From my experiences in guiding Japanese high school students around Singapore, I've observed some 'culture shocks' they get as we travel along and interact with each other. Not 'shocks' per se, but rather cultural differences or surprising discoveries from the students' point of view.
Table Debris
Every time I bring them to a food court for lunch, I've to explain that Singapore doesn't have a culture of clearing up our plates and trays after we eat, as they watch with disgust at how dirty and messy the tables are. Even though it's not easy to find a table for 6-8 people during the peak period for lunch, they were quite reluctant to sit at a table filled with leftover utensils. Some used their own tissue to wipe off the oil and sauce from the table before sitting. Of course after we finish eating, I tell them that they need not clear the utensils because cleaners will do it for us. Some tried to return the plates themselves but were told by the cleaners to leave it on the table first.
The Disappointing Icon
In Japan, Merlion is voted as the Top 3 Disappointments of the World. Indeed, most expressed a certain extent of disappointment when I asked them about their trip to the Merlion Park. They expect the Merlion to be more grand and huge like the one in Sentosa. Compared to the two other World Disappointments - Pissing Boy in Brussels and Little Mermaid in Copenhagen - I think the Merlion is the least disappointing of all haha. Well, I somehow understand their feelings because I was rather disappointed when I saw the Little Mermaid myself...
Speedy Stairs
Most were surprised at the speed of the escalator when I first brought them to the MRT station. For a fast-paced, punctuality-oriented society like Japan, I would expect the escalator to be set at a higher speed at their train stations. It's probably due to safety reasons that the escalators are not set that fast. If in a rush, they would rather use the stairs, walk up the escalator or run. For a society that obeys the 'stand-on-one-side' rule, there seems to be little need to increase the escalator speed.
Summer Outdoors, Winter Indoors
They never fail to complain about the hot weather. Even Singaporeans, who lived here for all their lives, complain about the weather, so what I say? Japan summers may be hotter than Singapore but they only last for 2-3 months. Furthermore the night is cooler and the winds are cold. They also commented that the indoors are so cold compared to the outside. We blast the aircon and then wear a jacket, what an irony.
Our Young Labours
I laughed when they commented that our junior college students look like labourers/technical workers. In Japan, their labourers/technical workers usually dress in a uniform with the same colour for the top and bottom... Anyway when it comes to uniforms, I don't think Singapore can ever compare to Japan.
Not-So-Conducive Trains
The MRT seats are too hard for them, who are used to sitting on cushioned train seats. Some will try to drink in the MRT until I tell them that it's prohibited. In Japan, it's generally fine to eat or drink in the trains, as long as you don't dirty the place. I wonder what will happen if our trains were to lift this rule.
Not the Cup of Tea
Japanese food generally taste lighter and less thick than Singapore food. They think that our local food is too spicy, even for a simple standard laksa, curry or chilli. Japanese cuisine doesn't have any spicy dishes (except wasabi, but its spiciness is of a different kind). Our version of green tea is too sweet for them. Singaporeans like to prefer sweet drinks I guess. Like Westerners, Japanese totally detest the smell of durian too. I enjoyed looking at their 'going-to-vomit' expressions even when they merely sampled a little piece of durian mooncake. =p Only a few brave souls dared to try the genuine fruit.
One People, One Nation
For a homogeneous society like Japan, experiencing a multi-racial Singapore is something fresh for them. Some are not aware that Singaporeans are proficient in at least 2 languages, as they thought we only understand English. The concept of ethnicity and nationality can also be a little confusing for them. Some asked me if I come from China, because I'm a Chinese...
Japan Everywhere
They are amazed whenever they see Japanese restaurants, or Japanese stores like Daiso and Uniqlo. Hopefully they realise that these are pretty common in Singapore. They are also mildly surprised when they come across Japanese words and characters written on signs, instructions etc. At the food court, they tend to go for Japanese food though I often discourage them. They can eat better Japanese food in their home country, why not try local dishes instead, which are not available in Japan? Unfortunately most are still conservative and not that adventurous to try something that can potentially upset their stomach haha. Most local food looks alien to them anyway.
Our Fond Flip-Flops
Someone commented that he can't really tell the age of Singaporeans from the way we dress. I'm not exactly sure what that implies but what I suppose is, Singaporeans usually dress casually in shorts and slippers outside, and that makes youngsters look older than we actually are. In any case the dress sense of Singaporeans, as a whole, can never compare to the Japanese.
It's pretty fun to see Singapore from a foreigner's point of view. Someone they point out things that I've never noticed or wondered before. =)
