Coming back to Japan after a lengthy absence

I'm about to move back to Japan after a 3 1/2 year absence and I'm wondering if anyone else has returned to Japan after a lengthy time away.

I lived there from 1999 to 2005 and worked mostly as an English teacher. When we left we were really enjoying our life in Japan and didn't want to leave but had to move on with a new career so we moved to Canada. Now by lucky chance we are coming back to Japan this fall so I can spend a year studying Japanese law and I'm pretty excited to be going back.

I'm also kind of wondering what kind of culture shock I'll go through. Certainly after 5 years there I was quite comfortable in Japan in 2005 when I left but now I'm wondering how I'll react after spending several yearas away.

Anybody have any experiences to share?

While I've only had the experience of going back for another year after a fairly short stay, I would simply recommend to not create any expectations that are too big in your mind. There will be of course readjusting, and images in your mind about the time you had over your years in Japan of course will warp and you'll remember the good only. (which is not really a bad thing either)

I'd say just give yourself some time and don't expect things to instantly be as magical within the first few months as the years that you have been there in the past.

Then again though, just a comment.

I would think the hardest part would be..............

keeping your euphoria under control.

Uncle Frank

Thanks Emoni and Uncle Frank.

Euphoria/over-expectations is pretty much what I am full of at the moment. For that reason I'm a little concerned that it might come as a complete dissapointment when I get back.

I'll be going to a completely different part of Japan than I used to live in (I'm going to Kyushu but lived in the Kansai area in the past).

One positive thing is that I've been visiting this site more often since I found out I was going back!!

You'll be fine. You're aware there may be mixed emotions and feelings and that is a given. All you can do is acknowledge that and handle it as it comes. You're completely in control of that and already prepared as much as you will be I think just by the fact you are posting this question.

Don't over worry, just be as realistic as you can.

Then sit back and enjoy the ride.~