Hi everyone,
I’m based in the U.S. and I’ve been thinking really seriously about moving to Japan within the next 5–10 years. I’m feeling a little lost and would really appreciate any advice or experiences from people who have either made the move or are planning to.
A little about me: I’m 35 years old, bilingual (English and Spanish), and I’ve been working as a medical assistant for the past 5 years (3 of those 5 years was working in the front lines at the hospital when the pandemic was at strongest). Lately, though, I’ve been wanting to change careers something that could eventually help me live and work in Japan (or anywhere) long-term. I’m planning to go back to school for a bachelor’s degree, probably in Health Information Management (HIM) or something similar to medical coding/billing (because I have no interest in being a nurse, specialist, or doctor). I’m also really interested in becoming a certified medical interpreter, especially combining Spanish, English, and Japanese. I just started learning Japanese and I’m trying to stick with it, even though it feels overwhelming sometimes.
Honestly, I’ve been struggling a lot here in the U.S., and thinking about a future in Japan has been one of the few things keeping me hopeful. I know moving isn’t going to magically fix everything, but I want to build a life that feels peaceful and meaningful and be as far away from my family as humanly possible. I’m saving up for my first trip to Japan in 2026 with my mom, and I’m hoping that visit will help me get a better feel for the country before making any major decisions.
If anyone has advice on realistic career paths (especially ones that could help with a visa like "Specialist in Humanities/International Services"), tips on studying Japanese from absolute beginner level, or even just general encouragement, I’d be really grateful. I’m also curious how people prepared financially, emotionally, or mentally before making a big move like this.
Thanks so much for taking the time to read this. I appreciate any advice or stories you’re willing to share. 🌸
(Posting this to r/movingtojapan — please let me know if there’s a better place to ask too!)
by Icy-Particular64