Why All Foreigners LEAVE JAPAN

Summary

In this video, Chua Cruz explores the reasons why many foreigners leave Japan after a few years, despite their love for the country. He highlights key challenges such as limited work contracts, salary ceilings, and cultural differences. Financial struggles, including low salaries and a pension system that penalizes early departure, also play a major role. Additionally, the emotional toll of being far from family and dealing with natural disasters adds to the difficulty. Despite these issues, Cruz shares his affection for Japan, praising its security, infrastructure, food, and overall quality of life.

Takeaways

• 😀 Foreigners in Japan often leave due to short-term work contracts, which limit their stay to a few years.
• 😀 Limited work contract lengths, particularly in industries like teaching, create job instability, making long-term residence difficult.
• 😀 High living costs in Japan, combined with low wages and salary ceilings, often make it financially challenging to stay long term.
• 😀 Many foreigners face cultural and language barriers, leading to isolation and difficulty in forming meaningful connections.
• 😀 Family separation is a significant factor in deciding to leave Japan, especially when facing personal or family crises back home.
• 😀 Japan's pension system can lead to financial loss for foreigners who don’t stay long enough to benefit fully from the system.
• 😀 Natural disasters, such as earthquakes and typhoons, can contribute to a sense of insecurity for foreigners living in Japan.
• 😀 The lack of career growth and limited upward mobility in many industries can lead to frustration for highly qualified foreigners.
• 😀 Japan's visa system can make long-term residency challenging, particularly for those without a Japanese spouse or employer sponsorship.
• 😀 Despite these challenges, many foreigners love Japan for its safety, infrastructure, food, and overall quality of life, and would consider staying longer if conditions were better.

Q & A

Why do most foreigners leave Japan after a few years?

Foreigners often leave Japan due to a combination of factors such as limited work contracts, low salary ceilings, financial concerns, cultural differences, language barriers, and personal reasons like being far from family. Many face challenges in building a stable, long-term life due to these issues.

How does the work contract system in Japan impact foreigners?

Most foreign workers in Japan are on limited contracts, typically lasting 3 to 4 years. This makes it difficult to build long-term careers or stay in one place. Companies avoid providing long-term benefits and often do not offer job security, which can be frustrating for those seeking stability.

What is the typical salary for foreigners working in Japan, especially in English teaching roles?

Salaries for foreigners working in Japan, particularly in English teaching positions, are often limited. The average salary for an English teacher is around $30,000 per year, with higher-paying university positions being rare. Even with additional qualifications, salary ceilings remain low.

How does the cost of living in Japan compare to other countries, particularly the U.S.?

The cost of living in Japan is relatively high, particularly in major cities like Tokyo and Nagoya. However, salaries are generally lower than in the U.S., which makes it harder for foreigners to justify staying long-term from a financial perspective. The gap between salary expectations and living costs is growing.

What role does family play in the decision to leave Japan?

Family is a significant factor in the decision to leave Japan. Many foreigners struggle with being away from family, especially during important events like family deaths. Cruz shares that his wife’s close family members passed away, prompting them to consider returning home for family reasons.

What is the Japanese pension system, and how does it affect foreigners?

The Japanese pension system can be a disadvantage for foreigners who plan to leave before completing 10 years of contributions. If you leave before reaching that threshold, you lose a significant portion of the money you paid into the system. This can be a financial loss for those who do not plan to stay long-term.

What cultural and social challenges do foreigners face in Japan?

Foreigners in Japan often experience cultural differences, language barriers, and a sense of isolation, especially in the early years. Cruz mentions that he struggled to form deep connections in his first few years, although he eventually found a supportive network through cycling and making Japanese friends.

How does the weather and natural disasters in Japan affect foreign residents?

Japan’s climate and susceptibility to natural disasters can be difficult for some foreigners to handle. Hot, humid summers are particularly challenging for those used to cooler climates. Additionally, earthquakes, typhoons, and the threat of larger natural disasters add an element of uncertainty for residents.

Why is starting a business in Japan difficult for foreigners?

Starting a business in Japan as a foreigner can be challenging due to strict visa requirements. To sponsor a visa, foreigners need a solid investment plan and must demonstrate profitability and growth. Cruz and his wife had considered starting a tourism-related business, but the uncertainty caused by the pandemic made it a less appealing option.

What do foreigners appreciate about living in Japan despite the challenges?

Despite the challenges, many foreigners, including Cruz and his wife, appreciate Japan's safety, excellent infrastructure, and high-quality food. The ability to leave bikes outside without fear of theft and the well-maintained roads and cycling infrastructure are also highlights for many.