Last Friday morning I was enjoying a walk around Roppongi when an American fellow ran up to me in what looked like an attempt to grab my briefcase, and make a speedy getaway. Had he done so, he would have been the proud owner of a new book I was going to read over my morning breakfast about how to care for baby kittens - since my cat recently gave birth to nine kittens, who I did not name yet due to time restrictions. I do have to keep up with the daily BitFlips! you know. However, I will get to that this weekend. Naming my kittens that is...!
Getting back to my story...
The American fellow's eyes were fully open, had a stressed out expression, and sweat coming from his forehead. What was I to make of this guy? I got into my defense karate stance and was ready to pound him into the ground like Popeye did to Brutus - and vise - versa.
Interestingly enough, after speaking with him on the street for a few minutes - the problem was that he was just a bit shaken by Japan's unique culture, looking for a job on his own with no luck, and living in Japan for only a few weeks and a very expensive hotel bill to boot!
He apparently jumped on an airplane and arrived in Tokyo thinking that he could just job hunt and get an apartment, much like we do in America. I had to set him straight - since he was a fellow American and all.
I didn't tell him who I was, and that my profession is to help people live and work in Japan, Australia, and America - from other countries.
After he calmed down a bit, I asked him what was troubling him, and to be more detailed so that I could understand and maybe help him. He invited me for coffee and offered to pay for it, only if I would just listen to his story. I had an Espresso Frappacino nonfat - ( FREE!).
Anyway, after hearing his troubles and misadventures in Japan, I concluded that he was not a positive thinker. He was doing everything wrong. He not only was a negative thinker, but he also brought America to Japan with him. Now that's heavy stuff to bring to another country. Your own country!
You see, when you bring your own expectations of the way things should be, and cultural expectations to another country like Japan - you are already in for a difficult time trying to make sense of Japan through the lens of your American mind.
If you come to Japan from another country like America - you have a choice. You can either come to Japan looking down, or looking up. Japan is still Japan, but the view will be very different if you look up or if you look down.
" I suggest that if you do come to Japan to live and work, look up. "
After a few cups of coffee and listening to him intently, I gave him my business card and explained to him who I was. I offered to help him when he became a client of JE - with a promise that I would assist him in his efforts to land a great job, find housing that is affordable, and to understand Japan's unique culture.
At Japanese-Experts.com we help people succeed in Japan, Australia, and America. We advise, Specialist, and we even help you land a great job in your field of interest by Job Hunting Consultants who Specialist on the methods of job hunting..
Contact us to discuss how we can help you live and work in Japan, Australia, and America.
Happy Job Hunting!
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