There’s a form of culture shock so severe it was given its own name: ‘Paris Syndrome’. The phenomenon occurs when tourists visit Paris and find out it was not quite as perfect as they had expected. The combination of culture shock and misinformation about Paris have created an unusual psychological breakdown, with such breakdowns reported only in highly religious places, such as Jerusalem and Mecca. It is most common amongst Japanese tourists on their first trip abroad, who have idealised the city, and become disillusioned by the reality. Media surrounding Paris is partially to blame, with films such as Amélie presenting the city as perfect, a balance between cleanliness and European aesthetics. However, when tourists see the reality that Paris, like most cities, still has poverty and dirtiness, they go through a psychiatric breakdown.
Professor Hiroaki Ota, a Japanese psychiatrist, spotted and named the syndrome in the 80s after observing tourists becoming dizzy, lightheaded and nauseous upon their arrival to Paris. There have even been reported incidents of hallucinations, and some extreme delusions. Two women were noted to have believed that their hotel room was bugged, as part of a conspiracy against them – whilst suffering from the syndrome. The issue has failed to be resolved, with three to five Japanese tourists hospitalised from effects of the syndrome every year. The only cure is repatriation, done by the Japanese embassy in Paris.
People theorise that the language and cultural barriers between Japanese tourists and French locals is a key reason for the breakdown. The French expressive and informal character often clashes with the formality of Japanese travellers. In hospitality, customers in Japan are treated with the utmost respect, contrasting with the more
relaxed approach to customer service in France. Another possible reason is the isolation felt by travellers, who may be used to socialising in large groups of people already known to them. Along with the general disappointment felt towards the city, sufferers’ problems are also worsened by jet lag and fatigue from their travels.
Unfortunate tourists, betrayed by their romanticised version of Paris, suffer alarmingly severe symptoms to this day. The question remains as to whether the romanticization of Paris in the media is to blame, or if the cultural differences between French and Japanese people are intense enough to warrant a psychological breakdown.
Words by: Molly Derrick
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