From Florida to Japan
Will Gomez, currently serving as a public safety officer, first came to Japan in 2016 as a day-trader and one of our earliest clients. Initially planning a short stay, he remained for two years on a student visa. Seeking a change of pace from his life in Florida, Will chose Japan as his destination, combining his professional flexibility with a long-held fascination for the country. His workplace’s remote capabilities enabled him to seamlessly work from Japan while immersing himself in a new culture.
If an Apple store and a prison cell had a baby
Becoming tired of moving from hotel to hotel, we helped Will find a place to settle down in a unusually spacious 69-square-meter apartment, which he humorously described as if “an Apple Store and a prison cell had a baby,” thanks to its sleek concrete design and advanced technological features. Initially, he found it challenging to adjust to Japan’s architectural style, where buildings are typically longer rather than wider compared to America, but he quickly grew to appreciate the simplicity of his new lifestyle. Since living in Japan, Will has realized how much he can do without and embraces an open mind, encouraging anyone traveling to other countries to do the same.
Navigating cultural differences
Overall, Will claims he can’t pinpoint any truly bad experiences while living in Japan. While he did encounter some challenges, such as learning the hard way about local rules—like the time he threw a party in his apartment and was met by the police—he appreciated their polite and patient approach. After the incident, he consulted us on how to apologize to the neighbor who had complained, and we advised him to write a letter to convey his sincerity.
Planning a return for retirement
Although he only lived in Japan from 2016 to 2018, he recently reconnected with us to share his plans of returning and is now searching for real estate in preparation for retirement. This time, he’s considering settling in the countryside rather than the city, but his main goal is simply to return to Japan—a place he deeply misses every day.
Welcome home
One story that left a lasting impression on Will happened shortly after he arrived in Japan. An elderly man approached him and struck up a conversation, asking where he was from and whether he liked it in Japan. When Will enthusiastically said yes, the man and his wife smiled warmly and said, “Welcome home.” The gesture was deeply moving and affirmed Will’s belief that he would grow to love his new home.