8 Reasons to Move to Japan

Japan is a country where ancient tradition meets cutting-edge innovation. For many Westerners, it holds an almost mythical appeal, steeped in history, culture, and timeless wisdom. From its world-leading technology to serene temples, Japan offers a unique blend of old and new that few places can match.

Whether you’re drawn by the vibrant urban life, breathtaking natural beauty, or the unmatched culinary scene, Japan has something for everyone. If you’re considering a big change, here are 8 compelling reasons to move to Japan and start a new chapter abroad.

1. Mouth-watering Food

Japan’s food culture is iconic, from Michelin star restaurants to hole-in-the-wall ramen shops, the cuisine is always fresh, tasty, and nutritious.

Typical meals are things like miso soup, ramen bowls, sashimi, sushi and soba noodles. You’ll be able to find cheap cafes serving steamed rice and grilled fish, or miso soup and noodle bowls, in any city. A typical month’s food should cost around £450 for a family (similar costs to the UK).

There’s an impressive amount of dedication and passion in Japanese cuisine. Expats working in Japan for years could spend every second of their free time exploring restaurants, hidden and well-known alike, and never see them all. Although Japan is incredibly technologically advanced, many restaurants only accept cash. The culture values reliability and security, and many businesses prefer the tangible certainty of cash.

2. The Locals Are Polite and Kind

Culturally, Japan is a world away from Europe or the USA. Moving to Japan from the UK will highlight some of these differences clearly, with attitudes to politeness and respect being quite distinct. Japanese social norms emphasise respect and harmony, making interactions generally pleasant and courteous.

One of the hallmarks of Japanese interaction is carefulness. Be pleasant on all occasions and never confront people. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a street market or a boardroom, showing anger will get you precisely nowhere. Expats should learn common phrases such as “sumimasen” (excuse me), “arigatou gozaimasu” (thank you), and “onegai shimasu” (please) and use them frequently and sincerely.

3. A Strong Economy

There are lots of opportunities for expats and foreigners wanting to work in Japan. The work centres of Tokyo, Yokohama and Osaka are the best places to find employment, with almost 15 million people spread amongst those three cities alone.

As a lot of Japanese firms do business with Western countries, English native skills are in relatively high demand. Increasing export trade means an increase in the need for native English speakers. Tourism is also being promoted, and the service industry is beginning to pick up steam; a common sector where expats and English speakers can find work. Visa regulations have been somewhat relaxed compared to 10 years ago, and language requirements are lower than before too.

English teaching is still a large industry for expats living in Japan. With 41 official international schools and at least 50 language academies in Tokyo alone, if you want to teach in Japan, there will be some good options.

4. Teamwork Work Culture

Teamwork and consensus are more important than individuality and progressive action. There are plenty of Japanese companies that give more say to their lower-level employees than similar European businesses.

The sense of ‘team’ in Japanese companies is very strong, and you should expect to build relationships through after-work dinners and networking events.

If you are living in Japan long-term, it’s worth dedicating some of your time to building these relationships. Knowing a few people will help you be more at home and feel part of the community.

There can be quite serious challenges around language, and although some locals speak English, the level is generally relatively low. Living in Japan will undoubtedly be much easier and more fun, inclusive and rewarding if you can pick up some Japanese.

5. Spending and Saving

Life in Japan is not particularly cheap, but is more than made up for with culture, cuisine and landscapes. An average two-bedroom apartment in the fun Shinagawa district of Tokyo should cost around £700 a month, and monthly transport will be around £80.

Tokyo is the most expensive city, similar in costs to the other big cities, but as soon as you get away from the larger centres, rental prices drop and cost of living does too.

Typical English teaching jobs pay around £1,200-£1,650 a month, so saving and having good amounts of disposable income (even in Tokyo) is possible. Healthcare is fast and high quality but consider insurance to cover you in the case of an unplanned emergency.

6. Amazing Natural Beauty

Life in Japan can be quite work-focused, but enjoying some downtime is just as important as it is in Europe. Weekends in Japan tend to be taken up by sharing food, practising sports (both Western and Japanese) and exploring some of the remarkable natural landscapes. Houses in Japan are not normally too spacious, so public spaces are well-loved and great places to meet people or spend time.

From snowy Hokkaido to tropical Okinawa, Japan offers mountains, beaches, forests, and hot springs. From Tokyo, you can visit the famous Mount Fuji and get back home in a day. Mount Fiji and the Japanese Alps are great for hiking, skiing, surfing, and exploring the natural beauty. You could visit the hot springs at Hakone, go half an hour outside of the city centre to the Buddhist temple at Kamakura or see the Edo-period architecture of Kawagoe.

7. One of the Safest Countries in the World

Japan is consistently ranked as one of the safest places to live in the world. There are extremely strict gun laws and violent crime is rare in the country, even petty theft isn’t common. There is a strong police presence across the country and many Kōbans, police stations, dotted everywhere. There is a close relationship between the police and communities, and Japan’s culture for respecting rules helps to discourage criminal behaviour.

It’s even considered safe to walk alone at night, even in big cities like Tokyo or Osaka. Children also walk to school, alone or with friends, something that is considered normal. The communities gather together to keep an eye out for children along their route to school.

8. Japan is Incredibly Clean

Japan is known for its cleanliness, something that is maintained through social responsibility, cultural values, and community habits, not harsh enforcement. Children are taught from a young age to tidy up after themselves, and it’s seen as a sign of respect. Although there aren’t many rubbish bins around cities, you won’t see any litter in Japan, as residents often take their litter home with them.

All public areas, from parks to train stations, are highly maintained, and services like public toilets are clean, free, and well-equipped, even in small towns. Residents often help clean up neighbourhoods in regular clean-up events.

So, when are you moving?

International removals from the UK to Japan could be one of the best things you ever do! Although life can be relatively expensive, well-paying jobs and a stable economy mean the quality of life in Japan is generally very high.

If you want to work in Japan, be polite, collaborate with your team members and don’t cause confrontations. One of the best things about Japan is that you can find an incredibly modern and technological culture, mixed in with beautifully precise and measured older traditions.

If you seek mountain streams and thousand-year-old Buddhist temples, Japan will be a dream come true. If you feel like you might want to combine these with innovative cuisine, a hard-working tech sector and incredibly polite people, then Japan is waiting for you.