Job Discussion Forums

[Eric]

Here is my idea for a new survey to all living in japan. What do you like most and what do you find most challenging about living here.

My favorite part of living here is the amazing nature Japan has to offer. I absolutely love hiking in the Japanese alps in the summer, skiing in the winter, and doing the many trips that are possible with amazing nature always fairly close by and great public transportation.

The most challenging aspect of living in japan for me is to live long term as a foreignor. Some people can but I can't make any kind of retirement or have the many benefits that come from living in my home country. Still I like it here and am here long term. I have now been in japan for about six years.

[markle]

Best: general quality of life. (I live in a semi-rural area, with a wife and kid)

Worst: living in a shoebox

[AgentMulderUK]

Best : Public transport and general feeling of safety.

Worst: Spoiling of nature. Cables everywhere, vending machines., concrete areas that seem to exist for no reason other than to exist. Yuck.

Problems as yet: None.
Long term problems anticipated: None, except employment opportunities when I am old.

Long term observations: Why some people continue to perceive this country as very different to any other(sic) Western country. Conclusion: They never left their room before they came here. People amazed by a flag on a string or a different kind of fish. Woohoo, we must be on Mars.

[Glenski]

[Vince]

Favorite: The pleasant atmosphere. Despite the issues, Japan is quite convenient and accommodating. It wasn't until I left that I realized how at home I was there.

Worst: Lack of a stable and secure career. I didn't like the transitory nature of TEFL in Japan and was itching for something better. I'm building the foundation for that now.

[steki47]

Good:Cozy lifestyle, eikaiwa work is generally easy and a bit fun, lots of interesting things to keep me intellectually stimulated

Bad:Eikaiwa is financially and mentally limiting, being far away from family

That's a rather simplistic answer, but I am only on my second cup of coffee.

[Eric]

Hey Glenski,

To clarify, when I was talking about benfits I meant some kind of retirement package. The other benefits from living in my home country is not being a foreignor, but now that I think about it, it's really no more difficult not bing a foreignor here than living in my home country and going back with my Japanese wife might be a challenge.

[anne_o]

[steki47]

[JL]

The mystique of Japan is, obviously, most powerful to new visitors. I remember fondly, how it all used to be for me, as well. And so I hardly am going to rain on anybody's parade. That said, as I stayed in Japan longer and longer, learned to speak better Japanese, and went about my daily life, I long ago stopped seeing the society and people as "foreign." Of course, I never relinquished my own sensibilities (and even if I did, the Japanese would never let me forget that I'm not one of them). Still, after a while, you find yourself chatting with your kid's teacher about your kid, just like all the rest of the parents. You skim the newspaper inserts to see what's on sale at the grocery store, just as you would in your home country. The techs who come out to install your AC, are just doing their jobs, like techs do back home. There are a million and one differences that leap out at you when you are new to Japan. But when you settle into your daily routines, develop close friends and family, and go about your life, you come to realize that Japan is hardly unfathomable or mysterious.

I just worked a convention last week that had me constantly working with Japanese attendees, all day long, everyday. Must have spoken with close to 200 of them, some, at length. We chitchatted about business in the current climate, home prices in Los Angeles, and all sorts of completely ordinary things.

It is true that a communication barrier can greatly amplify perceived cultural differences. However, for those of you still feeling your way around Japan; with every sight, sound and sensation of something new to take in; relish each moment! Where I happen to be on my journey, doesn't make your new experiences any less valid or wonderous for you.
As the saying goes, it's less about the destination, than your journey getting there.


Oh yeah...as for the poll:
Greatest thing about Japan>>> The country gave me my two children

Worst >>> As I said above, though I feel assimilated, they'll never let me forget I'm a "foreigner," and will invoke that gratuitously, especially when it suits their purposes.

[anne_o]

I enjoy being a foreigner. I sometimes felt like a foreigner in my own country! I'm married to a Japanese man who is not a typical Japanese....he has problems 'fitting' in here as well......
True, life is normal for me here; I go to work, go shopping, deal with all the stuff one has to deal with no matter where you live.....but I will never stop looking and observing.....and appreciating the little details that I love here!

[JL]

[elkarlo]

[anne_o]

yeah....it's funny....i just had an interview yesterday and the English guy asked me if we were living together??? it's like people always think that if you are married to a japanese man he must be some wealthy businessman, or we are just married for convenience???
i'm also feeling that when i go to interviews they just can't understand why i want to work full time and don't want kids!!
all of the stereotypes about japanese men, which have been perpetuated mostly by Westen men.....sorry!........are so silly. But that's another topic!

[seklarwia]