8 hard truths I learned after 8 years living in Japan...

hey cybergang,
i moved to tokyo in 2016 with little plans and knowledge. i've messed up. A LOT.
today, i share eight hard truths i wish i knew BEFORE moving to japan. some of the intrinsic realities of transitioning here from america, freelancing, visa renewals, taxes, the importance of japanese language, and grit. knowing these things would've saved me $$$ and stress.

* disclaimer - this is NOT legal advice. please take my personal experience with a grain of salt and consult an immigration lawyer gyoseisoshi (行政書士) and make your best, most informed decisions!

// 🌿 𝘾𝙃𝘼𝙋𝙏𝙀𝙍𝙎 • • •
00:00 - intro & personal update
01:50 - #1 the novelty wears off
03:38 - #2 language school realities
05:21 - #3 japanese skill and salary in japan
07:48 - #4 you don't *need* to quit to move
09:25 - #5 visas and legalities
11:39 - #6 housing money schemes
12:32 - #7 impact on relationshisps
13:12 - #8 biggest obstacle to your success
14:12 - final thoughts

// 🔮 𝙇𝙄𝙉𝙆𝙎 • • •

Weekly pomodoro study streams on Discord/Twitch!
Ask me anything during pomo breaks.

[CYBERSTEFFIE]

thanks for watching :') lmk if you have any questions below!

[shawnbell]

People forget (if they ever learned this through research in the first place) that Japan is one of the most highly defined and detail oriented cultures in the world. Lots of social ques specific to the culture. It is not about the individual, it is about the collective group. Not disturbing others in the public space is a huge cultural value. English is not commonly spoken and those who do speat it often have their limits. I think too many people visit or try to relocate without the foundation of a knowledge and actual love for the culture and way of life. Work and dating culture are not like the west. Japanese are not westerners. Beware of the rules about work permits. The new digital nomad visa is only valid for six months and you have to make a certain amount of income.

[MelloWun]

This was really great. First time here and I subscribed easily.

And I'm crossing fingers you make videos that expand on #3 or #6. Welcome back to YouTube 🎉

[justinkrann]

I live in Japan and learn langauge through immersion. Best thing to do is get a part time job アルバイト in a restaurant or Izakaya. I have done this and it improved my speaking far beyond anything school taught me.

[bertcano]

Great video! Super interested in #4 so I hope to see your separate video on it some day in the future!

[hikosaemon]

Nice to see you back on YouTube. Been here even longer and for the stuff we have in common everything you said resonated. Looking forward to more vids!

[japaneseimmersion]

Great video! Thanks for all the solid information. Looking forward to the Freelancing eBook!

[KayyNova]

This video is beautifully edited, the audio is clear and pleasing. Great job! Just subbed🥰🥰

[jono]

Yay new vid! This is really great info thank you.😎👍🏼

[updatenews]

Good to see you again. Such a informative video. And the Editing was awesome.

[Cliamp]

I'm soooo interested in the #4th topic - I'm currenly in similar situation! Thanks for this video! Trully informative :)

[sergeant_ruffles]

Thanks a lot for sharing your experience! Tips like these are really helpful even though I’ve been living in Japan for a while too. I loved the way you put it all together, and your speaking manner is so calm and pleasant to listen to, without those exaggerated intonations youtubers often make. Wishing you all the best with the channel and with further life in Japan~

[zeinyoussef]

Wow, what an insightful video! I’m moving to Japan in the new year and I’m saving this video for later. This was great information, thank you!

[JoshTaylorJP]

Good stuff Steffie! Agree with it all :)

[erikacarreon]

Your journey is so cool and inspirational. 😊 Thanks for sharing some stories and helpful tips!

[MarcoMeza-zm]

Cheers and happy to hear you are thriving in this country.

[custekdr]

Great story and advice. I was just randomly flipping through Youtube and came across. Very smooth conversation and very relaxed. I would not be against hearing more about your story. I get this feeling that you have a lot of wisdom to give the world. ADHD is tough, from one to another, I'm glad you found a way for yourself. Keep up the good work. Subscribed.

[IzzyOnTheMove]

This is the first video I see of you but you seem very interesting! Subbed, hope you post more! I've also been on a YT hiatus (for a year and a half) because life got busy but I can't wait to be back!!!❤

[madmax]

QUESTIONS please 🙏;
(Great informatively helpful video btw)...
1.) Do you remember the yen amount you have to pay in taxes to obtain the 3 year visa??
2.) Was your ADHD diagnosed while in Japan?
3.) Can you get treatment/medication for it in Japan, effectively, because my understanding is that Japan in general, doesn't address issues regarding ADHD much...??

So, we are moving to Japan next year. I have managed with hardships, to exist and get by with my untreated ADHD my whole life... but my young adult daughter is definitely struggling. i know she has undiagnosed ADHD and suffers from it. She received some free American governmental low quality mental health care briefly, and was only (mis?)diagnosed with severe depression with suicidal tendencies. After 18 years of age, her counseling had stopped, she entered an expensive university and is failing everything now, when she used to be a 4.0 A+ kid before puberty took over. I always see her spiraling and her Japanese tiger mom's only solution is to constantly verbally assault her. New appointments for ADHD testing has not been possible/available here yet for some reason, and she will have to return back to distant college soon again... so, do you think she could be treated if she comes with us to Japan, or maybe she has to stay behind in the free American "health care" mess if that's all she can get...???... im just worried that her life is in jeopardy if untreated and continued misdiagnosis....
Thank you so much, im reaching out because i felt that maybe you could relate...?

[MrNihil_]

First of all, great video! I've been watching quite a lot of "similar" content regarding moving to Japan, as a young professional with a multidisciplinary background (creative and technical, in both corporate and freelance contexts). Absurdly, I had never stumbled upon what you tackled with number 4 in this video and would be super interested in learning more! Welcome back to YouTube!