Even the Galaxy Knows I’m Opening a Bank Account

Life Reset Journal by Sio

After moving to Japan, I thought I could open a bank account right away. Even with all my documents, they still asked me to leave.

Newbies can only open a JP Post account at the closest branch near your home or office, so I went to the one 900m from my place. But once I showed my documents, the staff said to me, “You need to go to the designated branch.” I pointed at the map, showing both were the same distance. He looked at me like I was an alien and sent me back to Earth.

Mission 1 failed. Logic doesn’t matter here, rules are the only language.

Next day I went to the right branch, lines all memorized. But after one line, I couldn’t follow. I opened the translation app, the staff didn’t even look at it and said, “We don’t accept people who can’t speak Japanese. Pls use the app.” Wait a min, I’m not applying to move to Mars. Why make this so hard?

Mission 2 failed. I thought sincerity might help, but systems don’t care.

I Didn’t want to wait 2 weeks for online app application. In the end I asked a colleague to come with me. Everything done in just 20 mins.

Mission 3 succeeded. The galaxy may have cheered, but I didn’t feel like victory.

I should’ve done this myself. I’ve opened accounts across the globe. But elsewhere, they’d at least glance at Google Translate.

I knew I had to start over in Japan, but not until my 3rd bank trip I truly get what “starting from zero” means.

It’s not just about the language or adjusting — it’s a full reset. Forget the skills you thought were useful. Let go of the belief that experience or grit can carry you through.

“Starting from zero” isn’t just a restart — it’s about letting go. Of old thoughts. Of past logic. And building my another life in Japan, from ground zero.

Sio 

Resetting life in Osaka after years in the UK, France, Spain, Canada & Argentina.

IG @ anothersio