Hi everyone!
I’m currently researching the possibility of a long-term stay in Japan. I’ve learned a lot from reading Reddit over the past months, and now I’d like to ask some more specific questions.
I visited Japan in spring 2025 and traveled through several cities. Osaka ended up being my favorite.
I’d like to ask those who live in Osaka or know the city well: which areas would you recommend for a calm and comfortable everyday life? Somewhere suitable for walking, cycling, and generally feeling relaxed day to day. I’m especially interested in personal experience rather than a tourist perspective.
During my trip, I stayed near Tennōji Station and really liked the park and the overall convenience of the area. I also noticed Higashisumiyoshi Ward — I didn’t visit it myself, but it looks fairly green and pleasant. What criteria would you personally consider important when choosing a neighborhood to live in?
I’m also considering enrolling in a language school. From what I’ve found so far, there are several accredited options in Osaka, such as YMCA (near Tennōji Station) and ISI (around Dōtonbori). My rough plan is to apply in 2027, switch from full-time work to studying, and live in Japan for 1–2 years to better understand whether long-term life there suits me.
A bit about myself: I’m 27 years old, married, and I work as a character 3D artist at a game studio. I wouldn’t call myself a top-tier specialist, but I’m no longer a beginner either. Unfortunately, I don’t have a university degree. I understand this can be an important factor in Japan, so I’m considering different paths — relying on accumulated professional experience (eventually around 10 years), or, as a last resort, enrolling in a college.
This leads to another question: how common is it, in your experience, for 3D artists to find work in Japan without a university degree but with solid professional experience?
I understand that, like any country, Japan has both positive and negative sides. I’d like to ask in advance not to discourage me from trying — I believe I’m approaching this realistically and without idealizing the country. For me, the best way to understand whether a place truly fits is to experience living there firsthand.
I’d really appreciate any thoughts, advice, or personal experiences you’d be willing to share. Thank you!
by Spirited-Buy7491