Living with a Japanese Host Family (Julien)

While any sort of extended travel can be eye opening, living with a host family is one of the most enriching experiences an ex-pat can have. Experiencing not only an outsider’s perspective, an ex-pat living in a host family gets an inside view of Japan that is not seen by most of his compatriots.  Subsequently, it may result in a better acquaintance with the language, the culture, and the people; if not a better overall stay. Though it might be difficult at first to habituate oneself simultaneously to a new culture and family, it is the opinion of the author, who has experienced a local family’s accommodation twice, that living with a host family is about the most rewarding thing you can do in a foreign country.

             In Japan, I believe it is even more of a treasure, as Japanese typically lead very closed lives in tight-nit communities of friends and family. As it may be easier to infiltrate such communities in relatively hospitable places with straightforward and outgoing people, such as the Middle East or South America, it is rather difficult to pull off in Japan. Thus, if one traveling to Japan wishes to get an in depth look at the people he or she should consider living with a host family.

 

              So what should you look forward to with a Japanese host-family? Well, if you have never lived in a host-family before, you should note that it might take a few weeks to habituate. Be patient and polite, though, and you will find that the notoriously reserved Japanese will open up like their famed emblem, the cherry blossoms, in spring. You will be making the change from guest to member of the family very soon, so don’t expect it to be a holiday. You might find yourself quarrelling with them or even becoming frustrated, but don’t fret you will also gain affection. If worst comes to worst, however, you can always move out. Some key words you might get acquainted with are itarashai, meaning please go and come back (used when you leave), and okaeri, meaning welcome home (used when you come back). Some words you might use when coming back to the house or leaving are itekimasu, meaning I will leave and come back, and tadaima, meaning I am home. Subsequently, you will also probably learn a more in depth vocabulary for everyday activities.

              As you walk down the street, you my feel more at ease than your compatriots, and you might even find yourself feeling a bit Japanese. Though your host family might enforce household rules or give you a curfew, in the end you will leave Japan with a larger feeling of meaning; rather then many ex-pats, who feel a sense of living a rather extended vacation. In the beginning the risk may seem high, but know that it is rewarding. You will be able to experience birthdays, holidays, and occasions, in a way other of your compatriots may never do; and you will always have an eternal connection and a place to return.