Hello everyone,
I’m planning a move to Okinawa but have never been to Japan. To help me decide, I’ll be visiting Japan for three weeks in March 2025, exploring Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Okinawa. During this trip, I want to gain a deeper understanding of life in Japan, investigate potential universities, and connect with expat communities and locals. I’d love advice on how to make the most of this trip, such as exploring universities, immersing myself in Japanese culture, and networking with people who can offer insights into my plans.
About Me:
I’m 27 (turning 28 on Dec. 21), a Black male from Cincinnati, Ohio. I studied film for two years at Wright State University and earned a Technical Diploma in Digital Media Marketing and Radio/TV Broadcasting in 2021. Storytelling, film, and media are my passions, but like many creatives, making a living off them has been difficult.
Rising costs, personal struggles, and an overall dissatisfaction with my current circumstances have made me feel stuck. I’ve been battling depression, feeling like the peace and fulfillment I’m searching for are unattainable. Japan has been a dream of mine since childhood, and while I’m not expecting another country to solve my problems, I believe a major change in perspective and environment could give me the space to grow, heal, and potentially flourish.
I’m not coming into this with rose-tinted glasses—I understand every country has its challenges, and Japan is no exception. I’m fully aware that this move may not be a perfect fit. However, I need to take some real risks for the first time in my life, and I’m ready to give this a serious try. If, after spending significant years in Japan, it turns out not to be the right path, I’m willing to return home. But for now, I owe it to myself to pursue this dream.
Why Okinawa?
Okinawa appeals to me for its slower pace and relaxed atmosphere, which I imagine would ease the transition into life in Japan. I’ll also be bringing my dog, and Okinawa seems like a more feasible option for finding pet-friendly housing. However, my preference for Okinawa isn’t set in stone—I’m open to studying anywhere in Japan if another university offers a better fit for my goals.
Okinawa International University is my top choice so far because of its location and academic offerings, but I don’t know much about the university beyond what I’ve found online. I’d love to hear from anyone who can provide insights into the school, its programs, or the overall student experience there.
The Plan:
I aim to move to Japan in 2026 and have a clear roadmap:
• Achieve N4 Japanese proficiency before moving.
• Obtain IT certifications (Google IT Support, Coursera, CompTIA+, Python) and build a project portfolio to meet university requirements.
• Save money, pay off my car note, and prepare my dog for the move (including meeting Japan’s strict import requirements).
After language school (looking at JCS right now which so far seems like a good fit), I plan to enroll at a university, ideally transitioning to a student visa before ultimately finding work in Japan and switching to a work visa.
How You Can Help:
For my upcoming trip, I’d love recommendations on what to explore and investigate to set myself up for success. Are there specific universities or programs I should check out? Are there communities or resources in the cities I’m visiting that would help me understand life in Japan as a student and expat?
Additionally, any advice on:
•The academic environment at Okinawa International University or other universities in Japan.
•Pet-friendly housing options in Okinawa or elsewhere.
•Making connections with locals or expats who could guide me during this process.
•Tips for managing the transition as a foreign student.
I consider myself to be a creative person who possesses ingenuity, curiosity, and a strong work ethic. I believe in my ability to flourish and figure things out. I’m realistic about the challenges ahead but determined to make this work. Any insights you can offer would mean the world to me, and I’m grateful for your advice as I take this leap.
by Real_Blasphxmy