The Reality of Moving to Japan: 8 Hard Truths & Tips from an 8-Year Resident and Freelancer
Life in Japan
07/17/2024
If you're contemplating a move to Japan, it's crucial to understand the reality of life in this vibrant and unique country beyond the neon-signed rainbows and butterflies.
I’m sure you’ve heard this before, and it is very true: Living and working in Japan is extremely different from visiting as a tourist.
I’m an American citizen, having lived in Tokyo since 2016. I came trying to escape my life in America with very little plans other than to “start fresh.” Since then, I have collected a wealth of experiences and lessons, all of which I wish I knew before making the move.
In this post, I'll share my personal eight hard truths about relocating to Japan, aiming to help you better prepare for your journey. I wish I could’ve had this sooner.
Truth #1: The novelty of Japan wears off.
The allure of a new country, its unique culture, and exciting experiences can be intoxicating initially. The idea of escaping your current life and starting afresh in Japan might seem thrilling.
However, it's essential to remember that the issues you're running from won't disappear just because you're in a new location.
The novelty of being in Japan will eventually wear off. The bustling streets, the unique food culture, and the neon lights that once fascinated you might become part of your daily routine.
If you spend time at all on Japanese subreddits, you can see some stories of disillusioned foreigners living in Japan. Do know that when people are doing well, they don't necessarily seek help, so you're just seeing one sign of the coin.
It is crucial to be mentally prepared for when the honeymoon phase with Japan ends and reality sets in. For me, I felt this happening around year 2, and very deeply around year 5 where I actively had to question why I live here.
But alas, I'm still here.
Tip
Understand the why behind your desire to move to Japan. Make the decision knowing that there are pros and cons, and manage your expectations on how magical it’s going to be. The people who last here are the ones who adapt, not without struggle.
Hanging out with my classmates from Taiwan, China, and Italty. We're on a Kamakura excursion trip as a part of 赤門会日本語学 Akamonkai Language School.
Truth #2: Japanese Language School isn't a fluency ticket.
One of the common misconceptions when moving to Japan is believing that attending a Japanese Language School will lead to fluency. While language schools do provide a solid foundation, the reality is that immersing yourself with other Japanese speakers is the most effective way to improve your language skills.
I personally went to Akamonkai in Nippori, Tokyo. I applied through GaijinPot, and chose this one because it seemed like the most bang for the buck.
In reality, it’s really geared for high school students who are trying to get into Japanese universities. They’ll drill kanji, grammar, and reading/writing with very little output.
After one year of passing my classes, tests, I found that I still struggled to make conversations with others that weren’t scripted beforehand.
It was only after supplementing my formal language schooling with additional practice that I began to see real improvement in my Japanese conversational skills. I found a language partner through iTalki, and we began meeting twice a week for language exchange sessions.
These sessions, which provided me with ample opportunity to practice speaking and listening in a real-world context, proved invaluable in advancing my Japanese proficiency.
To genuinely master the language, you need to be proactive, seek opportunities to converse with native speakers, and consistently practice outside the classroom. Whether that’s through your local ward’s Japanese classes.
Tip
Hanging out with my classmates from Code Chrysalis 12-Week Fulltime Tokyo Javascript Bootcamp. There were both English-only and Japanese speakers in my course.
Truth #3: Your Japanese skill alone won’t necessarily get you high salary.
Japanese is not the the only thing getting in the way of a better salary in Japan.
While speaking Japanese can significantly enhance your cultural experiences and provide deeper connections with locals, it doesn't necessarily translate into a higher salary.
In the Japanese job market, your additional skills such as coding, Javascript, sales, ability to network, or video editing will land you a high-paying job. Now if you have both Japanese skills and other skills, you won’t have much issues. But solely focusing your effort on learning Japanese to get a better job might not give you the fruits of your labor you desire.
As an expat, it's beneficial to focus on developing a strong skill set that's in demand in Japan. That could be IT-related, digital production, tourism, etc.
It's worth noting that Japanese salaries are generally lower than those in other developed countries, particularly if you're coming from a country like America. This can be a significant consideration when planning your move and financial sustainability in Japan.
However, there are ways to navigate around this. One potential solution is to work remotely for your American company or a similar company that allows for remote work. This way, you can enjoy the benefits of living in Japan while maintaining a higher salary that's more common in American industries.
Tip
Keep investing in a practical marketable skill like photography, coding, software design, content creation while you level up your Japanese.
For software and IT related work I can recommend Code Chrysalis Immersive Course (I went there in 2019!) as well as Le Wagon Tokyo as I had a number of friends with positive results as well.
Truth #4: You might not have to quit your job to live and move to Japan.
While speaking Japanese can significantly enhance your cultural experiences and provide deeper connections with locals, it doesn't necessarily translate into a higher salary.
In the Japanese job market, your additional skills such as coding, Javascript, sales, ability to network, or video editing will land you a high-paying job. Now if you have both Japanese skills and other skills, you won’t have much issues. But solely focusing your effort on learning Japanese to get a better job might not give you the fruits of your labor you desire.
As an expat, it's beneficial to focus on developing a strong skill set that's in demand in Japan. That could be IT-related, digital production, tourism, etc.
It's worth noting that Japanese salaries are generally lower than those in other developed countries, particularly if you're coming from a country like America. This can be a significant consideration when planning your move and financial sustainability in Japan.
However, there are ways to navigate around this. One potential solution is to work remotely for your American company or a similar company that allows for remote work. This way, you can enjoy the benefits of living in Japan while maintaining a higher salary that's more common in American industries.
Tip
Get the Japanese conversation output - Sign up for HelloTalk or iTalki and get yourself a language partner and outputting at least 2-3x a week.
Truth #5: Get yourself some legal help... it’s worth it.
If you’re a freelancer or are seeking to freelance in Japan and may eventually want to apply for Permanent Residency. You absolutely need to be on top of your health insurance, pension, taxes and visa renewals.
Unfortunately, there’s no single source of truth and at the very least, you will need advice from an (1) immigration lawyer, (2) tax accountant that specializes in expat taxes, and (3) other freelancers who are doing the same thing as you. Keep asking and learning.
Navigating Japan's immigration system can be a challenging task, and attempting it on your own can lead to complications. I had the hard headedness of trying to do it myself, with little help other than what I could find out online…. and now that I’m trying to apply for Permanent Residency. I made so many little mistakes that ultimately work against my favor now.
Engaging an immigration lawyer (or two, or three) sooner rather than later can save you a lot of trouble. They can provide valuable advice, help you understand the complexities of the system, and guide you through the process, saving you time, effort, and potential issues in the future.
Especially if you’re choosing the freelance or business route, you’re going to need some professional help. Immigration lawyers, accountants that specialize in expat acc
Tip
Don’t just get any immigration lawyer, or any tax accountant. Get one who is experienced in your special needs.
If you are American, I can recommend FreedomTax Japan, my personal tax accountant. They are experienced with freelancers and the trivialities of American-Japanese tax treaties.
Truth #6: You do NOT need to pay key money to get a “good” apartment.
In Japan, the reality of renting an apartment involves understanding the concept of key money also known as “gift money”– a non-refundable deposit that is often required.
However, you don’t necessarily need to pay key money to rent a decent apartment. It's essential to be aware of this and negotiate accordingly.
If your agent insists on key money, consider seeking a different agent who better understands your needs and respects your budget constraints.
There are more than 368 thousand real estate companies in Japan, and a two months worth of rent might be worth the extra day you spend with another realtor.
Tip
Ask your friends about Reach out to multiple real estate agents with the same requirements. (No key money or minimal, foreign-friendly, same neighborhood, same budget.) You’ll soon find out which one is out for your best interest by their response.
Gift collections to organize your gifts. Customizable thumbnail.
Truth #7: Relationships that worked at home, might not work in Japan.
Moving to a new country can add a strain to existing relationships. Whether it's a romantic relationship, friendship, or family ties, people you’re leaving behind or bringing with you to your new journey. The distance and difference in lifestyle can create challenges for everyone.
It sometimes may feel like your friends and family at home are moving on or faster than you. This is a completely normal feeling for an expat. Part of this is true, but remember that comes with the territory of ‘starting over’ in a new country.
It's important to be prepared for this change and to put in the necessary effort to maintain and nurture your relationships.
The fact of the matter is that your new environment is a new adventure, and this can create stress for your and the people around you, and the people you’ve left behind. How you deal with that dress.
Tip
It's helpful to talk about directly with the person in question, but if you need professional help there's more foreign-friendly mental health resources than you (or Reddit) thinks. For a list of English-speaking, foreign friendly psychiatrists check Konoka.
Truth #8: You are your biggest obstacle to your success and happiness in Japan.
Finally, remember that you are the biggest obstacle to your success in Japan. Your mindset plays a crucial role in your journey. If you believe in yourself, stay determined, and never give up, you can overcome challenges and achieve your dreams in Japan. There are over 2.67 million foreign residents in Japan, so just know you’re not alone.
Living in Japan as a foreigner comes with its share of challenges, but with the right knowledge and preparation, you can navigate them and create a fulfilling life in this intriguing country.
Remember, the key is to never give up and keep asking questions!
Tip
If you’re feeling alone or lost. Reach out to a friend in Japan or go to an international meetup. Even sending a message on Threads about your issue can help. I find Threads is less pessimistic than Japan-related subreddits.
If you found this post helpful, please share it with your friends. If you have any questions about the points in this post, feel free to drop them below.
I started sharing blogs and videos about how to freelance in Japan, as it’s the #1 question I get from my foreign friends and family in Japan. I’m in the midst of writing a eBook about this. If you’re interested, please sign up here.
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about
author
Steffie Harner
Creative Technologist | Freelancing in Japan Since 2016
I help brands use innovative technololgies to uplift their identity. Think interactive websites, AR filters, and AI-powered creative content.
In my free time, I enjoy live streaming, cafe hopping and discovering different spas & onsen. Not at the same time.
