The Realities of Moving to Japan for Work: Challenges, Lessons, and Growth
by Cheenee Villanueva
Hi there! I’m Cheenee, a foreigner living and working in Japan. Moving abroad in my 30s has been a life-changing experience for my career and personal growth. Japan has taught me how to adapt, stay resilient, and find balance in a new environment.
In this blog, I’ll share what it’s really like to adjust to life in Japan and face the challenges that come with it. You’ll get a glimpse of how I adapted to a new culture and embraced exciting new adventures.
If you’re curious about life as a foreigner abroad or you just love stories about personal growth and adventure, you’re in the right place!
Surprising Things in Japan
Moving to Japan was a big step, and there were surprises along the way. Here are some of the cultural norms I encountered that are new to me:
- Politeness is extreme! People bow at each other for daily greetings, and even your boss will bow at you! Eventually, I became accustomed to bowing to others.
- Slurping is a sign of appreciation. It might seem unusual at first, but slurping noodles loudly is considered polite in Japan. It shows that you’re enjoying the meal, especially when eating ramen or soba!
- Walking and biking are also a norm here. Most of our students come to school by bike, and this is also a thing for other workers.
- There are no janitors in schools. Teachers and students help in the cleaning. I was really amazed with the cleanliness everywhere. The streets are spotless, though there aren’t any trash bins along the roads.
- Recycling is taken very seriously, with strict garbage segregation that everyone follows diligently. Each day is designated for disposing of a specific type of waste.
- The tap water is thoroughly treated and safe to drink straight from the kitchen faucet!
- In every corner, you can find vending machines. They are everywhere! You can have almost everything from cold beverages to hot ramen from these magical vending machines!
- It’s common to see people dressed in their formal business suits as their daily work attire. I also noticed that everyone is still well-dressed even in casual settings. I haven't seen any Japanese wearing shorts in public places even during the humid summer! The Japanese have a simple yet classy fashion statement that makes them unique.
- You can’t just finish work without doing the polite ritual. When leaving the office, it’s common to say, "Osaki ni shitsurei shimasu" (I’m sorry to leave you ahead). In return, your colleagues will usually reply with, "Otsukaresama desu" (Thank you for your hard work).
- Japan has a strong sense of community in harmony. Neighbors actively participate in local events and festivals. Both the young and elderly work together for the festivals. The elderly community often plays an active role.
Learning How to Survive
Finding a Home in a Foreign Land
One of the first challenges I faced after arriving in Japan was settling into my accommodation. Mine is a modern townhouse, with a bathtub where I can unwind after a long day, a built-in gas stove, a heated toilet seat with a multi-function bidet and an air conditioner.
In other Japanese apartments, you either have to purchase an air conditioner or rent one from appliance agencies. It also came with a water heater connected to my gas line and Wi-Fi, which makes life much more convenient.
“If you've ever been an overseas worker, you surely know the struggle of finding a sense of home in a foreign land.”
I’m lucky to have found an accommodation that looks new and is located in a peaceful neighborhood. My house is close to grocery stores, the bus stop, and the train station. For me, that’s the best perk! However, furnishing my apartment was both a struggle and an adventure.
I learned how to shop for second-hand furniture from local stores which is quite common among foreigners who just moved here. I also found great deals on home items at Nitori, Daiso and 100-yen shops! However, moving costs and furnishing a home can add up quickly, so if you’re wanting to move here, it’s a good idea to start saving now.If you've ever been an overseas worker, you surely know the struggle of finding a sense of home in a foreign land. I had to be creative in making my apartment feel like home. Looking back, I’m really glad I chose this place—it has eventually become my sanctuary.
Learning How to Commute
Commuting in Japan was overwhelming at first, but this is a part of our daily life here. Japanese train systems and buses are well known for their efficiency. However, they can be confusing for newcomers, especially if you don’t know how to read kanji. So, what’s your saving grace? —translation apps and Google Maps!
If you’re staying here as a tourist or a foreign resident, an IC card like ICOCA or SUICA will be your travel buddy which you can easily purchase from train stations. I use ICOCA for my train and bus rides. You can also use it to pay at vending machines and convenience stores.Trains in Japan don't accept cash payments, so having a card is a must. While buses accept cash, using a card is still more convenient and reliable. What a hassle it would be to commute every day without a card! Anyway, you can get a refund for the card when you return it after your stay.
Here are the types of trains in Japan that I’ve had so far and what I’ve learned about them:
● The JR Line is for daily
commuting in and around cities.
● The Shinkansen (Bullet Train)
is famous for its high speed. Tokyo to Osaka is just about 2.5 to 3 hours
through the Shinkansen, as compared to a regular JR train which takes around 6
hours.
● If you’re traveling from
Osaka to Kansai Airport, the JR Haruka Express offers a fast and
comfortable route.
● Meanwhile, the Astram Line and the tram (street car) are smaller local trains that connect areas within Hiroshima city where I live.
Trains generally run more often than buses, so if you're taking the bus, it's best to know the schedules in advance. Many buses and trains may look the same, but they may head to different destinations. If you're not familiar with their schedules, you could get lost—just like I did during my first week.
“I didn't realize I had screwed up until about an hour into the trip when the surroundings looked completely unfamiliar.”
In my first week in Japan, I took the bus home after shopping at a second-hand store. It should have been a simple ride, and I was sure I was at the right station. I didn’t realize I had screwed up until about an hour into the trip when the surroundings looked completely unfamiliar.
By the time I realized I was lost, my phone’s battery had died. What’s worse, I didn’t have a power bank with me. I got off the bus and walked to a small shop.I smiled, pointed to my phone, and used the only two Japanese words I had learned so far—sumimasen (excuse me) and onegaishimasu (please)—and I bowed at them. After using gestures and the simplest English words to convey my message, thankfully, the staff understood and were very kind to me.
Once my phone had enough battery, I pulled up Google Maps and figured out the next bus route to get home. Google Maps can be your best friend in commuting, as it offers real-time updates and directions for public transportation in any country.
It was a long and exhausting journey, but I eventually made it back! Lesson learned? Always carry a power bank, use google maps and learn survival Japanese phrases!
Learning Japanese for Survival
Japanese people are generally kind and helpful, but the main challenge is the language barrier as English proficiency is not widespread. To survive, I had to learn basic Japanese phrases quickly to break the barrier. Simple survival phrases like "Sumimasen" (Excuse me), "Arigatou" (Thank you), and "Onegaishimasu" (Please) became my lifelines.
Even so, I still often made mistakes, such as interchanging words or mispronouncing phrases, which led to some funny yet humbling moments. I often make mistakes by saying 'owarimashita' (it's finished) instead of 'wakarimashita' (I understand) when someone gives me instructions!Fortunately, the Japanese government offers free Japanese lessons to foreign residents, and they are widely available in every city. You can simply Google 'Free Japanese class in (your city).' The courses are designed to help with practical daily communication.
If you want to practice Japanese while doing something together, there are often cultural exchange opportunities where foreigners can communicate with native Japanese speakers. Just check the website of your prefecture for upcoming events!
There are plenty of online resources available to help foreigners learn Japanese for free. Here are some that I found, and just a heads-up, these are not sponsored:
● One excellent website is WaniKani, which specializes in teaching kanji
(Japanese characters).
● Another popular website is JapanesePod101,
which offers free podcasts and videos with topics from everyday conversations
to grammar tips.
● Duolingo is also a great option. You can practice Japanese with fun daily lessons.
● If you want to play games
while learning Japanese, Ling mobile
app is for you. It has mini-games and exercises designed to build reading,
writing, and listening skills across various levels
● Another useful app is HelloTalk,
a language exchange app where you can connect with native Japanese speakers who
want to learn your language.
● If you prefer reading materials, Tae Kim's Guide to Learning Japanese is an excellent free resource that provides a comprehensive guide on Japanese grammar.
Learning how to communicate in Japanese is still a challenge for me, but it has given me a deeper understanding of the struggles my students face in learning English as a foreign language. It has helped me empathize with their difficulties and appreciate the effort it takes to master a new language.
Grocery Shopping
In Hiroshima City where I live, there are no traditional wet markets. However, you can find almost everything you need for your daily needs in grocery stores, including pre-cooked meals for busy people. Most product labels are in kanji, so I relied on visuals and smartphone translation apps.
It has been interesting to discover which fruits and vegetables were available each month. For example, in spring, you can enjoy Japanese yam, while summer brings cucumbers and lotus roots. Autumn is the time for persimmons and grapes, while apples are harvested in fall and early winter.
I’ve also come to love the packaged bento meals and snacks. In Japan, it’s easy to grab something on the go when you’re in a rush. There are a variety of sushi rolls and rice balls (onigiri) filled with pickled plum, chicken, pork, beef or tuna.
These are also available in convenience stores, but I discovered that buying them at grocery stores can be cheaper. It’s easy to satisfy your cravings for flavorful food even without spending a lot of time cooking.
Adjusting to a New Life
A Typical Working Day
"Work-life balance can be tricky during busy days, so I’ve learned to create a space for joy and relaxation outside of work.”
Working in Japan has been a significant milestone in my career. As an English educator, I’ve had this privilege of being a part of the Japanese education system. This is the most valued I’ve ever felt in any job. I usually get up at 7:00 am, clock in before 8:40 am and finish by 4:25 pm, with a total of 7 hours of work on weekdays.. This is a much more manageable schedule compared to my previous jobs.
My main focus in my job is providing students with practical speaking practice as I collaborate with Japanese Teachers of English (JTEs) in our team-teaching classes. As a cultural ambassador, I introduce students to the diverse cultures of my home country and other parts of the world through interactive activities.
Occasionally, I provide consultations with the JTEs regarding English documents. I facilitate interview sessions to help students prepare for oral exams, as well as for those applying to exchange programs with our sister schools abroad or seeking university admission.
I like that I have the autonomy to design and develop my curriculum. Sometimes, I check worksheets and essays, but the best part is that I don’t have to prepare for written exams nor compute grades.
What I love about my job is that there’s less paperwork and administrative work overall. The bonus is I never have to take any work home! This is a dream come true for a teacher who experienced getting drained from the piles of tasks as a school teacher back home.
Work-life balance can be tricky during busy days, so I’ve learned to create a space for joy and relaxation outside of work. This job has given me the balance I’ve always prayed for. Now, I can enjoy my personal time, hobbies, and self-care after work.
However, if your goal is to earn a high income and build wealth, you might want to consider other countries that offer more competitive salaries.
Homesickness and Adjustment
“Homesickness taught me the importance of creating a sense of “home” wherever I am… while Japan may never fully replace my original home, it can still become another home in its own way.”
Living in Japan as a foreign worker has brought countless blessings. However, every foreigner knows how homesickness can creep in unexpectedly. At first, everything was exciting—the beautiful scenery, Japanese food, and new experiences kept me energized.
But then came those days when I hated going home to an empty house, burdened by the chore of preparing my food and tackling household chores. I reminisced about those times back home when I didn’t have to worry about what’s for dinner or breakfast because my parents took care of everything–all for FREE.On quiet evenings, I’d sit alone on the couch, tears rolling down as I thought about home. There were moments when I wished I could just hop on a flight and be home even just for the weekend.
The sad reality of working abroad is realizing that there’s no perfect cure for homesickness. I’ve learned that you just have to figure out how to cope when it sneaks up on you unexpectedly. Homesickness taught me the importance of creating a sense of “home” wherever I am.
To cope, I started making small comforts into my daily life like cooking Filipino dishes or trying out new recipes. I’ve found so much comfort and solace in visiting the park, where I pray, read the Bible, and reflect about life while enjoying the beauty of nature.
What also helped me in dealing with homesickness is video-calling with family regularly. This is one of the most amazing things technology can do while we are away. Regular communication with my parents and my fiancé has greatly helped to heal the sorrow of homesickness.
I also went to a church, joined local festivals, and kept in touch with my new friends here. These brought new joys and helped me build meaningful connections.
Eventually, I learned that while Japan may never fully replace my original home, it can still become another home in its own way. The key was building new connections and finding simple joys in this new environment.
Finding a Balance in Life
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is how to find balance as a foreign worker in Japan. I’ve come to realize that taking time for myself is essential. Exploring new hobbies has given me a creative outlet and helped me unwind after long days at work.
I’ve found joy in simple things, like taking a walk to the park, grocery shopping, or spending cozy evenings watching films that inspire me. On weekends, I go to church or volunteer at the orphanage. These moments have given me peace and made me reflect about life, even when things get overwhelming sometimes.Making new friends has also been key to finding balance. I join local festivals, explore local cuisine or nearby attractions with friends. These friendships remind me that while I may be far from family, I have a support system here that makes life more fulfilling.
Some days are brighter than others, and that’s totally fine. It’s all part of the realities of life. By finding simple ways to balance work and life, I’ve noticed that I have grown as a better person and learned to thrive in this exciting new chapter.
“Some days are brighter than others, and that’s totally fine. It’s all part of the realities of life.”
Japan has shown me how to live with more intention and gratitude. I hope my journey encourages you to take that leap of faith, explore new chapters, and discover the growth that comes with every new experience. Life abroad may be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding—and every situation, big or small, is a chance to grow.
Thank you for joining me on this journey as I shared the life lessons that I’ve learned from moving to Japan. Living here has been an eye-opening experience, and I’m excited to share even more with you!In my upcoming contents, I’ll talk about other topics in the perspective of a foreigner in Japan such as:
“How Japan’s Healthcare System Saved My Life”
“The Real Cost of Living in Japan: A Foreigner’s Budget Guide,” and“Surprising Culture Shocks You’ll Face Living in Japan.”
Let me know which of these are most interesting to you! Have you ever lived as a foreigner in Japan? If yes, what valuable lessons have you learned from your experience?
If there’s anything you’d like me to share next, feel free to drop me a comment!
I’d love to hear your thoughts and continue this journey with you. Until next time!
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