Hi all,
I’ve recently been offered a job working for a science technology company in Japan and I have a few weeks to decide if I want to quit my current job in the UK to take on this new role.
About the job:
\- Salary is approx. 8mil JPY per year + an attractive stock option and most of my work would be based in Yokohama, with some travel to Tokyo and Kyoto required. From what I’ve read this a fairly good salary for a single person, even living in Yokohama which is what I would like to do. This is a fairly significant increase on my current salary in the UK (working in a postdoctoral position).
\- The company works in English although most of the current staff are Japanese. It is small but growing and they are aiming to expand internationally.
The job itself sounds very interesting and is relevant to my skills and my potential colleagues/bosses seem friendly from my interviews. However, I am slightly worried about my potential work/life balance. As it is a growing company I will be expecting to work long hours sometimes, but I don’t want this to be the case perpetually – do English-speaking companies tend to have a different culture to Japanese-speaking ones?
Another thing I am curious about is about building a social circle while over there. I’m a fairly gregarious person and I like to have lots of friends, but I am concerned that not being able to speak Japanese will inhibit me greatly. If I moved I would put a serious effort into learning Japanese but obviously there is a big jump from knowing no Japanese to being able to socialise. I spent 2 months in Japan for a research project while only knowing very basic phrases and was able to cope, and this was in a much less densely populated area than Yokohama.
Apologies if this seems a bit rambling since this is all very exciting for me and I still have lots to think about. I’m hoping my previous experience living there will have removed most of the rose-tinted view I might have about Japan, but I’m curious to hear if there are aspects of life I may not have considered or may have false pretenses about. Thanks!
11 comments
> do English-speaking companies tend to have a different culture to Japanese-speaking ones?
Depends on the industry and the company. Why not ask to speak to some people you’d be working with to ask about their work-life balance? If you’ve received an offer, it’s not a terrible idea to want to learn more about the company culture.
> I am concerned that not being able to speak Japanese will inhibit me greatly.
Yeah, you’re right. I mean, you COULD just socialize with other foreigners exclusively; there are a lot of people who do just that. However, knowing Japanese is essential to having a more fulfilling life here. But, do know that things are a little different here; people aren’t as openly super outgoing/friendly as they are in the UK, US, Australia, Canada etc. It’s a lot less common to just become friends with someone you randomly meet. A lot of people make friends either at school or through hobby groups — so if you want friends that aren’t tied to things like work or only having one thing in common, it’ll take more effort.
The salary is really good, especially for Yokohama. If the falling yen doesn’t worry you, I think it’s not a bad deal.
Finding friends shouldn’t be hard. Yokohama/Tokyo are hotspots for foreigners. But learning Japanese will be essential to making friends with locals. As far as language barrier, most things double in english so general living won’t be hard.
Congrats, and keep it moving!
the only thing i regret about moving to japan was not doing it sooner just the chance bro do it.
I currently live in Yokohama, but a very different type of life than what you’re probably looking at (family with a small child). Yokohama has a lot of foreign residents and lots of support for English speakers. For example, my ward has an “international lounge,” where you can come to for help with documents, ward office business etc. There’s some good options for English-speaking dentists and medical care, so you’re taken care of for those things as well.
I can’t comment as much on socializing, as my social life is pretty different than what I imagine yours will be, but there seems to be a lot of foreigner-friendly casual sports groups, activities, etc. There’s even the Yokohama Athletic Club (like an English-speaking country club) if you’re into that sort of thing.
For socializing in Japanese, yes you’ll need to work on your language, but it’s a young and vibrant city so if you can find a sport or hobby group (and as hopefully things begin to return to normal), you should have a good chance of making connections.
As others have said, that’s a good salary, especially for a single person. If you want to get a sense of what you’d be able to find for apartments/mansion with that budget, take a look on Suumo. Remember though that Yokohama is pretty big, so narrow down to the areas that you’re interested in.
One thing you didn’t mention is if your work will provide any support for the relocation— this could be monetary or otherwise. Since you have a good salary (money makes all things easier) and some Japanese language I wouldn’t worry too much if they can’t offer anything, but it’s always nice to have either more cash for all the upfront costs of renting an apartment in Japan (which you’ll need!), or even just logistical help for starting your new life.
Kanagawa is awesome. I’d jump at the chance not just for a salary.
Hello there!
I am on the same boat. Taking up a new job in Yokohama and will be relocating soon! Glad to meet you!
If you’re outgoing and gregarious, particularly if you drink, you should be able to make friends. Having even a little Japanese goes a long way. Highly recommend findings. Couple bars you like, especially small bars with a mama-san, and making yourself a regular. Get to know the mama, the regulars, etc.
I lived outside Yokohama for 4 years. It’s an awesome place to live. Lots of bars, restaurants, etc. You can socialize; you just have to put yourself out there. When I lived there I didn’t have access to the technology that exists nowadays, so you can find websites and apps to make English speaking friends or Japanese friends that want to learn English. I would recommend at least learning basic English. The Japanese people are real friendly and want to practice their English, but they get happy and excited when a foreigner uses their language. There are some areas in Japan (mainly in the country) where English signage isn’t prevalant so knowing basics like “toilet” and “rice” and “chicken”, etc is a good idea. You can also take Kumon classes.
Yokohama has plenty of foreigners who are all friendly (except the army guys haha). Noge area is fun for drinking and you’d be making about 40% more than the average person. You can get a decent 1 LDK apartment near your work for around 70000-100000 yen per month and have lots of money to save/travel/play.
If your under 35, why not! Japan is a great place to live for a few years and Yokohama is a cool city with beaches and Tokyo nearby. Just don’t stay forever unless you plan to learn Japanese, no one wants to be yet another old bald grumpy white guy with a disgruntled wife.
Yes – that salary for a single person should provide a comfortable lifestyle in Yokohama.
Just moved to Yokohama last week with my wife for her postdoctoral research. I had the same uneasiness when making the move as I don’t know any Japanese aside from the usual phrases at restaurants, grocery stores, etc. For us, it was one of those opportunities where we reflect back and don’t want to regret not doing it, whatever the outcome may be.
It’s only been a week, but I would like to build a social network of Japanese and English-speaking friends. Hoping to meet new people by taking Japanese language classes, and joining some hobby clubs (tennis). Other comments have been very useful!
Feel free to DM if you have any questions or end up coming!