Moving to Japan: Is It Worth the Leap?

Janus, a programmer from Estonia, recently changed his surroundings by choosing Japan as his new home. Let's delve into his experiences to understand what life is like in the Land of the Rising Sun.

Japan attracts many with its unique culture and cutting-edge technology. Janus, an IT specialist, recently relocated there and shared his impressions of living in this fascinating country.

Choosing a Country to Move to: Why Japan?

In our review, we will focus on the personal experience of living in Japan. We hope these notes will help you make an informed decision when considering relocation. Thoughts of starting life in a new country had been lingering in my mind for a long time. After researching various places for potential relocation, I concluded that Japan would be the ideal choice for me. Its stunning nature, unique culture, and rich history were decisive factors. Additionally, my childhood fascination with Pokémon only reinforced my love for this country.

Life in Japan: Is It Worth Moving?

Living Conditions

My home is a share house in Tokyo, where everyone rents a separate room. We share the kitchen with all the residents and use communal showers located on the floor. It feels like a student dormitory, but without a front desk or entry control system.

Discussing the Move to Japan

One of the notable aspects is the cost of rent. On average, the rent for a room, including utilities, is around 380 euros per month. During the cold season, heaters keep the houses warm, and in the heat, air conditioners provide coolness. The increase in electricity consumption does not significantly impact my budget.

Household Chores Distribution Among Neighbors in Japan

My neighbors and I take turns handling household chores, such as waste disposal. The Japanese recycling system involves separating waste into four categories: combustible waste, plastics, metals, and bulky waste, which includes old electronics, shoes, and kitchenware. From our home, it's just a ten-minute train ride to the famous Shibuya district in Tokyo. There, you'll find the renowned statue of the loyal dog Hachiko and the bustling intersection featured in numerous films, including "Fast & Furious: Tokyo Drift."

Social Connections in Japan

I attend a Japanese language school and use English, Russian, and Japanese in my daily interactions. My neighbors come from all over the world: China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Turkey, the USA, France, Kazakhstan, Russia, and various European and Latin American countries. Interacting with them and my classmates provides a good social environment and opportunities for friendship.

Weather Changes

Last summer saw an unusually prolonged heatwave, with temperatures not dropping below 35 degrees Celsius for over a month. This March, residents were surprised by an unexpected snowfall, the first in a long time. Snowfall in Tokyo is rare, usually occurring a couple of times during winter and melting by the next morning. Winter in Tokyo is mild, with temperatures around 5–10 degrees Celsius, allowing for pleasant outdoor walks under clear skies. The only exception is June, when heavy rains necessitate postponing outdoor activities.

Food in Japan

Japanese cuisine is a unique blend of tradition and innovation. The food here is not only filling but also visually appealing, with each dish being a work of art. The local population prefers fresh, seasonal ingredients, making their diet particularly healthy. The cost of food in Japan can be high due to the need to import a large amount of produce.

Why Japanese Cuisine is an Excellent Choice

Japan is renowned for its culinary diversity, with each region boasting its own gastronomic specialties. For example, the northern regions are known for their versions of ramen, while the southern regions favor sweets and takoyaki made from octopus. Considering the possibility of moving to Japan, I must mention the local cuisine, which I am fond of. There is always the option to cook at home, but I often choose ready-made meals. Conveniently, there is a supermarket nearby with an excellent selection of prepared foods that rival homemade meals in quality. The food there is never kept for more than six hours, ensuring its freshness. My initial bewilderment at local gastronomic traditions quickly gave way to an appreciation of their deliciousness.

Reevaluating the Convenience of Using Chopsticks

Over time, I realized that chopsticks have become a more functional tool for me compared to a fork.