Reverse Cultural Shock: Starting Over After 35 Years in Japan

Join me on a journey that spans 35 years, from my initial move to Japan in 1989 to my recent return to California. I’ll share the challenges and surprises I faced while living in Japan, the incredible technological advancements I witnessed, and the reverse culture shock I’m experiencing now that I’m back in America. Discover the contrasts between these two vibrant cultures through my personal reflections and stories as I navigate starting all over again in California. It’s a story of my journey of “Déjà Vu in Reverse.” Thank you for being part of this journey. See you next time, and as we say in Japan, ‘Mata ne.’

**This video includes 7 AI-generated images, including 1 photo of New York City 2 photos of women with big hair, 1 photo of a bartender in Japan, 1 photo of 3 Japanese waitresses, 1 photo of a cafe barista, and 1 image of a sweater with stretched out arms and a shrunken body. These images are used for illustrative purposes because I don’t have original photos. They do not depict real people or events.**

Credits
Images and Photos:

“Corona SL-66A Kerosene Heater (10117074852).jpg by 先従隗始”, CC BY-SA 4.0.
“George H. W. Bush presidential portrait (cropped).jpg”, Public domain.
“Information Management Proposal by “, CC BY-SA 4.0.
“MicroTAC.jpg by Redrum0486” , CC BY-SA 3.0 — Background color modified and outlined with white.
“Sony Handycam Video8 kasettipesä.png by Drefer”, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Background color modified and outlined with white.

Viewer watching The Simpsons with popcorn by Artskrin.
Boat Race Naruto in Tokushima, Japan by Eric Akashi.
Intel i486 SX (80486SX) processor by Adam Ján Figeľ.
Starbucks Christmas Velvet Brownie sign by Ned Snowman.
Japanese beers on ice by Steve Cukrov.
The Simpsons TV show by Rokas.
Nintendo Gameboy with Tetris cartridge by dannyburn.
Starbucks Halloween Trick or Treat drink sign by Ned Snowman.
Sleeping Pepper Robot by VTT Studio.
Starbucks in Kobe by slyellow.
Japanese toilet control panel by oasisamuel.
Pepper robots at Pepper Parlor by Ned Snowman.
Sakura Frappuccino sign by Ned Snowman.
Melon Frappuccino sign by Ned Snowman.
Starbucks advertisement at night by Henry Saint John.
Honda’s Asimo robot by Danuta Hyniewska.

Starbucks in Bemidji, MN by Edger Lee Especially.
Fearless Girl in front of NYSE by MarinaMonroe.
Starbucks Corporation in Tokyo by Morumotto.
Melon Cold Brew Frappuccino by Mei Yi.

Music Credits
“Hot Japanese Drums Emble Ninja of Japanese Style Musical” by Ryopianoforte, via Adobe Stock.

“Disco Robot” by OTE, via Epidemic Sound. Link
“Japanese Temple” by Sight of Wonders, via Epidemic Sound. Link
“Time to Blossom” by Claude Signet, via Epidemic Sound. Link
“New Beginnings” by Tellow, via Epidemic Sound. Link
“Looking For A New Start (Instrumental Version)” by Loving Caliber, via Epidemic Sound. Link

[planetarysolidarity]

I lived in Japan from 83 to 93 and again from 97 to 99. I still struggle with life in the US.
I wish that your return will be as smooth as it possibly can.
💮

[barryghabaei]

Hi. I think you painted a good picture of how to connect or reconnect to something in "recession" when comparing to the more vivid, and vibrating Japan. It also seems that when you had proximity with a singular, neat, and the advanced idea of your relationship with the Japanese lifestyle, in 1989, you could create yourself as more of an attraction. Still, I entirely bow down to your ability to find yourself in America, in shadowed ways, in order to survive. But above all, that you did this for your mother (the replacement for Japan) makes me wonder if you can acclaim a height of of comparable satisfaction as you could when you were away. Thank you for this video. It prepares me for anything that may occur in my life and how to fit into the unpredictable tomorrow.

[papajon]

We’ll done!
I enjoyed your video very much
Your journey is very similar to mine.
I came to Japan in ‘92 and have been here since.
When I went home to visit family in the states I think the biggest culture shock for me was to go a week without a Japanese bidet/toilet. LoL

[benketengu]

Interesting way to describe it . I left for Japan when Reagan got elected for the second time. I knew things were not going to get any better.
I’m so thankful I lived here when I had my heart attack the hospital bill came to grand total of $2, 000 including the ambulance ride and it would have been only half that had I not had a private room once I got out of the ICU. 17 days in the hospital. And my work insurance covered that $2, 000.
I can’t even conceive of how much it would’ve cost me in the states. When I left my employment after 35 years my School gave me two years of full pay!
Yes there are downsides in living in Japan like it’s really hard to find grits.

[JT-wqgz]

Idk if I can ever go back to the USA after moving here

[飯島-dd]

It was nostalgic to see old Japanese houses. But now I don't want to squat into the toilet. The American scenery is so beautiful. I'd like to go there someday.

[zonzillamagnus]

Oh man you went to California as it’s falling apart?

[Hayg]

The bathtubs don’t seem comfortable. We have porcelain and ceramic. And hope you can treat/teach others as your were treated in Japan. Otherwise you have not changed. Another thing chains aren’t the same.

[nobrainz]

You were supposed to scoop the hot water out of the tub ;)

[calikalbocalikalbo]

I have been here in Japan for 7 years. I probably have 3-5 years left and not looking forward to going back to that toilet called the USA. I am only going back because I have two sons there but if I didn't I would never step foot back in that shit whole 3rd world country and most of all CA.