Living in Japan

"If you are retired military you will have an easier time especially if you speak the language. Be prepared to spend quite a bundle to set up your home. Rental deposit, utility deposit, agent's fee, and other miscellaneous charges will total at least $1000 and as much as $3500 to get you in your new home. There is only one free English Channel, AFN, and satellite television access will cost another $50-$90/monthly," remarked one expat who made the move to Okinawa.

"Expats should research the cost of living in Japan before retiring there, as it is generally more expensive than other countries. It is also important to understand the language and culture of Japan, as this will help to make the transition smoother. Additionally, expats should be aware of the visa requirements for retirement in Japan, as these can vary depending on the individual's circumstances. Finally, expats should research the healthcare system in Japan, as this will be important for their long-term health and wellbeing," explained one expat living in Japan.

"Expats in Japan often join clubs and activities such as language exchange groups, sports teams, and cultural activities. Expats can also meet people by attending events such as festivals, concerts, and art exhibitions. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups related to their interests, as well as attending meetups and networking events. Finally, expats can also meet people by simply exploring their local area and getting to know their neighbors," said one expat in Japan.

"Aikido or any other martial arts activities. SCUBA diving through a certified instructor, there are plenty on island to sort through. If you have the talent to coach kids or referee any sport activities you will enjoy that as well. All over this island coaches and referees are always needed," said one expat who made the move to Okinawa.

"Living in Japan as an expat or digital nomad can be an exciting and rewarding experience. The country is known for its unique culture, delicious food, and friendly people. Expats and digital nomads can find a variety of accommodation options, from traditional Japanese apartments to modern high-rise buildings. The public transportation system is efficient and reliable, making it easy to get around. Expats and digital nomads can also take advantage of the many cultural activities and attractions available in Japan, such as visiting temples, exploring the countryside, and attending festivals. With its vibrant cities, stunning natural beauty, and welcoming people, Japan is an ideal destination for expats and digital nomads," said one expat in Japan.

"Most people are family oriented and very sociable. Okinawan people in general are very sociable and enjoy sports especially baseball, SUMO wrestling, martial arts and basketball," said one expat who made the move to Okinawa.

"Crime in Japan is generally low compared to other countries. Japan has a reputation for being a safe and secure country, and the overall crime rate is relatively low. However, there are still some areas where crime is more prevalent, such as in large cities. In recent years, there has been an increase in certain types of crime, such as cybercrime and organized crime. The Japanese government is taking steps to address these issues and ensure the safety of its citizens," commented one expat who made the move to Japan.

"Most people are very conservative. There is a sense of purity in relation to race that makes some multi-race relationships unaceptable by family members," wrote a member in Okinawa.

"Yes, there is a lot of diversity in Japan. People in Japan are generally accepting of differences, and there is a strong emphasis on respect for others regardless of their background. Japan is home to a variety of ethnic and religious groups, and there is a long history of cultural exchange and integration. Japan is also home to a large number of foreign residents, and the country has a reputation for being welcoming and tolerant of different cultures," commented one expat who made the move to Japan.

"Visit first if possible, and any other school you may be interested in. I thought the previous reviewer was extremely unfair to the school and did not even care to get the facts straight, which is why I decided to write this review. Whether the school is right for an expat would depend on the expat. Obviously this one is not appropriate for someone wanting a monolingual education, but there were a number of sabbatical families at the school only for a year and they mostly found it a positive experience.. I visited several of the international schools in Tokyo myself and I thought this one was by far the most interesting and innovative. It depends on what one wants," said one expat in Tokyo with children at New International School of Japan.

"Definately a great school, if we were going back to Japan, I would certainly to back to BST>," remarked one parent with kids at British School in Tokyo in Shibuya.

"I would advise contacting the school as early as possible to ensure a place for next years calender year," explained one expat living in Yokohama, Japan.

"The cost of living in Japan can vary depending on the city and lifestyle. Generally, rent and food costs tend to be higher than in other countries, while transportation and entertainment costs are relatively low. In addition, Japan has a wide variety of goods and services available, so it is possible to find something to fit any budget," wrote one member in Japan.

"The cost of living in Japan is generally high, especially in the larger cities such as Tokyo and Osaka. In these cities, the cost of living is significantly higher than in the rest of the country. Rent for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Japan can range from around $1,000 to $2,000 USD per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment can range from around $1,500 to $3,000 USD per month. Eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Japan can cost around $20 USD per person," remarked one expat living in Japan.

"Living here is expensive, but doable. It is easy to spend your money going out and doing things, so if have to find a balance of saving money and experiencing the culture. Produce is more expensive than American, but eating out can be very cheap and affordable," said one expat living in Tokyo.

"In Japan, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as public parks, sports centers, and amusement parks. Public parks often feature walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas, while sports centers offer a variety of activities, such as tennis, badminton, and swimming. Amusement parks provide a variety of rides and attractions, such as roller coasters, ferris wheels, and haunted houses. Additionally, many cities in Japan have public baths, which are a popular way to relax and socialize," said an expat in Japan.

"Again, Tokyo is huge. There is every kind of recreational activity is available. The trouble is going out and finding it in the big city. Some popular ones are Golf ranges, Swimming pools, hiking, baseball, and soccer," remarked one expat in Tokyo.

"It has four seasons. Winter is cold, but not cold enough to snow a lot. Fall and Spring are fantastic. Summer is the worst. Summer is hot and humid and you are constantly sweating. It is awful," said one expat.

"The weather in Japan is generally mild and humid, with hot summers and cool winters. In the summer months, temperatures can reach up to 30 degrees Celsius, while in the winter months temperatures can drop to as low as 5 degrees Celsius. Japan also experiences a rainy season in the summer months, with heavy rainfall and thunderstorms," commented one expat living in Japan.

"Ippudo is a popular ramen restaurant in Japan, known for its Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen. The restaurant has locations all over Japan, and is known for its rich, creamy broth and thin, chewy noodles. Kura Sushi is a popular conveyor belt sushi restaurant in Japan. The restaurant is known for its fresh, high-quality sushi, and its fun atmosphere. Customers can order their sushi from a touch screen, and watch as it is delivered to them on a conveyor belt. Yakitori Tori Shin is a popular yakitori restaurant in Tokyo. The restaurant is known for its high-quality chicken skewers, cooked over charcoal and served with a variety of sauces. Kagurazaka Ishikawa is a Michelin-starred restaurant in Tokyo. The restaurant is known for its traditional Japanese cuisine, made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The restaurant also offers a variety of sake and shochu to pair with its dishes. Kappo Nakajima is a traditional Japanese restaurant in Tokyo. The restaurant is known for its kaiseki-style cuisine, which is a multi-course meal featuring a variety of dishes. The restaurant also offers a variety of sake and shochu to pair with its dishes," said one expat.

"This really depends on what area of Tokyo you are in, My residential neighborhood does not have much of a nightlife. But, I could take a twenty minute train ride to a famous nightlife area and go to all the clubs I could want," commented one expat living in Tokyo, Japan.

"There are grocery stores everywhere. Finding a good grocery store within walking distance of your home is important. Also, people like to get food at convenience stores and those are on every corner," remarked one expat living in Tokyo.

"People living in Japan typically buy groceries and do other shopping at supermarkets, convenience stores, department stores, and specialty stores. Supermarkets offer a wide variety of food and other items, while convenience stores are great for quick purchases. Department stores are great for clothing, electronics, and other items, while specialty stores offer unique items that can't be found elsewhere," said one expat living in Japan.

"It varies on where you are from. If you are from America, you need a spouse visa (married to someone with a visa or a citizenship), working visa, or student visa. For working visa, find a job first and then move to Japan. Your employer will help with the visa process," commented one expat who moved to Tokyo.

"In order to visit Japan, foreign nationals must obtain a visa from a Japanese embassy or consulate prior to their arrival. The process of applying for a visa involves submitting an application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, and other documents such as proof of financial means and a return ticket. Depending on the purpose of the visit, additional documents may be required. In order to obtain residency in Japan, foreign nationals must apply for a residence card at a local immigration office. The process of applying for residency involves submitting an application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, and other documents such as proof of financial means, proof of employment, and proof of address. Depending on the purpose of the residency, additional documents may be required," said one expat.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Japan can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services needed. Generally, the cost of healthcare in Japan is higher than in many other countries due to the high quality of care and the advanced technology used. Health insurance premiums can also be costly, but the government subsidizes a portion of the cost for those who qualify. Additionally, many employers offer health insurance plans to their employees, which can help to reduce the cost," remarked one expat living in Japan.

"I have Social Health Insurance that my job helped set up for me. It's accepted pretty much everywhere as it's a public insurance. I have only needed to do something preventative, though, so I have only paid for medical service in its entirely before," said one expat living in Tokyo.