11 Things to Know Before Moving to Japan
A move to Japan can be a thrilling and life-altering experience, but one that is also full of special challenges that will need to be planned for and adjusted to. From dealing with cultural differences to navigating the nuts and bolts of everyday life, there is a lot to take into consideration prior to taking the plunge. The Japanese culture places above all else harmony, respect, and order. This is the subtext of almost every encounter and system you will find. Not only is politeness welcomed—it's required. Knowing some basic Japanese words and proper etiquette will serve you well in surviving social interactions. Small things like bowing properly, removing shoes when entering houses, and grasping the idea of "saving face" will gain you respect from the natives.
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Things to Know Before Moving to Japan
No. 1: Language
Language barrier could be your biggest initial issue! Even though English is present in schools, the level of proficiency is low, especially in rural regions and beyond tourist hot spots. Don't rely on English as a widespread medium of everyday communication. Learning Japanese requires a long time and great effort, but even basic-level knowledge will make your life ten times better. Expatriates recommend learning hiragana and katakana (the phonetic scripts) ahead of time, and then building vocabulary and recognition of kanji incrementally.
Things to Know Before Moving to Japan
No. 2: Housing
Housing in Japan is significantly different from what you're used to. Apartments are smaller than you'll likely be used to, especially in cities like Tokyo and Osaka. The initial expenses of securing housing can be quite high. Besides a security deposit, you may be required to pay "key money" (reikin)—a non-refundable gratuity to the landlord—and agent fees, insurance, plus other charges. These advance fees will generally be three to six months' worth of rent.
Things to Know Before Moving to Japan
No. 3: Work Culture
Japanese working culture is still highly intense despite recent efforts by the government to promote work-life balance. Working long hours is the rule, and dedication to the company is an institutionalised virtue. Tradition insists on strict adherence to hierarchy, and decision-making is in the form of consensus-building mechanisms that will be seen as inefficient in Western culture. If you are to be working in Japan, be ready for such differences and make it a priority to find out if your profession or your organisation follows the traditional or newer workplace standards.
Things to Know Before Moving to Japan
No. 4: Healthcare
Japan's healthcare system provides universal cover at reasonable costs. After you become a resident, you'll be required to sign up for the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme or an employer-sponsored health insurance plan. With insurance, you'll typically only pay 30% of the cost of medicine. The quality of care is excellent, although communication patterns between physicians and patients can be different from what you're used to, with less detailed explanation and discussion.
Things to Know Before Moving to Japan
No. 5: Transportation
Japan's transportation system is famously efficient, clean, and punctual. Having a motor vehicle in urban areas is unnecessary and inconvenient in that parking fees are high and traffic is intense. Trains and subway trains make up most of city travel, with buses covering areas out of reach by stations. Transportation between cities is convenient via the shinkansen (bullet train) network. While confusing at first, transit systems now offer improved English signage and announcements than they did several years ago. Also, having English-enabled transit apps make travel much easier.
Things to Know Before Moving to Japan
No. 6: Seasonal Changes
Seasonal variations in Japan are culturally significant. Each season has its own climate and traditional observance. Summers are muggy and hot, and winters can be quite cold, especially in the north. A lot of older buildings lack insulation and heat, so winter warmth is a consideration. Spring boasts the famous cherry blossoms and mild climate, and autumn boasts dazzling colour displays. These seasonal changes impact everything from clothing to food to social life.
Things to Know Before Moving to Japan
No. 7: Food Culture
Japanese cuisine is much more than just sushi and ramen. Each region has specialties, with fresh seasonal produce defining the dishes on every menu. With vegetarianism becoming increasingly widely understood, it remains challenging because fish stock (dashi) is a fundamental ingredient used in much of the food. Food safety laws are impeccable, and portion sizes are typically mid-sizes compared to the large Western servings.
Things to Know Before Moving to Japan
No. 8: Daily Life
Day-to-day convenience in Japan are a revelation for visitors. Convenience stores or konbini are small supermarkets with foodstuffs, banking services, package delivery acceptance, bill payment, and more. Vending machines dispense all manner of things from drinks to umbrellas and are on nearly every corner. Home delivery is incredibly organised and same-day-delivery online shopping is standard. All of these provide so much greater ease once the systems are mastered.
Things to Know Before Moving to Japan
No. 9: Social Life
It is not always easy to make friends at first. Japanese culture introduces the uchi-soto (inside-outside) concept, where strict divisions are made between close friends and outsiders. While people are normally polite and courteous, developing closer friendships takes time and the development of cross-cultural understanding.
Things to Know Before Moving to Japan
No. 10: Life Admin
Adjusting to Japan's complex rules and procedures requires time. Administrative procedures typically include face-to-face visits, specialist forms, and personal seals (hanko) rather than signatures. Irritating as they are sometimes, these systems impose order and efficiency to make Japan function smoothly.
Things to Know Before Moving to Japan
No. 11: Cost Of Living
Expenses change widely depending on location. Tokyo is always among the most expensive cities in the world, and local places are much cheaper. Prices in grocery stores can be sky high—fruit is sometimes sold as luxuries at inflated prices, and restaurant food is frequently very inexpensive. Budgeting effectively and paying attention to standard expenses for your own location is important for budgeting.
Despite all of these challenges, the majority of expats live in Japan on a comfortable level. There is a thrilling blend of up-to-date technology and ancient custom, unparalleled security, stunning vistas, and exotica delights to be enjoyed nowhere else on earth. Provided you are prepared to persist, to be patient, and to remain open-minded, settling in Japan is a journey of unending discovery and self-enrichment.
