Working and Living in Japan

Introduction

Some of my students asked me, how does it feel like living in Japan? Well, it depends… When I first moved to Japan a few years ago, I was filled with excitement and a sense of adventure. After all, I’d always been fascinated by the culture, the food, and the history of this beautiful country. But nothing could quite prepare me for the reality of living here as a foreigner. The first few years were a rollercoaster of emotions, challenges, and, yes, cultural shocks. But through it all, I learned invaluable lessons that have shaped my growth.

Language Barrier: “I Thought I Was Prepared”

One of the first big shocks I experienced when I moved to Japan was realizing how hard it was to communicate despite studying the language before arriving. Sure, I could ask for directions, order food, or buy something in a shop, but when it came to real conversations, it felt like I was a child again. The language was different from what I had practiced in textbooks. The grammar, pronunciation, and even the writing system were challenging to grasp fully.

At first, it felt like every conversation was a guessing game. People would speak so quickly, and I’d often get lost halfway through their sentences. I remember standing in front of my coworkers, nodding along, smiling, and pretending I understood when I didn’t. I was afraid to ask for clarification, worried that I’d seem “rude.”

But as the years went by, I realized that making mistakes was part of the process. I had to let go of my fear of judgment and just try my best. With time, I somehow improved (still learning)—bit by bit—because I learned to embrace mistakes, and I found that people were generally kind and understanding when they saw I was trying. The language barrier was one of my first lessons in much more humility and persistence that, I have already learned from my home country. It taught me that growth doesn’t come from perfection but from effort and resilience.

Cultural Shocks: “I Didn’t See This Coming”

Living in Japan brought a whole set of cultural shocks that were both surprising and eye-opening. Coming from a different country, many of these customs and expectations were completely new to me.

One of the most noticeable things was the importance of hierarchy. It wasn’t just about being polite; it was about understanding your place in social structures. At work, for example, I quickly realized that age and position played a huge role in how people interacted. I had to be careful about how I spoke to people, always using the correct level of formality, which wasn’t always easy for me to get right at first. I also had to learn how to bow properly, a simple gesture that carries a lot of meaning here.

But beyond that, it was the little things that took me by surprise. Most people here are incredibly punctual, and showing up late—no matter the excuse—is frowned upon. I remember feeling the pressure of having to be on time for everything. Whether it was work or social gatherings, arriving even a few minutes late felt like a huge deal.

Then there were the quiet moments of everyday life—like not talking on the phone in public places, or the unwritten rule to avoid being too loud or drawing attention to yourself. As someone who comes from a more open and expressive culture, I found it a bit stifling at first. But over time, I learned to appreciate the value of quiet reflection and thoughtfulness in public spaces. Japan taught me that peace and calm are important in creating harmony in daily life.

Cold Winters: “I’m Not Ready for This!”

Another big shock living in Japan that I didn’t expect when I moved to Japan was the brutal winters, especially here in Nagano. Coming from a much warmer climate, the freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall were a real wake-up call. I vividly remember the first winter I spent here. I’d never experienced snow quite like this—thick, relentless, and so cold it felt like it could cut through you. The days were gray and short, and I found myself feeling more isolated than I’d ever felt before.

The cold seeped into my bones. I remember bundling up in layers, but no matter how many blankets I wrapped around myself, the cold still found its way in. It felt like a constant battle against nature, and I often found myself dreading going outside. It was a far cry from the warm, sunny days I was used to.

However, just like the language struggles and cultural shocks, I eventually adapted. I learned to appreciate the winter months, even if they were tough. I figured out how to dress in layers, invest in a better heater, and embrace the beauty of snow-covered mountains. Yes, the winters are long, but they taught me resilience. They taught me how to find warmth even in the coldest of times and how to push through challenging seasons.

Cost of Living: “How Do People Afford This?!”

Another challenge that hit me hard was the high cost of living in Japan. From rent to groceries to utility bills, everything seemed so expensive compared to what I was used to back home. When I first moved here, I was shocked at how much I was paying just to survive. In cities like Tokyo or even Nagano, rent can eat up a large chunk of your salary, and the cost of necessities can add up quickly.

At first, I struggled to make ends meet. There were times when I had to live on a very tight budget, skipping meals out with friends or avoiding certain expenses just to stay afloat. I even tightened my belt too much just to save money to send to my family, and some friends asking or borrowing money and to buy simple souvenirs for my relatives and friends. And let’s not even talk about the bills—the utilities, the insurance, the taxes… (you do your research) it all felt overwhelming!

But as time passed, I learned to manage my finances in a way that worked for me. I got better at budgeting (still learning), learning how to say “no” when needed, figuring out where I could cut costs, and finding ways to live more frugally without sacrificing my needs. I also became more aware of the difference between wants and needs, and people who are only taking advantage or people who are really in need.

The high cost of living forced me to learn how to prioritize what matters the most and to become more resourceful and better with money, time, and energy management. It was a wake-up call to be more mindful of how I spent my energy, time, attention, and hard-earned money. And I always continue believing that God always provides and is always with us and there is nothing to worry about as long as we trust in Him and do not stop trying and doing our best.

Personal Growth Through Struggle

Looking back, all of these struggles—have played a major role in my growth. In a way, these challenges have shaped me into a more resilient, adaptable, and thoughtful person. The cultural shocks taught me patience and respect for the values of others. The language barrier pushed me to become more persistent and humble. The cold winters showed me the power of resilience, while the cost of living made me more financially savvy and mindful of my priorities.

It hasn’t always been easy, because, in every adjustment, and change I made in my life, some people misunderstood me, but I believe that as long as God knows that I am not harming anyone, I’ll keep learning through every struggle. And I wouldn’t trade those lessons for anything.

Working and living in Japan has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. The challenges, though difficult, have been the key to my continuous personal growth. They’ve taught me that growth doesn’t come from comfort—it comes from stepping out of your comfort zone and learning how to adapt and thrive.

Final Thoughts

So, if you’re thinking about living in Japan, or if you’re already here and facing your challenges, just know that every struggle is an opportunity to learn, grow, and become stronger. Embrace the process, and trust God, yourself, and the people who truly care for you, that you’ll come out of it better than before. Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you at the next one!