Riding the Wave of Change: Navigating Life, Culture, and a Shifting World
People say that time flies. That has certainly been the case for me since the last time I shared my thoughts in this journal was 2022. Acclimating back into Japanese culture has taken time – with completing required immigration paperwork, opening a bank account, securing new employment, getting a Japanese driver’s license, and simply adjusting to the idiosyncrasies of my new home – which, I might add, reminds me of an inspirational poster that hung on my bedroom wall during my high school days in Indiana:
“If you are not riding the wave of change, you will find yourself beneath it.”
Those words have hit home as I’ve learned to adapt to Japan again these many, long months. I guess I’ve been “swimming” to keep myself afloat during this transition. Suffice to say, learning to accept and embrace this life transition has not been easy. There has been some turbulence.
We all know that change is as fluid as the quotation above reflects. However, accepting change and any impending turbulence demands an open-minded approach, full of time awareness, daily adaptation, emotional presence, and curiosity.
Frustrations. Annoyance. Confusion. Let me share some examples.
Family Expectations and ‘Tatemae’
One area that’s taken some adjustment is balancing family expectations in a way that respects cultural norms. On my wife’s side, there’s a strong sense of family unity and a natural tendency to go with the flow of family decisions so as to maintain harmony (tatemae) or present a smooth public face, even if I might feel differently inside. Coming back to Japan as an adult, I’m mindful of this dynamic and do my best to navigate it politely and respectfully as a son-in-law. It’s familiar, but I’m also learning that sometimes it means I must pause and consider how to phrase things. It’s a balancing act, but it’s one I’m getting the hang of little by little.
Politeness and Precision in Language
Growing up here, I’m all too familiar with the nuances of polite language (keigo), but returning to Japan has reminded me just how much precision is expected, especially in professional settings. I’m aware of how keigo can shape interactions and how important it is to try to match those expectations to keep communication with others smooth. Even after years, it still feels like an art form, a gentle reminder that even familiar things need a thoughtful approach to make sure everything stays respectful and professional.
Fast forward to 2025. At no time in my lifetime have the words quoted in the above poster been so apropos. The political and multicultural environment from which I formed my own worldview is changing drastically. Globalization is out and isolationist/protectionist policies are in. Without a doubt, as an adult Third Culture Kid (TCK), this wave of stark reality sends chills up my spine and sparks questions about what awaits our world’s shared humanity.
Image created via DALL-E, 2025
