Thinking about living in Japan
Activity > Not area specific > Culture
Japan is a "hot" destination, not only for tourists but people who would love to live there. For a rather small geographic landmass / country, Japan has some of the richest and most admired culture in the world. From the olden days to the modern days and everything in between, Japan can fill your mind, heart and soul with fascination.
Living in Japan can be easy... and hard. If you are a single free-wheeling person and don't have much responsibility and don't need much moola, there are "ways" to get there if you really want... most likely as an English Teacher. However, if your looking to live the good life with a "real" job and make some decent money, it's extremely difficult unless you are very "special". As a "Tourist" and or a "visiting" English Teacher type foreigner, the Japanese give you some leeway in their strict attitude toward work. As a "real" businessman and or professional in the workforce, expect rigorous challenges and a strict work ethic.
Whichever way you get there and work, work is work. Do your job and then live your life! Living your life is the part where you get to really enjoy Japan! So much to learn, so much to explore. Within a month you'll forget the political bickering back home, your relatives internal drama strife and the ugly and negative news that so much overwhelms the Western World media anymore. Yes... they have the same worthless stuff in Japan but on a lower key and best of all... you can't understand most of it anyways!
You will be spending your days learning Japanese, taking an Aikido class, chatting with new Japanese friends, visiting castles, shrines and especially hot springs! So much "new", so much "different" that you'll feel like a baby... but as an adult. Not only will you teach and open the eyes of those Japanese around you, you too will see and learn different ways of doing things.
Of course, it's not all rosy.
As per any person living in a foreign country there will be "Culture Shock" and "homesickness". It always follows the same path... you start of just totally enthralled, excited and happy to be in Japan! But then... say around the 1-3 year mark... you think "everything sucks!" and "these people are (expletive)". If you stay long enough, this will pass too. Once again you will settle... your over-enthusiasm has passed, your negativity has passed and you settle into just enjoying and appreciating what Japan has to offer. Japan has "It's way" of doing things. Fight it and find yourself turning into a grumpy old man really fast... note: you ain't gonna change the system, period. You made the choice to live outside your realm, now make the choice to live as a native... or go home.
As a foreigner living in Japan you will be treated special! And.... special. Your a "foreigner"... interesting and exciting to the Japanese but, it can be hard to get past that "special" barrier. The only way your going to really feel at home in Japan is by learning the language, their customs and way of doing things. It may take a while... a long while to build up some deep friendships but once you do, you will experience a deep sense of loyalty and respect. Same goes with business. Don't expect to just blow in and wheel and deal. "Business" means "relationship" (as it does in many countries) but even more so in Japan. Expect to spend "private time" with business associates and not only becoming business partners but true friends at that.
It's absolutely great to show, say and act your "native lands" ways but, take into consideration the ways of Japan too. Think, balance and act. Be respectful, follow the laws and enjoy your life in Japan.
