How To Get Stationed In Japan

When the opportunity for Nihon came upwardly, my husband and I volunteered to movement there. Really nosotros did. People are e'er surprised to hear that.

"Oh, Japan. Really?"

"Yep, really!"

We saw Japan as an astonishing opportunity to gain life feel, larn another culture, and do something we never did earlier. Of grade, nosotros would miss our family being half-way effectually the world, but going to Japan was inevitable at some point. Might as well cover it.

Now that nosotros are settled in and living everyday life for nearly 6 months, I am often asked about what it's really similar. People are curious. People desire to know the inside scoop near what it'due south actually like to live every bit a military family stationed overseas.

Well friends, I'one thousand going to tell yous…

You acquire to drive on the other side of the road.

Not every overseas duty station drives on the left side of the road, merely many do. In Japan, you lot drive on the left side of the route and the steering cycle is on the correct side of the vehicle.

Weird at first? Admittedly.

Afterward a few times? You're basically a pro.

Most service members and spouses have driving privileges within a week of arriving at an overseas duty station. Nosotros took a written exam, showed them our paperwork, and it was a washed deal.

One thing though—you are probably going to plough the wipers on accidentally for several days. It'due south located on the left of the steering cycle, where most American cars have the turn point. We like to call it the "Oki wave" effectually here.

The food is amazing.

Most European and Japanese food standards are much college than the US. Around hither in that location are countless small local farms selling only the freshest ingredients year round. From the fresh seafood to eggs and vegetables, the nutrient around here is truly a treat.

We honey going out in town to swallow meals. Sure it'south different flavors and textures, but the feel is amazing. It'due south also a keen way to learn another culture. One of our favorite things to do is visit a sushi-go-round. Y'all simply identify your order via touch screen and it'southward delivered via a conveyer chugalug right abreast your table moments afterwards.

Housing isn't too shabby.

We live on base of operations, just many live out in town and are every bit every bit happy. We are currently living in a 3 bedroom, ii bathroom high-rising building. I suppose information technology's non the house I would retire in, but it more than meets our needs right now. Everything works and there was no need to worry over establishing utilities accounts. It was already ready up by military housing for u.s.a..

Climate is awesome.

Originally from the Midwest, the cold weather was such a bummer. Hither in Japan nosotros are in a sub-tropical climate. Information technology's warm year round. Who tin complain near that?

Here we are taking a Jan walk on the beach….

Aye, we have access to American products.

There are a lot of friends and family back in the states wanting to send care packages. But the truth is we take access to virtually everything constitute in American stores. There are some things that are not available, but for the most part we tin can get our regular American staples no problem.

We take access to:

Marine Corps and Air Forcefulness Exchanges: A shop similar to a Wal-Mart or a Target with all the essentials.

Commissaries: Like to an American grocery store filled with everyday American products. They don't have every single thing, simply they practise have most.

Chain restaurants: On top of that, we have access to a few typical American chain restaurants. Here there is Chili's, Burger King, Subway, Baskin Robins, Starbucks, and more. These are just a few available any time we are craving some American comfort nutrient.

Bonus: We as well frequent local grocery stores, farmer's markets and restaurants. Basically, we take a lot of options.

People are friendly.

For the about part, the Japanese are overwhelmingly kind and welcoming effectually here. Every time we are out and almost, the locals have time to say hi to us and smile. As a civilisation, they are very polite and rarely rude.

It'southward honestly what you brand of it.

Living overseas tin can nowadays some challenges if yous allow information technology to. Information technology is hard to exist far from the US, especially if in that location is a family emergency. Information technology's non easy to get back very quickly. Some may detect it hard to adapt if they aren't open up to trying something new.

I think for the most part, people enjoy being stationed out here. It's a unique opportunity being able to immerse yourself in another civilization. I know several families that have tried to stay for years past their actual bout. Some loved it so much they stayed for equally long as 10 years.

Yes, there are lots of other Americans around also.

There are tens of thousands of Americans stationed here. We aren't the only ones thankfully, and since everyone is in the same situation, well-nigh spouses are incredibly welcoming when it comes to making friends.

At that place are totally awesome carts for kids.

My all time favorite thing nigh living overseas is the shopping carts to put your kids in. They actually keep your kid in the cart—a miracle for any mom of a toddler. American carts are lame.

Wrapping it up.

Living as a military family stationed overseas is actually a lot similar everyday life in America. We go to the grocery store, cook American meals, lookout man American Tv set shows, and live regular everyday life. Getting out in town to explore everything that Japan has to offer is so much fun. It'due south kinda like we're on vacation for a few years. I can live with that.

Want more than on military life?

• Military Moves Overseas: 7 Major Mistakes to Avoid
• How to Make Crawly Friends in Armed forces Life
• Military PCS Moves: Building Strong Community Afterwards Moving
• 47 Things No 1 Tells You About Beingness a Military Wife

Exercise you know a armed services family stationed overseas? Let'southward chat in the comments!

Are you new to this community? Start here, friend.

Source: https://themilitarywifeandmom.com/live-military-family-stationed-overseas/

Share this post