- Japan Tips
Moving to Japan: Expectations vs Reality
Many of the ALT applicants that we speak to express that it’s been their dream to move to Japan, ever since they were young. Therefore, it’s hardly surprising that the percentage of foreign nationals in Japan has doubled, from 1.35% to 2.7% since the year 2000.
But what do those individuals, who have taken the step to move to Japan, have to say about it?
In this article, we’ll discuss the reality of moving to Japan, and how this compares to many foreign nationals’ expectations of what living in the country will be like. Read on to find out what it’s really like to move to Japan, and what the most common misconceptions are.
Moving to Japan: What Recruiters have to Say
Thinking of moving to Japan for a fresh start? Our career advisors Brian and Rhys have a lot to say about the gap between expectations and reality. Here are some things everyone should know. In this episode of LiNK ON! , our Brian and Rhys discuss their own experiences of moving to Japan, and what challenges foreigners often face when doing so.
If you don’t have time to listen to the full recording, we’ll be summarising the main points below, including some of the most common myths we hear about moving to Japan.
Top 5 Misconceptions about Moving to Japan: Expectations vs. Reality
1. Living in Japan will be just like [insert J-drama/anime/movie here]
While we’re not saying that there are no fictional media portrayals which reflect life in Japan, it’s important to remember that films, television programmes, and even slice-of-life anime are not entirely true to life.
While they may include some traits of the culture of society which ring true, they are unlikely to be a reliable depiction of what life in Japan will really be like, particularly for somebody from a foreign country. It would be like a Japanese person moving to New York, and expecting it to be like stepping into an episode of ‘Friends’!
There’s certainly nothing wrong with enjoying Japanese media, but just remember that these are fictional characters and situations, and should always be treated with a pinch of salt! Japanese social customs, language, and other aspects of day-to-day life will likely differ a little, or a lot, from any entertainment media you consume.
2. It’s very hard for a foreigner to fit in, or make friends in Japan.
Many people are concerned that when they move to Japan, they’ll have a hard time making friends. There is a stereotype of Japanese people being very reserved and introverted, or even cold to foreigners, but we’ve found that this reputation is largely undeserved.
Many foreigners working in Japan find themselves welcomed by their work colleagues, through social events such as nomikai (after-work drinks). There is also a thriving community of foreign workers in Japan, where it is very easy to connect and make friends. Or, if you’re interested in making friends who are Japanese, language exchanges or hobby groups are a great way to make new connections and find like-minded people.
Difficulty integrating into a new community isn’t an issue that exists only in Japan. Many people who move abroad can struggle with loneliness in the first few weeks, as they find themselves separated from their local support system. But with a little patience, and willingness to put yourself out there, many people that live and work in Japan are able to integrate and make new friends within just a few weeks.
3. Japan is a very expensive country to live in.
The cost of living in a country is always relative, depending on the country you currently live, and the one you’re considering moving to. This can change depending on the current financial climate too, but as it stands, there are a number of living expenses in Japan which are very affordable, compared to other countries.
While some items in Japan may seem very costly compared to other countries (for instance, many European and American travellers report being shocked by the price of fruit), many day-to-day groceries, and common household bills are fairly affordable.
We recently did a cost comparison of living in Japan vs. living in the United States, and examine the difference between the most common living expenses. In 2024, the average rent in Japan was the equivalent of $391, whereas in the US, the average rent is $1876 per month (1.3x more expensive).
However, it’s also true to say that the cost of living in some other Asian countries, such as Thailand and the Philippines, is actually lower on average than it is in Japan. It’s always best to carefully examine your own finances, and the salary you hope to earn in Japan, before making the decision as to whether you can afford to live there.
4. You won’t be able to live in Japan if you don’t speak the language.
While it’s true that Japanese language skills will make it much easier to live and work in Japan, you certainly don’t need to be fluent in Japanese in order to move here. At Interac, we accept applicants with little to no Japanese at all, but knowing at least some basic phrases to start with will certainly help you to transition into working life in Japan.
In big cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, it’s very common for the people you interact with, such as shopkeepers and servers, to speak very good English. This is thanks to the number of western tourists who visit these areas, as well as the popularity of learning English as a second language in Japan.
However, in more rural areas, you may not be able to rely on other people’s English skills, and it is helpful to know at least a little Japanese.
You can navigate the country without it, but if you plan to live and work in Japan, there are so many ways that you can build up your Japanese skills — many of which are great fun! Check out our guide to learning the Japanese language while working in Japan for some ideas.
5. It’s very difficult for foreigners to find jobs in Japan.
A concern that a lot of foreigners hoping to move to Japan have is whether they will be able to find reliable employment.
There is a perception that many Japanese companies are hesitant to hire foreigners, but this is not necessarily the case. Companies are happy to hire people from other countries, provided they meet the requirements, and the bosses believe they will be able to integrate well into the existing workforce.
There are a number of industries that are willing to hire foreign nationals, from the education sector, to finance, marketing, engineering and beyond. Check out our list of the 11 top-paying positions for foreign workers, as well as our guide to finding and securing a job in Japan.
If you speak English to a native standard, as well as having a bachelor’s level degree in any subject, you may also be suitable for an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) role with Interac.
Visit our site to learn more about these exciting Japan-based roles, or submit your application to be an ALT today!
10 Tips for Moving to Japan (from people who have done it)
1. Have a plan before you move to Japan
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is moving to Japan with little preparation. You need to think forward about the steps you need to take to achieve your goals, especially if you want a job.
“They think ‘I wanna get a job’ and they think they’re going to get it right away, or quickly, or without much work to it. It takes on average 17 weeks from the time you apply, to the time you start working.”
You also shouldn’t see moving to Japan as an escape – you won’t receive special treatment.
“Some people come to Japan to escape something. They think rules don’t apply, because they have escaped the thing they were trying to escape from overseas. Whether that’s an economic situation, or a family, or a relationship. They’re here, and they don’t think that this whole other set of rules apply.”
2. Don’t miss the best recruitment months
You can move to Japan all year round, but if you’re expecting to earn money fast, stick to early spring.
“When you’re from overseas, you might be applying all year round. In Japan, most people are applying in this sort of February to April window, which is where we fill the majority of our positions.”
Before moving to Japan, do some research around when you’ll be arriving during the year.
3. Ask us for advice about moving to Japan
Interac are a leading recruitment agency in Japan, and we can help you with some of the processes.
“We try to make it easier by giving you advice and counselling along the way. But, the person looking for a job still has to apply, they still have to supply certain evidence or paperwork.”
However, you’ll still need to provide your legal documents, and do all the applying yourself.
“What we do is try to help you navigate through the formulas, tradition and red tape in the job world. You have to have those other parts together to be successful in that 17 week window to get a job.”
We can also tell you about cultural differences in Japan, and useful info for foreigners.
4. Have the right paperwork and references
If you’re moving to Japan, don’t expect to have an easy time without the right legal documents.
“I was working in Sendai and a guy came in, I needed to hire him and start work right away. I asked him for his passport so I could get a copy of it for his file, and I saw that his visa had expired.”
We also see a lot of people who haven’t prepared references, so try to get these sorted out.
“You’ve got to know somebody, and you’ve got to ask them if they’ll be your reference. It doesn’t mean anything financially, they just need somebody to say ‘yeah, this is a good person’. It can be a teacher, a former boss, or a pastor or priest at their church. As long as it’s someone who’s not family.”
Also, don’t forget about practical things like changing your driving license in Japan.
5. Be prepared for cultural differences in Japan
When moving to Japan, expect things to be different to how things are done at home.
“Everything in Australia is very relaxed compared to Japan. When I came to Japan, maybe I brought over some cultural vibes, I thought things would be fine if I just coasted, and that they’d pull it up with me if it was an issue. But they don’t. Sometimes they do, like if it’s your pension or your taxes.”
There’s often more red tape and tradition, especially if you’re looking to get a job or work here.
“There’s a lot of bureaucracy here, if I’m very honest, and katta – cultural movements.
People may think ‘what is the purpose of this’. In a Japanese business guise, you’ll have meetings all the damn time just to have meetings. Pre-meetings, meetings about meetings!”
6. Forget stereotypes – that’s not the reality of Japan
“Everyone has the best of intentions, and they have a romantic idea of what Japan is going to be, but it’s not reality. There is that high-tech, decor trucks and screaming cheerleader stuff. There is that, but that’s not the real thing of living here.”
If you’re thinking about moving to Japan, talk to other foreigners who have moved here first. Japan is not just a high-tech metropolis, and its rural areas are very different indeed. Our blog section offers some honest guides on what to expect, including topics on cultural differences and day-to-day life.
Joining Interac is useful for getting advice from people who know what Japan is like. Interac’s Rhys has been in Japan for 8 years, and Brian has been there for 25 years.
7. Don’t go to Tokyo or Osaka for your first job
“In the beginning, everyone wants to go to Tokyo or Osaka. These are relatively expensive parts of Japan. But, if you go to the areas that are just out of the cities, not only is the compensation higher because you’re expected to drive, and it’s a more out-there place, but the rent is cheaper. You’re going to find a better quality of living out there, and it’ll be easier to come to Tokyo in a couple of years.”
“You’re actually not going to have to go to Tokyo very much, not just because of the coronavirus. The nature of companies themselves is changing. If you want a career change after being an ALT, you’ll be in a good, cheap position for your living, and able to do remote work and have a nice lifestyle.”
When first moving to Japan, consider places outside of the obvious. It’s better to live comfortably for a couple of years, then relocate to a bigger city when you have more money and experience.
“If I was coming out here again, I would take one of the semi-rural positions. Nagano is only a couple of hours away from Tokyo. Because the world is going towards being more remote, if you’re living somewhere outside of Tokyo where the rent is cheaper, you’re going to save more money.”
If you’re a little unsure, get in touch with us, and we can advise which locations are best for you.
8. Consider a career in education or childcare
One of the most popular careers for people moving to Japan is teaching English as an ALT (Assistant Language Teacher). There are also many childcare jobs available for teaching younger children.
“Teaching toddlers in an emotionally rewarding role, you’ll need some experience teaching very young kids. It’s a really fun position and if you love kids. The salary isn’t too bad, either.”
Interested in IT and tech positions? These have great salaries, but jobs are very hard to qualify for. We can advise on whether you have the right amount of experience, or how to get it if not.
9. Get involved with parents and your community
If you choose to work in a school, expect to get involved with out-of-hours clubs and activities too. By moving to Japan, you’re gaining the opportunity to integrate into your community and act as an advocate for yourself. You might be teaching kids who move to your home country one day.
“It’s about being friendly with the parents, no matter how good you are with the kids, you’re never going to get to that top level.”
To be successful in an education career in Japan, you’ll also need to communicate with the wider community. Rhys’ Japanese got better because he had to talk to Japanese children and their parents.
10. It’s fine for English to be your second language
If you’re teaching English in Japan, it doesn’t matter where you are from. You don’t need to be from an English-speaking country to teach. If it’s your second language, it can work to your advantage.
“They have a really strong foreign community and they don’t mind non-native staff. If you can speak English fluently, we don’t mind. We have teachers from Brazil, teachers from Ghana. It’s all about being child focused and giving them that international experience.”
“I’m sure that they would rather have someone not from a native-speaking country, but had a high level of fluency and a great personality. Over someone from a so-called native-speaking country who had a less great personality.”
“One of the best English teachers I met was from Holland. He spoke English perfectly, and could relate to the Japanese-speaking staff more and know what they were going through.”
Obviously, learning Japanese to a fluent level will help immensely when moving to Japan.
Should I move to Japan?
Whether you should move to Japan or not is a question that only you yourself can answer! However, here are a few things to think about which may help you to make your decision.
- Why do you want to move to another country? Are you seeking adventure, or career opportunities that may not be available to you at home? Has it been a dream of yours to move abroad one day?
- Why do you want to move to Japan? There are so many reasons to move to Japan, but you should make sure that your own reasons are strong enough. Do you have existing Japanese language skills that you’d like to take advantage of, or are you interested in teaching English abroad? Do you find the culture interesting, or the customs and traditions intriguing? Make sure this isn’t something you’re doing based on a misconception of what Japan will be like.
- What do you want to do in Japan? Do you have a career path in mind? How will you afford to live, and do you know what you will do outside of work to maintain an active and fulfilling life?
- Do you have a good support system in place? Are your family and friends supportive of your dream, and can they help you prepare to move? Do you have any friends or family in the country, so that you have a support network in Japan as well?
- Do you meet the requirements? Before you think about travelling, you will need to look into which travel visa you will need, and whether you meet the necessary requirements to be issued one. A travel visa gives you the right to visit, reside, or work in the country, depending on which one you apply for. If you are staying for longer than 90 days, a visa is a legal requirement to remain in the country.
- Be honest — do you think you are ready? While many foreigners make a great life for themselves in Japan, moving to another country is a huge commitment — financially, and spiritually. Are you in the right place in your life to up sticks and move away? Are you ready for such a big change?
Again, the final decision on whether to move to Japan lies with you. There is a thriving community of foreign workers in the country, and many workplaces offer support to those who are relocating to Japan for their career.
Be sure to research the country and the job role you’re applying for carefully before making arrangements to move.
Can I relocate to Japan without a job?
Yes, you may be able to move to Japan without first securing employment. For instance, if you only plan to live in the country for a short time, you may not need a job if you plan to live on money you’ve saved.
However, if you plan to live in Japan for more than 90 days, you will still need a travel visa of some kind, regardless of whether you will be seeking work.
There are a number of different visas available to foreigners which will allow them to live in Japan for a set number of days, or months. Before you travel, you will need to determine which one you need, and file the correct paperwork to begin your visa application. Some non-working visas include student visas, spouse visas, and long-stay visas which are for vacations longer than 3 months.
However, if you plan to work in Japan in the future, you will need to secure a working visa to ensure your legal right to work. Again, there is a wide range of these available, based on your skill level, your profession, and a number of other factors. It is illegal to work in Japan without a visa, and if you are caught doing so, you may face arrest and deportation, so please ensure your paperwork is all in order, both before and during your visit!
Moving to Japan from the United States: Top 5 things you should know
If you’re a United States citizen that wants to move to Japan, these are the top 5 things you need to know before planning your trip.
- You need a visa to undertake any type of work in Japan, even within the 90-day visa-free period.
- Although foreigners are able to find employment, the job market in Japan is competitive, and it’s best to secure a job role before you travel.
- Japanese social customs are different from the United States, and certain things like tipping in Japanese restaurants or speaking loudly on public transport may lead to misunderstandings.
- Although you don’t need to be fluent in Japanese to move to Japan, learning a few key Japanese phrases will help you to navigate the country more easily, and be handy in emergencies!
- Be prepared for the climate. Although Japan’s weather may be fairly temperate compared to other countries, expect hot and humid weather in the summer, and also be aware of the location you are moving to, as some areas are prone to earthquakes.
How Interac Network can assist you with moving to Japan
If you’re a native English speaker, or speak English to a native level, there may be an exciting career opportunity waiting for you in Japan! Teaching English is a popular profession for foreign nationals in Japan, and at Interac, we connect prospective Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) with schools in Japan, and help them find a suitable teaching role.
With plenty of support available from your local Interac office, and a wide network of other ALTs that you can connect with, what are you waiting for?
If you’d like to start your teaching career in Japan, you can visit our site to read more about the Assistant Language Teacher role, or submit your application today. Or, for more articles about living and working in Japan, check out the Interac blog for more insights from our team.
About the Author
Brian McDonough is a consultant at Interac, Japan’s largest provider of ALTs (Assistant Language Teachers). Originally from the US, Brian has lived in Japan for over 25 years, giving him a unique perspective on the cultural differences and challenges people face when moving to Japan. He has first-hand experience of working in Japan as an American.