A quick look at some Japan stats on the 2025 Natixis Global Retirement Index

I'm only in my early 40s, but I've already started to think about where would be a good place to retire when the time comes. Living in Japan has a lot of appeal, from the top-notch healthcare to the low crime, and the sense of safety and order that makes day-to-day life run so smoothly. There's also the cultural richness aspect, so it's pretty easy to see why Japan often feels like an ideal retirement destination.

However, when I read through the 2025 Natixis Global Retirement Index, I was reminded that retiring here would come with challenges, too. More than 30% of the population here is already over 65, which is the highest in the OECD. That "Silver Tsunami" reflects impressive longevity, but it also puts some pretty massive strain on pensions and public finances. In fact, 41% of Japanese respondents said they worry that government benefits will be cut, which is something expats relying on national schemes would need to think carefully about.

The cost of living is another big reality check. According to the survey, 56% of Japanese respondents said they expect they'll need to save more and live more frugally to make retirement work. The prices of everything seem to be on a never-ending upward trajectory, but I feel like that's the case globally. I wouldn't be able to escape that in my home country, either.

Have you thought about where you'd eventually like to retire? If so, does Japan make the cut, or are the prospects better in your country of origin?