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02-21-2008
Too late to leave Japan?
Filed Under (Living in Japan) by Mike

If you’ve lived in Japan for 10 years, do you think it’s possible to leave and go back to your home country?

Not really. Unless you have a job lined up and are ready to cope with being an outsider for a few years it’s going to be pretty difficult. If you’ve been living in Japan for more than five years you will have changed somewhat. I don’t think your family and friends will really understand you and the fact is, Japan is a pretty nice place to live as long you don’t mind the inconveniences of being a foreigner.

When I talk to guys who are thinking of going back to their home country and taking their girlfriend or fiance back with them, I tell them it’s a great idea. Going back will give both of you a chance to experience the other side until it’s time for kids when you will probably come back to Japan ;-).

Just my opinion. Feel free to comment.

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Comments:
9 Comments posted on "Too late to leave Japan?"
Zen on February 21st, 2008 at 8:59 am

Yeah, Folks have said the same about leaving CA…


Zen on February 21st, 2008 at 9:00 am

Hey speaking of which you still coming in AUG?


Mike on February 21st, 2008 at 9:28 am

Coming in August…hmmm…**banging head on keyboard** I don’t know.


Nick Ramsay on February 23rd, 2008 at 8:20 pm

I was just about to tell you about my frustrations in Japan… but I think I’ll have a tequila instead ;)


The Warrior on February 29th, 2008 at 3:33 pm

I have known a few guys who back home with their spouses. Within a few years they were back. I think people get the wrong impression of their home country after being away for awhile. They visit and because they are on vacation they love it. Living their is different.

Also, I think most Japanese unless they hate Japan, want to live in Japan long-term. They are just not comfortable outside of the Land of the Rising Sun.


The Warrior on February 29th, 2008 at 3:35 pm

This is true for the finance/IT guys just as much as the eikaiwa types.

Sorry for the typos in the last post.


Mike on March 3rd, 2008 at 7:50 am

I think the biggest reason foreigners return is family. Living in Japan means losing family and friends back in your home country.


smoother on March 5th, 2008 at 1:37 pm

Let’s say that you have the finances and the job issue is not a problem. So I’m talking about life and adjusting only… I think it would be easy to migrate back to the U.S. at any time as long as you didn’t have children that will be in school for 2+ years. To make this possible the important thing is to keep in touch with people there, don’t burn bridges, and remember that Vonage is a life saver. Also brushing up on the news before you head over is a good idea.

Now before I get flamed, this is my opinion at this time and I haven’t even been in Japan for a year. Maybe my perspective will change as time goes on.


smoother on March 5th, 2008 at 1:39 pm

By the way Mike. Japan means leaving your family and friends back in the U.S. but it also means you’ll be getting new friends and family IN Japan. You also have to think about the Japanese wife/husband as well and put yourself in their shoes. Whatever choice a person or couple makes it’s important to remember that this life did not choose you, you chose this life.


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