15 common troubles that foreigners have when living in Japan and how to deal with them.

For most of the foreign people living in Japan have common troubles because of the differences of culture, lifestyle, and language. It is not easy to deal with them. However, people can make their lives fulfill and more comfortable with support from surrounding communities. In this article, we focus on the common troubles for foreigners living in Japan and introduce the solutions.

【１】 Language difference

The most common problem for foreign people living in Japan is the language differences. Japanese has its own grammar and unique writing system which is called “Hiragana”, “Katakana”, and “Kanji” and the difficulties often cause lack of communication. The language barrier, from simple daily conversations, procedures at public institutions, consultations at medical facilities, and job hunting, can sometimes force foreign residents to face difficulties. To deal the difficulties, how about considering the acts below?

• Learn more Japanese: Attend Japanese online learning program or language school or use language learning apps.
• Find language exchange partners: Through language exchange with Japanese speakers, you can improve your practical conversation skills and learn about Japanese culture and customs.
• Use translation apps: Use translation apps for emergencies or simple communication in daily life.
• Use interpreter services: Utilize professional interpreter services for procedures at public institutions or consultations at medical facilities.
• Find and live in a town or place with strong Japanese language support: Consider living in areas or facilities with strong Japanese language support services (e.g., multicultural coexistence centers or international exchange centers).

【２】Lack of acquaintances or friends

Another challenge for foreigners living in Japan is the lack of acquaintances or friends. Isolation in a new environment can lead to psychological stress. If you don’t have acquaintances or friends around, consider trying the following methods:

• Participate in language exchange events: Attend language exchange events or international exchange meetings to find people with common interests.
• Join hobby clubs or circles: Join clubs or circles based on your hobbies or interests such as sports, reading, or photography to build connections.
• Use social media and apps: Utilize social media like Facebook, Meetup, Tinder, or Bumble to participate in events or gatherings.
• Participate in activities at Japanese language schools or community centers: Participate in events or classes for foreigners held at Japanese language schools or local community centers to strengthen your network and gain useful information for daily life.
• Join volunteer: Contribute to the local community while meeting new people and engaging in exchanges with residents.

【３】 Cost of living is high

Many foreigners feel that the cost of living, including housing, daily necessities, and food, is higher in Japan compared to their home countries. This higher cost of living can be a burden when starting life in Japan. Here are some ways to address the high cost of living:

• Plan your living expenses: Create a list of necessary living expenses before starting life in Japan and estimate your budget.
• Save money: Use a dollar shops, discounts, whole sales, and coupons.
• Reduce food expenses: Cook at home instead of eating out, buy fresh and inexpensive ingredients from local markets or supermarkets.
• Use shared housing or guesthouses: Save on initial housing costs by using shared housing or guesthouses where utilities and internet fees are included.
• Use secondhand items: Instead of buying new items, purchase secondhand furniture or appliances.

【４】 Difficulty in understanding tax and healthcare insurance systems

The unique and complex tax and healthcare insurance systems in Japan can be a barrier for foreigners living in Japan. Even for Japanese people, understanding Japan’s tax system and insurance systems can be challenging. If you’re struggling with understanding tax-related matters, consider the following:

• Gather information: Use local government websites or information sites for foreigners living in Japan to collect basic information about Japan’s tax and healthcare insurance systems.
• Use consultation services: Use “consultation services in foreign languages” provided by many local governments to resolve questions or concerns about taxes and insurance.
• Continue learning Japanese: Continue learning Japanese to deepen your understanding of specialized terms and read and understand specialized documents related to taxes and healthcare insurance.
• Join local support groups: Build a network with other foreigners who have similar concerns or with people who have knowledge about Japan’s systems to share valuable information and advice.

【５】 Poor Wi-Fi environment

When foreigners live in Japan, they may encounter unexpected problems with poor Wi-Fi environments. Particularly outside of the tourist destinations or urban areas, there may be few public Wi-Fi spots or unstable signals. Additionally, the internet environment at home may be worse than expected. To improve the poor Wi-Fi environment, it is recommended to try the following methods:

• Rent a pocket Wi-Fi: Rent a pocket Wi-Fi during your stay in Japan.
• Utilize mobile data plans: Consider mobile data plans of mobile phone company, including those for foreigners, if you plan to stay in Japan long-term.
• Use public Wi-Fi spots: Utilize free Wi-Fi provided by cafes, libraries, shopping malls, etc., in Japan.
• Install Wi-Fi enhancers: If the Wi-Fi signal at home is weak or unstable, consider installing Wi-Fi enhancers or repeaters to extend the signal range.

【６】Obtaining and Driving with a Japanese driver’s License

Obtaining a Japanese driver’s license and being able to drive a car can improve convenience in daily life. However, due to differences in Japan’s driver’s license system, traffic rules, and language barriers, many people find it challenging to obtain a driver’s license in Japan. Therefore, it may be useful to know the following methods when you want to obtain a driver’s license in Japan:

• Attend a driving school that supports foreign languages.
• Find examination facilities where you can take the full license exam in a foreign language.

Driving schools that support foreign languages are increasing these days in Japan. This is because Japan’s total population of foreigners is increasing year by year, leading to a higher demand for driving schools. Driving schools that support foreign languages offer various services, such as purchasing textbooks in foreign languages and having instructors who can speak foreign languages. Additionally, in specific driver’s license centers, it is possible to take the full license exam in a foreign language. Since the supported languages vary depending on the facility, it is recommended to check in advance on the websites of local police stations in each region.

• Few hospitals offering medical consultations in foreign languages

Language barriers in healthcare can be a significant issue for foreign people living in Japan. This is because there are few hospitals or clinics where medical consultations can be conducted in languages other than Japanese. If you want to receive medical consultations at hospitals in Japan, how about considering the following methods:

• Research multilingual medical institutions in advance: Use the internet or local international exchange centers to research multilingual medical institutions near your residence and make a list in advance.
• Use medical interpretation services: Utilize free or low-cost medical interpretation services for foreigners provided by some municipalities or non-profit organizations (NPOs).
• Utilize multilingual medical information apps: Use smartphone apps to communicate symptoms and necessary medical procedures to physicians or doctors.
• Prepare health insurance cards and medical histories in English: Carry cards with health insurance information, medical history, allergy information, etc., written in English in case of emergencies.

Prepare adequately and gather information to smoothly take medical services.

Requirements and acquisition methods of Japanese driver’s license for people from abroad.

【８】 Lack of multilingual signage

The lack of “multilingual signage” in public places and services can cause daily life difficulties for foreign people in Japan. Since basic information such as guide signs, menus, and public transportation information is often provided only in Japanese, here are some ways to deal with the lack of multilingual signage:

• Utilize multilingual apps: Use translation apps like Google Translate or Microsoft Translator, or multilingual navigation apps (some apps allow translation just by taking a photo).
• Use multilingual information websites: Utilize multilingual tourism information websites operated by organizations like the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) or local governments.
• Utilize local international exchange centers: Use international exchange centers or foreigner support centers that provide information and support in multiple languages.
• Utilize social media and communities: Join groups or communities on platforms like Facebook or Twitter that are specifically for foreigners living in Japan.

【９】 Limited Places to Enjoy Hobbies and Leisure Activities

For some foreigner people newly started living in Japan, it might be difficult to find places and activities to enjoy their hobbies and interests.

In particular, language barriers and cultural differences can be challenging to participate in hobby communities or find recreational activities that suit them. Therefore, we recommend trying the following methods!

• Utilize multilingual information websites.
• Participate in international exchange events.
• Use social media and join online communities.
• Utilize local community centers.

【１０】Differences of the food culture

Foreigners living in Japan may also struggle with the food culture. There are many unfamiliar aspects such as unique Japanese ingredients, cooking methods, and dining etiquette. Especially during long-term stays, they may start craving their home cuisine. Additionally, for foreigners with specific dietary restrictions or allergies, finding suitable meals can be even more difficult. Here are some solutions if you encounter difficulties with Japanese food culture:

• Utilize restaurants and cafes that offer multinational cuisines: Use restaurants that provide diverse international cuisines when you want to enjoy your home flavors or are confused by food culture differences.
• Join cooking classes for foreigners: Learn the basics of Japanese cuisine, get accustomed, also can interact with other foreigners.
• Enjoy shopping at supermarkets: Go to Japanese supermarkets that offer a wide range of international ingredients.
• Use food delivery services that support foreign languages: Use multilingual food delivery services that even non-Japanese speakers can easily use.

【１１】Understand public transportation route maps and how to ride them

Japan’s public transportation system is among the best in the world in terms of density and accuracy. However, complex route maps and directions can be complicated for foreigners to get used to. Especially since many route maps and instructions are usually written in Japanese, first-time visitors to Japan may find it difficult to use the public transportation.

Here are some methods to cope when facing difficulties with public transportation:

• Use multilingual apps: Utilize navigation apps that support multiple languages for viewing route maps, transfer guides, fare calculations, etc.
• Gather information in advance: Collect information on the area or routes you plan to visit in advance, such as ticket acquisition methods, through the internet.
• Ask station staff or local people: If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask station staff or locals.

【１２】Difficulty in understanding public manners

Japan’s unique public manners can be difficult for foreigners to understand. For example, behaviors like loud conversations or using mobile phones extensively are discouraged on trains or buses, which may differ from other countries. Not being aware of these manners can potentially make people around you uncomfortable. If you want to learn about public manners, consider these methods:

• Read some books about public manners: Obtain and read multilingual guidebooks and websites to learn about Japanese public manners.
• Observe local behaviors: Observe the behaviors of local people in public places or on public transportation.
• Utilize language exchange or cultural exchange opportunities: Take the opportunity to make Japanese friends.

【１３】Complicated procedures and paper works

Starting life in Japan requires various procedures such as resident registration and opening a bank account. These procedures pose significant challenges for foreigners due to not just language barriers but also complex systems and numerous required documents. To smoothly proceed with various procedures, gather information from international exchange centers or foreigner support centers in municipalities before starting each procedure to confirm the required documents and procedures.

Additionally, if you’re uncertain about Japanese, consider using interpreter services or ask a friend who speaks Japanese to accompany you.

【１４】Ambiguous expressions in Japanese language

Japanese language contains many ambiguous expressions. These ambiguous expressions are rooted in Japanese culture and unique communication methods, tending to avoid direct expressions. For foreigners, understanding such ambiguous expressions can be challenging and may lead to misunderstandings.

To deal with ambiguous expressions, pay attention not only to the language but also to culture and communication styles when learning Japanese.

Furthermore, deepening interactions with Japanese friends provides opportunities to learn about ambiguous expressions in daily conversations. If you have any uncertainties, don’t hesitate to ask questions.

【１５】Difficulty in obtaining a status of residence

To work in Japan, obtaining the appropriate residency status is necessary. However, there are various types of residency statuses, and the application process is complex. It’s crucial to prepare thoroughly in advance when obtaining a residency status. Understand the conditions if there’s a residency status you desire and gather the necessary documents. Additionally, if you have concerns or questions, it’s recommended to consult with specialized administrative scriveners or law firms. Professionals such as scriveners are familiar with the residency status application process and can provide appropriate advice.

 Let’s deal with each challenge with the help of those around us!

In this article, we introduced various methods to deal with challenges faced by foreigners living in Japan. Life in Japan presents continuous challenges for foreigners.

Language barriers, social isolation, high cost of living, complex administrative procedures, cultural differences, and other obstacles may seem insurmountable at first. However, with the appropriate help from those around us, dealing with each challenge one by one becomes possible.

Utilize foreigner communities, Japanese friends, local organizations, and available support to enjoy your new life in Japan!