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Things Only Filipinos in Japan Will Understand
Things Only Filipinos in Japan Will Understand
by Rachel Anne
Living in Japan looks aesthetic online—clean streets, cherry blossoms, anime vibes. Pero behind those IG-worthy photos? May sariling “Filipino in Japan” experience na medyo chaotic, medyo funny, at minsan… nakakaiyak din.
If you’re a Filipino living here, chances are—you’ve been through all of these.
The “Convert to Peso” Reflex
The “Convert to Peso” Reflex
Kahit gaano ka na katagal sa Japan, hindi nawawala ‘to.
Bago ka bumili, automatic :
“¥1,000… wait… mga ₱380??”
Tapos biglang: “Ay wag na pala.”
Self-control or trauma? Hindi na natin alam.
Natto: The Ultimate Betrayal
Natto: The Ultimate Betrayal
Akala mo ready ka na sa Japanese food life. Sushi? Ramen? Kayang-kaya.
Pero nung dumating si natto… ibang usapan na.
First bite: “Okay lang ‘to.”
Second bite: “Parang may mali.”
Third bite: “Hindi na ako uulit.
Konbini and Suupaa Is Life
Konbini and Suupaa Is Life
Your real best friends in Japan:
7-Eleven Japan, FamilyMart, Lawson… at syempre ang mga スーパー (suupaa) .
Gutóm ka? Konbini.
Wala kang time magluto? Konbini.
Nagtitipid ka? Suupaa.
May sahod na? …balik konbini ulit .
Winter Hits Different
Winter Hits Different
Hindi ito yung “cute sweater weather” na iniisip mo sa Pinas.
This is “lamig hanggang kaluluwa” level.
Layering becomes a survival skill.
At kahit naka-5 layers ka na… malamig pa rin.
Rush Hour = Silent Battle
Rush Hour = Silent Battle
Siksikan sa train pero dead silent. Walang reklamo, walang usapan.
Ikaw lang yung internally :
“Kuya, konti na lang, di na ako makahinga”
Welcome to daily life.
“Sumimasen” Is a Lifestyle
“Sumimasen” Is a Lifestyle
Nabangga mo sila? Sumimasen.
Ikaw nabangga? Sumimasen pa rin.
At some point, reflex mo na siya—even sa panaginip mo siguro.
Filipino Food Cravings Are No Joke
Filipino Food Cravings Are No Joke
May random moment talaga—kahit okay ka naman buong araw—biglang :
“Sinigang… adobo… kahit ano pls”
Tapos maghahanap ka pa online, manonood ng pagkain sa TikTok…pinapahirapan mo lang sarili mo.
Ending?
Instant ramen or onigiri ulit.
Character development na ‘to, hindi na cravings.
Hybrid Language Activated
Hindi mo namamalayan—nagha-halo na lahat ng languages mo.
“Wait lang, ima-message ko siya later kasi may baito pa ako.”
Tagalog + English + Japanese = ikaw na ‘yan
You’re Stronger Than You Think
Between working, surviving winter, adjusting sa culture, at pagiging independent…bigla mong mare-realize :
“Kaya ko pala.”
Pero siyempre…miss mo pa rin pamilya mo.
Life in Japan isn’t always easy.
Minsan masaya, minsan nakakapagod, minsan nakaka-miss umuwi.
Pero one thing’s for sure—ibang level yung growth mo dito.
And at the end of the day, kahit saan ka mapunta…dala mo pa rin pagiging Filipino mo.
Posted : 24 April 2026
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