Living in Japan: Is the QUALITY OF LIFE worth the change?

Summary

In this video, Luís Rafael discusses the decision to move to Japan for a better quality of life, emphasizing the subjectivity of such a choice. While Japan offers superior infrastructure, security, and cleanliness, personal factors like family, language, and cultural adaptation also play key roles in the decision. The video encourages viewers to reflect on their values and suggests that sometimes solving problems locally, such as changing environments within their current city, could be just as effective as relocating abroad. It also highlights the challenges of adjusting to a new culture and language when moving to a foreign country.

Takeaways

• 😀 Quality of life is subjective and varies depending on personal experiences, priorities, and values.
• 😀 Objective factors like cleanliness, safety, and accessibility in Japan are superior to Brazil, but individual preferences matter.
• 😀 People place different values on aspects like cleanliness and safety depending on their personal experiences and environment.
• 😀 Safety in Japan is unparalleled, but the importance of safety in decision-making depends on an individual's experiences in their home country.
• 😀 The decision to move to another country should involve self-reflection on what you truly value in terms of quality of life.
• 😀 Often, life improvements can be made by addressing micro-environmental issues (e.g., living conditions or local environment) rather than uprooting to a new country.
• 😀 Changes in personal circumstances, such as moving houses or changing environments, can have a significant positive impact on one's quality of life.
• 😀 Starting a life from scratch in another country is challenging, especially without the same support network that you have back home.
• 😀 Learning the local language is crucial for success in a foreign country, as language barriers can greatly impact one's quality of life.
• 😀 Many people believe that moving abroad will solve their problems, but often the challenges faced are not tied to the country but to personal circumstances and environment.
• 😀 While Japan offers a better standard of living, the lack of a long-term plan or support network can lead people to return to their home countries after some time.
• 😀 It's important to have a Plan B when making significant life decisions, as unexpected circumstances may arise and require alternative solutions.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is whether it is worth moving to Japan for a better quality of life. The speaker provides a deep dive into the concept of quality of life, comparing Japan to Brazil, and highlighting personal factors that influence such a decision.

What is the speaker's background and how does it relate to the topic?

The speaker, Luís Rafael, works with teaching Japanese online and has experience with tourism and exchange programs in Japan. This expertise allows him to speak from both a professional and personal standpoint about life in Japan and the challenges of moving there.

How does the speaker define 'quality of life' in the context of Japan?

The speaker explains that 'quality of life' is a subjective concept that varies based on individual experiences, values, and priorities. While some objective factors like cleanliness and safety can be measured, the value a person places on these elements depends on their personal background and circumstances.

What examples does the speaker use to illustrate subjective differences in quality of life?

The speaker uses examples like cleanliness and safety in Japan. He highlights that while some individuals might highly value Japan's cleanliness and security, others might not consider these aspects as crucial, depending on their own life experiences and the environments they are accustomed to.

What role does the environment (micro vs. macro) play in one's quality of life, according to the speaker?

The speaker emphasizes that a person's immediate environment (micro) can have a significant impact on their overall quality of life. For example, living in a chaotic or unsafe neighborhood can make it more difficult to focus on professional goals, whereas a more peaceful environment can improve one's ability to overcome larger societal issues (macro).

Why does the speaker suggest that sometimes people might not need to move countries to improve their quality of life?

The speaker suggests that many people’s quality of life could improve by addressing smaller, local issues like moving to a better neighborhood or changing their immediate environment, rather than making a dramatic change like moving to another country.

What is the importance of having a clear understanding of one's own values when considering a move abroad?

The speaker stresses that knowing what you value most in life is crucial when considering a move abroad. It helps you weigh the pros and cons of relocating to a new country and ensures that the decision aligns with your long-term goals and personal values.

What challenges might people face when moving to Japan, according to the speaker?

The speaker mentions challenges such as language barriers, cultural differences, and starting life from scratch. Adjusting to a new country’s bureaucracy and living without a support network can make the transition difficult, especially for those who have never lived independently.

How does the speaker view the idea of 'starting from scratch' in a new country?

The speaker acknowledges that starting from scratch in a new country is more challenging than many realize. Moving to a new country often means losing familiar support systems and dealing with new bureaucratic systems, which can make it harder to get settled and build a new life.

What advice does the speaker give regarding making long-term decisions about living abroad?

The speaker advises considering long-term perspectives before making a move, such as thinking about what you want to build for your future and understanding the potential challenges of living abroad. Having a plan B or even a C is essential for being prepared for unexpected changes and adapting accordingly.