Finding where I fit, Australia or Japan?

I grew up in Australia, where people don't think twice about striking up a chat with a stranger, and I feel that it's friendly, casual, and open in a way that makes sense if you're wired for extroversion. For me, though, as someone who leans pretty heavily towards introversion, everyday life sometimes felt overwhelming.

Moving to Japan surprised me by how much it seemed to match my own temperament. There's a cultural respect for silence, for letting people go about their business without demanding constant interaction. On trains, it's rare that anyone talks loudly. In cafes, I can sit alone with a book without raising eyebrows. I think that concept of everyday politeness provides a buffer that feels like breathing room as an introvert.

I wouldn't say that means that Japan is "easier" per se. The language barrier, the bureaucratic complexity, and the pressure to fit into unspoken social expectations can all be daunting, even after all these years. In Australia, I always knew the rules, and I guess part of that comes with growing up there. In Japan, I'm still decoding them, but sometimes that feels less draining than the more extroverted culture back down under.

Australia still feels like home in many ways, but I'd say that Japan feels more aligned with the way I navigate the world. I sometimes think of it like Australia drawing out my social self (sometimes begrudgingly), but Japan letting me rest in my natural one.

Do you find your home country or Japan seems to fit your personality and preferences better?