So, I have looked at some posts relating to this but generally I haven’t seen anyone who is actually obese say much about living in Japan- which might perhaps be indicative of the answer.
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I am currently in the process of working through and getting my bachelors and my teaching certificate with the intent to move to Japan one day through the JET program or other similar program, whichever I end up choosing at the time. Now, as I said before, a lot of people are maybe considered “normal” for an American, or “overweight” even. Personally, I am considered morbidly obese. To me, even in America, this is a very overexaggerated feeling term, however I’m sure when I eventually go to Japan it might feel more accurate in comparison to those around me. I’m a 22 year old woman, I’m 5’8″ and 250-260 pounds. A lot of it appears as muscle but I doubt it really matters if they’re using a BMI scale for doctors appointments and such.
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What is it actually like for a fat person to go to, and subsequently live in Japan? I’ve heard of things like companies watching your weight (not the “illegal” stuff, but still- the fact that they’re notified is quite taunting). Does this apply to English teachers as well, or moreso the company office worker side of things? Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
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I don’t intend for the answer I’m given to deter my decisions of following my dreams to move to a place that I admire, but I would like to have a pretty solid grasp on the reality of the situation. Personal anecdotes appreciated. On top of this I’m also transgender (might be seen as Okama in Japan by some who are less educated) so I’m very much working on growing a thick skin around hurtful comments that I am already expecting.
4 comments
>What is it actually like for a fat person to go to, and subsequently live in Japan?
From my personal experience (used to be quite.. well, rotund when first coming to Japan, like 130 kg for 187 cm, male, IT engineer (so, no English-teaching experience)):
1. Probably the biggest issue is going to be clothing, meaning you’re mostly limited to “big&tall” shops or overseas\online ordering, especially if you’re working in the field that requires you to be neatly dressed (usually related to retail, sales or customer-facing roles, with ALTs\English teachers there’s usually no strict dress code).
2. Jogging, cycling, gym and sauna\hot springs are pretty popular among the Japanese, as well as “living healthy”, so you’re quite likely going to be encouraged to join them in dieting, weight loss and similar activities.
3. Summers are hot and antiperspirants are also pretty hard to come by (again, limited to ordering online from Amazon\overseas), so… sweating might as well be an issue.
4. Minor problem is squeezing into the rush hour packed train or an elevator (if working at a high-rise, again, usually not the case for ALTs\English teachers).
5. Actually, once you’re in Japan, the combo of having to be more active (commuting (which usually involves running a few staircases when changing trains), exploring the surroundings on weekends, social activities) and the overall more healthy dieting (especially for an English teacher, meaning the salary isn’t going to be high), i.e. seafood, chicken, local veggies and seaweed, occasionally fruits, make losing weight much easier (if you intend to do so, of course).
Now not from my experience, but somewhat general:
1. Not really Japan-specific, but since you plan on working as an English teacher, kids poking fingers at you and calling you names is another issue. Some talking behind your back from colleagues\kids parents is expected as well.
2. Actually finding a job with the combo of being transgender and overweight is going to be harder, since the companies working in ALT\English-teaching and, especially, school principals tend to prefer the “nice-ish looking foreigner, like the one from the textbooks”. However, “harder” doesn’t mean “impossible”, you may check [this post](https://www.reddit.com/r/teachinginjapan/comments/epelif/can_i_teach_in_japan_as_a_transgender_person/) for example.
3. It also depends on how extraverted (i.e. cheerful and outgoing) of a person you are. Meaning, there is somewhat of a stereotype (thanks to Japanese stand-up comedians mostly) that fat people are usually kind and funny. Not that it’s going to be a problem, just that people might outline some expectations when “judging the book by the cover” so to say.
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>I’ve heard of things like companies watching your weight
Medical checkups twice a year are a thing (again, this also depends on the company) and, given these checkups usually have the “norms” aligned to average Japanese standards, even a “normal” American\European that is just big enough has a chance of being found “overweight”, lol. Anyway, not that you’re going to be fined or discriminated because of the checkup results, just that the colleagues might go with “follow the doctor recommendations” and encouraging you join them on the diets\physical activities I’ve already mentioned a bit more actively.
I grew up here and I used to be obese (my BMI was around 30). I never even considered applying for a job at a larger company because that would be unrealistic. I knew I had to rely on my own skills and knowledge to get a job, so that was what I worked on.
For clothes, I relied on a web store called Nissen which is known for carrying less common sizes.
For day to day living, I had trouble fitting into the allocated space only a few times (tables too close together for me to pass between etc.)
It is doable as long as you keep your expectations realistic and prepare in advance, but if you plan to stay in Japan I’d reconsider doing something that doesn’t give you any marketable skill.
I have a house and will be moving back next year! Let’s hang out! Weight is weird in Japan but honestly it’s not something to decide your fate
Being any of overweight, transgender, or a foreigner is hard in any country. Being all three in Japan will be extremely difficult.
Having a thick skin is great, but won’t give you any protection for the loneliness you may feel if/when no body will talk to you for being so far outside the social norms. Id say if you are set on going, try and make penpals or friends before you even touch down there.