Beyond the glow of Kyoto’s temples or Hokkaido’s snow, daily life in Japan opens a world of unique, slow-burning pleasures that tourists barely scratch. These aren’t bucket list check-offs. They’re lifestyle joys, discovered only when you stay long enough to belong.

You’ve made it—settled in Japan as a retiree expat (2M strong, 2023!). After “Why retire here” and “How to plan”  this is your guide to thriving post-move. I’ve got the practical, financial, and emotional steps—straight from our stumbles. Japan’s no perfect, but with grit and prep, it’s home. Grab tips from “Freebie Shelf”—let’s make your golden years glow!

This post unpacks the practical, financial, and emotional steps to make it smooth and fulfilling, all from our real-life stumbles. Retirement gives you time, but relocating to Japan’s a big move—plan ahead! I’ve dropped a free checklist on the “Freebie Shelf” tab. Hope you can skip the stress and flops we hit. Let’s build your bridge to a new chapter—step by step, with confidence!

For many, the answer is a surprising—and genuine—yes. Whether you’re in the early stages of exploring the idea or just curious about what life could look like after retirement in a different country, Japan might be more than just an interesting option—it could be the opportunity of a lifetime.

This is the first post in a three-part series:

1. For curious explorers

2. For planners who’ve decided to relocate

3. And finally, for settled expats already living in Japan

Yesterday, I raved about “Why Japan”—safe streets, fab healthcare, the works. But let’s keep it real—no place is perfect, not even here. Here’s six biggies, with stories and stats included!

People ask, “Why Japan?”—and honestly, it’s a no-brainer. It’s safe, the medical system’s a gem, the food’s unreal, and healthy vibes are everywhere (my husband dropped serious pounds here!). It’s the world’s 3rd biggest economy, affordable, and the people, polite as heck with a culture that’s one-of-a-kind. Every place has its charm—here’s why Japan, stats and all.

Job hunting? Your CV’s your ticket—but in Japan, it’s a whole different beast: Rireki-sho (履歴書) and Keireki-sho (経歴書).

Job hunting here can feel like cracking a code, but I’ve hired stars and seen the process. Let’s land you a gig!

I’ve interviewed tons of Japanese candidates—in Japan and the U.S.—and wow, some are stellar. Brilliant skills, high motivation, leadership vibes, resilience that’d make you cheer. I’d give ‘em top marks, ready for the next round. Then U.S. bosses hit me with: “No personality.”

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!