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“Japan is really difficult” Why British people still want to live in Japan Surprising similarities with Japanese people
Published date: 2024.11.19 / Updated date: 2024.11.19
I like Japanese illustrations from foreigners in Japan!
Mr. Tiego from the UK[Photo provided by Mr. Tiego]
What are foreigners living in Japan attracted to when they choose to live in Japan? I’m also curious about what things move or surprise you when you actually live there. We asked Mr. Tiago, a British man who lived in Japan for six years, returned to Japan, and then returned to Japan, why he was so fascinated by it.
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I became interested in Japan after seeing an ukiyo-e print when I was in junior high school.
Mr. Tiago is a British man who has lived in Japan for about seven years in total. Currently, I work as a university English instructor and a manga artist/illustrator.
Tiago first became interested in Japan when he saw ukiyo-e prints in the school’s art room when he was in the first year of junior high school. It is said that he was so impressed by Katsushika Hokusai’s works that he became obsessed with them and repeatedly copied them.
After that, Tiago, who was interested in illustration and animation, entered an art university. I especially like adventure action dramas, and have also become addicted to Japanese Ghibli films.
“I love anime from all over the world, but Japanese anime is special.”
I especially like the Ghibli movie “Princess Mononoke.” It is a work that I still love, as it has many attractive characters and a grand story with a strong message that touches my heart.
After 5 years of preparation, moved to Kumamoto City in Kyushu
The first time Tiego visited Japan was during his university graduation trip. He stayed there for about three weeks and traveled all over Japan using the Shinkansen.
“At that time, I could only say greetings like “hello” and “thank you.”However, even though I didn’t speak much Japanese, everyone treated me warmly, so I decided to continue studying Japanese.”
With a passion for living in Japan someday, Tiego spent five years saving money, studying Japanese, and preparing to move to Japan. It was in 2016 that my long-awaited dream came true and I started living in Japan.
Tiego was dispatched to an elementary school in Japan as an ALT (Assistant Language Teacher), and went to Kumamoto City in Kyushu. I spent 6 years there.
“The food is delicious and it’s a comfortable place to live, and I love the natural beauty of beaches, forests, and volcanoes.The people are also very kind, and I felt the real Japan.The memories of this time are something I will treasure for the rest of my life.” ”
Japanese and British people apologize many times a day
Looking back on his life in Kumamoto, Tiego found some strange similarities between British and Japanese people.
“Both are very important about manners. British people also often use so-called “magic words” such as “please” and “thank you.” It’s similar to “excuse me” in Japan.”
According to Tiago, British people, just like Japanese people, tend to apologize multiple times throughout the day. When he lived in Kumamoto, he was impressed by the mannered Japanese people who walked to work, saying things like “Excuse me, I’m passing by” and “Excuse me” to each other. Because of this, I thought that all Japanese people were polite.
However, in Tokyo, where I currently live, that image is changing. Tiago says he has seen many unbelievable sights on crowded trains. What was particularly shocking was that a tall man who looked like an office worker bumped into a petite woman, causing her to fall, but he walked away without speaking to her.
“I think it’s really tough in Japan, with long working hours and people commuting on crowded trains every day.Everyone works hard despite the stress.London is similar, and I think it’s a big deal. Maybe the city is not so busy that people don’t have time to be polite, but it made me feel a little sad.”
However, Tiego says he still loves Japan. I continue to live in Tokyo while pursuing my dream of being active in Japan as a manga artist.
〇Tiego’s Instagram (
turtletea_illust）
(Hint-Pot Editorial Department)
As the website editor for world-today-news.com, I would like to conduct an interview with Mr. Tiago about his experiences living in Japan as a British citizen. Our questions will focus on the cultural similarities and differences he has observed between the two countries, as well as his passion for Japanese illustrations and anime.
1. Can you tell us about your first introduction to Japan and what sparked your interest in the country?
2. How did you prepare yourself for the move to Japan, both financially and culturally?
3. What aspects of Japanese culture do you find fascinating or unique? Are there any specific events, traditions, or art forms that have captured your attention?
4. You mentioned that Japanese and British people share similarities in manners. Can you elaborate on this and share any memorable instances where you’ve noticed these similarities?
5. Have you experienced any significant cultural shocks or challenges while adapting to life in Japan? How have you navigated these situations?
6. As someone who has lived in both Kyushu and Tokyo, can you compare the lifestyle and attitudes of people in these regions?
7. What advice would you give to other foreigners considering a move to Japan?
8. Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experiences living in Japan or your love for Japanese illustrations?
Our first theme for the interview will be “Discovering Japan’s Charm.” We’ll start by asking about Mr. Tiago’s initial interest in Japan and how he prepared to make the move. Transitioning into the similarities between Japanese and British manners will provide an interesting contrast that many readers would find intriguing. Next, we’ll discuss his observations on cultural shocks and lifestyle differences between regions. we’ll end on a hopeful note by asking for advice from someone who has successfully navigated life in Japan as well as any final thoughts on his love for Japanese illustrations.
