Lifestyle in Tokyo
Arriving in Tokyo, you will find that Japan is a relatively homogeneous society, both ethnically and culturally, but Tokyo is an exception to this rule. It is home to approximately 490,000 ex-pats. Living in central Tokyo is especially popular with wealthy ex-pats.
This article aims to give a brief introduction to everyday life in Tokyo. If you've seen the award-winning US film Lost in Translation (2003), you may recall that the city was portrayed as lonely and alienated. Sofia Coppola's portrayal of a lonely life in Tokyo has been criticized as an outrageous caricature of contemporary Japan. Foreigners interested in living in Tokyo may be glad to hear that medical standards in Japan are very high. Using the National Health Insurance scheme, many medical procedures in Japan are far cheaper than in the US or Canada. However, it is worth noting that the recipient is expected to make a financial contribution, even if they have insurance. A first consultation will usually cost somewhere between 5,000 – 10,000 JPY.
The language barrier is often the biggest problem for expatriates. Doctors and nurses in Japan do not necessarily speak English or another foreign language. Therefore, some embassies offer lists of recommended medical service providers for their nationals living in Tokyo. A list of English-speaking doctors has been provided by the US Embassy.
Education is compulsory for all children between the ages of 6 and 15 in Japan. After going to a daycare center or a nursery school in early childhood, they go to a kindergarten. Japanese children usually enter elementary school at the age of six. Primary education lasts six years and teaches students the Japanese language, mathematics, music, art, physical education, and moral education. After that, the elementary school curriculum also includes social studies, natural sciences, and home economics. After completing primary education, students transfer to junior high school for three years. High school is not compulsory but is attended by most Japanese teenagers. Different types of high schools cater to different student demographics. Public schools in Japan are free for everyone, but most ex-pats in Tokyo send their children to international schools. That way, kids won't have to deal with language barriers, culture shock, wildly different school demands, and socialization issues.
In order not to get lost in Tokyo's maze of train and subway lines, ex-pats need to know which operators serve their relevant areas. If you want to know more about transportation in various parts of the city, ask at one of the many tourist information centers throughout Tokyo. Visitors are provided with free maps, travel brochures, and public transport information, and are usually staffed by English-speaking staff. Tokyo Metro services also offer a free English app for navigating public transport.
Food safety standards in Japan are usually excellent. Avoid cheap sushi in dingy corner bars and don't worry about eating out. Tokyo's major supermarket chains may stock some imported groceries, but they sell a variety of Japanese groceries, prepared foods, toiletries, and household items. Some supermarkets, such as Costco, Nissin World Delicatessen, and Meidi-ya, specialize in catering to the foreign community. However, they are not as numerous as their Japanese counterparts and can be expensive. Therefore, the best way to shop is to buy daily necessities at Japanese supermarkets, buy fresh foods such as vegetables, seafood, and meat at small neighborhood stores, and eat Japanese food.
Lifestyle in Hokkaido
Compared to other regions of Japan, Hokkaido is an island that is particularly blessed with nature. Hokkaido has two World Heritage sites, six national parks, two global geoparks, six quasi-national parks, and eleven natural parks. The total area of these parks is about 870,000 hectares, equivalent to about 11% of the total area of Hokkaido (excluding the Northern Territories).
Hokkaido also has a total of 13 wetlands that are home to a wide variety of wildlife. About 70% of the land area of Hokkaido is covered by forests, accounting for about a quarter of the land area. These lush forests represent Japan's natural beauty and rich woodlands. Starting with the Ainu people who value coexistence with nature, Hokkaido has a rich history and culture. Hokkaido is blessed with a magnificent natural environment with fresh air, clean water, vast green spaces, and a wide variety of wildlife. The land of Hokkaido, Japan's largest agricultural producer, is developed for its abundant resources.
Hokkaido is also the center of large-scale agricultural projects, especially wheat and milk cultivation. Taking advantage of Hokkaido's cool climate and low rainfall, farmers in Hokkaido promote clean agriculture that uses as few pesticides and chemical fertilizers as possible. In addition to Hokkaido's specialty products nurtured by its vast land, Hokkaido boasts many world-class marine products nurtured by its rich sea. Thanks to the availability of fresh ingredients, Hokkaido can offer visitors a variety of mouth-watering foods and desserts throughout the four seasons.
Lifestyle in Okinawa
The islands at the southern tip of Japan are historically known for their longevity and were once called the land of hermits. Okinawans had less cancer, heart disease, and dementia than Americans and lived longer than any woman on the planet prior to 2000. In 1980, Okinawa had the highest average life expectancy for both men and women, with men generally expected to reach at least 84 and women going on until the age of 90. Their longevity was attributed to the sub-tropical climate, open-minded society, and healthy diet that contains a lot of pork, soy, and vegetables. They maintain a powerful social network called "-Yui-maru". Okinawans also have a strong sense of life, a driving force that the Japanese call ikigai. Even though the relative life expectancy of Okinawans has since declined, due to many factors including the influence of western food, it is still said that people living in Okinawa feel less stress due to its slower and more relaxed pace of life compared to mainland Japan.
