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Moving to a new country tends to give people a cultural shock. If you plan to move to Japan from the U.S. or Europe, you should be ready for this shock. But does it mean you can’t move to Japan? Definitely not!
On the contrary, you should come to Japan. The nation has a strong economy and offers numerous opportunities for foreigners and expats desirous of working in Japan. After a technical recession at the end of last year, Japan’s economy has expanded at a more rapid pace than anticipated in the last quarter. This happened due to a further reduction in pandemic regulations, which paved the way for better-than-expected spending by businesses and consumers.
Japan’s GDP expanded at an yearly rate of 1.6% in the first quarter of 2023. This growth was the strongest in three quarters. Riding on this high, now is the time to move to Japan, which is the world’s third-largest economy. If you have been seeking an answer to “Why move to Japan?” it’s time to act now and find work in some of its best cities, such as Tokyo, Yokohama, and Osaka.
Why Do People Move to Japan?
- Is moving to Japan a good idea?
- Should I move to Japan?
- What are the reasons to move to Japan?
- Can an American move to Japan?
If questions like the above are bothering you, read on for we will try to answer them.
Employment Opportunities in Japan
With a stable economy and several thriving industries, Japan offers several job opportunities for foreigners. If you seek the answer to “What jobs are in high demand in Japan?” here are the top three contenders:
- Engineering (chemical and mechanical to civil and electrical)
- IT (software development, hardware engineering, data security, and computer networks and systems)
- Language and Translation
Additionally, there’s a high demand for English teachers, professionals in finance, robotics, doctors and surgeons, and those with specialisation in tourism.
Scenic Beauty
Even when a job brings you to Japan, you won’t sit shackled to your desk all day, 7 days a week, right? Exploring a new country is something most people like to do and with Japan offering you a lot in terms of scenic beauty, you will be spoilt for choice when drawing your travel itinerary across the country.
From its world-famous cherry blossoms, Mount Fuji, Mount Yoshino, Kyoto’s Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, and Hokkaido’s Lake Kussharo to Himeji-jo (popularly called the Himeji Castle) in Himeji City, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Tokyo’s Meguro River, Japan has a lot to see. Exploring its lakes, subtropical beaches, ancient temples, forests, mountains, rivers, and futuristic skylines could be a good reason to shift base to Japan.
Work Culture
Once, Japan was known for its long, arduous, and exhausting work culture where employees often had to work 80-100 hours of overtime a month despite the legal recommendation for working hours being 40 hours each week or 8 hours a day. Thankfully, things are changing with a growing emphasis on achieving that elusive work-life balance.
In Japan, people have a deep sense of commitment to both the company and the work they do. As a result, you will find several people who have been with a company for 15-20 years or even for life. Many Japanese consider the workplace as their second home and show unmatched responsibility toward and appreciation for it.
Delectable and Healthy Cuisine
If you are health-conscious, this could be your answer to “Why move to Japan?” Whether you plan to join work at an older legacy firm, a modern start-up, or a Japan-based branch of a foreign company, getting to eat healthy food (which tastes surprisingly good and not bland and meh) could be an impetus to come to the “Land of the Rising Sun.”
Be it noodle bowls and miso soup to soba noodles, sushi, sashimi, and ramen bowls, the rich taste and refreshing nature of Japanese food is likely to make you seek more of the fare. And when most of the food you can get is healthy, keeping fit wouldn’t take much effort on your part. For a busy professional, that’s definitely a positive thing.
Ease of Transportation
If commuting to and from your workplace has been a hassle, Japan could provide you with a breather and welcome relief. And this could move the needle slightly in favour of a “Yes” when you are contemplating if you should move to Japan or not.
Japan is popular for its highly efficient public transportation network, especially between large cities and within its metropolitan areas. From trains (including the Shinkansen or bullet train) to short- and long-distance buses, taxis, car rentals, domestic ferries, bicycles, and airplanes, you will have a lot to take your pick from.
Among all Japanese public transportation modes, trains are the most favoured, thanks to their superb service, punctuality, reliability, and the ability to handle large crowds. So, don’t be surprised if your company’s CEO or founder takes the train instead of driving to work. Yes, these trains are that reliable and loved!
Wrapping Up
Whether you are an American, European, Indian, or from anywhere else, moving to Japan to accept a job offer can be a good choice. If you can pick a bit of Japanese (working efficiency), your stay in Japan will become a lot easier as most official (especially government-related) and local work is done in the language.
If you are an employer looking to hire top talent to relocate to Japan to fill your vacant C-suite positions, our experts at InHunt World can help. Contact us today!
This article was written by Sonali
