Japan is easily one of the most beautiful countries worldwide, boasting a culturally abundant, yet modern nation with landmarks spanning centuries and connecting upcoming generations with their ancestors’ past. The significant influx rates registered by the Nihon shouldn’t come as a shocker, given the many perks attracting people from all walks of life to the distant ground. According to the most recent data, over 19K individuals relocated from G.B. to Japan last year. Data from Wikipedia sets this number at 19,909 Britons. Yet, the figure doesn’t take in short-term residents, those travelling as diplomats or government officials, and those naturalized as citizens of Japan.
Moving from the U.K. to Japan can be just as impactful as it is beautiful. This exciting opportunity requires emphasizing the main considerations expats may need to know to make their best decisions and enjoy their stay on foreign soil.
Here’s what you should know before seizing your one-of-a-kind opportunity to move to Japan for a while or for an eternity.
Living costs
From housing to daily expenses to entertainment and education, Japan is nothing like the U.K., meaning that you should research similar information well before you establish aspects like where you’ll stay and what landmarks you’ll have nearby. A regular cappuccino costs around 2.80£ in Tokyo, whereas in London you’ll need 3.74£ to afford it. Enormous differences exist when it comes to basic need prices. For instance, a bottle of water will be 138.1 % more expensive in the U.K. capital compared to Japan’s.
When it comes to more important acquisitions, you may be surprised to learn that some things are cheaper in the U.K., including rice, which may cost you 28.7 % less. Veggies like potatoes, onions, tomatoes, apples, and so on are subjected to the same price rises.
Transportation costs less in the capital of Japan unless you want to take cabs, in which case a slightly higher fee may be incurred. At the same time, most monthly utilities, like the internet and the HVAC system, are discounted compared to London.
The city excels in child care prerequisites, so if you plan to relocate with your whole family to Japan, you will be relieved to see so many child perks subsidized by the government. Clothes, monthly rentals, and real estate assets can also be cheaper, depending on your target and budgetary limit.
Research housing options in your favourite cities. Osaka and Tokyo are pricier than Okinawa and Hokkaido, to name a few budget-friendly prices, so manage your finances accordingly. Additionally, be aware of the stuff that costs more than your city, including U.K. groceries, transportation, and utilities. There are a few aspects where Japan can be pricier than the U.K., but you can’t dodge it with some careful financial planning.
Healthcare system
Japan employs a universal healthcare and insurance system, relying on it to offer quality services for patients while trying to reduce inequality of access. Government committees establish the fees; every Japanese must hold such a document to enjoy health insurance coverage.
Despite the universality of the healthcare sector, you’ll have to enroll in insurance programs, be it via your national health insurance arrangement or your employing company. Medical services must be checked before deciding on a specific establishment, and if you’re new to the country, you may need a seasoned inhabitant’s advice and involvement.
Verify the availability of medical perks in your region and get to grips with how you’ll access them. Keep in mind that you may find it challenging to get comfortable with the new lifestyle if all you knew to date was the friendly legal system that focuses on the health and safety of every human being, as well as on conciliation.
You’re possibly accommodated with the thought of reaching out to a claim specialist, such as those at Personal Injury Claims, where your case is reviewed, has the winning chances calculated, and often solved—all under the “No Win No Fee” arrangement. Yes, you may claim compensation from a Japanese healthcare establishment if you’re sure they breached their duty of care and impacted your well-being and safety. But you must prove such statements to win—just like you’d do in the U.K.
Visa necessities
As with many other countries worldwide, Japan imposes the use of a visa that justifies visitors’ stay. A few months ago, the state finally greenlighted and launched the JESTA visa, a quasi-visa for Malaysians, to decrease the number of unlawful immigrants coming from visa-exempt nations who stay more than they’re allowed to on Japanese soil.
Moreover, the country has launched a digital nomad visa, a program activating in more than 50 countries, among which Croatia, Argentina, the UAE, Spain, and Romania. Japan has declared the inauguration of such a document for residents of 49 nations permitting remote work for no more than half a year. Some criteria to tick off include private health insurance and a registered income of no less than $66,690 per year.
For reasons like these, the first thing you should do is figure out the appropriate visa for your specific purpose, whether personal, travel, work, or educational purposes. Japan maintains definite visa classes, so make sure you apply for the authorization that best meets your needs.
Kick off the visa application process on time and collect all the needed documents, such as background checks, financial statements, and proof of employment.
Last but not least…
Other considerations exist and are not to be taken lightly. For instance, even if the majority of Japanese people speak English, mostly in urban areas, appropriating some phrases in the foreign language can be highly beneficial for daily life and work.
At the same time, the Japanese are known for respecting very rigid social norms. Japanese work culture differs from that in the U.K., with a big focus on hierarchy and long working hours.
Don’t forget to learn your travels, for Japan has an efficient public transportation system that includes trains, buses, subways, and so on, providing cards for easy travel. Know your commute options and ponder how they’ll affect your day-to-day routine.