Is Japan really “high-tax”? What are the real trade-offs compared to low-tax countries?

I live in Japan and often hear people say taxes here are too high.

At the same time, countries like Singapore or the UAE are often described as tax-friendly or even “paradise” for high earners.

From my personal experience, Japan feels expensive in terms of income tax and social insurance, but healthcare and infrastructure are very stable.

For those who have lived in different countries —

Do low-tax countries actually feel better in daily life?

What are the hidden trade-offs?