If you’re considering joining the over 125.6 million people who live in Japan, you’re making a great choice. Japan is one of the best places that you can move abroad because of its communities, culture, and opportunities.
Here, we’re going to give you the top reasons why you should move to Japan ASAP. Read on to learn more about the exciting adventures that could await you while living in Japan.
1. The People
Japan is a culture that values politeness. It is extremely dignified, as are the people that live within this culture.
Those who live in Japan tend to be kind and friendly. They want to help in whatever way possible. This often means that your neighbors and acquaintances can help make your move easier.
You will have an easier time making friends and finding common ground with strangers. It’s unlikely that you will be left to fend for yourself in Japan unless that’s what you actively want.
2. The Communities
Japan is a very communal nation. The individualistic nature of Western life is not their reality, and as a result, they are more likely to work toward the collective good. This means making small sacrifices that make everyone’s lives easier.
People act in respectful ways toward one another. They also form groups and clubs easily and regularly gather to socialize. When you move to Japan, you’re certain to be invited to seasonal gatherings, potlucks, get-togethers, and more.
3. The Traditional and the Modern
One of the coolest things about Japan is that it combines tradition and modernity seamlessly. You’re just as likely to pass an old temple on your walk to work as you are a modern skyscraper.
Japan is known for being tech-savvy and employing modern engineering and robotics methods. However, they also are known for being able to take a deep breath and appreciate things like tea ceremonies and calligraphy. When you move there, you’ll be able to experience a wide range of diverse hobbies, communities, and interests.
4. The Natural World
The natural sites of Japan are one way that the nation values traditional beauty. Because it’s an island nation, you’ll have tons of opportunities to visit oceanside venues. You can enjoy the water and the beaches as well as fishing, crabbing, and sailing.
Oceanside fun isn’t the only reason that Japan is naturally beautiful, though. They have several indigenous plants that you’re sure to love, including their beautiful cherry blossom trees. These trees are so gorgeous that there are entire hanami flower viewing festivals dedicated to living in the moment and enjoying their beauty.
5. The Temples and Gardens
Other traditional wonders of Japan are the temples and gardens. Many of these temples have been standing for over 1000 years, making them some of the oldest architectural relics on the planet. Their sloped roofs and sturdy foundations make them unique, visually appealing, and a wonder that you’ll marvel at for decades.
Gardens often accompany temples. There are also many gardens that stand on their own.
In addition to cherry blossoms and other native flora, you’re likely to see beautiful bonsai trees in Japanese gardens. You also will get to experience bamboo in its natural environment and watch as it quickly grows. Japanese gardens are a great place to stop and smell the roses… or the sakura, but there’s no time-honored idiom to capture that beauty.
6. The Architecture
Temples and old architecture are prevalent around Japan, but they’re far from the only architectural marvels that you’ll find. Architects across the nation are committed to building the highest skyscrapers out of the best modern materials. Sometimes, the results are nothing short of futuristic!
This is because Japan is the engineering capital of the world, and those designing buildings really rise to the title. This is especially true in major cities like Tokyo, Yokohama, and Osaka. Still, if you move to a suburb, you’re going to see some really cool buildings there, too.
7. The Cuisine
If this list were in ranked order, the cuisine of Japan would be in the running for the #1 reason to move there. Sushi is pretty inexpensive if you buy it in supermarkets – about $3 – and is what Americans would consider extremely high-quality. A hidden gem restaurant would sell sushi for a comparable price to what you could buy in the US.
But sushi is far from the entire story when it comes to Japanese cuisine. You can get donburi featuring meat, egg, or seafood over rice with special seasonings. Gyuudon, or beef bowl, is one of the most popular and economical options available.
Noodle dishes like ramen and udon are also extremely popular. Noodles are almost always made fresh when you purchase them, especially if you go to a top-notch small restaurant. The broth and sauces are nothing short of exquisite.
Of course, if you’re a seafood lover, you’re also going to have lots of opportunities to try different fish. Fugu is a popular delicacy, and while poisonous if prepared incorrectly, it’s completely safe and delicious at the hands of a competent Japanese chef. You don’t need to like seafood to eat in Japan, but it opens up a lot of possibilities!
8. The Healthy Lifestyle
Japanese food is generally low on deep-fried options. Fast food restaurants like McDonald’s exist, but they’re both easily avoidable and contain healthier options than American fast food restaurants would.
Sometimes you may want to enjoy tempura or a katsu bowl, but beyond that, you’re going to be eating really healthy. Diets are generally rich in fruit, lean meat, seafood, and sea vegetables. You also will likely be drinking rich, antioxidant-filled green tea on a daily basis.
Walking is also extremely common in Japan. Not many people own cars, so they walk or bike everywhere and get a lot of exercise. This is a great way to stay fit and healthy… and, since the cities are made for walking, you won’t have a tough time making this lifestyle shift.
9. The Top-Notch Public Transit
If something is too far from you to walk to, Japan has the single best public transit system in the world. They have an underground system of bullet trains that move extremely fast around every city. They also can transport you to rural areas or suburbs.
Trains come every 10 minutes or so and almost never come late. It’s an impressive system that can get you to many-mile-away destinations in minutes. Moving to Japan means always being able to conveniently get around.
10. The Entertainment
Japan has tons of entertainment opportunities for people with different interests. Social communities are a common choice for extroverts and those who like to make new friends. Festivals are also a great hobby for those who want to experience street food, rides, and more.
Japan is also, of course, known for its animation. If you love anime and manga, you’ll be in heaven after moving to Japan. It isn’t just a subculture but a mainstream cultural norm there.
11. The Job Opportunities
Japan is a nation filled with many thriving industries. From STEM fields to jobs in education, people can always find a career in whatever they’re passionate about.
As an English speaker, you’ll have tons of opportunities to work in engineering, travel, and social fields. After all, they’re always looking for multilingual professionals.
is also a requirement in Japanese high schools, so schools are always on the lookout for new English teachers. You’re sure to find something really quickly after your arrival.
12. The Work Culture
Because of Japan’s communal nature, teamwork is highly valued in Japanese workplaces.
The lack of progressive individual action may make Westerners bristle at first brush, but it actually offers more opportunities for you as a new employee. Many Japanese companies listen to their lower-level employees as they would higher-ups.
They’re willing to consider new ideas that move toward the common good in a way that American or European companies would not. You’ll have the chance to prove yourself, build professional relationships, and work with a team to make a difference.
13. The School System
If you have children, you also will love taking advantage of the Japanese school system. It’s one of the best in the world and bolsters critical thinking and a lifelong love of learning. It also is effective in teaching discipline and ensuring that children become well-rounded thinkers and individuals.
Another awesome thing about Japanese school systems is that they don’t have a long summer break. They have 2-6 week breaks evenly dispersed throughout the year. This makes life easier for you as a parent while also ensuring that students retain all information from the previous educational period.
Get Ready to Move to Japan
Deciding whether or not to move to Japan is a big decision, but it shouldn’t be a challenging one if you have all the information. Now that you know why you should move abroad and experience living in Japan, it’s time to learn more about its language and culture.
Just About Japan is committed to providing you with tips, tricks, and skills that you’ll need to know when relocating and enjoying your new home. Contact us today with any remaining questions that you have!
