Dec 17, 2015
Should i live in Japan?
my friend from Canada she is asking me. Does anyone have any opinions? Especially she cares about money/expenses.
Best Answer
-
on Dec 17
Hi there! I've been living in Japan for over five years so of course, I'm biased, but I wrote a post on my blog about living abroad and travel, Trekking with Becky, about things to consider when choosing your new home country that I think would be highly beneficial to anyone considering moving abroad because you have to think of things other than cost. Here's the link - http://www.trekkingwithbecky.com/choosing-your-new-home-country/ As for cost, it really depends on where you live in Japan. I've written posts about the cost of utilities, taxes (consumption and residential), and imported and domestic groceries. Here are a few links for you. http://www.trekkingwithbecky.com/the-cost-of-living-in-japan-taxes/ http://www.trekkingwithbecky.com/cost-of-living-in-japan-domestic-groceries/ http://www.trekkingwithbecky.com/cost-of-living-in-japan-imported-groceries/ http://www.trekkingwithbecky.com/cost-of-living-in-japan-utilities/ I really hope that this all helps, and don't be shy to give me a shout anytime. :D Facebook - www.facebook.com/trekkingwithbecky Twitter - www.twitter.com/trekkingbecky Instagram - www.instagram.com/trekkingwithbecky
-
on Dec 17
Yes. In short. I don't know. Depends on your friend's circumstances. What is she coming over to do? I mean, in terms of work. People often get excited about how expensive Japan is. It's true to a certain extent but I don't think it's as expensive as all that. The main outlay is going to be on an apartment. If she's prepared for this, then that's the hard part (in terms of money) done. I love living here. Of course, it annoys me from time to time but I would recommend it to anyone. Keep an open mind, be active and try things out, and, yes, have a bit of money saved up before you come over.
-
on Dec 17
I, too, find Japan an easy place to live and not too expensive. However, I did go through "culture shock" the first time I came as an exchange student, despite having 6 of my friends from home with me. I think my age, my language ability and unrealistic expectations contributed to that. There are some "easy" ways to come to Japan, I suppose the most famous one is the JET (Japan English Teaching) exchange programme. There is a professional screening process, but anyone who has a recognised third level qualification, is eligible to apply. The benefit of a programme like that is that there is plenty of support and training for first timers to Japan, especially language support. I can't say it has always been easy, but Japan is my second home, I love it here and I personally would recommend anyone come try it out... so long as they have researched it thoroughly!
-
on Dec 18
Does your friend have any experience of living abroad? I think living in a foreign country is going to be a challenge, whatever the destination. When I arrived in Japan, I wanted to jump on the first plane back home. I stuck it out though, and I'm really glad I did. I agree with a lot of the sentiments in some of the other comments. I think the key thing (sorry, this isn't about money) it to not let yourself get isolated. Interact with people (locals, or other expats), seek help and support, and don't let things overwhelm you. And it's true, you can always get on a plane home, but that should be the last resort. As for the money, sounds a bit blunt but, you either have enough or you don't. There's plenty of stuff on the web and books etc about how much things cost over here. Anyway, you see teaching jobs these days going for less than 200,000 yen a month. If you can live on that in Japan, the country can't be that expensive.
-
on Dec 18
> trekkingbecky thanks for telling me information. domestic/imported groceries are really important. that what my friend wanted to know. i'll tell them. > tomuu my friend are university student, she will come to japan for exchange student. but her parents care about cost of living in Japan. > saitama "culture shock" the first time,,, interesting. well but it's true, Japanese culture are much different compared with other country. > davejpn 200,000 yen that is keyword. I see. thanks.
-
on Jan 19
-
on Mar 15
-
on Feb 20
Japan is a safe and welcoming country to live in for a year abroad. If she plans to stay longer, perhaps your friend should compare her healthcare, pension, welfare, and other long term essentials before she makes a move. Check out my blog on 'Five Things I Love Most About Living In Japan' for some positive reasons to try life here. https://goldendiamondlife.com/2015/10/09/5-things-i-love-most-about-living-in-japan/
-
on Nov 25
I've enjoyed living here a lot, but obviously there are huge considerations to make -- where to live is one of them, as costs vary hugely between city and country (I have lived in both). Also, work is an important one as well, and knowing what you're going to do for money. If there is the opportunity to come for an extended period as a tourist (90 days for a lot of countries) it's a good way to experience the country as a traveler but get more of a glimpse into how day-to-day life runs. Obviously though, taking a 3 month holiday is out of the realm of possibility for many.
9 Answers