Times Of TIU

Writer： Karen W.
Editor： Devonmartha K.
Translator: Ferano Ramadhan Kabinawa

Do you engage with people from different parts of the world at TIU?

As a Japanese student, I have had the opportunity to interact with numerous E-Track students, and their perspectives have consistently surprised me! Language and cultural differences often lead to culture shock. Let’s take a closer look at the various instances of culture shock experienced by TIU students when interacting with individuals from different countries.

Understanding Culture Shock
Firstly, are you familiar with the term “culture shock”? According to Kotobank, “culture shock” refers to the condition experienced when someone is exposed to a culture different from their own. It encompasses the feeling of shock that arises from encountering unfamiliar customs, environments, and more.
(Cited from Kotobank’s definition of culture shock: https://kotobank.jp/word/%E3%82%AB%E3%83%AB%E3%83%81%E3%83%A3%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B7%E3%83%A7%E3%83%83%E3%82%AF-468189)

Thus, when individuals from one cultural background come into contact with another, their values, shaped by their upbringing, can undergo a significant shock. Associating this phenomenon with the term “culture shock” helps make it more comprehensible, doesn’t it?



TIU Students’ Culture Shock ~Japan Edition
Now, let’s delve into the specific instances of culture shock experienced by E-Track students in Japan!

Nepalese
I was surprised by the stark differences between Japanese festivals, such as Kawagoe Matsuri, and the festivals in my own country. The unique shape of the swords also caught my attention. Perhaps this is due to the recent popularity of “Oni-no-Kiri” (Blade of the Demon), where Japanese swords are prominently featured.

Chinese
In China, dumplings are not commonly served with rice or ramen noodles. I was taken aback by the number of people in Japan compared to the country’s size.

Malaysians
In Malaysia, ATMs close earlier and stay open later compared to Japan. I noticed that many Japanese people are indecisive and tend to avoid expressing their intentions or opinions openly. Additionally, ATMs in Japan, located at banks, are typically open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Americans
When I rented a house for the first time, I was astonished that people in Japan do not enter homes with their shoes on. Moreover, it is uncommon to strike up conversations with strangers in public places.

Korean
There are numerous situations in Korea where cash is used to pay for packages. I was surprised to find that public payments in Japan are not often made with cash.

Austrian
Before coming to Japan, I had never witnessed people lining up in front of train doors. It was astonishing to see that in Austria, passengers do not have to queue to board the train.

Australian
Trying whale meat for the first time was an unexpected experience.

Mongolian
Japan offers a wide variety of sake, and many of them are delicious. It’s fascinating to encounter diverse flavors, from fruit-infused varieties to those topped with tapioca or ice cream.

Macanese
I was taken aback to see Japanese men sitting down to use Western-style toilets. This practice struck me as hygienic and considerate, as they aim to maintain cleanliness and sanitation.



Indonesian
Halal food options are relatively limited in Japan. Although I would like to try Japanese cuisine, I often find myself unable to consume many dishes due to my dietary restrictions.

Sri Lankan
The strong work ethic and dedication of Japanese people amazed me. They appeared to be highly committed to their tasks, almost resembling robots.

Culture Shock for TIU Students ～World Edition

In this final section, let’s explore the culture shock experienced by Japanese individuals who have travelled and studied abroad!

Malaysia
One of the most surprising aspects of Malaysia was the tap water being undrinkable. I discovered that most people who traveled abroad, including Japanese tourists, opted to purchase bottled water due to limited drinkable tap water availability. It appears that Japan is among the few countries where tap water is safe for consumption.

Additionally, I was astonished to find a scarcity of toilet paper in various locations. When visiting shopping malls, it is necessary to bring tissues or use the provided paper towels for hand wiping.


Taiwan & South Korea
In these countries, toilet paper cannot be flushed down the toilet and must be discarded in the trash. To ensure awareness among Japanese tourists, warnings are often posted in restrooms.


Indonesia & Malaysia.
Unlike Japan, fast-food menus in South-East Asian countries like Indonesia and Malaysia include rice dishes. Despite Japan being renowned for its rice culture, rice-based options are absent from fast-food menus in these countries.

Sri Lanka
While chopsticks are commonly used in Japan for eating, many other countries employ hands, spoons, or forks as the primary eating utensils. Chopsticks are less frequently used in these nations, even when consuming noodles.

Germany
During my visit to a supermarket, I observed some individuals opening food and beverages and consuming them before reaching the cash register. This behavior surprised me since it is considered unusual in Japan. It was intriguing to see that store clerks did not express anger or disapproval in response to such actions.

Thank you for reading thus far. Have you ever experienced similar instances of culture shock? We believe there are countless other differences worth sharing, so please feel free to share your own encounters with us!