Living in Japan as an expat offers life in a fascinating country that combines the busy, modern, and exciting cities of places like Tokyo and Osaka with the historical and traditional rural countrysides of Kyoto and Matsumoto. Japan’s economy has experienced serious difficulties in past years, and it remains in a state of transition. The standard of living in Japan is generally high, and good health care and educational facilities are in place. The culture is unique, and living here presents a fascinating experience for expats.
Japan as an expat destination
As an expat destination, Japan offers a true opportunity to experience a completely different life from that which you are familiar with. There are currently around 2 million expats living in Japan, with an estimated 75% being from neighboring Asian countries.
Japan has a very distinct and unique culture, and this can prove difficult for westerners to understand. The Japanese people, especially the youth, embrace western cultures and trends and generally receive westerners positively. Language and communication can be difficult, especially in rural areas, but English-speaking doctors and international schools are available in the bigger cities.
Cost of living to Expats in Japan
Japan is famous throughout the world for being expensive. This was supported by the 2012 Mercer cost of living survey findings, which placed the cities of Tokyo and Osaka as the first and third most expensive cities in the world live. Expatriates wishing to live here need a significant budget to get by, especially if they wish to enjoy western luxuries. Many expatriates find that they can significantly lower their expenses if they are prepared to live outside of the main cities and adjust to living a life similar to the locals.
Housing in Japan is amongst the most expensive globally, and the apartments and small and built up. Utilities are also expensive. Food can be cheap here at the local supermarkets, but, again, those looking for western delicacies will need to be prepared to pay the price.
Our expat guide to living in Tokyo contains full details of the cost of living in this Asian city, including breakdowns of all the typical living expenses.
Language
Japan has only one official language- Japanese. In cities such as Tokyo, a large amount of the population can speak English.
Climate in Japan
Japan has four seasons categorized by cold winters and hot summers (up to 40 degrees centigrade).
Job and career opportunities for Expats in Japan
As with everything else in Japan, there are ingrained social and cultural behaviors that impact the jobs market. There are two types of work opportunities available for expats in Japan; unskilled low paid work (such as menial labor) and skilled work (engineers, English teachers, technologists). English speakers remain in demand in this country, and there are always many jobs available for language teachers.
Finding suitable employment in Japan is dependent upon two factors; marketable skills and personal connections. As with many Asian countries, the best route to finding a job is your network, and a large % of expatriates secure work as a result of a recommendation from close contact. Online job search agencies are becoming increasingly popular in the region, and Daijob, a site specifically targeted at expats, can offer a good insight into the types of currently available roles.
Key facts every expat should know before moving to Japan
- Formal contracts, such as rental agreements, are usually legalized with an Inkan instead of a signature. A spot of ink is a seal that has the owner’s last name written in Japanese. Even foreigners will be expected to use inks on contracts. You can purchase inks from newsagents and stationery stores.
- It is tough to opt-out of Japan’s national health insurance once you have registered for it. Decide whether or not you would like the insurance before you arrive in Japan. If you decide you would prefer to insure yourself privately, make sure that you do not register for the NHI when you are directed to do so as you complete the alien registration.
- If you intend to import a pet, you must notify the Japanese Animal Quarantine Service at least 40 days before moving to Japan.
- Japanese citizens are not allowed to sponsor or hire foreign maids. Expats living in Japan who hold a senior position in a recognized company may be permitted to do so.
Japanese city guides for Expats in Japan
Expat Info Desk currently has a city guide available for living in Tokyo. This exhaustive guide contains everything you need to know before moving to Japan and will assist you to:
- relocate efficiently and effectively with minimum stress.
- Settle into your new life quickly and easily and find the help and assistance you need when you need it.
- Identify areas to live in that suit your lifestyle and budget.
- Find the right places to meet like-minded people.
- Find schools that are suitable for your children and their learning needs.
- Ensure that your family gets the most of their experiences abroad.
- Prepare for the new culture in advance and avoid any cultural traps.
- Deal with any transition challenges.
- Cut through red tape and avoid unnecessary bureaucracy.
Unlike a book, expat info desk guides are regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that the information is accurate and reliable, and because the guides are written by real expats who live and work in Tokyo, you can be assured that you are accessing the information that you need as written by people who really are in the know.
