Why you SHOULD NOT move to Japan!

[@LadyBlair.S]

I used to watch your channel when you were doing Osoroshii Saturday. Glad to see you are still kickin & chillin 😎

[@unrested]

Welcome back!

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

If you arrived in 2007, the 2008 financial crisis was right around the corner as well. I heard that even globally, it did a number on other countries besides just us in the U.S. There was also that assisnation of a former prime minister, which, no matter your political leanings (and I know very little about Shinzo Abe), is still pretty huge. Again, similar to us in the States, it seems there's a lot to not be happy about right now.

[@unrested]

Yeah I literally watching everything slowly decline but yeah a lot to be unhappy about definitely covers it

[@matty6878]

well japan had that economy bubble burst in the 80s and never fully recovered throughout the 90s. so that was the end of the lifetime company initiative that many in japan relied on.

[@jesskuhmess]

I have been subbed here checking in since long ago and i think we're similar ages so i appreciate getting your informed perspective. Hope all is well for you and yours

[@unrested]

Thanks for sticking with me!

[@Ilyasse.C]

I was always dreaming of living in Japan. But being not an english native speaker made it difficult, plus I have a Moroccan passport and Japanese immigration is quite tough towards that. I visited Japan as a tourist multiple times and did the whole Japan Rail Pass thing… I ended up getting a job opportunity in Europe, after four years, I started to feel homesick a lot and missing everything… the winter in northern Europe was quite rough and depressing. I came back to Casablanca, Morocco last week and I feel just grateful and appreciative of things that I used to take for granted. Long time follower on both channels of yours Scott ❤ I love your content.

[@unrested]

Totally understand this feeling. Simple stuff like being able to read everything and understand everything and eat simple foods that bring back a lot of nostalgia

[@tailloreginorio3618]

Spot on. Post covid has been absolutely miserable. People seem so depressed, so much more quiet... No one even mutters excuse me anymore as they pass by. It feels bizarre. If Japan felt lonely before, it is even moreso right now. Of course, that's on top of all the other issues you mentioned like prices of everything going up, unemployment rates, inability to create and raise a family comfortably, etc etc. It's rough. And as a foreigner, I think many of us want to visit home, travel, send money but the exchange rate is freaking lousy. Oof I didn't intend to add such a pessimistic comment but here we are. Glad to see you well and uploading more often again! Take care of that cough, pal

[@unrested]

Yeah it was getting rough. I was saving up to buy property in the states in my last few years and it felt like trying to keep a grip on sand as the exchange rate kept plummeting. Finally I realized I’m just gunna have to go home for a bit to make enough and secure a place here. I just feel lucky to already have a place in Japan. Maybe one day when I retire I can enjoy both if I’m lucky

[@davidw5759]

I worked in Japan for a year and a half. That was a few years ago. Those were some of the best times of my life - going out to eat with friends, traveling to various cities by train, safe quiet strolls at nighttime, etc. However, living over there became really stressful towards the end, when I was switching jobs. The language was very hard, for one. Before crap hit the fan, I think the key to contentment for me was staying connected with others who I could bond with and who could help me - friends and advocates. I often dream about moving back, but it would actually be like living on hard mode. Kind of sad, but I suppose the grass is always greener on the other side.

[@Unsensitive]

Sounds like the same job issues many youth are having in the US. Inflation the past few years has been 20+% cumulativly and while you can invest a bit and make money, the safe investments are overshadowed by the inflation. Youth have little hope of being able to afford a home. I own and my home and it's value is 3x what i paid for it 10 years ago. I'm making 2x what I did when i bought it; But i have a good job, have been promoted multiple times, and changed companies recently to get a raise to compensate for inflation since the company I'd worked for near 20 years wasn't working with me on an increase. So... This might explain why they're looking elsewhere such as Japan.. but sounds like its no better off at best.

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

I sadly think this hopelessness is what has spewed out trash like the live streamers being nuisances in Japan, a desire for fame/money at any cost 🙄.

[@marocat4749]

The us is way more adressing and flexible than japan in reacting, not saying th us is great, but they have a flexible government as many issues as ther are with , a certain party just sabotaging everything, things are done right, often enough. Hell even unions. And china is, bad, bad place to go. unless you might want to become a shill without any selfrespect with luck?

[@unrested]

Yeah it is very much like the job probs here in America too. I was shocked actually how similar it was.

[@StarBreak]

Yerp, you did well to adapt with your move. Question, you mentioned a friend who goes to Japan to train martial arts, is he there for 3 months at a time per year sort of a thing? I heard there's a new visa that lets you stay in Japan for 6 months with certain requirements (salary and such).. Sounds interesting!

[@JupiterMuffles]

I've wanted to go to Japan for a long time and maybe live there if I decided I liked it enough. These days, I really question if I would like it. I will go and stay for a while, but I have major doubts that it would be very long term

[@unrested]

See how you feel after the honeymoon period. After 8 months it all gets real

[@JupiterMuffles]

@@unrestedYou read my mind, I was planning on staying for a year 😂

[@jamieshelley6079]

Great to see you talking again! As someone who now speaks Japanese to an ok standard, I'm certainly staying away in terms of moving, and will never work for a corporate firm. just myself if possible.

[@lowang8831]

You could end up living in a box like our man in Japan, Tkyo Sam

[@unrested]

Is his new place really that small? I know he lived in like a share house for ages. I thought he had upgraded. Not really sure. Tried reaching out but he has me blocked on everything possible. Wish him the best though.

[@matty6878]

he had a decent house before. the one before the sharehouse. what happened to that?

[@freddyfilkins4624]

As someone moving to japan in 3 months for the first time, this video was exactly what I needed XD all jokes aside i have been told many of the things you mentioned in the video I have taken it all into consideration. The state I am from in the USA is extremely inflated for everything and I was told where I was moving to in japan, it was nowhere near as bad. I have a good savings and a job contracted for a year so i am going to go all in and give it my best shot. While the situation is not perfect, it took me a long time to get into a position to move there so I figure its now or never.

[@piplup12]

I am in a similar situation. Where I live in the US the average rent is between 1000-1500 a month. It has also become very dangerous . I am gonna take my chance in Japan and hope for the best.

[@unrested]

If you already have a job lined up you should be fine and I’m happy to hear you are on your way. I think you are really going to enjoy it. If you were moving there to look for a job only then would I be screaming to pump the breaks. Best of luck in all you do!😊

[@ArchimedeanEye]

I live at my in-laws in rural Kyoto with my wife and 4 year old. Scott is right, there is nothing here! On the other hand, it's an interesting experience. We grow/harvest a few rice fields every year and a variety of other veges. I feel fortunate that we can do this with the grandparents and one great grand parent while they are still alive. This is only really possible for me because I work remotely. My wife has found a Japanese company that allows her to work from home too (finance related area). There is no way a Westerner should try to follow the herd here, unless you want nothing more than total immersion into the Japanese way of life as a commoner. Otherwise, there are far greater opportunities out there than much of Japan can offer. A quick drive around the suburbs and countryside makes this self-evident. Faded signage, unkept grounds, much of Japan looks like the land time forgot.

[@RaySmith-xm7mr]

What do you expect? Go home complaining foreigner. Your wife is a Ladyboy.

[@matty6878]

they'll be a point where english teaching will become harder for gaijin to use to get that foot in the door. what i'm seeing is the ones that are still around are becoming more expensive and as he said it's a luxury for the japanese. i'd say for anyone contemplating about staying there long term, just do an extended vacation so you don't have those responsibilities yet, then once you're done really consider if you're going to be a lifer cuz if not it's just going to put up a fight and the "pay off" (depending on what you want out of being in japan in the first place) may not even be worth it. through the years i've seen people put all their eggs in one basket to just live in japan and they eventually came back hating the entire experience.

[@dongdongvu1]

this is bang on!! Ryan Boundless called this 10 yrs ago

[@unrested]

Well to be fair you could still make a decent living there off of teaching 10 years ago…now…not so much

[@Giminy]

I agree with everything you said except one of the Pros of living in Japan, which was that English teaching salaries are going to go back up again. The direction that these language companies are going is in favor of low income countries like Philippines or South Africa that make peanuts for salaries. The salaries for English teaching in Japan is going to continue to drop, however for people coming from those countries, they'll still be making more in Japan than in their home countries.

[@unrested]

You could totally be right it did not look good when I left

[@Giminy]

@@unrested If you don't mind me asking, how long have you lived in Japan? Did you get PR? Spouse Visa? When you go back to Japan, are you planning to live there long term?

[@eviscerations]

the dollar purchasing power is pretty good despite the downtick in the japanese economy; pretty sure in 2015 when i biked across honshu it was around 106-108ish yen/dollar exchange rate, whereas now it's around 145-148ish. you still get good bang for your buck, but yeah... taxes, inflation, unemployment, lower wages, etc all very relevant

[@demetriustracy]

I got lucky in the Niigata area during 2012-2013. I got paid 3k, rent was 650 for a larger place, and the yen was stronger than the dollar for the 1st half of my contract.

[@demetriustracy]

Shuttered ATMs during holidays was a shock but I got used to it.

[@unrested]

2013 was a great year in Japan honestly most of the 2010s were super chill.

[@cheesetoastie1199]

Hiya Scott! I always wanted to go to Japan at some point in my life and spend as much time there as possible. If at some point I will be able to land an ALT job, do you recon that I will face troubles because I am not a native speaker? Have you seen people/heard of people losing their ALT jobs for that reason? I don't judge 🙂

[@unrested]

Nah most ALT jobs have you assisted by the school’s main English teacher who acts as a sort of go-between. Nonetheless being able to speak some or conversational level Japanese will increase your enjoyment of the job ALOT

[@cheesetoastie1199]

@@unrestedthank you! 😄

[@HungerHippo]

Yo the countryside seems haunted as F and bear attacks

[@michey1978]

I agree entirely and as someone living in Kobe, I would add this: the ‘little things’ have become more expensive. Travel, even a short journey on a local train, to those ramen cups have gone up in price. Only by a few Yen, but it all adds to daily expenses. Six months ago a sandwich and a bottle of cola at a convenience store only cost 400 something Yen, now its in the early 500 Yen, it all adds up.

[@unrested]

Yeah it was getting rough near the end there with my allowance. I gave myself san man a month and it was harder and harder to stretch

[@OmegaKatanaXIII]

Reminds me of food prices back in the USA where even mc Donald’s and Taco Bell the cheapest fast food places are out of reach and a lot of items in the super market are rising in price it isn’t even funny.

[@AlvarezAdrian1]

not bad compared to the US. for example, a hashbrown 10 years ago was .75 cents. now its 2.25. a mcdouble used to be 1 dollar. now its 2.69.

[@itsachickenwiththing]

Unfortunately, I think you'll find that a lot of what you describe is true in the States too. Japan is just a little bit ahead of the rest of the OECD because of the Lost Decade. There was a similar regression of economic and social opportunity for young people in the aftermath of the '08 Recession.

[@chasemathis2016]

Honestly, I don't know if I'd ever want to live in another country no matter what it is. Being from rural Illinois, the thought of living in a place with a population exceeding 2000 stresses me out. I can't imagine living in another country with a completely different culture and language and pretty much being forced to live in a densely populated city on top of it all. That doesn't even touch on how much I like hunting pheasant and deer, which I probably wouldn't be able to do in other countries without a lot of bullshit.

[@unrested]

And that’s fine. It’s not for everyone, and I’ll add if you are not a fan of crowds don’t go. That’s one thing that bugged me about Japan. I’m not a fan of crowds and would go out when I knew it would be more cleared out.

[@xRekhyt]

I also have the feeling that the whole mess surrounding the Olympics and Covid has disillusioned many Japanese people. When I lived in Japan before Covid, the joy of the people was really visible. Many were motivated to learn English to be able to interact better with tourists. Many teenagers dreamed of travelling abroad. Nowadays, all you hear about are political scandals, demographic problems and rising prices. No wonder Gaijin in Japan have a hard time. I can't imagine how financially insecure life must be. On the other hand, there are IT jobs and the tourism industry, which are currently booming. And one thing shouldn't be overlooked: Life has also become more difficult in Europe since Covid and the wars. Politics is anything but pleasant here too and inflation has gone through the roof. So Japan is not alone in this respect.

[@OmegaKatanaXIII]

Life in general isnt that great for the youth thats for sure.

[@unrested]

I really noticed it when the country opened back up to travel. It was palpable just how unenthusiastic Japan felt about try to fight to get travel o-need back up. Like they had just barely made it over one hurdle and now were having another placed under their feet mid jump.

[@OmegaKatanaXIII]

@@unrested felt like they got over one hurdle then they just saw a bunch of hurdles and they lifted their hands up and said “shoganai”!

[@TheDigitalPanther]

The people I noticed give up the quickest were anime obsessed weaboo types. I did eikaiwa in the inaka for a year and during my initial training in Tokyo, all the weeaboos had panic meltdowns and went home before even getting to their school assignment.

[@unrested]

Oh god yeah the amount weaboos in my first 6 months at nova were by far the most culture shocked. I came with the goal to make it one year. They came with these fantasies of Japan and were horrified. Don’t get me wrong I love loads of anime and manga and Japanese horror is my favorite horror ever, but if you come to Japan expecting some sorta isekai adventure you are gunna go home very quick and very disappointed.

[@matty6878]

i blame danny choo and these youtubers who get sponsored to blow smoke up japan's butt. with a little research these weebs would find out quick that no, not all of japan is like akihabara. im amazed that the kids in tiktok are just finding out that some restaurants in japan dont allow gaijin.

[@3dcow]

Great video, good to see some more realistic takes on Japan. Almost all of the videos on KZbin about Japan are just shill content and weeaboo dreams.

[@unrested]

I love Japan and miss it dearly but just like my own country I don’t like to hide the problems. Only by facing and addressing them will anything get done.

[@3dcow]

You should make more videos that talk about Japan's problems and the realities of the country. Weird to say but more pessimism really is needed on this topic.@@unrested

[@israeldavila27]

This all sounds very similar to the United States. Many people who have the degrees can’t seem to get a good paying job that will allow them to sustain themselves or even a family.

[@marocat4749]

The states are actually fairly ewwell and flexible and its telling how many people wer homeless and hutled up somehow, its not the worst. The japanese government doesnt seem willing to adress issues, the us , does it just has, and obstructionist half but it does stuff. I think in the us its better if, not gret, but better.

[@israeldavila27]

@@marocat4749 but that still lies in the problem that these people who have degrees got them because they needed to get a better paying job. It’s really odd how they’re going into massive amounts of debt just to get a job that someone with a high school degree could get.

[@unrested]

Makes sense I would say only now in my 40s am I actually putting my degree to good use. Rare to find something in your field these days

[@marocat4749]

@@israeldavila27 Thats another problem and weird i guess.

[@DenshaOtoko2]

Whatever the situation its worse where you came from. Never forget why you left in the first place.

[@unrested]

Wait…I left cause I couldn’t get a teaching job due to market saturation. Now there is a teacher shortage in America and I was able to be an art teacher really quick. Also just a note. I’m back in Japan in two months and still own my house there so I don’t see that as fully leaving Japan.

[@darkangel8068]

I've been staying in Japan as a foreigner from USA. The worst thing about Japan is there are no Delis! You will love Japanese food, but after about a month, a lack of real subs and western styled sandwiches (e.g. Italian, roast beef, steak and cheese, etc) will get to you

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

I don't live in Japan but after a few workplace lunches where we would go out to a deli or order delivery from deli's, I decided to just make my own sandwiches at home since I don't have any deli's near me. Does Japan just not have any of those meats at all or they're just not sold in the delis that they do have? I would hope maybe in the more beef-oriented prefectures, there would be something like roast beef.

[@unrested]

Yeah getting any decent meat is out of the question. I constantly had to go to seijo or Yamaya and that was basement quality stuff

[@matty6878]

kobini cream sandwiches are the bomb!

[@hikkipedia]

Sounds like the Canadian economy right now hhhh

[@unrested]

Oh yeah I heard the Canadian dollar isn’t doing so well recently and housing is insane. Ganbatte hikki gaman suru!

[@thrax1831]

The way I see it, there is absolutely no reason to move to a country if you don't speak the language to a somewhat proficient level. Like never do that.

[@unrested]

Well if your only goal is to teach English I can somewhat understand coming in cold. I came to Japan with a very low vocabulary and barely able to make a sentence, but if you continue to live there and complain about language then the fault is on you.

[@thrax1831]

@@unrested I might have came off too harsh, but that was my point yeah. A lot of people I hear talking about lonelyness are also people who don't really speak the language. And in general I think that if someone wants to go to live to some different country for an extended period of time learning the language is a minimum. Of course I don't mean you have to be native by the time you get there, but be good enough to converse at least basic stuff at least, and pick up everything else from there. You will feel really bad if you go somewhere and dont understand anyone and cant even buy groceries properly let alone anything more complex than that. Most complaints I've heard people making when talking about japan are boiled down to "i cant speak the language" and "i cant integrate into the culture". Also just a note I'm not talking about your video here, you brought up a lot of good points i'm just speaking generally. People expect to come to japan and it be like an anime and are basically the "where are the subtitles" guy.

[@marocat4749]

If they made food taxes, they wont sink. Is the countryside really that eary? So japanese do the we sent you ther do to a punishment position because we cant fire you, that like statres apartments do?! Because officials are hard to fire, But giving ungrateful asignments, is. But thats because usally officials are hard to fire unless they did specific crimes or misdemeanors, like financial ones. Weird its in japan that way.

[@unrested]

The country side is ultra beautiful but there is seriously like nothing, like not even a pub, store, or even some sort of hang out area anywhere close. A lot of corps in Japan never fire people and mostly just shuffle them endlessly

[@marocat4749]

@@unrested so beautiful but depressing , not good to live unless you are tha much of a loner i guess

[@harune6594]

first !