Have You Been Stationed In Japan?

Camp Sheilds in Okinawa near Kadena AFB. Was there for 4 months, loved it. Little naval base at white beach, restraunt on the hillside, excellent fried rice. ( haven't eaten fried rice since, the Americanized version sux). Didn't have much trouble driving on the wrong side of the road. Be careful when you go to bc street. And take a friend with you to whisper ally. ( someone to hold your wallet.) other than that great place to visit but i wouldn't wanna live there.

My family was stationed in Japan when I was a kid (96-98 at NAF Atsugi, and 98-00 at Yokosuka). Personally, I am hoping to someday get orders there for my wife and I.

The most challenging thing that I remember was probably the language barrier when we would go out in town. Luckily, though, there always seemed to be people who spoke English around. I also remember that learning to read the transit maps was a little daunting. My parents say that driving on the wrong side of the road was a little weird, too.

I go to Camp Zama from time to time on ADOS orders when I'm not working in Tokyo. There's a few of us on the Reserve side that are either TPU or DIMA. It's a great country, but it has its complications if you're working on the civilian side and still trying to serve. ESGR laws don't apply here so you can get fired for missing too many days of work due to military obligations.
As far as retirement friendly, the cost of living is not too bad. I make about the same as I did in the States and have been able to save better here. Probably not having a car and taking the train or walking to where I need to go has helped. Insurance is really good too. The Dollar is strong right now and can go a bit farther.

To answer your question, Yes it a great place to live and work. It is American Friendly. I lived in Camp Zama, Japan for 3 yrs., I loved every moment of it. I worked at North Pier, Yokohama Terminal, But lived in Sagamihara, Housing area, near Camp Zama. I happened to experience all aspect of Japanese living. I commuted to work, using the train (until I wore out a couple pair of low quarter shoe), and I finally purchased a dependable vehicle. I eventually commuted by car with my coworkers. I worked with a great group of military/civilian and Japanese National. To tell you the truth I never experienced any issues or hardship while there. My command made sure that a very good Unit Sponsorship program was in place and all aspect of relocating to any oversea command could not of been, any better. Are you looking to retire there with no gov't ties except access to gov't facility and PX/Commissary. I left Japan in 1986, I am sure a lot of things have changed. Housing would always be a issue, if your were planning of living in the local community. The people of Japan were very respectful and the most memorable experience of living and working there. I had a few close encounters with rowdy (intoxicating) Japanese train riders but we kept our heads and exited the train before it could escalated. 99.9% of my life there was enjoyable. I lived a full and free life there with my family. We made a lot of life long friends. I hope this help.

A beautiful picture of the Golden Pavilion.

16 years between Yokosuka and Atsugi. I think that hardest part back in the 1980's was the kerosene heaters, the smell was just irritating. And believe it or not I actually preferred living off base because my neighbors were not nosy or complaining about every little thing.
Two of my Senior Chiefs retired there and got decent jobs on base. I know their wives were Japanese and that they preferred it over moving back to the states.

With all respect to you and Hitomi.

"HI", "don't touch my mustache" and avoid commuter trains. Arrigato! Enjoy the best rice in the world!

I wish.....closest I got was Korea....which wasn't bad either....

One observation: I took some leave to Tokyo my last tour in Korea. You could tell that there was a lot of cross pollination between Korea and Japan. In fact, Tokyo just seemed like a cleaner, more organized, mirror image of Seoul. However, I found that Korea has made a bigger effort to be more foreigner friendly. All street signs and mass transit stations are labeled in Korean and English. Subways are labeled in Korean, English and Chinese (I think). They also put a huge emphasis (and spend a lot of money) on learning English. I didn't get that sense in Japan.

SFC Mark Merino, I have not, but we will someday. However, my wife tutored a young Japanese boy when he lived here, c.1995-6. His father works for Bridgestone and the family lived here for awhile. He graduated from Waseda University in Tokyo (Japan's MIT) in Advanced Science and Engineering and played violin for Waseda Symphony Orchestra, which actually toured Europe! He coming to stay with us in February while he visits the U.S.! Photos of him then and now!

Man that is beautiful!!! Love those pics.