When the opportunity for Japan came up, my husband and I volunteered to move there. Really we did. People are always surprised to hear that.
“Oh, Japan. Really?”
“Yes, really!”
We saw Japan as an amazing opportunity to gain life experience, learn another culture, and do something we never did before. Of course, we would miss our family being half-way around the world, but going to Japan was inevitable at some point. Might as well embrace it.
Now that we are settled in and living everyday life for nearly 6 months, I am often asked about what it’s really like. People are curious. People want to know the inside scoop about what it’s really like to live as a military family stationed overseas.
Well friends, I’m going to tell you…
You learn to drive on the other side of the road.
Not every overseas duty station drives on the left side of the road, but many do. In Japan, you drive on the left side of the road and the steering wheel is on the right side of the vehicle.
Weird at first? Absolutely.
After 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. We took a written exam, showed them our paperwork, and it was a done deal.
One thing though—you are probably going to turn the wipers on accidentally for several days. It’s located on the left of the steering wheel, where most American cars have the turn signal. We like to call it the “Oki wave” around here.
The food is amazing.
Most European and Japanese food standards are much higher than the US. Around here there are countless small local farms selling only the freshest ingredients year round. From the fresh seafood to eggs and vegetables, the food around here is truly a treat.
We love going out in town to eat meals. Sure it’s different flavors and textures, but the experience is amazing. It’s also a great way to learn another culture. One of our favorite things to do is visit a sushi-go-round. You simply place your order via touch screen and it’s delivered via a conveyer belt right beside your table moments later.
Housing isn’t too shabby.
We live on base, but many live out in town and are equally as happy. We are currently living in a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom high-rise building. I suppose it’s not 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 set up by military housing for us.
Climate is awesome.
Originally from the Midwest, the cold weather was such a bummer. Here in Japan we are in a sub-tropical climate. It’s warm year round. Who can complain about that?
Here we are taking a January walk on the beach….
Yes, 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 have access to most everything found in American stores. There are some things that are not available, but for the most part we can get our regular American staples no problem.
We have access to:
Marine Corps and Air Force Exchanges: A store similar to a Wal-Mart or a Target with all the essentials.
Commissaries: Similar to an American grocery store filled with everyday American products. They don’t have every single thing, but they do 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 food.
Bonus: We also frequent local grocery stores, farmer’s markets and restaurants. Basically, we have a lot of options.
People are friendly.
For the most part, the Japanese are overwhelmingly kind and welcoming around here. Every time we are out and about, the locals take time to say hi to us and smile. As a culture, they are very polite and rarely rude.
It’s honestly what you make of it.
Living overseas can present some challenges if you allow it to. It is hard to be far from the US, especially if there is a family emergency. It’s not easy to get back very quickly. Some may find it hard to adjust if they aren’t open 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 culture. I know several families that have tried to stay for years past their actual tour. Some loved it so much they stayed for as long as 10 years.
Yes, there are lots of other Americans around too.
There are tens of thousands of Americans stationed here. We aren’t the only ones thankfully, and since everyone is in the same situation, most spouses are incredibly welcoming when it comes to making friends.
There are totally awesome carts for kids.
My all time favorite thing about 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 like everyday life in America. We go to the grocery store, cook American meals, watch American TV shows, and live regular everyday life. Getting out in town to explore everything that Japan has to offer is so much fun. It’s kinda like we’re on vacation for a few years. I can live with that.
Want more on military life?
- Military Moves Overseas: 7 Major Mistakes to Avoid
- How to Make Awesome Friends in Military Life
- Military PCS Moves: Building Strong Community After Moving
- 47 Things No One Tells You About Being a Military Wife
Do you know a military family stationed overseas? Let’s chat in the comments!
brittany
Lauren,
This was one of my favorite articles of yours so far, just because it was so interesting to learn those things about a life that seems so foreign to me– now it just sounds awesome! And I also totally want sushi now…
I’m so glad I know you. You’re just the coolest lady. I’m going to a blogging conference this weekend and the only thing that would make it cooler would be having you there in person. Maybe someday… probably not though… sigh.
BB
Lauren Tamm
Maybe we will! I’m dreaming of going to a conference after we move back to the states. It will be a while, but we will get there eventually. There are so many blogging friends that I want to meet in real life! Thanks for your encouraging comments as always! Hope you are well.
Lauren
Keating
Thank you so much for this post! My husband got his reenlistment package approved back in November and we were offered the opportunity to PCS to Okinawa. We discussed it and decided there was no way we could say no to such an amazing once in a lifetime opportunity. We’ll be arriving there May 22nd and although I’m so excited for it, I’m terrified at the same time! I’m finishing up at my job this week so I’ll have more time to start packing and visit family and friends as much as we can in the next couple months and it’s all of a sudden getting very real. I’ve never been out of the country before either and we’re VERY close with all our family back home. Reading this, honestly, brought tears to my eyes and made me feel a million times better about making the move!
Lauren Tamm
It is kinda scary at first right?! I think you are going to do great! Really, you will! I’m so glad this was encouraging for you. We will have to get together once you get out here 🙂
a. P. Bullard
This was a great post, with an optimistic perspective. It was daunting to be stationed in another state, so I cannot really imagine how odd it will be to be stationed overseas.
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Lauren Tamm
Ha. Yes, it was a little daunting at first, but now we are so used to it. It’s actually pretty easy!
lisa
Loved this, especially the part about driving. ( I drove a Pajero and the wipers and turn signal where where they were supposed to be but did turn the wipers on instead of the turn signal in my husband’s Surf a few times. lol) I LOVED Okinawa. My husband and I volunteered for the duty station also. For such a tiny island, there is soooooo much to do. Get out and do it all!!! Never mind the commissary and PX, San A all the way! 🙂
Lauren Tamm
Yes, we love going out in town for food and necessities. There is an amazing farmer’s market right by the base we live…so grateful since the commissary has horrible produce. Thanks for leaving such an encouraging comment! We love Okinawa too!
Mom
Hi!
My niece and her family are moving to Japan next year. We are planning to visit and wondered if we would be allowed to stay on base with them or need to find lodging elsewhere?
Ashley Burghardt
Hi,
My husband and I will be moving to Sasebo, Japan in another month or 2. It is looking like I will be going over there before his ship makes it there. A part of me is really excited but another part of me is terrified. Any advice for me going over there without knowing anyone? Is there anything I should do before I leave?
Thank you!!
Lauren Tamm
Just sent you an email Ashley with my moving overseas checklist.
Olivia Wallace
Hello!
Loved the article! Will be moving to Sasebo soon too with my Navy spouse. Can you forward me the checklist as well?
Nicole
Hi there we are moving to Japan in January I have 4 children ages 15-3 housing is a big fear for me as well as sports for my son like football and rugby. Are there such sports on post? We have never lived on post before in the 15 years military life, so I’m curious how off post housing is compared. I would imagine it would be easier but off post living looks like a dream! Is it more expensive out of pocket expensive off post? This is the first recent post I have found and I’m so grateful to have found it! ?
Laura Case
Hi, my friend’s daughter & son-in-law are stationed in Okinawa. She is expecting in a few months. Suggestions on local gift cards that they might find useful as they expect their first child?
Yane
Really wonderful to read this post. My husband picks orders soon and I go back and forth wether or not to move overseas (if the opportunity presents itself) as we have small kids but reading this makes me actually want to experience it. Enjoy!!!