Leaving Portugal for Japan: The Honest Truth About Which Is Better for Us

[@rabukan5842]

I have been living in Japan for 16 years: 4 years in Tokyo in the 90's and currently 12 years on Okinawa. I teach the US military in Okinawa and my wife was Japanese. It's a nice place to live, but I will be retiring to Portugal next year. The only reason Japan is cheap right now is because the government is failing the economy (since the 90's) and the US dollar is so high. You can never become a Japanese citizen, permanent residence is difficult to get, and the bureaucracy is probably as bad as in Portugal if not worse (and everything must be in Japanese.) Regulations are very stringent, so trying to own a business is super difficult. I have friends who own dive shops and they are looking to leave. If you live rural, you have to learn Japanese as no one there will understand you and you will be isolated as Japanese stick to their own cliques and clans. You are always the foreigner unless you marry into the clan, and even then, you will never be Japanese. The cities are still quite expensive. I love the culture and especially the food, but I am ready to leave. Yes, Japan is super safe, and their healthcare system is exxellent, but the grass is always greener.

[@AndIwandermuch]

I've lived in Japan since 2019, making USD, and it's been amazing. However, the healthcare system, banking, and day-to-day documents can sometimes be challenging to navigate. The bureaucracy in Japan is next-level! Visiting Japan is way more enjoyable than living here.

[@NomadJoe0323]

Lived in Japan for a couple years myself. Agree with pretty much everything that was said. The only thing I’d mention is that the houses you showed were rather large compared to the ones in and around Tokyo. My first apartment there was smaller than some closets you’d find in the states

[@EmpireRules]

An immediate family member of mine lived in Japan for many years from the time of being just a PhD student. The 2 kids now all grown up and in their current careers were also born in Japan. I have heard nothing but good things about Japan. Almost all contemporary social economists will suggest that the social-economic sun is setting in the west and rising in the east. if we can rise above cultural nuances, it adds tremendous value to overall quality of life when we are open to move to any country that provides the best socio-economic indicators.

[@carlodj1236]

Arigato for your choosing Portugal.....arigato is a derivative of obrigado from Portugal....Portugal and Japan have history going back about 500 years...

[@helene7672]

How can Americans stay in Japan for more than 3 months? Japan is so strict on immigration.

[@n1k1george]

Japan is not an easy country to move to. You must have a "Hoshonin" aka "Guarantor" whether it be a company/school offering an employment contract, or a friend or relative to act as one. It is not simply enough to show that you have substantial assets and guaranteed income from abroad. That said, I did get my long-term residence visa recently so it is not to discourage anyone, but rather, you have to WANT go live there - not something you do on a whim. Aside from that, I love Japan!

[@danoobs5562]

Hi Amon remember me? I’m the Leiria cinema guy who likes fishing. 😂 I’m glad you stay in Portugal despite Japan looks amazing! Now I’m semi-retired, I dont have a job, I’m in real estate flipping houses. I’ve time for fishing now. 😅😅

[@OurRichJourney]

Yes of course! I remember you!!! Congratulations on the semi-retirement!!!🍾🎂🎉

[@N34R4T0M4T]

Both countries are fantastic to be honest I totally get it. Language and work barrier is wild, but if you can work remote, or for yourself it is amazing to relocate imo

[@thecashflowsoldier]

After living in Japan for 5 years, this is an internal struggle we deal with constantly. Whether to relocate to Japan or stay in Portugal 😅. The battle continues…

[@5DMysterySchool]

Gratitude for this radically transparent view on Japan and Portugal!

[@jamesdellaneve9005]

I want to visit Japan. It’s a very ordered society. One thing though. Even if your kids become “Japanese”, they will have a hard time finding a mate. You can buy a house for cheap if it’s not in a city.

[@Maxx-mw2zt]

I look forward to visiting Japan. I have a cousin there and he refuses to come back to the U.S.

[@joaocolen7768]

I moved to Brazil. João Pessoa. And the cost of living here is turning impossible to live here.

[@Awf.lately]

I absolutely love Japan! I grew up in Kanagawa and would love to raise my kids there for a few years at least! I can’t wait to show my family what it’s like when we visit this year.

[@EngineeredMojo]

Beautiful country and people, especially outside of the larger metropolis areas where life is slower

[@tanz5389]

Tanzania has a boost recently. It may be a topic to cover.

[@CindyChadwick-e5o]

I wish I knew you guys were here. I’ve been following you since you started the channel and watched the girls grow up

[@cthompsonjr]

Truly one of my favorite countries in the world!

[@Fabian-rg1wc]

You wanted to move to Thailand. What happened?

[@CarsieHall]

Moved to Okinawa, Japan over 8 years ago. Been renting two bedroom apt for ¥63,000 = $409. Not even one rent increase in 8 years. Car insurance just renewed for $138 for the whole year for ¥30,000,000 = $195k coverage. Paid another $92 to increase coverage to ¥500,000,000 = $3.2M. Extremely safe. What Amon said about returning lost money is straight facts. Occasional earthquakes and typhoons are bearable. Every structure is made of concrete so very resilient.

[@pandora3256]

Aman great video, and as I can see, many of us locals agree with you except for the matter of housing. Would you mind sharing the name of that neighbourhood? Housing in Japan is the worst I have experienced in my 24 years of living here and in different places. No insulation, no central heat, one bathroom in a 3LDK, heating cost is frightening in the winter, both gas and electric! I mean hundreds of dollars a month, even with closing off a room or two and turning off all the heat at night! Listen, those mansions you are showing represent perhaps .000001% of housing in Japan. The first home I had to live in did not even have a flush toilet! No, I was the one shocked!, added to the fact that centipedes were my uninvited room-mates. "Not beating the futon before going to bed could land you in the hospital," my neighbours warned! On the flip side, rent is so affordable compared to almost anywhere else. Even with the chronic inflation, It is so easy to find a 2 bedroom apartment for less than $1100 a month in any major city really. Public transportation is not cheap; however, our companies pay for that. In many areas cycling is the norm and bicycles here are very affordable. All in all, life here is relatively easy and stress free except for the occasional annoyances. After a while (around retirement), it may be time to leave. Many people who leave during their working years tend to come right back, the ones who leave for good, tend to be over middle age and want to go back to their roots.

[@edysharmaine5969]

That’s how I felt about Singapore when I went in Oct 2024. They speak English and EXTREMELY safe. Only thing is the housing is expensive!! Everything else top tier.

[@OurRichJourney]

Love Singapore! Cars are also expensive 😅

[@Ready4Raw]

I like this style of video.

[@nijinokanata111]

What a gorgeous town!

[@CindyChadwick-e5o]

I wish I knew you guys were here. I’ve been following you since you started the channel and watched the girls grow up. So funny I will find this now because I am struggling between this very decision and all the points you brought up are very valid.

[@TOKYO64DOTCOM]

I love living in Japan! I love everything about it.

[@123biggame]

I lived in Japan for two years with the Navy; it took me about a year to beat the culture shock, but I love it. I had a house in Yokosuka, but low crime rate and cheap transportation are the best part.

[@karendavis4163]

So where did you guys move to?

[@WealthyChronicle]

Honestly, if I could afford those gorgeous houses in Japan, I’d be outta here in a heartbeat! 😍🏡 Who wouldn’t want a home like that?

[@underconstruction4413]

I think a lot of people would opt for Japan, but they don't provide many options for long-term stays (VISAS) - keeping many at bay. Portugal seems more welcoming in this regard. Wouldn't it be nice to be able to live where you can AFFORD without all the restrictive RED TAPE and bureaucracy? Ah, a world without borders💭

[@一点一滴学英文]

Japan is a great place to live 🎉

[@OurRichJourney]

Yes!

[@dwise2165]

I’ve been in Japan for a year. Overall good experience, but I don’t think I would retire here. I definitely would choose Japan over any other larger East Asian country because of the friendly mannerisms and hospitality of the people and built within the culture. Money can stretch much further in other countries. If I were to retire in Asia it would be in Southeast Asia.

[@saorib4741]

born and raised in japan met american husband and moved in US but wow America is expensive for everything!! and also for crime rate and food. We are planning to live in japan after he retire from USAF 7 years to go!! Can’t wait❤️❤️

[@OurBlackUtopia]

If not for the time zone difference Thailand would be on our list. 🎉❤

[@abarksda7185]

Love this!! You make me want to visit. I lived in Portugal for 1 year and have decided not to retire there because cost of housing increased too much.

[@OurRichJourney]

You should!

[@actionvj]

This is cool. I liked seeing a part of Japan that is not often shown. Seemed like a beautiful quiet neighborhood too. 👍🏾

[@OurRichJourney]

My dad’s neighborhood is a so magical. He found a piece of paradise

[@Rmobile_evange]

Welcome back to Japan😊

[@conniewood3117]

I live in Japan Now. What visa would you get? I have sofa status and I’ve lived in Korea before as an English teacher. Unless you were married to a Japanese national I’m not aware of any retirement or non-lucrative visa here.

[@Thelittleduchess]

I’ve been looking forward to this video

[@OurRichJourney]

So glad!

[@NaomiLaBonita]

Japanese is easy to speak, difficult to read and write. They use a similar vowel structure as English; however, their vowels only make a singular sound, and they're primarily coupled with consonants. Making it easier to pronounce once you're familiar with the phonics. I speak Japanese, I have for years, and I'm constantly learning new characters to read and write...

[@superumbobo]

I’m Japanese and currently live in the US. My wife is American but grew up in Japan. Japan is a lovely country as long as you don’t have to work there, because the work culture can be toxic. Healthcare isn’t free, and if you earn a decent income, you’ll pay high social security premiums as well as hefty income and residential taxes. When I lived in Japan, I paid a significant amount of my take-home pay for an international school, which was of lower quality than a public school in a good US neighborhood. Providing an English education in Japan can be very expensive. If your kids became to speak only Japanese, they would not be going anywhere since Japan is a sunset country. Population decline, sneaky immigration policy would destroy the current safe, clean Japanese society at the end of the day. If you’re ambitious and want to earn decent money, Japan may not be the best place to live. Yes, the cost of living can be cheap, but that generally means most Japanese workers keep prices low by accepting low wages. Consider staying temporarily to take advantage of the lower costs, but it may not be ideal as a long-term living arrangement. If you have kids and consider their Education and future.

[@268sjh]

Where are you living in Portugal now??

[@NothingBeingEverythingforNoOne]

What about taxes in Japan? What’s the story there for expats living there full time?

[@symplybeingme]

I’m need to visit soon😊 😊

[@cann9155]

Ready. 💝💝💝💝

[@rhondamcdonald8086]

I love ❤this video Amon! Thanks for sharing it! My nephew speaks fluent Japanese and has lived more than 10 years in Japan and my family has enjoyed exciting visits there and I get it. If you’re going to move abroad it should be a place that fits you and your family. It should feel like home!🥰

[@toriashimoji]

I'd love to hear an update after you guys live here for more than a year. Its an amazing place! However, as any place does, Japan does have its issues. Come check out Okinawa too!

[@virgloh8934]

I was in Portugal for a day on a cruise and loved it..Porto, Fatima..beautiful I could live there....plus closer to other place to travel in Europe.

[@armaugh]

This is great, however, from what I know it is very diffcult to reside in Japan in terms of obtaining a visa, particularly a long term visa. Portugal is much easier in that regard. If there are good visa options in Japan, please make a video about that subject.

[@cherylhills3227]

Portugal has a great quality of life, beautiful weather, and it’s pretty affordable. But Japan, man, it’s so efficient, the job market can be strong in certain sectors, and the cultural experience would be incredible. It’s not an easy decision

[@Mizzie888]

Very good video. Thank you ❤

[@lashawn369]

Late check in from the DMV.

[@pentrubarbati]

arriving in tokyo on 12 january ..

[@henryl1572]

Looks awesome but I’m too set in comfort living in my pied-a-terres in San Diego and coastal warm Mexico. I’d love to visit Japan for sure. Have you ever considered moving to coastal Southern California, but the healthcare I guess is a rip off.

[@christobar]

If your girls were still younger and in school would you choose Japan though? Also, cost of living being your main priority is surprising.

[@moniquodaniels7729]

Would love to know your father’s journey to living in Japan. Maybe you could do a video with him…

[@pedrozatravel]

Good comparison

[@LeeviZeph]

I already heard that housing in Japan makes Japan one of the most expensive countries in the world

[@shinyshinythings]

1:41 And before they were going for $1,000, they were going for $500. It’s demand from wealthy newcomers who don’t know not to pay crazy California level rents that’s driving up the COL. Hope the same doesn’t happen to Japan.

[@user-pz8cs5dv1z]

I lived in Japan for 18 years, in the US for 28 years and in Portugal for 5 years. For me what Japan stands out most is how nice the people are. I mean the bank clerks, the government office workers, airport employees, everyone is smiling and willing to help. In the US or Portugal, most of the time, those people are rude or half angry.

[@JacksonWallop]

Two questions 1) Your decision is influenced by getting into Portugal early but I’m curious if you can weigh in on people making the decision in 2025? The NHR is gone and housing prices are up in PT. Really tough decision. And given the economy/job market in PT, it has me looking at Spain instead. 2) What type of future do you envision for your kids? Are they leaving PT for education and jobs?

[@t.l.5755]

I only did almost 3 yrs living in Japan and I enjoyed it, but the Yen is not where it used to be. Plus, they got natural disasters that are scary too! Also, you are better off knowing Japanese. Good people and beautiful place tho. I discovered y'all channel while living over there. 🙂

[@user-oo9cv7lb8w]

Do It Do It, I would go in a heartbeat!!!!!

[@God_wins]

That is Okinawa right ?

[@ninobk196]

The language barrier alone is enough for it to be a NO but I'll visit every year, the food is amazing and the people are very respectful. It's a very conformist society though, they are lagging behind countries like So. Korea in terms of technology and innovation. It is so rooted in tradition which is admirable, but the con to that is that it has hindered their progress AKA innovation. That said, to me, the best food in the world hands down. Beautiful country to visit many times over.

[@karendavis4163]

It's gonna get expensive in Japan too if everybody starts coming, you keep making these videos you bringing everybody in

[@LoveCrossingborderslive]

Shout Out to your Dad

[@OurRichJourney]

🥰 thank you!

[@francarranza434]

Ok that’s a big different society and culture 😅

[@ummam9176]

I literally came to your channel to comment that I thought you all were relocating to Japan. The Thailand video was just a decoy. Your last video on time led me to believe you want to spend more time with your father.

[@NapoleonDynamyte]

What part of Japan does your father live in? Tokyo?

[@SNOWMAN44468]

As a single dude I rather live in Thailand not just for the cost of living but for the cost of everything. I will visit Japan and S.Korea my next visit which is a couple of months. Japan is on many ppl travel list now they re open to tourist after covid.

[@rj5795]

Just like with any country that is popular and Americans come flocking, real estate and food will become expensive. Japan will get more expensive than what it is now. Also will you give up your U.S citizenship to live there?

[@laurar9748]

I❤🇯🇵

[@momscandaytrade]

Man if I jump to Portugal with u guys I’d be in a mud ..Especially if I didn’t pray about it

[@customersupport-v9h]

I think living in another country is not a right. A lot of these videos leave out the logistics of what visa requirements exist for non-citizens to move there. I would investigate that before considering pros and cons of any place, otherwise it’s a speculation.

[@AliciaCrone]

I think it really comes down to lifestyle and opportunities. In Portugal, life is a bit slower and relaxed, which is great, but Japan offers that sense of innovation, fast paced living, and opportunities in tech and other industries. It depends on what you value more stability or ambition

[@FTYC2022]

Im curious about what you meant by etiquette and language?

[@mp011]

Do you guys home school your kids?

[@conniewood3117]

Is your Dad married to a Japanese national? Or is he teaching English? Does he have SOFA status with the US government? I see videos now touting Japan as an expat destination and they just aren’t set up for that here. They definitely don’t want any more retirees. I find these videos a bit disingenuous.

[@J-2024-v8i]

Interesting. I had always heard that Japan had a very high cost of living, but maybe that’s only in the main cities?

[@SurviveandThrive-xn7se]

Anata wa kichigai desu!

[@tanaka.shinji1]

Japan is struggling with a declining population and increasing hostility toward foreigners, making it less welcoming. It may not be as enjoyable to visit or live there anymore.

[@claudioesteban8609]

Ring of fire Volcanoes of Japan (275) Japan has over 100 active volcanoes,Japan has more measurable earthquakes than any other country and has over 100 active volcanoes. These both result from Japan being wedged among four major tectonic plates. Massive earthquakes/tsunamis.Great fore visiting, not great fore Longterm living. the next generation can /wil experience tectonic plates.

[@TheCookingDojo]

I love Japan and could live there. But you gotta live what suits you best. I'm just curious. Since your dad has been living there so long has he become fluent in the language? Thanks for the videos! Hope your 2025 has started out well.

[@OurRichJourney]

He is not fluent but still get around well.

[@tiberiajames5997]

When you don't have to work and you're just living, moving to those countries are great. You're definitely living financial freedom.

[@steveh545]

Japn IS special. Amazing country and people.

[@LowkeySheree]

🎉

[@Cicero82]

First 🎉🎉🎉

[@linhduong0809]

Portugese people are more jovial. I love Japan but only as a tourist.

[@emem2863]

I'm still watching the video, but I never understood the appeal of living in Japan. It's not welcoming to foreigners who want to live there. You will have trouble integrating. If you have children, especially if they don't look completely Japanese, they will never be fully accepted. Japan still has a very exclusive culture and a narrow definition of who is Japanese.

[@TruSun_G]

beat me there, dont meet me there!

[@fjohn8985]

The Canadian on _The Black Experience Japan_ left Japan after 8 years but is in a 50/50 position about going back there to live full-time.

[@lianna1869]

I am incredulous your father actually enjoys living in Japan long term. As a long term expat living in Asia, having dated a Japanese, and actually going to Japan..., I think it's absolutely hysterical (both literally and humorously) for foreigners to consider moving to Japan 🤣

[@frederickbruton]

Investments are the roots of financial security; the deeper they grow, the stronger your future will be. By investing you have plan for a good retirement. With my adviser, I’ve cultivated deep investment roots, strengthening my financial security for the future

[@Earlybirdy739]

But earthquakes… worries me

[@frankellis9627]

...and as millionaire's you guys can afford Portugal 🤔

[@OrlandoGolf]

Chinese is much more difficult😊

[@dionneking8]

First comment

[@OurRichJourney]

😊

[@davidshi5539]

Japan is cheaper.

[@OurRichJourney]

Yes!