Who has traveled to or was stationed in Japan? Would you consider living there? Why?

2015-09-15T22:14:54-04:00

https://suite.io/jo-miller/29av2yk

I almost took a job in Japan. To teach English to the kids there....but my kids were still young and I didn't want to move them there.

Then my kids grew up and even though they are out of the house, I still use them as an excuse not to move over there.

They have six months on six months off teaching positions in Japan. I'm thinking about applying.

Has anyone on RallyPoint been to Japan? How did you like it? Would you consider moving there?

Life as an American in Japan

When relocating to Japan for work or study, the cultural differences can be overwhelming at times, but also beneficial.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2015 10:18 PM

2015-09-15T22:18:17-04:00

I would jump on it. And honestly if my kids were young enough, even better time to have them learn a second language.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2015 10:27 PM

2015-09-15T22:27:28-04:00

Raytheon sent me to Okinawa to do some aircraft mods. I was there for three months at Futenma. A coworker and myself had an apartment close to Torii Beach. it was nice for the short time, but I wouldn't want to live there. My son was there for two years and didn't like it at all.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2015 10:27 PM

2015-09-15T22:27:41-04:00

I went twice to Tokyo while I was in Vietnam. Once on R&R and the second time on leave. I loved it. They keep their city clean and neat. They were building an overpass on a Main Street and at the end of the day, they removed all the equipment and cleaned everything up. They love Americans as long as they are treated with respect. I think you would love it too Kelli. It's a busy, busy city with lots of people. At first you will think they're rude by bumping into you when trying to go somewhere. They aren't. It's natural to them. The cost of living would be rather high, depending where you go. That's about all I know.

Response by CSM Carl Cunningham made Sep 15 at 2015 10:29 PM

2015-09-15T22:29:35-04:00

I would live in Korea well before Japan. Japan does not have as a robust public transportation system as Korea. And they do not have wi-fi as many places either. Those two are big in my book. We visited Japan a few times from Korea and it just seemed harder to live there. Don't get me wrong, it is still nice. Just not as user friendly as Korea.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2015 10:34 PM

2015-09-15T22:34:00-04:00

I was in Japan from 1962 to 1964.

I went to school 4 nights a week, was engaged, played softball on the base team. I also had a cousin stationed 7 miles from me and another cousin whom I had never met whose husband was stationed 19 miles from me.

So, I didn't see as much of Japan as I would have liked.

But, it was a good assignment and the school work lead to being accepted to get a degree and commission.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2015 10:48 PM

2015-09-15T22:48:29-04:00

Been to Japan for a Short Period of time. It is to crowded for this guy.

Response by Maj Walter Kilar made Sep 15 at 2015 11:46 PM

2015-09-15T23:46:41-04:00

Do it! It will be the most enlightening experience of your life (after basic training). In general, the Japanese are very accommodating and will help you learn the culture. It will also give you a new appreciation for America when you come back. Also, with an election year coming up, it might be a good excuse to escape the craziness.

Note: I was born in Japan, and I spent some time in both Korea and Japan as an adult.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2015 1:49 AM

2015-09-16T01:49:21-04:00

I was in Tokyo, Japan from 2004-2005 as a civilian, It was the best 90 days of my life. I would love to get station in Japan when I get a chance. I will probably not live in Japan or any other countries with a language I don't speak or understand.

As far as Korea I was stationed in Osan AB it wasn't bad out there, other than that I was miserable and probably won't go back. If you are Single/Unaccompanied E-6 and below you can't own/drive a POV you can't even rent a car. I think that is very unfair.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Sep 16 at 2015 9:27 AM

2015-09-16T09:27:59-04:00

Sgt Kelli Mays I've never been there, but I would love to travel and spend sometime there - it's on my bucket list. By the way my bucket list is pretty long! LOL!

Response by PO1 Glenn Boucher made Sep 16 at 2015 12:40 PM

2015-09-16T12:40:17-04:00

I was stationed in Japan for 16 years and I would move back there in a minute.
Japan was one of the best places I have ever lived and I thoroughly enjoyed it there.
I have applied for a few positions in Yokosuka as a GS but I have been told that they normally don't hire new GS personnel for various reasons, some do get hired but usually they send more seasoned GS, that's what I have been told, don't really know the truth of it though.
Still its a great place to live in my opinion.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 16 at 2015 1:41 PM

2015-09-16T13:41:45-04:00

Pros: The culture is unique and steeped in tradition. The people are polite and are reserved. The traditions are often hundreds of years old. The food is good. You will see a philosophy of seeking perfection.
Cons: It is extremely expensive to live there, it is extremely crowded, sometimes the trains are so full that other people will end up rubbing on you.

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made Sep 16 at 2015 2:02 PM

2015-09-16T14:02:02-04:00

I trained in Japan while stationed in Hawaii. I loved it, adored the people and had a wonderful time. However, I'm not sure I would ever choose to live there permanently for the reason outlined in the article. I don't want to live somewhere my family will be perpetually considered an outsider.

Response by MSgt Doug P. made Sep 16 at 2015 2:10 PM

2015-09-16T14:10:01-04:00

I was stationed at Misawa AB 2000-2002 and loved it there. I tried to extend my DEROS but was denied. The job was a little boring but the people and surrounding areas were outstanding! I'd love to go back even if only for a visit.
Things are expensive on the economy but COLA is quite nice. Space is at a premium but unless you are in a major metropolis (Tokyo, Osaka, etc.) you won't feel like too cramped. Driving on the other side of the road will take a little time to get accustomed to but you will and soon enough it'll feel "normal" to you.
Take some time to learn some basic phrases and some of the written language. Many times, you'll find things in Japanese and English (major road signs, train stations, etc.) so it won't be completely foreign to you. Many Japanese do speak English to some/varying degree so basic conversations shouldn't be too difficult.
Every culture has its own uniqueness and while some are weird to us, the rest are quite interesting and enjoyable such as the festivals (Hanami, Tanabata, etc.).
I could go on for a while but I won't spoil it for you. Some things just need to be experienced in person to fully understand. If you don't mind adapting to a different culture and make an honest effort to explore Japan, you'll enjoy it.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2015 2:23 PM

2015-09-16T14:23:29-04:00

I get a daily email from USAJobs for Japan. Hoping a good match pops up.

Response by SGT James Hastings made Sep 17 at 2015 11:06 AM

2015-09-17T11:06:40-04:00

I was stationed there 1951-1953 and took my discharge there, married and lived there while working for the Dept of the Army until 1959. I went back to visit in 2010 and enjoyed it except all the places I had lived no longer existed but were torn down and modernized. Such is progress. It is still beautiful and as I am bi-lingual, except for the high cost of living there now, I would return. If you teach there most schools help find you a less expensive place to live and some provide access to cars. The residential streets are 2 way and about 16 feet or so wide so it is tricky. Trains are excellent transportation and reliable and on time. Busses are plentiful. Give it a try!

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Sep 17 at 2015 2:09 PM

2015-09-17T14:09:22-04:00

Unfortunately, I've never been assigned to Japan... Lots of TDY's, but never assigned... Totally enjoyed each time I was there, and I think if I had been stationed there, I would have totally enjoyed the experience!!! :)

Response by SN Greg Wright made Sep 17 at 2015 2:26 PM

2015-09-17T14:26:11-04:00

Sgt Kelli Mays I was stationed there at Yokota. I loved it. I'd move there today if I had a job that would sustain the high cost of living.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2015 8:57 PM

2015-09-18T20:57:03-04:00

I've done two six month stays in Okinawa and I loved it. The scuba diving is second to none, the food is great and the people are very polite. I have also been to Tokyo and Mt. Fuji on the mainland and those were also great places to visit!