Shaun is from Australia and is currently in Japan for the third time on a working holiday visa. Unlike other countries which usually allow you to choose to stay for at least 12 months, Australia requires you to renew your visa every 6 months. This makes it difficult for Shaun to find housing as usually landlords wish for a lease of at least a year, sometimes two years.
Shaun was drawn to Japan for various reasons, including the fact that he already has a couple of friends here. He hasn’t personally experienced many difficulties while staying in Japan, however he does mention that the language barrier provides some obstacles which he seeks to eventually overcome.
On the other hand, he claims that there are many good things about Japan. He specifically lists that there are many things to do, that there is an intense attention to detail that Japanese people adhere to, that there is an emphasis on efficiency and good service, and that (depending on the city) Japan is relatively safe.
Shaun currently lives in a shared house in Ikebukuro with 15 other people, which is a little more expensive than what locals encounter since he is not able to take advantage of as many deals given that he is on a consistent 6 month visa. However, in return, he gets the convenience of communicating with management that is familiar with foreigners. He appreciates living in an area with many shops and restaurants, and the location is extremely convenient due to its proximity with the JR line.
Out of all the countries that Shaun has visited, Japan is definitely an option for where he would want to settle down. The cleanliness and efficiency cannot be beat, and the one tip he would give to visitors are to learn a little bit about the culture before coming, whether that be the language, societal rules, or history of the wonderful country of Japan.