KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Moving to Japan? Live in Tokyo or Osaka

• Why don't the locals take me seriously at work?

• My advice, learn the language before moving to Japan

LIVING IN JAPAN AS A FOREIGNER IS HEALTHY?

Daniel TJ International Reporter Tokyo, Japan April 19, 2024 | News On Saitama, Japan

A COMMENTARY FROM A BRIT IN JAPAN

So, why might Japan not be the perfect long term country to live in? From my perspective as a Brit, Japan [for me] is not a great place to hang your hat for a long time.

Now, don't get me wrong, Japan's has it's good points, for example: It's safe, convenient, and most of the Japanese girls seem to like me.

I have had about 14 dates and finally have a new girlfriend from Osaka who lives with me here in Saitama, Japan. However, when you're a foreigner trying to blend into the Japanese work place, it's not happening. For me anyway.

There's this thing called "getting along with your coworkers." Sure, they're all smiles and bows on the surface, but underneath, there's this unspoken code that we foreigners must understand.

It's like trying to understand the culture of an alien planet – confusing!

Unfortunately, I currently live in Saitama. This area is very countryside.

With countryside people. In Tokyo, you might blend in better because there are people from all over the world there, but in Saitama, you're a foreigner and they never let you forget that.

My advice is, if you are relocating to Japan, live in Osaka or Tokyo if you want to make any friends.

In Japan, it's all about harmony and groupthink. Now, that's fine if you're used to groupthink, but if you're Western Thinking, it's difficult.

As a foreigner, your ideas or opinions or comments at work are largely ignored by the local staff.

I speak Japanese at the upper advanced level, however I am still ignored at work when trying to improve systems or trying to join in on conversations about how to best do a presentation in English, when traveling on business overseas. Can you understand my situation now?

Japan is a great country to experience, however, if you're thinking of settling down here for a long time, just remember it's not all cherry blossoms and kimono's.

You have to be willing to love the quirks, roll with the cultural punches, and maybe even learn to love karaoke – or at least tolerate it.

That said, I have started my relocation into Tokyo and out of Saitama. This way, I will at least be treated with more respect, and meet the good people of Japan. Hopefully.

Thank you SavvyJapan-Today.com for listening to my story. I hope my situation helps others who are moving to Japan from overseas.

Questions? Send your voice today! Contact Savvy Japan Today, by sending your message directly to: EditorialDepartmentJapan @ SavvyJapan-Today.com, or call in English at: +81.70.9041.6946 Monday - Friday 9:00am to 9:00pm Tokyo, Japan.

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