What do I need to know/to have to be able to live in Japan?

NightBird · (#1 (**permalink**))

Hello!

I know there are lots of posts for some asked question about the life in Japan, but I have not followed all the posts and I would like to have a resume about that...

I have other questions but I'll post them to their right section...
So, I would like to ask some general questions and maybe you can complete them by giving us some tips and etc...

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1) What are knowledges required to live in Japan?

2) Do I need to learn Japanese language?

3) I hesitate to live in Japan or New Zealand... what are your arguments to help me to choose Japan?

4) How the general life is in Japan?

5) How do the Japanese peoples are socialize with foreign peoples (from Europe)

6) What are requirements to be a "permanent resident" or a "Japanese citizen"?

7) What is the school degree required to have "easily" work in Japan? (as I saw it's "College" so it's Bachelor[+ Master])

8) A good salary to live "without difficulties for 2 peoples" in West Europe is around of "2000,00 €" or around "222 000,00 JPY"... what about in Japan? Is the salary is cheaper and the life cheaper, is it the same or more expensive?

9) What are advantages and disadvantages about social laws (example: is the hospital is free while passing by mutual insurance companies or do we need to pay hospital?) and fiscal laws? (example: is there car taxes? Are these taxes are higher for "bigger" cars or "higher-value cars"?)

10) What are general advantages and disadvantages by living in Japan?

11) Is it easy to be owner of a house or something like that?

12) Is the life peaceful in Japan?

I'll ask more questions in another time, as I have no other ideas...
Thank you to take your time to answer me and of your kindness. I apologize if I disturbed someone or because of too many similar posts

Voilà!

NightBird · (#2 (**permalink**))

Well I may read some posts before be back on this one...

RobinMask · (#3 (**permalink**))

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Sangetsu · (#4 (**permalink**))

A lot of this depends on where in Japan you live. The typical entry-level pay for foreigners with a university degree is about 250,000 yen per month. If you live in the countryside, this is a lot of money, if you live in metro Tokyo, this may not be enough to pay the rent on a 1 room apartment.

Car taxes are based on the car's age and engine size. Almost all major highways charge tolls, and parking is scarce and expensive in the cities. Cars themselves are cheap (for used models).

You need to pay into the national healthcare system to receive medical treatment in a hospital. You are required to pay for services up-front, and the health care program will reimburse you.

Getting permanent residency is tricky, you must be in the country at least five consecutive years without a change in visa status. Some people who are minimally qualified are approved immediately, while many who are well qualified (professionals who speak good Japanese and who have lived in Japan for 10 years or more) are often turned down.

A foreigner can easily own property or a house in Japan, but permanent residency is usually required to qualify for a mortgage.

Personally, I like living in Japan. I work as a teacher part time, and I own a small business which provides extra income. I live in Tokyo, which I think is a wonderful place. My business allows me to live where I like, and I am thinking of perhaps buying a larger home in the countryside. Most of Japan is mountainous and forested, and as much as I like Tokyo, it would be nice to live in a more quiet place.

NightBird · (#5 (**permalink**))

Thanks for your firsts answers...
Wow it sounds like Japan is an expensive country? If you can give me some examples (if possible?)

The healthcare system sounds similiar to U.S. ones... (bad, this is not in case in european countries [we pay really a few, like 5 000,00 yen a year maybe])... but I would like to have more informations if possible...

Thank you again to take a part of your time to help us and to answer to us

GoNative · (#6 (**permalink**))

I don't find living in Japan to be expensive at all. Quite a bit cheaper than life in Australia these days. But I do fully own my home here so no rent or loan which makes life pretty easy and I do live in rural Hokkaido which is about as cheap an area to live in Japan as there is.
As sangetsu said where you live makes a big difference if you're only earning Y250,000-300,000 a month. Tokyo is not cheap but what what major city in the world is?

NightBird · (#7 (**permalink**))

Like in every countries...
In the metro/center of the city, it's just too expensive...
And when you live in rural, it's an "easy life"... right?

What about the money in Japan?

RobinMask · (#8 (**permalink**))

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