Expat Experiences in Japan

When considering a move to a new city, there is nothing more useful than hearing real-life stories and experiences from other expats who have lived there. We'd love to hear about your expat experiences. Please contact us if you live or have lived in Japan and would like to share your story.

Moving to Japan from the USA – Read interviews with American expats living in Japan

American expat Kim is a lover of travel and adventure, both of which can be found in abundance in Japan. Having lived in Yokohama for the last three years, here Kim shares the ups and downs of her expat life in Japan.
In September 2014, Joan left her home soil of the USA in search of a new life in Japan. Now working as an assistant language teacher in Tokyo, she shares what she misses about home and what enjoys most about her expat life in Japan.
Becki is an American expat living in Japan. She has lived in several cities but currently resides in Wakayama, where she teaches Business English to engineers. Although Becki finds the city lacking in nightlife and not as diverse as cities like Osaka and Tokyo, she enjoys the fact that it is within easy reach of beaches, mountains and world heritage sites. Read more about her expat experience in Japan.
Chris is a man of many talents and identities, among them husband, father, writer, editor and expat. Chris has avid interests in mountain climbing, skiing, Arnold Schwarzenegger movies, exploring the internet and reading. Read his marvellously informed and helpful account of expat life in Japan.
Di and her husband lived in Northwest Louisiana until they were struck with a strong desire to travel in 2003. They up-and-moved to Japan, where her husband taught fifth grade on an American military base. They remained in Japan for six years before moving to Germany. Read about her expat experience in Japan.
Born and raised in Washington, USA, Ashley crossed over the ocean to Japan. After a year and a half teaching English full time to high school students, she currently spends her time writing, blogging, learning Japanese and experiencing the culture first hand (with some occasional English teaching thrown in). Read about her take on expat life in Japan.

Moving to Japan from North Macedonia – Read interviews with North Macedonian expats living in Japan

Originally from North Macedonia, expat Sania is passionate about Japan and loves discovering new places and learning about new cultures. Here, she tells us about her expat life in Ashiya, a picturesque city situated between Osaka and Kobe.

Moving to Japan from Canada – Read interviews with Canadian expats living in Japan

Dave is a Canadian writer, originally hailing from Vancouver Island. These days he lives in Kyoto, Japan, and is working on a soon-to-be-published novella. Read about his expat experiences in Japan.

Moving to Japan from the United Kingdom – Read interviews with British expats living in Japan

When Jonathan was sent to Tokyo, Japan, by his UK company, he thought of it as a two-year adventure in a foreign country. More than 20 years later, he still calls Tokyo home and is married to a Japanese woman. He reveals some insider secrets to making a success of expat life in Japan. Read more about his expat life in Japan.

Jonathan Hewitt is a British expat living in Japan.

Moving to Japan from Germany – Read interviews with German expats living in Japan

Franzi spent a student's year in Osaka and has plans to return and continue research in the city. Even in her short time, she became enamoured with the magic of the metropolis, and now shares some of her expat experience in Japan with Expat Arrivals.

expat experience interview with franzi kasch

Moving to Japan from Germany – Read interviews with German expats living in Japan

Sibylle moved to Tokyo nine years ago after a lengthy stint in Los Angeles. She's passionate about supporting and creating growth within companies that relate to Japan and has the professional experience and the multilingual ability needed to accompany such a bold motivation. Read about her expat experience in Japan.

Expat Experiences in Japan

Moving to Japan from the USA – Read interviews with American expats living in Japan

Moving to Japan from North Macedonia – Read interviews with North Macedonian expats living in Japan

Moving to Japan from Canada – Read interviews with Canadian expats living in Japan

Moving to Japan from the United Kingdom – Read interviews with British expats living in Japan

Moving to Japan from Germany – Read interviews with German expats living in Japan

Moving to Japan from Germany – Read interviews with German expats living in Japan

Further reading

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