are reserved for special seats when visiting a traditional family in Japan. The chairs are placed opposite the most beautiful Japanese art display corners such as decorative paintings, ceramics, flowerpot, .

© blog.entrezenetdeco © Rane Hwa / flickr

5. Don't separate anyone from the group

It's rare in Japan to go to a party or drink, but only a few colleagues. Everyone in the company is invited! There will be no embarrassing moments when someone realizes they are not invited to the party.
Moreover, all attendees are present in the photo, regardless of who it is, family members, friends, or even just someone who is accidentally there. Not separating from the collective will teach you how to be tolerant and more generous with others.

6. Respect the property of others

In English there is the idiom: " Finders keepers, losers weepers " (roughly translated: "The person who finds it, the one who keeps losing, the other who cries"). This statement does not exist in Japanese society! If someone dropped an umbrella or something on the road, they would definitely find it in the same position or on the nearest bench when looking back. Because taking other people's things is wrong - not acceptable!

7. Drinking alcohol does not fight and fight

Tourists who come to Japan will find that there are many drunkards on the street in the evening (and even during the day). However, drinking does not mean that they will fight and fight, it is rare for brawls in Japan. If you plan to " play to the dock ", you don't need to be afraid to wake up with a black eye, ragged clothes or a wingless purse that flies the next day. In Japan, you can easily find drunk office workers lying on park benches with polite clothes and they sleep peacefully every Saturday morning.

© wineterroirs
Famous pubs and bars in Japan.

8. Public services are well controlled by the government

The world's most advanced railway system (and public transport in general), one of the best, most modern postal systems in the world, as well as the quality of health care are excellent examples. about the activities that the Japanese government is doing very well. It is hard to find private institutions that can do better than the government in these areas.

9. Rude behavior is not acceptable

Japanese society appreciates humility and simplicity. People can line up long and wait without any complaints. There are no grievances and scams on the road. Seldom does anyone have to raise their voices, have no suspicious sighs, like " Why are people so stupid ?" " . And so, visitors will feel quite comfortable when coming to Japan and breathe the atmosphere of peace.

10. Always listen

The Japanese will always let you have the opportunity to express your opinions first. They are really listeners . Listening to others, not trying to "overwhelm" in a conversation is very important. By listening, you will become patient and less likely to judge others. Instead, no matter what topic, Japanese people tend to " discuss " rather than " argue " and impose their views on others.

11. There is no need to show to know that I love water

Deep inside every Japanese person, they all feel that their country is the best in the world. Therefore, they do not need to show visitors how wonderful their country is. Usually they will not say " the railway in our country is the best in the world ".

© agirleatsworld © kerron

Tokyo food - "Hello Kitty" donuts and fish cakes

12. Ganbaru - Try your best

Many of us often give up doing something when we find that it takes more time, money or energy than we have planned. However, in Japan, you must perform the task from beginning to end and try your best to complete. The Japanese imbued with the spirit of "ganbaru" (trying hard to complete something) because everyone around you did the same.

13. Keep the promise

In Japan, when someone promises to do something, they will definitely do it. In any case they will not forget the promise . They will attend your event even when it rains. Unacceptable absences without prior notice are unacceptable - you can call in advance notice that you cannot attend and apologize for it or that you must send someone else to attend instead. Your position.

14. Live responsibly

During the soccer match at the 2014 World Cup, Japanese fans admired the world as they stood up and cleaned up their seats at the stadium. If you've ever been to Japan, you won't be surprised about this because Japanese people always clean up everything when they get up. Even when they went camping, after standing up, they would bring all the trash home to sort and throw.

If you have a home party, make sure everyone will help you clean and wash the dishes before they leave. In addition, you will easily meet an accountant scanning sidewalks in front of the company building because they often organize clean neighborhoods, in which everyone participates.

© reddit
Daigo-ji Temple in Kyoto

15. Elegant people

If one had to use a word to describe Japanese, it would be " elegant ". From all walks of life, regardless of origin or income, Japanese people treat everyone with courtesy and elegance. For example, no one uses their fingers to point at other people's faces. Instead, they will use both hands or more gentle gestures. They were always dressed, with a permanent smile on their faces and always using both hands to deliver things to others.

16. Always on time

One of the things people learn when coming to Japan is on time. It shows respect for others and explains why everything in this country is operated smoothly and efficiently.