Hi there! I’m Aki—Japanese, 12 years in U.S. HR, now decoding Japan. Lifetime employment (Shushin Koyo) vs meritocracy—it’s the work culture clash I can’t stand. Japan’s “job for life” sounds secure, but it’s a trap I’d never take.  In the U.S., Results rule—sink or swim, and I love it. After seeing both, here’s the raw truth: one locks you in, the other sets you free.

Benefits vary by company, but some are must-haves under Japan’s laws, while others are company perks. Below, I walk you through statutory social insurance (Shakai Hoken)—what’s required, how it works, and tips for foreigners. Let’s dive in!

Let’s talk money—how Japan pays, taxes, and perks you. Pay’s monthly, deductions are wild, and overtime’s a beast—here’s the scoop for foreigners as full-time permanent employees.

Japan’s employment scene has flipped in recent years—and it’s a huge win for foreigners! A shrinking workforce is one driver, but it’s not the only one. Job mobility’s up, protections are rock-solid, and opportunities are ripe. Let’s dive in!

Hi there! I’m Aki, a Japanese former HR head from the global finance industry. Japan’s workplace culture is famous for its unique communication style, shaped by tradition, hierarchy, and a deep commitment to group harmony. For foreigners looking to thrive in Japanese business settings, understanding these norms is a must. Let’s dive in!

Hi there! I’m Aki, a Japanese former HR head from the global finance industry. After decades in HR, I’ve got a treasure trove of insights on Japan’s workplace culture—and I could go on and on ! Not every company fits these molds, but they’ll give you a solid idea of what to expect. Here we go!

1. Cultural Norms and Expectations

Hi there! I’m Aki, a Japanese former HR head from the global finance industry. I’ve conducted countless interviews with foreign candidates in Japan—solo, alongside hiring managers, and poring over feedback sheets. Based on that experience, here are my Do’s and Don’ts for landing a job in Japan. Let’s get you ready to shine!

Hey there! I’m Aki, a former HR head from Japan’s financial world. Thinking of coming/moving to Japan with a job in mind? Here are some paths I’ve seen work, complete with pros and cons to help you decide.

Decluttering was half the battle—moving day was the real nightmare. Our huge mistake? We accidentally threw away my husband’s passport with the trash!

After feedback requesting more decluttering details, here are extra lessons learned from our move from Chicago to Japan.

1. Label Everything: Sort items into “Need,” “Might Need,” and “What’s the Point?” Setting aside essentials helps movers estimate costs accurately. Stick to 3-4 label types—too many just creates another mess.

When we moved from a 3-story house in Chicago (2,950 sq. ft.—3 bedrooms, living room, dining room, huge kitchen, basement, and garage) to a 3LDK apartment in Japan (835 sq. ft.—3 bedrooms, living room, and kitchen, no garage), it was a nightmare. Just picture the garage—overflowing with stuff we hadn’t touched in years!

Imagine receiving $3,000 monthly from US Social Security. As of March 5, 2025, with an exchange rate of $1 = ¥149.39 (for example purposes), that’s ¥448,170 deposited into your account!

In Japan, hospital rooms are typically shared with six, four, or two patients, unless you choose a private room (extra cost required).
If you get a bed by the window, you're lucky! But if you're in the middle or on the aisle side, you might not be able to see outside.

📖 In September 1967 (Vol. 132 No. 3), a 10-year-old American boy was enchanted by a @NatGeo picture of Itsukushima Shrine. 57 years later, he retired—and now he lives in Japan. 🇯🇵

An Australian friend once told me he never really liked the loud, New Year's Eve parties. Then, he spent New Year's Eve in Nara, Japan. It was completely silent—until midnight.

For international married couples, "where to live" is a major question—one that always lingers. Kids, housing, jobs, finances, aging... and so much more need to be considered!