Lawan has had many opportunities to guide friends visiting from Thailand. While exploring Japan from a tourist’s perspective, she noticed a few things.

"There are so many great things about Japan. People in shops and on the streets are kind to tourists, and it's very convenient with plenty of stores and stations everywhere. Both the city and sightseeing spots have their own unique charm, making the experience enjoyable. However, one thing that was a bit challenging was shopping at small souvenir shops. Not being able to use a credit card was a little inconvenient."

With its mix of urban excitement and natural beauty, Japan is clearly an attractive destination for Thai visitors. As Lawan pointed out, many small independent shops still don’t accept credit cards, which can be a bit of a hassle for travelers.

"My favorite Japanese foods are sashimi and grilled meat. They have a different kind of deliciousness compared to Thai cuisine. But what I love the most is the sweets! They're so sweet and come in so many varieties!"

Lawan was absolutely thrilled by the world of Japanese sweets! In Japan, you can find a wide range of desserts at convenience stores, from traditional Japanese treats to Western and even Chinese-inspired sweets. Plus, the country is home to many award-winning pastry chefs and chocolatiers who have gained international recognition. The fact that sweets make for great souvenirs also makes them a favorite among foreign visitors!

Lawan has worked in Japan and continues to work with Japanese colleagues in Thailand. Through her experiences, she noticed something surprising about the Japanese work culture.

"I don't think there's another country where job competition is as intense as in Japan. In Thailand, things are much more relaxed. But what really shocked me was how few people speak English, despite such a competitive environment. And it’s not just older people—even many young Japanese struggle with English. In Thailand, a lot of people actively study English on their own to work abroad or in foreign companies, so I was really surprised by Japan's low English proficiency."

While many Japanese professionals thrive in a globalized world thanks to their strong work ethic, the country's overall low English proficiency is a well-known challenge. In contrast, the hunger for opportunities among young Thai people seems to be driving higher English skills, making this gap even more noticeable.

Lawan was surprised by another unique aspect of Japanese culture—how middle-aged men present themselves.

"It’s interesting how middle-aged Japanese men dress so stylishly, almost like women, when they’re outside. But at home, they completely let themselves go, wearing sloppy clothes and looking a bit lifeless. What’s even more surprising is how naturally their families accept this contrast!"

This might be a tough critique for Japanese dads! While many men put effort into looking sharp in a suit at work, it’s common to switch to sweatpants and a relaxed attitude at home. Japanese men’s attention to fashion is definitely a plus, but the stark difference between their “on” and “off” modes left quite an impression on Lawan.

"Japanese couples feel quite different from those in Thailand. Their fashion, expressions, and even the dynamics of their relationships seem reversed. Are women the stronger ones here?"

Though the term “herbivore men” has fallen out of use, the trend of gentle, sensitive Japanese men has remained popular and even seems to be growing. As for whether Japanese women are actually stronger… well, Lawan might have a point!

The last thing Lawan commented on was Japan’s adult entertainment industry.

"Japan’s adult video industry is incredible. It’s a huge business, and I was really surprised that both actresses and actors are recognized as professionals in this field."

In Thailand, where many people are devout Buddhists, premarital intimacy is often approached with caution, and some women choose to avoid it altogether. Compared to that, the prominence and acceptance of adult film actors in Japan can indeed be surprising.

Having worked with Japan for over a decade, Lawan has shared many insights about Japanese people and culture. Despite being part of the same Asia, the differences in values and traditions often lead to moments of cultural shock.

While some aspects of Japan may seem puzzling, we hope Lawan continues to enjoy working with Japan and its people in the future!

(This article is a repost from December 2020.)