Post AkDNxRpXzzoM9Qnkmm by WataruTenkawa@social.vivaldi.net
(DIR) More posts by WataruTenkawa@social.vivaldi.net
(DIR) Post #AkDAdk7sy1tvhNeWrQ by adiz@soc0.outrnat.nl
2024-07-23T04:49:53.312Z
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Tagging my Japanese bros @WataruTenkawa@social.vivaldi.net with an open question for anyone to contribute to. If he wants to tag some people in to add their $0.02 then I'm cool with that too. The question is: why Japan?I've heard a lot of good things about Japan and I have 2 coworkers who live in Japan and commute to work. I've never been to Japan, but I'm about to move back to China and many coincidences and things in life recently have been hinting that maybe I should be considering Japan instead. One of my coworkers highly recommends it and encourages me to come visit him. What's it like living in Japan, and why was Japan picked specifically vs. anywhere else? I understand it's more expensive than the United States (and, of course, China) but that foreigners can buy real-estate over there (unlike China) and that immigration is much easier for Americans vs. China.I'm just very curious about Japan since the universe keeps dropping hints about it right at the precipice of this big move back overseas I'm planning. Also, the commute would be shorter than Shanghai.
(DIR) Post #AkDFqQ9N34IvHODChk by WataruTenkawa@social.vivaldi.net
2024-07-23T05:02:46Z
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@adiz Whether you have a good experience or not in Japan depends on several factors, e.g.:- Your own personality- Where in Japan you end up living- Whether you find work that is rewarding and enjoyable- Your level of participation in the society- Your Japanese language proficiency- The friends you happen to makeI've been here 46 years, and felt I was going to spend the rest of my life here from the first day I arrived in Tokyo. It just suits me much more than other places I've lived in or been to. That's because every one of the factors listed above turned out on the positive side for life in Japan. But there's no guarantee it will work out for you. Many people have trouble making friends in Japan, feeling a wall between them and this society. Or they find themselves hating the company they work for. But many others end up as lifers, like me. Maybe come and try it out for six months or a year?
(DIR) Post #AkDFqQva9orvgulhqq by adiz@soc0.outrnat.nl
2024-07-23T05:47:02.419Z
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@WataruTenkawa@social.vivaldi.net My options are basically Tokyo and Shanghai due to airline availability and the need for US commutes. I know Tokyo is a different beast from Japan proper. Shanghai is pretty legit, and I got a bunch of solid connections out over there. Work either way wouldn't be an issue because I'm gonna' be working in the USA. Definitely have more job prospects in Shanghai though if I needed something else.
(DIR) Post #AkDNxRpXzzoM9Qnkmm by WataruTenkawa@social.vivaldi.net
2024-07-23T06:50:05Z
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@adiz Even within Tokyo, the choice of neighborhoods makes a big difference. There are so many, with different characteristics, whether urban, suburban, practically rural, old and modern. I assume life in a democracy would be different from life in China, but don't have experience to back that up. Also, are Shanghai people polite and rule-abiding? Some Tokyo expats find the Japanese politeness to be a facade, but even so, it makes everday life more pleasant.
(DIR) Post #AkDNxT1dYX4lrDSvGi by adiz@soc0.outrnat.nl
2024-07-23T07:18:01.132Z
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@WataruTenkawa@social.vivaldi.net Shanghai is great. China in general is wonderful. Chinese people are very polite (friendly, for sure, unsure particularly what you mean by "polite"), and I find the lack of rules and cavalier attitude towards them (and their enforcement) pleasant compared to the United States. China isn't an "anything goes" country but a lot goes, especially outside of the major cities, and there's tons of opportunities everywhere. Used to be more or all of that, actually; Unfortunately, (in my opinion) it's become more "civilized" (or sterilized) over the last 10--20 years... especially after COVID. "Democracy" or not, China is one of the freest places I've ever lived. There's a lot to like about China. I have a lot of love for the place. Japan still interests me and I'm curious to experience it, especially with everything in my life as of recent pointing towards it.