Moving to Japan

Japan has a detailed visa system with specific categories for each activity. Work visas require employer sponsorship and a matching qualification. The system is strict but well-organised.

Japan's job market is structured, hierarchical, and credential-focused, but facing severe labor shortages due to its aging population. This creates genuine opportunities for foreign professionals, particularly in IT, engineering, finance, English education, and specialized manufacturing. Tokyo concentrates the most international roles, but Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka have growing international business communities. The traditional Japanese hiring system (lifetime employment, seniority-based promotion) is evolving, but corporate culture remains distinctly Japanese even in international companies.

Japan's healthcare system is universal, high-quality, and remarkably affordable. All residents must enroll in either National Health Insurance (Kokumin Kenko Hoken, for self-employed and non-covered workers) or Employees' Health Insurance (Kenko Hoken, through employers). Patients pay 30% of medical costs out of pocket, with the rest covered by insurance. A doctor visit typically costs JPY 2,000-5,000 out of pocket; a week-long hospital stay might be JPY 50,000-100,000 after insurance. Hospitals range from small clinics (shinryojo) to major university hospitals (Tokyo University Hospital, Keio University Hospital, St. Luke's International Hospital in Tokyo). St. Luke's is particularly popular with foreigners for its English-speaking staff. Prescriptions are filled at separate pharmacies (yakkyoku) near hospitals. The system can feel rigid: you generally need a referral from a smaller clinic to see a specialist at a large hospital, and waiting times at popular hospitals can be hours. Mental health services are less developed and more stigmatized than in Western countries.

Japan presents a paradox: cutting-edge technology exists alongside paper-based bureaucracy and fax machines. Convenience stores serve as de facto service centers where you can pay bills, print documents, send packages, and withdraw cash. Mobile payments (PayPay, Suica/Pasmo IC cards) are ubiquitous, but cash is still important for many small businesses and restaurants.

Japanese culture is layered, nuanced, and rewards those who approach it with patience and humility. The concepts of honne (true feelings) and tatemae (public facade) permeate all interactions: directness is rare, refusals are expressed through hesitation and hedging, and harmony is maintained by avoiding open conflict. Seasonal awareness is deeply embedded in daily life, from cherry blossom viewing (hanami) in spring to autumn leaf viewing (momijigari), seasonal foods, and gift-giving seasons (ochugen in summer, oseibo in winter). Cleanliness is paramount: shoes are removed before entering homes, many restaurants, and some offices. Bathing culture (onsen, sento) follows strict etiquette: wash thoroughly before entering the communal bath. Respect for others' space and time is fundamental: being quiet on trains, not eating while walking, queueing patiently, and arriving on time (or early) are non-negotiable social norms.

• •Never tip in Japan. Tipping is not just unnecessary but can cause genuine confusion and embarrassment. Staff may chase you down thinking you forgot your change.
• •Eating while walking is considered impolite. Stop, eat, dispose of your packaging (carry it if no bin is available), and then continue walking.
• •Never stick chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice. This mimics a funeral incense ritual and is one of the strongest taboos at the table.
• •Being loud on public transport is deeply disrespectful. Phones are set to silent (manner mode), and conversations are kept to a whisper. Phone calls on trains are avoided entirely.
• •Business card exchange (meishi koukan) is a ritual: receive the card with both hands, read it carefully, and place it respectfully on the table during the meeting. Never write on it or shove it in your pocket.