It’s the question that every Japan-obsessed foreigner must ask themselves, is the move worth it? Here’s what I think about living in Japan!
Life is ultimately what you make of it, and I probably shouldn’t say this at the start of the article (then you wouldn’t want to keep reading!), but that’s essentially my answer to the question in the title. In any case, if you are seriously considering making the move to Japan, here are some things to consider!
Language Barrier
Probably the biggest obstacle you’ll have in Japan is the language barrier. While English services are certainly on the rise, the vast majority of Japanese people simply do not speak English, or at least not well enough. I can tell you from the perspective of someone living in Japan whose Japanese is very basic, it’s nowhere near enough to really thrive in this country.
I would recommend getting as proficient as you can in Japanese before moving here, especially if you’re looking to find yourself a career in a Japanese company. Depending on the type of work in Japan you are seeking, you could potentially get away with not knowing much Japanese, but such opportunities are quite niche.
Homogeneity – Good or Bad?
Homoegeneity is, in my opinion, neither good nor bad, but just a different way for society to function. There are pros and cons of a homogeneous society, so you just have to figure out whether the good outweighs the bad for you and your values. Japan is safe, clean, and rich in cultural heritage, but it’s also a little xenophobic and backwards in some ways.
Indeed, it’s the blessing and curse of having strong traditional ties. On the one hand this country is known for amazing feats of technology like electronic toilet seats and robot waiters, but then they also still use things like fax machines and places like banks tend to have unnecessarily long processing times and paper work.
Building Your Community!
I’ve had my fair share of language and cultural challenges in Japan, and while I don’t intend to live here forever, I’ve managed to form a sense of community with both Japanese people and fellow foreigners alike! Getting involved in activities I like, such as tennis and fighting games, helped me feel part of different communities, and you can also overcome language barriers by bonding over mutual interests too!
Living in Japan as a foreigner who can’t speak Japanese will always carry a unique kind of difficulty with it, but it doesn’t mean it’s impossible to have a great life here. A bit of effort and a bit of leaving your comfort zone will go a long way, and while my Japanese is nowhere near expert level, I’d highly recommend at least reaching a basic level of understanding and learning the most common Japanese expressions for a smoother experience. It makes all the difference!
To learn more about life in Japan, check out my book: The Japanese Pursuit of Perfection. This book features my most profound observations of Japanese culture and society as a foreign resident. Available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover. Grab your copy today!