If you want the full spiel, I lay it out in detail here.
The short version is that I (US citizen, late 30s) studied abroad and did eikaiwa in Kansai during my early-mid 20s for a combined total of 5 years. Now, 10 years later, I would really like to make the move back to Japan, but I want to do something that I won't hate. My reasons for wanting to come back are primarily: A.) I enjoyed my life outside of work a lot more in Japan, B.) I believe with the kind of financial resources I have available (see below), I may be able have a better quality of life in Japan even if I earn less because of the lower cost of living as long as I live within my means, C.) I work a government job in the US and it may go away in the next year anyway, and most importantly, D.) I am now in a long distance relationship with someone in Japan who I have known for over 10 years (it's still early, but we are both getting older and it seems like it could be serious).
I have approximately 300,000 USD in index funds and can reasonably expect at least $1,500,00 in index funds + several hundred thousand more in non-fungible assets for my half of the inheritance when my mom eventually passes. She is currently in her mid-70s and in good health, but she is also not a big spender, has excellent healthcare coverage, and her investments have continued to grow unabated since my dad died 10 years ago. Knowing that inheritance and gift tax is a major consideration for long-term residents, I have already broached the topic of transferring a substantial portion of my mom’s index funds to me (and my sibling) sooner rather than later, and she has agreed that she would be willing to do so if I were to make this move.
Essentially what I want to know is how realistic my goal is, and what pitfalls and hurdles I might be missing. Based on my browsing of both this sub and retirejapan.com, it seems to me that I am well ahead of the curve (thanks mom and dad!). I have read posts on here about people planning to FIRE with far less than what I should have after inheritance (or wealth transfer). That is not my intention–I do intend to work, and I know I would need to anyway for the VISA if nothing else. My main concerns are taxation, pitfalls/hurdles, and finding a job I don’t hate.
by ShoutenGuy