Internal transfer to Japan – good career move but compensation feels low. Worth it?

Hi everyone,

I’d really appreciate some perspective from people who’ve worked in Japan or taken international internal transfers.

I’m currently based in India and have been offered an internal transfer to Japan for a Business Operations / Strategy role supporting the Japan entity.

Key details:

– Location: Yokohama/Tokyo

– Offer: ~$90K CTC (~¥13.5–14M total, ~¥12M base + guaranteed summer and winter bonus structure)

From my understanding:

– This salary is not “bad” for Japan

– But for an international move + increased responsibility, it feels a bit conservative

– I was expecting closer to ~¥15–16M base

What I’m trying to evaluate:

1. Is ~¥12M base a reasonable starting point for this kind of role in Japan?

2. Does it make sense to accept a lower base for the sake of international exposure and growth?

3. How easy/difficult is it to correct salary upwards in Japan after 1–2 years?

4. For those who’ve moved to Tokyo at similar compensation levels — how comfortable is day-to-day life really?

Context about me:

– Mid-30s, single, value experiences (travel, social life, comfortable living)

– Not purely money-driven, but don’t want to feel financially constrained either

– Long-term goal is to move into leadership roles globally

I’m trying to decide whether this is a smart “short-term compromise for long-term upside” or if I’m undervaluing myself.

Would really appreciate honest inputs, especially from people in similar roles or who’ve made a similar move.

Thanks in advance!