6 Points Japan Isn’t Perfect

Yesterday, I raved about “Why Japan”—safe streets, fab healthcare, the works. But let’s keep it real—no place is perfect, not even here. Here’s six biggies, with stories and stats included!

1. Language Wall
   Japanese is tough—sure, kids learn English in school, but only 14% speak it (EF EPI 2023). It’s ranked the 3rd hardest language for English speakers (FSI 2023)—three alphabets (Hiragana, Katakana, Kanji) don’t help!  This YouTube shows the good example (watch here). He’s still here after three years—friends and families ease the sting.

2. Homogeneous Society, Slow to Change
   Japan’s 97.8% ethnic Japanese (2018 Census)—diversity’s low. I saw more foreigners in Hong Kong and Singapore in 2017 than Japan today, mostly tourists. Birth rates are down (1.20, 2023), yet firms cling to tradition—70% stick to lifetime jobs (METI 2023). Many says it stalls innovation; “boy’s club” vibes linger.

Some say that people in urban areas are more used to foreigners than those in the countryside. I think it depends on the individual, though. My hometown is in the countryside, without a Starbucks or movie theater. Recently, I’ve noticed some foreigners working in the area, and there’s always someone willing to support them.

3. Bureaucracy Blues
Paperwork’s a beast—only 30% of gov sites offer English (Cabinet Office 2023). Visa renewals is tough. People would rather wrestle a bear. Traditional firms still demand hanko (seals) over signatures. Some companies have used e-signature/e-contract since pandemic.

4. Banking Hassles for Foreigners
Opening an account’s a slog—forms are Japanese-only. I tried helping my husband at a branch—no dice! Credit cards is tougher—a call center calls, and if he can’t chat in Japanese, they deny him. Money laundering rules, sure, but ridiculous. In the U.S., I never hit this wall.

5. Mother Nature/Earthquakes
Japan experiences earthquakes ranging from small tremors to noticeable jolts. Buildings follow strict seismic codes, and cities emphasize disaster preparedness (bōsai), yet the shakes still unsettle people. * The seismic code was implemented in 1981, so buildings constructed before then may not meet current earthquake-resistant standards.

6. Tiny Housing Space
Homes average 95 sqm (MIC 2023)—cramped vs. U.S. sprawl. Countryside offers bigger. Elon Musk’s prefab homes look compact and cool by comparison—Japan’s ahead there!

Wrap up:

Ultimately, the reasons for wanting to live in a foreign country are as diverse as we are—whether it’s for a season or just a fleeting adventure. What matters is that these experiences enrich us, opening our eyes to new perspectives, cultures, and possibilities. You don’t need to pack up forever—Dive in, embrace the unknown, and let it shape you into something even more extraordinary.