I apologize if this post is stupid.
I'm an American college student (Asian, M, 22) studying tech at a top 40 university. I am still on track to graduate in a year or two, however, things in my life have not been the best. I have felt like my life here after adulthood has just been quite aimless and unfulfilling. Without going into too much detail, my future feels depressing and I'm not sure I want to work here my whole life. I don't fit well in adult society here and have not been able to make any close friends since high school.
I was thinking after I graduate I would move to either Japan (or Taiwan). I have discussed this with my family already. I know Mandarin fluently which I speak at home, and currently learning Japanese (which is made a little easier since I already know Mandarin). By the time I graduate, I hope to be able to have regular conversations/understand the language. I also have an aunt who lives in Nagoya who would be delighted to have me around.
Since my family is fine with providing me money, I wanted to move out to a quieter part of Japan, perhaps in the Gifu region which is near Nagoya. As I would have my degree, I could work in tech over there but I would also be fine simply dropping it all and starting anew. I just want what would make me happier. And I think leaving this country and going somewhere closer to family, closer to familiar culture, and closer to nature would help me a lot.
Do you think this would be achievable or am I just being silly?
I just wanted to know, in my situation, what would be the best route to take. Any requirements and necessary steps that might help. Thank you so much.
by noididntreddit
17 comments
Don’t forget – wherever you go, there you are.
Yeah, I think it’s realistic. Sounds like you already have a solid foundation to start with (once you finish your degree). It will all come down to if you can land a job that can get you a work visa. Once that’s taken care of, you should be on your way to start a new life in Japan.
Good luck to you!
Unlike most who want to move to Japan, it seems like you have a good plan and understanding of things, so I’m rooting for you.
One thing is you need to check the job market in Gifu, because for tech-related stuff, you will often find them in big cities, not places like Gifu, although I may be wrong. Alternatively, you can land a job, say, in Tokyo or Osaka, and if they have a work from home policy, then you are golden.
When you say you don’t fit well in adult society where you are, and your general sentiment about your current and future life in your place, you should not expect it to be magically change when you arrive in Japan — it could get worse if you don’t have the social skills. So while you are still there, I would also advise putting effort into developing your social skills further.
Your post is not stupid, it’s realistic. But again, with that said, you should also face reality – if you’re having problems there, the place where you are most familiar with, that problem is not suddenly going to disappear. So I would address that as early as now.
But hey, it could also be the best fuckin decision of your life, like many of those who moved to Japan and stayed permanently.
Life won’t be kira kira immediately after moving to Japan but atleast you can take weekend trips to family without breaking the bank.
It sounds great. Culture and nature.
But do you an idea how harsh the work environment will be in Japan? An international company would be better though.
Im your age and I’m studying technology too, I don’t like the course and I’m thinking about moving to Japan, exactly in the Gifu region and looking for any job, as my family is Japanese I can get a visa to live there. lol
This almost sounds similar to what I was dealing with before. I thought living in another country and studying (or whatever) would fix my problems and I would finally be away from my country. The reality is like someone else said on the post “Wherever you go, there you are.” because just because you want to be happier and leave doesn’t mean your problems will just vanish. Both around you and within you. When I traveled I started living in another country I came to the realization that I can’t run from my problems and I overcame them and some are a work in progress. I don’t want to deter you from traveling. You will probably be super enlightened by the experience and learn a lot about yourself if you do it. That just life. Many choices, many variables. Nothing can truly be known. Take the risk and see where life takes you. You want us to help you with your decision but it isn’t something we should or could decide for you. Take life a step at a time and remember tomorrow is tomorrow.
Learn to earn your own money, and not get handouts from mommy and daddy to fund your adventures lol. Cause when they aren’t around how will you fend for yourself?
Aichi is a lovely part of Japan. I went to Japan right out of college and it worked out great for me. Go!
I’m an American living in Japan. Been here awhile. Sure, it’s doable but by the sounds of it, you’d have an easier go in Taiwan. That said, I will speak to Japan. Scout employers before coming. I don’t know what if any tech companies there around Gifu, though. Tokyo would be your best bet for diversity but you also must be aware the TSCM is building a plant in Kyushu and is HQ’d in Ibaraki Prefecture, I think. Without a job before coming, you’ll be able to enter Japan on a landing permit which entitles you to 3 months in country and once landing a job, you’d change your visa.
FWIW, a lot of us who stick here are misfits in our home country. Took me a while to realize I wasn’t the lone ranger.
I’m sure you’ll get lots of advice here. G/Luck.
Not sure if moving to Japan solves your personal concern, but the plan sounds realistic! Gifu would be a great place if you enjoy Japanese culture and tradition. You can enjoy Hida, Iseshima, and Kyoto with your family on the weekend. Nagoya is famous for one of the best wagashi in Japan.
The hardest part would be finding the job. Checking these sites might help for knowing the job market (incl. remote-work) and requirements.
[https://www.tokyodev.com/](https://www.tokyodev.com/)
[https://japan-dev.com/](https://japan-dev.com/)
Uff, so many discouraging comments here. You do you dude. Discover places and choose where you wanna live. Just came back from Japan, I know the aspects of its stressed work culture. But apart from that, if you know the language well and like the city, you should move there 100%! Life is so much better there imo, the daily beauty makes you feel blessed.
Also you are young, rather than being stuck in same patterns, same city, you should discover the world and find where you fit perfectly in it!
My best wishes to you!
🙂
Visit first before moving. Outside of the big cities Japan becomes very rural very quick, so make sure you afford getting a license and at least a kei car.
You should definitely holiday for 30d using your aunt’s place in Nagoya as your base of operation, explore, take the public transit, trains, visit the temples, onsen, markets, experience the izakas, talk to other folks your age, maybe stop in at the local budokan and take a class (aikido, iaido, judo, etc). I wouldn’t plan to move anywhere unless you’ve really checked it out. Moving to Japan you’ll instantly be an outsider and that can be very isolating – possibly amplify any isolation feelings you’re already experiencing in the US. Regarding the work, you likely won’t be hired unless you have passed JLPT 5,4,3,2,1. I think the typical route for college grads is to teach English, and you’ll be immersed in Japanese culture all day long if you are at a school, which would be great for meeting and interacting with Japanese.
So you know, when it comes to work/adult life, everywhere is the same. You need to learn to adapt. The grass always looks greener on the other side. In actual, it’s all the same regardless which side you are on. Every side has their own problems
Well Japan definitely isn’t going to give your life purpose or meaning.
Is there actually a “top 40” list of American universities or did you draw an arbitrary line