Why You Shouldn’t Move to Japan (And Conditions for Those Who Should)

Summary

In this video, Shogo shares his thoughts on why he plans to leave Japan in the near future. He discusses three main reasons: Japan's high risk of natural disasters, a rigid hierarchical culture that stifles younger generations, and a declining population that weakens the country's economy. Despite these challenges, he acknowledges Japan's rich history and culture, highlighting it as a good place for people who meet certain conditions. Shogo hopes to continue spreading Japanese culture abroad, seeking a warmer country with minimal time zone differences for his future move.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Japan faces frequent natural disasters, including earthquakes, typhoons, and volcanic eruptions, with high risks of future catastrophic events like the Nankai Megathrust earthquake and Mount Fuji eruption.
• 🧓 Japan’s hierarchical culture, especially the senior-junior dynamic, remains strong. Elders often hold more authority, which can hinder progress and decision-making in both personal and professional life.
• 👶 The country's declining birth rate and aging population are leading to economic and social challenges, with young people bearing the brunt of outdated policies favoring the elderly.
• 📉 Japan's population is shrinking rapidly, which will lead to a weakened economy, reduced workforce, and potential rise in crime as people's quality of life declines.
• 🌋 Living in Japan comes with the challenge of being constantly prepared for natural disasters like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, making it less ideal for long-term residence.
• 🏠 Young people in Japan often feel stifled due to the inability to express their opinions, which creates a sense of hopelessness in trying to change the system.
• 👨‍⚕️ The Japanese government has done little to address the challenges of a declining population, and the elderly continue to benefit from policies while young people face economic struggles.
• 🛑 While Japan has many cultural and historical attractions, the strict societal rules and declining economy may make it less appealing for long-term residents who prefer flexibility and freedom.
• ✈️ The speaker is considering moving abroad to spread Japanese traditional culture more freely and pursue his dream, without being hindered by Japan's internal challenges.
• 🌞 When considering where to move, the speaker values a small time difference with Japan and warm climates due to health concerns like Raynaud's syndrome.

Q & A

Why does the speaker feel mixed emotions about people wanting to live in Japan?

While the speaker is honored that people dream of living in Japan, they personally feel mixed emotions due to the challenges they have experienced and observed in Japanese society, which make them question if Japan is an ideal place to live.

What are the three main reasons the speaker cannot recommend living in Japan?

The speaker lists natural disasters, a strict hierarchical society that prioritizes elders, and Japan's declining national power as the primary reasons why they cannot recommend living in Japan.

Why is the risk of natural disasters a concern in Japan?

Japan is prone to various natural disasters such as earthquakes, typhoons, landslides, and the threat of Mount Fuji erupting. These disasters can have devastating impacts, and the likelihood of two major earthquakes within the next 30 years is high.

What natural disasters does Japan face, and what are their potential impacts?

Japan faces the Nankai Mega-thrust earthquake, the Capital Inland earthquake, and the possible eruption of Mount Fuji. These events could result in widespread damage, substantial economic losses, and significant loss of life.

How does the hierarchical society in Japan affect younger generations?

In Japan, a strong hierarchical structure often prevents younger individuals from expressing their opinions or challenging decisions. This dynamic discourages innovation and stifles aspirations, contributing to a low voter turnout among younger generations.

What are some consequences of Japan’s aging population?

With a declining birth rate and an aging population, the focus of Japanese policies often favors the elderly, leading to reduced resources for child care and education. This dynamic can also stifle efforts to address other social and economic issues.

How does the speaker view Japan’s declining national power?

The speaker sees Japan's declining population and aging demographic as leading to a weaker economy, with shrinking markets, decreased GDP, and rising taxes, which could eventually lead to a lower quality of life and increased crime rates.

Who does the speaker think would be suitable to live in Japan?

The speaker believes that people who earn foreign currency, are prepared for natural disasters, and can work independently without belonging to an organization would find Japan a more suitable place to live.

Why does the speaker personally want to leave Japan?

The speaker wishes to promote and teach Japanese traditional culture abroad without the constraints posed by Japan's natural disasters and hierarchical culture, which they feel would hinder their ability to achieve their goals.

What criteria is the speaker considering for choosing a new country to live in?

The speaker is looking for a country with a smaller time difference from Japan, a warm climate due to their health condition, and a favorable environment for promoting Japanese culture.