8 Things to Know Before Moving to Japan 

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Additional notes from a foreigner who's lived here for 6 years now: 1. You don't need to know Japanese fluently. The more you know, the better, but don't stress too much about how you can't come because you haven't figured out when to use wa and ga. 2. Every apartment I've lived in so far (4 of them) hasn't had the gift thing. I think it's more for people in "mansion" apartments? I have not given nor gotten a gift from anyone. I wave sometimes at my neighbors, but that's about it for interactions. Most younger people seem to hate the gift-giving culture and I think many of them avoid it as well. 3. japanese people will judge you pretty hard the moment you say you like anime/ manga/ video games. But I have also found that the only friends I have kept all these years are the ones who saw my Digimon keychain or FF mug or RWBY backpack and that's how they started talking to me. I mean, maybe don't wear it around people from work or on a date, but haters ain't worth it~ 4. If you are planning on going full-Japanese mode and make lots of Japanese friends, HAVE TEA STOCKED IN YOUR HOUSE, EVEN IF YOU DON'T DRINK IT. I drink coffee and only get fruit teas when I'm in the mood, but god help me if I don't feel awkward when someone shows up at my door and I'm like, "Umm.... let me get you.... water?"

"So if you clicked on this video, that means you're moving to Japan very soon" - Nope, I just like your videos, they are always fun to watch.

I have lived in Japan for half a year now and by learning Japanese daily, life is way easier :) at the start it was stressful for me even to go shopping, cuz the system of payment is also very different and I didn't understand everything well from the beginning I recommend: study Japanese daily conversation phrases and don't get stuck with a writing system

If you use a Japanese SIM card, your phone will automatically have the shutter sound. I couldn't figure out why it was happening or how to stop it, and when I realized it was about the SIM card everything made a lot of sense. So you can't avoid it by bringing an unlocked phone from abroad hahaha

Oh, as an immigrant in Japan, I'd recommend stocking up on your preferred deodorant before coming. Japanese deodorants are very weak, and unfortunately people of European heritage tend to sweat more than most Japanese people. However, don't get an overwhelmingly strong one because strong perfumes are almost non-existent here and may irritate the people around you.

As someone who almost lived for 3 years in Japan, I feel weird that I was more popular when I only know a bit of the language... Apparently knowing the japanese language too much will turn off the "foreigner magic" and they don't feel excited like talking with foreigner anymore.

Idk why but i smiled real hard when you said your neighbors will take reaall good care of you. It's soo sweet

I've learned so much from this and the comments section, thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. I'm planning a trip to Japan this year and don't want to be an ignorant foreigner. It's one thing to learn how to use Suica and how to get to your hotel from the airport, but how to be respectful, share your name in a meaningful way and these other tips are really helpful.

Me: wondering how my name would be pronounced in Japan SHUNchan 5 seconds later: deebiddo 11/10 customer service

Well at least now I know why Japanese RU-vidrs aren't getting sponsored by Manscaped...

For some reason this video is trending again and I got recommended it. I found it very helpful The gift-giving was taught to me after my second visit in Japan, and ever since I've brought a few boxes of candy from my country (Finland) with me. I usually live in ryokan, and always after check-in I've given them a box and thanked them for taking good care of us. And that simple gesture has made every stay in every place since amazing. The people are so happy for such a small thing and service has been phenomenal. My favourite is to bring Fazer Geisha candy, which was a chocolate brand that our country's most famous candy factory started for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and it's been very popular ever since. The company thought of what was most iconic of Japan and it was the beauty of the geisha and the box is decorated with sakura blossoms, which was very much unheard of in the 1960s Europe. Just that tiny box of chocolates and that little story has hopefully warmed so many hearts of people who might have to deal with rude gaikokujin on a daily basis.

This is both really helpful advice, and (almost) nothing I've seen mentioned in other such videos. Thanks for making this!

ShunChan is basically saying "there are NO subtitles in Japan!"

I love how your Mom was determined to get "peace" in the outro. That's awesome. I hope you all are doing well.

I have dreamed of moving to Japan ever since I was a young girl. I am learning to speak Japanese though it's slow progress, but I'm getting better with every lesson! I'm also trying to learn to write and read Japanese as well. The reasons why I want to move to Japan is to learn even more about Japanese culture, go to school in Japan, try new foods (I LOVE Japanese food), expand my cooking knowledge (I can cook), and to make friends in Japan. I have always loved Japan and Japanese culture and food. I hope to move to Japan someday.

I lived in Japan - in a more rural and agricultural area - and I have to say, Shun-chan, this video hits the nail on the head! (Not hammering it down!). I started off in Tokyo. My Japanese was pretty abysmal - I'd taken a course at college in the States. In Tokyo, whenever I tried to use Japanese, most Tokyoites would immediately switch to English! However, moving west into the countryside, though I stumbled over pronunciation and didn't have much vocabulary, the "natives" heard Japanese and began to speak "perapera"! I had to dive in and learn! To my benefit. Learning to speak (read & write, too) opened doors to really deep and fulfilling relationships - friendships that remain strong today, even while I've lived after Japan in Africa, the Middle East and back here in the States. I would like to add one thing, though ... I am a decent cook; however, I would at least once a week "indulge" myself in dining in a regular Japanese restaurant --- at LUNCHTIME! Lunch menus are cheaper, and well-prepared meals of traditional Japanese dishes. I can tackle some Japanese dishes ("atsuyaki tamago" is a specialty!), but they would never fool a native!! hehehe Everything else you said is spot on true. Thanks for this very honest, informative and useful video.

i went to Japan for a school trip and made the mistake of wearing an anime t-shirt (IT WAS SO EMBARASSING)because some people were making fun of me thinking i didn't understand Japanese, but my Japanese comprehension was very good at the time and i felt so lame in that moment 😅

The thing about universities is definitely true, I studied abroad for one year at Nagasaki university and not many Japanese people cared about that. But when I say I went to Oxford they suddenly are interested lol

"We don't use pronouns we call you by your name." This would end all the debate about this in western countries.

It's LITERALLY my dream to visit Japan as a tourist someday and these advices really gave me a lot of ideas on what I should be prepared for. I guess I'll be taking serious measures about learning Nihonggo. It's my first time seeing this video (Thanks RU-vid's algorithm) and your channel. And you got another subscriber here. Hontou ni arigatou gozaimazu!

I haven't said this before but thank you so so much for adding subtitles to your videos. One of my best friends is deaf and ever since they removed the fan made captions from youtube, they've been struggling so much with a lot of videos. I hope more creators add them. also great video

Learning the language of a country you are moving in, is a good idea in general. Not only it makes it easier to communitcate, it also shows your affection towards the country and that you are willing to be a part of it.

I have no intention of moving to Japan, but I'm planning my second trip to Japan and this was still really informative. Thanks!

That's a good amount of information, great advice! I know that when I was I was hired as eigo no sensei back in 1990, I knew nothing about Japan but learned a lot very, very quickly.

About bringing a phone to Japan: 1. It will not be automatically connected to the earthquake warning system J-Alert (positive/negative? idk) 2. You need to check if the frequencies your Japanese carrier uses are supported by the phone

When I was staying with my host family in Japan, my host mom bought a house. So I joined her in the "gift giving" in the new neighbourhood. I was carrying the gifts and bowing to every neighbour xD It was really fun, because I was able to go inside many different Japanese houses, including very old ones.

I love your videos. Very informative and entertaining. Now I have an idea of what to expect should I decide to visit or live in Japan. I love the humor as well. Keep up the great work!

I definitely agree with this video been living in Okinawa for over 4 years work with Japanese and they help me with Japanese stuff while I help then learn English and etc.

I love that you know English so well you've picked up on colloquialisms. Is there a Japanese equivalent for nitty gritty? I'm self studying, and I don't believe I'll learn that phrase on my own.

Lived there for eight wonderful years. The advice to learn the language is gold - you don't have to be perfect, in fact it's almost better to struggle a little because Japanese people are the most helpful, forgiving people in the world if you're just trying a little to understand their culture. One old bit of advice, too - don't wear the dang toilet slippers around. Trust me on that one.

I absolutely love the relationship you have with your family. That’s all I wanted to say.

Hello! I bumped in your video casualy and loved your way of speaking and all the info you gave. I am really planning to visit Japan, because I watch your BL series and love what I see. Thank you again, and all the best!

the tip about how foreigners can get into top universities easily is the BEST tip - and no other "Japan" channel run by gaijin talk about it because they have no idea. I know so many kids getting into shitty schools just because they thought they have no chance at top school like KEIO so they never tried - this info would have changed their life. Wow, it's so good to have a channel about Japan hosted by an actual Japanese.

Excellent list, but you forgot one thing. Japanese SIM cards are different from what most of the rest of the world uses. Which means it's vitally important to make sure that your phone is compatible with Japanese SIM cards. Since not all phones are compatible, especially on the Android side of the market.

I like your note about the "thick black hair" in Japan. I'm European and I have brown, very thin hair. On a business trip to Tokyo I had to have my hair cut before the business meetings and I went into the barber shop at the ANA hotel where I was staying. After having explained the cut I wanted (with difficulties), everybody in the shop came to touch my hair to see if this was not something of an european fake.

This video helps a lot, thank you sir! 😊

"Don't show your love of anime physically" Me with 3 anime tattoos: "............ I mean I have non-anime tattoos too"

The bush thing is also kind of a relief to me. Saves a lot of time and preparation, lol. Though I had a Japanese friend who would shave her arms in high school, and now that you mention it, the hair on her arms was quite unforgiving against her complexion. It makes sense now. Still can't get over the bush thing, lol.

Excellent content! I'm not planning on moving to Japan but I'm interested in learning about other cultures and I found your video very interesting to watch! Keep up the good work :)

I’m in Japan for school just for 6 weeks and your videos are really helpful. Best regards

As a foreigner that moved to Japan, I am trying to think about what you should do...in addition to what you said. And I would say, pack meds (but be careful and read all about which meds are allowed and how much you can take, so you don't get arrested lol). Stuff for whatever health problem that may arise for you...because Japanese meds may not necessarily work the same way on you, as the meds you are used to in your country.

The university advice is THE advice, I can't emphasize it more! This man speaks the truth!

Wooo. Been living in Japan for 3 years now and these are sooo true ! Thank you ! Loving your videos 🤣💚💚

This video is very informative. Makes a lot of sense. Thank you!

"You have to speak Japanese in Japan" Americans: *surprised Pikachu face*

About knowing your name in katakana, if you can find a reference like another person or a character name, check those examples out! When I was there a few years back, I had to get an hospital card done and translated my name as it's written. Later I realized that family names like mine (For instance Lelouch from Code Geass) was translating "Le" into "ル" because that's the closest phonetic sound. For this reason, I am now registered in a Japanese hospital system as "Lemon-do" as the fruit. Funny but very awkward next time I'll have to write my name properly in katakana. So my lesson is think about the phonetic, not how it's written.

This video made me laugh out loud several times, really enjoyed it, and look forward to moving to Japan in 2023.

i love watching these types of videos cause it gives me more information abt countries

Learning how to cook is soooooo important and saved me soooo much money. I was in Japan as an international student. I lived in a dorm but my dorm mates and I really looked out for each other since the most of us were foreigners.

This is one of the most useful "before-you-move-to-Japan" videos I've ever seen! I think more Japanese people who've spent time studying abroad should make these. It's a great perspective.

I've thought about living in Japan when I'm older after any attachments I have here are gone. I am learning Japanese now, so by then I should be more than proficient enough to start. The main thing I hope I'll fit in. It's fun to be thought of as "exotic" when you're a foreigner, but hopefully I can and will eventually be accepted as simply a fellow person.

I appreciate your honesty! Very helpful information :)

Oh man! I died when he was talking about the "taking care of my bush"! 😂🤣 SHUN is great!

Lived in Japan (with a plan to go back ASAP) and ALL of these are definitely true. On university, the 'Foreign Gateway' is true at least for Keio. Japanese students are ultra smart with unmatched profile while foreign students are kinda lacklustre, still very solid though, comparing to those stellar Japanese students. And, yes, when I mentioned to Japanese people that I went to Keio, they saw you in a brilliant new light LMAO.

I found the statement, "get out of your comfort zone" humorous honestly, 99% of Japan do not leave their comfort zone especially in the Toyko metro area, such a human thing to say, "do as I say not as I do"

Im in the US and this was really interesting and informative. You are a really good presenter.

Japanese has forever been on my must learn list. I don't have plans to move to Japan, but I'd love to be there for vacations or who knows, maybe I can go there for a master's degree. Thanks for the tips! ✌️

" if Japanese neighbours like you, they will really take care of you " Now I get it why my neighbours always would knock on the door to give some foods...especially my favorite, rice with salt...

Wow this was SOO helpful. Thanks so much. I’m planning on visiting early next year with my family. Also your mom is so adorable. And her English is crystal clear. Dry well done both of you. Btw I am born and raised American.

I’ve save this song for many years now and I sometimes hear this ost it heals my soul

I have no intention of moving to Japan (although it _would_ be nice) but still found the video really interesting. Thanks!

I like the honesty relating to the healthiness of bento👍🤣

Excellent video, great advice and energy!

That was a great video. You have a wonderful dry sense of humor.❤

It's always great to hear from a Japanese citizen, raised in the culture. I think these are really good points that I haven't seen in ANY videos on this topic. I especially learned about giving gifts to neighbors. I think that is great and I wish we could trust our neighbors that much in the USA. I also think the LINE account bit was new, too. I am a young Millennial who operates technology like a Boomer.

I've watched a loooot of advice videos in my day and you have brought up stuff I've not heard elsewhere. Like giving gifts to neighbors. I recall someone making a professional moving company video bringing it up but never elaborated. And now I know I should pronounce my name in a Japanese way for ease of understanding. Golden advice. And thankfully for me, I actually took Japanese in college 15 years ago so I have the parts to rebuild my language foundation. Thanks again.

Really like your videos. It really helps when learning about Japanese culture

Great advice! Thank you! And you made one step easy for me by using my name as an example 😄. Super glad I clicked on this video.

"Displaying anime stuff is still thought of as kind of childish or geeky" It's thought of the same here in the west. Most adults who enjoy anime are made fun of a lot. Thankfully, Being a geeky weirdo generally lends to the attitude of "Fuck you, I don't want your approval anyways" for a lot of us.

I just came across your vlog. Love it! My family and I lived in Japan for 21 years. My children were all born in Japan. My oldest lived in Japan a few years ago and just came back. Can’t get enough!

This was interesting. I definitely want to at least visit Japan someday. I've been learning Japanese for a year now (slow progress) in the hopes of at least having some skill in reading and understanding the language. Not sure how well I'd fit in, but from what I've learned of the culture, I think I could adapt well enough. There aren't many countries I'm interested in, but Japan is top of the list.

I lived in Kyoto for two glorious weeks in 2019. I only had a barely marginal command of about 50 words or phrases in Japanese and an utter failure to learn even the Hiragana alphabet. One thing I learned was that simple attempts from a foreigner to show a sincere desire to be polite or show gratitude are met with some surprised looks followed by beautiful smiles of approval and willing offers of help. The simple business of adding -san to a name made friends everywhere I went. I adore Japan, but I think I am too old (I am QUITE elderly) to live there full time. I'd prefer to stay maybe two-three months each year. There's so much to see, to do, to discover I don't think I can ever be bored. Moreover, the food and the walking lifestyle took five pounds off me in only two weeks. We came in mid-September and left in the beginning of October so I missed the changing leaves. I haven't many "some days" left, but I'd use them in heartbeat to go back to Japan again.

If I had known that university cheat when I was about to graduate high school, I'd have done that in a heartbeat. I guess it's a good thing I've kept up on Japanese since then

Currently living in Japan for 3 years and in the middle of extending my working visa. 1. On learning Japanese, the more you know, the better, esp intonation. Like, job opportunity, etc. On my 1st year, I had the opportunity to work as veteran manga writers' interpreters, and on my 2nd year, I went to Voice Acting college and always got at least 1 or 2 house production offers to join their group on every audition I went to. 2. About giving gifts to your neighbour, I'm living in a small share house (w/ only 2 foreigners incl. me), so I didn't do it nor accept any, but I sometime cook Indonesian foods (or any non Japanese cooking) for all the members of the house, and they quite often giving me fruits and let me use vegetables, milk, eggs as I like XDD 3. On gakureki shakai (idk the Eng for this too LOL), my country, Indonesia, is also the same, but Japan at least much better when you're be able to proof yourself on work (your portfolio n such). I couldn't go to college or uni because financial problem, all of my skills (incl. Japanese) I've learnt by myself (from books n internets) luckily I could perform best on my current office standard. 4. On anime/game, I usually go full otaku-mode to make barrier w/ ppls that I don't comfortable with www But ofc I have quite a lot Japanese friends who can playing game together or just hanging out w 5. Small talk, I never have problem with this, but don't ask to hang out/have a drink/grab food as a small talk, Japanese usually takes every offer seriously, they WILL start to searching places and checking their schedules, and ofc they'll go book the place. 6. Nomikai and Golf, these two quite important, but depends on your work environment you can refuse it if you don't want to, just... don't forget to make a reason why you're refusing ^^;;; I'll add it more if I remember something else, maybe...

Spent a month in Japan and I'm so used to every country knowing English. This pushed me to learn Japanese cause I feel like I missed out on so much not being able to communicate with people in Japan. Hope to move to Japan in two years.

American here. I love to watch videos like this just to hear about your culture. Thank you.

I loved that your mom wanted to do the outro. It was really good, lol.

He has a point about the schools. I went to Sophia University, and the school name definitely carried weight. Something I would add as a foreigner who has lived in Japan: even if you're perfectly fluent in sonkeigo, try not to use it if you're from abroad. Yes, really. It's supposed to be deferential, but I think it kinda has the opposite effect. It makes people nervous, lol.

one bit of advice that should apply to all city dwellers living in apartments throughout the world is gift-giving or simply a little card introducing yourself to your immediate neighbors. I have done this simply by greeting them and asking about them. This in turn has had neighbors watch for packages delivered or updates on my building.

The gift giving to neighbors is similar to how I was raised in Texas. Less people do it now, but back in the 90s and early 2000s my family would bring some snacks to welcome new neighbors to the neighborhood.

BIG missed opportunity for advice: When making a katakana name, leave out any ッ (small tsu). In the long run, these can make your name much longer to write and/or fit on a hanko. For example, my name, Josh, would normally be converted to, ジョッシュ. But it doesn't matter. The pronunciation is fine as ジョシュ. Short and sweet. And, my family name has 2 x small tsu. If I had known this little tip 20 years ago, I could have saved a lot of time and space.

Im actually moving to Japan soon! Thanks for this video :) And Ooof your English is actually incredible.

Very informative video man, thank you

1:37 ... move to new neighborhood - give gifts to neighbors - when already have busy day unpacking In the USA - it's the other way around ... the neighbors ( used to ) bring YOU food & gifts to make your 1st day ( full of un-packing ) so much easier that you don't need to worry about dinner. ( " the welcome wagon" )

Less than three weeks before I move to Japan on the JET Program and this gave some advice that I don't see on those popular blogs! Thank you so much, and keep up the good work!! :)

That's very interesting to know that you get some gifts to your new neighbors! My neighbors in Germany were super surprised when I gave them chocolate for Christmas and they thought it has something to do with my cultural background (Chinese). But no, I did it, because I have zero problems with them :D

I'm studying abroad in Japan for the next academic year and I am taking intensive Japanese courses whilst there with the university (8 90-minute lessons between Monday and Thursdays). I am really looking forward to it, and I never thought of applying for further studies after I finish my degree in the UK. Its a great idea, so maybe I will do it if I love living there in the coming year. Thanks for the video

I really consider moving to Japan as an international student. This video helps so much!

I’m trying to plan to move to Japan in five years and it makes me feel more better about schools over because I was curious and wanted to go to a university. Working on Japanese language. Everything is I get and understand, except one. We’ll see how that goes when getting over there. Love the video.

Like always, I really love your content. You are really matter of fact and provide great examples and comparisons between the American culture and Japanese culture. Thank you!

When he mentioned about giving simple presents to your neighbors when you move to a new place and introduce yourself. The rule of thumb here is max 5 to your right and left if you are in an apartment. You don’t have to give them to the whole neighborhood. If you move into a house, the same applies to the other side of the road.

Thank you Shunchan. I did live in Japan 30 years ago and I'm moving back soon. This was helpful.

Thank you for this video! I was very stuck on deciding if I should get a college degree before moving to Japan, or if it would even be worth my time applying to Japanese Universities. I have finally made up my mind, greetings to Japan from Slovakia!

I'll be attending Temple University in Tokyo next year and considered places like Sophia but the main issues is that Japanese Universities do not accept foreign financial aid (except Temple because it's an actual US foreign school) so you're very restricted in ways to pay for school. You basically have to rely on scholarships which are extremely limited and usually go to top students and won't cover even close to your whole tuition anyway, or Japanese loans if you can even qualify for them which also may not cover everything. Otherwise you simply have to have enough money saved to pay for your entire degree plus living expenses while you're there. I think the most accessible way to have a high profile university under your name is the get your BA in your home country then save up enough to go for a Masters in Japan because the financial cards are just stacked against your average student for getting a BA at a top school that offers classes in English. Most intl students don't have the luxury of choosing the school they want to go and have to take what they can get given their limited options if they don't speak fluent enough Japanese to attend a full Japanese university and even more limited financial options. In my case, I'll be turning 30 once I get to my school in Japan and it's now or never for me. For some people (me), just getting there and making a living is enough without caring what superficial reason people have to look down on you

Enjoyed watching your video! And thanks for the useful tips! 😍

i love your honesty :D keep it up

I literally paused 2 seconds in because I need to tell you your skin looks SO FANTASTIC, WOW ✨✨

I'm moving to Japan in 5 weeks and you reminded me once again to practice my Japanese everyday! I'm shocking, but I'm learning!

NGL, I found the information on bosy hair to be very helpful! I've been too shy on the matter to even ask, so om glad you brought it up 😅