Moving to any country can be difficult. It’s especially complex when you are moving somewhere that has a completely different culture to your home country.
Japan has an incredibly unique culture. For those who head over to this amazing country from the western world, they can often find it difficult to adopt this culture.
Alongside all the usual things that come along with moving to a foreign country like visas, finances, and accommodation, you must learn about the cultural expectations of Japan before you move. Here is a list of things that you need to know before heading over there.
You’re Going to Need a Visa
As with many other countries, Japanese law requires you to have a visa in order to live, work, or study in Japan. Make sure you get the correct type of visa for what you need so you don’t get into any trouble!
Insurance is a Must
Around 70% of healthcare costs associated with medical appointments, hospital visits, tests, and prescriptions are funded by the government in Japan. The remaining 30% are the responsibility of the patients. Having health insurance in Japan should be a top priority for you to ensure you’re covered in case you get injured or sick.
You Are Going to Need a Japan Residence Card
When you arrive in Japan, you will be issued a Japan residence card. This is required by law to be carried around with you everywhere you go, and it acts as a form of ID. You will need your residence card for pretty much anything. To get into certain buildings like health facilities, to sort out financial arrangements, to travel to different areas, and more.
Natural Disasters Are More Common
The probability of a natural disaster is probably not the first thing you think about when you decide to move to Japan. However, around 1500 earthquakes hit Japan each year. This is especially scary if your home country rarely experiences natural disasters. Luckily, Japan has become incredibly good at preparing for natural disasters, but you should still do your own preparation too.
It’s Busy in the Cities
With 126.3 million people living in the country, and almost 10 million of them residing in Tokyo alone, it’s an incredibly busy place to live. Expect to be surrounded by people every time you head out the door. If you love being in the heart of a bustling city, you would love Tokyo, Yokohama, and Osaka. As they say, the city never sleeps!
Working Hard is Part of the Culture
The people in Japan work hard. They’re passionate being successful, and this is instilled in their culture. This is a positive in that it can lead people into great lifelong careers, but it also has its downsides. Many jobs expect their employees to work long hours, leaving little room for relaxing and socialising. Remember to ask about the hours of work during any interviews you have.
Sean Cooper is the bestselling author of the book, Burn Your Mortgage: The Simple, Powerful Path to Financial Freedom for Canadians, available now on Amazon and at Chapters, Indigo and major bookstores, and as an Audiobook on Amazon, Audible and iTunes.