Naked and Locked Out Crisis

Life Reset Journal  by Sio

I have chronic neck pain. After moving to Japan, I continue to swim weekly. Pools here feel like onsens—everyone changes together and locks up stuff.

One day I swam, soaked, steamed—totally relaxed—and walked back naked. Typed “1234.” Nothing. Tried combos—still locked. I was naked, phone inside, no Japanese. Total panic: x$&@::;(😫😭🫠

After panicking, I looked around, just elderlies. Then a young woman came in. I rushed to her, said Locker, made a big X, pointed at my locker. She got it, called staff, and saved me.

That’s when I realized—without language, you lose control of life in Japan.

I thought Google, apps, AI were enough—until I had no phone, no clothes, nothing.

Real living is protecting yourself when vulnerable—and still face the world.

I never had a Japan dream. I doubted if my westernized self fit Osaka—or if I could restart after a midlife crisis. That stopped me from learning Japanese.

But I’m grateful for that breakdown. It showed language isn’t just a tool—it gives courage. Since then, I stopped avoiding and started learning.

Sio

Resetting life in Osaka after years in the UK, France, Spain, Canada & Argentina. Seeing people and cultures from many sides.

Follow @anotherlifeclub and restart Another Life with me.