The Reality of Living in Japan | Q+A, my life 🍵

Am I getting married??? Is finding a job in Japan difficult??? Is Japan safe???
ALL THIS AND MORE ON THIS EPISODE OF....a Q+A with Allison 😇 Thank you all for sending in your questions to me last week on KZbin and on Instagram!! I wasn't able to answer anywhere near all of them but I wanted to try to focus on the ones I got a lot of or I thought were interesting!! But I definitely got a few more video ideas I wanna make now after this like the cost of living here and job hunting and such so keep an eye out for that later this year!!
🌸 follow me on social media 🌸
twitter: @allisonintokyo
personal instagram: @allisintokyo
studyinstagram: @allistudy
support my channel 😇
ko-fi.com/allisonintokyo
🗼 new upload every friday JST 🗼
⭐ chapters ⭐
0:00-0:44 introduction
0:45-5:53 beaurocracy (taxes, insurance, etc)
5:54-10:44 work (job-hunting, culture, etc)
10:45-19:31 life (dating, shopping, etc)
❤️ music ❤️
Oneul - Lemon Cake
Daystar - Daisy Fleabane
The Reality of Living in Japan | Q+A, my life 🍵

[@AllisoninTokyo]

also i know a lot of people keep asking about my job but i still havent decided how much i want to share about it since ive always kept my “professional” life separate so i’ll just surprise you in a vlog or something soon 😤

[@danielwalker26]

When you put yourself out on the internet you need to keep some stuff private and most, not all people will understand that.

[@stephaniethompson8638]

Please do not feel pressured (by the people who are asking) to share more than you are comfortable to. Your safety and privacy is most important.

[@mskq4409]

Privacy is very wise, stay Amazing Allison!!!

[@lorrane2177]

Allison…privacy is understood and respected. Pls don’t share if you aren’t comfortable. You can be very generic. For example, I work shuffling papers at an advertising company…or my area of study is science and am working in a local lab. You can be as mysterious as you like. No need to go into too much detail. We love your channel and watch it to watch you. Take care and be safe. Ps I’m old enough to be your momma…so I lean on the side of privacy.

[@AllisoninTokyo]

the fact that my drawer is partially open the entire video is actually sending me into a spiral 😇

[@EnigmaDave]

I never even noticed... Until now.

[@dianebaker5243]

😂😂

[@Chuck8541]

When you had the white digital clock in the background in your old place, it was funny to see how long it took you to film that part of the video. haha :P You're so much more comfortable on camera now - than just a few months ago! 👍 And I just saw that you're almost at 40K SUBSCIBERS!?!?! WHATT!? Congrats! 👏👏👏

[@danielwalker26]

Didn't notice till now...

[@Preschool4yo-7yo]

Many cases your drawer opened are exposed in lots of your youtube' videos. Whenever it did i thought good about peeking other's clothes. (What is spiral?...Meaning what?🙄)

[@EnigmaDave]

Although I'll never live in Japan, it's interesting to learn about what people I follow online have to deal with. You presented a lot of information clearly and it was well edited. Thanks for doing this, Allison. It was fun.

[@AllisoninTokyo]

thanks for watching!!

[@susanma4899]

I remember the early days of studying Japanese where I felt like "I can ask the question, but I can't understand the answer!" The first time I was here, I was far shyer and more hesitant to speak, always afraid I'd make a mistake, but this time I'm more chill, I know my Japanese isn't very good, but I'm just like, who cares, just talk! It's made life a lot easier.

[@southcoastinventors6583]

3 years is accurate for learning Japanese if you are studying around 2 hours day. Using iTalki after the first year will increase your acquisition rate.

[@molliequinn7680]

Can’t get over the fact that you’re almost at 40,000 subscribers!! I’ve been here since 12,000 so it’s blowing my mind. Thank you for answering all of our many many questions!

[@AllisoninTokyo]

🥺🥺 thanks for sticking with me!!

[@gebot.]

I missed these style of videos, I think this is really your channels bread and butter. Keep it up.

[@gebot.]

@@AllisonInTokyo_- huh?

[@clowncustard]

My partner and I love watching all of your videos in preparation for our own trip (and eventual move) to Japan, but this one felt especially like sitting down with a knowledgeable friend and chatting about life! We're also from Florida, so your specific insight is so valuable to us 🙏🥺 Thank you for all of the work you put into your videos!

[@AllisoninTokyo]

🥺❤️

[@ojyochan]

I love how non-judgmental you are! It's the reality that people who don't learn languages easily might still enjoy living in Japan. They could still be a kind friend. I did learn Japanese but I wish I had been less judgemental than I was of expats who did not. I could have had more friends.

[@lmad5989]

I absolutely love these videos. It's so interesting to hear about the details of actually living there, especially since you are from the U.S. I visited Japan in March and I knew I would absolutely love it. Thank you for posting and I always look forward to hearing about your life in Japan.

[@jevaling]

This is so timely! I am on a "life pivot" phase and decided to move to Japan at 30 years old. It's scary to start again, and there's a lot of self-doubt even if I speak the language. I live an okay life with an okay income in the Philippines, so my fear is what if it only gets harder (lesser income and even worse health) when I leave for Japan? Thank you Allison for being a virtual Tokyo neighbor. Keep doing these videos please! Take care!

[@AllisoninTokyo]

you can do it!! i’ve met plenty of people who move here in their 30s and take a big paycut…but if you are in a position where you are able to, it’s worth having an adventure!

[@jevaling]

@@MyActualThoughts Thank you so much. I'm still waiting for my visa. See you around then!

[@jevaling]

@@AllisoninTokyo Thank you so much for the encouragement!

[@clownearound5751]

Brilliant video Allison, it’s great to get views of someone who has lived and immersed themselves into life in another country. It was very interesting to hear that quite a few things compare to England/UK. Thank you for continuing to share your experiences with us and best wishes to you

[@miguelalbarracin9077]

I love your approach to these questions. No shade on other creators, because things like this are relative. But I love your attitude. So many people make it seem like this insurmountable, earth shattering level of difficulty when really, it’s just run-of-the-mill government bureaucracy.

[@AllisoninTokyo]

thanks!! yeah I mean don’t get me wrong it is difficult, confusing, and just plain annoying but i can’t imagine it’s wildly different from living in almost any country where you aren’t a native speaker of the language 😳

[@katalyna_rose]

Thank you so much for so much good info! It's super interesting to keep track of how things are changing.

[@reddwarfhead]

I really love your take on things and overall attitude ❤ Keep up the good work

[@AllisoninTokyo]

❤️❤️

[@HerkusM]

Recently found your channel and I'm loving all the videos, keep up the amazing work :)

[@jukx5892]

This is so much fun! Thank you for uploading, I think it is always so interesting to get your perspective on lifestyle stuff :3 Sending hugs!

[@AllisoninTokyo]

thanks 💖

[@ravenouswolf8155]

I am learning so much from you Allison. Thank you for the information.

[@mskq4409]

Great info, thanks Allison. Meant to tell you your vlogs with straight perm bangs looked great however today's vlog hairstyle is very nice!! Hope you like your new job, WTG!!!

[@AllisoninTokyo]

thanks!!

[@timlee7227]

Great video and content. I learned a lot. Keep up the great work!❤

[@dioneja8]

I recommend everyone wanting to make friends in Japans to join language exchange groups/meetups. You can make both foreign friends there as well as Japanese who are open minded to foreigners

[@jerometsowinghuen]

That’s a great video, Miss Allison, sharing your thoughts aspects towards living in Japan.

[@matthowe5193]

agree with the others, no, it's not too long. great content. love your combination of frankness and non-judgmental attitude!

[@lesteban463]

Thank you for making this video. Very helpful information.

[@martian-sunset]

Excellent content. You hit some of the important points for those interested in living in the greatest city on the planet.

[@susanma4899]

I've been pleased with my success in finding clothes recently. Two things work in my favor--1. The current fashion for oversized clothing and 2. The fact that my style leans towards gender neutral--I am tall enough to wear guys' clothes. Plus, in Japan there are guy's clothes that perhaps a lot of men in the US would *not* wear, for example I bought two shirts a couple days ago that are guys' shirts, but they're made from eyelet! There are also lots of bags for men that are not "lady," but they fit my style--like crossbody or messenger style--still so well-made and cute. I try to thrift Japanese brands--the price is not that high, but the quality and style are *chef's kiss!!* Whereas brands like Zara or H&M I just ignore. I can buy that stuff in the US.

[@Sakura-zu4rz]

I haven't had any fun lately, 😭 so it was fun. You bring me joy!❤🙂I love the kind and generous heartwarming atmosphere that you create, your kind, easygoing, warm vibe. ❤I like the essence how you live on. I need to be true to myself and find a job I am passionate about. I want to find a way to live as who I really am.

[@Chuck8541]

OMG, Allison, were you LATE in posting?!!? lol I thought my Sunday felt like it was missing something.

[@AllisoninTokyo]

yes I was feeling lazy 😂😂 I will try and resume scheduled programming this week!

[@Chuck8541]

@@AllisoninTokyo Haha No pressure, just messin.

[@AverageBot]

Great video, really intresting insights 😊 . When you said "this video is really long" I was like: "is it? huh didn't even notice" 😁

[@yoquincy3731]

These are the answers we need!! Thanks Allison! 😊 ive been back and forth for years figuring how I would move to JP. Its just gonna have to be ALT lol. I hope to grab coffee with you in the near future!

[@_amy.lee__]

Thanks for this insight. I'm planning to move next year March and I was worried a little bit. Thank you.

[@dianebaker5243]

Enjoyed your chat about living in Tokyo ❤

[@AllisoninTokyo]

Thank you! 😃

[@tranquilbakergentletraveller]

Thoroughly enjoyed watching this video, Allison. Loved your hair style! It was so adorable the way you spoke about dating and getting a boyfriend. Good luck with everything 👍

[@markvader8083]

Very informative video. I'm sure it will help a lot of people who were like you once. The only difference is that you just went for it without much help & that takes guts. But you did it, so you should be very proud of yourself.

[@DL-od9rx]

Thanks for sharing ! ❤️

[@pknumba1]

thank you so much for this video. I will be moving to Japan in November, and it answered some questions for me I had myself.

[@supermario1fan]

Hey, did you ever get there? :) How do you like it? I really wanna live in Japan someday too!

[@rayna463]

I wish there was some sort of nomad visa. Like if I could get a USA remote job and just live in Tokyo 😫

[@AllisoninTokyo]

maybe soon 👀👀

[@ferncowsnake]

I love watching your videos Have a great day ❤

[@miloprince]

you look rly pretty in this video btw!

[@zzzzbisonxzzzz]

When Japan first opened up again after COVID closure, I visited the the first week. It was so empty and a little bit sad

[@Snoopy1619]

Thank you for sharing 😊

[@colmclancy1926]

As an engineer i was wondering how hard it would be to get a job in japan, or more like what it would be like so this is intresting to hear you talk about.

[@bradthomas4798]

Great info. Sounds like a nice place to live overall

[@lizzie7929]

Thanks for sharing! I’m glad you’re in a good position and enjoying your life and work in Japan! I think making friends or keeping them can be hard in any country! I like the fact you try to do thinks solo and for yourself not with others, that’s good for the soul!🇯🇵🙌❤️⛩️🍡☺️

[@daisiedaisie]

Hope the oversized clothing trend sticks around 😭 as a 175cm girl…oof Really loved this Q&A and big props on boundaries around KZbin and private life (both your work and for your JP friends) The dating story about roles is wild. There’s definitely a big cultural difference in dating/marriage dynamics as far as I can tell/have been told by JP friends.

[@wantingsg]

Thank you for sharing. I have just sent my documents to a Japanese language school in Sendai and hopefully I will know my results in October.

[@mskq4409]

Greetings Ms. Allison!!! Grateful thanks for all your truly outstanding content. Your vlogs sincerely brighten my daze!!! Gentle fyi - love, love, love your new black heel strap ballet type with adorable string bow little heel flats... teehee can you tell I love that style!!!

[@ehlersdanlosandi]

Thanks for sharing!

[@DuckyAdvtrs]

Hey Allison! Thank you so much for all your explanations! We have as our plan to go to Japan for 4 months and experience the country fully whilst working remotely. We know we have the 90 days visa automatically but it's always a bit confusing to understand which visas would be the best for more time than that

[@starlight_rw]

Thank you!

[@a.fassbach3590]

This haircut really suits you!!! :D It just really makes your eyes pop or something? Maybe it's how your hair is shaping your face? Anyway --- love your videos -- positive vibes!!

[@Toneclark-kk6kt]

Thank you cute video allison

[@Mwoods2272]

I also live in Tokyo and enjoyed traveling around Japan during Covid without tourists. It was amazing. I went to Kiyo mizu dera and there were only 30 people there.

[@lisgablegiblet3410]

I really like your hair like that x

[@user-iz7lq9jl1e]

thank you allison, i did like the fact that you said that you feel a lot safer in japan then in the us, beacuse when i came to japan i felt a lot safer there then in israel. so thank you for agreeing with me

[@sandrinea.8455]

Ohhh Hello Allison! I always enjoy watching your videos, they are always so informative and fun! I literally live vicariously through you 😅. I have been thinking about Japan for so long, I hope I can make that dream come true soon. You talked about filling taxes for your KZbin channel. I have some question about that: did you register/declare your channel as soon as it started bringing some income? Were you still a student? Is it possible to have a side business as a student without getting in trouble? I am an aspiring small art business owner, I want to know if I could still run it on a student visa 😊

[@susanma4899]

Here's a question to add to your next list. You mentioned living in a share house. Have you ever lived in one? What was it like? How much did it cost to stay there? Were all the spaces shared, or did you have some private space to yourself?

[@palmetto7288]

Hi Allison, I thoroughly enjoy all of your videos. In spite of living here for some 14 years....I still find things to learn from you. Keep up the good work. Should you desire a vacation at a much slower pace, come to Okinawa. I would be more than happy to serve as tour guide. Best Wishes !!

[@AlisonTormos]

Great video ^^ very informative and I've enjoyed it a lot. I will be going this summer to Japan for the first time >< and I'm aiming to study my masters there in the future, and what I think will be the hardest for me is finding and apartment and clothing. I didn't knew they usually ask for a year of having your visa to rent an apartment. In my case I'm trying to avoid sharehouses, because it's complicated for me 😬 so I hope I can find a workaround. Also, finding clothing will be difficult, being a tall and thin trans girl 😂

[@arwen2385]

Could you do a video on dating and work life in japan vs the US?

[@Superoxidedismutase777]

Allison: this video is too long The rest of us: Allison, we can sit and listen for as long as you want to chat!!

[@Langy.]

See, I've been working here for 5 years. Hearing you say all the things I've been thinking as well, there doesn't seem to be any positive points to working in Japan. I've recently come to terms with that and like, I feel like a lot of us foreigners either 1 do not want to admit that or 2 just kinda deal with it and move on lol. It's so hard to deal with though 😭😭

[@Val.Kyrie.]

Canadians (and some other countries but I’m Canadian) don’t need a visa for a vacation up to three months. So far as I’ve been told by my friend because we are planning on visiting and she was checking for me. I’m so used to being taxed that I don’t know if it will feel like a big difference. Not used to paying for care though, used to paying it with tax.

[@PeopleGetHelp]

Love the hair length. ❤

[@codenamerinwaz2703]

Thank you for this video 💜. Being here in Tokyo has been interesting and made me self reflect. Being American it can be considered weird to do things alone (this happen to me once when i saw a movie alone and mom thought i was weird). I going find things to do alone because i have not made friends ( figure it was going to take me longer to make friends since i didn't end up any groups at my uni but i have always kinda been lonely lol)and feel bad not doing anything (i only have until August so i better start working on it lol).

[@matr1x327]

Going to be doing my final year of university September 2023 - June 2024 and was looking to do an internship of some form in Japan. As a software developer, where would you recommend I should look for such oppurtunities? (also thank you for the more realastic content, I love other japan content channels but they dont talk as much about the logistics of things like you do)

[@chibacat1234]

Just to add on to the visa thing, getting a visa is easy as long as you are a student or you work for a company that is willing to sponsor you. If you're a freelancer, just know it's HARD. You'll need to prove that you make a good income and that you are financially an asset to the country. I have Japanese citizenship and thought that it would be easy to get visa for my foreign husband. We both work as a freelancers so, in such a case, marriage didn't mean much in the visa application. It was a lot more about the lucrative aspect of the job. Hope this helps as additional info!

[@VerhoevenSimon]

Thank you for the video, one more question: did you get a hanko?

[@AllisoninTokyo]

yes!

[@MaxploreJapan]

Wow!! You are really fantastic 😮

[@Wuggyboobeaufuf138]

You should have talked about how much bicycle parking sucks in Japan.

[@tania7716]

What did you do to your hair ?? They looks sooo smooth! Please reveal your secret 😱

[@Magnet12]

Would love to know what your occupation is in Japan.

[@channeldoesnotexist]

Imagine thinking this video is too long? Why did you cut it short?! I wanted to keep watching :( hopefully you make another one of these answering more questions

[@channeldoesnotexist]

​@AllisonInTokyo_- fk u scammer

[@AngelicWings5]

Hi! Would love the website you use for the taxes! Also, if possible a video or explanation on how to do your own freelance taxes... I'm just horrible at taxes :'( Thank you! Love your videos! looking forward to the next one!

[@AllisoninTokyo]

I just mean the government’s e-tax website (have to have a mynumber card)! I’m the last person to ask about financial things honestly I just googled it all in Japanese and did my best 😭😭 may hire someone next year lolll

[@helenamoutinho4566]

10% tax is a dream comparing to what we have to pay in portugal (goes from 15% to 48% if im not mistaken)

[@chris092283]

I hear it's pretty normal that co workers go out for drinks after work but what if I don't drink? Will that be looked down upon?

[@phylham3560]

Hello, when you speak about the yen can you also yell us in English how much it is? Thanks

[@brendaogara2543]

In the uk we have to recycle, and our sale tax is 20% and we have a tv license. And the pay here is terrible

[@sailorpoon]

allison: it’s not great, but 10 days vacation. me, an american: you guys are getting vacations??

[@AllisoninTokyo]

😔😔😔

[@feafeafeaify]

This was great!! On the pension question, what age do people usually retire? Can you get a private retirement plan in addition to government pension (like a US 401k or something)? If it exists is it even feasible to do on the low salaries?

[@AllisoninTokyo]

i believe its 65 right now (but people can work longer…) and yes, i believe most people get private plans in addition or do some sort of saving!! living off the government pension alone would be a bit tight 😔

[@elodieelvira7913]

17:54 it also depends on your brain. Not everyone is gifted with languages. But the people who spend years in Japan and cannot speak a lick of it are the ones who hang out with English speakers exclusively

[@Acestlaviee]

I recently got obsessed with Japan from rewatching my childhood anime and Gosh I want to go so bad. But I am hesitant to go without a guide who speaks japanese.

[@TakeSomeResponsibility]

💙💙💙

[@Will2getfit]

Do you think Japan will ever shift or open more job markets in other cities to try spacing out the population in Japan? Also kno it’s a huge problem where some cities are going nearly extinct because there’s no work/business.

[@AllisoninTokyo]

they were promoting it during covid when remote working was normal but things are kinda going back to mostly in person now so…😭

[@tinytarakeet]

お疲れ様でした！！！　＞＜

[@tinytarakeet]

also!! your hair looks soo cute!

[@AllisoninTokyo]

thank you 🥹

[@Jasiwardas]

wow 😳 your hair got long! びっくりしました! 福岡からこんにちは 😄 I seem to have watched too many of your old videos lately!

[@pascaleheesterbeek4612]

I was in Tokyo and Kyoto in 2010. No tourists, hardly no westerners, no knowledge of English. I loved it ❤

[@leyniaLip]

I started listening to your program last night. I tutor a Japanese student at university here ( in the US) in ESL. actually she is so advanced that we mostly just converse. She said that is worthwhile though. Can you advise me on something please? she gave me a gift, quite a generous gift, for being her tutor. I heard that that practice is common among Asian students. I wonder, do you think I should give her a gift in return? Thank you! And thanks for your terrific program.

[@arwen2385]

how are japanese break rooms for offices compared to the us?

[@AllisoninTokyo]

i’ve never actually been in one…my office doesnt have one and public schools i worked in had one but it was mostly just a place to get tea from then go back to work 😅😅

[@feafeafeaify]

Also I was wondering in regards to making friends via Instagram, that is because you're an influencer correct? Are people who have normal daily life instagrams (on private, at that) able to do things like that?

[@AllisoninTokyo]

no!! this was mostly before i was :) private accounts definitely would struggle, if you want to try it i would go on public!

[@sarasadrnia]

at 8:40 what jobs is she referring to that require English ability? and do those jobs require Japanese or not? Can you make a video on jobs in Japan that you can get as an English speaker? whether it requires a certain skillset or not.

[@daisiedaisie]

Not an expert but a lot of global/intl based companies will be based in Tokyo. You have a better chance of getting an English speaking job there than other cities, it’s just very much the central hub. There are jobs where you won’t need Japanese, but it’s tough to find and might be quite specialised (eg the IT stuff she discussed), some of those global companies will have a mix of English and Japanese staff, and need English speakers for intl correspondence

[@Preschool4yo-7yo]

Korea's neighborhood nation called Japan was like that. 💓Thanks for the information. Your parents must be proud of you in age20s. *When my parents offered me in my age20s abroad fancy studying in Wa(shington) of America, i kind of failed thus i gave disappointment.* 🖤♥︎Think from last night to dawn you had many hardship to make this KZbin q&a. Congratulations on getting a job in Japan from now too i hope you got as much as you have been seeking for life.

[@Preschool4yo-7yo]

@@AllisonInTokyo_- Thank for reading sir. Wish me & my son's happiness. Moreover my next spouse.

[@prvg2113]

Would you retire and live in Japan?

[@ruthnoronha8206]

Do you speak and write Japanese fluently? Do you work in an English environment or are you immersed in a regular Japanese company as a ( white person) working in an all Japanese company.

[@wendymahoney8184]

What is the overall thoughts on lbgtq in Tokyo?

[@AllisoninTokyo]

the majority of japanese people dont really feel that strongly i think either way, but tokyo is a pretty liberal city (by japanese standards) and if you are visibly foreign looking then many people just see it as a “ah because you are foreign” kind of thing 😅

[@Devious_Reviews]

I've had mixed feelings about visiting for the past 16 years and questions weren't being answered. Fortunately channels like this one plug in those holes and make things way more better for my understanding. Perhaps in another decade I'll plan a complicated flight path and land somewhere in Japan then do my best not to make a fool of myself. @_@ Also, regarding the solo treatment here in USA, go for it, my fellow Americans. As someone without any friends and very little family it has become common practice to do everything alone. It might feel awkward to those who aren't used to it but nothing bad comes out of it. Indulge a little while you're still able to. Travel's no fun when you're close to becoming physically and mentally decrepit.

[@Randomdude89640]

Im already very lonely in the USA. Im Taiwanese American I feel like it better for me to live in Japan or Taiwan both I don’t speak Japanese and can’t read Chinese but can speak it. Also I’m a pretty short person and people discriminate me because of my height.

[@FransceneJK98]

Do you file taxes with the IRS? If you make no money with the US, do you still submit the tax forms for the IRS?? Are there other expats paperwork you file that aren’t tax forms for Japan? Do you pay taxes at the ward office yearly? How do you do that if you wouldn’t speak any Japanese?

[@jesavius]

So Japan basically have a public option. Nice!

[@inuvlogs69]

SHE POSTED HEHE

[@inuvlogs69]

No