Hello everyone. I’m a student from Vietnam and I’m turning 20 next year. I’m currently studying Japanese at a specialized training college and aiming to enter university. Because my anxiety disorder prevents me from participating in social activities, my real-life knowledge kind of sucks. Which in turn led to even more anxiety as I started living on my own here in Japan.
Ever since I began to have an interest in studying abroad in Japan, I’ve been informed of the dire situation and have read quite many bad news about the socio-economical status of the country. But at that time I was somewhat blinded by my desire in studying oversea and my interests in Japan. I rationalized that: “Well it equally sucks for everyone in the world right now”, “Maybe it’s only gonna be a problem in the far future”.
Recently, though, I’ve again seen many reports saying the future is not so bright for Japan: a possibility for a new recession, rising costs, food security problems, etc. My family isn’t particularly well-off either, so I expect to rely on scholarships quite heavily if I want to enter university, so I guess these problems are going to shake up my life here.
Whether it’s my anxiety causing me to overthink or not, I want to know how these crises going to affect my life in Japan, and what I can do in response. Thank you in advance.
4 comments
It is true that rising prices in Japan are taking a toll on our Japanese wallets, and it is probably true that difficulties lie ahead in the future. However, compared to Western countries or China, inflation is not a big deal and the cheap yen rate makes Japan a good country for foreigners to stay for a certain period of time.
Do you either send or receive money from abroad? If so your concern should be with the current currency exchange between the Yen and Vietnamese Dong. Other than that, as is the case with all foreigners in this country, your other concern is immigration and finding work in Japan if you wish to work in this country. Since you are already in Japan, you don’t need to worry about COVID related travel restrictions.
Japan in 10-20 years is still going to be a better place to live than most other countries.
*Recently, though, I’ve again seen many reports saying the future is not so bright for Japan: a possibility for a new recession, rising costs, food security problems, etc.*
Nobody knows anything with regards to future socio-economic status of anywhere in the world, and people who say they do are lying. The reports you are reading are predictions not facts. Focus on the present – one day at a time. Deal with future setbacks as they appear and become clearer.