I knew there were cultural differences between Japan, where I grew up, and the US, but living in the US has brought on a whole new onslaught of culture shock and reminded me of culture shock I have experienced on past visits to the US. Differences in cultures are great, and definitely are not bad in any way, but they have the potential to shock us and often create humorous circumstances. Here are just a few elements of culture shock that I went through since coming to the US.

1. They drive on the wrong side of the road?!

Wait, which side of the road am I supposed to walk on again? I frequently find myself naturally turning into the left side of the path I am walking on, or veer to the left if someone tries to get past me, then right to correct myself, making it pretty awkward for both of us! Thankfully I am not driving here yet!

2. Rice

So dry and crumbly, like ziti pasta or shredded potatoes—nothing like it should be! My brain and body have refused to consider the white kernels that have to be eaten with a spoon as kin to the steaming, sticky deliciousness carried to my mouth by chopsticks.

3. Monster groceries

Huge vegetables, egg cartons, everything! The whole supermarket experience is like stepping into another world, let alone a single watermelon, sheet cake, or serving of food. In Japan, eggplants are not wider than my hand, milk comes in 500ml cartons, and a meal at a restaurant is plenty to make you full, not for feeding two other people as well.

4. The Metra trains look like they are from the 1950s

I had to blink twice to ensure that I was not re-envisioning a movie scene from Pollyana on VHS when I first stood on the Metra platform and watched our train pull in. I know some places have more modern trains that are somewhat comparable to the Japanese trains, but trains in Illinois at least seem to be a few decades behind.

5. Why is this guy I have never met holding open the door?

Not that Japanese men are not polite or courteous, but chivalry looks very different in the West. That is why I find myself balking when I reach to open a door and someone pulls it open for me, when I do not even have my arms full.

6. It's always “How are you?”

In Japan, you can ask if someone is healthy or good, but usually a nod or sometimes a smile suffices for passing someone. Furthermore, you ask someone how they are as you walk past them—to actually hear their response you have to look back and shout that you are fine too, except for a strained neck.

7. Shoes, shoes, never take them off until you fall asleep

We wear shoes everywhere we go, everyday; why wear them in the house and track all the outdoor germs and dirt inside? Give your feet a rest and let them breathe by taking them off at the door—the vacuum will get a respite too.

8. Sweater for the summer, tank top and shorts in the winter

Thermostats in homes and many public places seem to be set on extreme temperatures, intent on bringing back the opposite season to what nature is currently in, rather than raising or lowering the outdoor temperature just a little to bring it into a comfortable range. I feel I cannot put away my winter clothes in the summer because I might freeze inside, and I have to sleep in a T-shirt and shorts to be comfortable in the winter!

9. Raw vegetables: aren't they so much better cooked?

Lettuce, carrots, celery, and bell peppers are fine, but spinach, mushrooms, white onions, broccoli, and cauliflower?! Grilling surfaces and microwaves have become my vegetable life companions when I am just tired of feeling like a rabbit or someone who was unable to wait for the stir-fry dinner to be ready.

10. Big dishwashers and little knives

Most kitchens have to large doors built into the counter that you can pull down to reveal magical tools to speed up cooking: dishwashers and ovens. No baking cookies in the toaster or tiny microwave; no scrubbing dishes in the sink by hand. Also, you try to cut vegetables and are handed a small knife with a blade shorter than the width of the grapefruit you are cutting. Where are the big knives you can you skillfully for anything and everything?

11. Braces for everyone

Dental care is well developed and modern in Japan, but the social expectation of perfect teeth and stereotype of people with metal in their mouth as early teenagers is absent there. It amazes me how nearly every family foots the large bills for each of their children to have perfect teeth without seeming to bat an eye, in addition to college tuition and cars!

12. Umbrellas vs rain coats

When it rains in Japan, you use an umbrella, even if you are riding a bicycle. Ball caps or rain coats are not considered capable of providing maximum coverage from the precipitation, as they seem to be in the US.

13. Lawns

Those beautiful green slopes and stretches in front and behind the houses. Lawns are so lovely and large, but also require a little more maintenance than window box planters or even a 4x6 ft yard. The well-groomed green grass always calls me to walk on it in bare feet, enjoying the smell and touch of the freshly cut blades.

And many more elements of culture shock could be added to this list. Both cultures have valid perspectives and much history and tradition that support the reason to why they do things as they do. I am not condemning American culture in any way, or saying Japanese culture is the ultimate and superior culture. I see things as I do because of my background and what I am used to. You may see things in an entirely different way, and I value your perspective, because these differences in opinions, cultures, values, and people are what make this world the intriguing and diverse place it is!