How different is the US from Japan? What are the cultural differences?

Hey! American living in Japan (probably not the only one replying)

You'll definitely see differences. I think the most predictable thing about America is that its completely unpredictable and has huge regional variations for just about everything. Japan is pretty uniform in culture, social ettique etc, compared to America. You'll want to research where exactly you're moving to for a lot of the specific cultural advice you want.

Overall though, Americans are indeed extremely friendly by most standards, and by Japanese standards, yeah probably aggressive (maybe scary) at times. It is more dangerous in many ways. But there will also be over-the-top friendly, excited and kind people as well. Japan is alot of tatemae while Americans tend to be very honest and upfront, for better or worse. I also know many Filipino Americans, and I think if you can look to that side of your heritage it might help you as Filipinos tend to be very friendly and direct at times too.

That said, we also have a lot of unwritten rules like any country. It will take time to learn everything and find a circle that fits you, but you'll find your community eventually. The trick is figuring out what community that is.

/r/AskAnAmerican Thread