Aashish Phuyal
Founder & Director
Moving from Nepal to Japan involves adapting to a significantly different culture. While challenging, understanding and respecting Japanese customs while maintaining your Nepali identity creates a rewarding experience. This guide helps Nepali students navigate cultural differences, avoid common misunderstandings, and thrive in Japanese society.
Key Cultural Differences:
1. Communication Style:
Nepal:
Japan:
Adaptation Tips:
2. Social Hierarchy:
Nepal:
Japan:
Adaptation Tips:
3. Time and Punctuality:
Nepal:
Japan:
Adaptation Tips:
4. Group vs Individual:
Nepal:
Japan:
Adaptation Tips:
5. Religion and Spirituality:
Nepal:
Japan:
Adaptation Tips:
1. Greetings and Bowing:
Basic Bows:
When to Bow:
Bowing Tips:
2. Removing Shoes:
Where to Remove:
How to Do It:
Tips:
3. Gift Giving (ใๅ็ฃ - Omiyage):
When to Give:
What to Give:
How to Give:
What Not to Give:
4. Dining Etiquette:
Before Eating:
Chopstick Rules:
Table Manners:
After Eating:
5. Public Behavior:
Do:
Don't:
1. Reading Between the Lines:
Japanese Indirect Communication:
How to Navigate:
2. The Word "No":
Challenge:
Common Alternatives to "No":
How to Say No Politely:
(I'm sorry, but that day is a bit...)
3. Tatemae vs Honne:
Tatemae (ๅปบๅ):
Honne (ๆฌ้ณ):
Examples:
How to Navigate:
4. Apologies:
Japanese Apologize Frequently:
When to Apologize:
Tip: Apologize more than you think necessary
Phase 1: Honeymoon (First 1-2 Months)
Feelings:
What to Do:
Phase 2: Culture Shock (2-6 Months)
Feelings:
Common Triggers:
How to Cope:
Phase 3: Adjustment (6-12 Months)
Feelings:
What to Do:
Phase 4: Adaptation (12+ Months)
Feelings:
What to Do:
1. Find Nepali Community:
Where to Connect:
Benefits:
2. Celebrate Nepali Festivals:
Major Festivals in Japan:
How to Celebrate:
3. Food:
Finding Nepali/South Asian Food:
Cooking at Home:
Tips:
4. Language:
Maintain Nepali:
But Also Learn Japanese:
5. Cultural Values:
Keep What's Important:
Adapt What's Necessary:
Create Hybrid Identity:
1. Where to Meet Japanese Friends:
University:
Outside University:
2. How to Approach:
Do:
Don't:
3. Building Deeper Friendships:
Takes Time:
How to Deepen:
4. Understanding Japanese Friendship:
Different from Nepal:
But Also:
Reality Check:
Japan is Generally:
Possible Experiences:
How to Handle:
1. Choose Your Battles:
2. Build Thick Skin:
3. Find Support:
4. Report Serious Issues:
5. Focus on Positive:
When It's Actual Discrimination:
Document:
Report:
Seek Support:
What is Reverse Culture Shock?
Common Experiences:
1. Time and Punctuality:
2. Cleanliness and Order:
3. Communication:
4. Food:
5. Identity:
How to Cope:
Before Returning:
After Returning:
Remember:
"Keep Open Mind" - Ramesh, Tokyo
"I came with many expectations. Some were met, some weren't. The key is to observe without judging too quickly. What seems strange at first often makes sense later."
"Balance is Everything" - Anita, Osaka
"Don't lose your Nepali identity trying to be Japanese. But don't refuse to adapt either. I cook dal-bhat on weekends and eat Japanese food on weekdays. I celebrate both Dashain and New Year. Balance is the key."
"Find Your Community" - Bikash, Kyoto
"First six months were hardest. I felt alone. Then I found the Nepali student association. Having people who understand your background while you navigate a new culture is invaluable."
"Learn the Language Seriously" - Priya, Fukuoka
"Many Nepali students stay in English/Nepali bubble. Big mistake. Learn Japanese. It opens doors to real friendships, better jobs, deeper cultural understanding. It's hard but worth it."
"Respect Gets Respect" - Suresh, Sapporo
"Japanese people appreciate when you respect their culture. Learn the customs, bow properly, follow rules. You don't have to agree with everything, but show respect. They'll respect you back."
"It Gets Better" - Maya, Nagoya
"My first winter I cried every week. Missing home, cold weather, language struggles, everything felt hard. But month by month, it got better. Now I love it here. Give it time."
"Make Japanese Friends" - Deepak, Sendai
"Don't just hang out with Nepali and international students. Make effort to befriend Japanese people. They'll teach you things no textbook can. Some of my best friends are Japanese now."
"Stay Healthy" - Kiran, Hiroshima
"Mental health matters. Exercise, sleep well, eat properly. When culture shock hits, physical health helps mental health. Join gym, play sports, go for walks. Don't neglect your body."
"Embrace the Experience" - Sita, Yokohama
"This is unique opportunity. How many Nepali get to live in Japan? Embrace it fully. Try new things. Step out of comfort zone. Years later, you'll treasure these memories."
"Help Each Other" - Rajesh, Kobe
"Nepali students should help each other. I struggled in my first year. Now I help newcomers. We're small community in Japan. Support each other. That's our strength."
Cultural adaptation is a journey, not a destination. The transition from Nepal to Japan brings challenges but also incredible growth opportunities. By understanding cultural differences, respecting Japanese customs while maintaining your Nepali identity, building diverse friendships, and seeking support when needed, you can thrive in Japan. Remember that thousands of Nepali students have successfully navigated this path before you. Culture shock is temporary, but the skills and perspectives you gain from this bicultural experience will benefit you for life. Embrace the journey with an open mind and patient heart.
Preparing for your cultural journey to Japan? Aspira Educational Consultancy offers comprehensive pre-departure cultural orientation sessions, connects you with current Nepali students in Japan, and provides ongoing support throughout your adaptation process. Contact us to learn more about preparing for life in Japan!
Founder & Director
Helping Nepali students successfully navigate cultural transitions and thrive in Japan for over a decade.
