Introduction

Traveling to a foreign country, especially for the first time, can be an eye-opening experience. It also comes with its set of challenges, primarily in the form of cultural differences. Here, we share some personal stories from a Japanese traveler who has experienced these cultural adjustments firsthand, particularly in Hong Kong and Taiwan. By highlighting specific customs and situations, our aim is to provide insights that can help other travelers navigate similar experiences more smoothly.

From Japan to Hong Kong: A Mealtime Revelation

Every year, I make a trip to Hong Kong for various reasons, and each visit brings new realizations about cultural differences. One such revelation happened during my first visit and is still etched in my memory. The cultural shock started right from mealtimes, where what I perceived as rudeness and vulgarity turned out to be a meaningful cultural practice.

In Japan, meat without bones is the norm, whereas meat with bones is seen as a special treat. However, in Hong Kong, meat often comes with bones. This was a significant adjustment. Instead of removing the bones, people cut them with a hatchet-like knife, which is quite a surprise for those not accustomed to it. Another interesting custom is the washing of chopsticks with tea. Puer tea is often served, and it’s common to rinse the chopsticks before use, supposedly for sterilization. This was another eye-opener.

A more peculiar sight for me was the placement of food waste on the table after finishing the meal. In Japan, one is taught to dispose of waste in designated bins. However, in Hong Kong, people often stack the bones on the tablecloth and wrap the garbage with the tablecloth before disposing of it. While this might seem shocking, it actually reflects a way to reuse the waste effectively in their cooking practices.

A First-Time Traveler’s Perspective: Taiwan and the Black Man

My daughter's first trip to the UK, where I had studied extensively, wasn’t as challenging as mine to Hong Kong. Yet, for a one-year-old, the experience must have been quite different. Her curiosity and fascination even drew attention from a black man standing nearby in a queue waiting for a Thames boat. My daughter’s gazed at his face, signaling her interest. Being conscious of cultural displays of discomfort, I tried not to make it obvious, but she held my gaze without fear. The black man, however, took it in stride and even smiled at her, adding to her intrigue.

Thankfully, an English lady nearby intervened and said something along the lines of babies’ minds are like clean white boards, helping to assure my daughter and me that such innocent incidents are part of cultural exchanges and learning.

The Taiwan Experience: Understanding the Human Connection Across Cultures

Turning back to my personal experience, I vividly remember my first solo trip to Taiwan at the age of 17. It was a week-long adventure that brought numerous cultural surprises. Speaking a different language, bowing practices being different, and my kanji writing impressing local people were all part of the initial cultural shock. However, the most profound lesson I learned was not about these differences but about the shared human experience.

People in Taiwan live their lives in a similar manner to mine. Despite the differences, they possess the same emotions, desires, and challenges. This realization struck me deeply. While there were noticeable differences, such as the language and customs, these were far from being insurmountable barriers to understanding each other. At the end of the day, we are all humans.

This lesson has stayed with me and reminds me that while understanding and appreciating cultural differences is important, the shared humanity brings us closer across the board.

Conclusion

From Hokkaido to Hong Kong and Taiwan, each place offers unique cultural insights and adjustments. By sharing these personal experiences, we hope to provide valuable perspectives on how to navigate cultural differences and strengthen our understanding of the world. Remember, every culture has its own nuances, and embracing them can lead to greater appreciation and connection.