Has the shine of living in Japan worn off for some?

I've been living in Japan for more than a decade, and despite everything that's changed over the years here, I still can't picture myself wanting to leave. However, it doesn't seem like that's the case for everyone. 

A new study from Mynavi Global found that fewer foreign residents now see themselves staying in Japan for the long term. The share of respondents wanting to work here for more than five years dropped sharply compared to last year, while more people are now thinking in terms of just a few years before moving on. The more I thought about it, the less surprising it became.

Japan today isn't the Japan I arrived to back in 2013. Back then, the yen was stronger, prices were lower, and everyday life felt a little cheaper. Fast forward to 2026 and groceries cost more, electricity costs more, and if you're sending money home, the exchange rate can make it feel like you're constantly losing ground. For a lot of foreign workers, that's a big deal.

I also found myself wondering whether this is less about people falling out of love with Japan and more about people struggling to make the numbers work. The survey was largely made up of students and people working in industries like hospitality, manufacturing, and construction. Those jobs don't always leave much wiggle room financially, especially when the cost of living keeps creeping up.

Have factors like the weak yen made living in Japan long term a less appealing prospect for you?