Finding home in Japan
I first came to Japan in 2014 and returned in 2017. During those visits, I was fortunate to have my school assist me in finding apartments. My first apartment was with Leopalace, a well-known housing enterprise in Japan. While the room was decently furnished, Leopalace apartments are quite costly and not ideal for long-term living. My second apartment was much older but very cheap at just 20,000 yen per month which is as cheap as it comes regardless of location. However, the bathroom and shower were located outside, which was highly inconvenient, especially during the winter.
When I secured a new job in Tokyo, I needed a place closer to work. Luckily, my Airbnb host, Sadie, happened to be an expert in apartment finding. She took me to Ekichika Maison Kuji, introduced me to the sharehouse owner, and helped me finalize the contract the very same day. The entire process took less than a day, and I’m incredibly grateful for Sadie’s help in landing a comfortable and convenient home.
Sadies exceptional support
I have nothing but good things to say about Yuko Sadie’s service. She is exceptionally professional, polite, and goes above and beyond to assist those in need, even without any prior relationship. Even now, as I prepare to move to a new apartment, I’ve reached out to Sadie for help finding an affordable moving company, and she has willingly offered her assistance with no strings attached.
Exceptional manners and safety
Living in Japan has been a mix of experiences, but the positives truly stand out. The people, especially service professionals, are exceptionally polite, and the country’s safety is unmatched, with low crime rates that surpass even other Asian nations. The food is both delicious and affordable, offering a mix of traditional Japanese dishes and authentic international cuisines thanks to Japan’s global appeal. The living standards are impressively high, and the transportation system is incredibly convenient; with a well-connected train network, I’ve never needed a car even after seven years of living here.
Rigid structure and limited space
Japan’s rigid and highly structured society leaves little room for freedom of expression, with fixed expectations for behavior, attire, and even how to walk on the streets, often leading to judgment from locals if one does not conform. While the living standards are high, newcomers may find the living spaces cramped, as larger accommodations are typically reserved for the wealthy. Additionally, moving into a standard apartment comes with high costs, often four times the monthly rent, and requires a minimum two-year lease with significant penalties for early termination. Transportation, though convenient, can be expensive, with varying costs depending on the train lines, making careful route planning essential. Professional housing services like those provided by Sadie are invaluable in navigating these challenges.
I recommend to stay adaptable
My advice for new arrivals in Japan is to stay adaptable and aim to blend into the culture. While there’s an old joke that says, “As long as you don’t have a rainbow-colored mohawk, you’re fine,” the reality is that some Japanese individuals can be quite particular about daily behavior and clothing style. I also recommend joining a local group or circle, as Japanese society places a strong emphasis on group activities, even during leisure time.
— Pin H., IT Professional