"PARIS: A strange illness has descended on Japanese living in Paris, tipping many of them in a state of profound culture shock after realising their ideals about the French capital were unrealistic, a study published in Monday's Liberation newspaper said."
(Full article at http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au...E29677,00.html)

In view of the rhapsodic tone of some Paris reports on this forum I'm concerned that some Fodorites may meet the same fate should they extend their stay. Are there any reports of this affliction affecting non-Japanese?

Pas moi - the more i spend time in Paris and I've spend weeks there the smaller the cultural differences seem to be. Now i've also been to Japan and there is a whole lot more difference there - so i think the Japanese may be reacting more to western culture in general than Parisian culture.

I think the problem was that the Japanese have a more collective society, whereas the French have a more individualist society. I would say that Americans are more like the French in that, so would feel more at home.

Sandy

That seems to be the case, Sandy, exacerbated by unrealistic expectations.

I reckon it's curable, though - in Australia we've had considerable success in moderating the work ethic of Japanese executives posted here, using carefully targeted training programs.

Two that have been particularly effective are "Sickies (sick days) for Beginners" and "POETS Day Explained". I'm sure the French, if they cared to make an effort on behalf of these poor souls, could have similar success.

* (*P--- Off Early, Tomorrow's Saturday)

Except that the syndrome in question does not affect Japanese executives posted in Paris, but mostly female exchange students, from rather wealthy home backgrounds, whose "disease" in Paris is caused by a combination of classic home-sickness and the clash between the idealised version of Parisian life (you know, the way "Paris" is pictured in Sex and the City or Everybody says I love you), and the harsh realities of day to day ilife n a metropolis. Actually, the Japanese embassy in Paris has a doctor specially attached to it and dedicated to this particular syndrome.