My Journey: From Lost Foreigner to Successful Expat in Japan
Let me tell you how I ended up here, living a life I never could have imagined when I first set foot in Japan back in 2014. It all started with a chance encounter during my backpacking trip – a whirlwind romance that would completely change the trajectory of my life.
I met my wife in a small café in Kyoto. She was working as a marketing professional, and I was just another wide-eyed traveler fascinated by Japan. Our connection was immediate and intense. Two weeks of exploring temples, navigating bustling Tokyo streets, and sharing late-night conversations sealed our fate. When I returned to the UK, I knew my life would never be the same.
For the next two years, I worked my heart out in finance, saving every penny I could. My goal was simple: return to Japan and build a life with her. In 2016, I made the leap. I arrived with nothing but a suitcase, limited savings, and absolutely zero Japanese language skills.
The Biggest Challenges
When I first arrived, reality hit hard. My finance background meant nothing without Japanese. The professional world I knew back home was completely irrelevant here. I felt lost, frustrated, and frankly, a bit terrified.
My saving grace was Gaijinpot, a website connecting foreigners with teaching jobs. I landed a position at a private school, which became my lifeline. Was it my dream job? Far from it. I hated teaching English, but it served two crucial purposes: it paid enough to live comfortably and gave me the time and stability to learn Japanese.
Language and Job Opportunities
For four years, I was relentless about language learning. While many foreigners get stuck at N4 or N5 levels, I pushed myself. Japanese became my obsession. I studied everywhere – on trains, during lunch breaks, late at night. When I finally passed the N2 level, doors started opening.
My wife’s professional network was instrumental. In 2021, I transitioned from teaching to a role in overseas sales and business development at a Japanese company. This isn’t just a job – it’s a career that leverages both my English and Japanese skills.
Job Opportunities with N2 Japanese
With N2 proficiency, your options expand dramatically:
- Overseas sales (海外営業) in Japanese companies
- Recruiting positions (especially in Tokyo)
- Translation and interpretation roles
- Business development positions
- Some tech and international corporate roles
Pro tip: Recruiting can be a great step up from teaching. It’s high-stress but builds an incredible network and looks far more impressive on LinkedIn.
Social Life as a Foreigner
Let’s be real – making friends in Japan is tough. The language and cultural barriers are significant. My wife’s network helped immensely, but I still had to work hard to build genuine connections. I joined language exchange groups, participated in hobby meetups, and forced myself to be social.
Visa and Practical Advice
My spouse visa was a game-changer. Zero restrictions, complete work flexibility. If you’re married to a Japanese national, this is your golden ticket.
Brutally Honest Advice
Listen up, because this is the unfiltered truth about moving to Japan:
- Learn Japanese or Fail: English is not enough. N2 is your minimum standard. Anything less, and you’re setting yourself up for a mediocre existence.
- Teaching is a Temporary Lifeline: Do not – I repeat – DO NOT get comfortable teaching English. It’s a financial bridge, not a career destination.
- Network Aggressively: In Japan, connections are currency. Build your network like your future depends on it – because it does.
- Financial Preparation is Key: Save money before coming. Japan is expensive, and unexpected challenges will arise.
- Cultural Adaptability is Everything: Be ready to be uncomfortable. Embrace the differences. Your success depends on your ability to adapt, not resist.
Moving to Japan is not a fairytale. It’s hard work, constant learning, and personal transformation. But for those willing to put in the effort, it’s the most incredible journey you’ll ever experience.
Are you ready to make it happen?
Note: This article is based on the personal experiences of Alex Thompson, a long-term expat and dear friend of the Japan Inside Team
Hello,
You mentioned learning Japanese at an N2 level.
Is that just speaking Japanese or do you also read Japanese at that level?
I heard reading Japanese is very hard to learn is that necessary to be successful in Japan?
For Theophilus : yes reading is also required for N2.
Spot on. Point 2 on the list is one I wish I had understood better when I lived there.
I worked 3 times with Japanese clients, with zero reading skills (only some kanjis). One time in 2004 as a webmaster, second time as an interpreter in the Japanese nuclear industry from 2009 until the Fukushima disaster. And third time as a SEO consultant based in Tokyo. Using ChatGPT to translate and communicate.
Means I was lucky compared to you!