Living in Kyushu, Japan - A Day in the Life of an Expat Family 🇯🇵
Morning! As always, my day started with my adorable one-year-old daughter, waking me up with her boundless energy and the soundtrack of Japanese children’s songs. Just another day in the life of an expat parent in rural Japan.
Today had us venturing into the city for essentials - bananas and sparkling juice, which, let's be honest, is mostly for the little one. The weather was kind, summer is on the horizon, but we're not quite at the brutal Japanese summer heat yet.
Living here for nearly six years now, we've grown accustomed to standing out in the crowd. The occasional cold looks and unwelcoming body language are part of the package. But for every cold look, there are a dozen warm smiles. Our neighborhood is filled with the kindest souls who've welcomed us with open arms, especially since our daughter was born.
Life in rural Japan is different from the city life most people imagine. No Shinkansen, minimal public transport, and a reliance on cars and bikes. It's a far cry from my previous life in Hakata, living in a tiny apartment next to Hakata Station. But there's a sense of community here that's hard to explain, and it's something I never experienced back in America.
Living here isn't always easy. Visa issues, the occasional unfriendly face, and the challenges of maintaining an old akiya house, which alternates between an icebox in winter and a mold experiment in summer. And let's not forget the constant mosquito battles. But despite all this, we wouldn't trade it for anything.
For those dreaming of a life in Japan, remember this - you're always being watched. Be genuine, be friendly, and engage with people. Respect the place and the people around you. You don't have to become Japanese, but you do have to respect their culture and their way of life.
Through our blog, Nihon Scope, we've somehow become a resource for others looking to travel or live in Japan. It's become a part of our lives here, another way we're embedded in the community. And that's the biggest lesson - keep showing up, even on the hard days. Because that's how a place becomes home.
Oyasumi from rural Japan 🌙 #JapanLife #RuralJapan #LivingInJapan #KyushuJapan #ExpatLifeJapan #JapanCountryside #LifeInJapan #JapanDailyLife #JapaneseCulture #MovingToJapan #ForeignersInJapan #AkiyaLife #JapanTravelReality #FamilyLifeInJapan #JapanExperience #KyushuLife #JapanExpat #CountrysideLiving #JapanBlog #LifeAbroad.
https://nihonscope.com/blog/reflections-from-a-colorado-expat-family-living-in-kyushu/?fsp_sid=367
